Surf's up! Hirono and Lingle debate heated, UH West chancellor retiring, protests around Hawaii against Land Development Corp., Honolulu rail PAC funds Big Island candidates, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii resort pool party (c) 2012 All Hawaii News

A high surf warning starting at noon today has been issued by the National Weather Service for the north and west shores of all islands. Star-Advertiser.

U.S. Senate candidates Lingle, Hirono

Mazie Hirono and Linda Lingle went after each other Monday night in their second of five debates before the Nov. 6 election, and the first debate broadcast on television statewide. Civil Beat.

Former Gov. Linda Lingle said Monday that U.S. Rep. Mazie Hirono has attacked national Republicans during their U.S. Senate campaign because she does not "have a record of her own to stand on." Hirono countered that Lingle's bipartisan theme is a facade and that had she been in the Senate, there would be no federal health care reform law. Star-Advertiser.

The Democratic and Republican nominees for US Senate squared off in a live televised debate Monday night in our KHON2 News studio. KHON2.

US Senate candidates Linda Lingle and Mazie Hirono have been challenging each other on the airwaves for weeks, and faced off on live television Tuesday. KITV4.

New online tools may soon help the public determine how well state agencies comply with records requests filed under the Uniform Information Practices Act. Civil Beat.

Gov. Neil Abercrombie appointed former congressional candidate Esther Kia'aina to be the deputy director of the state Department of Land and Natural Resources. Associated Press.

Leaders of the Hawaii State Teachers Association will be heading to schools soon to talk to teachers about the union's next steps in attempting to end a protracted labor dispute. Star-Advertiser.

UH Manoa Chancellor Tom Apple sent a campus-wide letter on Monday calling the past few weeks rough times for the university. KHON2.

Amidst Controversy Over Management, UH Chancellor Assures Faculty, Students. Hawaii Reporter.

We’ve got the last quarter moon, three major planets on view, another meteor shower to look for and a discovery over at the Mauna Kea summit as HPR’s Dave Lawrence speaks with Shawn Laatch from the Imiloa Astronomy Center for this week’s Stargazer report. Hawaii Public Radio.

State roundup for October 9. Associated Press.

Oahu

Gene Awakuni, the man in charge of the newest campus in the University of Hawaii system, plans to retire months after opening the UH West Oahu campus which suffered a "cash-flow" problem because of change orders to the project. Hawaii News Now.

Former Hawaii Gov. Ben Cayetano has a knack of getting people to come to his defense. Civil Beat.

Honolulu Seawater Air Conditioning plans to take deep ocean water through pipes that will chill the city's downtown high rises. The plan calls for driving about 100 piles about a quarter to a half mile offshore. KITV4.

Waikiki resident Richard Perez found out the hard way that using a city restroom in a closed park at night is serious business. Star-Advertiser.

Tourists: Little Action Taken On High Rate Of Oahu Rental Car Theft. Civil Beat.

The median price of a single-family home on Oahu rose 12 percent in September on higher sales, while prices of condominiums were flat on lower sales, according to statistics from the Honolulu Board of Realtors. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii

Several Hawaii County Council candidates are receiving unexpected, but nonetheless welcomed, support from a Honolulu political action committee mostly associated with Oahu’s rail dispute. Tribune-Herald.

County Council Candidates talk trash and more. West Hawaii Today.

Teachers, family and supporters came out Monday morning along Palani Road and Queen Kaahumanu Highway intersection for the Hawaii State Teachers Association Kona Chapter’s Unity Day rally. West Hawaii Today.

The Public Land Development Corporation is a terrible mistake that should be abolished, protesters across Hawaii said in sign-waving demonstrations Monday. Tribune-Herald.

A first-of-its-kind demonstration project to stabilize the Big Island electric grid while creating hydrogen for public transportation could be off and running by the first quarter of 2013. West Hawaii Today.

The Department of Land and Natural Resources is looking for answers to two important questions regarding the giant yellow metal object that recently washed ashore four miles south of Naalehu on Hawaii island: Where did it come from? Where is it going? Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island home prices rose substantially in September with the price of single-family homes up a whopping 13%. Big Island Now.

Maui

Scientists have confirmed that a whale found stranded in East Maui in 2010 was of a species that is among the rarest and least known in its family. Prior to 2010, scientists had little information about the Longman's beaked whale in Hawaii, said researchers with Hawaii Pacific University. Star-Advertiser.

New research from Hawai'i Pacific University on a rarely documented whale has central Pacific scientists on alert for a disease which may affect the mortality rate of dolphins and other marine mammal species. KHON2.

Kauai

For a few hours Monday afternoon, the entire state connected through simultaneous events linked by one moving force: Repeal Act 55. Community members on Kaua‘i, O‘ahu and Big Island got together from 2 to 4 p.m., and on Maui from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., to protest against the controversial act. Garden Island.

The Hawai‘i Army National Guard announced members of Troop C, 1st Squadron, 299th Cavalry of the 29th Infantry Brigade Combat Team will be conducting Small Arms Live Fire Exercises on Saturday between 6 a.m. and 11:59 p.m. at the Kekaha Rifle Range. Garden Island.


Molokai

Thousands of Molokai residents were without power for more than seven hours Sunday night and early Monday morning after an islandwide power outage that began at 10:04 p.m., Maui Electric Co. officials said. Maui News.

With the upcoming Oct. 21 canonization of Mother Marianne at the Vatican, and their numbers dwindling, the remaining 17 leprosy patients banished to the remote peninsula of Kalaupapa are eager to make sure their stories are recorded and their home preserved. Associated Press.

Kayaks could be halted at famed Captain Cook monument, protecting seals, turtles, Honolulu permitting director resigns, Hawaii identifying tsunami debris, restaurant jobs on the uptick, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Kayaks at Kealakekua Bay

The Department of Land and Natural Resources, citing concerns about impacts to Kaawaloa, compliance and under-reporting of commercial activities, as well as worries about public safety, has issued a de facto ban on kayak tours in Kealakekua Bay, starting next year. West Hawaii Today.

State and federal officials are asking fishermen to quickly call a hotline when they see a hooked or entangled Hawaiian monk seal. Associated Press.

De-listing the Hawaiian green sea turtle as an endangered species would still keep the animal protected, according to a presentation at Kapa‘a Public Library Wednesday. Garden Island.

Democrats are on track to begin the 2013 session with dominant majorities in the Hawaii Legislature. Civil Beat.

Democratic U.S. Rep. Hanabusa has looked for signs of optimism in her re-election campaign in urban Honolulu's 1st Congressional District. Former Congressman Charles Djou, the Republican, sees a starkly different picture. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Campaigning In The 21st Century. Civil Beat.

The Hawaii Office of Elections is reminding citizens Monday is the last day people may register to vote in November’s general election. Associated Press.

Hawaii taxpayers are suffering a crippling tax load due to the state debts, particularly the unfunded retiree health care and unfunded pension costs.Hawaii Reporter.

The federal government now has a much clearer understanding of how serious a problem bullying and suicide is for Hawaii kids, especially among Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders. Civil Beat.

Hawaii had the third-highest growth in the number of restaurant jobs in the past year, according to an analysis by the National Restaurant Association that shows the restaurant industry has been posting job growth at more than twice the rate of the overall economy. Pacific Business News.

State roundup for October 8. Associated Press.

Oahu

Sirens are going to become more reliable. A statewide siren modernization project is under way. KITV4.

City director of planning and permitting David Tanoue resigned. KHON2.

Hawaii

State officials have yet to determine if a large metal object that washed ashore near Naalehu on Hawaii island is a piece of debris from last year’s tsunami in Japan. Star-Advertiser.

Former Mayor Harry Kim is quick to point out the tough economic straits Hawaii County was in when he took office in 2000. Perhaps it’s a reaction to his opponent for the office, incumbent Mayor Billy Kenoi, equally as quickly noting how his office dealt with declining property tax revenues the last four years, something Kim never faced in his eight years at the county’s helm. West Hawaii Today.

The Hawaii County Ethics Board on Wednesday is scheduled to hear a complaint against Jamae Kawauchi, the Big Island’s embattled clerk, alleging she violated county code in her handling of the island’s elections. Civil Beat.

Maui

Rapid development, fallow plantations and byproducts - like herbicides and pesticides still in the soil and abandoned dirt roads - as well as animal feces, landscaping fertilizer, treated wastewater and open storm water drains are all damaging West Maui's coral reefs, members of a multiagency nonprofit community task force announced last week. Maui News.

Members of the Kaho'olawe Island Reserve Commission will hold hearings on Oahu and Maui this month to hear public input on how to preserve a large, flat, petroglyph-inscribed boulder perched at the edge of an eroding gully on Kahoolawe. Maui News.

Farmers and ranchers have an opportunity to sign up for federal funds to install conservation practices through the West Maui Coral Reef Initiative, according to an announcement from the U.S. Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service. Maui News.

The latest marine debris to arrive in Hawai’i from the Japan tsunami was recovered in waters off of Maui. Maui Now.

Kauai

County officials announced the acquisition of two Lihu’e parcels that will be used to develop affordable housing units for seniors. Garden Island.

Akaka tells Native Hawaiians to cling to values, Lingle takes offensive as poll standings slip, teachers union ends mediation, rail transit to eat fifth of Honolulu budget, Abercrombie talks tech, bad state for entrepreneurship, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaiian poi pounding (c) 2012 All Hawaii News

U.S. Sen. Daniel Akaka told a crowd at the Native Hawaiian Convention in Honolulu that it's important to remember to live Hawaiian values and draw courage from those that came before. Associated Press.

The Cook Political Report on Thursday shifted its rating in the Hawaii U.S. Senate race from "toss up" to "lean Demo­crat," concluding that former Gov. Linda Lingle's campaign would need a big break to prevail over U.S. Rep. Mazie Hirono. Star-Advertiser.

Former Hawaii Gov. Linda Lingle on Thursday escalated brewing political tensions with U.S. Sen. Daniel Inouye by saying the longtime lawmaker thinks he should be able to hand-pick the state’s next U.S. Senator. Associated Press.

Democrats Colleen Hanabusa and Tulsi Gabbard hold leads over their Republican opponents and appear likely to keep Hawaii's congressional delegation blue for at least the next two years, according to The Civil Beat Poll. Civil Beat.

The Hawaii State Teachers Association, representing more than 12,000 public school teachers, has ended mediation with the state in its continuing contract dispute, Gov. Neil Abercrombie announced Thursday night. Star-Advertiser.

More than a month after both sides entered federal mediation, the Hawaii State Teachers Association has informed the state it is no longer participating in contract negotiations. Hawaii News Now.

Federal mediation between the state and public school teachers has failed after the governor said the union broke off talks with the mediator. KHON2.

Gov. Neil Abercrombie and Sanjeev "Sonny" Bhagowalia, who was hired last summer as Hawaii's first chief information officer, unveiled the state’s Business and Information Technology/Information Resource Management Transformation Plan Thursday at the Hawaii Convention Center. Civil Beat.

The state of Hawaii fell four spots to No. 45 in the newly released State Entrepreneurship Index (SEI), a nationwide analysis and ranking system that compares how states stack up in terms of business formation and innovation. Maui Now.

Compassion & Choices Hawaii, a nonprofit organization working to improve care and expand choice at the end of life, received 31 local inquiries in its first year of service. Civil Beat.

State roundup for October 5. Associated Press.

Oahu

City taxpayer subsidies of transit operations in Honolulu will climb to 19 percent of overall city tax collections after the new rail system launches operations, and that extra cost will require that Hono­lulu limit its spending on other city operations, according to a new report from a federal consultant. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation officials said Thursday that an independent review of their financial plan by the Federal Transit Administration is proof that it is “reasonable and able withstand and successfully address risks” of building and operating the city’s elevated-rail project. Pacific Business News.

Mayoral contenders Kirk Caldwell and Ben Caye­tano continued to poke holes in each other's mass transit plans during a final forum on live television Thursday night. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu's mayoral candidates squared off at a forum in Waikiki Thursday. KHON2.

The developer of a $250 million system using cold seawater to provide energy-saving air conditioning to downtown buildings is almost ready to start drilling tunnels and laying pipe for the project. Star-Advertiser.

City officials are pushing for a project in which in a three-mile-long tunnel, about ten to 13 feet in diameter, would be built to carry wastewater from Kaneohe to Kailua. Hawaii News Now.

The state Intermediate Court of Appeals has ordered Kawaiahao Church to stop any work that could lead to the disinterment of more burials. Honolulu Weekly.

Drug and liquor violations at dorms and other campus residences at the University of Hawaii's flagship Manoa campus soared last year, while campus-related burglaries and aggravated assaults also rose. Star-Advertiser.

Sean Barriero, a principal in the Miami, Florida-based organization Epic Talent LLC, who claimed he could organize a Stevie Wonder concert at the University of Hawaii, but disappeared with the University's $200,000 deposit after the real Stevie Wonder agent contacted the school, may be on the run. Hawaii Reporter.

Hawaii

The Windward Planning Commission adjourned Thursday still looking for answers on how to allocate funds for a geothermal health study. Tribune-Herald.

Fearing urban sprawl could begin creeping down the Highway 11 corridor, the Windward Planning Commission on Thursday nixed an Ocean View man’s plan to put a coffee shop on his Aloha Boulevard corner lot. West Hawaii Today.

Hawaii County Clerk Jamae Kawauchi on Thursday thanked voters for their patience after the mishaps of the August primary and said she would work collaboratively with the state to ensure a "fair and well-run election" in November. Star-Advertiser.

Problems that plagued Hawaii County’s primary election Aug. 11 have been resolved, and the focus has shifted to running a smooth general election on Nov. 6. That was the consensus among Hawaii County Clerk Jamae Kawauchi and state Chief Elections Officer Scott Nago Thursday, after a nearly two-hour meeting at the state Attorney General’s office in downtown Honolulu. KITV4.

A culmination of community, police and administrative collaboration resulted in the apprehension of almost a dozen people allegedly involved in a rash of burglaries and car crimes in Kona. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Staffers working for Sen. Daniel Inouye have been helping state and university officials make sure that a $300 million solar telescope on Maui gets built, according to internal government emails. Civil Beat.

The Hawaii Republican Party has filed a second campaign finance complaint against Democratic candidate Kaniela Ing, who is running for the South Maui state House district against incumbent Republican Rep. George Fontaine. Maui News.

Kauai

The public is invited to attend a meeting and provide comment on a study being conducted by the Department of Water for the Lihu‘e–Kapa‘a water system. Garden Island.

The public is invited to honor U.S. Sen. Daniel Kahikina Akaka for his service to Hawai‘i at a dinner Oct. 10 at the Kilohana Carriage House starting at 4:30 p.m. Garden Island.

Hawaii County Council seeks election investigation, Honolulu mayoral candidates debate, more opposition to the Public Land Development Corp., Maui cane-burning health study inconclusive, solar companies gaming the system, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Jamae Kawauchi, Hawaii County Council (c) 2012 All Hawaii News

Now that the state Office of Elections has taken over Hawaii County’s general election, the Hawaii County Council wants a full investigation into what went wrong in the primary election that ultimately led to the state taking back its authority. West Hawaii Today.

A day after an unprecedented move by the state to take over elections on the Big Island the county's chair is biting back and defending embattled County Clerk Jamae Kawauchi. KITV4.

Hawaii County Clerk Jamae Kawauchi says she will meet with Scott Nago, the state's chief elections officer and other officials at the state attorney general's office. Associated Press.

A day after the state said it would take over Hawaii county's election, the county clerk has called for a meeting with the state attorney general. KHON2.

Former Gov. Linda Lingle put a stop to a multi-million tax case against Expedia.com and a dozen other online travel firms after meeting behind close-doors with the companies, Lingle's former tax director said in sworn testimony. Hawaii News Now.

Gov. Neil Abercrombie’s administration is moving decisively toward importing liquefied natural gas for Hawaii’s electricity needs. But this doesn’t mean state officials are easing up on the push for renewable energy. Civil Beat.

A highly anticipated program aimed at speeding up dozens of renewable energy projects in Hawaii is rife with problems including solar companies jockeying for advantage in order to tap into an increasingly lucrative market. Civil Beat.

The Hawaii State Energy Office has released a guidebook for commercial properties interested in installing electric vehicle charging stations. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii's beef market is backward. Nearly all the beef eaten here — 95 percent — arrives packaged on container ships from the U.S. mainland. At the same time, Hawaii cattle ranchers ship 40,000 live cattle each year to California, Kansas and other states, while just 4,000 are slaughtered for meat sales in Hawaii. Associated Press.

State roundup for October 4. Associated Press.

Oahu

Mayoral candidates Ben Cayetano and Kirk Caldwell re-staked their positions on the city's $5.26 billion rail project in their first head-to-head mayoral election debate Tuesday night on KITV. Star-Advertiser.

Forget about third-party attack ads, Honolulu mayoral candidate Kirk Caldwell had his own barbs for former governor Ben Cayetano during their first televised debate since the Aug. 11 primary. Civil Beat.

For the first time since the August primary election, both candidate for Honolulu mayor faced off in a debate Wednesday night. KITV4.

Former Gov. Ben Cayetano's campaign team revised the cost of the transit plan he unveiled last week, increasing the projected cost to $1.5 billion from $1.2 billion. Star-Advertiser.

The independent engineering consultant required by the Federal Transit Administration to perform due diligence on Honolulu rail says in a new report that the project's cost estimate, risk and contingency are all reasonable and worthy of a federal funding guarantee. Civil Beat.

The Honolulu City Council gave final approval Wednesday to Kamehameha Schools' plan to make improvements to Haleiwa town, despite lingering concerns about traffic in the area. Star-Advertiser.

Another alleged victim of sexual abuse at the hands of a Catholic priest is taking advantage of a Hawaii law that opens a two-year window to file civil claims in cases where the statute of limitations has expired. Star-Advertiser.

Investigation Continues into Company that Defrauded University of Hawaii of $200,000. Hawaii Reporter.

Talks are still going well between Hawaii Pacific University and Aloha Tower Marketplace. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii

The Hawaii County Council voted unanimously Wednesday to urge the abolishment of the Public Land Development Corp., formed by the state Legislature in 2011 to foster development of public lands. Tribune-Herald.

The County Council today unanimously approved a resolution asking the state Legislature to repeal Act 55, the law that created the controversial Public Land Development Corp. Big Island Now.

A proposed ban on geothermal drilling at night, introduced in response to recent drilling at Puna Geothermal Venture, passed its first reading Wednesday. Tribune-Herald.

The long-awaited groundbreaking for a $18.1 million gym and community shelter was attended Wednesday by about 200 people, including Ka‘u High students, Gov. Neil Abercrombie, Mayor Billy Kenoi, and Ka‘u’s representatives in the state Senate, state House and the County Council. Tribune-Herald.

A groundbreaking ceremony Wednesday kicked off the construction process of the 83 homes in the state Department of Hawaiian Home Lands’ Lalamilo subdivision in Waimea. West Hawaii Today.

Kona Community Hospital has hired a consultant to begin preplanning a replacement for the Kealakekua facility. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

The state Department of Health has completed the first phase of a study on the health effects of sugar cane burning on Maui, and, while the preliminary results hint at people suffering ill effects downwind of cane burning, the study won't be complete until Maui Memorial Medical Center and island health clinics allow researchers access to their records, said Dr. Lorrin Pang of the state Department of Health. Maui News.

Maui County has forked over $37,500 to support the hunting of pesky axis deer on private property. Star-Advertiser.

A new group is now formally organized to control Axis deer in Maui County. Maui Now.

Kauai
The Kaua‘i County Council on Wednesday reached a majority vote on a decision that would allow a new youth diversion program to go forward. Garden Island.

The leak from a force main was confirmed to be the cause of Tuesday’s sewage spill in Hanapepe, according to a County of Kaua‘i news release. Garden Island.

Molokai

A large light bulb that might be debris from the 2011 Japanese tsunami has been found on the south shore of Molokai. Star-Advertiser.

A skilled group of Hawaiian masons from parks throughout Hawaii Island joined park staff at Kalaupapa National Historic Park (NHP) to repair deteriorating drystack walls in the settlement and at Kahaloko Cemetery. Kalaupapa NHP has hosted the masons for rock wall repair within the park for the past five years. Molokai Dispatch.

Obama a shoo-in in Hawaii, state Elections Office to handle Hawaii County elections, state Senate continues to grill university officials, Oracle's Ellison to make Lanai a sustainability laboratory, Hawaii to benefit from visa-free travel for Taiwanese tourists, state shoulders 3rd highest debt, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

President Obama, former Hawaii Gov. Linda Lingle, 2009 courtesy photo

The state that provided President Barack Obama his largest margin of victory in 2008 likes him over challenger Mitt Romney 62 percent to 30 percent. Civil Beat.

Hawaii will likely welcome more visitors from Taiwan now that the U.S. has eliminated a visa requirement for Taiwanese citizens, state officials said Tuesday. Associated Press.

The first major boom in Taiwanese travelers to Hawaii as a result of the nation's newfound visa waiver status should start to hit next spring. Star-Advertiser.

A new study found that Hawaii has the third-highest per-capita state debt in the nation, with each person’s share of the state debt standing at $29,062. Pacific Business News.

Senators took the University of Hawaii's Board of Regents members to task Tuesday for failing to play a stronger role in holding UH administrators accountable and for keeping questions about the institution's direction behind closed doors. Star-Advertiser.

State senators began a briefing investigating the University of Hawaii's failed Stevie Wonder concert Tuesday by admonishing a lawyer hired by UH for not providing them an answer to a key question: a complete breakdown of the costs incurred because of the concert fiasco. Hawaii News Now.

Manoa Chancellor Tom Apple was greeted with skepticism and, at times, derision Tuesday by a state Senate panel looking into the University of Hawaii's handling of the ill-fated Stevie Wonder concert and its fallout. Star-Advertiser.

The special Hawaii Senate hearings into the University of Hawaii following a botched Stevie Wonder benefit concert clocked in at seven and a half hours ending late Tuesday. Civil Beat.

State senators investigating the failed University of Hawaii Stevie Wonder benefit concert appearance today repeatedly questioned why UH officials and attorneys have withheld information from the public. Hawaii Reporter.

There's a new price tag being put on the table for the cost of the botched Stevie Wonder concert at UH Manoa. At the second senate hearing into the matter, senators say the fallout has now topped $1.1 million dollars. KHON2.

What did you know, when did you know it, and why can't we get straight answers to our questions? That sums up the seven and a half hours of grilling of University of Hawaii regents and other highly paid people in-charge. KITV4.

Former state Sen. Anthony Kai Ung Chang, described as a statesman who was instrumental in shaping Hawaii environmental laws, died Tuesday morning. He was 68. Star-Advertiser.

State roundup for October 3. Associated Press.

Oahu

The Honolulu City Council budget committee passed a resolution tonight to authorize the sale of 12 rental housing complexes to a private company. KHON2.

Honolulu mayoral candidate Ben Cayetano’s alternative to elevated rail has a $1.8 billion budget, which is $700 million more than the cost estimate he revealed last week. Civil Beat.

Bright Light Marketing is closing its downtown Honolulu office by mid-December while its staff of five public relations executives continue on as independent contractors, according to a letter sent to clients from the firm’s Owner/President/CEO, Lynette Lo Tom. Pacific Business News.

Eight Marine Corps Medal of Honor recipients, in town for a convention of the war heroes, paid tribute Tuesday to four World War II aviators who were at one time based at Marine Corps Air Station Ewa and singled out for bravery "above and beyond the call of duty." Star-Advertiser.

Governor Neil Abercrombie welcomed more than 50 of the nation's 81 living Medal of Honor recipients at Washington Place on Tuesday night. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii

The state will take over operations of the Nov. 6 General Election in Hawaii County, state Chief Election Officer Scott Nago announced Tuesday. West Hawaii Today.

The state Office of Elections will take control of the November general election in Hawaii County, an unprecedented move that reflects a lack of confidence in Hawaii County Clerk Jamae Kawauchi. Star-Advertiser.

State elections officials say they will take back oversight of Election Day voting on the Big Island because problems relating to the Aug. 11 primary have not been adequately addressed. Civil Beat.

State shakes up Big Island County elections office. KITV4.

Jim Waugh and Charlene Prickett say they want to find a “third way” to resolve a dispute over a trail to Papaikou Mill Beach that runs through their property. Tribune-Herald.

A group opposed to plans to modify the Lower Hamakua Ditch with plastic pipe today gained the support of several members of the County Council. Big Island Now.

Faced with the loss of funding from its parent agency, the Joint Astronomy Centre is offering to anybody interested a rare opportunity to take over a working Mauna Kea telescope. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

It'll be at least another year before landowner Alexander & Baldwin turns over a 50-acre plot in Kahului to Maui County officials for affordable housing, a community center and park. Maui News.

The County of Maui is the recipient of a distinguished budget presentation award for the 2012 Maui budget document. Maui Now.

A Hawaiian Airlines flight enroute from Seattle to Kahului today returned safely to Seattle after pilots received a "low quantity" indicator for the jetliner's hydraulic system, a Hawaiian Airlines spokesman said. Maui News.

Kauai

A sewage spill estimated to be between 50 and 100 gallons of raw wastewater shut down a Hanapepe pump station and closed Hana Road on Tuesday. Garden Island.

Office of Youth Services Executive Director David Hipp, on a letter dated Friday to the Kaua‘i County Council, denies he had advised the county Office of Prosecuting Attorney to stop referring youth to Hale ‘Opio’s Kaua‘i Teen Court program. Garden Island.

A busload of students from the Boys and Girls of Hawai‘i took advantage of the week-long break from school to participate with Mayor Bernard Carvalho, Jr., Tuesday during the Walk and Talk Story with the Mayor program. Garden Island.

Containers that once transported goods to and from the islands will be converted into new homes on Kaua`i. Educators and community leaders are teaming up to create a self-sustaining community with recycled homes, renewable energy and community aquaponics. Hawaii Public Radio.

Lanai

Oracle Corp. CEO Larry Ellison spoke publicly about the island of Lanai Tuesday for the first time since buying the Hawaiian island in June, saying he plans to turn it into a laboratory for sustainability. Pacific Business News.

Affordable Care Act to have minimal impact on Hawaii, school lunch prices spike, Kauai neighborhood cleared of toxic arsenic, dioxin in soil, Hawaii County Council mulls $31M bond issue, tsunami debris hits Molokai, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Gov. Neil Abercrombie, Insurance Commissioner Gordon Ito courtesy photo

In compliance with the federal Affordable Care Act, Gov. Neil Abercrombie announced Monday he has selected HMSA's existing health care benefits package that will serve as the base line for all future insurance coverage offered in the state come 2014, when the law is fully implemented. Star-Advertiser.

A healthcare plan offered by the Hawaii Medical Service Association will be the template for all insurance plans offered to the public when President Obama’s universal coverage law begins in 2014, Gov. Neil Abercrombie announced today. Hawaii Reporter.

A package of health insurance benefits created by the Hawaii Medical Service Association will serve as the state’s benchmark for the minimum amount of coverage health insurers in Hawaii must provide in 2014 and 2015 under the federal Affordable Care Act. Pacific Business News.

Gov. Neil Aberceombie's June 28, 2012 statement on Affordable Care Act ruling.

The cost of school lunches in Hawaii has been rising, and one menu item in particular costs almost twice as much today as it did three years ago: hot dogs. Civil Beat.

It has been four months since the teachers union wrapped up a prohibited-practice case before the Hawaii Labor Relations Board — more than enough time, the union argues, for the board to decide whether the state violated members' rights when it imposed a contract in July 2011. The Hawaii State Teachers Association has asked the state Supreme Court to compel the labor board to issue a quick ruling in the case. Star-Advertiser.

Gov. Neil Abercrombie said state negotiators have met several times with a federal mediator to try and reach a contract agreement with Hawaii teachers. KITV4.

The Public Land Development Corp. will meet Oct. 11 in Honolulu to consider the approval of a strategic plan as well as some changes to its draft administrative rules. Big Island Now.

Hawai`i residents are worried about what the state’s new Public Land Development Corporation will mean for land across the state. The PLDC’s five member board has been granted increased powers to develop public property. Now board members are considering some changes to the rules, in an effort to ease residents’ concerns. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii will soon be the new site for a high-tech device that harnesses wave energy to create electricity. Hawaii News Now.

The next installment of senate hearings into the University of Hawaii Stevie Wonder concert fiasco take place Tuesday. KHON2.

Here's a list of the people invited to testify Tuesday, Oct. 2., before the State Senate Special Committee on Accountability about the University of Hawaii's Stevie Wonder concert fiasco. Hawaii News Now.

The Hawaii Tourism Authority on Monday that issued a request for proposals for its 2013 Product Enrichment Program that supports community-based cultural and natural resource programs. Pacific Business News.

Oahu

Most voters have long since made up their minds about the Honolulu rail project, and their opposition has put Ben Cayetano in good position to become the city's next mayor. Civil Beat.

Similarities in capaign ads  continue to raise questions about whether any campaign finance laws have been shirked — everyone involved denies this — the ads also highlight the influence of outside money in the Honolulu mayor's race. Civil Beat.

University of Hawaii officials showed off $1.3 million worth of repairs to UH's College Hill mansion eight years ago and said that "nothing major" remained to be done. But today, $680,000 worth of "major" repairs are under way at the UH president's unoccupied mansion — and running two weeks behind schedule. Star-Advertiser.

The first phase of a $135 million upgrade to Hawaii’s largest public housing complex is nearing completion, and a group of units has become available for rent to low-income families. Star-Advertiser.

Bicycling on Oahu suffers from the chicken-and-the-egg problem. Civil Beat.

Hawaiian Electric Company has been working on the Ko'olau ridge for about a month now. They are trying to upgrade Oahu's power grid. KITV4.

The Honolulu Marathon is expected to generate record revenue for Hawaii this year with one of the biggest races in its 40-year history. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii

The county’s current mayor and his old boss-turned mayoral rival disagreed Monday night over whose administration could take credit for at least one big West Hawaii project. West Hawaii Today.

A proposed $16.8 million bond issue for a South Kona police station has ballooned to $31.4 million, thanks to amendments adding other projects offered by two Hilo council members originally opposed to the bond authorization. West Hawaii Today.

The Windward Planning Commission is looking for guidance on how it can tap into a $2.1 million Geothermal Asset Fund. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaii County Clerk Jamae Kawa­uchi, who has endured a firestorm of criticism for her handing of the primary election, admits she has made errors but promises to press ahead and ensure the general election Nov. 6 goes smoothly. Star-Advertiser.

Maui

A federal judge ordered a $15,000 fine Monday for a Maui rancher who arranged the transportation of axis deer and mouflon rams between Maui and Hawaii island. Star-Advertiser.

The next in a series of community meetings will be held tonight to discuss the county’s 2013-2014 budget. Maui Now.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and its hired consultants will hold a public meeting in Lahaina on Tuesday to review a draft Wahikuli-Honokowai Watershed Management Plan. Associated Press.

Mokulele Airlines is expected to launch its daily service flights between Kahului and Hana airports today, with one-way fares starting at $59. Maui News.

Kauai

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the state Department of Health have completed a Superfund Removal Program cleanup removing more than 814 tons of contaminated soil from residential and commercial properties in Kilauea, Kaua‘i, according to an EPA press release Monday. Garden Island.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and state Health Department have completed removal of toxic soil at a Kilauea neighborhood on Kauai, the agencies announced Monday. Star-Advertiser.

All of car dealer/developer James Pflueger’s co-defendants in a tax evasion case pending in federal court have  pleaded guilty. Hawaii Reporter.

The Kaua‘i County Council last week gave its stamp of approval for the Office of Prosecuting Attorney to apply, receive and expend $210,000 in federal grants for two programs. But decision on a request to apply for $35,000 in federal grants for a youth diversionary program was postponed for a week. Garden Island.

Molokai

Japanese Tsunami Debris Arrives on Molokai. Molokai Dispatch.

Hirono tops Lingle in poll, Navy backs off solar plan, Kauai begins shipping container housing, Maui wages sugar-burning battle, Hawaii County council to continue elections scrutiny, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Linda Lingle, Mazie Hirono, U.S. Senate candidates

Mazie Hirono has a double-digit lead over Linda Lingle in the first independent survey of the U.S. Senate race since the August primary election. The Civil Beat Poll shows Hirono, a Democratic congresswoman, with a 55 percent to 39 percent advantage over the two-term Republican Hawaii governor. Civil Beat.

President Barack Obama and his family have taken a $4 million vacation in Kailua, Hawaii, each Christmas, since 2008, courtesy of the nation’s taxpayers. Hawaii Reporter.

Hawaii’s abysmal voter turnout rate is getting national attention. This time from CNN.com which is making it part of an interesting new project called “Change The List.” Civil Beat.

Oahu Democrats on Saturday (Sept. 29) voted overwhelmingly to reject a complaint against state Sen. Donovan Dela Cruz. Civil Beat.

The U.S. Commerce Department says it will grant Hawaii $1.3 million to upgrade its disaster preparedness system and build new tsunami warning sirens. Associated Press.

The University of Hawaii Board of Regents is beginning its annual evaluation of UH President M.R.C. Greenwood, the fourth since she was hired in 2009 and the first since the Stevie Wonder concert fiasco. Star-Advertiser.

What exactly happened with the Stevie Wonder concert deal intended to raise money for the University of Hawaii Athletics Department? Civil Beat.

The first checkpoint for the Hawaii Clean Energy Initiative is just three years off, and the plan appears on track to reach its short-term goals for the use of alternative energy sources to replace oil in electricity generation. Star-Advertiser.

Most people who ended up in Honolulu Immigration Court removal proceedings last year came from three countries: China, Mexico and the Philippines. Star-Advertiser.

Debris from the March 2011 Japanese tsunami is now reaching Hawaii shores, and scientists expect that it will continue to wash up through the winter and into spring. Tribune-Herald.

State roundup for October 1. Associated Press.

Oahu

In the face of opposition from historic preservation groups, the Navy has eased off plans to install photovoltaic panels on the historic Ford Island runway in Pearl Harbor. Star-Advertiser.

An anti-rail group is setting up its own "super PAC" to counter what it says are "lies" and "mudslinging" attacks on candidate Ben Cayetano by pro-rail groups. Hawaii News Now.

City Prosecutor Keith Kaneshiro faces a challenge in the November general election from a former veteran deputy prosecutor who lost his job when Kane­shiro took office two years ago. Star-Advertiser.

Family hopes for tougher punishment for Donaldson Enterprises, the company allegedly responsible for Waikele fireworks bunker explosion. KITV4.

Local fishermen donated more than 650 pounds of fish to help feed Hawaii's hungry to kick off Hawaii's 7th Annual Fishing and Seafood Festival. KHON2.

Hawaii

The Hawaii County Council will take a closer look at the operations of the county Elections Division on Wednesday, when it will consider two resolutions directing how the office should operate in the wake of a primary election that saw many polling places open late. West Hawaii Today.

Big Island fishermen on Saturday got an in-depth look at new federal annual catch limits and the Marine Mammal Protection Act and how such regulations affect local fisheries. West Hawaii Today.

The Catholic Archdiocese of Honolulu led a groundbreaking ceremony for a new St. Michael The Archangel Church, replacing the building damaged beyond repair in the October 2006 earthquakes. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

A roadside sign-waving rally by the Stop Cane Burning group was countered Saturday by a demonstration by a larger group in support of Hawaiian Commercial & Sugar Co. Maui News.

Women said they found renewed focus and hope after being taken in at Women Helping Women's domestic violence shelter. Maui News.

Kauai

A state law enforcement conference, salaries of executive appointees and the status of a lawsuit against the mayor were among the topics discussed at a Police Commission meeting Friday. Garden Island.

On Friday, ground was broken in the footprint of a shipping container, which will form the basis of a Ho‘ouluwehi Affordable Sustainable Living House Prototype at the Kaua‘i Community College campus. Garden Island.

Molokai

For years, there have been talks about bringing back the sovereign nation of Hawaii, for Hawaii to become socially, economically and politically independent of the United States. Molokai Dispatch.

Cayetano unveils 'FAST' rail alternative, Hawaii Supreme Court won't reconsider rail ruling, Inouye asks Lingle to take down video, Lanai group won't learn Ellison's price, UH awash in PR, Big Island archeological study delays park, Navy cruiser gets reprieve, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Cayetano's FAST rail alternative

Former Hawaii Gov. Ben Cayetano is proposing a $1.1 billion plan to add express buses and contraflow lanes as an alternate solution to a $5 billion rail line to ease traffic on Oahu.Associated Press.

Honolulu mayoral candidate Ben Cayetano unveiled a transportation plan Thursday that features new Bus Rapid Transit routes, high-tech traffic signal systems to instantly respond to traffic snarls and plans for two-lane underpasses to ease the flow of traffic on Kapiolani Boulevard and other thoroughfares. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu mayoral candidate Ben Cayetano presented his alternative–to-rail transportation plan today, saying the mix of expanded bus service, a two-mile extension of the airport highway viaduct, traffic underpasses beneath congested intersections and other features will cost $4.1 billion less than the planned elevated rail line. Hawaii Reporter.

Honolulu mayoral candidate and former Hawaii Gov. Ben Cayetano on Thursday formally unveiled his mass-transit plan, which he touted as being a cheaper, better and more flexible alternative than the city’s $5.16 billion rail project. Pacific Business News.

Instead of being a candidate running against something, Ben Cayetano is now a candidate running for something. Civil Beat.

After waiting months to reveal deeper details about his traffic plans Honolulu mayoral candidate Ben Cayetano announced his bus rapid transit plan today.  But his opponent says it's too little too late. Hawaii News Now.

It's called FAST, for Flexible Affordable Smart Transportation, and mayoral candidate Ben Cayetano said Thursday it will be one-fifth the cost of rail. KITV4.

The mayor and city council chairman say mayoral candidate Ben Cayetano's bus rapid transit plan would not get federal backing for the current round of funding the rail authority has applied for. KHON2.

Cayetano's FAST website. click here.

Honolulu Mayor Peter Carlisle and City Council chairman Ernie Martin reacted quickly and negatively to Ben Cayetano's plan for a new Honolulu transportation plan. Hawaii Reporter.

The Hawaii Supreme Court on Thursday denied a request by the city to reconsider the court's unanimous Aug. 24 ruling that stopped construction of the $5.26 billion rail project. Star-Advertiser.

The Hawaii Supreme Court on Thursday denied a City and County of Honolulu motion for the high court to reconsider its ruling on the city’s controversial $5.16 billion rail project. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii's peak summer tourist season is coming to a close, but visitor traffic is holding its own into fall. Star-Advertiser.

U.S. Sen. Daniel Inouye on Thursday asked Republican Senate candidate Linda Lingle to pull down a web video touting a relationship between the two, and said the video has given him the incentive to actively campaign for Lingle's opponent, Democrat Mazie Hirono. Civil Beat.

A national grant that provides training, test prep and incentives helped four Hawaii high schools make big gains in the number of students taking — and passing — Advanced Placement exams in 2012, officials announced Thursday. Star-Advertiser.

The University of Hawaii has hired two public relations firms with contracts worth $150,000  to supplement the work of 13 PR people already on the UH system payroll.  More than 30 other UH public relations staffers work on other UH campuses and at different UH schools statewide. Hawaii News Now.

The Navy said the Pearl Harbor cruiser USS Port Royal and three others based elsewhere that had been slated for early retirement in March will be kept on duty for an undetermined length of time. Star-Advertiser.
 
Oahu

The company hoping to sell alcohol at the Honolulu Zoo has two more weeks to come up with a better plan. KHON2.

A new device that could rid Kaneohe Bay of invasive algae by 2015 was shown off Thursday by the Nature Conservancy of Hawaii. Star-Advertiser.

The latest attack ad from the Pacific Resource Partnership that features footage of Honolulu mayoral candidate Kirk Caldwell raises questions about whether either of the two parties violated Hawaii's campaign spending laws. Civil Beat.

How much can the Pacific Resource Partnership spend on ad time in a single week? Here's a hint: it's a hefty fraction of the $1.3 million the pro-rail trade group spent airing TV ads before the primary.  Civil Beat.

Hawaii

Hawaii County is about to embark on an archaeological survey of its 784-acre Kawa Bay property, a process likely to add months to plans for an oceanfront park there and push any eviction of several Native Hawaiians laying claim to the property into the new year. West Hawaii Today.

Gov. Neil Abercrombie releases funds to bring more doctors to Hawaii. Tribune-Herald.

The Public Utilities Commission’s public hearing on Hawaii Electric Light Co.’s rate increase and biofuel surcharge proposals is a month away, and all sides are digging in for what could be an explosive meeting. Tribune-Herald.

The state Board of Land and Natural Resources will vote Friday  on a management plan for the Ka`u Forest Reserve. Big Island Now.

Maui
Federal and state authorities are trying to locate, track and hopefully sink at sea a floating dock that could be tsunami debris from Japan, a state Department of Land and Natural Resources spokeswoman said today. Maui News.

The Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) is coordinating with NOAA and the U.S. Coast Guard to identify the current location of a 30 by 50-foot floating dock that was last seen on Wednesday, Sept. 19, by fishermen off the north coast of Molokai. Hawaii News Now.

Plans are under way to renovate the Lahaina Center on Front Street into Maui's first outlet shopping center by next summer. Maui News.

Maui's tourism industry ended a strong summer with both increased visitor arrivals and spending in August, according to new data released Thursday by the Hawaii Tourism Authority. Maui News.

Kauai

The annual Legislative Forum hosted by the state Council on Developmental Disabilities wrapped up an unusual week that had four political events crammed into four days. Garden Island.

A federal lawsuit claims teenage employees working at a Panda Express in Kapa‘a were groped and demeaned. Garden Island.

Taxpayers’ money that has already been approved to be spent on private attorneys’ fees on matters related to POHAKU (Productive Optimism Helps All Kaua‘i) diversionary program keeps snowballing: It is now at $35,000. Garden Island.

Lanai

Lanaians for Sensible Growth, which was given approval by Hawaii regulators to intervene in the case of the transfer of utilities to Lanai owner Larry Ellison, have been denied access to confidential documents, including the price of the sale. Pacific Business News.

Most Hawaii families are the mom and pop type, state mulls federal waiver for welfare-to-work, unions can force employees to campaign, Kauai drought brings disaster declaration, Molokai man's DNA lawsuit explored, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii mom (c) 2012 All Hawaii News

Almost three quarters of all families in Hawaii are literally "mom and pop" operations, according to a new analysis of data from the U.S. Census Bureau. Pacific Business News.

Gov. Neil Abercrombie’s administration is considering whether to accept a waiver that would allow states to develop their own welfare-to-work programs under the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families Program with a decision expected by the Department of Human Services as soon as November. KITV4.

Unions and corporations are prohibited by federal law from coercing employees to make financial contributions to candidates, but UPW's attorneys argued — and the three Republican appointees to the FEC agree — that employees can be required to participate in activities such as sign-waving, telephone banking and canvassing for candidates as they did in 2010 for congressional candidate Colleen Hanabusa. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu Democrats will meet Saturday to act on a complaint against state Sen. Donovan Dela Cruz that could lead to his censure. Civil Beat.

Hawaii has no official plan for dealing with Japanese tsunami debris that has begun showing up in offshore waters, no task force to help coordinate federal, state and city response efforts and virtually no funding to deal with the issue. Civil Beat.

The Federal Aviation Administration has put up money to help search for the best site in Hawaii for a commercial spaceport, and to study the environmental impacts of launching and landing commercial spacecraft from Hawaii airports. Star-Advertiser.

A team from the University of Hawaii's accrediting agency that visited earlier this month supports a plan to form a working group to review "delegations of authority" in the wake of a botched benefit concert, and wants to be apprised of any report or legislation resulting from the concert fallout, according to a draft synopsis of the team's conclusions. Star-Advertiser.

The aftermath of the Stevie Wonder blunder has caught the attention of the agency that accredits the University of Hawaii. Hawaii News Now.

Epic Talent LLC - the company that took a $200,000 deposit on the promise of staging a Stevie Wonder concert at the University of Hawaii in August but had no authority to do so -bills itself as “reliable consulting source for accessing big name entertainment for public concerts, corporate events and fundraisers around the world” amd promises to look out for their “clients’ best interests.” Hawaii Reporter.

With less than a week before the 11th Annual Native Hawaiian Convention opens on Tuesday, October 2, 2012 at the Hawaii Convention Center, registration has hit 600 participants during the three-day event. Hawaii Reporter.

Today the Army is shutting down regular operations to focus everyone’s attention on a “silent enemy”. The stand down day will train soldiers of all ranks in preventing suicide,  the Army’s fastest growing threat, and military leaders are asking for everyone’s help. Hawaii Public Radio.

Former state lawmaker Kenneth Koon Leong Lee 'compassionate,' 'tough'. Star-Advertiser.

State roundup for September 27. Associated Press.

Oahu

Mayoral candidates Kirk Caldwell and Ben Cayetano will meet in a live, televised setting on two consecutive nights next week, the only chances the public will have to see the two candidates face off against each other on television before the Nov. 6 general election. Star-Advertiser.

The pro-rail group that spent more than a million dollars this election season has launched its first ad since the primary election. KHON2.

Roads, sewers and homelessness. That's what's on the minds of leading contenders for Tulsi Gabbard’s vacant Honolulu City Council seat. Civil Beat.

Green thumb or not, Japanese billionaire Genshiro Kawamoto has been busy recently working to transform another one of his Kahala Avenue home lots into a public garden — this one a Japanese tea garden. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii

Hawaii County is adjusting its game plan for the Nov. 6 general election in order to avoid the problems that plagued the primary. Tribune-Herald.

The state Department of Transportation won’t be starting construction on Queen Kaahumanu Highway this month, and just when construction will begin is unclear. West Hawaii Today.

When it comes to politics, Russell Ruderman and Daryl Smith might as well be from different worlds. Tribune-Herald.

State House District 3: Race features community activist, former teacher and man of ideas. Tribune-Herald.

A worldwide shrimp breeder is moving its headquarters from Florida to the Natural Energy Laboratory of Hawaii Authority and expanding its Hawaii operations. Tribune-Herald.

A 12-year-old dolphin at Hilton Waikoloa Village gave birth to a female calf that seemed to instantly recognize her mother. Associated Press.

Maui

The Maui Planning Commission unanimously approved Tuesday a permit for the University of Hawaii Maui College to expand its ongoing investments in renewable, photovoltaic energy. Maui News.

An environmental group wants to put an end to cane burning on Maui. StopCaneBurning.org says smoke from operations at HC&S, Hawaiian Commercial and Sugar company, is making residents sick and could potentially cause life-threatening illness. On Wednesday, the two sides met to discuss concerns at the HC&S office in Puunene. Hawaii News Now.

Officials at Hawaiian Commercial & Sugar Company responded today to a cane burning petition presented by members of an opposition group on Maui. Maui Now.

Kauai

Kaua‘i County Council candidates have already gone through a series of public meetings during this year’s election season, but Tuesday night was the first time they participated in a debate leading to Nov. 6 General Elections. Garden Island.

The U.S. Agriculture Department has designated Kaua‘i County as a natural disaster area due to a “severe” drought, which has lasted for more than eight straight weeks during the growing season. Garden Island.

Federal officials said Wednesday that based on wind and currents, the floating dock suspected of being 2011 tsunami debris from Japan could be headed toward Kauai. Star-Advertiser.

A list of recommended rules that would regulate commercial boating and commercial surf activities at Hanalei Black Pot Beach Park were presented to the mayor on Wednesday. Garden Island.

Molokai

A Molokai man has filed a lawsuit seeking to use DNA to prove his ancestry so he can qualify for the Hawaiian homelands program. Star-Advertiser.

A Molokai man has filed a lawsuit seeking to use DNA to prove his ancestry so he can qualify for the Hawaiian homelands program, which leases land at almost no cost to Native Hawaiians. Associated Press.

Kukui nuts have long been used by Hawaiians for food and medicinal purposes, but it may soon be also used for fuel –specifically, biodiesel fuel. Wayde Lee, who created the Molokai Sustainable Farming Project (MSFP) last year, has been exploring biodiesel initiatives that he said may lead to economic stability and energy security for Molokai farmers. Molokai Dispatch.