Hawaii beefing Marine presence, map opponents file election injunction, religious exemptions for civil unions mulled, new high in medical marijuana permits, Puna residents oppose geothermal, Kauai utility considers opt-out of smart meters, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Marines at Pohakaloa Training Area Hawaii (c) 2012 All Hawaii News

The U.S. will move more than 2,500 Marines from Japan to Hawaii — a more than 20 percent increase in the islands — as the Pentagon scales back a $21.1 billion blueprint for Guam, U.S. Sen. Daniel K. Ino­uye confirmed Tuesday. Star-Advertiser.

It looks like 2,700 more Marines may be on their way to Hawaii as the Pentagon scales back a $21.1 billion plan to move troops from Okinawa to Guam. Pacific Business News.

The U.S. military is expected to announce it will transfer up to 2,700 Marines from the Japanese prefecture of Okinawa to Hawaii, Gov. Neil Abercrombie said Tuesday. Associated Press.

Hours before any formal announcement from Washington, the offices of Gov. Neil Abercrombie and Sen. Dan Inouye said the Pentagon intends to move about 2,700 Marines from Okinawa to Hawaii. Hawaii News Now.

The military is expected to announce plans to transfer up to 2700 Marines from Japan to Hawaii. KHON2.

The top members of the Senate Armed Services Committee voiced concern Tuesday over an imminent U.S.-Japan agreement on reorganizing U.S. forces based on the southern island of Okinawa. More than 2,500 Marines would come to Hawaii under the plan. Associated Press.

Plaintiffs in a federal lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of the state's reapportionment plan on Monday filed a motion for preliminary injunction seeking to halt the upcoming election. Civil Beat.


A federal judge has issued a permanent injunction stopping the state from requiring that air cargo carriers charge customers a fee to help pay for efforts to protect the islands from invasive plant and animal species because state law conflicts with federal laws. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii lawmakers are considering a proposal to the state's civil unions law to allow religious organizations to deny use of their facilities for a solemnization ceremony. Civil Beat.

State lawmakers last night agreed to use the state general fund to support agricultural inspector positions, rather than using a special fund to supplement the associated costs.  Lawmakers say the move is expected to free up more funds for invasive species control. Maui Now.


State funding for school buses has been confirmed at the state Capitol tonight. KHON2.

With the state budget nearly settled, state lawmakers will consider how much to invest in new bond-financed state construction and whether to streamline permitting and procurement to get proj­ects started faster and help with economic recovery. Star-Advertiser.

A bill before the state Legislature could eliminate certification requirements for coffee that's grown in Hawaii. Associated Press.

Hawaii Politicians Received $2.2 Million in Illegal Campaign Contributions. Hawaii Reporter.

Hawaii Rep. James Tokioka

State Rep. James "Jimmy" Tokioka has voted nearly two dozen times on bills related to telecommunications, broadband and cable television in the 2012 Hawaii Legislature. Civil Beat.

In just more than nine months the number of medical marijuana permits issued in Hawaii jumped 27%. At the end of June, 2011 7,593 people held medical marijuana cards. By April 11, 2012 that number had climbed to 10,454. Hawaii News Now.

State roundup for April 25. Associated Press.

Oahu

Mayor Peter Carlisle's Advisory Committee on Landfill Site Selection ranked the 361-acre Ameron site, which is near the old Kailua landfill that was shut down after reaching capacity in the 1990s, ahead of locations in Nana­kuli and Kahuku. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu City Council Member Tom Berg (District 1 -'Ewa, Kapolei, Waianae Coast) is outraged the city administration has issued the rights to real estate acquisitions and other real estate related work along the designated rail route to a mainland firm. Hawaii Reporter.

A briefing prepared by the office of a Honolulu City Council member shows the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation may access a $450 million line of credit as it builds the city's controversial $5.3 billion elevated rail system. KITV4.

A more than 80 million dollar freeway project aims to shave time off the afternoon rush hour, but not without nearly a year's worth of road repairs. KHON2.

Several agencies are testing Tuesday if Hawaii's first responders are ready should an incident with weapons of mass destruction happen in the islands. KITV4.

People who live alongside Keaahala Stream couldn't believe their eyes when they looked at the water Tuesday morning. It was a blanket of white. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii

At a county council meeting attended by more than 300 people in Pahoa, the Pele Defense Fund and other geothermal opponents called for better monitoring of Pahoa’s geothermal plant, protested past leaks, and urged the council not to allow more facilities to be built on the Big Island. Tribune-Herald.

The Hawaii County Council held a special hearing on renewable energy development in Pahoa on Tuesday night – specifically, a hearing on geothermal development and expansion on Hawaii Island. Big Island Video News.

Ask someone on the Big Island about electricity prices and the conversation, inevitably, turns to geothermal. West Hawaii Today.

Shiny, black and quiet-running, Hawaii County’s five electric hybrid fleet vehicles will hit West Hawaii roads this week. West Hawaii Today.

Here on Hawaii Island, there’s only one choice for electricity. Residents must buy their power from Hawaii Electric Light Co. regardless of the energy price or quality of service — unless they’re living off the grid. West Hawaii Today.

In 1958, two Colorado businessmen bought over 12 thousand acres about a half hour south of Hilo on Hawai’i Island.  They created over four thousand lots and sold them for 500 to a thousand dollars each---they sold well, even with no infrastructure.  Today in Hawaiian Acres, few roads are paved, water is still by catchment, and the community has gone through a lot of changes. Hawaii Public Radio.

Maui

Almost a quarter of a million dollars that previously had been earmarked for the Wailuku Main Street Association would instead be available to a variety of local community groups for small-town planning projects, under a proposal by Mayor Alan Arakawa. Maui News.

Maui's nonprofit community members turned out Monday to ask the council Budget and Finance Committee to support their programs, hoping to retain - or gain - a slice of the funding proposed for county grants. Maui News.

Kauai

Federal and state conservation enforcement officials are investigating the death of a Hawaiian monk seal found Sunday in northeastern Kauai. Star-Advertiser.

The Kaua‘i Island Utility Cooperative board is considering an opt-out program for members who do not want smart meters installed on their property, but meanwhile will defer installation upon request, KIUC CEO David Bissell said Tuesday. Garden Island.

A decade ago, Kauai Island Utility Cooperative became the first utility in Hawaii to switch from private to public ownership — a process that took roughly 40 months. West Hawaii Today.

A message from All Hawaii News (commentary)

Merrie Monarch festival (c) 2012 All Hawaii News

There is a definite downside to being a solo daily news blogger.

For 884 weekdays over the past three-plus years, I have compiled the day's top government and political news and provided it here by 7:30 a.m. so you can begin your day in the know.
But sometimes, life intervenes and makes that task impossible.

Unfortunately, today is one of those days.

Circumstances beyond my control mean there will be no daily news update today, other than the automatic feeds running on top of and at the side of this space. I've also provided a photo from the Merrie Monarch parade for your enjoyment.

While you're here, feel free to throw a couple of bucks in the tip jar at the lower right. This blog doesn't accept advertisements, so the sponsors are the true lifeblood. 

Think of it as a mini-Pledge Week.

 By the way, I found this interesting article from LiveScience that says, "People want to do the right thing, paying more when given the option of getting something quite cheaply, a behavioral study indicates."
 
And never fear, All Hawaii News will be back tomorrow,
with all the top news from around the state that you've come to expect!

Mahalo for your support.

Aloha,

Nancy

'Exceptional' trees get tax breaks, Honolulu seeks $450M line of credit for rail, Green Party certified for state ballot, Kauai daily newspaper goes to 6-day schedule, Hilo newspaper hit with labor ruling, electric company makes big profits, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Mynah bird on African tulip tree (c) 2012 All Hawaii News

The focus of some ridicule is a state law that allows Hawaii residents to claim up to $3,000 in personal income tax deductions for qualified expenses related to maintaining "exceptional" trees on their private property. Star-Advertiser.

A proposal headed to the state Senate could help Hawaii double its locally grown food supply by 2020. Associated Press.

By weight, Hawaii’s honeybees may be the state’s most valuable export as farmers struggle to replenish bee populations suffering from colony collapse. Associated Press.

The Green Party of Hawaii announced that it has been certified to be included on Hawaii partisan election ballots. Tribune-Herald.

The Sierra Club Hawaii Chapter on Sunday endorsed U.S. Rep. Mazie Hirono for U.S. Senate, giving the congresswoman an edge in the environmental community to go with her support from labor unions and traditional Democrats. Star-Advertiser.

Consumer advocates are pushing Hawaii senators to pass a bill that excludes health insurer representatives from holding voting positions on a state board. Associated Press.


Cuts in the number of inspectors who check cargo and passengers entering Hawaii have some worried that more pests will get established in a state that is especially vulnerable because of its subtropical weather and few natural predators. Associated Press.

State roundup for April 23. Associated Press.


Oahu

The Navy wants to cover Ford Island's historic runway with photovoltaic panels — an addition the service said would "define and interpret" the original runway while providing environment-friendly power. Star-Advertiser.

Mayor Peter Carlisle's administration has formally asked the City Council to approve a $450 million city-backed line of credit that could be used to complete the rail line in the event of a "catastrophic, unforeseen event" that causes the project to run out of money. Star-Advertiser.

Construction of the elevated portion of Oahu's rail project starts Monday, as more groups step forward to support the City's transit plan in court. Hawaii News Now.

The city's $5.7 million, 500-day Waikiki sewer project has been backed up for a couple of months but is expected to get moving in May. Star-Advertiser.

Keeping Kakaako-makai free from residential development was the motivation behind a loud rally held earlier today in an effort to stop a bill that would allow high rises on one of Honolulu's last public oceanfront land. KITV4.

Honolulu Mayor Peter Carlisle’s landfill advisory committee has named a site in the Windward Oahu town of Kailua as the top choice for the location of a landfill to replace the Waimanalo Gulch Sanitary Landfill. Pacific Business News.

Honolulu’s monopoly newspaper has again slashed advertising rates in the face of new government objections to the charges as well as competition from a newcomer to the market. Hawaii Reporter.

Hawaii

An average Hawaii Electric Light Co. customer doles out around $225 every month for 500 to 600 kilowatt hours of electricity, a far cry from the nation’s average of $63 for the same usage. West Hawaii Today.

While the electric grid itself may not be operating at peak efficiency, shareholders in the investor-owned corporation aren’t feeling the pinch. West Hawaii Today.

Hawaii isn’t well-known for consumer advocacy, said Jack Gillis, public affairs director for the Consumer Federation of America. West Hawaii Today.

A federal appeals court on Friday upheld a National Labor Relations Board's decision that two reporters fired from a Hilo newspaper should be reinstated with back pay. Associated Press.

Maui

Today marks the 30th anniversary of the Maui Economic Development Board. Maui News.


Kauai

The Garden Island newspaper on Kauai will be combining its Friday and Saturday publications into a weekend edition starting May 4. Pacific Business News.

Construction is expected to begin during the second half of this year on a second Kaua‘i Safeway supermarket and retail center. Garden Island.

Meeting the demand of an increase in felony cases was among concerns expressed by Office of the Prosecuting Attorney staff members during a Kaua‘i County Council fiscal year 2013 budget hearing Friday. Garden Island.

Molokai

The Friendly Island will be well represented at the 35th annual Na Hoku Hanohano Awards. The Awards Show, hosted by the Hawaii Academy of Recording Arts (HARA), is an annual event held to celebrate “the connections between music, our culture, and the spirit of aloha,” according to their website. Molokai Dispatch.

Case-Hirono debates not so great, groups rally for solar energy tax credits, plastic bag fee, $3.2M award in Maui cliff death despite alcohol, marijuana use, state financial securities enforcer demoted after probe into his past, Hawaii councilors wonder whether tax hike was necessary, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Ed Case, Mazie Hirono

U.S. Rep. Mazie Hirono will appear with former U.S. Rep. Ed Case at five joint forums and debates before the Demo­cratic primary for U.S. Senate in August, but she agreed to only one televised forum and bypassed debates offered by the state's major news outlets. Star-Advertiser.

U.S. Rep. Mazie Hirono's decision not to accept any debates on major television networks has prompted her opponent to call the decision "an insult to Hawaii voters." Civil Beat.

After months of prodding from Congressman Ed Case (D-HI, 2002-2007), Congresswoman Mazie Hirono has finally agreed to debate him. Hawaii Reporter.

Mazie Hirono and Ed Case are at odds over the number of debates and joint appearances scheduled before the primary election in their race to succeed retiring U.S. Sen. Daniel Akaka. Hawaii News Now.

Congresswoman Mazie Hirono will participate in five debates with former Congressman Ed Case leading up to Hawaii's Primary Election, in her bid for the U.S. Senate. KHON2.

Seeking elected office means defending your positions against your rivals' — including within your own party. But when U.S. Rep. Mazie Hirono refused any debates on network TV with her Democratic primary opponent Ed Case, she did a disservice to the people of Hawaii. (commentary) Civil Beat.

With Earth Day just days away, environmentalists and retail merchants made a last-ditch effort Thursday to convince state lawmakers that a bill that would impose a statewide 10-cent fee on disposable plastic and paper checkout bags deserves to be heard and voted on. Star-Advertiser.

With the Legislature set to adjourn in just two weeks, supporters of solar energy tax credits are ramping up their efforts to hang on to incentives they say are needed to ensure the industry's continued success.Civil Beat.

Hawaii’s renewable energy tax credits, which are credited with helping the state’s solar energy industry to reach new heights, are now backed by a report saying that they yield a clear, significant net fiscal benefit to the state. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii lawmakers are on the verge of lopping off some $22 million from the Department of Education's school bus budget, which officials say will force thousands of students to find new ways to get to class. Civil Beat.

House Finance Chairman Marcus Oshiro said the state Department of Education's repeated warnings about possible massive cuts of school bus service are "irresponsible fear-mongering." Star-Advertiser.

House and Senate conference committee members have just over a week to reach agreement on measures they want to see passed this legislative session. Associated Press.

Three Board of Education members have been confirmed by the Senate for terms through June 30, 2015. Star-Advertiser.

The state Senate has confirmed the appointment of four new members of the University of Hawaii Board of Regents, effective July 1, and renewed the appointment of two others, effective immediately. Tribune-Herald.

Peter Hsieh, the newly-hired head of enforcement in the state office that regulates financial securities, has been demoted following news stories in Hawaii Reporter about his serious personal financial problems, the state said today. Hawaii Reporter.

A federal grand jury yesterday indicted a Correctional Officer at the Federal Detention Center in Honolulu, on five counts of sexual abuse of a prison ward. Maui Now.

Gov. Neil Abercrombie has released $34 million to upgrade state facilities. KHON2.

Oahu

The first mayoral debate of 2012 is scheduled for less than two weeks from now, when Kirk Caldwell, Peter Carlisle and Ben Cayetano all participate in what organizers are calling “pupus and politics” at the Plaza Club. Civil Beat.

The U.S. Senate appropriations committee is supporting a bill allocating $250 million for a rail line in Honolulu.  Associated Press.

A major rail contractor won approval for a $15.9 million change order Thursday to cover increasing prices for steel and other materials for the 20-mile Hono­lulu rail system. Star-Advertiser.

More than a dozen Traffic Division officers with the Honolulu Police Department left the state Capitol disappointed Thursday after House and Senate negotiators failed to reach a compromise on the so-called "Move Over" bill. KITV4.

City transportation officials want to make changes to 21 of Oahu's 100 city bus routes this summer, giving riders until May to have a say in the final plan. Star-Advertiser.

You could tell who was at the Kaimuki Community Park Thursday night by the dozens of bicycles that were parked and locked all over the park and surrounding areas. Hawaii News Now.

The state Board of Land and Natural Resources is calling an emergency meeting for authorization to enter private property where boulders rolled down a Honolulu mountainside and crashed into houses. KHON2.

Hawaii

Two West Hawaii council members are asking why Mayor Billy Kenoi’s administration had urged the County Council to raise property taxes in 2010 to the tune of $23 million when the county ultimately ended that year with a $24 million surplus. West Hawaii Today.

Three County Elections Office employees who say they were wrongfully terminated and publicly humiliated by county of Hawaii officials have made their Settlement Offer with the county public. Hawaii Reporter.

The attorney representing three fired election workers stood outside council chambers Thursday, blasting the “gang of four” inside who denied his offer to settle their claims without a lawsuit. West Hawaii Today.

Hawaii County’s Fire Department will soon be getting at least five new trucks, free of charge. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

A dangerous scenic Maui overlook remains open despite a $3.2 million court decision that found the state liable for the death of a 16-year-old in a car that plunged off the cliff, according to the teenager's mother. Star-Advertiser.

Maui Circuit Court Judge Joseph Cardoza ruled this week that the state was entirely at fault, writing: "The court finds and concludes that the condition of the accident site, and not the presence of alcohol and/or marijuana in Denis Callo's body, was the sole cause of the accident." Civil Beat.

A Maui judge found the state was liable for the deaths of two people in a car that plunged 150 feet from a scenic overlook in 2005 and must pay more than $3.2 million in damages. Associated Press.

Board members of the embattled Wailuku Main Street Association appealed to the Maui County Council on Wednesday to restore their $243,000 county grant, saying they had been "good stewards" of taxpayer dollars. Maui News.

The Walmart Foundation today donated a $115,000 refrigerated food truck to the Maui Food Bank in Wailuku as part of the Feeding America campaign. Maui Now.

Kauai

Alexander & Baldwin Inc. and the Kaua‘i Island Utility Cooperative on Thursday jointly broke ground on what will become the largest solar energy facility on Kaua‘i, a 6-megawatt utility-scale solar photovoltaic facility at Port Allen. Garden Island.

Hawaii Legislature down to the wire, plastic bag fee unlikely this session, Obama declares Kauai disaster, Honolulu rail argued in court, Maui wind farm set to break ground, fired Big Island workers willing to settle, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii state Capitol (c) 2012 All Hawaii News

House and Senate conference committee members have just over a week to reach agreement on measures they want to see passed this legislative session. Associated Press.

Hawaii’s first lady is joining environmental groups in calling on state lawmakers to take a vote on a bill that would charge a fee every time a shopper chooses a disposable paper or plastic bag. Associated Press.

Once touted as one the biggest environmental measures of the year, a bill that would charge consumers for single-use bags at the check-out counter appears to be on its deathbed. Civil Beat.

Senate Democrats Help Each Other Raise Campaign Cash. Civil Beat.

An overhaul of Hawaii's criminal justice and corrections system is moving forward at the state capitol. KHON2.

Two bills that had proposed raising fees on state-chartered banks and other financial institutions have failed to pass the Hawaii Legislature — leaving the state’s Division of Financial Institutions with budget deficits in the coming years. Pacific Business News.

Lawmakers approved a bill that will require cell phone or communication service providers to assist law enforcement agencies in determining the location of a cell phone in emergency situations. Maui Now.

Incumbent Congresswoman Colleen Hanabusa and her Republican challenger, former Congressman Charles Djou, are building their campaign warchests in anticipation of a November showdown. Civil Beat.

Hawaiian Airlines flight attendants will see their wages rise by 15 percent over the next four years under the terms of a new contract. Star-Advertiser.

A new educational exchange program is planned for students and teachers in the Asia Pacific region. Hawaii Public Radio.

A little more than a year after the Times named Alvin Kuo Wong the Happiest Man in America, he's now trying to create a nonprofit think tank devoted to happiness while continuing to run his company, which helps physicians cope with reduced medical reimbursements. Star-Advertiser.


Oahu

The city of Honolulu has agreed to pay $1.2 million for water quality improvements on the Waianae Coast to settle a state Health Department fine for dumping truckloads of concrete slabs into a West Oahu stream used by endangered Hawaiian birds. Associated Press.

The state Department of Health and Honolulu have agreed on a $1.2 million settlement in one of Hawaii’s most controversial water pollution cases. Associated Press.

The environmentalist who brought to the forefront one of Hawaii's most controversial water pollution cases ever says the state's $1.4 million fine against the city is an insult to taxpayers. KHON2.

A motion to dismiss portions of a federal lawsuit challenging Honolulu’s $5.3 billion rail project was argued in court this morning, with U.S. Senior Circuit Judge A. Wallace Tashima to issue a ruling later. Hawaii Reporter.

A Honolulu City Council committee has approved a measure that would ban commercial beach activities at Kailua and Kalama beach parks, seven days a week. Hawaii News Now.

A majority of an estimated 200 people at a meeting at Kailua High School on Wednesday night told City Council members that they want a blanket ban of all commercial activity at the popular Kailua and Kalama beach parks. Star-Advertiser.

The city will seize and sell a derelict three-story Waikiki apartment building if its owners do not pay the taxes on the property that has sometimes been used by squatters and drug abusers in recent years. Star-Advertiser.

The city will spend nearly $1 million to renovate nine Waikiki public restrooms that residents, business owners and tourists have described as gross and, at times, unusable. Star-Advertiser.

It's Your Money: Council Spends on Travel and TVs. Civil Beat.

Grand opening ceremonies were held Wednesday  for the latest Whole Foods Market in Hawaii. KITV4.

Hawaii

Three fired election workers who threatened a $1.5 million lawsuit were willing to accept $10,000 each, a public apology and their jobs back, according to a settlement offer obtained Wednesday by West Hawaii Today. West Hawaii Today.

Mayor Billy Kenoi on Wednesday defended his $365.3 million budget before a County Council largely skeptical about whether the administration has trimmed the size and cost of government as much as he’s said. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Sempra US Gas & Power breaks ground on the new 21-megawatt Auwahi Wind Farm project in Ulupalkua on Maui next week. Maui Now.

Children from Wailuku's Kehalani master-planned community would attend the new Puu Kukui Elementary School, under attendance boundaries being considered by the state Department of Education. Maui News.

Real estate developer Peter Savio will meet with Lanai residents today to offer fee-simple ownership in a 24-unit town house complex built in 1990.Maui News.

Kauai
President Barack Obama signed a disaster declaration for Kauai County on Wednesday, making available millions in federal money to repair damage incurred by flooding and landslides on the Garden Isle March 3-11. Star-Advertiser.

President Barack Obama on Wednesday issued a disaster declaration for Hawai‘i, clearing the way for federal funds to cover 75 percent of the costs of emergency work and repairs or replacement of public property damaged by the storms and flooding that hit Kaua‘i in early March. Garden Island.

Molokai

Paschoal Hall in Kalaupapa is one of the historic preservation projects chosen state-wide to be honored by the Historic Hawaii Foundation. Molokai Dispatch.

Hawaii Board Of Education adopts teacher evaluations, state sees record gun registrations, judge strikes rail procurement rule, Thielen defies Dems, runs for state Senate, Hawaii mayor meets with Hawaiian dissident, Maui council considers ag land exemptions, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Gov. Neil Abercrombie at BOE, courtesy photo

Gov. Neil Abercrombie made a rare appearance by a governor before the Board of Education on Tuesday to support the transition to a performance evaluation system for teachers and principals, saying such education reforms can wait no longer. Star-Advertiser.

The Hawaii Board of Education on Tuesday unanimously voted in favor of a plan that would tie teachers’ and principals’ pay to their performance, as well as develop evaluation criteria at Hawaii’s roughly 250 public schools. Associated Press.

A week after the Legislature abandoned its effort, the Hawaii Board of Education unanimously approved three policies regarding performance evaluations for teachers and principals. Civil Beat.

The Board of Education voted in favor of creating new educator evaluations at a meeting on Tuesday afternoon. Hawaii News Now.

The Hawaii State Board of Education unanimously approved a plan today that would base teacher and principal salaries on their performance, but it's not a done deal yet. KHON2.

The Hawaii State Department of Education has expanded its teacher evaluation pilot program for the 2012-13 school year. KHON2.

U.S. Rep. Colleen Hanabusa

U.S. Rep. Colleen Hanabusa reported raised $224,000 in the first quarter of 2012, compared to GOP challenger former U.S. Rep. Charles Djou's $84,000. Star-Advertiser.

Former U.S. Rep. Ed Case said Tuesday that he raised $138,000 in the past three months for his Demo­cratic primary campaign for U.S. Senate, trailing U.S. Rep. Mazie Hirono, his primary opponent, who raised more than $1 million in that period, and Former Gov. Linda Lingle, the leading Republican candidate, who raised $1.3 million in the past quarter. Star-Advertiser.

Defying the guidance of state Democrats, Laura H. Thielen, a director of the state Department of Land and Natural Resources under Republican Gov. Linda Lingle, said Tuesday that she will run as a Demo­crat for state Senate. Star-Advertiser.

The state Senate confirmed two of Gov. Neil Abercrombie's appointees to the state Commission on Water Resources Management despite some senators' concerns about their qualifications and the nomination process. Star-Advertiser.

The Senate confirmed Gov. Neil Abercrombie’s nominees to the water commission on Tuesday amid rising opposition toward the candidates and concerns about irregularities in the nominating process. Civil Beat.

A concerted effort by environmental groups and dozens of individuals to block the appointment of Maui businessman Ted Yamamura to the state Commission on Water Resource Management fell fall short of the mark today in the state Senate. Hawaii Reporter.

The state Department of the Attorney General reported Tuesday record levels of firearm registrations and permit applications in 2011. A record 36,804 guns were registered in Hawaii in 2011 — a 17.2 percent increase from the previous high, set the year before. Star-Advertiser.

A Circuit Court Judge has approved a settlement for victims of five data breaches that occurred at the University of Hawaii and its campuses over the past two years. Hawaii News Now.

Maui Electric Co. and Hawaiian Electric Co. ranked among the top 10 utilities nationwide in the amount of photovoltaic generating capacity installed by their customers, an industry trade group said Tuesday. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii did nothing wrong in GSA scandal. Pacific Business News.

State roundup for April 18. Associated Press.

Oahu

Circuit Court Judge Karl Sakamoto on Tuesday struck down a procurement rule that the city used to award more than $144 million in rail-related contracts, declaring the 1995 rule invalid because it conflicts with state procurement law. It was not immediately clear what effect, if any, the ruling might have on the city's contracts with rail consultants PB Americas Inc. and InfraConsult LLC. Star-Advertiser.

The City Council Transportation Committee chair, Mayor Peter Carlisle, along with other city officials and community members, are planning to walk the streets of Moiliili this afternoon. The city is looking for ways to improve the sidewalks for pedestrians and bicyclists. KITV4.

Hawaii Research Services Group LLC has been awarded a $7 million indefinite delivery-indefinite quantity contract by the Army for the procurement of information management and software engineering support services. Pacific Business News.

Teen runs for Honolulu City Council. Hawaii News Now.

Kea‘au update: “The Governor will not be intervening”  on homeless evictions. Hawaii Independent.

The homeless are on the move in Leeward Oahu.  About 200 people have been moved out of Keaau Beach Park. Now the massive cleanup effort begins. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii

Mayor Billy Kenoi and staff on Tuesday visited Abel Simeona Lui at Kawa Bay, but left without rendering a decision on Lui’s future at the Ka’u site. West Hawaii Today.

After spending its second two-hour closed-door session in as many weeks, the Hawaii County Council on Tuesday apparently rejected a settlement offer from three fired election workers who have threatened a lawsuit. West Hawaii Today.

Hawaii County is looking to spread its nonprofit funding to a few more programs in its next budget. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaii County had 6,603 gun registrations last year. Based on the population, that was “a 36 percent greater-than-expected share of processed applications,” an Attorney General report said. The county also had the highest rate of rejected applications — 3.8 percent. Tribune-Herald.

Coffee farmers and processors remain at odds over proposed legislation that would get rid of mandatory coffee inspections and grading. West Hawaii Today.

Hilo Among Junket Destinations for GSA Official. Big Island Now.

Maui

After a contentious debate about a proposal to tax homes on ag land the same as residential properties, Maui County councilors could push back that plan in favor of first creating a system for farmers to receive tax benefits by dedicating their land to agriculture. Maui News.

Maui Electric Company is ranked seventh in the nation in a list of top utilities for solar power. Maui Now.

Four community groups are suing Maui County in federal court over alleged environmental violations at a Lahaina treatment plant. Associated Press.

Kauai

The Kaua‘i County Housing Agency wants to help more low-income residents with rental assistance this year, Housing Director Eugene Jimenez told the County Council at a budget meeting Tuesday. Garden Island.

Contractors Association of Kaua‘i celebrates 20 years. Garden Island.

Molokai

Maui County Council candidate for Kahului, Don Guzman will be hosting a “Talk Story” meeting on the island of Molokai this Thursday, April 19 at 5:30 p.m. Molokai Dispatch.

Waikiki sand project bogs down, Akaka treated for dehydration, PGA announces Hawaii tourney, Maui sued for wastewater discharge, Big Island garbage fight intensifies, Honolulu business group backs rail, Oahu homeless evicted, Dalai Lama ends visit, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Waikiki Beach (c) 2012 All Hawaii News

The state's $2.2 million project to replenish sand on Waikiki beach is running behind schedule and crews are racing to finish it before the summer, according to state officials. KITV4.

U.S. Sen. Daniel Akaka

U.S. Sen. Daniel Akaka was treated for dehydration on Saturday, but “is fine and headed back to work tonight,” a spokesman for the senator said today. Star-Advertiser.

Sen. Daniel Akaka, 87, is “feeling good” after his family sought medical attention for him “out of an abundance of caution” over the weekend, a spokesman said. Civil Beat.


Former Honolulu mayor Mufi Hannemann continues to be the leading fundraiser in the primary campaign for the open 2nd congressional district seat, although Honolulu City Council member Tulsi Gabbard is holding her own in the race for campaign cash. Civil Beat.

Members of the Native Hawaiian community, legal experts and environmentalists gathered at Iolani Palace Monday to protest a Commission on Water Resources Management appointment. Associated Press.

More than 100 organizations and individuals came together today to oppose Governor Abercrombie’s nomination of Ted Yamamura to the state Commission on Water and Resource Management. Hawaii Independent.

A bill that would have required new performance evaluations for Hawaii teachers has died a few weeks before the end of the state's legislative session. Associated Press.

Wrapping up a whirlwind four-day visit to the islands, the Dalai Lama visited with high-schoolers Monday and urged them to work to make a "happier future" through compassion and nonviolence, before heading to Kua­loa Regional Park to bless the voyaging canoe Hoku­le‘a in preparation for a round-the-world sail. Star-Advertiser.

The Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama said Monday he didn’t know until his latest trip to Hawaii what exactly the word “aloha” meant. Associated Press.


In an extraordinary ceremony at Kualoa Beach Park in Windward Oahu, the 14th Dalai Lama blessed and consecrated the double-hull wayfaring canoe Hokulea. Civil Beat.

The Dalai Lama is visiting Hawai`i to discuss similarities between the Hawaiian spirit of Aloha and the Buddhist spirit of compassion towards others. Hawaii Public Radio.

The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Division is discussing "concurrent jurisdiction” with the state this year, which means the federal agency may take over many of the state functions. However, both the state and federal government officials involved are refusing to release details about the plan. Hawaii Reporter.

Hawaii Marines are fighting the drug trade in Afghanistan by using helicopters to conduct raids. Hawaii News Now.

The PGA Champions Tour’s Pacific Links Hawaii Championship was officially announced during a press conference at the Plaza Club in downtown Monday with Hall of Fame golfer Greg Norman, who is playing in the event, singing Hawaii’s praises as a great location to tee off. Pacific Business News.

State roundup for April 17. Associated Press.


Oahu

Hawaii Sen. Donovan Dela Cruz

State Sen. Donovan Dela Cruz wants the city's rail system to make money, or at least break even, and is pushing for a bill that would encourage urban development and redevelopment on land around planned transit stations. Star-Advertiser.

About 30 powerful big business leaders formed a group, Move Oahu Forward, in February, with the backing of Hawaii’s Senior Senator Daniel Inouye, and announced their organization members today. They hope to convince the public the rail will improve Oahu. Hawaii Reporter.

City work crews backed by Honolulu police officers are scheduled this morning to clear out the last of up to 200 people who have been living on a 1-mile stretch of vegetated beachfront just northeast of the public portion of Keaau Beach Park. It is the last large homeless encampment on the Wai­anae Coast. Star-Advertiser.

With at least one loose boulder still perched above his Kalihi neighborhood, Keola Cachola made his first foray to the state Capitol on Monday in search of a sympathetic ear — and $250,000 to clear a hillside after two large boulders rumbled down and damaged homes Thursday night. Star-Advertiser.

State officials said Monday they plan to do emergency work on the hillside above homes in Kalihi Valley that were damaged when several large boulders fell late last week. Hawaii News Now.

An erosion problem at Ala Moana Beach is exposing a rocky coastline. Now the city is working on a plan to replenish the sand. Hawaii News Now.


Hawaiian Airlines became the only carrier to offer year-round daily service between Hono­lulu and Fuku­oka. Star-Advertiser.

Work is under way to fix street lights along the H1 and H2 Freeways that have been out for years, after they were hit by copper thieves. KHON2.

Hawaii

A Hawaii County official on Monday acknowledged the county has already started sending most of East Hawaii’s garbage to the West Hawaii landfill, even as debate rages over the best solution to the island’s growing trash problem. West Hawaii Today.

Hunters hired by the Big Island Invasive Species Committee bagged their first axis deer last Wednesday on the southern end of the island, signaling the start of an effort to eliminate their small but potentially destructive population. Tribune-Herald.

Three Kailua-Kona public schools are getting nearly $7.8 million of overdue improvements. West Hawaii Today.

Hawaii County elections officials are proceeding with elections preparations, including mailing updated voter registration cards, as though the state’s district maps are finalized. West Hawaii Today.

Big Island woman accused of more than $2 million in false claims. Associated Press.

Maui

Four community groups filed a federal lawsuit today against the Maui County for alleged violations of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act at the Lahaina Wastewater Reclamation Facility. Maui Now.

Four environmental groups filed a federal lawsuit Monday seeking more than $60 million in civil penalties to stop Maui County from continuing to discharge partially treated sewage into injection wells at the Lahaina Wastewater Treatment Plant. Star-Advertiser.

A Maui artist will soon see Pope Benedict XVI as the pontiff blesses one of the Kihei man's bronze Saint Damien sculptures in Rome on Wednesday. Maui News.



Kauai

The North Shore Lion’s Club served more than 700 pancake breakfasts Sunday at a fundraiser for scholarships, scouting, youth basketball and other programs supported by the nonprofit organization. Garden Island.

Hawaii government conflicted over same-sex marriage, state short 600 doctors, Dalai Lama brings message of peace through aloha, bridge fixed for stranded Maui residents, aerospace district coming to Hilo, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Honolulu gay rights rally (c) 2012 All Hawaii News

Gov. Neil Abercrombie opposes participation by a Christian group in a court case to defend state marriage laws that restrict marriage to a man and a woman. But Loretta Fuddy, his director of the Department of Health, says the Hawaii Family Forum should be included in one of the nation's most important cases. Star-Advertiser.

U.S. Sen. Daniel Inouye

A spokesman for Sen. Daniel Inouye said there’s no truth to an anonymously-sourced KHON report that the senator was hospitalized in Hawaii this weekend. Civil Beat.

Senator Daniel Inouye's office says he returns to Washington, D.C. today and is perfectly healthy. KHON2.

Hawaii's doctor shortage has long been a problem. But there is now hard data that show just how severe the shortfall is.  According to the report findings from the 2012 Hawaii Physician Workforce Assessment project, the shortage is predicted to only get worse. KITV4.


The Dalai Lama offered his self-deprecating humor and infectious laughter to 9,000 people at the Stan Sheriff Center on Sunday and revealed that, in fact, he does not smile all the time. Star-Advertiser.


The Dalai Lama received the gift of a koa paddle not once but twice on Sunday, but in very different arenas. Civil Beat.

Hawaii residents will have a chance to safely dispose of expired or unused prescription medications at locations statewide. Star-Advertiser.


The U.S. Pacific Command and anyone worried about North Korean missiles pointed at Hawaii were no doubt breathing a sigh of relief Friday after that country’s latest attempt to fire off a rocket or test a missile fizzled. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii was ranked 46th best - or 4th worst - state in a report entitled Rich States, Poor States, released this week by the American Legislative Exchange Council. Hawaii Reporter.

State roundup for April 15. Associated Press.

Oahu

Honolulu Councilwoman Ann Kobayashi

If Oahu's larger credit unions are unwilling to share compensation data, they could lose all or a portion of their property tax exemption, according to Ann Koba­ya­shi, budget chairwoman of the City Council, which next month will consider whether to overhaul the city's exemption system. Star-Advertiser.

190 Kea‘au houseless residents are petitioning Governor Abercrombie to grant an extension on tonight’s planned ‘sweep.’ Hawaii Independent.

Consultants hired by the state warned that there are more boulders above Kalihi Valley homes that could come crashing down. Meanwhile, residents in about 9 homes are being told to stay away or enter at their own risk. Hawaii News Now.

Loans from OHA help Hawaiian firms thrive. Star-Advertiser.

The state is granting permission to continue the Haliewa Farmers Market through the end of the month. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii

The state Senate last week unanimously passed a bill that would establish a special district in the city for companies wanting to advance space exploration and even settlement of other planets. Tribune-Herald.

The community is getting its first glimpse at three possible alignments for the Saddle Road extension. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Maui County workers have completed rebuilding the Hanawana Land Bridge, enabling vehicular travel for some 40 stranded residents. Star-Advertiser.

Chief Justice Mark E. Recktenwald has appointed Adrianne N. Heely as judge of the District Family Court of the Second Circuit for the County of Maui. Maui Now.


Hawaiian Commercial & Sugar Co. is offering new options for Maui residents to learn - in advance - where and when sugar cane harvesting will happen. Maui News.


The state Department of Health Clean Air Branch has officially extended its ban on backyard burning of yard and household trash from Oahu only to all the islands. Maui News.


Kauai

Kauai Mayor Bernard Carvalho Jr.

A series of Kaua‘i County Council budget review briefings is generally in line with what Mayor Bernard Carvalho Jr. wants in his proposed $161.2 million operational budget for fiscal year 2013, the mayor said. Garden Island.

More than 650 people crowded into a fundraiser and dinner Saturday night to benefit a plan 35 years in the making to build a Kaua‘i Philippine Cultural Center. Garden Island.

The Sheraton Kaua‘i Resort has announced the completion of its 15-month revitalization project totaling more than $16 million in additions and renovations. A grand opening is scheduled in June. Garden Island.

Molokai

This fall, Molokai High and Middle School students who ride the bus daily may need to figure out another way to get to school. Molokai Dispatch.

Lingle, Hirono, rake in millions, Honolulu City Council trims rail budget, Department of Education seeks to divert $20M school funds to buses, Hawaii retreats on farmers market stance, Kauai horse cruelty case advances, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

U.S. Senate candidates Linda Lingle and Mazie Hirono

Former Gov. Linda Lingle raised more than $1.3 million in the past quarter for her Republican campaign for U.S. Senate, outpacing U.S. Rep. Mazie Hirono, who brought in more than $1 million for her Demo­cratic campaign. Star-Advertiser.


Former Honolulu Mayor Mufi Hannemann led all 2nd Congressional District candidates in fundraising in the first quarter of 2012, but City Councilwoman Tulsi Gabbard was close behind. Star-Advertiser.

Campaign spending numbers for the the first quarter of this year are coming in. KHON2.

Like quarrelsome cooks, state Representatives debated all day and into the evening yesterday on a diverse recipe of bills to be thrown into the final round of sausage-making in this year’s legislative session. Hawaii Reporter.

"Fear and rhetoric" distorted the intentions of bills that would have moved public school teachers to a performance management system, and led to defeat of the measures, Senate Education Committee Chairwoman Jill Tokuda said Thursday in a passionate speech to her colleagues. Star-Advertiser.

The Department of Education is looking at whether funds from other programs could be diverted to student transportation to cover an expected shortfall of about $20 million. Star-Advertiser.

A bill that would overhaul Hawaii's charter school system is headed to conference committee after approval by the House, despite strong resistance to a provision that would exempt such schools from the state Ethics Code. Star-Advertiser.

Legislation aimed at regulating the harvest of opihi has been revived after dying in committee last month. Tribune-Herald.

Cuts in the number of inspectors who check cargo and passengers entering Hawaii have some worried that more pests will get established in a state that is especially vulnerable because of its tropical weather and few natural predators. Associated Press.


The state has filed seven lawsuits against banks and credit card companies that allegedly charge Hawaii customers for payment protection programs they don’t want or can’t qualify for. Associated Press.

Dalai Lama Visit Inaugurates Peace Program. Civil Beat.


The Dalai Lama will talk to students and participate in a panel discussion with Native Hawaiian leaders during a visit to Honolulu this weekend. Associated Press.

Oahu

The City Council Budget Committee on Thursday chopped more than $291 million from next year's construction budget for the rail system before approving preliminarily the budgets for the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation. Star-Advertiser.

Despite some posturing, some threats and lots of questions for new rail chief Dan Grabauskas, the Honolulu City Council Budget Committee on Wednesday advanced three budget bills for the controversial project. Civil Beat.

Honolulu Rapid Transit

At a meeting that was more pep rally than political theater, mayoral rivals Peter Carlisle and Kirk Caldwell joined U.S. Sen. Daniel Inouye to meet with construction workers anxious to begin work on the city's $5.27 billion rail project. Star-Advertiser.

The senior senator from Hawaii came to Waipahu on Thursday to assure anxious construction workers that Honolulu's rail project is on track and has solid federal support. The only thing that can stop it, he said, is World War III. Civil Beat.

U.S. Sen. Daniel Inouye, Honolulu Mayor Peter Carlisle and mayoral candidate Kirk Caldwell made a joint pro-rail appearance this afternoon before construction workers on the project. Hawaii Reporter.

Mayor Peter Carlisle and Kirk Caldwell made a joint appearance Thursday with Hawaii Sen. Dan Inouye at the Waipahu offices of rail contractor Kiewit Construction Co. to discuss the importance of the city's $5.3 billion project with dozens of construction workers. KITV4.

New Rail Chief Sees Himself as Intermediary Between Council, Feds. Civil Beat.

No more coloring books, T-shirts, hats, lanyards, pens, pencils, backpacks and water bottles will be distributed by the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation courtesy of city taxpayers to promote the city’s planned $5.3 billion elevated steel on steel rail project. Hawaii Reporter.

The Haleiwa Farmers' Market will be allowed to operate at its current site until the end of the month after getting a reprieve from state orders to leave. Star-Advertiser.

The state is granting permission to continue the Haliewa Farmers Market through the end of the month. Hawaii Public Radio.

Boulders tumbled down a Kalihi mountainside Thursday, smashing into three houses on Kula Kolea Place and narrowly missing four people in one of the houses. Star-Advertiser.

A plan to replace the International Market Place, the Waikiki Town Center and the Miramar at Waikiki Hotel in the center of Hawaii’s main tourism district with a new retail, dining and entertainment complex will add 1,800 jobs, according to a draft environmental impact statement for the project. Pacific Business News.

Chinatown business owners, neighbors, meet with police to discuss area’s drug problem. Hawaii Independent.

Chinatown merchants demand answers after attack. KITV4.

A state sheriffs deputy stationed at the District Court cellblock was indicted Thursday on sexual assault charges. Hawaii News Now.

Board of Water Supply crews have completed work to fix a broken water main in Kailua. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii

Hawaiian protestor Abel Lui

Mayor Billy Kenoi and his staff plan to meet next week with Abel Simeona Lui and others who claim Native Hawaiian title to almost $6 million worth of Kawa Bay property Hawaii County has purchased for an oceanfront park. West Hawaii Today.

Voters can expect to receive cards informing them of their voting districts in early summer, the Hawaii County Clerks Office announced Thursday. Tribune-Herald.

Rising fuel oil prices pushed residential electricity rates higher in April on all islands except for Hawaii island. Star-Advertiser.

A recent Public Utilities Commission decision has resulted in slightly lower electric rates. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

The University of Hawaii says it will begin construction of a controversial $300 million telescope atop Haleakala as soon as next month even though a critical permit has been challenged and a state board hasn't ruled on the case yet. Civil Beat.

Crews from the Community Work Day Program on Maui plan to assess reports of large tangled piles of netting and debris reported along the shoreline of the Waiehu Golf Course. Maui Now.

More than a year after county officials first announced that four monkeypod trees would be removed along South Kihei Road, sparking a back-and-forth battle with tree lovers who wanted to see them saved, officials confirmed that they would accept the recommendation of the Kihei Community Association and leave the trees in place. Maui News.

First-quarter real estate statistics released by the Realtors Association of Maui don't draw a clear picture of what's happening with the buying and selling of homes and condominiums in Maui County. Maui News.

Kauai

A 5th Circuit judge is considering a dismissal motion in a horse cruelty case as an attorney general’s appointed prosecutor takes over. Garden Island.

Responding to safety concerns of county officials and the Kaua‘i Police Department, the Kaua‘i County Council on Wednesday unanimously passed a resolution establishing a “no-parking” zone on the southerly shoulder of the County Access Road, by Vidinha Stadium soccer fields in Lihu‘e. Garden Island.