Hawaii police well-paid, no raise for election chief, Hawaii watching Fukushima, Honolulu mayor to slash $20M, Hagel addresses troups, drones for Maui agriculture, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Honolulu police officers courtesy photo

Hawaii police officers are the highest-paid public employees in the state, higher even than college professors, according to a West Hawaii Today analysis of U.S. Census Bureau data released Thursday.

See the U.S. Census Annual Survey of Public Employment & Payroll here.

Hawaii’s four counties did little to fight against the state’s police union over a new six-year contract that will cost taxpayers hundreds of millions of dollars over the next four years. An arbitrator’s decision reviewed by Civil Beat on Thursday shows that when county officials had the opportunity to push back against the State of Hawaii Organization of Police Officers' demands for more pay and other concessions, they merely deferred to the union or provided incomplete information that didn't withstand the arbitrator's scrutiny.

The man at the center of 2012′s general election disaster will not get a $36,000 pay hike. The Hawaii Salary Commission, an independent appointed board that recently OK’d pay hikes for the state’s executive, judicial and legislative branches, decided Wednesday against increasing Chief  Election Officer Scott Nago‘s salary to $116,000 a year. He earns $80,000. Hawaii Reporter.

Deep beneath Fukushima's crippled nuclear power station, a massive underground reservoir of contaminated water that began spilling from the plant's reactors after the 2011 earthquake and tsunami has been creeping slowly toward the Pacific. Now, 2 1/2 years later, experts fear it is about to reach the ocean and greatly worsen what is fast becoming a new crisis at Fukushima: the inability to contain vast quantities of radioactive water. Associated Press.

U.S. Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel spoke to about 200 Marines and sailors on the helicopter flight line at Kaneohe Bay at the start of a four-nation trip to Southeast Asia. Star-Advertiser.

One month after the Supreme Court ruled that same-sex couples were entitled to federal benefits, Hawaii democrats still haven't decided whether or not to call a special session of legislature.  Hawaii Independent.

State Rep. Denny Coffman, who had urged House leaders against quickly moving a gay marriage bill in special session, said Thursday that he now favors a special session. Star-Advertiser.

Obama's plan to cut college costs likely to benefit Hawaii. Hawaii News Now.

The University of Hawaii Foundation raised $66.3 million during the 2012-13 fiscal year, which ended June 30, down slightly from last year's fundraising totals. The nonprofit organization raises money from the private sector to benefit the university's 10 campuses. Star-Advertiser.

University of Hawaii students could see tuition rise by as much as 35 percent in the next five years. And that’s after a nearly 50 percent rise over the past five. KHON2.

The University of Hawaii Board of Regents approved three executive appointments at its monthly meeting Thursday. Star-Advertiser.

Growth in Hawaii’s tourism industry, which set records in 2012, is expected to continue this year and into 2014 at a much slower pace, and some in the industry might have to make price adjustments to stay on track. The Hawaii Tourism Authority forecast Thursday that the industry will bring 8.75 million visitors to Hawaii in 2014, a 3.2 percent increase over the 2013 arrivals goal. Star-Advertiser.

The Hawai’i Tourism Authority opened its annual conference today, following a year of record growth.   But, as HPR’s Wayne Yoshioka reports, the conference theme --“Defining the Next Chapter”--is an attempt to position the industry to withstand the next downturn in tourism. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii hotels had a strong week last week, with average daily room rates increasing 14 percent across the major islands, and occupancy increasing on all but the Big Island, according to the latest report from Hospitality Advisors LLC and Smith Travel Research. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii struggles with being able to feed itself. Our island chain imports more than 80 percent of the food consumed by local residents, in part because the cost of producing our own food is so high people can't afford to buy it. Civil Beat.

Federal agents have confiscated and destroyed a fungus harmful to plants that was found on brooms imported from the Philippines. While examining a cargo container in Honolulu on Aug. 9, U.S. Customs and Border Protection agriculture specialists discovered the fungus on a handicraft made of native palm parts. The fungus was in a shipment of “native brooms” made from Cocos nucifera, a palm species. Star-Advertiser.

Sales of new autos in Hawaii rose 13.4 percent during the first half of the year from the year-ago period but that pace is expected to slow during the final six months of 2013. Star-Advertiser.

State roundup for August 23. Associated Press.

Oahu

Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell is taking a proactive approach to an expected $26 million budget shortcoming for fiscal year 2014.  He has announced $20 million in cuts to all of his departments. Hawaii News Now.

HFD delays deployment of ladder company because of budget restriction. KITV.

A Circuit Court jury will return Monday to resume deliberations in State Department special agent Christopher Deedy’s murder case after spending four full days this week trying to reach a verdict. Circuit Judge Karen Ahn gave no reason as to why the panel would not meet today. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii

The return of tourists is driving economic improvements across Hawaii Island, an economist told West Hawaii business owners and leaders Thursday afternoon. “The years of bouncing along the bottom seem to be over,” Jack Suyderhoud said during the 39th annual First Hawaiian Bank economic outlook forum at the Hapuna Beach Prince Hotel. West Hawaii Today.

Growth in the state's visitor industry is spreading to the economy on Hawaii island, one of the last areas in the state to recover from the recent recession, a top Hawaii economist said Thursday. "Thanks to the statewide tourism boom, Hawaii island's economic outlook is better than it has been in the last five years," economist Jack Suyderhoud said at the 39th annual First Hawaiian Bank Hawai‘i County Business Outlook Forum. Star-Advertiser.

A Big Island charter school that educates students in the Hawaiian language claims the state Department of Education’s recently released rankings unfairly imply the school is failing. Associated Press.

From the muck, healthy anchialine pool habitats emerge. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Hawaiian Commercial & Sugar Company held a test run of an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle or UAV, that it plans to use to improve irrigation practices at the company’s sugar cane fields. Maui Now.

A miniature helicopter with high-tech cameras will soon be flying over certain sugar cane fields on Maui to detect problems with irrigation, monitor crop health and conduct scientific research. Maui News.

Barriers to bridge gap until work begins. Maui News.

Less than a year after opening their doors, Old Wailuku Grill on Market Street has closed. Maui Now.

Kauai

A proposal to add more changes to the county’s real property tax system — which has been significantly revamped in the last three years — cleared the Kauai County Council’s Finance Committee Wednesday, though with a few tweaks. Among other things, the bill eliminates a property tax cap. Garden Island.

Parking changes to begin in Poipu. Garden Island.

Molokai
A new apartment complex proposed for Manila Camp is in its initial planning stages and seeks to fulfill a need for affordable housing in central Molokai. The Chopra Hale apartments would consist of 16 units and occupy 1.04 acres located at 190 Makaena Place, according to project manager Luigi Manera. Molokai Dispatch.

Last week, U.S. Senator Brian Schatz made a visit to Molokai and talked story with business owners, farmers, advocates and residents. Molokai Dispatch.

Congressional delegation split on domestic spying, shark victim dies, Hawaii lags in college readiness, gay marriage bill in the works, Honolulu struggles to pay union wages, another Sunshine Law lawsuit on Maui, no bingo for Hawaii County, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii's U.S. Sens. Brian Schatz and Mazie Hirono at Obama inauguration

As more revelations come out about the NSA’s controversial domestic surveillance program, Hawaii’s congressional delegation is taking an array of different stands on the issue. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard voted to just kill it. Other members want to reform it. But to varying degrees, they differ in where they think the balance between privacy and national security should be. Civil Beat.

State House Speaker Joseph Souki said Wednesday that a majority of House lawmakers supports gay marriage, but he wants to make certain the vote count is firm before informing Gov. Neil Abercrombie. The governor is waiting for word from the House before deciding whether to call a special session on gay marriage. The state Senate has the votes to pass a gay marriage bill. Star-Advertiser.

The ACT Wednesday released the results of the graduating Class of 2013’s performance on its college-readiness standardized exam, which is administered across the United States. A  majority of Hawaii’s Class of 2013, similar to the rest of the nation, did not meet the test’s college-readiness benchmarks. Hawaii graduates who tested as juniors in the spring of 2012 posted a statewide average composite mark of 20.1. The national average composite score was 20.9.  Star-Advertiser.

In Hawaii, it pays not to work. A new report by Cato Institute, which examines the state-by-state value of welfare for a mother of two, said benefits in Hawaii average $49,175 — tops in the nation. Michael Tanner, co-author of the Cato study, said that since welfare isn’t taxed, a person would have to earn $60,590 in Hawaii to take home the same $49,175 a person on welfare would. Hawaii Reporter.

As Hawaii’s debate about GMOs rages, the editorial board of Scientific American has come down strongly against a policy requiring labeling of genetically modified ingredients in foods.  (A statewide policy requiring GMO labeling failed to pass the Hawaii legislature this past session.) Civil Beat.

Starting this fall, Hawaii drivers will likely have to pay a few dollars more to get their vehicles inspected for registration. But with a new electronic filing system, they won't have to worry about those inspection records getting to the Department of Motor Vehicles weeks after the fact, state officials and local inspectors say. Star-Advertiser.

University of Hawaii Board of Regents member Eric Martinson has resigned, a year before his term was set to expire. Martinson was appointed to the board in 2009, and was elected chairman in 2011 and again in 2012. John Holzman was named chairman in July. Star-Advertiser.

New group pushes for open records enforcement. Civil Beat Law Center for the Public Interest to ensure law-mandated transparency. KITV.

Scientists have developed a more accurate way of measuring populations of opihi, a Hawaii delicacy and fixture of first birthday baby luau and graduation parties in the islands. Associated Press.

Oahu

Honolulu City Council members questioned the wisdom of plans by the administration to curtail some city services to make up for a projected $26 million shortfall in the recently adopted $1.8 billion operating budget. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu needs to cut $20 million from its operating budget even though the city isn't even two months into the current fiscal year. A satellite city hall in Kailua will close, the size of new recruit classes for police and firefighters will shrink, the ocean safety lifeguard program and tree trimming services will face reductions. Civil Beat.

Leaky pipes at city pools pouring money down the drain. KHON2.

Pawnbrokers and secondhand dealers would need to file standardized electronic transaction reports into an online data system and meet other stricter regulations under two bills now going through the Honolulu City Council. Star-Advertiser.

The Native Hawaiian Legal Corp., on behalf of Paulette Kaleikini, is in settlement negotiations with the state after filing a lawsuit last week alleging a breach of its settlement agreement from a lawsuit involving the development of the Walmart and Sam’s Club stores on Keeaumoku Street in Honolulu, an attorney involved in the matter told PBN. Pacific Business News.

There were concerns almost as high as the condos themselves. Kapolei residents voiced fears with a proposed plan that would build the tallest buildings in Leeward Oahu. Hawaii News Now.

The owner of Ward Centers now has approval to begin developing three condominium towers at its 60-acre property in Kakaako, after a state agency authorized high-rises Nos. 2 and 3 on Wednesday. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii

Hawaii County Council members have a lot of suggestions for the state Legislature to consider when it meets in January, but allowing the counties to opt into high-stakes bingo won’t be one of them. The council, meeting in Kailua-Kona, voted 7-2 Wednesday to strike that resolution from a list approved to submit to the Hawaii State Association of Counties for presentation to the Legislature. West Hawaii Today.

The drive from Kona to Hilo will get 18 minutes shorter Sept. 7. That’s when the new Saddle Road alignment, bringing the intersection with Mamalahoa Highway seven miles closer to Kailua-Kona, opens. That day, officials will dedicate the road in the morning, opening it at 3 p.m. to traffic under its new moniker, the Daniel K. Inouye Highway, federal transportation officials said. West Hawaii Today.

A federal task force agent was hurt Wednesday when he stepped on a booby trap while chasing a suspect through a Puna marijuana patch. Star-Advertiser.

South Kohala residents have had five years to attend meetings about the proposed Waimea District Park. For the next 30 days, they get another chance to offer their input on the long-awaited recreational area, through the comment period for the project’s draft environmental assessment. West Hawaii Today.

Big Island Candies celebrated the opening of its new 17,000-square-foot warehouse on Wednesday with a special lunch catered by Hilo-born chef Sheldon Simeon, a finalist last season on Bravo TV’s “Top Chef.” Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Weeks after a Hawaii Supreme Court ruling that Maui County Council members violated the state's "Sunshine Law" by circulating written memoranda among themselves in 2008, Kaanapali time-share owners are making a similar claim in a legal challenge of their property tax rates. Maui News.

A German woman who lost her arm in a shark attack died Wednesday, one week after she was bitten while snorkeling off Maui. Jana Lutteropp, 20, who had been on life support, died at Maui Memorial Medical Center, hospital spokeswoman Carol Clark said. Associated Press.

A 20-year-old German visitor died Wednesday at Maui Memorial Medical Center a week after a shark bit off her right arm while she was snorkeling at Palauea Beach Park. Maui News.

US Senator Mazie Hirono is on Maui today, where she plans to attend a function tonight honoring the late US Senator Daniel Inouye. Maui Now.

Kauai

Recently KHON2 uncovered an extreme backlog at the Department of Education when dealing with complaints that rise to the level of investigations, with just one permanent position in the administration-level unit dedicated to the task. It’s part of a deep divide centered at one Kauai school.

If people start with a genuine and deep respect for one another, unbelievable things can be accomplished, according to Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard. That is something Hale Opio Kauai has been doing for nearly four decades. Garden Island.

The Kauai County Council’s Finance Committee by a 3-2 vote approved Wednesday a bill that raises dog license fees, but included an amendment to soften the blow on hunters. Garden Island.

Hawaii studies uptick in shark attacks, Abercrombie's ego factor in reelection bid, gay marriage bill unveiled, BOE chief's alleged conflict draws sheriffs to meeting, GMO hot topic on Kauai, PUC questions ex-member's possible conflict, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Tiger shark

Hawaii officials plan to spend the next two years studying tiger shark movements around Maui amid what they call an unprecedented spike in overall shark attacks since the start of 2012. Associated Press.

A state-funded study to look at tiger shark movements around Maui is scheduled to begin next month in the wake of an alarming jump in shark attacks and the life-threatening injury of a visitor from Germany last week. Star-Advertiser.

PHOTOS: Hawaii Shark Attacks in 2013. Hawaii News Now.

News of the recent shark attacks is helping to boost business for at least one local company. Its product is called the Electronic Shark Defense System, or ESDS, and it acts like a shark deterrent. KHON2.

The draft of a gay marriage bill contains a more muscular religious exemption than the state's civil unions law, recognizing that the clergy and others have a constitutional right to refuse to perform gay marriages. Star-Advertiser.

A majority of Maui's state senators and representatives said Monday that they are in favor of a special legislative session to take up gay marriage. Maui News.

State sheriff's deputies were called to Tuesday's Board of Education meeting following a feisty exchange between advocate Mitch Kahle and board Chairman Don Horner, who is a pastor at one of the churches allegedly underpaying the state $5.6 million for use of school property. Star-Advertiser.

It's not every day that sheriffs are called to a Board of Education meeting. That happened after Mitch Kahle accused the BOE's chairman Donald Horner of a conflict of interest and threatened to subpoena Department of Education officials. Hawaii News Now.

Gov. Neil Abercrombie's surprising 50,000-vote victory in 2010 over the better-funded and heavily endorsed Mufi Hannemann boiled down to a simple political dynamic. Hannemann's ego-driven style as Hono­lulu mayor left droves of antagonized voters itching to take him down a peg, and Abercrombie sold himself as an acceptable alternative. Ironically, the same dynamic is at play in next year's Democratic primary between Abercrombie and state Sen. David Ige, except this time it's Abercrombie who must beware of antagonized voters. Star-Advertiser.

The state Ethics Commission has been shorthanded for more than a year, but that could change soon. The commission is set to welcome Ruth Tschumy as its newest member Wednesday. That’ll keep the five-member commission at four members, since it was already down two and the most recent meeting was Chair Maria Sullivan's last. Civil Beat.

State roundup for August 21. Associated Press.

Oahu

As the newest addition to Mayor Kirk Caldwell's administration, newly appointed Chief of Staff Ray Soon said his years of experience in public- and private-sector work should help him hit the ground running in his new role. Star-Advertiser.

In recent months an announcement of a new high-rise condominium tower usually meant it was going up in Kakaako, but today a developer will outline plans to build four condo towers in Kapolei. Star-Advertiser.

California developer Franco Mola recently submitted a scaled-down proposal for the 803 Waimanu St. project in Kakaako to the Hawaii Community Development Authority, his third attempt at developing a Honolulu condominium project. Pacific Business News.

A Circuit Court jury deliberated a second full day without reaching a verdict in State Department special agent Christopher Deedy's murder trial. The panel returns to court this morning for more deliberations. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii

Three Big Island public schools are among the top-ranked institutions in the state, according to the Hawaii Department of Education’s newest Strive HI performance standards. Tribune-Herald.

Kona Community Hospital CEO Jay Kreuzer on Tuesday laid out a laundry list of physical needs hospital officials hope the state Legislature will address. West Hawaii Today.

Someone else’s trees would have to create a “clear and present danger” to a neighbor before the county could step in, under amendments to a bill considered Tuesday by the County Council Environmental Management Committee. The bill makes it easier for the county to remove unsafe trees from private property, and to place a lien on the offending property if the owner doesn’t pay for removal. West Hawaii Today.

Renovation work has begun in earnest to attract new tenants to the Waiakea Villas commercial complex in Hilo, Peter Savio said Tuesday. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

After about a month and a half of providing paratransit services, Maui Economic Opportunity looks to have everyone on "the same page" wanting to "make things better," said one rider who uses the service. Maui News.

A measure to remove parking restrictions at the Old Wailuku Post Office parking lot and other lots near the Kalana O Maui building passed the Maui County Council on Tuesday. Maui News.

Molokai

Molokai’s Maunaloa Elementary school earned high marks in the state’s new report card. The school was the only one in Maui County to earn high performance classification with 343 points out of a total of 400, under the state’s new Strive HI Performance System. Maui Now.

Kauai

More than 20 people wearing blue shirts attended a Kauai County Council meeting Tuesday afternoon to show opposition to Bill 2491, which would affect companies that grow genetically modified organisms. Garden Island.

In a pair of letters sent to The Garden Island Monday, Hawaii Crop Improvement Association Executive Director Alicia Maluafiti described the conduct and videotaping of public hearings on Bill 2491 as “discriminatory” and “manipulative.” Garden Island.

Several committees at the Kauai County Council are scheduled to work today on more than a handful of proposals, some of which have attracted passionate testimony during previous public hearings or meetings. Garden Island.

Lanai

A former state utility commissioner who is now representing a company that wants to build a wind farm on Lanai is in ethical hot water with his former colleagues. Civil Beat.

Hawaii schools improve, but truancy still a problem, House to gauge support for gay marriage, safety check fee to rise, Honolulu resists new voter registration system, Caldwell picks new chief of staff, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii Legislature

State House Democrats are meeting this week to determine whether there is enough support among members to approve a gay marriage proposal. Speaker Joe Souki (D, Waihee-Waiehu-Wailuku) said Monday that the Demo­cratic leadership plans to meet Wednesday and expects to call all members to a caucus to determine the count, which insiders say is close. The Senate has the votes to pass a bill. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii's Department of Education on Monday released its first report card of how public schools are doing under a new accountability system, made possible by a federal waiver from certain provisions of the No Child Left Behind law. A key result is that nine schools serving a large number of children from low-income families are among 14 considered the highest-performing and highest-growth schools. The results also show that a majority or the state's lowest-performing schools showed growth after receiving targeted support. Associated Press.

Four out of every 5 public schools singled out for restructuring under federal standards last year earned improved standings on a new accountability system that looks beyond standardized test scores. The state Department of Education on Monday released the first results using its so-called Strive HI system. Star-Advertiser.

Nearly two out of every 10 of Hawaii’s public elementary students missed school last year at “chronic” rates that the Department of Education says strongly indicate which kids are at high risk for falling behind and dropping out. Eighteen percent of elementary school children were chronically absent last year, meaning they missed 15 or more days of school, according to data released Monday that outlines the first annual results of the DOE’s new so-called Strive HI Performance System. Civil Beat.

State Department of Education Deputy Superintendent Ronn Nozoe, along with Superintendent Kathyrn Matayoshi, were eager to share information on the new Strive HI Performance System for the 2013-2014 academic school year. Strive HI replaces the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001. Nozoe says it's a far more precise tool for measuring how well a school performs. Hawaii News Now.

The Strive HI performance system evaluates Hawaii’s public and charter schools. this new system replaces the federal No Child Left Behind law and analyzes student achievement and growth in reading, math, science, graduation rates and attendance. KHON2.

Hawaii's economy will enjoy steady growth through at least 2016, helped by solid visitor spending and continued job growth, the state Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism reported Monday in its latest quarterly forecast. One of the keys to the forecast is lower-than-expected inflation, which encourages greater household spending and business investment. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu has declined to collaborate with the state on its new online voter registration system. Since the city is already managing the state ID system and processing state driver's licenses — key databases for verifying voter identification — state officials were hoping the city might be inclined to help implement the new registration system, too. No luck. Civil Beat.

Hawaii drivers should expect to soon pay a little more to ensure their vehicles are road-ready. A six-month backlog in updating safety inspection reports in the vehicle registration database has prompted the state to move to an electronic system that will add $4.49 to the cost of an inspection and create new requirements for inspection stations. West Hawaii Today.

The head of the state prison system said changes have been made to make sure another murder defendant doesn't escape while being transported to court, but Hawaii News Now found some public safety employees not following proper procedures. Hawaii News Now.

Evan Dobelle, the former University of Hawaii president who was run out of Hawaii in 2004 after university regents had enough of his exorbitant credit card bills and extravagant spending, seems to be at it again. Dobelle, 68, is under scrutiny again for his lavish spending at Westfield State University in Westfield, Mass., where he’s been president since 2007. Hawaii Reporter.

Ex-UH president under scrutiny again. Evan S. Dobelle's expenses draw fire at his current Massachusetts college post Dobelle agreed to a settlement to leave UH in 2004 under a cloud of questions about his travel expenses and other spending from his expense account at the UH Foundation. Boston Globe.

An effort by Native Hawaiians to form their own government has signed up fewer than 20,000 of the 200,000 people it is seeking, but organizers are undaunted. The initiative known as Kana’iolowalu launched in July 2012 after enactment of a state law recognizing Native Hawaiians as the only indigenous people of the island. Associated Press.

Gov. Neil Abercrombie has appointed Wallace Ishibashi and Patricia Sheehan to the nine-member Hawaiian Homes Commission. Civil Beat.

State roundup for August 20. Associated Press.

Oahu
Ray Soon, a well-connected, Harvard-educated private consultant, will take over as Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell’s chief of staff on Sept. 3. Caldwell’s administration confirmed the hiring to Civil Beat on Monday, ending months of speculation about who would fill the role as the mayor’s on-the-ground, political lieutenant at Honolulu Hale. Civil Beat.

Residential electric rates rose on Oahu in August from July in part because of higher fuel costs, Hawaiian Electric Co. reported Monday. Star-Advertiser.

Kaiser Permanente's Moanalua Medical Center & Clinic, citing studies that show patients recover faster if they are surrounded by family and friends, began 24-hour patient visiting hours Monday. Prior to the new policy, Kaiser Moanalua allowed visitors from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Star-Advertiser.

About 60 percent of the units in The Collection were snapped up during an opening sales weekend that had people lined up before dawn for first crack at the 397 apartments in A&B Properties’ 43-story condominium project in Kakaako. Pacific Business News.

A Circuit Court jury will resume deliberations this morning after spending all day Monday trying to decide whether State Department special agent Christopher Deedy should be convicted or acquitted of murder. The jury does not have the option of convicting Deedy on a lesser charge of manslaughter despite a Hawaii Supreme Court decision that makes clear that jurors should be given that choice when there is a "rational basis" for the lesser offense. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii

More than 200 people staged a peaceful protest on Monday outside Hawaii Electric Light Co.’s Hilo headquarters to express displeasure with the utility’s plan to expand geothermal energy development on the Big Island. The protest was organized by Puna Pono Alliance, an environmental group opposed to geothermal expansion. Many of the demonstrators wore T-shirts with the group’s logo on the front and “SAVE POHOIKI” on the back. Some had taken part in a three-day march to Hilo starting Saturday from Pahoa High School. Tribune-Herald.

University of Hawaii at Hilo students have a new dormitory to live in. The 300-unit Hale Alahonua residence hall is the first student housing built on campus in more nearly 25 years. Associated Press.

University of Hawaii at Hilo celebrated Monday morning the dedication of its newest facility, Hale ‘Alahonua Student Residence Hall. Today, the $32.5 million building, located on Kawili Street across from the main campus entrance, is set to begin moving in up to 300 of this year’s newest crop of students within its trio of of three-story wings, along with large common areas and exterior courtyards. Tribune-Herald.

Two Hawaii Island conservation projects are getting a financial boost from the federal government. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service awarded the Department of Land and Natural Resources’ Division of Forestry and Wildlife about $500,000 for projects to reintroduce the alala, or Hawaiian crow, to the wild on the Big Island, as well as work in the Ka‘u Forest Reserve. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

In the seven months since the Maui Police Department started its Crisis Intervention Team, specially trained officers have responded to at least 66 police calls involving mentally ill people in crisis. Maui News.

A final judgement in the amount of $246 million was entered in tax appeal court against nine Online Travel Companies selling Hawaiʻi hotel rooms, according to information released by the state Attorney General’s Office. Maui Now. 

Kauai

Results from newly revised Hawaii Department of Education standards show that Kapaa Middle School is ranked third on the island for academic performance and achievement. Kapaa Middle School Principal Nathan Aiwohi has worked to bring his school out of its restructuring classificiation under the No Child Left Behind Act ever since his tenure began in 2007. In the years since, students fell short of reaching that goal even though they meet many of the state’s reading and math benchmarks on their annual assessment tests. That was, however, until last year. Garden Island.

Not too long ago, Kawaikini charter school had classes under large tents. Today, the Hawaiian immersion school’s 125 students learn in style, inside two state-of-the-art energy-efficient buildings and several structures on a 10-acre property next to Kauai Community College in Puhi. Garden Island.

Abercrombie 'very likely' to call special session on gay marriage, GMO fight flares on Big Island, military Stryker plan advances, sand for Kauai, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hilo, Hawaii gay pride parade (c) 2013 All Hawaii News

Gov. Neil Abercrombie said Sunday it is "very likely" there will be a special legislative session on gay marriage. The governor, speaking to a Demo­cratic Party of Hawaii gathering at Ward Warehouse, appealed for patience while his administration drafts a gay-marriage bill that can withstand a potential legal challenge from opponents. Star-Advertiser.

For years, the stiffest opposition to same-sex marriages came from Hawaii's largest churches. But there's a growing movement within the religious community backing gay marriages. On Monday, representatives from 30 faith-based organizations will sign a resolution calling for the state legislature to pass a same-sex law during a meeting at the First Unitarian Church of Honolulu in Nuuanu. Hawaii News Now.

With the departure of Associate Justice Simeon Acoba from the Hawaii Supreme Court when he turns 70 next year, the Judicial Selection Commission is seeking applicants for his replacement. Gov. Neil Abercrombie will appoint the new justice, which means he will have named three jurists to constitute a majority on the five-member high court. Star-Advertiser.

There has been so much focus on the 2014 race between Brian Schatz and Colleen Hanabusa that many forget that the very same seat is up again in 2016. Civil Beat.

Members of New Hope Ministries are speaking up after their church is accused of underpaying to use public school facilities. Out of  five churches being sued, three are New Hope ministries: New Hope Oahu, Hawaii Kai, and Kapolei. KITV.

Under the Affordable Care Act, Hawaii could face millions of dollars in fines for the highest-grade health plans it offers public workers, adding to the already skyrocketing cost of health care for the state. Civil Beat.

The first foreign-flagged cruise ship of the season has sailed into port in Honolulu, kicking off the start of the visitor industry’s cruise season. The Sea Princess, a Princess Cruises ship, is the first foreign-flagged cruise ship to sail into port this season, which runs from August through May. Pacific Business News.

Rumbling through the Pentagon, the regional military formations like the Pacific Command and the ranks of defense intellectuals in think tanks is a proposal to rearrange the way the U.S. defends its worldwide interests. Civil Beat.

State roundup for August 19. Associated Press.

Oahu

Sometime this year the Army for the first time may have unfettered use of a $42 million Battle Area Complex for Stryker armored vehicle training at Schofield Barracks, a proj­ect that started in 2005. Star-Advertiser.

A plan proposed more than 30 years ago to build a dedicated fuel pier at Kalaeloa Barbers Point Harbor is finally advancing as part of the state's effort to meet the changing needs of Hawaii's fuel and energy markets. The state Department of Transportation recently filed an environmental impact statement preparation notice for the proj­ect that will consolidate the handling of bulk fuel imports and exports at Piers 3 and 4 at Kalaeloa Barbers Point Harbor. Star-Advertiser.

Several residents living downwind of a 169-year-old Nuuanu cemetery are making a stink about the odors from its old cremation units. Star-Advertiser.

To build, or not to build, the most expensive per mile heavy rail line in the country. It’s a sticky question. Three members of the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals in San Francisco were asked during oral arguments Thursday to put a stop to the construction of the city’s planned $5.2 billion, elevated steel rail project that runs along a 20-mile corridor from West Oahu to Honolulu. Hawaii Reporter

Hawaii
Big Island Rainbow papaya farmers may have to tear out their trees within 30 months, or face fines and jail time, if a bill making the rounds on the Big Island is enacted. The law, which is expected to be submitted to the Hawaii County Council by council member Brenda Ford, proposes fines of up to $1,000 per day and 30 days in jail for farmers or landowners who are growing genetically modified crops. Civil Beat.

Hawaii County Council members can expect to debate dueling bills regarding genetically modified crops the next time they try to tackle the issue. Both Kohala Councilwoman Margaret Wille and South Kona/Ka‘u Councilwoman Brenda Ford are working on their own legislation that they plan to introduce shortly. Tribune-Herald.

The debate over genetically modified food is attracting the attention of some of the Big Island’s business leaders. On Monday, two island business groups are hosting what they are calling the “Hawaii Island GMO Summit” to allow their members to delve into the controversial issue. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

With island housing prices recovering from a recession-induced slide for the past few years, A&B Properties' 103-unit 'Aina O Kane condominium development in Kahului is gaining traction. Maui News.

Applications are due Sept. 30 for two alternate Native Hawaiian seats on the advisory council to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Northwestern Hawaiian Islands Coral Reef Ecosystem Reserve. The reserve is part of the Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument. Maui News.

Maui Ranchers Struggle with Drought Conditions. Hawaii Public Radio.

Although single-family home sales prices dipped in July, Maui's real estate market nevertheless is on its way to recovery since the 2009 economic downturn, Realtors said last week. Maui News.

The state Department of Transportation has issued a reminder to motorists about several road projects that will impact traffic in isolated areas of Maui in the upcoming week from Aug. 17 to 23, 2013. Maui Now.

Kauai

In a few days, state officials will open a bid for a contract to replenish the sand on the beach west of Kikiaola Small Boar Harbor in Kekaha, and also fix damages to the harbor’s breakwall. “Construction, pending the receipt of the permits, is scheduled to start in December 2013, and the completion is scheduled for June 2014,” said engineer Eric Yuasa, of the state Department of Land and Natural Resources, Division of Boating and Ocean Recreation. Garden Island.

After meeting with county attorneys behind closed doors Wednesday, the Kauai County Council unanimously approved up to $50,000 to be spent on private attorneys to represent the county in dozens of appeals filed after denials of transient vacation rental permits. On June 12, the council voted 4-3 to defer for 90 days a resolution to prompt an investigation into the county Planning Department’s handling of TVR permits. Garden Island.

The 2013 edition of the Kauai Marathon is less than two weeks from unfolding, while organizers announced some complimentary events for the public. Online registration for the Fifth annual Kauai Marathon is being accepted at www.thekauaimarathon.com through Aug. 29. Spots are being accepted for the half or full marathon. Garden Island.

Obama library to go to Chicago but Hawaii still hopeful, federal judges hear Honolulu rail case, group sues for past-due church fees, Deedy jury to come back Monday, Kaui to fix historic swinging bridge, Hokulia development to reorganize, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Baby Obama on Hawaii beach courtesy photo

The Hawaii Tourism Authority board of directors was told Thursday that a decision has been made to locate President Barack Obama’s presidential library in Chicago, but Hawaii Sen. Brian Schatz said Obama’s hometown of Honolulu is still “very much” in the running to host a presidential library or center. Pacific Business News.

There's still plenty of momentum in Hawaii's visitor industry, just not as much as Hawaii Tourism Authority officials originally thought. HTA, which manages the state government's tourism budget and sets tourism policy, had always expected 2014 would be weaker than the so-far record-setting 2013, and on Thursday the HTA downgraded its expectations further after hearing that the Japa­nese market this year is not performing as strongly as was once anticipated. Star-Advertiser.

Five churches have underpaid the state Department of Education for the use of public school facilities by more than $5.6 million over the past six years, according to a lawsuit unsealed this week in state court. The plaintiffs in the lawsuit are Mitch Kahle, founder of Hawaii Citizens for the Separation of Church and State, and public advocate Holly Huber. They filed their lawsuit under seal in March to give the state the opportunity to join in. When the state attorney general declined, a state judge ordered the lawsuit unsealed. Star-Advertiser.

Churches are massively shortchanging Hawaii’s public schools on rent and other costs for weekend-use of school facilities, according to a whistleblower lawsuit that was unsealed by the Circuit Court late Wednesday. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Medical Service Association lost $2.3 million in the second quarter, reversing a $9.4 million profit in the year-earlier period. The state's largest health insurer spent more on medical benefits and administrative expenses for its nearly 720,000 members than it collected in premium revenue in the quarter that ended June 30. The health plan filed its quarterly financial statements Thursday with the state Insurance Division. Star-Advertiser.

An appeal filed in the U.S. Supreme Court on behalf of a group challenging the state's 2012 reapportionment and redistricting plan as unconstitutional could be decided by the end of the year, an attorney for the plaintiffs says. Star-Advertiser.

The state prison system is increasing requirements for people applying to become corrections officers and already weeded out some sub-standard applicants during its first more difficult application test earlier this month. Hawaii News Now.

State roundup for August 16. Associated Press.

Oahu

Federal judges weighing the appeal against Honolulu's rail project spent most of a pivotal court hearing Thursday questioning whether they even have jurisdiction to make a final ruling on the matter. The judges' heavy focus during oral arguments on their own role in the case — rather than the merits of the lawsuit itself — could signal more challenges ahead for opponents of the $5.26 billion elevated-train proj­ect, attorneys watching the court battle say. Star-Advertiser.

The U.S. Court of Appeals in San Francisco heard oral arguments from both sides in the federal rail transit lawsuit today. The proceeding was transmitted via live video feed to the Honolulu Federal Courthouse. A Circuit Court jury will return Monday for deliberations in State Department special agent Christopher Deedy's murder trial after the prosecution and defense urged the jurors Thursday to consider the type of law enforcement officer they want in the community. Hawaii Public Radio.

In a nearly hour-long hearing that was streamed live to the U.S. District Courthouse in Honolulu, a three-judge panel of the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals in San Francisco heard arguments Thursday on whether the city adequately studied alternatives to a $5.3 billion heavy rail system. KITV

Opponents and supporters of the rail project made their way out of federal court, where they watched by television the hearing by a three-judge panel in San Francisco. KHON2.

Should a federal agent out for a night on the town with an old college buddy have waded into the middle of a brewing situation between customers at a Waikiki McDonald’s? Once he did, was he obligated as a law enforcement officer to follow through? Civil Beat.

Special-education students who exceed the state's cutoff age for services can continue to receive free public education while challenging that age limit, a 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals panel ruled Wednesday. The opinion stems from a lawsuit filed against the state Department of Education by a special-education student whose state-funded tuition at a private school in Hono­lulu was stopped in 2011 when he turned 20. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii

The creditor and debtors of the bankrupt Hokulia luxury development have come up with a reorganization plan they say will revive the long-stalled development and ensure the county gets its $20 million to complete the Mamalahoa bypass. West Hawaii Today.

Gov. Neil Abercrombie doesn’t yet have the official version of the proposed West Hawaii Fishery Management rules package, Department of Land and Natural Resources officials said Thursday evening. West Hawaii Today.

The Army is moving forward with plans for a $29 million Infantry Platoon Battle Course at Pohakuloa Training Area on Hawaii island, U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz said Thursday. Star-Advertiser.

When other companies were struggling during the recent economic downturn, at least one West Hawaii business saw steady growth. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

After a meeting that spanned two days, most of which was conducted behind closed doors in executive session, Maui County Council's Policy and Intergovernmental Affairs Committee advanced to the full council two proposals regarding how the committee will proceed with its investigation into the possible misuse of public funds to demolish the Old Wailuku Post Office. Maui News.

US Senator Brian Schatz today announced the distribution of $800,000 in federal funds to the County of Maui Department of Transportation for its ADA compliant Bus Stop Shelter and Signage Program. Maui Now.

A minor special management area permit for the Rock & Brews restaurant project in Paia is being challenged in an appeal to the Maui Planning Commission. Maui News.

Kauai

The administration told the Kauai County Council Wednesday that the reconstruction of Kapaia Swinging Bridge will be 10 times cheaper than a $2 million estimate two years ago. County Engineer Larry Dill said the latest preliminary estimate to replace both towers is about $100,000. Garden Island.

The Kauai Planning Commission on Tuesday deferred for two months any action related to a request from Longs Drugs CVS to build a new store on a protected coconut grove in Waipouli. Garden Island.

Mary Pigao, a resident of the Isenberg Tract, urged people to visit the results of a feasibility study on the proposed adolescent treatment center Tuesday. Garden Island.

Kauai Island Utility Cooperative and Kauai County are planning to collaborate on energy-saving projects such as a solar photovoltaic system and battery storage on county buildings, as well as pilot programs on time-of-use rates and electric-vehicle initiatives in an effort to reduce the Garden Isle’s fossil fuel consumption and lower the cost of energy, KIUC and the county said Thursday. Pacific Business News.

Waikiki International Marketplace shutting down, German tourist loses arm in Maui shark attack, federal agent murder trial goes to jury today, state plans juvenile justice reform, Hawaii council to mull ag tourism bill, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Waikiki International Marketplace (c) 2013 All Hawaii News

Hundreds of tenants at the soon-to-be redeveloped International Market Place in Waikiki recently received lease termination notices from landowner Queen Emma Land Co., which say that they must vacate the property by New Year’s Eve at 8 p.m., Pacific Business News has learned.

The State launched a bi-partisan, multi-departmental effort today to analyze and develop legislation to curb juvenile crime and reduce cost for taxpayers. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii Gov. Neil Abercrombie, Hawaii Supreme Court Chief Justice Mark Recktenwald, and state lawmakers Sen. President Donna Mercado Kim and Rep. Mele Carroll Wednesday announced the launch of a bipartisan probe of the state’s flawed juvenile justice system. Star-Advertiser.

Innovative justice can create surprising bedfellows. On Wednesday, the Hawaii chief justice, Mark Recktenwald — a Republican appointee to the court — praised the Democratic governor, Neil Abercrombie, for supporting the state's 2-year-old justice reinvestment initiative. Civil Beat.

The goal of a new initiative launched today is to improve Hawaii's troubled juvenile justice system by reducing crime while cutting costs. Roughly 5,000 youth are currently incarcerated in Hawaii. According to experts, about 80% of them have a substance abuse problem. Hawaii News Now.

The nonprofit assigned to establishing Hawaii’s new health insurance marketplace expects to enroll as many as 300,000 island residents, including 100,000 who are uninsured, by the end of next year. Hawaii is one of 15 states setting up its own health insurance exchange to match qualified individuals to subsidized health plans. Star-Advertiser.

The Hawaii Supreme Court, in a ruling that was thorough and reasoned, opted against invalidating a Maui zoning decision but ultimately sent a message that county and state officials should heed: The Sunshine Law means that the public must have access to government when key decisions are made. Star-Advertiser.

It is a challenge that farmers around the islands are very familiar with. The dramatic rise in electricity costs in Hawaii has been cutting into their profits — or adding to their losses — and increasing local food prices. This makes it difficult for them to compete with large, mainland and foreign farm operations. Civil Beat.

Gov. Neil Abercrombie has named two people to the Hawaiian Homes Commission, filling two of three vacancies on the nine-member panel that oversees the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands. Abercrombie appointed Wallace A. Ishibashi Jr. to represent East Hawaii County and Patricia W. Sheehan to the Kauai seat. Star-Advertiser.

State roundup for August 15. Associated Press.

Oahu

Tens of thousands of native sea urchins have been marshaled in the fight against invasive seaweeds threatening patches of reef in Kaneohe Bay. The sea urchins, Tripneustes gratilla or hawa‘e, serve as a biological control after most of the invasive seaweed is removed by a suction machine. Star-Advertiser.

Attorneys are expected to deliver closing arguments to jurors who will decide whether a federal agent is guilty of murder in a 2011 Waikiki shooting. Associated Press.

A jury of eight men and four women who heard 20 days of testimony through  more than a month will listen to closing arguments today before deliberating the fate of State Department special agent Christopher Deedy in the death of a Kailua man. Star-Advertiser.

After taking about a week off, the murder trial of Christopher Deedy is about to wrap up. Closing arguments are set for Thursday. KHON2.

The U.S. Army has finalized its plan to study marine resources at Makua Beach and surrounding areas. Hawaii Reporter.

Campbell High School teacher Corey Rosenlee encourages his students to break the rules. A social studies teacher, Rosenlee has his 11th and 12th graders playing "crazy robot." Civil Beat.

Hawaii
The U.S. Supreme Court could decide whether Hawaii Island gets to keep its fourth state Senate seat, after opponents of how the state redrew its legislative boundaries filed an appeal Friday with the nation’s highest court. West Hawaii Today.

A bill that would relax regulations for tourism operations on farm land is coming back before the Hawaii County Council’s Planning Committee. West Hawaii Today.

An effluent pump malfunction led to the discharge Tuesday afternoon of about 7,600 gallons of wastewater into the ocean from the Papaikou Wastewater Treatment Plant. Dora Beck, the county’s Wastewater Division chief, said the shoreline area near the facility’s outfall was closed “as a precaution” between Kekiwi Point and Waipahi Point. Tribune-Herald.

VIDEO: HI-SEAS crew emerges from isolated habitat dome. Big Island Video News.

Six researchers have spent the past four months living in a small dome on a barren Hawaii lava field at an elevation of 8,000 feet, trying to figure out what foods astronauts might eat on Mars and during deep-space missions. Associated Press.

Researchers have been living inside a remote habitat 8,000 feet atop Mauna Loa. They’re part of a NASA-funded study to simulate what it’s like to live on Mars. Hawaii Public Radio.

Maui

A visitor from Germany was critically injured and lost her right arm in an apparent shark attack Wednesday afternoon at a Makena beach in South Maui. It was the fifth shark attack so far this year in Maui waters, where a jump in attacks was seen. Star-Advertiser.

A woman visiting from Germany lost her right arm in a shark attack at Palauea Beach in Wailea and was in critical condition at Maui Memorial Medical Center on Wednesday night after the second shark incident in two days off Maui. Maui News.

A 20-year-old woman from Germany remains hospitalized in critical condition, after her right arm was severed in a shark attack at Palauea Beach, also known as White Rock in Mākena, on Wednesday afternoon, county officials confirmed. Maui Now.

Officials have closed two miles of beaches in Makena following a shark attack on a snorkeler at Palauea Beach, also known as "White Rock." Hawaii News Now.

An arbitration award for Maui County police officers will cost $2.75 million more this fiscal year and a grand total of $26.6 million more over four years, according to Budget Director Sandy Baz. Maui News.

Maui County and the Maui Police Department have reached a monetary settlement with a woman, who was the victim of false arrest and imprisonment and extorted for sex by police officers in 2008, attorneys involved in the case said in a joint statement Tuesday. Maui News.

The state Board of Land and Natural Resources waived a $1,000 fine last month that the department had initially imposed on Maui Ocean Activities for "unauthorized commercial activities" conducted at Wailea Beach, according to a department spokeswoman. Maui News.

Kauai

More than 900 Kauai businesses and homeowners — especially oceanfront property owners — who benefit from federal flood insurance subsidies could see rate increases because of a law signed by President Barack Obama in 2012. Garden Island.

There was a time when Hanamaulu Beach Park was the crown jewel of Hanamaulu, a mostly residential community built to house sugar plantation workers from the Lihue Plantation decades ago. Not anymore, according to some area residents. In response to rampant crime and vandalism, the county will close the park from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. daily, starting Monday. Garden Island.

Kauai County's Liquor Control Commission has named acting director Gerald T. Rapozo as the permanent replacement for former director Eric Honma, who retired in April. Star-Advertiser.

Lanai

Silicon Valley tycoon Larry Ellison, the founder of Oracle, defended the National Security Agency’s controversial domestic surveillance on Tuesday, saying it was needed to protect the public from terrorism. “It’s great. It’s essential,” said Ellison during an interview with CBS News. Civil Beat.

Hawaii 'Mars' researchers come down to Earth, reapportionment foes appeal to U.S. Supreme Court, state spends $24M more on software bid, WWII vet fights for benefits, Honolulu asks feds for garage space, murder only choice for Deedy jurors, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Researchers emerge from HI-SEAS isolation dome (c) 2013 All Hawaii News

The Aloha State's unique and historic role in training for space exploration took another giant leap Tuesday. Star-Advertiser.

Six space researchers who spent four months in isolation in a bright white dome perched on the northern flank of Mauna Loa emerged Tuesday squinting into the sunshine and marveling at the clear air in their nostrils, the cool breeze caressing their flesh and the lava rock crunching underfoot. West Hawaii Today.

See photos of the crew and the habitat here

Hawaii's drawn-out process to settle on its political district boundaries isn't quite finished. On Friday, the plaintiffs who are suing the state Office of Elections over its 2011 reapportionment plan appealed their case to the U.S. Supreme Court. Civil Beat.

Advocates for immigration reform will bring half a birthday cake Thursday to the local offices of U.S. Reps. Colleen Hana­busa and Tulsi Gabbard, marking the anniversary of a federal policy offering undocumented youth a reprieve from deportation. Star-Advertiser.

The Hawaii Department of Human Services awarded a $90 million contract for software to comply with the Affordable Care Act to a multi-billion dollar consulting firm, KPMG, rather than a smaller company, EngagePoint, that has previously secured similar jobs in other states. But EngagePoint's bid would have cost taxpayers $24 million less. Civil Beat.

A World War II veteran is fighting to save his Social Security benefits after allegedly being called a traitor for protesting an over payment claim. Hawaii News Now.

The Hawaii Supreme Court last week articulated an expansive view of the public’s “right to know” and the open meeting requirements of the state’s Sunshine Law that should make openness advocates giddy. Civil Beat.

A Hawaii scientist has found a fly species whose bulging middle legs bear a resemblance to the spinach-fueled forearms of the cartoon sailor Popeye. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

A multi-billion-dollar rail system faces another legal hurdle Thursday before the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals in San Francisco. Hawaii Reporter.

Honolulu's City Transportation Director Mike Formby has appealed to a top Federal Transit Administration official to allow hundreds of city employees to park in a $19 million new parking garage that is nearly empty. Hawaii News Now.

The Department of Veterans Affairs plans to break ground around November on a project to put in 7,000 more columbarium "niches" for cremated remains at Punchbowl cemetery. Star-Advertiser.

The solar photovoltaic industry, one of the fastest growing sectors in Hawaii, may be showing signs of slowing down — July was the third straight month showing a year-over-year decline in permits issued on Oahu, according to new statistics collected by Marco Mangelsdorf, president of Hilo-based ProVision Solar. Pacific Business News.

After being battered by government officials and the media, a nonprofit at the center of a scandal involving millions of dollars in federal grant funds is fighting back. Civil Beat.

The jury in State Department special agent Christopher Deedy's murder trial will not have the option of convicting him on the lesser charge of manslaughter. Star-Advertiser.

Tucked behind Barber's Point, newcomer Road and Highway Builders has taken the unprecedented move of shipping in their business: 55,000 tons of crushed rock every three months. KITV4.

Some Kailua residents are upset about a state landscaping project they were never told about. The state chopped down a bunch of trees on a heavily used road. KHON2.

A Waikiki hotel is receiving more than $119,000 as a reward for installing energy efficient air conditioning systems and lights. Associated Press.

Hawaii

In written responses to an online survey, Hawaii Police Chief Harry Kubojiri said he is aware of his department’s “need to improve our visibility and response time.” Tribune-Herald.

The state Narcotics Enforcement Administration is flying marijuana eradication missions on the Big Island through today, a Hawaii Police Department spokeswoman said Tuesday. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaii Public Radio’s decision to take over KAHU-FM means Ka‘u residents will end radio silence in the district. The Federal Communications Commission last week approved a transfer of ownership of the station from Ka‘u Community Radio Inc. to Hawaii Public Radio for the station, which airs at 91.7 FM. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Following in the footsteps of his predecessor, the late U.S. Sen. Daniel Inouye, U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz pledged Monday to continue pursuing the goal of federal government recognition of Native Hawaiians as an indigenous group, similar to Native Americans and Alaskans. Maui News.

Home of Maui's alii, capital of the Hawaiian kingdom, rest stop for whaling ships, missionary headquarters, plantation town, popular visitor destination — "there are so many layers to Lahaina's story, from ancient times to the present," said Theo Morrison, executive director of the nonprofit Lahaina Restoration Foundation. "It's one of very few places that have been significant in all of Hawaii's major historical eras." Star-Advertiser.

Despite its boisterous name and affiliation with rock 'n' roll's Gene Simmons, owners of the proposed Rock & Brews restaurant Monday assured Paia residents that they are "one of the most family-friendly restaurants." Maui News.

Maui hotel occupancy for June rose 2.3 percentage points over last June to 69.7 percent, the only island in the state to register a gain for the month, according to Hospitality Advisors and Smith Travel Research. Maui News.

A new solar array at the Maui Coast Hotel in Kīhei is expected to generate enough energy annually to reduce electric costs by 30%, according to a company announcement. Maui Now.

Kauai

After two motions to withdrawal and amid threats of lawsuits Tuesday, the Kauai Planning Commission unanimously voted to contract a hearings officer for a contested case on the county’s request. The officer will hear a case regarding permits to accommodate tour boat activities at Black Pot Beach Park in Hanalei. Garden Island.

A retired car dealer who pleaded no contest to reckless endangerment in a deadly Kauai dam breach has billed the state $240,000. James Pflueger demanded the state pay for water it has been selling from his dam to local farmers for the past 20 years. Associated Press.

Last week’s incident involving a 74-year-old Kapaa resident operating a school bus under the influence was a first for Complex Area Superintendent Bill Arakaki. KPD reported Koth was not under the influence of alcohol. Garden Island.