Chinese warships arrive in Hawaii, Abercrombie and Ige debate, tobacco purchase age turns 21 on Hawaii Island, Honolulu to ban sitting on sidewalks, Maui sugar mill fined $1.3M, Native Hawaiians continue recognition opposition, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Chinese destroyer Haikou, courtesy Chinese navy

Four Chinese navy ships arrived at Pearl Harbor on Tuesday as the biennial Rim of the Pacific exercise gathers steam as the biggest ever held. The missile destroyer Haikou, flying Chinese and American flags, pulled in at Kilo pier just before 9 a.m., while the hospital ship Peace Ark tied up at 9:45 a.m. The missile frigate Yue­yang and supply ship Qian­daohu followed. Star-Advertiser.

The military's Rim of the Pacific exercise, or RIMPAC, which will bring 25,000 people from 23 nations to Hawaii starting on Thursday through the end of July, is expected to have an initial economic impact of $52.5 million based on the number of exercise participants and their time in port, according to a state report. Pacific Business News.

The U.S. Navy has dispatched numerous ships to Hawaii as it prepares for Rim of the Pacific 2014, the world’s largest international maritime exercise. It will involve 49 surface ships and six submarines from 23 countries this year, but the inclusion of one — China — will get an inordinate amount of attention. The People’s Liberation Army of China will participate in the exercise for the first time, sending ships that include the missile destroyer Haikou, the missile frigate Yueyang, the oiler Qiandaohu and the hospital ship Peace Ark. Washington Post.

John Takase has been in the garage door business in Hawaii for 15 years, and as the biennial Rim of the Pacific military exercise, or RIMPAC, gets underway around the Islands on Thursday for the next five weeks, he expects he'll be inundated with phone calls from homeowners complaining that the garage doors he sells are not working properly. Pacific Business News.

A debate between Hawaii Gov. Neil Abercrombie and state Sen. David Ige on Tuesday revealed few major differences in their visions of Hawaii's future. Both Democratic candidates want to solve Hawaii's housing problems, support Native Hawaiian sovereignty and improve the state's troubled health exchange. They also both want to keep gambling out of Hawaii and improve its public education system. But the primary rivals are split more on who's to blame for Hawaii's issues than they are on how to solve those problems. Associated Press.

David Ige, Neil Abercrombie

Gov. Neil Abercrombie and state Sen. David Ige on Tuesday set the contours for their Democratic primary, with the governor reminding voters of the state's economic rebound during his first term and Ige offering himself as a more thoughtful, sensible alternative as chief executive. Star-Advertiser.

For much of 90 minutes Tuesday, Neil Abercrombie reminded a lot of folks why they may have voted for him all these years. The occasion was a Democratic gubernatorial candidate forum at the Japanese Cultural Center in Moiliili. Civil Beat.

Gov. Neil Abercrombie and state Sen. David Ige faced off in a debate Tuesday at the Japanese Cultural Center of Hawaii, as the two gear up for a primary election showdown. KHON2.

It was a rare event, seeing the two 2014 Democratic candidates for Hawaii governor square off in the same venue. Gov. Neil Abercrombie and his primary election challenger, state Sen. David Ige, are scheduled for only two more joint appearances. Civil Beat.

A federal panel hearing opinions on a possible relationship with a potential Native Hawaiian government has heard the passion pouring out over two days of testimony, a Justice Department official said. Star-Advertiser.

Obama administration hearings in Hawaii incite racial disputes. A proposal by the Obama administration to create a new relationship with ethnic Hawaiians backfired on the administration Monday as native Hawaiians rallied in force against the proposal to reestablish a “government-to-government relationship” between the United States and the Native Hawaiian community. Hawaii Reporter.

Overthrow redux? An American Indian scholar asks if the lure of federal benefits is worth Hawaiians' cession to the U.S. of Hawaiian political and territorial claims. Hawaii Independent.

Native Hawaiians meet in West Oahu over self-governance. Video only. KITV4.

State lawmakers want to hear the Hawaii Health Systems Corp.'s plan to streamline operations and address anticipated budget shortfalls in preparation for next legislative session when they expect to once again consider proposals for potential privatization of the financially strapped system. A series of statewide briefings, which will include details from members of the various regional boards, is scheduled to begin Wednesday before heading to Kauai on Monday. Briefings are expected to be held on Hawaii Island and Maui in July and August. Star-Advertiser.

Despite recent efforts to cool down Hawaii’s most sweltering classrooms, just one school has gotten the go-ahead to install campus-wide air conditioning since that campaign intensified nearly a year ago. Civil Beat.

Oahu

With the Honolulu City Council scheduled to hear bills Thursday that make it illegal to sit and lie on sidewalks in two parts of Hono­lulu, Councilman Ikaika Anderson said he will press to have colleagues consider a third proposal that imposes the same prohibition throughout Oahu. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu residents will pay more for sewer and water service come Tuesday as a result of rate hikes approved in previous years. Star-Advertiser.

A bill allowing Oahu consumers to set off sparklers and fountains on New Year's Eve has been deferred by a Hono­lulu City Council committee. Star-Advertiser.

A chimpanzee made a brief escape from its enclosure at the Honolulu Zoo Tuesday afternoon. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii

A county ordinance raising the legal age to buy tobacco products to 21 goes into effect in less than a week and Big Island retailers are gearing up to comply with the new law. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaii Island could be completely powered by renewable sources within 10 years, an advocate said Tuesday evening. West Hawaii Today.

Attendees of Monday’s Tech Pau Hana got a glimpse of off-the-grid living at Puu Waawaa Ranch, as well as a look at a test of hydrogen fuel cells in action. Blue Planet Research, which has a laboratory at the ranch, hosted the monthly technology gathering, with Director Paul Ponthieux giving the tour and explaining what the organization has been working on here on Hawaii Island. West Hawaii Today.

University of Hawaii researchers were set this morning to kick off an exploration of the deepest reaches of the erupting undersea volcano located about 20 miles southeast of the Big Island. Including scientists from the University of Minnesota, France’s IFREMER Centre de Brest and the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution in Massachusetts, the expedition will seek to map the largely unexplored base of the volcano. Tribune-Herald.

A Honokaa plantation development that has languished almost 40 years is being reborn as a retirement community, thanks to action taken Tuesday by the county Water Board. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

The primary election for the West Maui County Council seat is a litmus test for how Maui feels about the genetically modified organism (GMO) issue. Maui Weekly.

The state of Hawaii is seeking $1.3 million in fines from Hawaiian Commercial and Sugar Co. for 400 alleged violations over a five-year period at its Maui sugar plantation. Pacific Business News.

The Hawaiʻi State Department of Health Clean Air Branch today announced that it cited Hawaiian Commercial and Sugar Company for excess emission and reporting violations for alleged incidents between 2009 and 2013 in Puʻunēnē on Maui. Maui Now.

Suspensions ranging from one to 10 days were ordered for five Maui Police Department officers as part of internal investigations concluded in March and April, police reported. Maui News.

Kauai

A groundbreaking ceremony was held on Nihoku, also known as Crater Hill, this week within the Kilauea Point National Wildlife Refuge in preparation for the construction of Kauai’s first predator-proof fence. The project will create a seven-acre refugium for native plant and animal communities, and enhance existing seabird colonies on the refuge by using the latest technology in predator-proof fencing. Garden Island.

Koloa Rum Company is one step closer to finding a new home and expanding its operations. The seven-member Kauai County Planning Commission unanimously approved a pair of permits on Tuesday that will allow officials from the Kauai-based rum maker to move forward with plans to construct a new company hub across the street from Anne Knudsen Park in Koloa. Garden Island.

Department of Interior gets an earful on Native Hawaiian recognition, medical marijuana dispensaries eyed, Abercrombie plans 10 vetoes, Maui council overrides budget vetoes, Kauai to keep referendum petition numbers low, Kona church endangered, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hilo protest file photo © 2014 All Hawaii News

Dozens of Native Hawaiian speakers expressed anger and mistrust with the federal government Monday during the first of a series of meetings that could lead to the group being recognized similarly to an American Indian tribe. Interior Department officials hosted the public hearing, prompted by a push to include the ethnic group among the more than 560 tribes that hold such status, with federal considerations on issues from land management to social services. Associated Press.

The vast majority of people who testified before a federal panel Monday soundly rejected any attempt by the Obama administration to pursue federal recognition of a future Native Hawaiian governing body. In often passionate, sometimes heated testimony, dozens of speakers said they opposed any effort by the Department of the Interior to start a rule-making proc­ess that could set the framework for re-establishing a government-to-government relationship with Native Hawaiians. Star-Advertiser.

To help the U.S. Department of the Interior understand how some Native Hawaiians view federal recognition, Demont R. D. Conner offered this analogy: Your car is stolen. The person who stole the car later apologizes and offers you a bicycle. The only proper response to such an offer, said Connor, is to insist that the stolen property be returned to its rightful owner. Civil Beat.

Over 200 people packed the Hawaii State Capitol in the first of a series of meetings that could lead to federal recognition for Native Hawaiians. Officials from the federal government heard three and a half hours of testimony. Hawaii Public Radio.

A fiery meeting took place at the State Capitol Monday morning as the U.S. Dept. of Interior listened to public comment on establishing a Native Hawaiian government. Former Sen. Daniel Akaka sat in the front row as 143 people testified Monday for and against the idea. KHON2.

Hundreds of people showed up at the State Capitol on Monday for an intense hearing filled with emotional testimony about possible federal recognition for Native Hawaiians. Hawaii News Now.

Federal panel hears resounding “no” at Honolulu hearing. Hawaii Independent.

What would a Native Hawaiian government look like? No one knows. But as of Monday morning, federal officials are gathering public input on whether the United States should establish a government-to-government relationship with Hawaii’s indigenous community, starting with a hearing at the State Capitol. Huffington Post.

Years after coming close to establishing a pilot program, state officials are meeting with policy experts, patients, caregivers, lawmakers and others with the aim of crafting a bill that would allow medical marijuana distribution centers to operate legally in Hawaii. The Medical Marijuana Dispensary System Task Force, authorized by a joint resolution of the Legislature, convenes Tuesday to develop recommendations for establishing a statewide dispensary system for medical marijuana. Star-Advertiser.

The financial disclosure forms filed annually by members of the University of Hawaii's governing board and 14 other state boards and commissions will likely remain confidential now that Gov. Neil Abercrombie has signaled he might veto legislation aimed at making the forms public documents. Senate Bill 2682 was among 10 bills that Abercrombie told lawmakers Monday he's considering rejecting. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Gov. Neil Abercrombie on Monday identified 10 measures he is thinking about vetoing. They include a financial disclosure bill that the governor told Civil Beat last month he was skeptical about — because he thinks it would hurt women and discourage government service. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Gov. Neil Abercrombie said on Monday that he intends to veto 10 bills including Senate Bill 2682, which requires the financial disclosure statement of certain boards, commissioners and agencies to be made available to the public for inspection. The bill would have required 14 more boards and commissions to disclose their statements to the public, including the Board of Agriculture, the Hawaiian Homes Commission and the Board of Land and Natural Resources. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii County officials breathed a sigh of relief Monday afternoon, after learning Gov. Neil Abercrombie isn’t going to veto a bill giving them a larger share of the transient accommodations tax. But one Hawaii Island legislator is looking into why her bill is on the potential veto list, and Common Cause Hawaii is concerned that a bill requiring more transparency on boards and commissions is also on the list. West Hawaii Today.

Growing up in Kalihi-Palama and raised in a low-income household, Senate President Donna Mercado Kim said Monday her "humble beginnings" enabled her to understand the value of money, hence why she will focus on changing government spending and the budget if elected to Hawaii's First Congressional District. Hawaii News Now.

Voters will not get the chance to consider nonpartisan candidates for governor in the August primary. The state Office of Elections went to Circuit Court to disqualify the nonpartisan candidates because no nonpartisan candidates ran for lieutenant governor. A state Supreme Court ruling in 1996 held that the state Constitution requires that the lieutenant governor be elected from the same political party as the governor. Star-Advertiser.

Sixty five percent of Hawaii’s public school principals are predicting a drastic drop in math and reading test scores the coming school year, in one case by as much as 50 percent. Hawaii Reporter.

Oahu

Honolulu Ethics Commission Complains of Affronts to Its Independence. Investigation into possible fraud that may have cost taxpayers $250,000 a year was derailed, letter says. Civil Beat.

Candidates for the Honolulu City Council District 4 seat will participate in a campaign forum at the Hawaii Kai Neighborhood Board on Tuesday, June 24, from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Hahaione Elementary School’s cafeteria. Hawaii Reporter.

Levels of the chemical vanadium found in some of Oahu's drinking water wells were higher than in federal guidelines but do not pose a health concern, according to both the Hono­lulu Board of Water Supply and the state Department of Health. Star-Advertiser.

The $250 million Honolulu Seawater Air Conditioning project to cool Downtown Honolulu office buildings and condominiums towers with a revolutionary air-conditioning system, has completed its final environmental impact statement, a key development for the long-planned project. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii

Hawaii Island could be less than a year away from having some of the first hydrogen-powered buses in the state on its roadways. As part of a pilot project spearheaded by the Hawaii Natural Energy Institute, three shuttle buses will be converted to hydrogen power. Tribune-Herald.

An iconic Alii Drive spot has made the National Trust for Historic Preservation’s most endangered list this year. Mokuaikaua Church, built in 1837, is in need of earthquake damage repair and has dysfunctional and faulty electrical wiring, termite damage, and dry-rot damage to beams in the steeple and wooden window frames, trust officials said in a news release Monday. West Hawaii Today.

Big Island dealerships are gearing up to address an auto recall caused by airbags that can malfunction in hot, humid climates. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said Monday that BMW, Chrysler, Ford, Honda, Mazda, Nissan and Toyota will recall cars sold in humid areas such as Hawaii, Florida, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Tribune-Herald.

John Dill, vice-chairman of the county Environmental Management Commission, died as the result of an apparent heart attack on May 29 at Hilo Medical Center, county sources said today. Big Island Now.

Maui

The Maui County Council on Monday unanimously voted to override Mayor Alan Arakawa’s line-item vetoes for the fiscal year 2015 budget, Council Chair Gladys Baisa announced. Maui Now.

The Maui County Council Monday morning overrode Mayor Alan Arakawa's eight line-item vetoes in the county budget in a unanimous 9-0 vote. Maui News.

Governor Neil Abercrombie on Friday released $19.5 million in Capitol Improvement Project funds for the acquisition of Līpoa Point at Honolua in West Maui. Maui Now.

Kauai

The number of petition signatures required to place public measures on general election ballots will remain the same: Twenty percent of registered voters for referendums and initiatives, 5 percent for charter amendments. On Monday, the County of Kauai Charter Review Commission discussed, and voted down, two proposed amendments that some say would have brought balance to bringing forward public measures. Garden Island.

Koloa Rum Company is in need of a new home. Increased product demand, officials say, have prompted them to reassess their retail operations in Lihue and production facilities in Kalaheo, where the company’s popular spirits are distilled and Kukui Brand jams are manufactured. Garden Island.

As far as Billy Williams is concerned, there is no doubt business on Kauai is picking up steam, the economy is turning and people are spending money. Garden Island.

Cost of living mars Hawaii retirement dreams, feds to hold hearing today on Native Hawaiian recognition, Abercrombie to announce likely vetoes today, Apache helicopters arrive, gubernatorial candidates oppose Kakaako condos, famed Molokai mule guide dies, UFO landing pad for Puna, Wow Wie, Michelle! and more top news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Waikiki retirees © 2014 All Hawaii News

Cost of living spoils Hawaii’s retirement rank. The expense of the 50th state lands it at 46th on a recent list for post-career life. Star-Advertiser.

What would a Native Hawaiian government look like? No one knows. But as of Monday morning, federal officials are gathering public input on whether the United States should establish a government-to-government relationship with Hawaii’s indigenous community, starting with a hearing at the State Capitol. Civil Beat.

There are efforts by the Governor of the State of Hawaii, the Hawaii State Congressional Delegation, State of Hawaii Legislators and the Office of Hawaiian Affairs to seek State and Federal recognition for Native Hawaiians. Over the next few weeks, the US Department of Interior will hold public meetings in Hawaii and Indian country to solicit input on how this should proceed. Hawaii Independent.

The deadline has arrived for Hawaii Gov. Neil Abercrombie to tell lawmakers which bills he plans to veto. Those potential vetoes must be announced on Monday. Associated Press.

Hawaii Gov. Neil Abercrombie signed 16 bills into law Friday afternoon on proposals ranging from modernizing the electric grid to stopping police officers from having sex with prostitutes in the line of duty. Several of the proposals dealt with protecting children from harm and restoring justice to victims of Internet crimes. Associated Press.

Governor’s Travels: Island Trips, Economy Travel and Obama Abercrombie took five trips in January and February, including a weeklong stay in Washington, D.C. Civil Beat.

Sixty five percent of Hawaii’s public school principals are predicting a drastic drop in math and reading test scores the coming school year, in one case by as much as 50 percent. Hawaii Reporter.

Commentary: Hawaii's 2014 election has drawn refreshing competition at the top of the ballot, with most action set in motion by the death of U.S. Sen. Daniel Inouye. Down the ballot in legislative races, however, are reminders of how far our state must come to restore our once-vibrant democracy. Star-Advertiser.

Commentary: Does the AJA Vote Still Matter? Support of Japanese Americans has historically been critical to win elections in Hawaii. Civil Beat.

Eight of the U.S. Army’s most advanced attack helicopters arrived in Hawaii on Friday for this summer’s Rim of the Pacific joint exercises, after which half of those Apache Guardians will be sent deeper into Asia as part of the Army’s Pacific Pathways initiative. Stars and Stripes.

After nearly a decade on the LPGA tour, Michelle Wie has finally won the first major tournament of her career. The Punahou grad finished -2 over the weekend to become the champion of the 69th U.S. Women's Open Championship in Pinehurst, North Carolina. Hawaii News Now.

Michelle Wie’s big win at the U.S. Women’s Open is the talk of the town and lots of people were glued to the TV Sunday morning to watch her play. KHON2.

Oahu

State transportation leaders still can't say for sure that their proposed Ewa-bound Zipper Lane is officially dead, but they are moving ahead anyway with H-1 freeway improvements in Central Oahu that no longer include such a contra-flowed traffic lane. Star-Advertiser.

Gov. Neil Abercrombie and state Sen. David Ige both say they do not support giving the state Office of Hawaiian Affairs the authority to develop high-rise condominiums near the waterfront at Kaka­ako. Star-Advertiser.

The Navy confirmed more tiny holes in a leaking storage tank in Red Hill that appears to be a cause of the release of an estimated 27,000 gallons of jet fuel in January. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii

The Hawaii Electric Light Co. is using a new timeline for approving another geothermal power project for Hawaii Island as it attempts to address issues raised by the state Public Utilities Commission and an independent observer. Tribune-Herald.

Candidates for the House District 5 seat and the County Council District 6 slot tackled taxes, garbage, GMO labeling and other issues at a candidate forum Saturday in Kealakekua. West Hawaii Today.

With illegal signs cluttering walkways, little enforcement of existing laws and too many people wandering around lost, Kohala Councilwoman Margaret Wille is asking for public input before she drafts a revision to the county sign code. West Hawaii Today.

Kawaihae Harbor will have a new home for vessels by the end of next month. That’s assuming all goes as planned as contractors finish up a new floating dock, trailer parking and wash down area at the Kawaihae Small Boat Harbor. West Hawaii Today.

Last-minute changes to make University of Hawaii at Hilo’s new Student Services Building wheelchair accessible delayed the facility’s opening by about a year and racked up just under $230,000 in additional expenses. Tribune-Herald.

If all goes as planned, E.T. may soon be calling Puna home. A UFO landing pad and star visitor sanctuary is set to be dedicated Friday on land accreted by the 1983 lava flow fronting Uncle Robert’s Kawa Bar in Kalapana. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

A 2nd Circuit judge is being asked to consider whether Neldon Mamuad is qualified to remain on the ballot as a mayoral candidate, following a preliminary ruling last week that he should be disqualified. Maui News.

Gov. Neil Abercrombie released $19.5 million Friday for the state's purchase of Lipoa Point, with West Maui Rep. Angus McKelvey calling it a "huge" step toward the public acquisition of the scenic coastline area as open space free of development. Maui News.

The effort to preserve and utilize the Palauea Cultural Preserve marked a beginning earlier this week with a blessing on the nearly 21-acre site in Makena that sits among multimillion-dollar homes. Maui News.

Kauai

A vision to boost the island’s agriculture and food industries by creating a centralized processing facility may not be such a good idea after all, according to a county study conducted through the Office of Economic Development. Garden Island.

Coco Palms was a popular destination for movie stars, including Frank Sinatra and Bing Crosby. Before history-making memories were made, a story of another sort — with an even deeper history — took place. “I exhumed 81 skeletons all buried sitting down and facing east with their arms crossed over their chests,” said Valentine Ako, who was contracted to excavate for the construction of buildings Two and Three of the iconic Coco Palms resort in the early 1950s. Garden Island.

Although the County Council has not acted yet on a line-item veto by Mayor Alan Arakawa involving restrictions on funding for the county Department of Environmental Management, the department announced Thursday that there will be reductions in county landfill hours and no refuse collection on county holidays, effective Aug. 1. Garden Island.

Molokai

For 40 years Buzzy Sproat, wearing his signature black cowboy hat, led the mule rides down to the remote Kalau­papa peninsula on Molo­kai, regaling visitors with stories and whistling elaborate tunes. Star-Advertiser.

Dirty politics in 2012 Honolulu mayoral race, Kauai GMO pesticide law postponed, 'American Jungle' film crew cleared by DLNR, aquarium collectors targeted, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Moorish Idols © 2014 All Hawaii News

A Hawaii organization is working with a national one to provide more education about the impact of aquarium fish collection on the state’s reefs. West Hawaii Today.

By the Numbers: A Statistical Snapshot of the 2014 Elections. 303 candidates are seeking 102 seats up for grabs this fall in Hawaii. Civil Beat.

Clayton Hee Buys First TV Ads This Season. His opponent in the Democratic primary for lieutenant governor, incumbent Shan Tsutsui, is spending a lot more, however. Civil Beat.

Democratic Honolulu City Councilmember Stanley Chang said Thursday if he's elected to represent Hawaii's First Congressional District, he would live up to his "Agenda for Change" mantra by keeping Hawaii at the forefront of a progressive movement. Hawaii News Now.

Veteran lawmaker Romy Cachola is agreeing to negotiate a settlement with the state Campaign Spending Commission involving charges that he misused political contributions for personal use. Star-Advertiser.

If congressional candidate Kathryn Xian is elected to the U.S. House, she has vowed to donate half her salary to charity. The Democrat, running in Hawaii’s 1st Congressional District, said she wants to put her money where her mouth is as a politician and as a human being who cares about her community. Associated Press.

The Hawaii Campaign Spending Commission decided Thursday to give attorneys more time to reach a settlement before determining whether state Rep. Romy Cachola improperly used his campaign funds. Civil Beat.

Dozens of Hawaii Department of Education employees are on paid leave pending investigations that can drag on for several years. Associated Press.

Hawaii's seasonally adjusted unemployment rate held steady at 4.4 percent in May to match the previous month's rate and remain at its lowest level in nearly six years. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

With former Gov. Ben Cayetano ahead in the polls for mayor and the rail project he vowed to block in trouble with voters, the Pacific Resource Partnership turned to high-powered political consultants in 2012 who devised a calculated strategy to portray Cayetano as corrupt. A trove of private emails, poll memos, advertising scripts and opposition research, obtained by the Honolulu Star-Advertiser from James Bickerton, an attorney for Cayetano, offers a peek inside PRP's $3.6 million campaign to prevent Cayetano from being elected mayor. Star-Advertiser.

An Inside Look at the Hawaii Super PAC That Helped Defeat Cayetano. Emails detail the political strategies employed in 2012 by the PRP, an organization determined to undermine the mayoral candidacy of the former governor. Civil Beat.

More than 200 people from firms around the world interested in developing energy storage projects on Oahu to help Hawaiian Electric Co. add more renewables to its grid showed up either in person or via teleconference to take part in the utility’s pre-bid conference on Thursday morning in Honolulu. Pacific Business News.

Acquiring properties in Honolulu to build Oahu's rail transit system could involve "judicious" use of eminent domain, officials say, as those overseeing the project scramble to secure ownership of all the properties they'll need to keep construction on schedule. Star-Advertiser.

Here in Honolulu, or anywhere for that matter, after you call 911, you expect to get help quickly. That’s dependent upon a reliable radio system for first responders. The city’s system, known as the Enhanced Digital Access Communication System, is almost 20 years old, and city officials say it is time to develop a new one. KHON2.

A group of military moms have filed a lawsuit saying their families were exposed to dangerous chemicals and they weren't properly notified of the risk. Hawaii News Now.

A man known as the Manoa Rapist is suing state Department of Public Safety Director Ted Sakai and Corrections Division head Max Otani for refusing to let the inmate enter the department's work furlough program. Star-Advertiser.

A recent NerdWallet study that found Honolulu among the nation's worst cities for drivers, taking into account the number of hours of traffic delay per commuter, the population density, gas prices, insurance prices and precipitation rates. Hawaii Reporter.

Hawaii

The Department of Land and Natural Resources was unable to prove filmmakers were on state land during the production of a reality television show that aired last fall, a spokeswoman said Thursday. Still, the creator of “American Jungle” said, the way the department handled its concerns has disrupted discussions about another season of the Hawaii Island program. West Hawaii Today.

Two women inmates in Hilo’s jail say the bathrooms there are inadequate, unsanitary and potentially dangerous. Tribune-Herald.

A team of consultants hired by Kona Community Hospital say the organization is making strides toward more efficient operations and money savings. Three months into a nine-month process, consultants told the West Hawaii Region Board of Directors on Wednesday that they’ve identified at least $4.5 million in savings and revenue opportunities. West Hawaii Today.

A civil lawsuit alleging a company and three individuals sold undeveloped land in Puna to Japanese nationals under fraudulent pretenses and at inflated prices will go forward, at least for now. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

The Maui Police Department confirmed Wednesday that it had concluded an investigation on the county Department of Parks and Recreation and its former director Glenn Correa. Maui News.

Kauai

Implementation of Ordinance 960, a new county law regulating the use of pesticides and genetically modified organisms on Kauai, has been delayed to Oct. 1 via a court order issued last week. The ordinance (formerly Bill 2491) was passed in November and slated to take effect Aug. 16. However, a lawsuit challenging the legality of the law was filed in February by four companies — Syngenta, DuPont Pioneer, BASF and Dow AgroSciences — that would be directly impacted by the measure. Garden Island.

A recent analysis of government pesticide databases and data from the state Department of Agriculture’s Kauai Good Neighbor Program shows that the agrochemical industry is applying pesticides at higher rates on Kauai than most U.S. farms. Garden Island.

The completion of the Lydgate Beach Park refurbishment project was celebrated with a blessing on Thursday. Garden Island.

Obama administration moves toward Native Hawaiian recognition, state Ethics Commission to watch lawmaker spending, millions to move Waikiki homeless, Maui blogger disqualified from mayor's race, Kauai bill targeting crop research fails, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Native Hawaiian protest file photo © 2014 All Hawaii News

After years of inaction, the federal government is considering formal recognition of Native Hawaiians, even as Native Hawaiians in the state work on creating a sovereign government themselves. The U.S. Department of Interior announced Wednesday that it will take a first step to consider re-establishing a government-to-government relationship between the United States and the Native Hawaiian community. That process begins with a procedure known as Advanced Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, or ANPRM. West Hawaii Today.

The U.S. Department of the Interior on Wednesday announced it’s moving forward on a rule-making process for re-establishing a government-to-government relationship with Native Hawaiians. Civil Beat.

File photo © 2014 All Hawaii News

In a move that already is stirring controversy, the Obama administration is taking the first steps in a long process that could eventually lead to the federal government's recognition of a future Native Hawaiian governing entity. But some are questioning whether the action is premature and whether the president has the authority to re-establish a government-to-government relationship without going through Congress, as backers of the so-called Akaka Bill unsuccessfully tried to do for more than a decade.Star-Advertiser.

The federal government announced Wednesday it will take a first step toward recognizing and working with a Native Hawaiian government at a time when a growing number of Hawaiians are questioning the legality of the U.S. annexation of Hawaii. Associated Press.

Native Hawaiian recognition took a major step when the Obama Administration said it will consider procedures to re-establish a political relationship with Hawaiians. Hawaii News Now.

There's excitement, applause and also some words of caution after the federal government took the first steps toward possibly establishing a government-to-government relationship between the United States and Native Hawaiians. KITV4.

The US Department of Interior today announced the first step in the process of a possible “government-to-government” relationship between the United States and the native Hawaiian community. Big Island Now.

© 2014 All Hawaii News

U.S. Government Solicits Public Opinion on Hawaiian Governance. After the Crabbe-Kerry letter, the U.S. Department of the Interior is considering how and whether to establish government-to-government relations with the Hawaiian people. Hawaii Independent.

The US Department of the Interior today announced a first step to consider re-establishing a government-to-government relationship between the United States and the native Hawaiian community. Maui Now.

The federal government is considering whether the Native Hawaiian community should be treated as its own government. U.S. Department of the Interior officials said Wednesday they are taking a first step to consider re-establishing a government-to-government relationship between the United States and the Native Hawaiian community. Garden Island.

The federal government took a first step toward reestablishing a government to government relationship between the United States and Native Hawaiians. It would be similar to the tribal status of Native American Indian groups. Hawaii Public Radio.

The federal government announced Wednesday that it will take a first step toward possibly recognizing and working with a separate government of Native Hawaiians. Maui News.

A conflicted state Ethics Commission voted Wednesday to provide guidance to state lawmakers on the use of their annual legislative allowances, reminding lawmakers that using taxpayer money for personal expenses is prohibited by the state ethics law. Star-Advertiser.

The state Ethics Commission voted 3-2 on Wednesday to approve new guidelines for lawmakers to follow in an effort to tighten up how they have been using their annual allowance of almost $12,000 apiece. Civil Beat.

Janet Grace, Republican challenger to State Representative Tom Brower, today called on the Hawaii State Ethics Commission, to ban the use of legislative office funds to purchase sledgehammers and other weapons or instruments that could be used to bring harm to property or individuals. Hawaii Reporter.

Two people are getting paid, but just one of them is actually working. That’s essentially what’s happening in dozens of cases with the state Dept. of Education. Employees are put on leave with pay pending investigation while a fill-in does their work. This double-whammy for taxpayers can drag on for years KHON2.

A nonprofit that advocates for gun control says Hawaii has the second to the lowest gun death rate in the nation. Associated Press.

Smartphone use, video conferencing and hiring part-time corrections officers should be considered to ease staff shortages that have caused a rise in canceled visitation days at state prisons, a state senator said Wednesday. Sen. Will Espero, chairman of the Senate Public Safety, Intergovernmental and Military Affairs Committee, also suggested moving visitation days from weekends to a weekday. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Prison System Faces More Scrutiny. Director Ted Sakai struggles to satisfy lawmakers' questions on why inmate visitation days are getting canceled. Civil Beat.

The state is suing a member of a state licensing board to recover $1,940 in fines after the board member failed to file two years of financial disclosure statements. Star-Advertiser.

A father and daughter from Chuuk are having to pay $1,250 in fines for attempting to smuggle 60 pounds of giant clam meat into Hawaii. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Mayor Kirk Caldwell rolled out his revamped plan to deal with the homeless issue on Oahu on Wednesday, with a goal of helping more than 400 homeless individuals and families find permanent housing in the next two years via $47.2 million in various funding sources approved recently by the City Council. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell unveiled a more aggressive strategy Wednesday for tackling the homeless problem, which includes moving as many as 440 homeless people into permanent housing in the next two years. Civil Beat.

Homelessness in Waikiki is the number one complaint from many of the 200-thousand visitors there on any given day.  That, according to city officials, who are stepping up their efforts to address the problem. Hawaii Public Radio.

City leaders unveiled a two-part plan to tackle a growing and complex homelessness issue that will require increased law enforcement presence and additional housing to cater to those in the most need. Hawaii News Now.

Starting Monday, the 71,000 drivers who maneuver Kalanianaole Highway each day in East Oahu and the 25,000 drivers who use Kamehameha Highway in Waipio and Mililani will face roadwork — and lane closures — expected to last into 2016. Star-Advertiser.

The Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation has yet to name the city's $5.16 million rail project, and there appears to be no plans in the near future to give it a branded name. Pacific Business News.

The number of assaults committed by teenagers at Hawaii's Youth Detention Center in Kapolei tripled between 2010 and 2013, and officials blame the high number of mentally ill kids behind bars as one reason for the spike in beatings. Hawaii News Now.

A Kalihi charter school can keep its doors open despite a budget shortfall of more than $400,000 on the condition that its director and governing board resign, according to a Hawaii Charter School Commission decision made on Wednesday. Civil Beat.

Halau Lokahi Public Charter School will cease to exist at the end of this month unless its governing board and director agree to resign and turn over all financial records, the Charter School Commission decided Wednesday. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii

Big Island coffee and macadamia nut growers will benefit directly from a package of agriculture bills Gov. Neil Abercrombie will sign today. The legislation largely boosts funding to fight invasive species, with $500,000 allocated to subsidize the purchase of fungal sprays to fight coffee berry borer beetles and $360,000 for combating another insect threatening macadamia nut orchards. Tribune-Herald.

Early arrivals to Onekahakaha Beach Park in Keaukaha on Wednesday morning were unhappy to discover that thieves made off with many of the park’s copper water spigots during the night. Tribune-Herald.

A $2,278,800 grant from the Federal Aviation Administration will help improve security at Hilo International Airport, U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii) said Wednesday in a written statement. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

MAUIWatch founder Neldon Mamuad–one of seven people running for Maui County Mayor this year–got a bad break today when Maui County Clerk Danny Mateo voided his official nomination papers, saying Mamuad didn’t meet the deadline in filing his financial disclosure form.  Maui Time.

After being on paid administrative leave for nearly five months, Glenn Correa has given up his $114,770-per-year job as director of the county Department of Parks and Recreation, according to an email sent late last week to department employees. Maui News.

The Maui County Council has scheduled a Monday meeting to consider overriding Mayor Alan Arakawa's line-item veto of the fiscal 2015 county budget. Maui News.

The state Department of Agriculture has confirmed a small infestation of the invasive little fire ant at a hotel in the south Maui resort area of Wailea. Maui Now.

The Office of Hawaiian Affairs and the University of Hawaiʻi Maui College’s Hawaiian Studies Program, E Hoʻoulu Lāhui, joined together in a special blessing ceremony at Palauea in South Maui on Tuesday. Maui Now.

Kauai

A county bill aimed at taxing crop-research land separate from other agricultural land was deferred on Wednesday until Aug. 20, killing any chance of it going into effect during fiscal year 2015-2016. Garden Island.

The redevelopment of the iconic Coco Palms Resort on Kauai, which will be branded as a Hyatt resort, could mean up to 1,970 new jobs and $230 million infused into the Garden Isle’s economy, according to an economic impact report done by the project's developer. Pacific Business News.

Arnold Leong seeking to address, cut county waste. Garden Island.

Obama expands Pacific conservation zone, pay hikes for Hawaii school chief, substitute teachers, garbage incinerator mulled for Big Island, Kauai to eradicate feral cats, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Pacific Marine Sanctuary, courtesy U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

Vowing to protect fragile marine life, President Barack Obama acted Tuesday to create the world’s largest ocean preserve by expanding a national monument his predecessor established in waters thousands of miles from the American mainland. Associated  Press.

Hawaii conservationists Tuesday welcomed a proposal by President Barack Obama to create the world's largest marine sanctuary in the Central Pacific, calling it a significant step toward protecting diverse habitats and preventing large-scale overfishing. But fishermen said such an ocean preserve would threaten livelihoods. Star-Advertiser.

State Sen. Malama Solomon criticized the ongoing federal protection of humpback whales and said they should be removed from the endangered species list during a public meeting on the Big Island last month. Civil Beat.

The base salary for public schools Superintendent Kathryn Matayoshi is going up 33 percent to $200,000 next month, marking her first pay increase since taking office in 2010, and the first time in 14 years the salary for the Education Department's top position has been increased. Star-Advertiser.

The superintendent of Hawaii’s statewide public school system will receive a raise for the first time in 14 years, a 30 percent increase to $200,000 per year under a new salary provision approved by the Hawaii State Board of Education on Tuesday. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii substitute teachers will get two sets of pay increases starting July 1 to keep pace with the collectively bargained raises awarded to public school teachers. Star-Advertiser.

A Republican’s GMO Bill Would Set National Standard. Despite biotech industry support, the proposal is unlikely to pass. But it raises the question of whether a national law would quell the debate raging in Hawaii. Civil Beat.

Mufi Hannemann, the Hawaii Independent Party candidate for governor, has a unique media platform that his opponents don’t enjoy. The former Honolulu mayor pens a regular column for MidWeek and hosts a Saturday program on KKOL Kool Gold 107.9 FM. Civil Beat.

The Seafarers International Union of North America has endorsed Gov. Neil Abercrombie in his re-election bid. Associated Press.

Oahu

Front-line staff at the state's juvenile detention facility in Kapolei are routinely required to work 16-hour and occasionally even 24-hour shifts because of staff shortages, something that some staff said creates an unsafe environment for the troubled kids they are supposed to protect. Hawaii News Now.

Honolulu's mayor is expected to unveil new initiatives on Wednesday to help move homeless people off the streets of Waikiki. Hotels and businesses hope the bills will reduce the complaints coming from tourists. Hawaii News Now.

Contaminated Dirt Triggers Military Housing Lawsuit. A federal judge in Honolulu will decide next week whether a potential class-action lawsuit against Forest City, the private developer of residential  housing at Marine Corps Base Hawaii in Kaneohe, can go forward. Civil Beat.

Hawaii

A waste-to-energy incinerator will be the solution to Hawaii County’s garbage problems, judging by a list of finalists released Tuesday for the project. All three companies making the short list specialize in mass-burn incineration, with garbage combusted to produce power to sell to electric companies. West Hawaii Today.

Kohala Councilwoman Margaret Wille isn’t the only one fuming about a likely waste-to-energy incinerator for Hawaii County. Thirty-one testifiers, from rubbish and recycling companies to environmentalists to schoolteachers, gave their input Tuesday on Wille’s resolution seeking to put the brakes to the project. West Hawaii Today.

Bobby Jean Leithead Todd has “good legal title” to be the Environmental Management director, her attorney said in a court filing Friday. West Hawaii Today.

The Hawaii Youth ChalleNGe Academy, a program of the National Guard with a focus on at-risk teenagers, will host a ribbon-cutting ceremony for its new location Thursday. Tribune-Herald.

Accelerator program to boost filmmaking, media projects. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Make-A-Wish family survives hard landing on Maui. Hawaii News Now.

Maui County Mayor Alan Arakawa on Monday issued eight line-item vetoes to the county budget passed by the County Council earlier this month, saying that without this action money would be put "into projects that don't even exist yet and could potentially affect public service provided by our departments." Maui News.

Kauai

Organizers of a petition calling for a charter amendment regulating the use of pesticides and genetically modified crops on Kauai have until July 2 to have the required signatures validated. The Kauai Rising Charter Amendment Petitioners' Committee has been notified by Kauai County Clerk Ricky Wata­nabe that a petition submitted in late May was invalid. Star-Advertiser.

Commentary: The contamination of natural Kaua‘i. The rare plants and wildlife of Kaua‘i are put at risk by the toxic chemicals used on the island’s GMO test fields. Hawaii Independent.

A Kauai lawmaker says his investigation of the county’s agricultural dedication law resulted in discovering “numerous serious violations of county law” by island landowners and agrochemical companies. Garden Island.

The Hawaii Crop Improvement Association has stirred up its leadership, installing Kirby Kester, formerly the applied genetics manager of BASF on Kauai, as its new president. Garden Island.

The goal is to eradicate them. A County of Kauai task force says officials must step up education efforts, strengthen local laws and use various methods to combat Kauai’s growing feral cat problem. Garden Island.

The Nature Conservancy of Hawaii is hoping the public will help it scour online photos of Kauai rainforest for signs of invasive trees. Associated Press.

Obama seeks Pacific Ocean protections, UH gets $40M oceanic research grant, Kauai ex-police commissioner pleads guilty to gambling ring, Aiona offers homeless plan, Hawaii teens improve health habits, Maui mayor trims budget, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Kilo Moana, courtesy NOAA

The University of Hawaii will take the lead on a global oceanographic research project that comes with $40 million in funding — representing the largest-ever philanthropic gift to the university. David Karl and Edward DeLong, professors in UH-Manoa's School of Ocean and Earth Science and Technology, were awarded the funds by the Simons Foundation to lead the newly launched Simons Collaboration on Ocean Processes and Ecology, or SCOPE. Star-Advertiser.

A private foundation is awarding two University of Hawaii scientists $40 million to research microscopic organisms in the ocean. The award from the Simons Foundation is the largest private foundation gift ever received by the university. Associated Press.

Kilo Moana

President Obama on Tuesday will announce his intent to make a broad swath of the central Pacific Ocean off-limits to fishing, energy exploration and other activities, according to senior White House officials. Washington Post.

President Barack Obama on Tuesday will announce his intent to make a broad swath of the central Pacific Ocean off limits to fishing, energy exploration and other activities, according to senior White House officials. Associated Press.

With a congresswoman out for his head and a U.S. senator calling for an investigation, the new director of the Hawaii VA vowed Monday to stay on the job and, within three months, dramatically reduce the time it takes military veterans to see their doctors. Star-Advertiser.

The Veterans Affairs director in Hawai’i wants to assure veterans and the public that he is working hard to provide better access to primary care. Hawaii Public Radio.

Republican candidate Duke Aiona placed homelessness at center stage in Hawaii gubernatorial campaign Monday by proposing two novel ideas. Civil Beat.

The Hawaii National Guard would reach out to homeless veterans and guide them toward counseling and services under a proposal by Republican gubernatorial candidate James "Duke" Aiona to reduce homelessness in the state. Star-Advertiser.

Today, at Kaka‘ako Makai Gateway Park, Duke Aiona outlined a plan to address the houseless crisis in Hawai‘i. Hawaii Independent.

Hawaii tea party leaders are outraged over the news the Internal Revenue Service has lost emails of its former director, Lois Lerner, during a critical time when the agency admitted to targeting conservative groups for additional scrutiny. Hawaii Reporter.

During an interview with Keahi Tucker on Hawaii News Now, Honolulu City Councilman Ikaika Anderson, a Democrat, said his No. 1 priority representing the First Congressional District of Hawaii will be to focus on middle-class families.

Gov. Neil Abercrombie is appointing two Oahu executives to state boards. Kailua resident Wesley Furtado is being appointed to serve on the Board of Land and Natural Resources.The governor is appointing Sean Dee of Honolulu to the Hawaii Tourism Authority board of directors. Associated Press.

Hawaii's newest medical insurer is ramping up to gain more market share as the bulk of small businesses renew health plans in July. Family Health Hawaii, which launched Oct. 1 as a nonprofit mutual benefit society, has roughly 4,000 employees so far on its rolls, or about half of its annual enrollment goal, said former state Insurance Commissioner J.P. Schmidt, who is heading the startup insurance firm. Star-Advertiser.

Teenagers are smoking less, fighting less and having less sex than a decade ago, a Hawaii Department of Health report indicates. Civil Beat.

Innovate Hawaii, a program of the High Technology Development Corp., has given a total of $248,310 to four local companies as part of the Hawaii Small Business Innovation Research matching-grant program. Pacific Business News.

Oahu

An Obama presidential library located in Hawaii would generate $556 million in economic activity and create 2,130 new jobs, in the construction phase alone, according to officials who submitted a bid by Monday's deadline. Star-Advertiser.

Two escapes in one week from the Oahu Community Correctional Center. Hawaii News Now.

Daniel Skelton, the inmate who escaped from the Oahu Community Correctional Center on Monday morning, is still on the loose. That’s two escapees for OCCC in as many weeks. KHON2.

Some Ewa Beach residents are fed up with the plane noise from Honolulu International Airport. That's because a construction project is diverting planes from one runway to another that's in line with homes. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii

Hawaii County middle school students were more likely to try smoking cigarettes last year than students anywhere else in the state, according to new findings reported Monday. Tribune-Herald.

The Biotechnology Industry Organization spent nearly $8 million last year lobbying federal officials, making it one of the top 50 spenders on national lobbying, according to the Center for Responsive Politics. Now the influential global trade group that includes more than 1,000 biotechnology companies has turned its sights on Hawaii. The organization joined nine local groups and individuals from the Big Island last week to challenge Hawaii County’s ban on genetically modified farming. Civil Beat.

Produce thefts have some isle farmers on edge. West Hawaii Today.

Surrounded by chain link fence is a little pond fringed by greenery. The pond is fed by a white pipeline, from which water gushes out at a rate of about 1.5 million gallons daily. This site, not far from the Kealakehe Police Station, is the destination of the sewage treated at the Kealakehe Wastewater Treatment Plant in Kona and one West Hawaii resident is hoping to see it closed down sooner rather than later. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Maui Mayor Alan Arakawa on Monday issued eight line-item vetoes, cutting $29.7 million in capital improvement projects proposed by the County Council. Star-Advertiser.

No state has a worse voter turn out than Hawai'i, and no districts have more apathetic voters than South and West Maui. Recent reports rank them right at the very bottom of the list, but this year both areas have become a hotbed of political activism. Maui Weekly.

The county Public Works Department submitted a final environmental assessment for the final phase of the North Shore Greenway . Maui Now.

A final environmental assessment has been submitted for the final phase of the proposed North Shore Greenway, a pedestrian and bike path that would connect Kahului to Paia. Maui News.

The county Department of Housing and Human Concerns submitted a Final Environmental Assessment for the 64-unit Kulamalu affordable housing project in Pukalani. Maui Now.

Kauai

A Department of Corrections program manager and former Kauai Police Commissioner pleaded guilty to federal gambling charges on Monday in U.S. District Court, District of Hawaii. Garden Island.

A Kauai police commissioner who resigned in the midst of an FBI gambling investigation admitted in U.S. District Court on Monday that he ran a sports betting operation from his home and lied on his taxes. Bradley Chiba, 37, pleaded guilty to owning and running an illegal gambling business with eight others and to failing to report to the Internal Revenue Service that he earned $39,779 in 2012 from the business. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii vies for Obama presidential library, Waikiki homeless rousted, Thirty Meter Telescope permits delayed, more top government and political news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Obama reflecting, courtesy White House

The state of Hawaii submitted a bid Friday to become the home of the Barack Obama Presidential Library, officials said. The "request for qualifications" submittal ­­— the first step in what's expected to be a heated competition for the library — included such information as site details, transportation access and community information designed to demonstrate a capacity to successfully build and maintain a presidential library. Star-Advertiser.

While 43 states and the District of Columbia experienced drops in the number of low-income residents receiving federal food stamps, Hawaii and six other states saw their food stamp enrollments increase between March 2013 and March of this year. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu
Two new bills being proposed by Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell would give his administration further ammunition to conduct his "compassionate disruption" campaign to remove the homeless from the sidewalks of Waikiki. Star-Advertiser.

Nightly Migration: Homeless Chased From Waikiki — for a Few Hours. Recent sweeps by city crews disrupt street people's lives and clear out the parks in the early morning hours, but are they effective? Civil Beat.

Civil Beat reporter Nick Grube talks about covering the homeless situation in Waikiki for his current story.

Since 2009, delays from awarding contracts too early and court-ordered halts on construction have already cost taxpayers at least $116 million to help build Oahu's rail transit line. Now, rail officials find themselves in yet another race against time to avoid yet another round of costly delays — this time heading into 2015, when construction on the 20-mile rail line is supposed to ramp up in the heart of Honolulu. Star-Advertiser.

The Honolulu Department of Public Safety canceled visitation hours at the Women's Community Correctional Center in Kailua on Sunday. Officials say visitations were canceled at WCCC due to staffing shortages. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii

Kohala Councilwoman Margaret Wille wants the county administration to yank a bid solicitation for a waste reduction facility, saying the specifications were written to favor a waste-to-energy plant. West Hawaii Today.

The outgoing commander at Pohakuloa Training Area called the 133,000-acre facility “an amazing place to work.” Lt. Col. Eric Shwedo made the comment as he relinquished command to Lt. Col. Jacob Peterson in a ceremony Friday morning at the Army installation’s theater. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaii’s Board of Land and Natural Resources deferred a key decision for a $1.3 billion telescope project, saying the state needs more time to explore legal issues. Associated Press.

OHA CEO Kamana‘opono Crabbe offered testimony to the Board of Land and Natural Resources concerning the TMT project on Mauna Kea. Hawaii Independent.

Connections New Century Public Charter School is taking its battle to build a Kaumana campus to court. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Maui County Clerk Danny Mateo has until Tuesday to determine whether there's merit to objections to the mayoral candidacies of Neldon Mamuad and Nelson Waikiki Jr. Maui News.

Mayor Alan Arakawa has endorsed Hawaii Independent Party gubernatorial candidate Mufi Hannemann, the candidate's campaign announced Friday. Maui News.

Kauai

JoAnne Georgi has had enough. The Eleele resident, who ran unsuccessfully for a state House District 16 seat in 2006 and state Senate seat in 2008, said she is now running for a Kauai County Council seat to bring a new voice to the seven-member board. Garden Island.

Repeal of a junior kindergarten program and a change in age requirements for entering kindergarten are contributing to a shortage of open slots at Kauai preschools. Associated Press.