Hawaii House kills marijuana decriminalization, Senate panel guts shield law, feds threaten state over lights, sea creatures' futures mulled, Kaiser Permanente workers stop work, Hawaii worst state to make a living, senator supports pot minister, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii state Capitol (c) 2013 All Hawaii News

The state House on Wednesday discarded a bill that would have decriminalized the possession of small amounts of marijuana after House leaders concluded they lacked the votes to advance the legislation. Star-Advertiser.

The Hawaii House has killed a bill that would have decriminalized small amounts of marijuana. Hawaii News Now.

The Hawaii House has killed a bill that would have decriminalized small amounts of marijuana. Associated Press.

The state Senate Judiciary and Labor Committee on Wednesday made substantial revisions to a media shield law, removing bloggers and other nontraditional journalists and deleting the protection for unpublished information, like notes, unless it would lead to the identity of confidential sources. Star-Advertiser.

Media: Shield Law Bill 'Worthless' After Senate Committee Amendments. Civil Beat.

The state Senate Judiciary Committee voted Wednesday to remove protections for online news media in Hawaii and limit a journalists' ability to protect confidential sources. KITV4.

The state House Finance Committee advanced a bill Tuesday that would give teachers a state tax credit for their out-of-pocket classroom expenses. Star-Advertiser.

The U.S. Department of Justice says that Hawaii's street lights are killing endangered birds, turtles and moths — and it's threatening criminal action to get the state to fix the problem. Civil Beat.

Scientists say they are months away from finishing a report that could help determine whether green sea turtles in the state retain their threatened status. Tribune-Herald.

Efforts to protect marine mammals from death and injury caused by Navy training exercises in Hawaii and Southern California have gotten a boost from the California Coastal Commission, which recently rejected the plan. Honolulu Weekly.

For the third year in a row, the website MoneyRates.com ranked Hawaii the "Worst State in the Nation to Make a Living." KITV4.

Hawaii has the support of key members of the U.S. Senate to continue federal funding for a host of initiatives championed by the late Sen. Dan Inouye, ranging from the Honolulu rail project to Native Hawaiian education and health care, U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz said Wednesday. Star-Advertiser.

Many people in Hawaii are expressing concern about increasing threats from North Korea, but so far, those threats haven't pushed residents to take action, such as stocking up on supplies. Hawaii News Now.

North Korea has moved a missile with "considerable range" to its east coast, South Korea's defense minister said Thursday (Wednesday in Hawaii), but he added that there are no signs that the North is preparing for a full-scale conflict. Associated Press.

The union representing 1,900 Kaiser Permanente Hawaii workers has called for a one-day work stoppage Thursday to protest increased employee workloads and other impacts from last month’s closure of the Honolulu Clinic Urgent Care Center. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Much of Mayor Kirk Caldwell's first State of the City speech was devoted to reiterating goals he had announced during the first three months of this administration, but two relatively unpublicized ideas were also highlighted Wednesday: a plan to push a "housing-first" initiative to battle homelessness and a proposal to make Honolulu an "age-friendly city" to help the island's growing elderly population. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell hopes to accomplish something no one else before him has been able to do. Civil Beat.

The Hawaii Department of Transportation is finally moving ahead with its long-awaited redevelopment of the 90-acre Kapalama Military Reservation at Honolulu Harbor, which is currently home to roughly 100 businesses. Pacific Business News.

The College of Education at the University of Hawaii at Manoa has been ranked 65th out of 177 graduate schools of education by U.S. News & World Report. Star-Advertiser.

A long awaited renovation project at the University of Hawaii's Hamilton Library is expected to provide much needed climate control. KHON2.

Hawaii

Improving the county’s technology to make government more efficient topped the list of priorities for two County Council members interviewed Wednesday as they tackle another tight budget year. West Hawaii Today.

The way the federal government is treating a Big Island man who has been in federal custody for three years is outrageous, a Hawaii Island senator says. West Hawaii Today.

Maui
Ocean safety officials reopened waters off Kaanapali at noon Wednesday after the area was ordered off limits to swimmers and surfers because of a shark attack Tuesday morning. Maui News.

The National Weather Service in Honolulu has issued a high surf advisory for north- and west-facing shores of Molokai and north-facing shores of Maui, in effect until 6 p.m. Saturday. Maui Now.

Kauai

The proposed AT&T cell phone tower in Kilauea should be reconsidered to another possible location, said nearly 70 residents at the Kilauea Neighborhood Association meeting Tuesday. Garden Island.

The public is invited to comment on the proposed Local Area Plan for July 1, 2013, to June 30, 2017, that was developed by the Kaua’i Workforce Investment Board. Garden Island.

A blocked sewer line was the culprit of a sewage spill in Hanama‘ulu Wednesday, which resulted in a partial closure of the Kuhio Highway and slowed traffic in the area. Garden Island.

HECO can recoup Big Wind costs, feds investigate labor union, lawmakers felt threatened by email, state nurses pay raised, bankruptcy filings down, lawmakers tighten anti-gambling regs, Kauai seeks MRF, Hawaiian activists make camp on state land, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

undersea cable, courtesy photo

Hawaiian Electric Co. can now recover $3.9 million from its customers to pay for studies related to the so-called “Big Wind” projects on Lanai and Molokai that would pump electricity to Oahu via an undersea cable, according to a Hawaii Public Utilities Commission ruling Tuesday.Pacific Business News.

Gov. Neil Abercrombie's early-childhood education initiative survived the scrutiny of the state House Finance Committee on Tuesday, but many lawmakers still have fundamental questions about a program that could eventually cost the state more than $125 million a year. Star-Advertiser.

Turns out teacher absenteeism in Hawaii isn’t as bad as it’s made out to be. That was the conclusion Hawaii Board of Education Human Resource Committee members came to after perusing data presented to them at a meeting Tuesday. Civil Beat.

Nearly 1,700 registered professional nurses of the Hawaii Government Employees Association Bargaining Unit 9 will receive a 4 percent pay increase retroactive to Jan. 1 and another 4 percent effective April 1, the HGEA announced Tuesday. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii lawmakers are debating amending the state’s anti-gambling law to clarify that it’s illegal to sell goods or services that entitle people to play gambling machines. Associated Press.

Hawaii lawmakers are debating where to draw the line between journalists’ right to protect confidential sources and the needs of law enforcement. Associated Press.

An email sent to state senators on Easter Sunday is being called a threatening and cowardly message that crossed the line. KHON2.

State Senate President Donna Mercado Kim criticized the University of Hawaii's Board of Regents on Tuesday for questionable financial decision-making and a lack of communication with lawmakers. Star-Advertiser.

The state Office of Information Practices issued an opinion that “almost none” of the redactions to the 57-page University of Hawaii fact-finders’ report on the Stevie Wonder concert debacle were justified under state law. Star-Advertiser.

Federal authorities are investigating possible misuse of union assets by former Hawaii Painters Union officials. Hawaii News Now.

Former Mortgage Task Force Member Still Wants Ethics Cover. Civil Beat.

The number of Hawaii residents and businesses filing for bankruptcy during the first three months of 2013 fell to the lowest level in nearly five years, according to data released by U.S. Bankruptcy Court. Star-Advertiser.

People in Hawaii are donning sweaters and long-sleeve shirts as winds from the north send temperatures to record lows. Associated Press.

The Pearl Harbor destroyer Chung-Hoon, whose deployment was delayed three times amid budget uncertainties, finally glided away from port Tuesday on its way to duty in the Western Pacific and Indian Ocean region. Star-Advertiser.

State roundup for April 3. Associated Press.

Oahu
Mayor Kirk Caldwell will re-emphasize his five priorities for Hono­lulu when he delivers his first State of the City speech at Mission Memorial Auditorium next to Hono­lulu Hale this morning. Star-Advertiser.

District 9 boasts has nearly 390 lane-miles of city-owned road — and it earns the dubious distinction of having the lowest share of roads in satisfactory condition and the highest share in substandard condition. Star-Advertiser.

A private power provider generating nearly one-fourth of Oahu's electricity went off­line Tuesday morning, resulting in a 40-minute power outage for as many as 75,000 Hawaiian Electric customers in Central, West and Windward Oahu. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii

Mayor Billy Kenoi laid out an ambitious slate of projects Tuesday, while acknowledging the fiscal realities that could prevent the county from reaching those goals. West Hawaii Today.

The state’s patience may be running short for the small group of Hawaiian sovereignty activists who have symbolically reclaimed a corner of the Wailoa River State Recreation Area for the kingdom. Tribune-Herald.

All 71 of Hawaii Island’s tsunami emergency warning sirens sounded shortly before noon Tuesday after a maintenance worker mistakenly tripped the alarm. Tribune-Herald.

The Hawaiian Ocean View Estates well is out of service for the second time since it opened last year, Department of Water Supply officials said Tuesday. West Hawaii Today.

Geothermal energy companies have until the end of this month to submit bids for a project on the Big Island of Hawaii. Hawaii Electric Light Company wants to add up to 50 additional megawatts of geothermal energy. In Japan, a geothermal project is moving ahead with studies in national parks. Hawaii Public Radio.

Maui
Maui County Council members began their review of the proposed $573.6 million fiscal 2013-14 budget Monday by hearing an overview of Mayor Alan Arakawa's spending plan. Maui News.

A 58-year-old California man visiting Maui with his wife for a spring vacation was attacked by a shark Tuesday while surfing off Kaanapali. Star-Advertiser.

A 58-year-old man from Marina Del Rey, Calif., reported the shark that attacked him had a head "the size of a basketball." Maui News.

Kauai

County officials told Kaua‘i County Council members the administration is fast tracking a process to open a materials recovery facility at the former papaya disinfestation facility in Ahukini near Lihu‘e Airport. If all goes well, it would take at least three years for it to be up and running. Garden Island.

When it comes down to public money, it’s never water under the bridge for Kaua‘i County Council members, who fired much criticism toward the county Public Works Department Monday for overspending on two bridges due to design flaws. Garden Island.

Abandoned Kauai Dogs Get Life Saving Plane Ride. Civil Beat.

Schatz tours Hawaii Island parks, Navy moves missile defense closer to North Korea, fees for cesspools, marijuana bill pending, 4% raises for Honolulu mayor, officials, free wi-fi on Maui, April Fool's prank spurs panic over Saddle Road lava flow, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Schatz tours Hawaii national park, courtesy photo

U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz, whose first bill in Congress would expand Hawaii national parks, on Monday visited Puuhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park, which The Trust for Public Lands is seeking to expand. West Hawaii Today.

The towering Sea-Based X-band Radar, a fixture at a Ford Island pier for most of the past year, left Pearl Harbor recently for the second time amid heightened concerns about North Korea's missile program. Star-Advertiser.

The U.S. Navy is moving the largest and most sophisticated mobile radar system in the world closer to North Korea. Hawaii News Now.

The Hawaii Senate Ways and Means Committee has published its budget proposals for the judiciary and the Office of Hawaiian Affairs for fiscal years 2013-2015. Associated Press.

A bill that would strip the University of Hawaii of procurement responsibilities for new construction was passed by the Senate Ways and Means Committee on Monday, signaling continuing legislative concern over the way the school has handled millions of dollars in projects. Star-Advertiser.

A decade-long court battle that has pitted the state against thousands of substitute and part-time teachers who say the Hawaii Department of Education underpaid them for years could end up costing taxpayers as much as $75 million, according to the teachers’ lead attorney, Paul Alston. Civil Beat.

Legislators are moving closer to repealing the law that created the Public Land Development Corp., with only a few technical issues to resolve. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii senators in the Ways and Means Committee have agreed to compromise on a bill to repeal the state Public Land Development Corp. Associated Press.

A bill calling for decriminalization of possession of 20 grams or less of marijuana is pending this week before the House Judiciary Committee. Civil Beat.

Cesspool and septic tank owners would be charged a new fee to pay for water quality monitoring, under a bill moving through the state Legislature that’s part of Gov. Neil Abercrombie’s “New Day” plan. West Hawaii Today.

John Marra, the Honolulu-based climate services director for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the East-West Center, says policymakers need to be engaged in "climate proofing." Marra is one of the featured speakers at an international climate change conference being held at the University of Hawaii this week. Civil Beat.

State roundup for April 2. Associated Press.

Oahu

Mayor Kirk Caldwell indicated he likely would allow 4 percent pay increases for himself and department heads to take effect as proposed Monday by the Honolulu Salary Commission. Star-Advertiser.

As many as 100,000 Oahu drivers are having to renew their vehicle registrations in-person because of a mainland company's mistakes. Hawaii News Now.

The city of Honolulu is working to save the Kailua Beach Park Boat Ramp from being undermined by ocean currents. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Pacific University has resolved a dispute with a development partner over ownership of Aloha Tower Marketplace, allowing a planned $34 million makeover on the retail complex to move forward this summer. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu office vacancy rate falls below 13% for first time in three years. Pacific Business News.

The city Department of Emergency Services dedicated six new ambulances Monday. Star-Advertiser.

Heidi Klum Saves Son, Nannies From Rip Current in Hawaii. Civil Beat.

Hawaii

Several South Kona residents spoke out Monday against the state authorizing two commercial kayak tour companies to resume operations at Kealakekua Bay State Historical Park while a moratorium continues on all other kayaks, vessels, watercraft and flotation devices. West Hawaii Today.

It may not have whipped up hysteria on the scale of Orson Welles’ infamous 1938 broadcast of “War of the Worlds,” but a Big Isle radio station’s April Fool’s Day prank saying Saddle Road had been closed by a lava flow definitely created a headache for some folks. Tribune-Herald.

Opponents of the planned closure of the Kohanaiki jeep trail to vehicular traffic have gathered more than 2,600 signatures in a petition submitted to Mayor Billy Kenoi late last week. West Hawaii Today.

67 years ago, the Hilo coast of Hawaii Island was devastated by a tsunami. It killed 159 people—and changed the nature of Hilo’s waterfront. The anniversary also carries a significance that remains important today. Hawaii Public Radio.

Maui
Maui County's proposed fiscal 2013-14 budget will be the topic for a live discussion on "Your County with Mayor Arakawa" at 7 p.m. Wednesday on cable Channel 55. Maui News.

The state Department of Education has found no significant environmental impact for a proposed King Kekaulike High School Performing Arts Center. Maui News.

Queen Ka‘ahumanu Center today became the first shopping center on Maui to offer free wireless internet (Wi-Fi) access to its patrons. Maui Now.

Kauai

County officials discussed roads, bridges, automobiles and wastewater during the second day of the Kaua‘i County Council’s review of Mayor Bernard Carvalho Jr.’s proposed budget for Fiscal Year 2014, which starts July 1. Garden Island.

More than two dozen volunteers attacked the pile of organic debris Saturday at Morgan’s Ponds in the popular Lydgate Park. Garden Island.

Hawaii Public Land Development Corp. faces key vote today, China to join Pacific war exercises, STD treatment not for gays, Schatz kicks off 2014 campaign, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Upolu Point (c) 2013 All Hawaii News

The Hawaii Senate Ways and Means Committee is voting Monday on a bill to repeal the Public Land Development Corp., one of several key bills being debated this week. Associated Press.

Hawaii lawmakers want to counter the state’s high rates of chlamydia and gonorrhea by letting doctors treat the partners of patients who have the sexually transmitted diseases without first examining them. But only the straight ones. Civil Beat.

China has accepted an invitation from the United States to participate, for the first time, in Rim of the Pacific naval exercises off Hawaii next year, the Pentagon said. Star-Advertiser.

Although the federal Veterans Administration has been taking heat nationally for a growing backlog and increased times to process disabled veterans benefits, the office in VA Secretary Eric Shinseki’s home state of Hawaii has been doing particularly poorly in processing claims in a timely manner. Civil Beat.

A measure to create a full public funding option for election campaigns is making its way through the state Legislature this session. KITV4.

Hawaii added 2,300 construction jobs in February, 8 percent more than in January, giving it the second-highest percentage growth among all the states. Pacific Business News.

April is environmental month at the Independent. To kick it off, we’re showcasing our environmental panel from the 2013 Ideas Summit. Hawaii Independent.

The 2014 election is still a ways away but US Senator Brian Schatz is already gearing up for his re-election campaign. KHON2.

State roundup for April 1. Associated Press.

Oahu

The state Department of Agriculture hopes to break ground next year on a long-stymied Central Oahu farm subdivision where 150 acres of former sugar cane land in Kunia owned by the state would be leased to small farmers at attractive terms often absent in the private market. Star-Advertiser.

The Honolulu Fire and Emergency Medical Services departments are still sorting the pros and cons of a controversial proposed merger that has been championed by Mayor Kirk Caldwell as a life and money-saving opportunity. Civil Beat.

A smoking ban at some of Oahu's most popular beaches will likely become law. KITV4.

District 7's city roads were found to be in pretty decent shape compared with most other districts on the island. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii

Beginning the first week of May, the state Department of Transportation will begin putting the brakes on Highway 130 traffic by designating a new 45 mph zone along Hawaiian Paradise Park and Orchidland Estates. Tribune-Herald.

Gov. Neil Abercrombie has picked the former head of the county Department of Water Supply to fill a vacancy on a state commission. Big Island Now.

Kona’s homeless grateful for free holiday meal, fellowship. West Hawaii Today.

It's the pride of Hilo and officials say the Merrie Monarch now has a venue worthy of its international acclaim. Hawaii News Now.

The coronation pageant for the mo‘i kane and mo‘i wahine, the king and queen of the Merrie Monarch Festival, set the tone for Hilo’s busiest week of the year. Tribune-Herald

Maui

The decision by Oracle billionaire Larry Ellison's Island Air to pull out of Kapalua West Maui Airport at the end of May has left a void at the airport that Mokulele Airlines - the only other carrier currently with regular flights into the airport - will attempt to fill. Maui News.

Maui Mayor Alan Arakawa has clarified his plans for the future of recycling amid “confusion and concern” regarding the status of county-funded residential drop-box recycling sites. Maui Now.

Construction on the state's 65-acre Central Maui Regional Park could start as soon as next summer with more than half of the park completed sometime in late 2015, state officials and consultants said Thursday. Maui News.

Kauai

Are Kaua‘i’s waters polluted? Carl Berg of the Kaua‘i Chapter of the Surfrider will answer that question Thursday during the free monthly lecture series on the Hawaiian Marine Environment presented by the Friends of the Hanapepe Public Library. Garden Island.

Final whale count matches February record. Garden Island.

Molokai

All this week, we’ve been looking at issues surrounding food in Hawaii. As we continue our series “Feeding Ourselves, Hawaii’s Food Future,” we turn to Molokai. Hawaii Public Radio.

Huge hula celebration gears up in Hilo, Korean tourists worry, GMO shoving match at Capitol, bill extends foster care to 21, Senate Judiciary mulls shield law, Honolulu council questions bus contract, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Merrie Monarch hula (c) 2013 All Hawaii News

Merrie Monarch is the hottest ticket in town, but there was a time when organizers couldn't imagine they'd ever fill the more than 5,000 seats— now tickets are gone by the end of the first day they're available to the public. Hawaii News Now.

The world’s travelers continued their love affair with Hawaii in February as visitor arrivals and spending grew.An estimated 675,517 tourists visited Hawaii last month, a 7.8 percent increase from February 2012. Star-Advertiser.

A loss of the South Korean market because of conflicts with North Korea would be devastating to the islands because according to the Hawaii Tourism Authority, if something affects tourism, it impacts everyone statewide. KITV4.

A proponent of labeling for genetically modified foods accused the head of the Hawaii Farm Bureau Federation of harassment Thursday at the state Capitol after he put his hand on the lens of her video camera and shoved another protester into her. Star-Advertiser.

A confrontation between a group opposed to genetically engineered foods and the Hawaii Farm Bureau Federation was caught on video, with both sides accusing the other of starting the scuffle. Hawaii News Now.

A bill that would allow foster care youth to voluntarily remain in the system until they turn 21 made it through its final committee vote Thursday and is headed to a House-Senate conference hearing. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii's prison population has dropped 5 percent since July 2012, a figure that includes a 12 percent reduction in prisoners housed in Arizona. Civil Beat.

The Senate judiciary committee plans to decide next week whether to move forward with a bill to extend Hawaii’s shield law with changes that would limit its scope in protecting journalists. Associated Press.

The state attorney general's office urged state senators Thursday to remove bloggers from a law that protects journalists from revealing confidential sources, arguing that the provision is too broad and untested. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii lawmakers want to develop underused school lands to raise money so the state can fix its aging inventory of educational facilities. Civil Beat.

The Hawaii Senate judiciary committee has approved a bill aimed at regulating feral bird feeding. Associated Press.

Hawaii senators are moving forward a bill to require the state to post more information online. Associated Press.

When pumping gas or buying produce at the grocery stores, do you trust that you're getting what you paid for? An audit revealed some shocking details on how few inspections are being done in the state to ensure we are getting what we pay for. KHON2.

Hiring delays, lack of planning plague agriculture department, according to a new report from the Hawaii State Auditor regarding the Department of Agriculture’s Measurement Standards Branch. Civil Beat.

The recovery in Hawaii's construction industry is gaining momentum and is on track to continue through at least 2015, led by a flurry of new condominium projects in the pipeline and the expected restart of work on the Honolulu rail project, according to a report scheduled for release today by the University of Hawaii Economic Research Organization. Star-Advertiser.

Gov. Neil Abercrombie is announcing nominations for the Board of Land and Natural Resources and the Commission on Water Resource Management. Associated Press.

State roundup for March 29. Associated Press.

Oahu

The city could soon impose stiffer fines on homeowners who ignore repeated notices to clear weeds, trash or other waste from their properties, under a bill approved by the Honolulu City Council Zoning and Planning Committee on Wednesday. Star-Advertiser.

City Council members raised questions Thursday about what some called the city's "complex" and "convoluted" relationship with the nonprofit firm that has run TheBus for more than two decades — and why other such companies can't competitively bid to manage the public bus system. Star-Advertiser.

Ulupono Initiative did a “Local Food Market Demand Study of O’ahu Shoppers” that showed nearly 74% believe it is very important that Hawai’i grow its own food.  According to the USDA, however, only 8% of our food spending actually goes to locally grown products. Hawaii Public Radio.

Since Macy's closed its store in downtown Honolulu last month, mum has been the word on any new tenant. But new plans for the space are drawn up, and all signs point to Walmart. Star-Advertiser.

Downtown Honolulu could be getting a Walmart. There's a possibility that the retail giant could take over the site formerly occupied by Macy's. KHON2.

A Kalaeloa business has agreed to pay $710,000 in fines for alleged water pollution violations at Kalaeloa Barbers Point Harbor in what the Environmental Protection Agency calls the nation's largest Clean Water Act civil penalty against a ship repair facility. Star-Advertiser.

When Kirk Caldwell was running for mayor, his platform emphasized a focus on infrastructure, including filling potholes and repaving. Honolulu Weekly.

Hawaii
The state should maintain control of the Banyan Drive hotel properties and the Hapuna Beach and Mauna Kea parks, lawmakers have decided. Tribune-Herald.

Kohala Councilwoman Margaret Wille backed away Thursday from a resolution in support of a state bill that would decriminalize possessing small amounts of marijuana, but not before getting some of the discussion she said she set out to hear. West Hawaii Today.

State parks officials on Thursday made the case for charging parking fees at Hapuna Beach State Recreation Area – but not without a barrage of questions and concerns being raised. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

While a Maui County vehicle-use policing program has been in place since July 1, only one department - the Department of Environmental Management - is in full compliance, County Council Budget and Finance Committee members learned Wednesday. Maui News.

Maui police -- some carrying assault rifles -- responded Thursday afternoon to Hoapili Hale, the 2nd Circuit courthouse located at 2145 Main St. in Wailuku. Police were called after a juice bottle containing dry ice exploded in the parking lot of the courthouse, creating a loud explosion at about 1:45 p.m. Maui News.

The 6th Maui Agriculture Festival returns to the Maui Tropical Plantation (MTP) in Waikapu on Saturday, April 6, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Maui Weekly.

Kauai

The Kaua‘i County Council had many concerns after hearing the same lobbying firm hired by Mayor Bernard Carvalho Jr.’s administration to represent the county’s interests at the state Legislature had also been hired by Syngenta to lobby at the Capitol. Garden Island.

Kaua‘i County Council Chair Jay Furfaro on Thursday may have summarized best the desire of the council to work alongside the administration while coming up with the county’s financial blue print for next fiscal year. Garden Island.

Molokai

On Friday March 29, Good Friday, an important meeting is being called by the Pala`au Moku of the Aha Kiole O Molokai. A “Shoreline Management Plan” from Ilio Point to Pelekunu on the north shore of Molokai will be presented. Molokai Dispatch.

Hawaii Legislature recognizes fallen warriors, North Korea can't hit Hawaii, Senate passes higher budget than House, UH drops biolab plan, police rally opposes marijuana decriminalization, bomb threat closes Kauai courthouse, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Gov. Abercrombie honors military at Medal of Honor ceremony, courtesy photo

Gov. Neil Abercrombie and state lawmakers on Wednesday recognized 19 Hawaii-based members of the U.S. military who died in defense of their country. Star-Advertiser.

The Hawaii state House and Senate held a joint session to honor military service members who died in Iraq and Afghanistan. Associated Press.

No, North Korea can’t hit Hawaii. CNN.

Hawaii senators on Wednesday cut $140 million from Gov. Neil Abercrombie’s $23 billion biennium budget request, far less than the House did earlier this month. Civil Beat.

The Hawaii Senate Ways and Means Committee has announced a two-year state budget proposal that funds some of Gov. Neil Abercrombie’s key initiatives, including early childhood education. Associated Press.

The state Senate Ways and Means Committee on Wednesday outlined the Senate's draft of the state's two-year budget, restoring money sought by Gov. Neil Abercrombie for early childhood education, cash incentives for entrepreneurs, and information technology that was left out of the House's version. Star-Advertiser.

The Senate Committee on Ways and Means passed House Bill 200 with amendments today.  The Senate’s version of the bill is approximately $141 M less in general funds than Governor Abercrombie’s budget proposal. Hawaii Reporter.

Democrat Calvin Say has hired a Republican candidate who tried to defeat one of Say's own political opponents just last year. Civil Beat.

Law enforcement officers joined community groups and individuals at a rally at the state Capitol on Wednesday to show their opposition to a bill that would decriminalize possession of up to 20 grams of marijuana. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu Police officers took a stand in the Capitol rotunda Wednesday afternoon, over a bill that would decriminalize marijuana. KITV4.

State Senators unanimously approved the measure, a move the men and women in blue say is not OK. KHON2.

A pair of resolutions to be heard today by the state House of Representatives are calling for the Department of Health Director Loretta Fuddy to head up a task force to study atrazine’s effects on humans. Garden Island.

The future of growing food in Hawai’i rests on the ability of farmers to continue making a living.   According to one UH study, farmers receive only 19 cents out of each dollar spent on locally grown produce and vegetables.  The rest of the money goes to packaging, marketing, refrigeration and transportation. Hawaii Public Radio.

A new study confirms what many reporters and taxpayer watchdog groups already know: Hawaii’s public records are difficult to get. Hawaii Reporter.

About 20,000 civilian defense workers in Hawaii are expected to get a reprieve from the 22 furlough days that were expected through September under sequestration. Star-Advertiser.

CBS said Wednesday that it is renewing “Hawaii Five-0” for a fourth season. Pacific Business News.

Oahu

University of Hawaii Manoa Chancellor Tom Apple has decided to drop plans to build an expensive, controversial bio lab in Kalaeloa, a project officially known as the Pacific Health Research Laboratory. Hawaii News Now.

State health officials are trying to find the source of an E. coli outbreak on Oahu that has sickened nine people and hospitalized four. Star-Advertiser.

A highly infectious strain of the E. coli bacteria is continuing to spread on Oahu, but state health officials still can't pinpoint the source of the outbreak. Civil Beat.

With a 10-day supply of food in its Honolulu warehouse and the Easter holiday weekend approaching, the Hawaii Foodbank is putting out a call for canned goods and monetary donations. Star-Advertiser.

The Polynesian Cultural Center will hold a grand opening for two new attractions on Friday that cost the nonprofit organization more than $25 million to create. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii

Mayor Billy Kenoi will get a $22,000 raise and other county officials will get up to 19.8 percent raises under a salary adjustment plan proposed Wednesday by the Hawaii County Salary Commission. West Hawaii Today.

Modernization efforts at the open-air, traditional Hawaii-feel Kona International Airport are on the horizon. West Hawaii Today.

Big Island hunters brought a reminder to the Hawaii County Council Wednesday about how voters here feel about aerial hunting and protecting hunters’ rights. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

More than three decades in the making, the Lahaina bypass highway opened to traffic Wednesday. Maui News.

Dozens of farmers, ranchers, gardeners and other residents voiced their disapproval during a County Council committee hearing on a bill that would give the water director, with the consent of the mayor, the power to impose higher rates during water shortages and to penalize those who violate drought directives. Maui News.

Dropping off your cardboard, newspaper and nonredeemable glass and plastic bottles at some neighborhood county recycling centers may become a thing of the past under a proposal by Mayor Alan Arakawa. Maui News.

County police departments across the state will increase efforts to deter distracted driving during an upcoming campaign that begins next week, officials said. Maui Now.

Kauai
An early morning bomb threat disrupted business for more than an hour at 5th Circuit Court Wednesday. Garden Island.

Hawaii flunks online transparency, Hawaiian art gets more attention following lawmaker's racist comments, 'Haolenesian' brand name born, Honolulu parks official got preferential treatment, no new council districts for Kauai, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii government website http://stayconnected.hawaii.gov/

Hawaii was given an F in a new study on how well states stack up in providing online access to government spending data. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii received an “F” when it comes to government spending transparency, according to “Following the Money 2013: How the States Rank on Providing Online Access to Government Spending Data,” the fourth annual report of its kind by the U.S. PIRG Education Fund. Civil Beat.

If Gov. Neil Abercrombie were sitting in a classroom with the other 49 state governors, he would be among the bottom-three students regarding grades on online transparency of government spending, according to a report by U.S. PIRG Education Fund, a nonprofit organization that works to protect consumers and promote good government. Garden Island.

Should legislators be barred from holding fundraising events or soliciting money from lobbyists and interest groups while the Legislature is in session? Civil Beat.

A grudge by some legislators against the State Foundation on Culture and the Arts may still be on even after state Rep. Faye Hano­hano's apology for her racially abusive threats to SFCA staff for placing works by non-Native Hawaiian artists in her office. Star-Advertiser.

State lawmakers say they’re “cautiously optimistic” that the Hawaii Department of Education is moving in the right direction to rein in school bus costs and overhaul management of the branch so that it’s more efficient and accountable to the public. Civil Beat.

Three frequent visitors to Hawaii who are considering starting a business here want to trademark “Haolenesians” for the purpose of selling apparel bearing that name. Pacific Business News.

Even though State Civil Defense has not received any kind of alert about a potential threat from North Korea, Hawaii does have a plan in place. KHON2.

State roundup for March 27. Associated Press.

Oahu

A Transportation Security Administration manager fired from Honolulu International Airport has been reinstated, the fourth TSA manager to win a settlement or successfully challenge his firing after a baggage-checking scandal that resulted in the termination of 36 TSA employees. Hawaii News Now.

An Ethics Commission advisory opinion said that on at least 10 occasions over a one-year period in 2011-2012,  former Deputy Parks Director Albert Tufono sent emails to Parks Department recreation directors seeking permits to reserve city gyms and ballfields for teams and leagues that he coached, teams his sons played on and a hula halau in which his daughter was a student. Star-Advertiser.

A survey done late last fall found that 72.8 percent of District 2's roads were in "fair" condition or better. That's just about on par with the 72.2 percent of city roads islandwide that were in fair shape or better.Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii

After West Hawaii Today questioned him about it Monday, Puna Councilman Zendo Kern said he is canceling a $500- to $1,000-per-person fundraiser planned for today in Kailua-Kona. West Hawaii Today.

The kahu of a collection of North Kona churches is hoping state and county officials pay millions for what he claims is years of unauthorized use of church property. West Hawaii Today.

The Hawaii Medical Service Association on Tuesday announced plans to build a new office building in Keaau. Tribune-Herald.

After nearly three decades of planning, lawsuits, Supreme Court action, community activism, bankruptcy, foreclosure, discussion and, finally, agreement, the development of Kohanaiki is nearing fruition. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

A few Maui teachers willing to speak on the record Monday about a tentative contract agreement with the state were positive but cautious. Maui News.

Wanting to lay a solid foundation for Maui County in years to come, Mayor Alan Arakawa unveiled his 2013-14 budget request Monday with a wish list of more than $105 million for infrastructure and facility improvement projects. Maui News.

A stakeholder meeting is scheduled for this week to discuss the proposed Central Maui Regional Park. Maui Now.

Kauai

On Monday, the Kaua‘i Charter Review Commission — in a 5-1 vote — tabled a proposal to divide county council seats into different districts. Garden Island.

The Kilauea Point National Wildlife Refuge will be closed for the third and final phase of the Kilauea Lighthouse restoration, starting Sunday and lasting a whole week, according to a press release from the Kaua‘i National Wildlife Refuge Complex. Garden Island.

Commentary: Hawaii's shield law is in peril; Senate hearing scheduled for Thursday

Back when I was a gung-ho young reporter, I thought the best thing for my career would be to go to jail to protect a source. The fame, the notoriety!

Every Deepthroat would want to meet me in a parking garage and tell me everything about government wrongdoings, every newspaper would want to hire me. Pulitzer Prizes would shower onto my desk.

Now that I have a few decades of journalism under my belt, the prospect doesn't look nearly as inviting. But I'm still ready to go.

I am under subpoena because of a series of articles I wrote about events at the Hawaii County Elections Office leading up to a bungled primary election. An attorney suing the government thinks sitting me down in a deposition and making me turn over notes and identify sources will somehow help his case.

I'm not so sure about that. Heck, even I can't read my notes a few weeks later. They're little more than memory prompts. A lot of water goes under that bridge over the course of weeks.

As far as identifying who told me what? Fuhgeddaboudit. In my professional life, just like in my personal life, if I say I am keeping a confidence, I am keeping a confidence. A fact is a fact. Doesn't matter who said it, it's still a fact, as far as I'm concerned.

But enough about me.

This is about Hawaii's Shield Law-- a model for the nation -- and how we're about to lose it. We're about to lose it because the Hawaii Legislature is in the process of watering it down to the point of ineffective pabulum, or even worse, letting it expire altogether on June 30.

The state Senate Judiciary Committee will be hearing this bill at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, March 28, in conference room 016 of the Capitol. Everyone has a right to submit written testimony, or show up to speak.

Here's the testimony I submitted:

Testimony in support of HB 622, Hawaii Shield Law

Chairman Hee and Members of the Senate Judiciary Committee:

What if Watergate had never happened?

What if whistleblowers like Erin Brockovich were afraid to expose corporate and government wrongdoing that endanger people’s lives? What would our nation look like if everyday citizens were intimidated into keeping crucial information from the press?

What if the police, or trial lawyers seeking millions of dollars in damages, didn’t have to do their own legwork, bringing that burden of proof to a jury in the tried-and-true tradition of a judicial system guaranteeing civil rights? What if they could, instead, just scribble out a subpoena and grab a reporter’s notes about things that were told in trust and confidence?

That, my friends, is life without a shield law, also known as reporter’s privilege. It’s called a privilege for reporters, but the ones it really protects are the citizens, the whistleblowers.

Hawaii has such a shield law. Or it does, at least, until June 30. That’s the date the current law runs out, unless lawmakers make it permanent.

It's important that the law be made permanent without watering it down by exempting civil litigation and serious crime involving unlawful injury to persons or animals. Leaving in these amendments by the House Judiciary Committee would reduce coverage of the law to one of the lowest levels among the 40 jurisdictions that have shield laws, according to the Society of Professional Journalists.

This limited news media privilege against the compelled disclosure of sources and unpublished information has successfully protected a journalist and a documentary film producer in Hawaii since it was enacted almost five years ago. More importantly, it has stood as a model for other states and a beacon to a free press, preventing untold subpoenas and threats to the exercise of journalistic endeavors.

It is difficult to quantify the negative, so it is not known how many journalists were not compelled to turn over their notes and sources because of the shield law. In short, however, there has been no documented harm to the state because of the shield law, and at least two cases where the law served its purpose in furthering a free press.

Thirty-eight states, plus the District of Columbia, have substantial protections in place, according to the The Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press.

Should Hawaii -- the Aloha State, the state that embraces privacy and individual liberties even more than most – be the state that fails to protect that brave individual who comes forward to voice concerns about wrongdoing and corruption? I hope not.

Sincerely,
Nancy Cook Lauer
Publisher, All Hawaii News
http://www.allhawaiinews.com

 If you also care about a free press, you can do your part. You can submit testimony by following these steps:

1. Go to http://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HB&billnumber=622&year=2013
2. Go to Hearing Notices in the lower right corner. Click on view for the JDL committee. This will open a new window with the Hearing Notice.
3. At the bottom under Decision Making to follow if Time Permits. Click HERE to submit testimony. (Click on HERE which opens another window)
4. Under Senate Testimony Procedures there is a box. Go to website and click on SUBMIT ONLINE TESTIMONY, which takes you to another window
5. Enter a measure to retrieve the corresponding hearing notice. (enter HB622)
6. This will go to another window, which will ask for name, email, and a bunch of questions. Don’t forget to attach your testimony file in the box.
7. Hit Submit and verify.