Hawaii County election in the state spotlight, struggling UH athletics program seeks financial support, Thai workers protest trafficking dismissal, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Election 'cans' await scrutiny at Hawaii County Clerk's Office (c) 2012 All Hawaii News

An emergency County Council meeting, election challenges and calls for an investigation are coming on the heels of Saturday’s primary election, when many Hawaii County polling places did not open on time. West Hawaii Today.

Hawaii Chief Elections Officer Scott Nago will meet with the state’s county clerks today in Hilo for a post-election briefing that will cover slip ups with the Big Island’s primary last Saturday. Tribune-Herald.

The Hawaii County Council will hold a special meeting over voting problems that plagued the Big Island. Hawaii News Now.

The fallout from primary election delays on the Big Island continues to mount, from a Hawaii County Council hearing to a state election review and a likely Supreme Court challenge. KHON2.

State tries correcting primary election issues. KITV4.

Hawaii's U.S. Senate race is expected to draw lots of national money now that the primary is over as both Republicans fight to take over the Senate from Democrats. Civil Beat.

Before the Hawaii primary becomes a distant memory, there's a few newsworthy items to share that may have gotten lost in the haze of Saturday and Sunday. Civil Beat.

Something should be said about the careers of Democrats Ed Case and Mufi Hannemann. Both answered the bell this year after losing two years ago and not thinking enough about why they lost. Star-Advertiser.

FACT CHECK — Lingle: Hirono Missed 127 Votes In Congress This Year. Civil Beat.

Only 290,724 of Hawaii’s 687,500 registered voters, or 42.3 percent, cast ballots. Of those voters, 148,239 did so in a polling booth and 142,414 submitted absentee ballots.West Hawaii Today.

More than two dozen Thai farm laborers Monday signed a letter to U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder lamenting the dismissal of human trafficking charges against people accused of exploiting them. Associated Press.

Osprey Aircraft Expansion Causes Concern. Hawaii Public Radio.

State roundup for Aug. 14. Associated Press.

Oahu

Honolulu City Council Chairman Ernie Martin has removed Councilman Tom Berg from the Transportation Committee following a outburst during a July meeting. Hawaii News Now.

Honolulu Council Member Tom Berg will now face the music for an outburst a couple weeks ago that caused his colleagues to call police to city hall. Civil Beat.

The future of rail may have gotten even murkier following Hawaii’s primary election, with former Gov. Ben Cayetano getting 44 percent of the vote in the Honolulu mayor’s race and advancing to a runoff against second-place finisher Kirk Caldwell. Pacific Business News.

Despite polls showing the majority of the public opposed to the city’s rail project, and broad support for former Gov. Ben Cayetano’s mayoral candidacy, those voters failed him. Hawaii Reporter.

The police officer who pleaded guilty to federal marijuana possession and cultivation charges for running two indoor growing operations with his girlfriend is no longer an employee of the Honolulu Police Department. Star-Advertiser.

Work will begin soon on restoring portions of historic Kawaiaha‘o Church's 169-year-old wall that were heavily damaged April 2 when a city bus crashed into it. Star-Advertiser.

Manoa Chancellor Tom Apple said it "isn't realistic" to expect the financially struggling University of Hawaii athletic program to balance its books, and questioned whether the state is "willing to pay the price" to be successful. Star-Advertiser.

Senor Frog’s has closed its only Hawaii location, at the Royal Hawaiian Center in Waikiki. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii

If former Mayor Harry Kim wants his old job back, he’s got to broaden his support beyond Puna. Tribune-Herald.

“It was a real squeaker, wasn’t it?” That’s how Russell Ruderman characterized his narrow victory over longtime state Rep. Bob Herkes to earn the Democratic nomination to represent Puna and Ka‘u in the state Senate. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Kahului was the single state House district Mufi Hannemann claimed in his losing bid to Tulsi Gabbard in Saturday's Democratic primary race for the 2nd Congressional District, according to a geographical analysis of voter results. Maui News.

Habitat for Humanity Maui is looking "up instead of out" with its new 16-unit condominium project in Happy Valley. Maui News.

Kauai
After a lengthy discussion, the county Board of Ethics on Friday unanimously found Kaua‘i County Councilmember KipuKai Kuali‘i does have a conflict of interest with regards to matters on the council’s agenda related to the Office of Prosecuting Attorney, Victims of Crime Act funding and appropriations to the Office of Economic Development. Garden Island.

The Board of Ethics on Friday morning shelved without action a request from the Kaua‘i County Council for an investigation of potential ethics violations associated with POHAKU, a diversion program offered by the county Office of Prosecuting Attorney. Garden Island.

Hawaii election oversight scrutinized, Democrats take aim at Lingle, Hawaii Island Senate candidate to protest close vote, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii Democratic Unity Breakfast, courtesy Richard Halverson

Gov. Neil Abercrombie said Sunday that the state should review oversight of elections after irregularities on Hawaii island during the primary. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii's Democratic party candidates woke up early Sunday to prepare for the general election and to signal that they're uniting to battle Linda Lingle in the race for the U.S. Senate. Hawaii News Now.

Former Hawaii Gov. Linda Lingle is opening the final push in Hawaii’s race for U.S. Senate seat by tying her opponent Mazie Hirono to a Congress that has abysmal approval ratings. Associated Press.

Hawaii's U.S. Senate campaigns heat up as candidates take aim at one another. KITV4.

Former Gov. Linda Lingle on Sunday sought to tie U.S. Rep. Mazie Hirono to a deeply unpopular Congress, while Hirono said national Republicans do not care that Lingle portrays herself as bipartisan in Hawaii because she would vote with their interests in the U.S. Senate. Star-Advertiser.

In the race for Hawaii's U.S. Senate seat, it's one person versus an entire party. Civil Beat.

Honolulu City Councilwoman Tulsi Gabbard grabbed the majority of votes in all but one of 27 state House districts on her way to besting former Mayor Mufi Hannemann and four other candidates for the Democratic nomination for Hawaii's 2nd Congressional District seat. Star-Advertiser.

Where They Won: Breakdown of Senate, Congress, Mayor Races. Civil Beat.

Despite a hotly contested Honolulu mayor’s race and primaries for the Senate and U.S. House, Hawaii appears likely to remain among the states with the lowest voter turnout following Saturday’s primary election. Star-Advertiser.

The political and economic winds are shifting for plans to build wind farms on Lanai and Molokai and ship the power to Oahu via undersea cable. Civil Beat.

Hawaii is the second worst in the nation for patient safety during hospital surgeries but has the lowest number of breast and prostate cancer deaths, according to a recent federal government report on health care quality. Star-Advertiser.

A growing dispute between the state and two private schools that serve special-needs students at public expense is putting a spotlight on new efforts to hold private schools that get public money for special-education students to tougher accountability standards. Star-Advertiser.

State roundup for Aug. 13. Associated Press.

Oahu

Former Gov. Ben Cayetano won 33 of the 35 legislative House districts on Oahu on his way to becoming the top vote-getter in the mayoral primary election Saturday. Star-Advertiser.

The most notable aspect of Saturday’s primary was that the incumbent, Mayor Peter Carlisle, lost, with only 25 percent of the vote. This just doesn’t happen in Hawaii. Civil Beat.

Jim Donovan and Rich Sheriff are scheduled to return to work at the University of Hawaii today after a three-week external investigation cleared both of wrong­­doing in the Stevie Wonder concert fiasco. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii

State Senate candidate Lorraine Inouye has refused to concede her race, choosing instead to prepare for a possible legal challenge against the narrow election victory to incumbent Sen. Malama Solomon. Tribune-Herald.

One Big Island candidate feels that polling problems on her island may have affected the race. KHON2.

For the first time in Hawaii County’s history, the number of people voting absentee exceeded the number of regular voters who cast their ballots on Saturday. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

A statewide community forum - with videoconferencing from Maui - will be held Wednesday to discuss changes to Medicare and Medicaid services as allowed by the federal Affordable Care Act. Maui News.

The Public Land Development Corporation (PLDC) will hold statewide public hearings, starting Monday August 20, for adoption of new Hawai‘i Administrative Rules (HAR) for the PLDC. Maui Now.

Kauai

Saturday’s lowest-ever percentage turnout for a primary election on Kaua‘i is somewhat offset by the highest-ever number of registered voters for the general election. Garden Island.

The Kaua‘i Planning Commission will continue Tuesday a public hearing initiated July 24 on the expansion of the Princeville Center. Garden Island.

Molokai

A once-in-20-year opportunity is coming up for Molokai residents to share feedback and suggestions for the cable television service provided by Oceanic Time Warner Cable. Molokai Dispatch.

On Molokai, one of the largest landowners in the state is attempting to legalize its controversial method of transporting drinking water. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii primary election roundup: Hirono, Lingle, Gabbard, Crowley, Hanabusa, Djou and more from all the islands

Linda Lingle vs. Mazie Hirono

Hawaii Elections Office: Final Summary report.

U.S. Rep. Mazie Hirono won the Democratic primary in Hawaii for an open U.S. Senate seat on Saturday night, setting up a race in November against former Hawaii Gov. Linda Lingle, who won her primary easily. Associated Press.

U.S. Rep. Mazie Hirono scored a decisive victory over former U.S. Rep. Ed Case in the Democratic primary for U.S. Senate on Saturday night and pivoted toward a November showdown with former Gov. Linda Lingle. Star-Advertiser.

Mazie Hirono handily defeated Ed Case by a margin of 57-40 percent in the Democratic primary race for the U.S. Senate, according to the voting results released late Saturday. Civil Beat.

U.S. Rep. Mazie Hirono won Hawaii's Democratic nomination for U.S. Senate Saturday after taking a 16-point lead over former U.S. Rep. Ed Case, setting the stage for a rematch of the 2002 governor's race against Republican Linda Lingle. Pacific Business News.

In the contests to determine which candidates will vie for the U.S. Senate seat being vacated by Daniel Akaka, Representative Mazie Hirono (132,865 votes, 57.65 percent) defeated opponent Ed Case (94,294 votes, 40.92 percent) for the Democratic nomination, and former Hawaii Gov. Linda Lingle claimed the Republican nomination with 43,637 votes, or a whopping 91.69 percent. Hawaii News Now.

Republican Linda Lingle received an overwhelming majority of the votes and will face Mazie Hirono.   Hirono ended up with a huge win over fellow democrat Ed Case. KITV4.

Honolulu City Councilwoman Tulsi Gabbard won a resounding and surprising victory Saturday over former Honolulu Mayor Mufi Hannemann for the 2nd Congressional District Democratic nomination. Star-Advertiser.

First-term Honolulu City Council member Tulsi Gabbard defeated former Honolulu Mayor Mufi Hannemann and four others in the race for the Democratic Party nomination for Hawaii's vacant 2nd Congressional District seat. Civil Beat.

Honolulu City Councilwoman Tulsi Gabbard won the Democratic nomination for Hawaii's 2nd Congressional District Saturday with a 20-point lead over former Mayor Mufi Hannemann. Pacific Business News.

In a stunning upset, Honolulu City Councilwoman Tulsi Gabbard (61,803 votes, 55.14 percent) trounced Mufi Hannemann (38,451 votes, 34.31 percent) in the race to determine the Democratic nominee for Mazie Hirono's vacated seat in the second Congressional district of the U.S. House of Representatives. Hawaii News Now.

Newcomer congressional candidate Tulsi Gabbard won a surprisingly easy victory in her 2nd Congressional District race against former Honolulu Mayor Mufi Hannemann tonight. Hawaii Reporter.

U.S. Rep. Colleen Hanabusa has won the Democratic nomination in her quest for re-election to the seat serving urban Honolulu's 1st Congressional District. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu

Honolulu will have a new mayor in 2013. But whether it will be an anti-rail former governor or a former city managing director committed to seeing the $5.26 billion project through will be determined in November. Star-Advertiser.

Former Hawaii Gov. Ben Cayetano will face Kirk Caldwell during November's General Election as the two candidates seek to become Honolulu's next mayor. Hawaii News Now.

With virtually all the vote in, former Hawaii Gov. Ben Cayetano retained a consistent and sizable lead in the Honolulu mayor's race. Civil Beat.

Honolulu City Councilman Tom Berg will face off against state Rep. Kymberly Marcos Pine in the Nov. 6 general election as he fights to hang onto his seat. Star-Advertiser.

Former Hawaii Gov. Ben Cayetano finished well ahead of two other challengers Saturday in a three-way race for Honolulu mayor but will face second-place finisher Kirk Caldwell in a runoff in the general election after falling short of the majority needed to win. Pacific Business News.

State Rep. Jessica Wooley toppled House Majority Leader Pono Chong in Windward Oahu on Saturday, as redistricting forced some legislators into tough races where they faced off against other Democratic incumbents. Star-Advertiser.

Laura Thielen, a newcomer to the Democratic Party, defeated state Sen. Pohai Ryan in the Demo­cratic primary for the state Senate's 25th District, which covers Hawaii Kai, Waimanalo and Kailua. Star-Advertiser.

Voter turnout for Saturday's primary election didn't pick up much from the last time there was a presidential campaign underway, despite a hot Honolulu mayor's race and a historic campaign for the open U.S. Senate seat. Civil Beat.

Hawaii
Meet the new boss — same as the old boss. The lyrics from the classic Who song will ring true in Hawaii County this year, no matter which of the top two mayoral candidates prevails in the Nov. 6 General Election. West Hawaii Today.

Mayor Billy Kenoi finished strongly in Saturday’s primary, winning 42.5 percent of the vote and leading his nearest challenger by more than eight points. Tribune-Herald.

Lincoln Ashida lost an early lead Saturday night and found himself facing former co-worker Mitch Roth in a Nov. 6 runoff for county prosecutor. West Hawaii Today.

Legislative aide Karen Eoff stepped easily into her boss’ shoes Saturday, overcoming her sole opponent in the race for the vacant County Council District 8 seat with a decisive 78.7 percent of the vote. West Hawaii Today.

Voters on Saturday elected Zendo Kern and Karen Eoff to the County Council and re-elected J Yoshimoto, but left four other seats up for grabs in the Nov. 6 general election runoff. Tribune-Herald.

Incumbent Malama Solomon defeated former state legislator Lorraine Inouye to become the Democratic nominee for Hawaii Island’s new state Senate seat Saturday night, while businessman Russell Ruderman ensured long-time Big Island representative Robert Herkes will not return to the Legislature. West Hawaii Today.

Russell Ruderman shocked a field of political veterans to win the Democratic primary for the state Senate. Tribune-Herald.

Political newcomer Nicole Lowen prevailed in the four-way race for the Democratic Party’s nomination for the state’s 6th House District. West Hawaii Today.
http://www.westhawaiitoday.com/sections/news/local-news/political-newcomer-lowen-earns-democratic-not-state-house-6-race.html

Some West Hawaii voters were irritated after waiting more than a hour at their polling places to cast their ballots Saturday morning. West Hawaii Today.

Problems for a first-time Hawaii County clerk on election night represented Saturday's biggest primary election glitch. Star-Advertiser.

Maui

In the most closely watched races in Maui County, incumbent Gil Keith-Agaran held on to his Central Maui 9th District House seat and Kaniela Ing captured the Democratic primary for the 11th District House seat encompassing South Maui with all precincts reporting Saturday night. Maui News.

First-time candidate Kaniela Ing secured the Democratic Party nomination Saturday to face incumbent Republican state Rep. George Fontaine in the South Maui House race in the Nov. 6 general election. Maui News.

Incumbent Council Member Mike Victorino captured 58.4 percent of the vote in the race for the Wailuku residency seat with all the votes counted. Maui News.

2012 Maui Primary Results. Maui Now.

Kauai

With a field of only nine candidates — including all seven incumbents — fighting for one of the seven seats at the Kaua‘i County Council, first-term Councilwoman Nadine Nakamura came at the top of the list for the next council body in Saturday’s Primary Election. Garden Island.

Hawaii primary election update

Mazie Hirono and friends (c) 2012 All Hawaii News

It's Democrat Mazie Hirono beating Ed Case and heading to the Nov. 6 General Election against GOP candidate Linda Lingle for the U.S. Senate.

Tulsi Gabbard and fans (c) 2012 All Hawaii News

It's underdog Democrat Tulsi Gabbard beating Mufi Hannemann and heading to the Nov. 6 General Election against GOP candidate Kawika Crowley for the 2nd Congressional District.

Full Hawaii elections results here.

It's Election Day! No vote, no grumble. (commentary)

If you're reading this, you're one of the smart ones. The ones who keep up on the issues and the news of the day.

You -- yes, you! You have not only the privilege of voting, you have the duty. Don't let our election be stolen by the power brokers, the money makers, the ones who can sway an election just by plastering a candidate's name around town.

You have the duty to vote because you know more about a candidate than his or her name. You know more about a ballot issue than what a special interest told you about it.
So, please. Do your duty. Get to the polls today and vote.

 If you aren't sure where your polling place is -- remember, some polling places changed this year -- just put your address into the state's polling place locator. No worries, we're not saving the information.

We just want you. You -- the informed voter. We want you to vote. Just do it. Otherwise, no complaining from you about what our elected officials are doing. No vote, no grumble.

Hawaii early voting way up, state to help beleaguered Hawaii County Elections Office, UH tracks tsunami debris, Maui BYOB law stands, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii early voting (c) 2012 All Hawaii News

Early voting wrapped up Thursday ahead of Saturday's primary election, in what's shaping up to be a record primary for early voting. KHON2.

More than 126,000 Hawaii voters have already cast their ballot through Thursday, moving the state close to the primary election absentee voter record set two years ago. Civil Beat.

Early Walk-in Voting ended today … and the State Elections Office estimates close to 60 percent of all voters casting ballots will do so at precinct polling stations Saturday. Hawaii Public Radio.

Candidates and independent expenditure committees spent almost $800,000 on ad time in the last week leading up to Saturday's primary election, according to Civil Beat's most recent review of TV stations' political files. Civil Beat.

A new computer model for the spread of marine debris from the March 2011 Japanese earthquake and tsunami shows that a large portion of the wind-driven flotsam has already arrived along the West Coast, while the main Hawaiian Islands and Northwestern Isles have so far been spared. Star-Advertiser.

An environmental group says it has new data supporting its lawsuit aimed at saving false killer whales in Hawaiian waters, with the data coming from the federal agency it is suing. Hawaii News Now.

The U.S. Department of Energy is asking for public comment on the revised scope of the Hawaii Clean Energy Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement, which looks at ways in which renewable energy and energy efficiency resources are planned and used in the state. Pacific Business News.

The state is working to create a voluntary quality rating system for preschools that would give parents more information about what they're getting for their child care dollars. Star-Advertiser.

Beppie Shapiro has had an active life in Hawaii, both professionally and as … an activist! Star-Advertiser.

State roundup for August 10. Associated Press.

Oahu

Honolulu City councilman Tom Berg will find out next week what type of disciplinary action he faces for an outburst during a transportation committee meeting two weeks ago. KITV4.

Residents who represent themselves in civil cases will be able to get free help from a volunteer lawyer at Honolulu District Court starting this month. Star-Advertiser.

Two days after leaving the hospital, former Gov. Ben Cayetano was back on the campaign trail Thursday — a campaign trolley, to be specific. Meanwhile, former city Managing Director Kirk Caldwell planned a trolley tour of his own, while Mayor Peter Carlisle tried to work campaigning around a busy city work schedule. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu mayoral candidate Ben Cayetano, hospitalized briefly this week for treatment of a bleeding ulcer, was back on the campaign trail this afternoon, greeting sign-waiving supporters in front on the state Capitol. Hawaii Reporter.

Adding 10 seats to each train car for the Honolulu rail system would cost an extra $1.5 million to $1.9 million total but would make travel on the 20-mile rail route more comfortable, officials with the Hono­lulu Authority for Rapid Transportation were told Thursday. Star-Advertiser.

A popular farmers' market on Oahu has reopened in a new location. Thursday was the first time the Haleiwa Farmers' Market was held at Waimea Valley. KHON2.

Hawaii

The state Office of Elections is sending an employee to help make sure Saturday’s primary election runs smoothly, a spokesman said Thursday. West Hawaii Today.

Hawaii County Council members will get another chance to question Department of Environmental Management officials about a recent study of hauling rubbish from East Hawaii to the Puuanahulu landfill. West Hawaii Today.

Seven area businesses are preparing to set up shop at Hilo’s newest shopping center, Manono St. Marketplace. Tribune-Herald.

Almost 99 years ago, an Inter-Island Steam Navigation Co. steamboat foundered on the reef at Mahukona, one of four official ports of entry for the Kingdom of Hawaii. West Hawaii Today.

Maui
Maui restaurants will continue having the option of allowing customers to bring their own bottle of wine to enjoy with meals. Maui News.

A salesman, an attorney and a teacher are seeking the Maui County Council's Kahului residency seat, which is being vacated by Council Member Joe Pontanilla because of term limits. Maui News.

Democrat Mazie Hirono opened her Maui headquarters in Wailuku on Wednesday night, several days before she faces off against other Democrats running for the U.S. Senate seat being vacated by the retiring U.S. Sen. Daniel Akaka. Maui News.

The Maui Hotel & Lodging Association's 34th annual Visitor Industry Charity Walks in Maui County raised a record $613,025, topping last year's record by nearly $121,000. Maui News.

Kauai

The Kaua‘i County Council on Wednesday deferred three requests from County Prosecutor Shaylene Iseri-Carvalho to apply for state and federal funds totaling $300,000, which are supposed to pay for the Office of the Prosecuting Attorney’s victim witness program, the VOCA Expansion Program and the Keiki POHAKU diversion program. Garden Island.

Toxicity levels of ground contamination found in Kilauea and Kekaha are low enough for special permit dumping at a certified landfill, say officials, but some residents want it moved off-island. Garden Island.

Foreclosure ads can be a significant revenue source for an area’s largest daily print newspaper and also arguably provides the broadest possible audience to advertise an auction for a property in that county. Garden Island.

Lanai

A dedication ceremony was held today for the new $6.4 million Lanai Airport Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting station. Maui Now.

Hawaii gay marriage ban upheld, early voting ends today, Occupy Honolulu occupies police station, Kauai park smoking ban fails, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Honolulu civil unions protest (c) 2012 All Hawaii News

A challenge of state laws banning same-sex marriage will now move to the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, after a federal judge's ruling Wednesday upholding the prohibition and throwing out a lawsuit contending the ban violates the U.S. Constitution. Star-Advertiser.

A U.S. District Court judge in Honolulu has rejected arguments from two lesbians who said that Hawaii's 1998 ban on same-sex marriage is unconstitutional. Civil Beat.

Governor Neil Abercrombie said today he is willing to appeal a Hawaii federal court’s decision that upholds the constitutionality of state law barring marriage between same-sex couples. Hawaii Reporter.

A federal judge ruled Wednesday against two Hawaii women who want to get married instead of enter into a civil union, handing a victory to opponents of gay marriage in a state that’s been at the forefront of the issue. Associated Press.

U.S. District Court Judge Alan Kay upheld the state's current laws banning same-sex marriage in Honolulu federal court Wednesday. Hawaii News Now.

A federal judge has ruled against two local women who want to get married. Today, Senior U.S. District Judge Alan Kay upheld Hawaii's law banning same-sex marriages. KHON2.

It's the last day for Hawaii voters to participate in early walk-in voting for this weekend's primary election. Hawaii News Now.

In Hawaii, it’s best not to let your politics get in the way of your aloha. That’s the message of some candidates heading into Saturday's primary. Civil Beat.

U.S. Senate candidate Mazie Hirono has raised over four times as much cash as her nearest opponent ahead of Saturday’s primary election, and is surpassed only by the presumptive Republican nominee, former Gov. Linda Lingle. Tribune-Herald.

The 2nd Congressional District race will most likely be decided in the Primary Election Saturday… with the Democratic Party winner going on to win in the General Election, November 6th. Hawaii Public Radio.

For the second time in two elections, Mufi Hannemann is pulling out the big guns to show his large group of powerful backers in the final week of the election. Civil Beat.

Ed Case says he'll fix Washington. Mazie Hirono's strength is a collaborative style. Linda Lingle is bipartisan. Civil Beat.

Three bills dealing with cybercrimes were passed by the Legislature in the spring and signed into law by Gov. Neil Abercrombie. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii drivers registered 22,110 new vehicles in the first six months of this year, up nearly 20 percent from the 18,510 registered in the first half of 2011, according to a Hawaii Auto Outlook report released Wednesday. Star-Advertiser.

State roundup for August 9. Associated Press.

Oahu

Occupy Honolulu protesters set up a new encampment at the Honolulu Police Department's headquarters on South Beretania Street, asserting that city workers improperly seized their items. Star-Advertiser.

The Oahu Burial Council Chair says the council is back in business, for their second meeting, after a five month hiatus. KITV4.

Pacific Resource Partnership (PRP) says it will resume its ads targeting Honolulu mayoral candidate Ben Cayetano now that he has been released from the hospital after suffering from a bleeding ulcer.  KHON2.

With three days before the primary election, Honolulu mayoral candidates are making a final fundraising push. Hawaii News Now.

A new exhibit at the Arizona Memorial museum will feature the Hiroshima atom bomb attack. Associated Press.

Officials at the Hawaii State Hospital are trying to balance public safety and patient privacy with a high-profile patient being allowed to take college classes unsupervised. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii

Mayor Billy Kenoi is proud of all of his administration’s accomplishments during his first four years, but he really wishes he’d done more about the trash. West Hawaii Today.

Saying “poor performance” is not addressed in the ethics code, the Hawaii County Board of Ethics on Wednesday dismissed a complaint against Hilo Councilmen Donald Ikeda and Dennis Onishi. West Hawaii Today.

A new concessionaire is set take the reins Monday at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park’s Volcano House. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

The 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals’ 2012 conference will start as planned on Monday, with some 600 people from the federal circuits in nine western states gathering on Maui for the four-day event. Pacific Business News.

Maui Mayor Alan Arakawa will offer opening remarks at the Ninth Circuit Judicial Conference, taking place on Maui on August 13 to 16, 2012, at the Hyatt Regency Maui Resort & Spa. Maui Now.

Longtime state Sen. J. Kalani English represents the Senate's largest geographical district, which stretches across four islands - a distinction he says requires a special understanding that sets him apart from his opponents in Saturday's primary election. Maui News.

Kauai

Residential electricity rates fell in August on all islands except for Kauai. Star-Advertiser.

The Elections Division of the Office of the County Clerk will be mailing every properly registered voter a signature card on August 8, 2012. Signatures on the cards will be captured electronically and used to verify (authenticate) the signatures on absentee ballots and other official voting and election documents. Hawaii Reporter.

A bill banning tobacco products in county parks, introduced 21⁄2 months ago by Kaua‘i County Councilman Dickie Chang, at first appeared to be a slam dunk. Garden Island.

Molokai
The state plans to build a $1.3 million hydroelectric power plant on Molokai to help defray the energy costs tied to pumping water from Waikolu Valley for its irrigation system. Maui News.

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.