Green light for Honolulu rail, state overpays employees $1.5M, Abercrombie answers civil unions legal challenge, Legislature considers gambling, farmers markets, land deals, building codes, more Hawaii news for smartphone and web

Honolulu rail transit artist's depiction courtesy image

The federal government has granted a key approval that will allow Honolulu to immediately begin up to $184.7 million in construction and other activities on the city's rail project, including erecting the first sections of raised guideway from East Kapolei to Pearl Highlands. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu on Monday got a key green light from the Federal Transit Administration and could start to spend $185 million of local tax dollars on heavy construction for the rail project within weeks. Civil Beat.

Former Gov. Linda Lingle trails Hawaii's incumbent senators when it comes to local individual contributions but is in the middle of the pack, just under Democratic Sen. Daniel Akaka, when it comes to overall contributions, including political action committees. Civil Beat.

The Abercrombie administration is preparing a response to a federal lawsuit challenging the state's civil unions law as unconstitutional because it does not allow same-sex couples to marry, searching for a line that balances both the law and politics. Star-Advertiser.

Some Hawaii lawmakers want to give the governor more power in appointing members to the University of Hawaii’s Board of Regents, picking up a political debate started last year after the Senate rejected two of his nominees. Civil Beat.

The state has overpaid its employees more than $1.5 million, with hundreds of thousands more in state tax dollars written off as noncollectable and other incorrect pay amounts recovered months or years later from employees who were accidentally paid too much. Hawaii News Now.

A bill moving through the state Legislature will take out what many consider the more onerous sections of the state building code and give counties more flexibility in defining their own codes. West Hawaii Today.

A parent's failure to report the death or disappearance of a child would become a felony under a bill before the state Legislature. Associated Press.

Several Molokai residents and University of Hawaii students assembled a stone platform with a wooden statue known as a "ki`i" on the grounds of the state Capitol today to bring attention to legislative bills that would require the labeling of genetically modified food in Hawaii stores. Star-Advertiser.

A small group of advocates from Molokai flew over to Oahu today to clean, sand and oil a Haloa Ki’i. Maui Now.

Some farmers say Hawaii's farmers markets are too restrictive and they want state lawmakers to change the rules. Hawaii Public Radio.

Almost 30 gambling bills are still up for consideration by state legislators, ranging from stand alone casinos, lotteries, and internet gambling. lawmakers are floating the ideas to raise much needed revenues for the state. A professor who has studied the effects of gambling across the country says it's a big mistake. KHON2.

Last year was a big year for Hawaii’s cruise ship industry, with 124,456 cruise ship visitors coming to the Islands and spending a collective $34 million. Pacific Business News.

Gov. Neil Abercrombie and two Office of Hawaiian Affairs trustees urged lawmakers Monday to approve a $200 million real estate deal that would settle the department's longstanding ceded lands claims with the state. Associated Press.

A proposal to transfer about 25 acres in Kakaako worth $200 million to the Office of Hawaiian Affairs to settle long-standing ceded lands claims does not do enough to empower the Native Hawaiian people, a key senator contends. Star-Advertiser.

Governor Neil Abercrombie made a personal appeal to legislators this morning to pass his administration’s proposal for a land transfer to the Office of Hawaiian Affairs that would permanently resolve a decades-long dispute over ceded lands. Hawaii Reporter.

The Advisory Council to the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary is recommending that the sanctuary consider expanding its focus from humpback whales and their habitat to the ecosystem as a whole. Maui Now.

The University of Hawaii is demanding the operator of a pornographic web site stop using the school's name or face legal action. Hawaii News Now.

State roundup for Feb. 7. Associated Press.

Oahu

The Kapiolani Park Preservation Society said it does not support a Honolulu City Council bill that would double parking meter rates at public parks that include Kapiolani and Aala. KITV4.

Honolulu city workers have cleared a sofa, a bicycle and other personal items from the Occupy Honolulu camp at Thomas Square. Associated Press.

Casting for a new ABC pilot series "Last Resort" will be held on Hawaii. KITV4.

Hawaii

A mainland company is a step away from securing a 30-year lease to test ocean thermal energy conversion in West Hawaii. West Hawaii Today.

The increasing popularity of solar panels will mean higher electricity bills for the majority of Big Island residents who still rely on Hawaiian Electric Light Company for most of their power. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

An anonymous donation totaling $100,000 from a local foundation was issued to the Maui Oral Health Center for the acquisition of new dental chairs at the decade-old facility. Maui Now.

Kauai

Kaua‘i County will fund an additional nine local tourism initiatives this year in addition to the 20 the Hawai‘i Tourism Authority will support, county officials said Monday. Garden Island.

A new 500,000-gallon county Department of Water tank will expand water service to users in the Lawa‘i and Oma‘o communities of Kaua‘i, Daryl Kaneshiro, the Department of Water Board chair, said Monday at a dedication of the new equipment. Garden Island.

Molokai

The owner of a controversial excursion yacht to Molokai said he intends to keep bringing passengers to the island despite protests but also plans to implement conditions that he finds acceptable from an ongoing community study. Maui News.

Ceded lands deal coming before Legislature, Hawaii schools get a 'D' in science, Marine hazing trial starts today, Hilo resort hotels need work, Maui plan faces redo, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii Rep. Mele Carroll at 2008 Capitol rally (c) 2012 All Hawaii News

 

 

 

Two Legislative committees will begin looking into a proposed $200 million real estate deal that will settle the Office of Hawaiian Affairs ceded lands claims with the state. Associated Press.

FACT CHECK False — Hirono: I'm Only Candidate Who Opposed Bush Tax Cuts. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Rep. Colleen Hanabusa and her political rival, former Congressman Charles Djou, are heading into the 2012 election with about the same amount of money in the bank to spend on what promises to be a spirited general election campaign. Civil Beat.

Hawaiian Electric Co. customers installed a record amount of solar power generating capacity on their rooftops last year, causing a reduction in utility revenue that HECO says it will have to make up with an increase in rates. Star-Advertiser.

Gov. Neil Abercrombie on Friday signed a letter of intent with officials from South Korea to develop a smart grid demonstration project in Hawaii. Pacific Business News.

Bills pending before the state Legislature could make it easier to get fresh, local produce into public school cafeterias - both from school gardens and from island farms. Maui News.

As a cost-saving move, a planned $200 million destroyer modernization program might sail away from Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard, and some union officials fear that could be repeated with other cruisers and destroyers based in Hawaii. Star-Advertiser.

A Marine sergeant accused of hazing another Marine who later committed suicide in Af­ghani­stan will go on trial today. Associated Press.

A new report says Hawai`i’s standards for science education are too far below what students need to compete. In a national K-12 ranking, Hawai`i received a “D”. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii's science standards for public school students are inadequate, inconsistent and include errors, according to a report that rated most states' learning benchmarks for science as "mediocre to awful." Star-Advertiser.

Advocates for public access television networks – such as ‘Olelo Community Media on O‘ahu, or Akaku for Maui Nui – are calling attention to a bill which would force a major reorganization of the networks. According to an Akaku blog post, the bill would lead to a 2/3 reduction in funding for public access television broadcasting. The bill, HB 2652, is scheduled for a hearing on Monday at 2:15 pm in State Capitol room 325. Hawaii Independent.

Weather researchers from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration are here in Hawaii this winter to check out storms developing across the Pacific. KITV4.

State roundup for Feb. 6. Associated Press.

Oahu

With the site of next year's Pro Bowl still up in the air, lawmakers are tackling future plans for Aloha Stadium again. Hawaii News Now.

The state spends almost $1 million annually to publish legal notices in Honolulu’s only newspaper and lawmakers are looking for ways to trim that bill. Hawaii Reporter.

A bill that would exempt residential and commercial developments along the 20-mile Honolulu rail transit corridor from state and county planning, zoning and permitting requirements is opposed by both rail supporters and rail opponents. Star-Advertiser.

Protestors were out in Waikiki Saturday night trying to stop a war on Iran. KHON2.

Hawaii

For years, Hawaii County government has been spending far more than it's taken in. The number of employees has increased dramatically, and payments on debt now consume the biggest chunk of operating expenses in at least a decade. West Hawaii Today.

State legislators are dissatisfied with the condition of the Naniloa Volcanoes Resort, the Castle Hilo Hawaiian Hotel and other properties in Hilo's resort district, and they want to do something about it. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Planning Director Will Spence said Thursday that the changes he's proposing to the Maui Island Plan would simplify a document that's "morphed" into something complicated and unwieldy after six years of tinkering. Maui News.

Two Maui schools received awards last month for beautifying their campuses with school gardens. Maui News.

An increase in illegal dumping, brush fires and criminal activity will result in the permanent closure of a portion of Kala Road near the Kahului Airport on Maui. Maui Now.

Kauai

The Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement is seeking up to 30 native Hawaiian families to participate in  Homestead Self Help Projects in Kapolei and Anahola on Kaua‘i. Garden Island.

With the U.S. Department of Education placing Hawai‘i’s four-year, $75 million Race to the Top grant on “high-risk status,” Kaua‘i’s public schools could miss out on much of the ambitious, four-year reform plan. Garden Island.

Molokai

The Molokai Irrigation System, which serves the bulk of the island’s agricultural and homestead users, has received $1.25 million for system improvements, Gov. Neil Abercrombie announced last week. Molokai Dispatch.

Hawaii lawmakers may criminalize pet owners who give away their kittens or puppies -- Commentary

Cute kittens, courtesy photo by Adriano

If pets are outlawed, only outlaws will have pets.

This take on a bill now up on the Hawaii Legislature is admittedly extreme, but not that far off the mark considering SB2504 makes it a misdemeanor to sell or give away your dogs, cats, puppies or kittens without first having them spayed or neutered and microchips implanted in them. Big Brother has arrived, at least for your pets.

The bill, sponsored by Sen. Clayton Hee, D-Kahuku, La'ie, Ka'a'awa, Kane'ohe, is up for consideration at 9 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 7, by the Senate Commerce and Consumer Protection Committee and Economic Development and Technology Committee.

Hee undoubtedly has good intentions. Feral cats are a huge problem in Hawaii, where, with few natural predators, they breed large colonies and threaten native songbirds.

But taking away even more rights from the citizenry is probably not the way to go. What next? Microchipping our children?

Golden retriever puppy, courtesy Daisy Parker

"Importation of dogs to the Hawaiian Islands is limited and strictly regulated. If all cats and dogs sold or given away must be sterilized, it calls into question where citizens of Hawaii will obtain future generations of pets," warns the American Kennel Club in a public appeal for opposition to the bill.

Lucky we live in Hawaii, where lawmakers steadily add laws to the books but no one actually enforces them. Otherwise, life in the "People's Republic" would be even more onerous than it already is.

But what do you think a pet owner with an unplanned litter is going to do with all the babies? Start with $20 to microchip each kitten, add another $50 to sterilize it, and for a litter of six, you are talking serious kala.

Chances are, those pets are only going to be added to the feral colonies when the owner dumps them in the nearest forest instead of palming a few off on friends and neighbors. This only perpetuates the very problem the bill is trying to fix. And these animals are in for a worse life, not a better one.

How much better if all this effort and angst would go toward voluntary and free spaying and neutering programs and funding for the Department of Land and Natural Resources to trap and euthanize the feral cats on public land.

Ironically, just when they're needed most, spaying and neutering assistance programs have been discontinued by the Hawaiian Humane Society, because the City and County of Honolulu cut the funding.

You, the public, have to take personal responsibility if you don't want Big Brother to step in.

• Don't feed feral animals. It only causes them to breed more of them.
• Keep your pet inside or confined unless you're out with him.
• Spay or neuter your pet. Keep looking for programs to help reduce the cost.
• Lobby your state and local government to put more money into prevention and education, and quit trying to dictate every aspect of our lives.

 Thanks for your consideration.

Hawaii attorney general wants unlimited gifts, Legislature limiting medical marijuana, Kauai police officer complaint spurs chief's leave, Hawaii County mayor brings big bucks home from Oahu, Occupy Honolulu protestor arrested, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Honolulu shoppers (c) 2012 All Hawaii News

Hawaii consumers are slightly more confident about the future now than they were six months ago. Pacific Business News.

State House Vice Speaker Joey Manahan said Thursday that he will run for Honolulu City Council. Star-Advertiser.

State Rep. Tom Okamura, who was appointed by Gov. Neil Abercrombie in January to fill a state House vacancy in Aiea, has resigned for health reasons. Star-Advertiser.

The Abercrombie administration is proposing changes to the state ethics code that would allow state officials, including legislators, to accept unlimited numbers of invitations to charitable fundraising events, even if the purpose of the gifts is to influence  votes or other official actions. Hawaii Reporter.

After shying away last session, lawmakers have gingerly waded back into the debate over the state's gift ban. Star-Advertiser.

State lawmakers are advancing a bill this session to change Hawai’i’s medical marijuana law to rein-in alleged abuses and questionable practices. Hawaii Public Radio.

Oahu

One Occupy Honolulu protester was arrested at Thomas Square on Thursday as city officials continued to rid Oahu sidewalks of personal items under a nearly 2-month-old ordinance. Star-Advertiser.

The Honolulu Marathon, which generates more visitor spending in Hawaii than any other annual event, pumped $107.7 million into the state economy in 2011. Star-Advertiser.

Rail Radio Blitz Costs Oahu Taxpayers $145,000. Hawaii Reporter.

Residents at Mayor Wright public housing complex will soon see new security measures following recent violence. KITV4.

Hawaii

Hawaii County Mayor Billy Kenoi packed his re-election war chest with almost three times the money raised by Honolulu Mayor Peter Carlisle — most of it coming from donors in Carlisle's own backyard. West Hawaii Today.

It was chaos in Hilo’s county building on Wednesday, when protest erupted during a vote on adopting a new building code for Hawaii Island. Big Island Video News.

An unruly crowd chanting "kill the bill" forced two recesses of a County Council meeting Wednesday and brought a dozen police officers to council chambers. West Hawaii Today.

Valerie Poindexter, the District 1 representative on the county Redistricting Commission, on Wednesday pulled papers for the County Council district she helped draw. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Dragging buoys and a nest of fishing lines,an adult humpback whale apparently didn't want anything to do with a motorized boat carrying a federal rescue team intent on cutting away the snarled mess, disappearing Thursday afternoon after several hours of pursuit. Star-Advertiser.

Coast Guard personnel and federal marine mammal specialists responded Thursday to help an adult male humpback whale entangled from head to tail in fishing nets and dragging two orange buoys six miles south of Maalaea Bay, the Coast Guard reported. Maui News.

Upcountry farmers said this week that they have concerns about proposals to change the way agricultural lands are taxed. Maui News.

A bill to ban alcohol at Kalama and Cove Parks in South Maui gained unanimous passage on second and final reading today. Maui Now.

Kauai

Kauai mayor addresses complaint made by 27-year KPD veteran. KHON2.

Kauai Mayor Bernard Carvalho acknowledged Thursday that he placed the Garden Island's police chief and two assistant chiefs on leave this week in response to an unspecified "employee-generated complaint" to his office and the Kauai Police Commission. Star-Advertiser.

After two days of “no comment” from his office, Kaua‘i County Mayor Bernard Carvalho Jr. held a brief news conference Thursday to read a statement that did not answer why he placed County Police Chief Darryl Perry and two assistant chiefs on indeterminate leave this week. Garden Island.

Kauai County Mayor Bernard Carvalho Jr. broke his silence on Thursday about the shakeup involving three of the Kauai Police Department's top leaders. Hawaii News Now.

Gambling bill rolls snake eyes in Hawaii Legislature, Kauai police chief on leave, more beach for Waikiki, Health Department monitoring for tsunami debris radiation. Legislature tackles teacher tenure, speeding, move over law, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Waikiki (c) 2012 All Hawaii News

The Waikiki sand replenishment project has moved on to its next phase. KHON2.

A proposal giving the Hawaiian Homes Commission authority to decide whether to allow gambling on Hawaiian Home Lands — the first gambling-related bill heard in this year's legislative session — was quickly tabled, giving some indication that such bills once again face long odds of passing. Star-Advertiser.

Lawmakers expressed support Wednesday for writing into state law high-stakes evaluations for teachers that take into account student academic growth, but questioned how the state Department on Education would follow through with the reforms. Star-Advertiser.

State leaders are looking at a variety of measures to improve education in Hawai`i. Changes to teacher tenure are among the many bills already introduced in the new legislative session. Hawaii Public Radio.

The proposed overhaul of Hawaii's charter school law received its first public hearing at the Legislature Wednesday and ran into strong opposition from the teachers' union but received conditional support from many charter schools. Star-Advertiser.

The grieving sister of a fallen Honolulu police officer on Wednesday tearfully urged state lawmakers to make Hawaii's roads safer for officers and other emergency responders. With her emotions still raw, Amanda Stevens testified in support of the so-called Move Over bill. Hawaii News Now.

Representative Joseph Souki is once again fighting to send a strong message to excessive speeders. KHON2.

State Health Dept. Monitoring Shoreline For Radioactive Waste. Several federal and state agencies are working to monitor the movement of marine debris from last year’s Japan tsunami. KITV4.

Fast-growing Hawaiian Airlines needs more flight attendants. Pacific Business News.

Among Hawaii’s four so-called Super PACs, one didn’t attract any money over the second half of 2011, another raised $561 strictly from donations of less than $100. Civil Beat.

State roundup for Feb. 2. Associated Press.

Oahu

City officials fanned out across Oahu Wednesday, issuing 76 notices to protesters at Thomas Square and to homeless people, warning that their tents and personal items must be removed from sidewalks and other public property or be confiscated today. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu Mayor Peter Carlisle today announced the launch of “Honolulu 311,” a new system through which the public may use personal smart phones to report abandoned vehicles, broken street lights, illegal dumping and other issues. Hawaii Independent.

Hawaii

Mayor Billy Kenoi's re-election war chest is flush with cash after fundraisers pulled in more than $140,000 during the last six months of 2011. Tribune-Herald.

The two candidates for Hawaii County prosecutor have raised a combined $20,000 between July 1 and Dec. 31. Tribune-Herald.

Two weeks after announcing an additional $150,000 was needed to begin construction of a new Hawaiian monk seal hospital in Kona, Big Island, project leaders said the goal has been reached and more contributions are still on the way. Garden Island.

Maui

No one disputed the goal of a bill aimed at conserving Maui County's drinking water supply, a precious, finite resource. But the rub came Tuesday with how to accomplish that goal and its potential costs. Maui News.

Molokai student develops myoelectric prosthetic for dogs. Maui News.

Neighbor island airports, including the Kahului and Kapalua Airports on Maui will implement a parking rate increase for monthly passes. Maui Now.

Kauai

Kauai Police Chief Darryl Perry was placed on leave Wednesday morning. Star-Advertiser.

Kaua‘i County officials Wednesday night announced that Kaua‘i Police Chief Darryl Perry has been placed on leave —just one day after his two assistant chiefs were placed on leave. Garden Island.

Jade Fountain-Tanigawa was appointed deputy county clerk and Eddie Topenio, Jr. was named administrative assistant to the county clerk, County Clerk Ricky Watanabe announced in a press release Wednesday. Garden Island.

Campaign fundraising reports show mixed bag, only one bidder on $33M Honolulu rail work, fatal zipline failed inspection, Hawaii electric bills rise fastest in the nation, more power for Public Utilities Commission, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Money and politics, courtesy illustration, Frank Housh

Leaders of the Hawaii Legislature didn't add much to their political war chests during the second half of 2011, according to the latest round of campaign finance reports due by midnight Tuesday. Civil Beat.

Gov. Neil Abercrombie has raised more than $1.1 million for his 2014 re-election campaign, an early validation from donors after an uneven first year in office. Star-Advertiser.

Former U.S. Rep. Ed Case raised more than $111,800 during the last quarter for his Demo­cratic primary campaign for the U.S. Senate, which put him far behind the pace of his rival, U.S. Rep. Mazie Hirono, who raised more than $624,350. Star-Advertiser.

GOP U.S. Senate candidate Linda Lingle collected more than $260,000 from 75 political action committees in three months of fundraising, according to her federal campaign finance report posted online Tuesday. Civil Beat.

The state Legislature is once again considering whether to allow legalized gambling on Hawaiian home lands.Associated Press.

Hawaii voters aren't ready to roll the dice on legalized gambling, according to the latest Civil Beat Poll. Civil Beat.

Social service advocates urged lawmakers Tuesday to continue to use the state's rainy day fund to help finance health, education and human services programs that were threatened during the recession. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii is "definitely ahead" of other states in its efforts to develop open records policies for social media usage, according to the Virginia-based government watchdog nonprofit Sunshine Review. Civil Beat.

Gov. Neil Abercrombie’s policy team has implemented a new "Testimony Tracking System" to "find potential conflicts between different agencies sooner rather than later" when it comes to submitting testimony to lawmakers. Hawaii Reporter.

Lawmakers Move Legislation to Provide PUC More Authority. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii's electric bills rose at nearly double the national rate from 2000 through 2010 even as local residents and businesses did more to conserve electricity than the country as a whole, according to a report released Tuesday. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Honolulu Mayor Peter Carlisle, seeking to retain the job for a full four-year term, enters the 2012 race with a sizable lead in funds as his challengers begin mounting their campaigns against him. Star-Advertiser.

Spending Reports Show Caldwell Surges, But Owes Big. KITV4.

The city has awarded a new, $33.4 million contract to Infraconsult LLC, the company that has already received nearly $50 million in contracts to oversee the $5.2 billion Honolulu rapid transit project. Hawaii Reporter.

Mayor Peter Carlisle plans to earmark a $450 million city-backed line of credit for the Hono­lulu Authority for Rapid Transportation to demonstrate to federal authorities that the rail project has the resources it needs to complete construction, Carlisle said Tuesday. Star-Advertiser.

The Honolulu City Council is considering metered parking rate increases at Oahu parks, a proposal that isn't sitting well with many park users. Hawaii News Now.

Honolulu Mayor Peter Carlisle announced Tuesday the launch of Honolulu 311, a new system through which the public may use smartphones to report abandoned vehicles, broken street lights, illegal dumping and other issues. KITV4.

Honolulu Mayor Peter Carlisle announced the launch of a smart phone application Tuesday that allows residents to send complaints directly to the Department of Customer Services. KHON2.

Hawaii

Winning election multiple times hasn't been a financial boon for Hawaii County Council members' campaign war chests, several of which have endured prolonged deficit spending. Tribune-Herald.

An East Hawaii zip line tower failed to pass an initial county inspection prior to its collapse in September, killing one worker and seriously injuring another. Tribune-Herald.

Palamanui is mostly paid up for its community college campus obligations. West Hawaii Today.

The developers of the 725-acre Palamanui mixed-use project on the Big Island’s Kona Coast are giving the University of Hawaii    nearly $10 million for construction of a new West Hawaii community college campus. Pacific Business News.

A mishmash of newsracks cluttering Alii Drive sidewalks may soon be cleaned up, thanks to a program by the Kailua Village Business Improvement District that was advanced Tuesday by the Hawaii County Council's Finance Committee. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Election season will officially begin Wednesday with the start of candidate filings. Maui News.

Maui island saw 2,166,000 visitors in 2011, a 4.1 percent increase over 2010, and those visitors spent nearly $3.2 billion, or 12.9 percent more than the previous year, the Hawai'i Tourism Authority reported Monday. Maui News.

Maui County Council Planning Committee members stretched to reach the finish line Monday in crafting a bill to rein in illegal vacation rentals while setting up an easier process for operators to get county permits. Maui News.

Kauai

Transient Accommodation Units permits cut in half for next 5 years. Garden Island.

Kaua‘i Police Chief Darryl Perry has placed Assistant Chief Roy Asher and Assistant Chief Ale Quibilan on leave effective Tuesday. Garden Island.

The Office of Hawaiian Affairs will hold a second round of community meetings, beginning with a session on Kaua‘i, to inform its beneficiaries of the latest updates on the Kaka‘ako land settlement proposal. Garden Island.

Hawaii poll: Dems likely to keep U.S. Senate seat, tourism bounces back, election nominations start Wednesday with no legislative maps, Oprah Winfrey mulls Maui move, Georgia woman pleads guilty to stealing Sen. Inouye's Identity, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Polynesian Cultural Center (c) 2012 All Hawaii News

Hawaii is seeing a solid recovery in tourism with increases in both arrivals and tourist spending. Associated Press.

An improving global economy and more air service helped boost tourist arrivals and spending in Hawaii to near-record levels last year. Star-Advertiser.

The month of December 2011 reached $1.298 billion in visitor spending, the highest single month on record. Hawaii Reporter.

Both Democratic candidates for the U.S. Senate have the edge over former Gov. Linda Lingle, according to the latest Civil Beat Poll. Civil Beat.

The 2012 election season in Hawaii officially gets underway on Wednesday, February 1, with the commencement of the candidate filing period. Maui Now.

The State Office of Elections is unable to start establishing polling locations and assigning the roughly 600-thousand Hawaii residents to polling locations across the state. KITV4.

Under a best case scenario, the Technical Committee of the Reapportionment Commission would start redrawing political districts as early as Feb. 9. Civil Beat.

Candidates for state House and Senate races will not be able to file for election when the season officially kicks off this Wednesday. But fundraising can get underway. KHON2.

U.S. Sen. Dan Inouye (c) 2012 All Hawaii News

A Georgia woman pleads guilty to being involved in stealing the identity of a U.S. Senator from Hawaii Monday. KITV4.

The teachers union is calling bills before the state House and Senate that would nullify teacher tenure protections a "direct attack on our membership." Star-Advertiser.

Although Gov. Neil Abercrombie's administration has made much of its need for the Hawaii State Teachers Association's cooperation in reaching federal Race to the Top grant targets, a veteran labor attorney says the grant is not dependent on the teachers union, thanks to a loophole in state labor law. Civil Beat.

Retired Washington Army National Guard Lt. Col. Doug Mayne will assume the duties of vice director of state Civil Defense in March, the state announced Monday. Star-Advertiser.

State lawmakers cleaned up and advanced a bill Monday that would require motorists to move over and slow down when approaching and passing stopped emergency vehicles. Star-Advertiser.

Restaurants going to the dogs: Senate Bill 3032 would allow dogs in restaurants at the restaurant owner’s or manager’s discretion if certain conditions are met. Garden Island.

Several protests have been filed with the Hawaii Republican Party over the selection of Ted Liu as the party’s new national committeeman. Civil Beat.

A half-hour television special illustrating the importance of Hawaii’s watershed and its protection will be airing on local stations this month and next. Molokai Dispatch.

State roundup for Jan. 31. Associated Press.

Oahu
Honolulu Mayor Peter Carlisle collected $53,000 in campaign donations in the second half of 2011, less than 20 percent of his haul from the first half of the year, according to a filing Monday with the Campaign Spending Commission. Civil Beat.

The closure of two Hawaii Medical Center emergency rooms on O’ahu has prompted State lawmakers to pass legislation that could provide additional funds for county ambulance service island-wide. Hawaii Public Radio.

Doubling the rate for parking meters outside public parks like Kapiolani and Aala would help raise money for park maintenance, but it's a move that opponents say could spread beyond Waikiki and downtown and keep people out of public parks and beaches. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu Mayor announces new smart phone reporting system. KHON2.

The swell was big Monday evening at Waimea, as surfers -- and spectators -- tried to catch the last waves before sunset. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii

Just who would be responsible for building the Mamalahoa Highway bypass remained unclear Monday, following a court hearing on a motion to enforce a recently reached settlement. West Hawaii Today.

A Honokaa woman said Monday she's running for mayor. West Hawaii Today.

There's some buzz about a bill seeking $10,000 in funding from the Legislature to establish new bee hives for the University of Hawaii at Hilo's beekeeping program.  Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Media mogul Oprah Winfrey, who owns hundreds of acres of land on Maui, is thinking about making Hawaii her home. Pacific Business News.

Kaiser Permanente Hawaii held a traditional Hawaiian blessing ceremony Friday morning for the completion of the expansion and renovation of its pharmacy at its Maui Lani Clinic. Maui News.

Kauai

An audit of the Kilauea Gym project suggests that loss of experienced staff is hindering the ability of the Department of Public Works’ Building Division to execute capital projects. Garden Island.

Kaua‘i saw strong growth in both visitor arrivals and spending in 2011, the Hawai‘i Tourism Authority reported Monday. Garden Island.

Case and Hirono tied in U.S. Senate poll, Hawaii libraries to get wi-fi, Legislature tinkering with civil union law, Caylee's Law coming to Hawaii, Jeff Corwin dives Kona coast, Maui could get state's biggest outlet mall, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hilo Public Library (c) 2012 All Hawaii News

Wi-Fi will soon be available at libraries across the state. Star-Advertiser.

Ed Case and Mazie Hirono are in a dead heat for the Democratic nomination for the U.S. Senate seat now held by Daniel Akaka, according to a new Civil Beat Poll. Civil Beat.

The automated telephone survey of 1,358 likely voters found Case at 41 percent, Hirono at 39 percent, with 8 percent saying neither candidate and 12 percent still unsure.

Hawaii may soon join dozens of other states in banning lawmakers from holding political fundraisers during the four months the Hawaii Legislature is in session under a new proposal. Civil Beat

Legislative "fixes" to the civil unions law that took effect this year are working their way through the Legislature. Star-Advertiser.

State lawmakers have introduced a host of bills in the new legislative session aimed at keeping pace with Hawaii's rapidly evolving energy sector, including one proposal that would force Hawaiian Electric Co. out of the power generation business and have it focus strictly on delivering electricity to customers. Star-Advertiser.

Nearly one-third of Hawaii's 256 public schools will use revamped teacher evaluations next school year in a pilot program that will take into account student academic growth, amid concerns from teachers over how the new rating system eventually will be tied to their pay. Star-Advertiser.

Parents and guardians who fail to report missing children could face felony charges under a bill before the Hawaii Senate. KITV4.

Hawaii Gov. Neil Abercrombie on Friday released more than $15.6 million for capital improvement projects statewide that are designed to improve the state’s public safety, wastewater, civil defense and communications infrastructure. Pacific Business News.

The possibility of another big northwest swell has prompted the National Weather Service to issue a High Surf Warning that will take effect Monday at 6 a.m. Hawaii News Now.

"Living in the Moment:" New campaign launches to market Hawaiian Islands. KHON2.

State roundup for Jan. 30. Associated Press.

Oahu

As contract expires, many hope Pro Bowl will stay in Hawaii. KHON2.

Cayetano: Rail A Wall of Concrete Snaking Along Honolulu's Waterfront. Civil Beat.

Prostitution Bust At University of Hawaii Professor's Apartment following website' sting. Hawaii Reporter.

Hawaii

The decision to fire four Hawaii County elections workers may soon start costing Big Island taxpayers. Tribune-Herald.

The waters off the Kona Coast are teeming with life, a sign world-renowned animal expert Jeff Corwin said Sunday is hopeful and encouraging. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

A California developer wants to begin construction this spring on a shopping center that would be the largest outlet mall in Hawaii. Maui News.

The Maui County Council General Plan Committee will conduct an informational meeting this week on the urban-growth boundaries being proposed in the draft Maui Island Plan. Maui News.

The American Civil Liberties Union of Hawaii filed a complaint letter with the County of Maui this week citing concerns over First Amendment rights of protesters demonstrating near the Monsanto facility along the Pi’ilani Highway in Kihei. Maui Now.

Kauai

State Sen. Ron Kouchi, D-Kaua‘i and Ni‘ihau, said the March 24 election of board members of the Kaua‘i Island Utility Cooperative will have a “tremendous impact” on diversifying the future economic base of the island. Garden Island.

Kaua‘i volunteers spotted more whales than their counterparts on Hawaii’s other islands during a weekend ocean count coordinated by the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary. Garden Island.

Molokai

Department of Land and Natural Resources is holding a community meeting regarding the security perimeter at the Kauanakakai Wharf to accommodate American Safari Cruises visits to Molokai. Molokai Dispatch.

Military beefing up in Hawaii, no drug testing of welfare recipients, three quit charter school board in protest, gambling proposed on Hawaiian lands, Internet tracking bill unpopular, bag fee in the works, land fund headed to Hawaii County ballot, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Pohakuloa Training Area (c) 2012 All Hawaii News

Hawaii's military future could include another Navy cruiser and at least 1,000 more Marines if some forces are removed from Okinawa. Star-Advertiser

Sen. Daniel Inouye said on Thursday that he expects “an increase of military personnel and assets” in the Pacific, including in Hawaii. Inouye’s remarks came after Defense Secretary Leon Panetta outlined his department’s budget plan for the next five years. Civil Beat.

A host of bills before the State Legislature are dedicated to women veterans this year. KHON2.

Once again, Hawaii state and county government agencies spent far more money lobbying in Washington D.C. than private companies did, according to 2011 U.S. Senate lobbyist disclosure reports. Hawaii Reporter.

State Rep. Mele Carroll has reintroduced a bill that would allow gaming on Hawaiian homestead lands to provide a source of funds for the Department of Hawaiian Home Land's developments and programs. Maui News.

Two Maui law makers are introducing separate gaming measures in the state legislature this session. Maui Now.

Spurred by a dramatic rise in computer-related crimes — including possibly affecting one of their own colleagues — lawmakers have introduced more than 30 measures in the Hawaii Legislature concerning cybercrime. Civil Beat.

State lawmakers decided Thursday to leave online piracy legislation to Congress after hearing vehement opposition to a bill that called for keeping records of Hawaii users' Internet activity. Associated Press.

Internet privacy advocates, web entrepreneurs and business owners turned out in droves on Thursday to denounce a bill before the Hawaii Legislature that would require Internet service providers to keep a record of every website visited by subscribers for no less than two years. Civil Beat.

Hawaii won't be drug testing public assistance applicants and recipients any time soon. Associated Press.

State politicians are running some old plays this week in an effort to convince the NFL that the Pro Bowl belongs in Hawaii. Pacific Business News.

The Legislature is considering a statewide measure to have consumers pay for plastic and paper shopping bags. Hawaii Public Radio.

Consumers Could Be Charged for Plastic and Paper Bags. Civil Beat.

"Bag ban" could go state-wide & include paper. Hawaii News Now.

Credit monitoring and fraud restoration services will be provided to about 98,000 University of Hawaii students, alumni, faculty, employees and others potentially affected by five data breaches that occurred from 2009 to 2011, under a settlement reached in a class-action lawsuit. Star-Advertiser.

Federal data show cutting Hawaiian monk seals free from fishing nets, moving vulnerable pups away from preying sharks and other efforts to rescue the animals are significantly helping the endangered species. Associated Press.

Oahu

The city will agree to a new change order worth about $15 million to pay the company holding the contract to build the first segment of the rail line because of delays in the start of construction, according to officials with the Hono­lulu Authority for Rapid Transportation. Star-Advertiser.

Inspectors from the Hawaii Department of Agriculture (HDOA ) have identified a snake killed on Wednesday near Honolulu airport as a bullsnake. Hawaii News Now.

Longtime Hawaii television newsman Jack Kellner died Wednesday night in California. KITV4.

Hawaii

Three longtime members of the Charter School Review Panel — Chairman Carl Takamura, former Chairwoman Ruth Tschumy and Pualani Akaka — resigned Thursday to protest the state Board of Education's reversal of the panel's decisions on converting Laupahoehoe School to a charter school. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii County voters will once again get the opportunity to weigh in on a 2 percent land fund, now that Mayor Billy Kenoi has signed a bill putting it on the ballot. West Hawaii Today.

Big Brother is watching — but he is supposed to be helping. West Hawaii Today.

Some day, a new gym on the Hilo High School campus will give students, athletes and their fans the chance to enjoy games at home. Tribune-Herald.

Oahu-based military units will convoy from Pohakuloa Training Area to Kawaihae Harbor on Saturday, Monday, Wednesday and Thursday between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. via Saddle Road, Mamalahoa Highway, Waikoloa Road, Queen Kaahumanu Highway and Akoni Pule corridor. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Staffing levels at Maui's only Veterans Affairs clinic are at 50 percent, resulting in long waits for veterans who need care, officials acknowledged Tuesday. Maui News.

Maui Mayor Alan Arakawa expressed enthusiasm as the state Legislative session gets underway. Maui Now.

Southerly winds are expected to prevail through today, and volcanic haze, or vog, should continue to hang in the air Friday and start to clear up Saturday, National Weather Service forecaster Vic DeJesus said Wednesday. Maui News.

Kauai

In 2011 Kauai’s beaches and surfbreaks were mostly clean, but some were definitely not. Garden Island.

In response to the growing trend of crimes perpetrated against the elderly, Kaua‘i County Prosecuting Attorney Shaylene Iseri-Carvalho will be holding several senior fraud presentations across the island. Garden Island.

The Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement has joined other national community advocates in an amicus (friend of the court) brief to be filed with the U.S. Supreme Court in support of the Affordable Care Act. Garden Island.

Molokai

Department of Land and Natural Resources is holding a community meeting regarding the security perimeter at the Kauanakakai Wharf to accommodate American Safari Cruises visits to Molokai. Molokai Dispatch.

GOP Lingle almost triples fund-raising of closest rival Hirono, UH prof caught in x-rated escort sting, Education leaders detail plans, HGEA grumbles about contract, emergency contraception bill advances, appeals court upholds Mauna Kea plan, Maui's Papapawahawa Bridge opens Friday, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Former Hawaii Gov. Linda Lingle

Former Gov. Linda Lingle, in a display of national fundraising prowess, has raised more than $1.7 million since she announced her Republican campaign for the U.S. Senate in October. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii may not be known for its Republicans, but the first fundraising figures out of former Hawaii Gov. Linda Lingle's campaign for U.S. Senate shows that Republicans are committed to changing the balance of power in the aloha state. Civil Beat.

Former Congressman Ed Case said in a statement that he raised “substantially less” money last quarter than U.S. Senate opponents Linda Lingle and Mazie Hirono. Civil Beat

State education leaders sought to reassure lawmakers Wednesday about the future of Hawaii's $75 million Race to the Top grant, saying they are making gains and plan to seek more clarity about the kind of progress federal authorities want to see in order to take the grant off "high-risk" status. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Department of Education leaders described the state's school district as a deteriorating house at a legislative briefing Wednesday, and their Race to the Top plan as the remodeling program for that house. Civil Beat.

Hawaii's public schools superintendent said Wednesday she hopes the state makes headway on adopting new teacher evaluations by the end of March, when U.S. Department of Education officials are scheduled to visit the islands for an update on the state's progress with Race to the Top reforms. Associated Press.

Taken For A Ride: Roberts Hawaii's Very Own Race to the Top of School Bus Biz. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Government Employees Association officials have told PBN they may file a complaint with the Hawaii Labor Relations Board because Gov. Neil Abercrombie’s administration has failed to advance talks regarding the favored nation clause of the union’s contract. Pacific Business News.

The state appeals court has upheld the approval of a University of Hawaii-developed management plan for Mauna Kea. Tribune-Herald.

The House Committee on Judiciary passed a measure (House Bill 127 House Draft 1) that would require hospitals and health care providers to provide information about emergency contraception to women who have been sexually assaulted, and to dispense the medication when requested. Hawaii Reporter.

It’s difficult to tell how many people experience homelessness. Nevertheless a national count is done at this time every year attempting to measure how many people are without homes. Hawaii Public Radio.

State roundup for Jan. 26. Associated Press.

Oahu

An x-rated local escort service called “The Volcano Girls” is being operated out of the Waikiki residence of University of Hawaii Professor Lawrence W. Boyd, Jr. Hawaii Reporter.
http://www.hawaiireporter.com/university-of-hawaii-professor-tied-to-x-rated-escort-service/123

Food trucks and lunch wagons would have two hours to operate at one location on a street before being required to move, under a proposal in the City Council that aims to ease a law that made it difficult for some vendors to operate legally. Star-Advertiser.

A bill that would allow lunch wagons and other street vendors to remain at a single location for two hours instead of fifteen minutes passed the first of three required readings Wednesday at the Honolulu City Council. KHON2.

The principal at August Ahrens Elementary School, a second school administrator and a teacher have been placed on leave while the state Department of Education investigates an allegation of financial impropriety. Star-Advertiser.

North Shore residents demand solution to 'Turtle Beach' traffic. Hawaii News Now.

The city has spent more than $1.87 million and hired seven private law firms to handle legal work related to its rail project. Star-Advertiser.

The State Department of Agriculture says road crews working on Nimitz Highway near Honolulu Airport killed a two foot snake Wednesday morning. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii

The Hawaii Tourism Authority has approved spending more than $1 million this year for Big Island programs, sporting events and festivals. Tribune-Herald.

After sitting fallow for the last 18 years, 718 acres of Hawaii County's Paauilo lands are closer than ever to being returned to productive agriculture. Tribune-Herald.

An illegal ferret was captured early Sunday morning in the parking lot of Coqui's Hideaway Restaurant & Sports Bar in Hilo. Tribune-Herald.


Maui

Of the three options for repairing the main runway at Kahului Airport, the most expensive was overwhelmingly preferred at a standing-room-only public meeting Monday, because it would not require a temporary shutdown of Mainland flights. Maui News.

Project challenges several layers thick. Maui News.

The new Papapawahawa Bridge in East Maui opens this Friday, January 27, 2012, following eight months of construction. Maui Now.

A $2.3 million project to replace Papahawahawa Bridge is nearly complete, the county Department of Public Works announced. Maui News.

Maui County officials say they are in the process of closing a three-mile stretch of shoreline near Wailea-Makena after a shark sighting Wednesday afternoon. KITV4.

Kauai

How can the Garden Isle grow green jobs? Garden Island.

Mayor Bernard Carvalho Jr. and other local leaders Wednesday greeted the first planeload of visitors from Shanghai as part of an effort to increase island visits from China. Garden Island.

Abercrombie, NFL skirmish over Pro Bowl, Hawaii lawmakers tackle minimum wage, open meetings, political commmittees, pension fund, GOP seeks candidate for Congress, Honolulu mulls property taxes, Kona coffee labeling proposed, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaiian monk seal, NOAA courtesy photo

A proposal to expand federal protections for the endangered Hawaiian monk seal is facing major push back from the state. Civil Beat.

A bill moving through the state Legislature could increase Hawaii's minimum wage for the first time since 2007, but opinions are mixed as to whether elevating the wage floor would help or hinder Hawaii's economic recovery. Associated Press.

Gov. Neil Abercrombie compared Pro Bowl negotiations to having a gun held to the state's head by the NFL, but later said, "We would like to continue to have (the game) and we're going to do everything we can to make sure that comes about in a fashion that will make everybody very, very happy." Star-Advertiser.

NFL flags Hawaii governor’s Pro Bowl comments . Pacific Business News.

Governor Neil Abercrombie made a surprise visit to the NFL’s Pro Bowl kickoff news conference to speak glowingly about the relationship between Hawaii and the NFL, after criticizing NFL owners earlier in the day. KITV4.

Hawaii political committees that can raise and spend unlimited amounts of campaign money would be required to disclose the candidates their expenditures are attacking or supporting under a proposal moving through the Legislature. Civil Beat.

Hawaii lawmakers are entertaining amendments to the state Sunshine Law to allow board members to attend public meetings, community events and professional association conferences without violating the open meetings law. Associated Press.

Lawmakers will be briefed on the state of the Race to the Top program on Wednesday. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Electric Co., and its subsidiaries on Maui and the Big Island, would no longer be allowed to generate electricity if they wished to sell it under a proposed bill from Rep. Denny Coffman. West Hawaii Today.

A Hollywood hit is shining the spotlight on Hawaii's film industry. "The Descendants," which was shot in Hawaii, has captured five Oscar nominations. Lawmakers hope to cash in on the movie's success by attracting new productions to the islands. Hawaii News Now.

A recent report shows that Hawaii's public pension fund ranked at the bottom among comparable funds for its investment returns over the past decade. Civil Beat.

The state Department of Human Services says it has introduced a new food stamps benefits processing system to address an applications backlog. Associated Press.

House Speaker Calvin Say and Senate President Shan Tsutsui said yesterday they are opposed to tax increases even though the State Council on Revenue lowered its state revenue projects by $130 million. Hawaii Reporter.

Hawaii GOP Still Looking For CD2 Candidate. Civil Beat.

Obama's Blueprint for Energy, Defense Could Mean Jobs in Hawaii. Civil Beat.

State roundup for Jan. 25. Associated Press.

Oahu

The City Council might consider reforms of some property tax exemptions, but reducing or eliminating the standard exemption for Oahu's 144,000 homeowners would be a tough sell to the public in an election year, the Council's budget chairwoman says. Star-Advertiser.

The Honolulu City Council Budget Committee conducted a special public hearing yesterday on a controversial recommendation by an Advisory Commission to repeal nearly all of the property tax exemptions for O’ahu owners. Hawaii Public Radio.

Gambling proponents are eyeing the convention center as a possible venue to allow gaming in the state. KITV4.

Honolulu Mayor Peter Carlisle likely will seek Honolulu City Council approval for a "contingency plan" to raise additional funding for the Honolulu rail project if that becomes necessary. Star-Advertiser.

The Honolulu Zoo is under fire over the entrance fee it charges students on school field trips. KHON2.

Hawaii

A group of Kona coffee growers hopes legislators pass a bill that would require businesses to more thoroughly describe the contents of coffee sold in Hawaii -- a change that critics claim would increase the price. Star-Advertiser.

American Motorists Insurance Co. will pay $12.5 million to Hawaii County as part of a proposed settlement agreement a series of lawsuits regarding the stalled Hokulia development. West Hawaii Today.

The jobs are coming back, but so are the job-seekers. Tribune-Herald.

Farmers, agricultural experts and educators gathered Tuesday in Hilo to help map the future of Hawaii's agricultural industry and attract workers needed to run it. Tribune-Herald.

The Hawaii Board of Education cleared the way Tuesday for the Laupahoehoe charter school to open its doors in July.  Tribune-Herald.

The state Board of Education overruled the Charter School Review Panel for a second time Tuesday and ordered that Laupahoehoe High and Elementary School open as a charter school for the 2012-13 academic year. Star-Advertiser.

Maui
A standing room only crowd gathered at the Pomaikai Elementary School Cafeteria on Maui for an evening meeting on Monday to discuss runway rehabilitation options at the Kahului Airport. Maui Now.

The Hawai‘i State Department of Labor & Industrial Relations announced today that the non-seasonally adjusted annual unemployment rate for Maui County in December was 7.3% for 2011, down from 7.4% in December 2010. Maui Now.

Gov. Neil Abercrombie received praise Monday for supporting an extension of television and film production tax credits, alternative energy development and investment in the state's building projects in his State of the State address. Maui News.

Kauai

A Kaua‘i native who prepared oral arguments for the U.S. Supreme Court last November was very pleased to see a unanimous decision in his favor on Monday. Garden Island.

After Jan. 29, Red Box kiosks will be the only way for Kaua‘i movie lovers to grab a last-minute new release on the go. Garden Island.