Endangered Hawaiian monk seals show record low birth rate, fed's murder trial to stay in Honolulu, Hawaii marijuana minister denied bail, 2,200 pot plants eradicated on Big Island, campaigns in home stretch, elections office scrutinized, more news from all the Hawaiian islands

Hawaiian monk seal (c) 2012 All Hawaii News

A group of scientists just returned from the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands where they helped with the recovery of the Hawaiian monk seal. KITV4.

More than a dozen researchers are back from a field camp to help increase the monk seal population in the northwestern Hawaiian islands. KHON2.

The state Office of Elections needs an additional 300 volunteer poll workers on Oahu for Saturday's primary election even as nearly 68,000 people already have voted on Oahu through absentee ballot or early walk-in voting. Star-Advertiser.

Despite open contempt from party elders and a major fundraising disadvantage, Ed Case has the Democratic nomination for U.S. Senate within reach. Civil Beat.

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid has endorsed former Honolulu Mayor Mufi Hannemann in the race for Congress, while City Councilwoman Tulsi Gabbard picked up the nod from U.S. Rep. Dennis Kucinich. Star-Advertiser.

When the campaign of Mufi Hannemann responded to Civil Beat's poll Monday showing him way behind Tulsi Gabbard in the race for the U.S. House of Representatives, it was titled "Mainland 'Robo-Polls' And Mainland Money." Civil Beat.

In Part Two of his 3-part series … HPR’s Wayne Yoshioka profiles the second candidate who could become the nation’s first American Samoan voting member in Congress. Hawaii Public Radio.

Oahu

Former Hawaii Gov. Ben Cayetano, who is running for Honolulu mayor in Saturday's primary election, was released from The Queen's Medical Center late Tuesday afternoon after being treated for a bleeding ulcer. Pacific Business News.

Ben Cayetano was released at 5 p.m. today from the Queens Medical Center. Hawaii Reporter.

The candidates in Honolulu's hotly contested mayoral race say they are making their last push for votes, sign-waving, shaking hands and otherwise pounding the pavement given the saturated media market in the final days before the primary election Saturday. Star-Advertiser.

A federal agent who shot and killed a local man in a Waikiki McDonald’s last fall will have to argue his case in Hawaii state court. Civil Beat.

A federal judge denied a bid Tuesday by State Department agent Christopher Deedy to seek a transfer of his murder case to federal court. Star-Advertiser.

Imua Rail Canvassers Told to Make Deceptive Statements About Their Employer, Their Background and the Rail Project. Hawaii Reporter.

Hawaii

Hawaii Island marijuana advocate Roger Christie once again has lost a bid for his release while awaiting trial, scheduled for January, on federal marijuana possession and distribution charges. Star-Advertiser.

Roger Christie will likely spend his third Christmas in a row in a federal prison in Honolulu on felony drug charges. Civil Beat.

The number seven didn’t turn out lucky for a Hilo marijuana advocate who’s spent two years in federal custody while awaiting trial. Tribune-Herald.

Marijuana eradication missions in Ka‘u and Kona netted about 2,200 plants on Monday. Tribune-Herald.

Former Mayor Harry Kim doesn’t like to call them “disappointments,” as much as he’d call them “dreams that still need to be fulfilled.” West Hawaii Today.

The Hawaii County Elections Office at the West Hawaii Civic Center was closed Monday and part of Tuesday after a temporary worker assigned to the office was terminated. West Hawaii Today.

The closing of the elections office at the West Hawaii Civic Center and the dismissal of a temporary worker used to staff that location has led to new concerns about Hawaii County's ability to conduct a smooth primary election on Aug. 11. KITV4.

The Hawaii County clerk changed procedures for dropping off absentee ballots at the Kona elections office and three other sites two weeks before the primary election. Star-Advertiser.

The Hawaii County Elections Division expects to have all duplicate voter registrations off the books by Thursday, County Clerk Jamae Kawauchi said this week. Tribune-Herald.

A planned unit development within the Aina Lea project doesn’t conform to the South Kohala Community Development Plan, some area residents say. West Hawaii Today.

A Big Island nonprofit agency mishandled some of the federal stimulus funding it received in 2010, an audit has revealed. Big Island Now.

Maui
Maui Mayor Alan Arakawa joins his administration in hosting a series of community meetings in September and October to gather public input on the 2013-2014 fiscal year budget. Maui Now.

Two Maui entrepreneurs have their eyes set on incumbent County Council Member Mike Victorino's job. Maui News.

Single-family home prices in Maui County last month increased nearly 25 percent over last year, while condominium prices were unchanged, according to the latest data from the Realtors Association of Maui. Maui News.

Kauai

The Hawai‘i Attorney General is re-prosecuting a case that charges 16 counts of animal cruelty involving horses. Garden Island.

The opinion of special counsel addressed key concerns of whether the restorative justice program — officially known as Productive Optimism Helps All Kaua‘i — that ran from August 2011 to April 2012 until a controversy put it on hold. Garden Island.

Kauai Oncology LLC opened the Garden Isle's first cancer radiation therapy facility in Lihue on Monday. Star-Advertiser.

First former public defender sworn to Hawaii Supreme Court, Cayetano hospitalized for ulcer, hugs, kisses are traditional Hawaii greetings, lots of politics and more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii Supreme Court (c) 2012 All Hawaii News

Richard Pollack

Richard Pollack was sworn in as the newest member of the Hawaii Supreme Court on Monday, becoming the first person who served in the public defender's office to sit on the state's high court. Star-Advertiser.

On Monday, a new Hawaii Supreme Court justice was sworn in. KITV4.

Over the past six months, the PAC Pacific Resource Partnership has spent $1.3 million to advertise on local TV stations, which is more than any other campaign in the primary election. Civil Beat.

Republican Linda Lingle faces no serious competition in Saturday's primary election, yet she's still raising more money than Democrats Ed Case and Mazie Hirono, who are in a tight race. Civil Beat.

Congresswoman Mazie Hirono, D-Hawaii, last week continued to miss voting on key measures so she can fundraise and campaign for the seat left open by the retirement of U.S. Senator Daniel Akaka, D-Hawaii. Hawaii Reporter.

Honolulu Councilwoman Tulsi Gabbard lent her campaign $30,000 on Friday, about a week after former Honolulu Mayor Mufi Hannemann loaned his campaign $150,000. Star-Advertiser.

The two top contenders for Hawai’i’s Second Congressional District seat are trailblazers and leaders in their ethnic community … but only Mufi Hannemann can be elected as the first U.S. House member of Samoan descent. Hawaii Public Radio.

The Primary Election is this Saturday, and the State Office of Elections still needs about three hundred more volunteers to work at the polls. KHON2.

Hundreds of Hawaii residents should have received higher prices for their properties sold through nonjudicial foreclosure auctions during the past four years, according to lawsuits recently filed on behalf of borrowers who allege unfair and deceptive practices by four major banks. Star-Advertiser.

In Hawaii it's not uncommon for business associates to greet one another with a hug and a kiss. Friends and family do the same, and sometimes even strangers. Star-Advertiser.

State roundup for August 7. Associated Press.

Oahu

Former Gov. Ben Cayetano, the front-runner in the race for Honolulu mayor, is recovering after he was hospitalized Sunday with what doctors "strongly suspect" to be a bleeding ulcer, his wife said Monday. Star-Advertiser.

Mayoral candidate Ben Cayetano, 72, is in the hospital, but his wife said the health scare won't stop him from returning to the campaign trail. Hawaii News Now.

Cayetano’s condition is not considered life threatening, and his wife said during a Monday press conference that he could be discharged as soon as Tuesday or Wednesday. Civil Beat.

Former Hawaii Gov. Ben Cayetano has a real chance to exceed 50 percent in Saturday's primary and become Honolulu's 14th mayor. It would be only the second time in the last 16 years that the mayor would be elected without the need for a runoff. Civil Beat.

Honolulu Mayor Peter Carlisle joined transportation officials today to dedicate the new Alapai Transit Center and 48 new fuel-efficient buses. Hawaii Reporter.

Seeing is believing and today Senator Daniel Inouye went to see the 13 rail transit columns that have been built so far. Hawaii News Now.

The sister of a Nanakuli man who suffocated while being restrained by police is suing the city of Honolulu and the police officers involved for $10 million. Star-Advertiser.

According to the lawsuit filed Friday, Aaron Torres' sister did not know why the police had shown up at their property. Civil Beat.

THE USS Arizona Memorial, a grave for most of the battleship's 1,177 sailors killed in the Dec. 7, 1941, Japanese attack, continues to evolve, and its museum will include a new exhibit on the Hiro­shima atom bomb attack and reconciliation after the war, officials said. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii

Volunteers, vendors and elections workers dummied up absentee ballots Saturday for a statewide test of the counting machinery and data network in preparation for this coming Saturday’s primary election. West Hawaii Today.

Dominic Yagong lists opening up the public’s access to government among his accomplishments during his 12 years as a County Council member, but it’s also an area where he wishes he’d done more. West Hawaii Today.

Political experts are calling this fall’s race in the Big Island’s 2nd senate district representing Puna and about half of Ka`u one of the tightest in the state. KPUA.

A number of police critics as well as several supporters showed up at the County Building in Hilo on Monday night to weigh in on the Hawaii Police Department’s efforts to obtain national accreditation by the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies. Tribune-Herald.

The lawyer representing the founder of Hawaii Cannabis Ministry will ask a federal judge today to release his client to a halfway house. Associated Press.

As the federal No Child Left Behind Act’s benchmarks for success have continued to climb, many schools have struggled to meet the standards set for them. In Hawaii, less than half of the state’s students met last year’s federally mandated goals, according to preliminary 2012 Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) results released last month. Tribune-Herald.

Proposed rules to govern the recently created Public Lands Development Corp. are “fundamentally flawed,” Sierra Club Hawaii Chapter officials said in an email sent to members last month. West Hawaii Today.

Pahoa residents could be getting a supermarket and more with a proposed new shopping center. Tribune-Herald.

Pahala Public and School Library on the Big Island has adjusted its public service schedule temporarily due to a staffing shortage. KHON2.

Maui

Prices of single-family homes in Maui County jumped by 24 percent in July, while sales declined, according to the Realtors Association of Maui. Pacific Business News.

Democratic challengers for the 10th House District seat, Edward Kaahui and Angus McKelvey, agree that West Maui's main thoroughfare, Honoapiilani Highway, is in dire need of improvement. Maui News.

Maui County Council Member Riki Hokama was elected recently as the second vice president of the National Association of Counties at its annual conference in Pittsburgh. Maui News.

The state’s Na Ala Hele Trails and Access Program will launch a new guided hike program at Maui’s Haleakala Ranch this weekend. Maui Now.

Kauai

A year after a major brush fire burned Weliweli homes, residents are concerned that the brush needs to be maintained to prevent another fire. Garden Island.

A road closure due to a traffic accident and a pavement resurfacing project brought traffic in Lihu‘e to a near standstill Monday afternoon. Garden Island.

Twelve Canadians from four different provinces and a team leader picked up where the Kaua‘i Board of Realtors left off at the Kaua‘i Habitat for Humanity’s Anahola house sites. Garden Island.

Artificial reefs mulled, Gabbard has big lead over Hannemann in new poll, churches continue civil union battle, foreclosure laws under the microscope, Hilo astronomers cheer Mars landing, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii reef scientist (c) 2012 All Hawaii News

Hawaii's natural resources chief wants to increase fishing and diving opportunities while fighting the effects of climate change. The plan? Dump tons of scrap concrete into the ocean to make artificial reefs. Civil Beat.

Tulsi Gabbard has opened up a decisive 49 percent to 29 percent lead in the bid for Hawaii's 2nd Congressional District, over the more experienced Hannemann with many early votes already cast and the Aug. 11 primary just days away, according to The Civil Beat Poll.

Two Oahu churches have resumed their federal court challenge to Hawaii civil union laws, even though state lawmakers this year passed legislation exempting churches under certain conditions from renting their facilities for civil union ceremonies. Star-Advertiser.

The Legislature overhauled the state foreclosure law in 2011 and passed further changes during its latest session, but a main architect of the reform wants to revisit the legislation, specifically to address publishing requirements for foreclosure notices. Star-Advertiser.

RCO Hawaii LLLC, a law firm that successfully lobbied to loosen Hawaii's foreclosure notice publication requirements last legislative session, has ties to a mainland attorney accused of inflating the cost of foreclosure notices. Star-Advertiser.

State lawmakers considered but ultimately rejected a proposal to switch to an online-only system for foreclosure notices, state Rep. Bob Herkes said. Star-Advertiser.

The crew and operations of Hawaii Life Flight, which provides air ambulance services in the Islands, will be showcased in a new documentary series on The Weather Channel starting in September. Pacific Business News.

State roundup for August 6. Associated Press.

Oahu

Hawaiian Electric Co. and the Army are moving ahead with the development of a 50-megawatt biofuels power plant at Schofield Barracks. Pacific Business News.

With the primary election a week away, officials are making sure that the voting equipment is working properly. Hawaii News Now.

A Department of Health emergency response team has been assigned to assess the environmental impact of a  battery storage fire in Kahuku. The 9,000 square foot warehouse owned by First Wind burned early Wednesday morning. KITV4.

Water service investigator Scotty Sugi­yama placed a microphone on a water meter in Royal Kunia last week and heard the telltale hiss of a leaking underground pipe through his headphones as the never-ending war on broken water mains and dripping pipes continues across the island this hot summer. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii

As the first image from the Red Planet arrived to an ecstatic crowd of engineers in Mission Control, another crowd beneath the planetarium dome at the ‘Imiloa Astronomy Center in Hilo gave a more muted reaction. Tribune-Herald.

A new nonprofit organization is taking on the difficult task of making Hawaii Island hearts healthier. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaii County now has 24 acres to turn into a district park in Waimea. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Maui County Council members gave final approval Friday to budget bills to make available $2.71 million to purchase 100 acres in Waikapu for a county consolidated baseyard project. Maui News.

The agribusiness sector of Alexander & Baldwin, which is mostly Hawaiian & Commercial Sugar Co. on Maui, logged an operating profit of $7 million for the second quarter, down $1.5 million from the April to June period last year. Maui News.

The severe weather is taking a toll on businesses that rely on rainfall and a Maui company is watching its profits dry up. Hawaii News Now.

A new green, sustainably designed cafeteria project will be blessed at Lahainaluna High School in West Maui today. Maui Today.

Kauai

Two days of capacity crews saw three houses in Anahola’s Pi‘ilani Mai Ke Kai subdivision emerge from the red dirt during the Kaua‘i Habitat for Humanity Build-a-thon Garden Island.

Hannemann, Gabbard fight for Hawaii's 2nd Congressional District, Family Forum, Catholic conference pay for lobbying violations, big earnings for HECO, new biofuel deal for Aina Koa Pono, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Tulsi Gabbard, Mufi Hannemann (c) 2012 All Hawaii News

The Democratic race in the 2nd Congressional District is boiling down to whether neighbor island and rural Oahu voters prefer a seasoned politico in former Mayor Mufi Hannemann or the newer face of city Councilwoman and Iraq War veteran Tulsi Gabbard. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Family Forum and the Hawaii Catholic Conference have filed new and revised spending reports with the state Ethics Commission and will pay a total of $3,000 to the state general fund to resolve complaints about their lobbying activity. Star-Advertiser.

Monumental Dispute: Case, Lingle Tangle Over Papahanaumokuakea. Civil Beat.

Each legislative session, since 1986, PAYCHECKS HAWAII, the independent non-partisan, political action affiliate of Smart Business Hawaii (created in 1984), rates each of Hawaii’s 76 state legislators (51 House and 25 Senate). Hawaii Reporter.

Council on Revenues Retains 5.3% General Fund Forecast. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaiian Electric Industries Inc.'s earnings rose sharply in the second quarter, largely reflecting the timing of a rate increase at its main utility subsidiary that wasn't in effect for the comparable quarter a year earlier. Star-Advertiser.

A new report sheds some light on solar energy, one of the fastest growing industries in the state. Installed capacity in Hawaii rose from 25 megawatts in 2009 to more than 85 megawatts in 2011 and is forecast to reach nearly 150 megawatts by the end of this year, according to the Institute for Local Self-Reliance, a nonprofit research and educational organization that has offices in Washington D.C. and Minnesota. Pacific Business News.

A federal district court judge ordered the state to allow two women to marry their fiancés, who are incarcerated at the Saguaro Correctional Facility in Arizona, according to the ACLU of Hawaii. KITV4.


Karen Street was getting a touch of cold feet when she was first named chairwoman of the new Hawaii Public Charter School Commission, the body standing at the helm of reforms to the state’s 32 charter schools. Star-Advertiser.


Oahu

The Transportation Security Administration is paying a financial settlement to Glen Kajiyama, the former federal security director in charge of TSA operations at Honolulu International Airport who was one of 36 TSA employees fired in a baggage screening scandal last year. Hawaii News Now.


A couple of months after closing, the Haleiwa Farmers Market is getting ready to reopen Thursday at a new location, the Pikake Pavilion and nearby lawn in Waimea Valley. Star-Advertiser.

Aina Koa Pono courtesy photo

Hawaii

Hawaiian Electric Co.'s Hawaii island subsidiary has submitted a new proposal to buy locally produced liquid biofuel for electricity generation after a previous plan was rejected by regulators as being too expensive. Star-Advertiser.

Aina Koa Pono, the renewable energy company that plans to build a plant in Ka‘u, has reached a biofuel supply agreement with Hawaii Electric Light Co. and is asking the Public Utilities Commission to approve the contract. Tribune-Herald.

State regulators rejected the first biofuel contract. But Aina Koa Pono is back with a new proposal to provide 16 million gallons of biofuel a year to Hawaii Electric Light Co. on the Big Island. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Electric Light Co. said Thursday that it has asked the Hawaii Public Utilities Commission to approve a new biofuel supply contract with Aina Koa Pono LLC. Pacific Business News.

Mayor Billy Kenoi has so far spent almost half a million dollars to hold onto Hawaii County’s top office, a full $135,911 more than he spent campaigning for what was then an open seat in the 2008 primary election. West Hawaii Today.

Puna voters have a history of taking out their frustrations on their County Council representatives. Tribune-Herald.

A first-of-its-kind conference drew big names and experts Thursday to the Sheraton Keauhou Bay Resort and Spa, where they shared views on sustainability and the power of the local economy. Speakers also stressed the importance of humility and community matters. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

The master-planned Olowalu Town project gained key support from a Maui County Council committee Thursday that will allow the 600-acre development to move forward. Maui News.

Rep. Gil Keith-Agaran, who is seeking re-election to the state House District 9 seat, has out-raised and out-spent his opponent, longtime Maui County Council Member Joe Pontanilla. Maui News.

Maui County's accounting system administrator has been named deputy director of the state Department of Accounting and General Services. Maui News.

Kauai

The Kaua‘i County Office of the Prosecuting Attorney’s offender diversionary program was cleared this week of wrongdoing by special outside counsel. Garden Island.

If the Kaua‘i County Council approves a recommendation from its Public Safety Committee, it may get a bit costlier to have a home or residential alarm system, as a $150 permit and an annual renewal fee of $50 are being considered. Garden Island.

Chief Judge Randal Valenciano of the 5th Circuit Court recused himself Thursday from a condemnation case brought by the County of Kaua‘i against Hanalei boatyard owner Michael Sheehan. Garden Island.

The Kekaha lifeguard tower was moved approximately 25 feet inland Thursday morning. Garden Island.

Lanai

David Murdock has sold his Hawaiian island, but he’s keeping his seven-bedroom Lanai home, a woodworking shop containing koa furniture, two carved elephant tusks in a resort lobby, and 1,000 rare orchid plants. Associated Press.

Green sea turtle moves closer to dinner plate, fire sets back Oahu's First Wind, RIMPAC pau, Hawaii mayor's geothermal vetoes stand, documents outline Murdock-Ellison Lanai deal, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Green sea turtle (c) 2012 All Hawaii News

Federal officials will conduct a worldwide review to see whether Hawaii's green sea turtles should be classified as a population separate from other green sea turtles — an action that could result in removing Hawaii's turtles' protection as a "threatened species." Star-Advertiser.

A decision from researchers in Hawai`i could potentially change the protected status of green sea turtles around the world. Hawaii Public Radio.

honu green sea turtle (c) 2012 All Hawaii News

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Fisheries Service announced Wednesday it will work with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to conduct a global status review of green turtles, which have been listed under the federal Endangered Species Act since 1978. KITV4.

Hawaiian sea turtles (leatherback, loggerhead and green) seem to have a target on their backs these days. Civil Beat.

On summer nights, female green sea turtles, or honu, make their way to the beach they were born on about 30 years before. Molokai Dispatch.

Mufi Hannemann, the former Honolulu mayor, may well pull off a win in the race for the Congrssional District 2 seat Civil Beat.

Tulsi Gabbard is trying to make political hay out of pay-to-play and leaving it to voters to find the connection to Mufi Hannemann, her main opponent in the 2nd Congressional District Democratic primary. Civil Beat.

Rim of the Pacific exercises went out with a bang. Ten amphibious assault vehicles launched from the USS Essex churned through the surf Wednesday and came ashore at Pyramid Rock Beach at Marine Corps Base Hawaii at Kaneohe Bay. Star-Advertiser.

The Gas Co. has changed its brand to HawaiiGas to better reflect its identity in Hawaii’s energy community, the company said Wednesday. Pacific Business News.

State roundup for August 2. Associated Press.

Oahu

Oahu's only large-scale wind farm was shut down indefinitely Wednesday after a stubborn fire destroyed the Kahuku facility's battery system that transfers power from 12 giant turbines to the electrical grid. Star-Advertiser.

The Pacific Resource Partnership, which supports the city's rail project, has spent more than $1 million since January on political advocacy with most of the money used to attempt to influence the mayoral election. Star-Advertiser.

The Pacific Resource Partnership poured nearly $900,000 into this year’s Honolulu mayoral race, much of it on negative advertising that targeted pro-rail candidate Ben Cayetano, according to spending figures disclosed today. Hawaii Reporter.

Honolulu mayoral candidate Ben Cayetano has raised $951,000 since the campaign began, compared to $875,000 for Kirk Caldwell and $662,000 for Peter Carlisle. Civil Beat.

What began as a fight over the Honolulu Rail became a raging battle over environmental regulation, which in turn became an all-out political war over land and power. Honolulu Weekly.

Two former Democratic legislators hope to fill the 19th House District seat held by longtime Republican legislator Barbara Marumoto, who is not seeking re-election. Star-Advertiser.

The Honolulu Police Department's new mobile command vehicle is 65-feet long and costs just over $1.5 million. Hawaii News Now.

Organizers announced Wednesday the farmers market will now be held at Waimea Valley and no longer on Sundays. KHON2.

A seal that would normally live in waters around the Aleutian Islands and California has shown up thousands of miles away on an Oahu beach, officials said Wednesday. Associated Press.

Hawaii

The Hawaii County Council failed to override Mayor Billy Kenoi’s vetoes of bills relating to geothermal energy. Tribune-Herald.

County Clerk Jamae Kawauchi on Wednesday assured Hawaii County voters the election is under control, even as the attorney for fired Elections Administrator Pat Nakamoto said his client should be reinstated immediately to ensure voting goes off without a hitch. West Hawaii Today.

With less than two weeks until the primary election, Hawaii County Clerk’s Office is sorting through between 50 and 60 duplicate voter registrations to ensure that this time the one person, one vote rule prevails. Tribune-Herald.

County Clerk Jamae Kawauchi told reporters today that a review of the Big Island’s voter registry turned up irregularities, but nothing that should have an impact on the upcoming primary election. Big Island Now.

Hawaii’s attorney general is fighting back against a recent decision by a Big Island judge that critics say weakens the power of the state to hold developers to their promises. Civil Beat.

Maui

The developer of the master-planned Olowalu Town project in West Maui says the area is bound for development whether or not the Maui County Council places the 600-acre project within the island's urban growth boundaries. Maui News.

Tree thieves have chain sawed to stumps about 25 milo trees at Kanaha Beach Park in the past three to four months, and county officials and tree experts suspect the logs are being used for wood carvings. Maui News.

Kauai

A bill proposing to ban all tobacco products in county parks almost turned into a resolution weeks ago, which would take away its enforcement component. Rather, the bill was sent back to committee and now has morphed into an anti-smoking bill. Garden Island.

As part of an ongoing community outreach effort, Mayor Bernard P. Carvalho Jr. has announced the dates for his next round of community meetings to be held in August. Garden Island.

Lanai

When billionaire David Murdock sold much of the island of Lanai to fellow billionaire Larry Ellison earlier this year, public documents made it clear that Murdock retained the right to develop a controversial wind farm that has been proposed for the island. Civil Beat.

Although the sale price of Lanai, estimated at upwards of $500 million, has never been revealed, a sales agreement filed recently with the Hawaii Public Utilities Commission offers new details of what former owner David Murdock is keeping in his possession. Pacific Business News.

UPW touts candidates on taxpayer dime, people voted twice in Hawaii County 2010 election, Lingle raises big bucks, Hannemann lends campaign money, House vice speaker cleared of spending charges, swine flu on Maui, Hawaiian language project ends, newspaper admits major gaffe, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

UPW courtesy photo

Some 538 Hawaii County employees and their state counterparts over the past few weeks were sent to two-hour “educational and informational meetings” on the taxpayers’ dime, where a union-endorsed lineup of candidates made their case for election. West Hawaii Today.

Former Gov. Linda Lingle raised more than $171,950 during the first three weeks of July in her Republican campaign for U.S. Senate, bringing her total to $4.4 million overall. Star-Advertiser.

Former Honolulu Mayor Mufi Hannemann has loaned himself $150,000 to help beat back Honolulu City Councilwoman Tulsi Gabbard in their Democratic primary for Congress. Star-Advertiser.

Mufi Hannemann contributed $150,000 of his own money to make up a fundraising gap against Tulsi Gabbard with just weeks left in the Democratic primary likely to determine the newest member of Hawaii's congressional delegation. Civil Beat.

Congressional candidates Tulsi Gabbard and Esther Ki'iana, both Democrats competing for the open Congressional District 2 seat, are taking advantage of the county's early voting opportunity on Tuesday. Hawaii Reporter.

Hawaii residents assuming they'll be voting Aug. 11 at the same place as two years ago might think again. Star-Advertiser.

The Campaign Spending Commission has cleared House Vice Speaker Joey Manahan of wrongdoing in an inquiry about reimbursements Mana­han claimed from his campaign fund to cover the cost of food and beverage. Star-Advertiser.

A volunteer effort to type thousands of pages of Hawaiian-language newspapers has ended, but organizers hope the project can move forward in preserving the language and culture. Associated Press.

Propelled by summer gains, especially on Oahu and Maui, Hawaii's hotel industry set a record for revenue in the first six months of 2012. Star-Advertiser.

Although the seagoing part of RIMPAC gets the most attention, more than 200 aircraft are part of the airborne orchestral ensemble in the 23rd iteration of RIMPAC, and they are being used in some interesting ways. Star-Advertiser.

State roundup for August 1. Associated Press.

Oahu

Last month, the Honolulu City Council voted to spend $345,000 to resolve a discrimination complaint by former Honolulu police officer Jared Chong. Civil Beat.

Two senior Democratic State Senators are facing off in the Primary Election because of Reapportionment. Hawaii Public Radio.

The Hawaii Kai neighborhood board is throwing the spotlight on a plan to develop prime land acoss from Maunalua Bay with Foodland as a possible anchor tenant. KITV4.

A Honolulu businesswoman who shut down her home health care service a year ago, owing millions of dollars in federal and state taxes, has opened a new business doing beach weddings in Waimanalo. Star-Advertiser.

Las Vegas-style slot machines that gave out cash prizes have disappeared from Tilt stores on Oahu — at least temporarily. Civil Beat.

The amount of rail jobs is growing and rail contractors are looking to hire. Hawaii News Now.

Hundreds of Hawaii seniors receive shelter and outreach assistance from the state's homeless program each year. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii

Several Hawaii County voters voted twice in the 2010 elections and some people were registered more than once in the county Elections Office database, Hawaii County Clerk Jamae Kawauchi revealed Tuesday. West Hawaii Today.

An audit of Hawaii County’s registered voter rolls found four people voted twice in 2010 elections and between 50 and 60 people were registered more than once, County Clerk Jamae Kawauchi said Tuesday. Associated Press.

Hawaii County Elections clerk Jamae Kawauchi on Tuesday dispelled rumors that the Federal Bureau of Investigation was looking into allegations of voter fraud on the Big Island. Civil Beat.

After a week of not responding to reporters' inquiries as well as calls from state elections and political campaign officials, Hawaii County Clerk Jamae Kawauchi told reporters at the State Capitol Tuesday why she closed her office in Hilo for a day last week and went to the state Attorney General's office. Hawaii News Now.

Last week, in a highly unusual move, Big Island County Clerk Jamae Kawauchi shut down her the Hilo office for a day, she said, to do an audit of the county's voter registration list. KITV4.

The state Attorney General's office is reviewing allegations of duplicate voting on the Big Island. KHON2.

The County Elections Division is not re-sending 101,728 yellow cards to registered voters. Tribune-Herald staff writer Hunter Bishop erroneously reported in a front-page story in the July 26 edition that all of the yellow cards — which are labeled “Notice of Voter Registration and Address Confirmation” — would be re-sent. Tribune-Herald.

Although seven names will appear on the ballot Aug. 11, the race for Big Island mayor is expected to come down to the top three candidates with the most name recognition – incumbent Billy Kenoi, Council Chairman Dominic Yagong, and former mayor and civil defense director Harry Kim. KITV4.

Maui

An adult Maui resident who works with pigs contracted Hawaii's first confirmed case of an unusual variant flu strain that has been detected in six mainland states in the last year, the state Health Department said Tuesday. Star-Advertiser.

A Maui resident who works with pigs contracted a rare form of the flu. KHON2.

Local and federal officials are investigating a confirmed H3N2v flu case in an adult patient on Maui. Maui Now.

The technology that federal investigators relied on to document crime scenes like the Oklahoma City federal building bombing, the 9/11 plane crash in Shanksville, Pa., and sniper attacks in Washington, D.C., is being used by Maui police officers, who mapped simulated crash and crime scenes in Kahului last week. Maui News.

Efforts to build a new Kihei high school, which has come up in the swirling debate over the planned Maui Outlets and Piilani Promenade, is moving along, with the land purchased and the state Department of Education looking at a public-private partnership to build it, said state Sen. Roz Baker last week. Maui News.

Kauai

For the first time this year, and less than two weeks before the primary elections, the six Democratic candidates for Hawai‘i’s 2nd Congressional District at the U.S. House of Representatives participated in a forum on Kaua‘i. Garden Island.

Starting Wednesday, the four HI-5 bottle redemption centers operated by Kaua‘i Community Recycling Services (KCRS) will be closed because of fiscal issues. Garden Island.

Hawaii Gov. Abercrombie job approval up, IBEW lawsuit airs internal union workings, early voting begins, Pearl Harbor looks good to military, Maui mayor visiting Taiwan, Kauai rates landfill sites, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Gov. Neil Abercrombie file photo

Gov. Neil Abercrombie's job approval rating has climbed to 43 percent, up from 39 percent in February. Star-Advertiser.

Walk-in early voting began across the state Monday as election officials warned voters to expect lots of changes because of redistricting. Hawaii News Now.

U.S. Senate candidates Mazie Hirono and Linda Lingle are already focusing on each other, even though each has yet to win her respective primary. Civil Beat.

With just days until Hawaii's August 11 primary, Congresswoman Mazie Hirono, D-Hawaii, continued to miss voting on key measures so she can fundraise and campaign for the seat left open by the retirement of U.S. Senator Daniel Akaka, D-Hawaii. Hawaii Reporter.

Murder for hire, nepotism and lavish spending are central plots in a recent whisteblower lawsuit filed against the top administrator of one of Honolulu’s labor unions. Civil Beat.

Hawaii’s request for flexibility from some requirements of the No Child Left Behind law would use multiple measures to determine how schools are progressing. Associated Press.

Honolulu-based Matson Inc. said Monday that it has formed a philanthropic foundation that plans to give $1 million per year to nonprofit and community organizations in Hawaii, Guam and the Mainland. Pacific Business News.

A scientist who helped build public interest and research about the preservation of humpback whales has died. Star-Advertiser.

State roundup for July 31. Associated Press.

Oahu

A new study on U.S. military forces in the Pacific recommends placing another three-ship amphibious ready group in the region — possibly in Hawaii — in addition to the 2,700 extra Marines already moving here. Star-Advertiser.

An innovative hydrogen production and vehicle fueling station jointly developed by the military and the state of Hawaii over the past six years is ready for prime time. Star-Advertiser.

The Hawaii Kai Neighborhood Board will vet a controversial development proposal on Tuesday night by Kamehameha Schools to build a strip mall on a 4.5 acre property on Kalanianaole Highway, just across the street from popular Maunalua Bay. Hawaii Reporter.

Former state Sen. Ron Menor is the biggest name in a field of four candidates vying for far-flung Hono­lulu City Council District 9, which runs from Mililani Town to Ewa Beach. Star-Advertiser.

The Primary Election is less than 2 weeks away and three Early Voting Sites were opened today on O’ahu. Hawaii Public Radio.

Every student gets an iPad; that's the goal of an Oahu school. KHON2.

The City and County of Honolulu’s Department of Environmental Services has six major sewer projects in August that may impact roadways and traffic on Oahu. KITV4.

Hawaii

The Hawaii County Council is taking on vetoes of geothermal bills on Wednesday. West Hawaii Today.

With no Republican challengers, the Aug. 11 primary election race between current Democratic state Rep. Mark Nakashima and challenger Noralyn Pajimola will dictate who takes the state House District 1 seat to speak for East Hawaii residents along the Hamakua Coast between Hilo and Waipio. Tribune-Herald.

The voting registration problems and a probe into possible voter fraud in Hawaii County have illustrated a potential problem: county voting officials do not have to answer to the state. Hawaii News Now.

Hilo voters ready to cast their ballots, did so Monday. KITV4.

Council Chairman Dominic Yagong is calling for patience as County Elections officials sort out apparent discrepancies in the county voter registration database. KPUA.

Maui

Maui Mayor Alan Arakawa has been selected as part of a small delegation of mayors that is visiting Taiwan to promote economic and cultural exchange with the US. Maui Now.

Restauranteur Bob Longhi died early Monday afternoon at Maui Memorial Medical Center after suffering a heart attack early Friday morning, said his son Peter Longhi. Maui News.

Kauai
County officials announced late Monday afternoon the release of the new siting study report which places Ma‘alo at the top of a list including eight potential sites for the island’s next landfill. Garden Island.

An assistant professor at University of Hawai‘i at Manoa recently told federal lawmakers the steadily increasing surface air temperature in Hawai‘i is causing reduced cloud cover and a 15 percent decline in rainfall, UH reported Friday. Garden Island.

Neighbor Island newspapers endorse Case for U.S. Senate, Honolulu voters oppose rail, Big Island elections office in cross-hairs, Marines won't up training on Molokai, teachers squabble over contract, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Ed Case, Audrey Case (c) 2012 All Hawaii News

West Hawaii Today endorses Ed Case for U.S. Senate. West Hawaii Today.

Maui News endorses Ed Case for U.S. Senate. Maui News.

Mazie Hirono

Voters on five islands will be able to cast ballots before the Aug. 11 primary election at walk-in voting sites that open today. Star-Advertiser.

Former Honolulu Mayor Mufi Hannemann holds a 43 percent-to-33 percent lead over City Councilwoman Tulsi Gabbard in the Demo­cratic primary for the U.S. House 2nd District seat, the latest Hawaii Poll shows. Star-Advertiser.

With less than two weeks before the primary election, the poll results are in for both congressional districts of the U.S. House. Hawaii News Now.

Call them Generation Dan — a crop of leaders that have been waiting in the wings until either Daniel K. Inouye or Daniel Akaka leave office. Civil Beat.

Wednesday is the last day for noncandidate committees and corporations to file their fundraising and expenditure reports covering the first seven months of 2012. Civil Beat.

The chairman of Gov. Neil Abercrombie’s political campaign is running a “public-private partnership” with Abercrombie’s office that is soliciting $1.3 million from health care companies for what the governor calls the “Hawaii Healthcare Transformation Initiative.” Hawaii Reporter.

A Hawaii island kiawe forest, a Wai­ma­nalo golf course and farmland on the Ewa Plain are the first pursuits of a quasi-public state agency created last year to optimize the use of state lands and revenue from them. Star-Advertiser.

The new school year starts on Monday and teachers will be heading back to their classrooms without a new contract. Hawaii News Now.

Chief negotiator Neil Dietz delivered another rejection to Hawaii State Teachers Association President Wil Okabe in a letter Wednesday. Civil Beat.

The state is proposing to overhaul its accountability system for schools, putting less weight on the results of a single annual test and instead using multiple measures — from the year-to-year academic growth of students to graduation rates — to determine how schools are progressing. Star-Advertiser.

State lawmakers gave the Board of Education a direct order last year: Monitor the Hawaii Department of Education for compliance with rules governing bullying and establish reporting requirements. Civil Beat.

A controversial new rule that requires boat operators to complete a safety course to operate power-driven vessels in state waters was approved Friday by the Board of Land and Natural Resources. Maui News.

Groups focused on climate change say the knowledge of ancient cultures and indigenous people needs to be included, to provide the greatest opportunities for adaptation. Hawaii Public Radio.

Oahu
Despite extensive election-year advertising and campaigning to convince the public of the benefits of the $5.26 billion Hono­lulu rail project, only 44 percent of Oahu residents believe work on it should continue, according to a new Hawaii Poll. Star-Advertiser.

The campaign for Honolulu mayor appears to be a race for second place, with former Gov. Ben Cayetano a clear favorite heading into the Aug. 11 primary, according to a new Hawaii Poll. Star-Advertiser.

A Windward Oahu primary election race could turn out to be a referendum on the Demo­cratic leadership of the state House. Star-Advertiser.

Huge cranes dominate the skyline of the University of Hawaii at Manoa this summer as the campus undergoes $137.5 million worth of construction and renovation. Star-Advertiser.

Nevada-based Blue Earth Inc. has acquired the rights to a 497-kilowatt solar farm in West Oahu. Pacific Business News.

Honolulu says contractors will perform archaeological studies this week near Pearl Harbor, the airport, and Kakaako.Associated Press.

State and federal officials plan to meet residents to discuss upcoming plans to clean up former sugar plantation soil in what is now a Kauai residential neighborhood. Associated Press.

An underground sewer tunnel the city is proposing to build in Windward Oahu is facing some stiff opposition. KHON2.

Hawaii

Hawaii County Clerk Jamae Kawauchi has asked the state Attorney General’s Office to help sort out apparent discrepancies in the county voter registration database. West Hawaii Today.

Hawaii County Council Chair Dominic Yagong defended the County Clerk's actions following concerns about apparent discrepancies in voter registration rolls. KITV4.

In this election, Big Island voters will decide which direction the Hawaii County mayor will take over the next four years. Tribune-Herald.

Of the three lawyers running to be county prosecutor, one describes himself as “the law-and-order candidate,” another as “a community-oriented prosecutor,” while the third said he was blessed with “the spiritual gift of discernment.” Tribune-Herald.

Maui

The county Board of Variances & Appeals on Friday dismissed an appeal of Maui County's issuance of grading permits for the planned Maui Outlets and Piilani Promenade shopping complexes in Kihei. Maui News.

Kauai

There were significantly more Japan and Canada visitor arrivals to Kaua‘i this June than last June and they, along with all other visitors, spent considerably more on the island than last June. Garden Island.

The Hawai‘i Department of Transportation has budgeted more than $136 million for Kaua‘i roads. Garden Island.

Molokai

After receiving opposition from residents as well as state and federal agencies, the U.S. Marine Corps says it won’t increase training activity in the Kalaupapa settlement. Molokai Dispatch.

Hawaii's largest newspaper endorses Hirono for U.S. Senate, rail transit defines Honolulu mayoral race, tourism, economy ticking upward, Hawaii County clerk investigates voter fraud, Kauai electric co-op celebrates, Colt Brennan arrested, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Mazie Hirono campaign photo

Former U.S. Rep. Ed Case took an assertive tack Thursday night in the final debate with U.S. Rep. Mazie Hirono before the Demo­cratic primary for U.S. Senate, casting Hirono as a fringe liberal who considers the federal budget deficit "an inconvenience." Star-Advertiser.

Ed Case and Mazie Hirono traded jabs and took every opportunity to outline the differences between them in their only major televised debate before the August 11 primary election. Hawaii News Now.

Case Versus Hirono, But Lingle's In the Mix. Civil Beat.

Ed and Audrey Case (c) 2012 All Hawaii News

Ed Case and Mazie Hirono had no one to focus on but each other. KITV4.

Honolulu Star-Advertiser endorses Mazie Hirono for U.S. Senate. Star-Advertiser.

EMILY's List, a political action committee based in Washington, D.C., this week spent $121,600 to air a commercial endorsing 2nd Congressional District candidate Tulsi Gabbard. Civil Beat.

University of Hawaii economists are predicting Hawaii’s economy will grow 2.4 percent next year as more tourists visit the islands and the travelers who come spend more. Associated Press.

State roundup for July 27. Associated Press.

Oahu

Primary voters on Oahu could decide the fate of the city’s $5.26 billion rail project. Star-Advertiser.

Supporters of Ben Cayetano on Thursday launched a round of radio ads aimed at Pacific Resources Partnership and its executive director, John White, defending themselves against the pro-rail group’s ad campaign opposed to the former governor’s mayoral campaign based on killing the city’s rail project. Star-Advertiser.

Rail Makes Caldwell The Man In The Middle. Civil Beat.

Former University of Hawaii quarterback Colt Brennan is facing possible drug and drunken-driving charges following his arrest late Wednesday in Kailua. Star-Advertiser.

Police responded Thursday afternoon, following an outburst by Councilman Tom Berg during a public hearing. KITV4.

Democratic primary voters will have to choose between two longtime state legislators who suddenly find themselves battling one another to represent the new state Senate 11th District seat covering Makiki, Tantalus and Manoa. Star-Advertiser.

It's hard to find a vacant spot on Waikiki Beach or a beachfront hotel with available rooms since June ushered in the best summer season that Hawaii's visitor industry has seen in about five years. Star-Advertiser.

The number of homeless people living on the streets of Honolulu has remained level, while more people are getting help at shelters, according to an annual count released Thursday by the city. Star-Advertiser.

The first Affordable Housing Project in Wai’anae opened a year ago and has been full ever since. Hawaii Public Radio.

An opossum turned up Wednesday in a trap set for feral cats near Sand Island. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii

A possible voter fraud case on the Big Island is the subject of an investigation, a law enforcement source told Hawaii News Now Thursday. Hawaii News Now.

The Hawaii County Elections Division will send out new voter information cards to nearly 175 voters because of a ZIP code error, County Clerk Jamae Kawauchi said Thursday in a news release. Star-Advertiser.

The state’s top election officer has sent a letter to the official in charge of Hawai`i County’s Elections Division saying he is concerned that her recent actions may have shaken the public’s confidence in the upcoming primary election. Big Island Now.

County offices in both Hilo and Kona are now closed to new building permit applications a half-day a week to help Public Works clerks clear up backlogs. West Hawaii Today.

Hawaii’s tourism economy is on pace for a record-breaking year in 2012 with double-digit increases in visitor arrivals and expenditures through June. Tribune-Herald.

Residents from Wainaku up through the Hamakua Coast have a few fresh faces to choose from in this year’s Hawaii County Council District 1 contest. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaii County has awarded a $6.4 million contract to ABHE and Svodoba Inc. for reinforcing the Reed’s Island bridge. Tribune-Herald.

Governor Neil Abercrombie has released $14 million in airport revenue bonds to finance an incomplete Capital Improvement Project at the Hilo International Airport. KHON2.

Maui

State Rep. Mele Carroll, who represents East Maui, Molokai, Lanai and Kahoolawe, has been flagged for again failing to report campaign contributions and expenses on time. Maui News.

Democratic candidates for the South Maui 11th House District seat expressed opposition Tuesday night to Eclipse Development's work on two mega-malls in Kihei, with one candidate taking some flak for seeking to accommodate anticipated heavy traffic and for not opposing the projects outright. Maui News.

Olive Garden and Trader Joe’s, two of the most talked-about national brands that have yet to enter the Hawaii market, could be among the mix of retailers and restaurants to open at a large retail development under development on Maui. Pacific Business News.

The Maui County Council's General Plan Committee will meet earlier than scheduled to continue deliberating on proposed growth boundaries for West Maui. Maui News.

Kauai

The Kaua‘i Island Utility Cooperative celebrated its 10th anniversary by outlining its accomplishments during the year and anticipating its coming year, Thursday before about 200 members who attended the annual membership meeting at the Kaua‘i Community College Performing Arts Center. Garden Island.

A Lihu‘e postal worker was arrested Wednesday on a federal complaint related to selling unregistered guns that were shipped through the U.S. Postal Service, a Department of Justice press release states. Garden Island.