Big surf could lower voter turnout, 'Hunger Games' to film in Hawaii, OHA expands national presence, help for the homeless, Maui has state's top bond rating, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii Democratic Party Grand Rally (c) 2012 All Hawaii News

Vote today! Find your polling place here.

Voters across the state will head to the polls on Tuesday to select their nominees for president, mayor, and several congressional races during Hawaii's general election. Hawaii News Now.

Early voting in Hawaii before today's election was slightly ahead of the last presidential election in 2008, but political analysts do not expect turnout to be much higher than the 66 percent of registered voters who cast ballots four years ago. Star-Advertiser.

As of Nov. 3 almost 182,000 voters statewide had cast early ballots, far eclipsing the 152,000 ballots cast early in Hawaii’s 2010 general. Civil Beat.

Election Day is a state, city and county holiday.  So, all state, city and county offices are closed as well as state libraries. KITV4.

Like Florida in 2000, some are predicting that the closely contested 2012 presidential election could result in one candidate winning the national popular vote and the other winning the Electoral College. Civil Beat.

Republican Linda Lingle spent her time shaking hands while Democrat Mazie Hirono was with her supporters phone banking -- each trying to sway the undecided. KHON2.

Big surf will hang around today, with advisory levels likely continuing for east-facing shores but ending for the north shores of the main Hawaiian Islands, the National Weather Service predicts. Star-Advertiser.

The National Weather Service has extended a high surf advisory until 6 a.m. Tuesday. Star-Advertiser.

The Office of Hawaiian Affairs is looking to expand its reach far beyond Hawaii's shores. Civil Beat.

Providers of services to homeless people have planned a host of events statewide for next week aimed at boosting awareness of the hurdles they face and urging more people to be part of the solution. Star-Advertiser.

It’s official — “The Hunger Games: Catching Fire” will film in Hawaii. The sequel to Lionsgate’s wildly popular “The Hunger Games” will film on Oahu sometime before the end of the year. Pacific Business News.

Oahu

The race for Honolulu Mayor will likely be the most closely watched of the election. KHON2.

Honolulu Mayoral hopeful Kirk Caldwell reported raising $76,000 in the final weeks of the race, according to the latest reports filed with the state Campaign Spending Commission. Former Gov. Ben Caye­tano, Caldwell's mayoral opponent, reported raising $73,599, bringing his total for the campaign to $1.4 million. Star-Advertiser.

Former Hawaii Campaign Spending Director Robert Watada is accusing Honolulu Mayoral Candidate Kirk Caldwell of participating in a"pay to play" scheme after reviewing dozens of donations Caldwell's campaign accepted from government rail contractors and employees of the city's rail authority. Hawaii Reporter.

The countdown to the General Election tomorrow is well underway and local campaigns are making their final push to reach potential voters. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii

It’s time for Hawaii residents to head to the polls and cast the votes that will determine the future of their community, state and nation. Tribune-Herald.

Almost 30,000 of Hawaii County’s 104,323 registered voters had already voted by the early walk-in voting deadline Saturday. According to the county Elections Division, 9,502 voters opted for early walk-in voting, and 20,019 mail-in ballots had been received. West Hawaii Today.

State elections officials are watching for problems at the polls in Hawaii County during today's election, taking over for county officials after widespread glitches that led to extended voting hours during the primary. Associated Press.

Civil Defense and police personnel have fixed 11 of the 13 tsunami warning sirens found to be dysfunctional during last week’s test. Tribune-Herald.

Kona residents can hop a direct flight to Anchorage starting Saturday. West Hawaii Today.
http://westhawaiitoday.com/sections/news/local-news/nonstop-route-kona-takes.html

An ocean-drifting fish-raising prototype from a Hawaii company was named one of the best inventions of 2012 by Time Magazine. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii developer Peter Savio is moving forward on plans to expand his Pagoda hotel brand, which caters to kama­aina and college students looking for economical rooms. Star-Advertiser.

The Hawaii Police Department and the U.S. Army Garrison-Pohakuloa last week formalized a training agreement. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

A 22-acre vacant lot in Lahaina that has been used as a dumpsite and homeless encampment in recent years will be developed into a $60 million housing project. Maui News.

Moody’s, Standard & Poor’s and Fitch rated Maui County Aa1/AA+/AA+, higher than any other county in the State of Hawai’i. Mayor’s TV Show to Discuss Maui Bond Rating. Maui Now.

A high surf advisory is currently in effect for north and east facing shores of Maui and Molokai and will remain in effect until Tuesday 6 a.m., the National Weather Service said. Maui News.

Kauai

Two Kaua‘i residents who regularly attend County Council meetings have filed a formal complaint with the Board of Ethics against the county attorney. Garden Island.

Kauai’s mayor and police chief have been battling publicly since last February over whether the mayor or the police commission has the authority to discipline or fire the police chief. Hawaii Reporter.

The Kaua‘i County Council unanimously approved on first reading last week a bill that would create a permanent reserve fund for the county, to be used to cover budget shortfalls and stabilization and initial disaster response, among other things. Garden Island.

Kona Coffee Festival kickoff, candidates pull out the stops as Election Day nears, sharks dwindling, but active, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Kona coffee queens Tatiana Boteilho & Lacy Deniz courtesy photo

The 42nd annual Kona Coffee Cultural Festival is offering numerous events now until Nov. 11 that preserve and promote Kona’s more than 180-year-old coffee heritage. West Hawaii Today.

Voters across the state will head to the polls on Tuesday to select their nominees for president, mayor, and several congressional races during Hawaii's general election. Hawaii News Now.

What's At Stake In The 2012 Election. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Republicans have three "victory centers" to help get out the vote Tuesday: party headquarters in Hono­lulu, Linda Lingle's U.S. Senate campaign headquarters and the living room in Paul and RosaMaria Hurst's two-story home in Laie. Star-Advertiser.

With just a few days left before the general election, it's down to the wire as candidates from both parties hit the road to get their messages to last-minute voters. Hawaii News Now.

With the general election just days away time's running out for politicians hoping to win your votes. Both U.S. Senate candidates tried to persuade voters face to face Saturday. KITV4.

Here in Hawaii several candidates were using this last weekend before the election to rally support. KHON2.

Two days before the general election, congressional candidate Tulsi Gabbard has garnered a high-level endorsement from President Barack Obama. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii is recruiting more applicants for its program to groom people with business, military and other non-education backgrounds to become public school administrators. Associated Press.

As the number of applications for the Hawaii Supreme Court dwindles, almost all of the finalists for the last four openings on the high court have been state judges. Star-Advertiser.

A new study shows a continuing decline in the population of sharks in the Pacific Ocean. The latest research indicates a continuing demand for shark fin soup—especially in China. Hawaii Public Radio.

Baby boomers in Hawaii face an elevated risk of being infected with hepatitis C, and officials recommend they be screened for the virus, which can hide out for decades in their cells undetected and eventually cause serious liver damage and cancer. Star-Advertiser.

During last Saturday's Tsunami Warning, residents in several Hawaii counties complained they either did not hear warning sirens at all or they did not hear them until much later in the evening. Hawaii Reporter.

Oahu

Mayor Peter Carlisle will be leaving Honolulu Hale in January when a new mayor takes over. Civil Beat.

U.S. Sen. Daniel Akaka, former chairman of the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee, will be the keynote speaker at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific’s Veterans Day ceremony on Sunday. Star-Advertiser.

My Way Or The Highway: A Newcomer's View Of The Honolulu Rail Debate. Civil Beat.

The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission is suing the Senor Frog's bar and restaurant chain, saying its CEO, other high level executives and managers sexually harassed female employees at its now-closed Waikiki location. Associated Press.

Hawaii

Hawaii County Mayor Billy Kenoi has spent about $600,000 to ensure two-term Mayor Harry Kim doesn't get his old job back, outspending him 30-to-1. Star-Advertiser.

Defamation lawsuits against Hawaii County Council Chairman Dominic Yagong and County Clerk Jamae Kawauchi will begin playing out in a Kona courtroom later this month as 3rd Circuit Court Judge Elizabeth Strance considers a county motion to dismiss. West Hawaii Today.

Repairs on 13 Civil Defense warning sirens that malfunctioned during Thursday morning’s monthly test are under way, Police Chief Harry Kubojiri said early Friday evening. Tribune-Herald.

The rebound in Hilo’s cruise ship tourism industry continues, although it appears to be slowing. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

South Maui residents will be deciding Maui's most hotly contested race: the face-off between incumbent Republican state House Rep. George Fontaine and Democratic hopeful Kaniela Ing. Maui News.

Republican state Senate hopeful Bart Mulvihill contends that Democratic state Sen. Roz Baker's backing of mortgage reform has been a "total disaster," with lenders choosing to take delinquent homeowners straight to judicial foreclosures and leaving them with ruined credit. Maui News.

Dozens of Kihei residents, including parents and children, stood on the shoulder of Piilani Highway on Friday afternoon and Saturday morning to wave signs and draw attention to the need for a Kihei high school. Maui News.

A 30-year-old Kahului man was recovering Sunday after suffering severe cuts above his right ankle in a shark attack at the Central Maui area known as Sand Piles. Star-Advertiser.

A 30 year-old Kahului male reported being attacked by a shark in waters off of Waiehu Golf Course on Sunday morning while participating in a diving tournament. Maui News.

The 2012 Maui Roi Round-up reeled in a moment for the record books when tournament participant, Mark Riglos, was bit by what was described as a 15-foot tiger shark. Maui Now.

Home sales on Maui last month increased by double digits as prices of single-family home nudged upward and condominium prices gained 13 percent, according to statistics from the Realtors Association of Maui. Pacific Business News.

Kauai

The Office of Hawaiian Affairs candidates met with voters one final time last week before Election Day. Garden Island.

In what turned out to be a dangerous day in Hawaiian waters, Davidson's Surf Break on Kauai joined Maui's Waiehu Beach Park on the list of state beaches closed by shark-related incidents on Sunday after a surfer's board was bitten while he sat waiting for a wave. Hawaii News Now.

Three close calls on Westside and North Shore beaches Sunday were resolved without injury. Garden Island.

Honolulu rail project to move forward despite federal court ruling, Blue Hawaii has lopsided Legislature, $9M condos slated for Ala Moana, Hawaii Island ready for election day, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Honolulu rail construction HART courtesy photo

A federal judge has concluded there were flaws in some of the environmental and cultural reviews done for the city's $5.26 billion Hono­lulu rail project, and ruled the city must fix those problems by producing a new supplement to the federal environmental impact statement for the project. Star-Advertiser.

A federal judge's long-awaited decision in the environmental lawsuit against Honolulu's rail project is a split decision giving both opponents and proponents of the $5.2 billion system talking points heading into Tuesday's election. Civil Beat.

Honolulu Mayor Peter Carlisle said the city's elevated-rail mass-transit project will move forward, and the three areas where a federal judge ruled against the City and County of Honolulu in a decision made public Thursday afternoon were minor issues that would be addressed. Pacific Business News.

A Federal judge today ruled that the city's plan to develop the $5.3 billion rail transit system "arbitrarily" failed to identify native Hawaiian cultural properties and did not adequately address at least one alternative route for the system. Hawaii News Now.

Honolulu’s controversial rail project has been derailed in federal court. This after Ninth Circuit Court Judge Wallace Tashima ruled today in HonoluluTraffic.com v. Federal Transit Administration et al that the city violated federal law on major three counts. Hawaii Reporter.

Both sides of the Honolulu rail project argument are claiming victory Thursday after a U.S. District Court ruling was handed down. KITV4.

Both sides of the debate over Honolulu's Rail Project are claiming victory Thursday night after a ruling by a Federal Judge. KHON2.

For the second time in recent months, a ruling has been made on Honolulu’s rail transit project, putting it to a halt again. KHON2.

Read the federal court order on the Honolulu rail project here.

Democrats running for the Hawaii House this fall have outraised their Republican opponents by a 4-to-1 margin. Civil Beat.

Hawai’i’s State Legislature is the most-lopsided in the nation … with Democrats outnumbering Republicans 8-to-one. Hawaii Public Radio.

President Barack Obama is going to carry Hawaii's four electoral votes Tuesday. Civil Beat.

Orson Swindle, a former Hawaii resident and decorated Vietnam Prisoner War who served as a Federal Trade Commissioner (1997-2005), joined 149 other Prisoners of War in endorsing Mitt Romney for President today. Hawaii Reporter.

Super PACs' TV spending sprees may be winding down in Hawaii for the most part, but one independent mainland committee — the Fund for Freedom — is only getting started, according to Civil Beat's most recent review of the public files. Civil Beat.

Medical premiums for roughly 78,000 people covered by Hawaii Medical Service Association could rise by an average 1.2 percent — the lowest rate hike in more than five years. Star-Advertiser.

Louise Kim McCoy, the former press secretary for Honolulu Mayor Peter Carlisle, has been named communications director and press secretary for Gov. Neil Abercrombie. Star-Advertiser.

The administrator for the University of Hawaii Board of Regents is stepping down to take a position in the private sector, the UH announced tonight. Star-Advertiser.

The University of Hawaii Board of Regents on Thursday scheduled a special meeting next week to continue its discussion on UH President M.R.C. Greenwood's employment and the university's settlement with former athletic director Jim Donovan. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Top executives and employees of the lead consulting firm on Honolulu’s delayed $5.2 billion rail project have given more than $26,000 in political donations to pro-rail mayoral candidate Kirk Caldwell, an analysis of campaign records show. Hawaii Reporter.

Honolulu Mayor Peter Carlisle can talk until you stop him about his love for rail. But if you ask him about Kirk Caldwell and whether he’d support him for mayor if the $5.26 billion project wasn’t an issue, Carlisle clams up. Civil Beat.

Honolulu City Councilman Tom Berg was slapped with $250 in additional fines by the state Campaign Spending Commission on Thursday for failing to report campaign contributions and the purchase of a voter list when he first ran for office in 2010. Star-Advertiser.

The city of Honolulu has hired a single vendor to handle all police-initiated vehicle tows on Oahu, a new approach designed to improve a service that over the years has generated numerous motorist complaints, lawsuits, fines and an ongoing criminal fraud investigation. Star-Advertiser.

A 23-story ultra-luxury condominium tower to be built atop a parking garage adjacent to Nordstrom’s Ala Moana Center store will have penthouse units priced at more than $9 million. Pacific Business News.

The failure of sirens during weekend tsunami alert, triggered more attention to the regularly scheduled drills. KITV4.

Hawaii

State elections officials on Thursday said they’re looking forward to a smooth General Election, now that they’ve taken over the reins following a problematic primary. West Hawaii Today.

The state Office of Elections has assembled a staff of nine in Hilo to administer Tuesday's general election in Hawaii County, state Chief Election Officer Scott Nago said this week. Star-Advertiser.

An unscheduled tsunami siren activation Thursday afternoon caught the public and Civil Defense off guard. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaii County Civil Defense has apologized for testing warning sirens on the Big Island Thursday afternoon - without giving anyone the heads up. Hawaii News Now.

The first Big Islanders could move in to Hawaii County’s $44 million Kamakoa Nui affordable housing project at Waikoloa in summer 2013, Hawaii County officials said Thursday. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

The Hawaii Campaign Spending Commission levied $375 in fines Thursday against Democratic South Maui House candidate Kaniela Ing, ruling on two Hawaii Republican Party complaints filed since August that sought thousands of dollars in fines. Maui News.

Council Member Mike Victorino has much in common with Joseph Blackburn, the challenger working to deny him a fourth consecutive term in the council's Wailuku-Waihee-Waikapu residency seat. Maui News.

Kauai

Accident makes for nightmare commute, leaves 900 without power. Garden Island.

Volunteers attack Morgan’s Pond waters to Make A Difference. Garden Island.

HECO to farm wind on Neighbor Islands, state Senate Dems hold major money advantage, Sierra Club targets PLDC, Maui could end water waiting list, geothermal drilling draws friends and foes, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

wind farm courtesy photo

Meeting part of Hawaiian Electric Co.'s renewable energy target with large-scale wind projects on the neighbor islands would have a net positive effect on the state's economy, according to preliminary findings of a study being done by the University of Hawaii Economic Research Organization. Star-Advertiser.

With the election a week away, the Hawaii Sierra Club is making a final push to ensure the Public Land Development Corporation is a major issue in legislative campaigns. Civil Beat.

The Sierra Club Hawaii Chapter has called for repeal of the Public Land Development Corp. and has begun a campaign to target state lawmakers who have supported the law. Star-Advertiser.

Democrats running in the general election for the state Senate have raised a combined $1.9 million compared with just $145,300 raised by their Republican opponents. Civil Beat.

Barbeque spare ribs. Oxtail Soup. Onolicious chicken? Not exactly what comes to mind when you think politics. Unless you reside in Hawai'i, where politicians have been passing out free recipe pamphlets for years. Hawaii Public Radio.

Colleen Hanabusa doubled her advantage over Republican Charles Djou in about a month, pointing to another term for the Democrat, according to The Civil Beat Poll. Civil Beat.

Hawaii is recruiting more applicants for its program to groom people with business, military and other non-education backgrounds to become public school administrators. Associated Press.

Kaiser Permanente Hawaii is proposing a 5.3 percent rate increase on Jan. 1 for more than 150,000 members covered by employer-sponsored health plans. Star-Advertiser.

A new analysis by Edmunds.com of Polk’s new car registration data found that Hawaii ranked 10th in the nation for electric vehicle registrations, with 2.9 percent of all new electric vehicles sold to date this year in the United States registered in Hawaii. Pacific Business News.

Oahu

Since the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation started its archaeological inventory survey in Kakaako in September, bone fragments have been found in a couple of sites under some watchful eyes. Hawaii News Now.

Punahou and Damien Memorial boys were front and center Wednesday at a change of command for the Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command, the Hawaii-based military unit that investigates, recovers and identifies Americans missing from past wars. Star-Advertiser.

Unions and special interest groups are feeding the campaign coffers of the leading candidates for the three open Honolulu City Council seats. Civil Beat.

Former state Rep. Colleen Meyer is seeking election to the state Senate, challenging incumbent Clayton Hee in a reconfigured district that now includes Waialua, Hale­iwa, Sunset Beach and Pupukea. Star-Advertiser.

An East Honolulu and Windward Oahu state senate race will pit veteran lawmaker Fred Hemmings against the daughter of a fellow Republican.  But, Laura Thielen is a Democrat making her first run for a key office. KITV4.

On Oahu, there are two county charter amendments on the ballot. KITV4.

An Oahu company will soon take over towing responsibilities for the Honolulu Police Department, which is expected to benefit HPD and the public. KHON2.

Drivers beware: All freeway ramps to and from Aiea will be closed tonight through early Friday so crews can reattach a 5-ton, 35-foot-long section of a pedestrian overpass sheared off by an oversize load on a truck trailer last month. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii

A Hawaii economist offered continued optimism for Hawaii’s economic recovery, according to a report First Hawaiian Bank released Wednesday morning. West Hawaii Today.

Puna Geothermal Venture, criticized for around-the-clock drilling earlier this year, plans to take extra steps to reduce its noise impact. Tribune-Herald.

Opposition is growing to a County Council bill that would limit the drilling of geothermal wells to daytime hours. Big Island Now.

Less than a week after Hawaii County evicted Abel Simeone Lui and a group living on county-owned property at Kawa Bay, the state Intermediate Court of Appeals on Tuesday denied Lui’s appeal of a June 2011 eviction order granted by the 3rd Circuit Court. West Hawaii Today.

In a candid interview, Hawaii County Civil Defense Administrator Ben Fuata shared what worked and what didn’t during Saturday night’s tsunami scare. Hawaii Reporter.

Maui

A Maui County Council committee has advanced a bill that would ban new applicants from joining the longstanding waiting list for water meters in Upcountry. Maui News.

Both political newcomers running for Maui County Council's Molokai residency seat tout their ability to collaborate and understand other as part of their personal strengths they would bring to the council if elected. Maui News.

Anthony Natividad, renowned for his playing and building of nose flutes and an original cast member of 'Ulalena, died Sunday. He was 48. Maui News.

Kauai
Mayor Bernard Carvalho Jr. on Sunday praised all parties involved in the “excellent response” to a tsunami threat Saturday night. But to some Kaua‘i residents, there was a lot to be improved in future disaster threats, especially when it comes down to giving proper public notice. Garden Island.

Following a meeting convened by Mayor Bernard Carvalho Jr. earlier this week, the Kaua‘i Police Department has agreed to resume referrals of status offenders to the Teen Court program operated by Hale ‘Opio, according to county officials. Garden Island.

Mayor Bernard Carvalho Jr. partnered with the Committee on the Status of Women and the American Cancer Society Tuesday for the final Walk and Talk Story with the Mayor. Garden Island.

Hawaii tourism looks bright, few judicial applicants, teachers angry over union negotiations, Medicare premiums to rise, solar for every school, Kauai mayor can discipline police chief, more tsunami response analysis, news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii pool party (c) 2012 All Hawaii News

The Hawaii Tourism Authority reported Tuesday that September visitor arrivals grew 6.1 percent to 595,019 and spending rose 15.6 percent to $1.1 billion, which was $146.5 million more than in September of 2011. Star-Advertiser.

Total spending by visitors to Hawaii rose 16 percent in September to $1.1 billion, and was nearly 20 percent higher for the first nine months of the year compared to the same period in 2011, the Hawaii Tourism Authority said Tuesday. Pacific Business News.

Aspects of Hawaii’s economy — outside of tourism — are beginning to show signs of a recovery, according to First Hawaiian Bank economist Leroy Laney. Pacific Business News.

A month of head-to-head debates, outside spending and full-bore campaigning did not move the needle, and Mazie Hirono is still comfortably ahead of Linda Lingle in the race for Hawaii's open U.S. Senate seat. Civil Beat.

U.S. Senate Candidate Lingle Profiled. Hawaii Public Radio.

Negotiations between the State and the Hawaii teachers union has stalled again and some teachers are talking strike. Hawaii News Now.

In what could become the largest solar power project of its kind in the nation, the Department of Education is proposing to install photovoltaic panels on every public school in Hawaii over the next five years in a bid to cut electricity costs and move the state closer to its renewable energy goals. Star-Advertiser.

Pacific Tsunami Warning Center Miscalculated Wave Impact on Hawaii Shores. Hawaii Reporter.

Buoys may need relocating after Saturday's tsunami. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Senior Geophysicists: There May Be More Cost Effective, Efficient Ways to Track Tsunamis. Hawaii Reporter.

The number of applicants for higher-level state judgeships has been decreasing over the years, according to data released Tuesday by state Judicial Selection Commission members who want to see more applications for future vacancies. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii’s two largest health insurers will increase premiums for seniors with Medicare insurance coverage on Jan. 1. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Two major surveys conducted earlier this month have both candidates for Honolulu mayor as frontrunners: the pro-rail Caldwell, and the anti-rail Cayetano. KITV4.

The tab for the advertising campaign by the Pacific Resource Partnership Political Action Committee this election season has topped $2.8 million, with nearly all of it going to the pro-rail group's effort to defeat mayoral candidate Ben Cayetano. Star-Advertiser.

Ben Cayetano wants Honolulu’s local TV stations to stop airing certain ads by the Pacific Resource Partnership, otherwise he might include them as defendants in a defamation lawsuit he lodged last week. Civil Beat.

By the time next week’s election is over and all the bills are paid, the Hawaii Carpenters Union and its affiliates will have spent nearly $4 million in an unprecedented effort to elect their chosen candidate for Honolulu mayor, Kirk Caldwell and, perhaps more importantly, blasting his opponent, former Gov. Ben Cayetano. Civil Beat.

It wasn’t 10 to 1, but when it comes to campaign money Ben Cayetano is definitely the last dog around the bend in the sprint for the Honolulu Mayor’s Office. Civil Beat.

Thielen challenges Hemmings’ return to Senate. Star-Advertiser.

Cockroaches have invaded an Ewa neighborhood by the thousands. KHON2.

Hawaii

Mayor Billy Kenoi pumped almost $90,000 into his re-election machine between the primary election and Oct. 22, as challenger and former Mayor Harry Kim sprinkled his grass-roots campaign with a tenth of that, according to reports filed Monday with the state Campaign Spending Commission. West Hawaii Today.

Hawaii County is calling a cattle grazing program at the Kapulena Agricultural Park a success, but when the land will host its first farmers remains unclear. Tribune-Herald.

Big Islanders using the county Civil Defense’s mass emergency notification system on Saturday received no notice of a tsunami warning until after 8:45 p.m. – nearly two hours after the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center told residents to anticipate a tsunami. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Maui County Council Member Mike Victorino has spent close to $100,000 on his bid for re-election with a week to go before the general election. Maui News.

After a first term highlighted by passage of short-term vacation rental regulations and work toward a Maui Island Plan for future growth, Don Couch says he hopes to be re-elected to the Maui County Council's South Maui residency seat so he can continue the work. Maui News.

Planned organized Halloween activities that involve closing down Front Street in Lahaina on Wednesday will go on as scheduled with the state Intermediate Court of Appeals' denial Monday of a motion by a Kula man to cancel the festivities. Maui News.

Kula resident Richard Dancil today said he planned to file a motion for reconsideration this morning seeking a stay of the event. Maui Now.

Kauai
A Kauai circuit judge Tuesday ruled the mayor of Kauai has powers to suspend or discipline the police chief. Star-Advertiser.

The 5th Circuit Court on Tuesday ruled that the mayor has the power to suspend or discipline the chief of police. Garden Island.

Abercrombie job approval slips, tsunami siren failures scrutinized, 1,300 travelers stranded in Hawaii, Big Island weighs in on biofuel electric rate hikes, Bio-Logical Capital also wanted to buy Lanai, more news from all the Hawaiian islands

Gov. Abercrombie and Hawaii teacher of the year Karen Kutsunai, courtesy photo

Gov. Neil Abercrombie's job approval rating has slipped as his administration struggles to find footing after nearly two years in power. Forty-one percent of voters in a new Hawaii Poll approve of Abercrombie's job performance, down from 43 percent in July. Star-Advertiser.

Hirono: Defense cuts would hit every state, including Hawaii. Pacific Business News.

Lingle says Hawaii needs bi-partisan representative. KITV4.

U.S. Senate Candidate Hirono Profiled. Hawaii Public Radio.

Early voting for the November general election is on pace to nearly double the number in the primary. KHON2.

The Hawai‘i State Environmental Council, with the assistance of the Office of Environmental Quality Control (OEQC), has issued a draft of revised rules for the state's environmental review process (Chapter 343, Hawai‘i Revised Statutes). The public is encouraged to view the draft rules and provide input via the comment form at http://oeqc.doh.hawaii.gov/default.aspx. Hawaii Reporter.

More than 1,300 travelers bound for the East Coast remain stranded in Hawaii. Hawaii News Now.

Tourists made it through Saturday's tsunami but got stranded in Hawaii on Monday as flight disruptions from Superstorm Sandy affected travelers. Star-Advertiser.

University of Hawaii officials' standing with the public isn't faring well in the aftermath of the Stevie Wonder concert debacle this summer, the latest Hawaii Poll indicates. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii public high schools with large percentages of military dependents that participated in a new, federally funded program aimed at improving students’ Advanced Placement (AP) scores reported record results in its first year. Civil Beat.

State roundup for October 30. Associated Press.

Oahu

Kirk Caldwell has continued his steady surge in the Honolulu mayor's race, closing to within striking distance of Ben Cayetano just two weeks before Election Day, according to The Civil Beat Poll. Civil Beat.

Kirk Caldwell reported raising $603,000 in the 10 weeks since the primary election, bringing his total for the campaign at about $1.5 million, according to his campaign. Former Gov. Ben Cayetano, Caldwell’s mayoral rival, reported raising $339,000 in the same period, bringing his total for the campaign to $1.3 million. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu mayoral candidate Kirk Caldwell outraised and outspent opponent Ben Cayetano by a 2-1 margin since the primary election and a two pro-Caldwell PACs funded by the Carpenters Union poured more than $2  million into the campaign during the same period, according to state figures. Hawaii Reporter.

Mayoral candidates discuss how they would handle energy policy if they're elected. Civil Beat.

Incumbent Keith Kaneshiro is hauling in more cash and doling it out faster than his opponent in the race to be Honolulu city prosecutor for the next four years, according to campaign spending reports filed Monday. Civil Beat.

Human error. That's the most plausible explanation being given by emergency planners as to why some Oahu neighborhoods never heard a siren blast announcing Saturday's tsunami warning. KITV4.

Siren malfunctions due to push of wrong button. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Civil Air Patrol tsunami warning aircraft paid special attention to Kaa­awa and Kahana Bay late Saturday night because Civil Defense officials had told them the sirens in those areas were malfunctioning. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii
A computer glitch is being blamed for several tsunami warning sirens initially failing to activate Saturday as residents were ordered to evacuate the coast. Tribune-Herald.

Aina Koa Pono’s biodiesel proposal isn’t a good deal for Hawaii County residents, Mayor Billy Kenoi said Monday, hours before the Public Utilities Commission was set to begin its first Big Island hearing on the subject. West Hawaii Today.

No more increases. That seemed to be the main message relayed to members of the state Public Utilities Commission on Monday night by more than 100 Big Isle residents who showed up at a public hearing at the Hilo High cafeteria to weigh in on two separate electricity rate hikes proposed by Hawaii Electric Light Co. Inc. Tribune-Herald.

A year after county officials discovered that more than $100,000 worth of fuel had been illegally siphoned from the Waimea baseyard pumps, allegedly by Department of Environmental Management employees, the suspects remain free and taxpayers have not been reimbursed for the loss. West Hawaii Today.

The Windward Planning Commission is set to vote on approving a senior center in Ocean View, within a State Land Use Agricultural District. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Planned organized Halloween activities that involve closing down Front Street in Lahaina on Wednesday will go on as scheduled with the state Intermediate Court of Appeals denial Monday of a motion by a Kula man to cancel the festivities. Maui News.

Despite Kahului Harbor seeing the largest of Saturday night's tsunami waves to hit Hawaii, Maui County appears to have sustained no major damage to coastal areas. Maui News.

Three-time Maui County Council Upcountry residency seat incumbent Gladys Baisa said voters should easily be able to differentiate her from her general election opponent: She's the one with the diverse list of accomplishments. Maui News.

An estimated 500 people attended a Maui Democratic Party rally at the Maui Tropical Plantation on Saturday afternoon. Maui Now.

A relic of St. Marianne Cope will begin a five-day tour of Maui County Tuesday morning at St. Theresa Church in Kihei and culminate Saturday with a procession down the pali trail to Kalaupapa for events in the village where she served leprosy patients for more than three decades. Maui News.

Kauai

The money approved by the Kaua‘i County Council to be used in private attorney fees in a Kaua‘i Police Commission versus Mayor Bernard Carvalho Jr. lawsuit now amounts to $55,000, after last week’s approval by the council of an additional $15,000 to the administration. Garden Island.

County Officials report the Koloa Post Office is now fully operable after an SUV crashed through the building Thursday. Garden Island.

Kaua‘i people had two opportunities to visit a relic of St. Marianne Cope Monday. Garden Island.

Lanai

The new head of Bio-Logical Capital’s Hawaii operations confirms that the Colorado-based land investment company had been interested in purchasing the island of Lanai before Larry Ellison bought it. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii teachers union strongest in the U.S., Poll: Hirono 22 points over Lingle, tsunami sirens malfunction, Maui County seeks to gag public comment, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii union protest (c) 2012 All Hawaii News

Hawaii is No. 1 in at least one area of education: Strongest teachers union in the nation. Civil Beat.

U.S. Rep. Mazie Hirono has a double-digit cushion over former Gov. Linda Lingle for U.S. Senate, a gap that has remained constant since the Hawaii Poll began tracking the campaign in May 2011. Star-Advertiser.

U.S. Rep. Colleen Hanabusa, drawing energetic support from women and union households, has the advantage over former Congressman Charles Djou in their rematch in urban Honolulu's 1st Congressional District. Star-Advertiser.

Hanabusa was correct that Djou helped form a lobbying firm the same month he left public office. Civil Beat.

The public will have the opportunity this week to speak out on a revised plan by Hawaiian Electric Co. to buy locally produced biofuel for power generation after its initial proposal was rejected as being too costly for ratepayers. Star-Advertiser.

State Civil Defense crews will be out inspecting sirens today across Oahu after some did not sound in certain areas while the tsunami warnings were going out Saturday evening. On the Big Island, crews will head out Thursday to inspect their own sirens after 7 to 10 of the roughly 70 sirens malfunctioned in areas like Puna and East Hawaii. Hawaii News Now.

The Honolulu Department of Emergency Management said only 75 percent of the sirens went off when they were initially activated. KITV4.

State and county officials haven't yet come together to discuss the details of how Saturday's tsunami warning and coastal evacuation were handled, but all agree that it went as well as it could have given the short time frame emergency responders had in which to act. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii was caught a bit by surprise Saturday night when an earthquake off the coast of British Columbia generated a tsunami that officials decided was headed straight for the islands. Civil Beat.

It's been quite an eventful weekend, as thousands evacuated their homes Saturday night when a state tsunami warning was issued at about 7:45 p.m. KHON2.

The rate at which Hawaii teens and young adults are taking their own lives has more than doubled over the past five years, spurring some mental health experts to call for it an emergency situation. Civil Beat.

State roundup for October 29. Associated Press.

Oahu

If re-elected, Palolo state Rep. Calvin Say would become the longest-serving lawmaker in the 76-member state Legislature. Star-Advertiser.

“The equivalent of an academic bake sale” … that’s gone "awry.” That was the comparison that University of Hawaii Manoa Chancellor Tom Apple made earlier this week at a campus forum after a student asked him to explain how the University was defrauded out of $200,000. Hawaii Reporter.

Hawaii

The prospect of paying higher electricity rates next year has prompted public opposition to a pair of increase requests from Hawaii Electric Light Co. slated to go before the state Public Utilities Commission. Tribune-Herald.

Caution was replaced by calm Sunday as Big Island residents returned to much of their normal routines after a 7.7-magnitude earthquake off Canada prompted tsunami fears the night before, leading to evacuations of Hawaii County’s shores.Tribune-Herald.

Despite the short tsunami warning Saturday, effective disaster plans, well-rehearsed drills, prior responses and teamwork kept police, fire and county officials on top of the situation, said Assistant Police Chief Marshall Kanehailua. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Attorneys for Maui County have asked the state Land Use Commission to consider excluding public testimony at next week's proceedings to determine if the landowner planning a pair of large shopping centers in Kihei has violated land-use conditions imposed on the property. Maui News.

2012 Election: Council race pits longevity against training. Maui News.

Crews on Maui worked late into the night and early morning hours to assess coastal areas around Maui and determine if any damages were sustained during a tsunami event that occurred overnight. Maui News.

An official with the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center said late Saturday night that there was a wave of 5 feet from peak to trough in Kahului Harbor, marking the biggest wave logged statewide from an earthquake off Canada. Maui News.

Kauai

The anticipated series of up to 7-foot tsunami waves may not have materialized Saturday night, but the precautions taken by public safety officials and Kaua‘i Civil Defense Agency were not overdone, say officials. Garden Island.

Hanama‘ulu Beach Park was the main topic of the County of Kaua‘i Police Commission meeting Friday. Garden Island.

The candidates for Kaua‘i County Council on Thursday night participated in the last forum until the Nov. 6 elections. Garden Island.

Native Hawaiian evicted from Hawaii County land, state tops in multigenerational households, TV news lacks government info, illegal ballots don't matter, UH selling land to pay bills, Maui approves growth plans, gas average $4.41/gal, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Kawa Bay activist Abel Simeone Lui (c) 2012 All Hawaii News

Hawaii County officials on Thursday evicted Native Hawaiian activist Abel Simeone Lui, whom state courts ruled — after years of challenges — was illegally occupying the land at Kawa Bay. West Hawaii Today

U.S. Census Bureau figures released Thursday show multigenerational families make up 11.1 percent of all households in Hawaii. That's by far the highest rate in the nation, and well above the national average of 5.6 percent. Star-Advertiser.

A new study by local citizens groups shows that Hawaii residents see more ads than information when watching local TV news programs, raising questions about whether local news stations are doing enough to educate voters before they head to the polls. Civil Beat.

More than one-half million Hawaii ballots were printed with the presidential candidates in no particular order, despite a state law that says all candidates must be in alphabetical order within their respective races. West Hawaii Today.

U.S. Rep. Colleen Hanabusa said Thursday that success in Congress depends on how well you get along with your colleagues, but reflecting your political party's values is also important. Former U.S. Rep. Charles Djou said he would work closer to the political center than the extremes. Star-Advertiser.

The Tax Review Commission met Thursday at the No. 1 Capitol District Building to hammer out a draft of revenue evaluation and policy recommendations to make to the Hawaii Legislature in December. The report is expected to be finalized when the commission meets again in late November. Civil Beat.

Ray L'Heureux, assistant superintendent for the Office of Facilities and Support Services, told the Board of Education last week that the district could spend its entire annual capital improvement projects budget on just one of the state's 15 complex areas and still fall far short. Civil Beat.

Gas prices drop in Hawaii for first time in 11 weeks. Star-Advertiser.

The Queen's Medical Center is suing Kaiser Foundation Health Plan Inc. for more than $4 million, saying Kaiser underpaid Queen's for care given to Kaiser members. Star-Advertiser.

State roundup for October 26. Associated Press.

Oahu

The city of Honolulu sold $913 million of bonds this week at historic low interest rates and refinanced older bonds to save taxpayers more than $75 million, officials said Thursday. Star-Advertiser.

House Finance committee Chairman Marcus Oshiro says the state won't easily give up the general excise tax surcharge that’s currently being collected for the city’s $5.26 billion rail project, he has another think coming. Civil Beat.

In an exclusive interview on Hawaii Reporter Television today, former Governor Ben Cayetano blasts Pacific Resource Partnership for its latest attack ad targeting his record as governor. Hawaii Reporter.

Transportation alternatives … rail or buses … are at the epicenter in the race for Honolulu Mayor. Hawaii Public Radio.

Tom Berg's strident political persona and some well-publicized controversies have made Berg a well-known political figure on Oahu, but that fame may also make him vulnerable to a challenge by four-term state Rep. Kymberly Marcos Pine. Star-Advertiser.

The newly opened UH West Oahu campus is facing future financial shortfalls, and Hawaii News Now has learned that university officials are selling a large portion of land at the campus to the Catholic Church to help make ends meet. Hawaii News Now.

Japanese-based Seibu Group intends to keep its three Hawaii hotels after an unsuccessful effort earlier this year to sell the Hawaii Prince Hotel, Mauna Kea Beach Hotel and Hapuna Beach Prince Hotel. Star-Advertiser.

Repairs to pedestrian bridge over Moanalua Freeway to begin Nov. 1 State will shut down exits from freeway to Moanalua Road overnight. KITV4.

East Oahu residents complain about it and the City is aware of it. So what's being done to stop an over-population of feral cats in the heart of Hawaii Kai? KHON2.

Hawaii

Negative campaigning seems to be commonplace in the 2012 elections, however, mudslinging should have no place in Hawaii politics, Democratic candidate for U.S. Senate Mazie Hirono said Thursday during a party rally in South Kona. West Hawaii Today.

Pohakuloa Training Area will open several areas to bow hunting on Saturday, Oct. 27, and Sunday, Oct. 28. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

The Maui County Council is getting closer to approving boundaries for future growth after a committee OK'd maps this week that will guide development for the next 20 years. Pacific Business News.

A decadelong process neared an end Wednesday afternoon as a Maui County Council committee recommended approval of maps that will guide future growth and development on the island over the next two decades. Maui News.

Waihee School Principal Leila Hayashida has been tapped as acting complex area superintendent for the Central Maui complex, according to Sandy Goya, spokeswoman for the state Department of Education. Maui News.

An appeal has been filed with the Intermediate Court of Appeals seeking a stay on the County sponsored Halloween event in Lahaina Town. Maui Now.

Kauai

There are three simple ways to improve electric sustainability, according to County Energy Coordinator Ben Sullivan. Garden Island.

After learning last week that the contract between the county and Hale ‘Opio’s Teen Court had expired, Kaua‘i County Council Chair Jay Furfaro introduced Wednesday a bill to appropriate $31,000 to fund the long-standing youth diversionary program. Garden Island.

The Koloa Post Office closed briefly on Thursday after an elderly man crashed his car through the front of the building. Garden Island.

Lanai

The grass may soon be greener on the island of Lanai. New owner Larry Ellison has already set into motion changes around town but there are even bigger plans in store for the future. KHON2.

Molokai

A new county Department of Public Works baseyard will bring upgrades for both the department and Molokai’s emergency response capabilities. Molokai Dispatch.

Hawaii DLNR sued over tropical fish-collecting, tax office loses records, Maui, EPA settle landfill pollution case, and plenty politics from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii Moorish Idols (c) 2012 All Hawaii News

The Department of Land and Natural Resources should have conducted environmental reviews before issuing aquarium fish collecting permits, environmental groups and several Hawaii residents say in a lawsuit filed Wednesday in Oahu’s 1st Circuit Court. West Hawaii Today.

Lawsuit: DLNR Must Study Effects of Aquarium Fish Trade on Hawaii Reefs. Civil Beat.

The nonprofit environmental-law organization Earthjustice on Wednesday filed a civil complaint in First Circuit Court in Honolulu against the state of Hawai‘i and the state Department of Land and Natural Resources, seeking to stop all commercial collection of aquarium fish until the industry complies with the Hawai‘i Environmental Police Act. Garden Island.

U.S. Rep. Colleen Hanabusa and former U.S. Rep. Charles Djou have different philosophical approaches to reducing the federal deficit and national debt, with Hanabusa favoring steps already taken by Congress and President Barack Obama and Djou preferring more structural guarantees. Star-Advertiser.

The only Native Hawaiian ever elected to the U.S. Senate is about to retire. Civil Beat.

Candidates for Hawaii’s U-S Senate seat cast their ballots today during early walk-in voting. Hawaii Public Radio.

Honolulu's press corp waited patiently outside Honolulu Hale midday Wednesday for U.S. Sen. Daniel K. Inouye and U.S. Rep. Mazie Hirono to arrive for scheduled interviews. Civil Beat.

One after the other, the candidates for U.S. Senate filed in to Honolulu Hale on Wednesday, joining the line of walk-in voters, followed by cheering fans and well-wishers. KITV4.

A 1994 Chevy Silverado, the only vehicle in the state with an "OBAMA" personalized license plate will be auctioned off this weekend. KHON2.

Oahu

Unlike some of his predecessors, it’s doubtful Ben Cayetano will kiss the ring of U.S. Sen. Dan Inouye if he’s elected Honolulu mayor. Civil Beat.

In urban Oahu’s storied Distr. 20, a Green Party candidate who refuses corporate contributions is seeking to unseat the veteran Speaker of the state House of Representatives. Honolulu Weekly.

A World War II veteran who inspired many with his determination to vote even though he had end-stage liver cancer died Wednesday. Associated Press.

What's the in waters off Makua Valley, where the U.S. Army held live-fire military exercises for several years? The Army is now trying to find out by asking those who actually live in the area. Hawaii News Now.

The Hawaii Department of Transportation has released a draft environmental assessment detailing its $600 million plan for modernizing Honolulu International Airport. Pacific Business News.

A state agency has decided to give the public an early look at tentative proposals from two developers competing to build a 650-foot residential tower in Kakaako that would soar above Honolulu's tallest existing buildings. Star-Advertiser.

A Coast Guard aircrew was forced to return to Barbers Point late Tuesday after someone shone a laser at their MH-65 Dolphin helicopter when it was two miles offshore of Oahu, officials said. Star-Advertiser.

Chinatown businesses are asking for increased police presence after a spate of burglaries in recent months. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii

A contracted courier recently lost a bag containing tax documents filed by businesses and individual taxpayers with the Hilo and Kona state tax offices. Tribune-Herald.

Car trouble: Kenoi ticketed for talking on cellphone while driving Kim’s 2009 accident cost county $100K. West Hawaii Today.
Big Island hunters may soon be granted permission to kill axis deer. Tribune-Herald.

Geophysicists in Hawaii and Texas have come up with a mathematical model that could explain how Mauna Loa and Kilauea volcanoes are linked yet have distinct, separate eruptions. Star-Advertiser.

Maui
Maui County has agreed to a $5.1 million settlement with federal officials about alleged clean air violations at its major landfill, including uncontrolled release of gases from rotting garbage. Star-Advertiser.


The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced today a $5.1 million settlement with the Maui County to address alleged air pollution violations at the Central Maui Landfill in Puunene, including the construction of new gas-collections systems and a wind farm. Maui News.

Maui Mayor Alan Arakawa today called a settlement reached between the county and the Environmental Protection Agency a “win-win.” Maui Now.

Dozens of luxury condominiums and hundreds of time-share interests at the financially troubled Ritz-Carlton Club and Residences at Kapalua Bay are headed for the auction block in December. Maui News.

Kauai

The Kaua‘i County Council on Wednesday took a few minutes to give its final approval to a bill setting bulk rates for bus passes for Kaua‘i Community College students. Garden Island.


Molokai

Hawaiian Airlines announced last week that their parent company, Hawaiian Holdings, Inc., will begin service to Molokai and Lanai sometime next year. Molokai Dispatch.

Molokai's iconic Kanemitsu Bakery remains closed, now for nearly four months, but the 75-year-old establishment's owner said work is nearly complete on improvements aimed at correcting health violations, and he hopes to reopen in time for the busy Thanksgiving holiday. Maui News.