Transgender birth certificates, out-of-state CPAs, home health care, cop camera bills pending in Hawaii Legislature, Ige appointments scrutinized, iconic "Uncle Robert" dies on Big Island, neighbor island shipping sluggish, Kauai Sheraton to be time-share, more government and political news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Interior of Hawaii Capitol © 2015 All Hawaii News

Hawaii lawmakers are considering a bill that aims to step up police accountability with body-worn cameras. Senate Bill 199 would provide a total of $2.7 million over the next two years to the state's four county police departments to buy cameras for officers and vehicles, if the state allocation is matched with county funding. Star-Advertiser.

The home care industry is using an elderly couple as the impetus for the state to relax restrictions on community care family foster homes, or CCFFHs, that could mean thousands of extra dollars a month for each operator. Civil Beat.

Two bills scheduled to be heard by a Senate committee Friday would authorize out-of-state certified public accountants without a Hawaii license to do business in the state, but both face opposition as some accountants say it will outsource jobs and result in lost CPA licensing fees for the state. Pacific Business News.

Obtaining a new birth certificate that changes gender identification could be easier under a bill at the Legislature. House Bill 631 would allow an individual to ask the state Department of Health to issue a birth certificate changing that person's gender designation by submitting "a statement from a licensed medical or social service provider attesting that the current birth certificate record does not align with the birth registrant's gender identity; and that in the provider's professional opinion the birth registrant's gender designation should be changed accordingly." Star-Advertiser.

The State of Hawaii has successfully completed the upgrade of an important, formerly-at-risk information technology system. Governor David Ige says initiatives like these are a part of long-term plans to improve government functions through increased efficiency via technology upgrades. Hawaii Independent.

Opinion: Nolan Espinda, the governor’s nominee to run Hawaii’s prisons and the State Sheriff Division has been on the job only six weeks but already he’s churned up the ire of shadow critics, whom I consider cowardly. They have been sending the same anonymous email to the governor, state senators and news reporters. Civil Beat.

Governor David Ige has announced the nomination of two deputy directors to his cabinet, subject to confirmation by the Senate. Hawaii Independent.

Sluggish economic activity on the neighbor islands resulted in volume at Young Brothers Ltd., Hawaii's largest interisland cargo operator, slipping 0.2 percent in the fourth quarter. Star-Advertiser.

Opinion: The Legislature has berated the University of Hawaii for lacking a plan to implement cost-saving measures. Now that UH has a long-term strategic plan for capital improvement projects — will the Legislature step up to the plate? Civil Beat.

Oahu

The cost to taxpayers to defend a former Schofield Barracks soldier accused of torturing his daughter to death has risen to more than $5 million, according to data released by the U.S. District Court in Hawaii. That does not include costs incurred by federal prosecutors who took him to trial. Star-Advertiser.

State bills would help rectify injustices caused by Honolulu’s “nuisance” laws. A brief rundown on three bills that would alleviate some of the unnecessary hardship inflicted upon our houseless citizens by city ordinances that target them unjustly. Hawaii Independent.

Lanikai is consistently rated as one of the most beautiful beaches in the world, but when it comes to parking, it can get down-right ugly. KITV4.

A $6 million grant to Punahou School, expected to be announced Tuesday, will be used to fund another decade of academic programming for a public-private partnership in its 10th year of grooming disadvantaged public school students for success in college. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii

The Department of Public Safety has placed Ruth Forbes, the warden at the recently re-opened Kulani prison on the Big Island, on unpaid leave in a personnel investigation, sources told Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii County needs to get a better handle on overtime, the use of county vehicles, fuel costs and excess paperwork, according to a report issued by the Cost of Government Commission. West Hawaii Today.

Robert Pookapu “Uncle Robert” Keliihoomalu Sr., an iconic figure in the Kalapana and Hawaiian communities, died peacefully Sunday at his Kaimu home. He was 75. Tribune-Herald.

Marine experts are tracking an adult humpback whale spotted off Hawaii Island with its tail wrapped in several hundred feet of strong synthetic line and dragging a big red balloon buoy. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

The future of genetically engineered crops in Maui County remains uncertain. A US District Court judge has delayed the implementation of a ballot initiative that would put a moratorium on those crops. Many backers of the moratorium are frustrated with the delay—and they’re blaming the county attorney, Patrick Wong. Hawaii Public Radio.

While state lawmakers worked on bills to clear the way for public hospitals in Hawaii Health Systems Corp.'s Maui region to be operated by a private nonprofit corporation, Gov. David Ige said Thursday that the state's problems with public hospitals do not affect Maui in isolation. Maui News.

Kauai

The Sheraton Kauai could become a time-share property under a realignment announced by Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide this week. Pacific Business News.

Three months after being chosen to manage development of an exclusive, member-only resort community in Princeville, Discovery Land Company has been hired by Ohana Real Estate Investors, LLC to reevaluate its plans for a large and controversial development project near Hanalei Bay. Garden Island.

Intra-state cargo volumes between Honolulu and six neighbor island ports were flat in 2014, increasing by just 0.5 percent against the previous year. According to the Young Brothers, Limited announcement on Monday, Kauai saw a 1.8 percent decline in annual cargo volume for the year, but was one of just two ports that saw a fourth quarter increase with 3.7 percent. Agricultural shipments increase 5.2 percent for the year. Garden Island.

Tulsi reveals future husband, failed preschool ballot measure resurrected as Senate bill, Kauai tour boat strikes humpback whale, Edward Snowden speech a hit, religious groups at national parks, Honolulu stables in uproar, 3 in running for Maui House seat, more government and politics news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii hotel pool party © 2015 All Hawaii News

Hawaii's hotel industry finished 2014 with a new total hotel revenue record of $5.4 billion. The statewide hotel industry had the nation's second-highest average daily room rate. While Hawaii's 2014 occupancy rate only grew 0.05 percent year-over-year to 77 percent, it ranked fifth best in the nation behind New York, San Francisco/ San Mateo, Los Angeles/ Long Beach and the Miami/Hia­leah markets. Star-Advertiser.

Tulsi Gabbard has broken her silence on who she will be tying the knot with. The 33-year-old congress woman will marry 26-year-old Abraham Williams. Williams is a cinematographer and has known Gabbard since before they started dating in April. Hawaii News Now.

Things to watch at state Legislature this week. Associated Press.

Edward Snowden, the NSA whistleblower on the run, spoke at ACLU Hawaii’s First Amendment Conference live Saturday, via a video link from Moscow, Russia. Civil Beat.

Lisa Wong was impressed Saturday by National Security Agency whistleblower Edward Snowden, who appeared live in Hawaii via a video link from Moscow. Wong was among some 800 attendees at the sold-out Davis Levin First Amendment Conference at the Hawai‘i Convention Center. Star-Advertiser.

A bill to establish a statewide pre-kindergarten program -- a program that failed on the ballot in 2014 -- passed through the Senate Committee on Education on Friday afternoon. Senate Bill 844 would set up a $33 million program to establish pre-K offerings at public and charter schools that would be administered by the Executive Office on Early Learning. Civil Beat.

Researchers at a biotech company co-founded by a medical student from Hawaii have taken human fetal kidneys that would have been discarded and transplanted them into rats, where they thrived. Their ultimate goal is to grow such organs in animals and make them available to children and adults who need lifesaving transplants but can't get them because of the shortage of donated organs. Star-Advertiser.

A bill that would that would waive college tuition for high school students in dual credit programs was approved by the Senate Committee on Education on Friday afternoon. Civil Beat.

The Hawaii State Senate has hired Jill Kuramoto to be its new communications director. Kuramoto, who replaces Thelma Dreyer, starts the job Feb. 23. Civil Beat.

Is Carleton Ching the Man to Protect Hawaii’s Public Lands? Important issues are ahead for the Department of Land and Natural Resources, and some of them are likely to involve the company that currently employs the nominee to head the agency. Civil Beat.

The Hawaii Medical Service Association, Blue Zones LLC, and Healthways, Inc. selected three Hawaii communities on the Big Island and Oahu as the state's first Blue Zones project demonstration communities. Pacific Business News.

Oahu

The statewide board of doctors in charge of reviewing driver's license applications for disabled and elderly drivers has been unable to fill four of its five seats, preventing more than 100 would-be drivers on Oahu from getting their licenses for the last six months. Star-Advertiser.

Where does state Rep. Calvin Say actually live? It’s a question that’s been debated for years, both informally among concerned citizens and formally before judges and county boards in Honolulu. Now there’s a new effort underway — believed to be the first of its kind in Hawaii — to settle the matter. Civil Beat.

New pact will guide use of city stables. A horse enthusiast who runs a concession fears for the future of the equestrian center. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii

A Jehovah’s Witness group is taking its message to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, leaving at least one regular park-goer dissatisfied with park policy. West Hawaii Today.

A number of smaller film projects continue to take advantage of Hawaii Island’s world-class vistas and renowned hospitality. A total of 68 productions received Hawaii County film permits and reported $8.7 million in expenditures here in 2014, according to Hawaii County Film Commissioner Ilihia Gionson. Tribune-Herald.

Cindy Evans, D-North Kona, Kohala, has introduced a bill that would appropriate $200,000 for lifeguarding services at the increasingly popular and often dangerous North Kona beach. West Hawaii Today.

Big Island lawmakers are hopeful a renewed push to establish medical marijuana dispensaries will clear the hurdles this time around. West Hawaii Today.

Isle coffee farmers raising tiny bugs to attack pesky coffee borer beetle. West Hawaii Today.

The state’s largest health insurer announced the start of a new effort Friday to improve the health of East and North Hawaii residents. Tribune-Herald.

Maui
The Maui County Democratic Party’s Council Nominating Committee today narrowed the list of candidates for the vacant District 13 House seat to three finalists today. The finalists include Lori Buchanan of Molokaʻi, Lynn DeCoite of Molokai, and Lucienne De Naie of Huelo on Maui. Maui Now.

Three candidates touted their experience in infrastructure, farming and community work as they were nominated Saturday to replace District 13 state Rep. Mele Carroll. Maui News.

Babes Against Biotech is urging Maui Democrats not to select a local farmer for Mele Carroll’s vacant seat in the Hawaii House of Representatives. The anti-GMO group posted on its Facebook page Friday a plea to the party’s District 13 selection committee tasked with selecting three candidates to replace Carroll, who resigned Feb. 1 for health reasons. Civil Beat.

Lack of permits and licenses could mean the end for Loiloa. Maui News.

The state Board of Land and Natural Resources on Friday accepted and approved a hearing officer's report that recommended withdrawing several parcels of land from state forest reserves on Maui, including nearly 400 acres owned by Hana Ranch. Maui News.

Hui O Na Wai Eha members staged a rally Friday afternoon at the Wailuku Stream Bridge to protest what the group's vice president said has been a failure to comply with or to enforce last year's mediated settlement to return diverted water to the stream. Maui News.

The Fairmont Kea Lani, Maui has completed a three-year, $70 million renovation project to create a "luxurious vacation experience for guests" of the 22-acre Wailea resort. Maui News.

Kauai

Major changes including a new visitor center could be on the horizon for the Kilauea Point National Wildlife Refuge. On Thursday, the refuge released its Draft Comprehensive Conservation Plan which details its vision for the area and potential management priorities for the next 15 years. Garden Island.

A boat struck an adult humpback whale Thursday morning along Kauai’s South Shore while heading out on a snorkeling tour. Garden Island.

Five new positions in the Kauai Fire Department’s Ocean Safety Bureau allowed for several promotions within the department. Garden Island.

Fishy Friday: Coral disease, aquarium fishing bills, plastic in the ocean; Ige to hold the line on spending, reaffirms support of DLNR chief, pesticide buffers; Honolulu rail tax extended; police chief's wife wins $658,787 in lawsuit; Hawaiian Energy posts $33.6M profit; more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii sergeant fish and coral © 2015 All Hawaii News

A deadly disease described as "an Ebola for corals" is laying siege to Kane­ohe Bay, leaving vulnerable roughly half the colonies that live in Hawaii's largest sheltered body of water. Star-Advertiser.

A state House committee moved out a bill that would ban the issuance of new permits for harvesting of aquatic animals from the ocean for aquarium purposes and require current permit-holders to follow stricter rules. The House Committee on Ocean, Marine Resources and Hawaiian Affairs approved a fresh version of House Bill 873 on Thursday, a day after hearing more than four hours of testimony and receiving more than 3,500 pages of written testimony on four aquarium-fishing bills. The bill now heads to the House Judiciary Committee. Star-Advertiser.

Legislation prohibiting the harassment of anyone marine or aquarium fishing is moving forward, said two Big Island lawmakers. West Hawaii Today.

A bill that started out as a ban on the sale of aquatic life for aquariums advanced in a heavily altered form Thursday, and at least two other contentious measures appear to be dead after a trip to the House Committee on Ocean, Marine Resources &Hawaiian Affairs. West Hawaii Today.

The House Committee on Ocean, Marine Resources & Hawaiian Affairs approved a bill that authorizes administrative inspections of commercial fishers and wholesalers within the West Hawaii Regional Fishery Management Area, which extends along the west coast of Hawaii Island from South Point to Upolu Point. West Hawaii Today.

Each year about 8.8 million tons of plastic ends up in the world's oceans, a quantity much higher than previous estimates, according to a new study that tracked marine debris from its source. Associated Press.

In his first formal news conference since he was inaugurated, Gov. David Ige reaffirmed there is little money available for discretionary spending, responded confidently to questions about his low-key leadership style and made it clear that buzzwords for his fledgling administration are "efficient" and "effective." Star-Advertiser.

Governor Stands Behind Decision to Nominate Ching for DLNR Director. David Ige held his first "media availability," something he said he'd do regularly. Civil Beat.

The Governor met with the news media today for the second time since taking office 74 days ago.   He provided an update and addressed a wide range of issues. Hawaii Public Radio.

What's been the biggest surprise of Governor David Ige's short time in office? “The amount of paper that comes through the office." No question off limits, no topic too trivial during the governor's first availability in the executive chamber. Hawaii News Now.

Three state Senate committees approved a bill Thursday that would impose stricter regulations on Hawaii’s seed industry, including buffer zones for spraying certain pesticides around schools, watersheds, hospitals and other sensitive areas. The hearing was only the first step in a long process to becoming law, but Gov. David Ige said Thursday that he supports the idea of creating buffer zones for pesticide spraying. Civil Beat.

Hawaii lawmakers advanced a bill that aims to boost the regulation of pesticides, as residents expressed fears for their health and agriculture companies said that their industry is already regulated. The bill would require large-scale commercial agriculture operations to disclose when they use pesticides and to observe buffer zones around sensitive areas like schools and hospital. Associated Press.

State Representative Kaniela Ing of Maui introduced a bill this legislative session that would prohibit law enforcement officers from consuming alcohol while in possession of a firearm. Maui Now.

Could running a red light cost you, even if police officers are not around? Lawmakers are considering a bill to bring photo red light imaging to Hawaii, advancing SB1160 in a joint committee hearing Thursday. KHON2.

An electronic access system is now operational at the Hawaii State Capitol that allows access to the building after-hours. The system uses no keys or cards. Instead, it utilizes biometrics authentication: reading the veins or capillaries of the finger. Civil Beat.

Hawaii’s high school graduation rate continues to increase, according to federal data released Thursday showing that 81 percent of the Class of 2013 graduated within four years. West Hawaii Today.

Army Chief of Staff Gen. Ray Odierno said Hawaii might lose some soldiers as part of a big downsizing across the service, but it could be a "very small" number here. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaiian Electric Industries, the parent company of Hawaiian Electric Co. and American Savings Bank, reported a $33.6 million profit, or 32 cents per diluted share, in the fourth quarter of 2014, compared to a profit of $39.5 million , or 39 cents per diluted share, in the same quarter of 2013. Pacific Business News.

Hawaiian Electric Industries, the parent company of Hawaii's major utilities, said Thursday it spent $4.9 million in the fourth quarter on preparing for its proposed sale to Juno Beach, Fla.-based NextEra Energy Inc., adding that HEI shareholders will vote on the deal in April or May. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Senate lawmakers have advanced a bill to extend the tax surcharge funding Oahu's cash-strapped rail transit project for an additional 25 years. The original language of Senate Bill 19, introduced by Senate Transportation Chairman Clarence Nishi­hara, aimed to lift the 2022 sunset and make the 0.5 percent surcharge on Oahu's general excise tax permanent, reflecting what Mayor Kirk Caldwell and other rail leaders have suggested. Star-Advertiser.

A controversial measure to increase the general excise tax to pay for Honolulu’s $6 billion rail project passed its first committee hearing in the Hawaii Senate on Thursday. But lawmakers didn’t give the city the permanent half-percent surcharge it was seeking. Civil Beat.

After hearing testimony on why Oahu’s rail tax should be made permanent, the Senate Transportation Committee voted 8-0 Thursday to extend the surcharge to the state’s general excise tax another 25 years. KITV4.

The University of Hawaii Cancer Center, which has been the subject of much political infighting and academic unrest, will be absorbed into the school’s medical school. Civil Beat.

One of the longest-serving representatives in state history has responded to a residency challenge that could cost him his seat in the state House. Speaker Emeritus Calvin Say said in an interview with The Associated Press, ahead of a precedent-setting special committee hearing Friday, that he has done his best to balance the needs of his family with his district.

The jury in the state civil case that pitted the wife of Honolulu Police Chief Louis Kealoha against her grandmother and uncle sided with Katherine Kealoha on Thursday, awarding her $658,787 in damages. Star-Advertiser.

Opinion: Culture Cave: Rep. Karl Rhoads Is Not ‘All About That Bass’. Some legislators are making noise about forcing businesses in Chinatown and Waikiki to face a new threat: the sound police. Civil Beat.

Hawaii

The state Department of Human Services has determined a Hilo obstetrician did not commit fraud after he was accused of overbilling Medicaid by $1.2 million. Star-Advertiser.

For more than five months, the man known as "Hilo's welfare doctor" has been forced to take patients for free after he was accused of defrauding the state's Medicaid program. But on Wednesday, a state hearings officer overturned Dr. Frederick Nitta suspension from the Medicaid program, saying the fraud allegations were "not credible." Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii County issued a request for proposals Wednesday for a study on the health impacts of geothermal development. The study could cost up to $750,000 and take up to three years to complete. Interested parties have until May 5 to submit their proposals. Tribune-Herald.

On Wednesday night, the State Department of Land and Natural Resources Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement officers arrested a lava tour guide who was conducting illegal commercials tours in the Kahaualea Natural Area Reserve. The area has been closed by the DNLR as hazardous conditions related to the ongoing volcanic activity in the area persist. Big Island Now.

Maui

Hawai‘i is seeing a dramatic shift to renewable energy resources driven by electric bills that cost roughly double the national average. On March 25 to 27, the County of Maui in partnership with Maui Economic Development Board will hold the second Maui Energy Conference and Exhibition amid this revolution to examine how consumers see the electric utility. Maui Now.

Kauai

A vacant Waipouli property that was once slated to host the 198-room Coconut Plantation Resort apartment hotel complex is back on the market after years of inactivity. Garden Island.

Hawaii impact investment firm Ulupono Initiative, the company backing Hawaii Dairy Farms’ proposed dairy in Mahaulepu Valley, announced new positions for two team members. Garden Island.

How to pay for Honolulu rail, aquarium fishing debated, Ige appointments sail through Senate committee, medical marijuana dispensaries advance, Kauai council mulls outdoor burning laws, UH wants money for sports, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Construction on elevated rail, courtesy Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transit

Amid a tenuous time for the island's cash-strapped rail project — with transit officials still uncertain how to cover the ballooning costs to complete it — city leaders have again deferred a deal that would allow rail to borrow hundreds of millions of dollars leveraged against the city's general fund. The total amount that the rail project will need to borrow to cover expenses during peak construction has now been put at $1.9 billion, according to a newly disclosed estimate. On Wednesday, members of the City Council's Budget Committee, some of them visibly frustrated, held off for the second time in less than a month approving a deal that would allow the rail project to borrow money for the height of construction. Star-Advertiser.

Forget about the nearly $1 billion shortfall, Honolulu’s rail project has a cash flow problem that could halt work as soon as this summer. Construction costs are now outpacing the money trickling in from taxes and the federal government. Civil Beat.

The $5.3 billion price tag attached to the controversial rail project is a best guess at this point, Roy Amemiya, the city's new managing director, admitted Wednesday to members of the City Council. KITV4.

Thousands Testify on Bills to Restrict Aquarium Fishing in Hawaii. Business and environmental interests collide in the Capitol during a marathon hearing. Civil Beat.

Gov. David Ige’s selection of Carleton Ching to head the DLNR has environmentalists howling that the longtime lobbyist for the development industry isn’t qualified to lead the state’s efforts to safeguard and steward its public land. They also say there will be too many conflicts of interest for the man currently on leave from his job at Castle & Cooke, a major land developer. Civil Beat.

Four more of Gov. David Ige’s appointments sailed through Senate committees with unanimous support Wednesday. The latest round includes his picks for budget director, Wes Machida; deputy budget director, Roderick Becker; tax director, Maria Zielinski; and human resources director, James Nishimoto. Each nominee was backed by reams of glowing testimony. Catherine Awakuni Colón, Ige’s appointment to head the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs, cleared her Senate committee hurdle Monday. Civil Beat.

If the Hawaii state Legislature is in session, no doubt some lawmaker somewhere is holding a campaign fundraiser. Civil Beat.

A bill that would allow patients or their caregivers to transfer medical marijuana plants to other patients passed through the House Health Committee on Wednesday. Civil Beat.

A bill aimed at easing restrictions on news media reporting about lava flows and other natural disasters cleared its first committee in the state Legislature this week. Tribune-Herald.

Spotty Health Connector Service Leaves Micronesians Waiting. Hawaii Public Radio.

Opinion: The Hawaii Legislature’s Persistent Rhythms. There are some longstanding reasons why change comes slowly at the Capitol, if it comes at all. Civil Beat.

University of Hawaii athletic director Ben Jay is expected to paint a bleak picture of future department finances — including the prospect of record deficits and some options for cutting sports and raising fees — in a scheduled report to a Board of Regents committee Thursday. The athletic department has run at a deficit for 11 of the past 13 years and has been projected to finish $3.5 million in the red for the fiscal year that closes June 30. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Lawmakers Seek Cash for Police Body Cameras. The House and Senate are considering bills to help purchase cameras for officers and their vehicles in an effort to boost police accountability. Civil Beat.

Local grocery markets in Hawaii report that the slowdowns at West Coast shipping docks have been causing some delays, but no serious shortages have occurred since the dispute began causing delays three months ago. Pacific Business News.

Even though the West Coast shipping docks dispute is not supposed to interfere with domestic carriers, Matson, as well as PMA, have admitted that the congestion at West Coast docks has triggered a domino effect leading to the delay of some container shipments to Hawaii. KHON2.

A former Halawa Correctional Facility guard is headed to federal prison for eight years for taking bribes from a gang to smuggle drugs and cigarettes to inmates. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

A bill that bans people from sitting or lying down at four Chinatown and downtown Honolulu pedestrian malls was signed into law by Mayor Kirk Caldwell on Wednesday. Star-Advertiser.

If the public has its way, a redevelopment of the Neal S. Blaisdell Center in Honolulu would feature more performance venues, more attractions, more open space but perhaps ditch its exhibition and sports arena functions. Pacific Business News.

A low-income senior rental housing project on state and county land in Kakaako is in line for major renovations under a local developer's plan to buy the project, called Na Lei Hulu Kupuna. Mark Development Inc. received tentative state approval Wednesday to proceed with a proposed leasehold purchase of the 75-unit studio apartment complex at 610 Cooke St. Star-Advertiser.

The grandmother of Katherine Kealoha, wife of Honolulu Police Chief Louis Kealoha, is asking a state jury to award her $1 million in punitive damages in her civil claim against her granddaughter. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii

A new study is underway focusing on the coping mechanisms used by the folks affected the most by volcanic gas emissions — the people who live downwind of Kilauea Volcano. Star-Advertiser.

While residents of lower Puna await what Madame Pele has in store, a nonprofit animal rescue organization has been busy rescuing cats from the still-active June 27 lava flow from Kilauea Volcano. Tribune-Herald.

Eight of the nine Hawaii County Council members are heading to Washington, D.C., later this month for the annual legislative conference of the National Association of Counties. West Hawaii Today.

In several letters over the past couple of months, county officials have called on the National Park Service to sit down and discuss their differences on how the Keauhou aquifer should be managed. Park officials say they have sent three letters expressing just as much eagerness to set a date for negotiations, a requirement of a preliminary order by the state Commission on Water Resource Management. West Hawaii Today.

Tuesday evening, union workers at the Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort &Spa overwhelming approved to ratify a new contract. West Hawaii Today.

A much-needed face-lift; Results of Riverside Apartments renovations unveiled. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaiian Telecom technicians reported that all services have been restored to customers on Hawaii island after a cable was cut, causing many residents to lose phone and internet service on Wednesday. Crews successfully replaced the cut cable with a new cable, and completed splicing more than 500 feet of cable, restoring all services to impacted customers just before 7:30 p.m. Hawaii News Now.

Maui

State and local agencies have been working diligently to combat the more than 20-acre little fire ant infestation reported in Nahiku in October, but some landowners are concerned that the pesticides being used may be damaging East Maui's ecosystem. Maui News.

Demolition at Kanaha Pond State Wildlife Sanctuary has residents worried about future development at the royal fishponds, but a wildlife biologist assured the public that the work is intended to protect resident native Hawaiian birds. Maui News.

Having the county instead of homebuilders be responsible for developing new water resources would not only spur much-needed housing development but "right-size our community," Mayor Alan Arakawa said Tuesday. Maui News.

A Maui High School teacher has been put on indefinite leave by the Department of Education pending an investigation into a sexting scandal. Hawaii News Now.

Haleakala National Park began accepting applications for guided astronomy and hiking tour permits on Tuesday, Feb. 10, 2015. Maui Now.

Kauai

An outdoor burning bill being considered by the County Council would make it illegal and a public nuisance for “any person, firm, or corporation in the County of Kauai to intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly cause, permit, or allow to escape into the open air” smoke, soot, poisonous gases, dirt, dust or debris of any kind that can injure a person’s health or damage property. Garden Island.

An Oregon-based environmental attorney who successfully represented a community group in Washington state in a lawsuit against an industrial dairy in Yakima Valley has agreed to represent Friends of Mahaulepu in its fight to stop the dairy proposed for Kauai’s Southside. Garden Island.

Honolulu Zoo appeals to council, legislative power brokers direct bills, Kauai biofuel plant fired up, rail costs 'alarming,' prison guard misconduct, e-cigs spark ethics complaint, more government and political news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Giraffe at Honolulu Zoo © 2015 All Hawaii News

Loss of accreditation could spell disaster for Honolulu Zoo. That’s according to zoo officials who briefed the Honolulu City Council Tuesday on the status of the zoo. KHON2.

How a Handful of Hawaii Lawmakers Quietly Shapes an Entire Session. House and Senate leaders can give bills a 'kiss of death' or fast-track them toward passage by choosing what committees should hear the legislation. Civil Beat.

An all-encompassing bill aimed at tackling the state's affordable-housing shortage has moved out of a key committee. House Bill 1354, introduced by Rep. John Mizuno (D, Kame­ha­meha Heights-Kalihi Valley) and co-authored by seven others, calls for allocating at least $225 million to various housing agencies with the goal of increasing the market's inventory of homes for low-income and homeless families. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii lawmakers moved forward a bill Tuesday that would dismantle the recently established regulatory framework for building an interisland cable system to transport electricity from renewable energy projects such as wind, solar and geothermal. But a key lawmaker said the measure designed to derail such a system isn’t likely to ultimately pass the Legislature. Civil Beat.

A number of bills are advancing in the legislature that would outlaw the sale of electronic smoking devices and liquids to minors under the age of 21. Hawaii Public Radio.

Recent bad acts by Hawaii police are fueling a record number of police accountability bills at the Hawaii Legislature this year. On Tuesday, eight bills passed through Sen. Will Espero’s Public Safety Committee with little objection from him or his colleagues, some of whom have been calling for more oversight. Civil Beat.

Following a wave of alleged police corruption, criticism and missteps, a state Senate Committee on Tuesday passed an array of measures aimed at providing greater oversight of the Hono­lulu Police Department and law enforcement in general. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii lawmakers are looking for ways to increase oversight of the state’s police officers after reports of domestic violence by off-duty officers led to diminished trust. Associated Press.

A former prison guard is being sentenced for taking bribes from a Hawaii gang to smuggle drugs and cigarettes to inmates. Feso Malufau is scheduled to be sentenced Wednesday. Associated Press.

According to the Department of Public Safety, 18 corrections officers were disciplined last year for various cases of misconduct, including a three-day suspension for erroneously releasing an inmate, a 30-day suspension for workplace violence and one officer who was fired for bringing in contraband. Two sheriffs were disciplined last year for assault of an inmate and failing to properly manage the assault. KHON2.

Hawaii lawmakers are considering redefining what constitutes rape on University of Hawaii campuses by requiring UH to adopt a so-called affirmative consent standard for investigating sexual assault complaints. Star-Advertiser.

Three Big Island lawmakers have introduced legislation to give terminally ill patients access to drugs and medical treatment that have not received final approval by the federal Food and Drug Administration. The proposed bills — House Bill 882 and House Bill 92 and Senate Bill 585 — are part of a national movement, dubbed “Right to Try,” that has been gaining momentum. West Hawaii Today.

Opinion: If you need more evidence that our regulation of lobbyists is less than robust, consider the Hawaii State Ethics Commission’s most recent enforcement action. On Feb. 2, 2015 the commission announced it had levied fines against the Land Use Research Foundation, a prominent developer-backed advocacy group, and David Arakawa, the foundation’s executive director, for failing to comply with the state’s lobbyist law during the years from 2008 through 2014. Civil Beat.

Opinion: Which Lawmakers Are the First to Hold Fundraisers During Session? UPDATE Keeping track of of who is taking money since the Hawaii Legislature opened for business. Cha-ching!. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Despite holding monthly sessions on the best ways to keep costs from getting out of hand, the third-party contractor monitoring Hono­lulu's public rail transit project says that it's seeing "minimal" cost containment and calls the trend "alarming." Star-Advertiser.

Mayor Kirk Caldwell will sign Bill 62 into law on Wednesday, banning sitting and lying in four outdoor malls in the downtown business district, according to a press release from the mayor’s office. Civil Beat.

City officials are contacting roughly 10,000 retailers on Oahu this week to remind them about a major change that will be coming to checkout counters. Some businesses are already gearing up for the plastic bag ban that starts on July 1. Hawaii News Now.

A resolution urging Mayor Kirk Caldwell to develop a demonstration project exploring the viability of shipping containers for low-cost housing won a nod from the City Council Public Health, Safety and Welfare Committee on Tuesday. Star-Advertiser.

The American Dream Is Broken for the Middle Class. The cost of living has eaten away at Honolulu residents' incomes, raising profound questions about many people's future. Civil Beat.

Hawaii

A purveyor of electronic cigarette products has filed an ethics complaint against Hawaii County Council Chairman Dru Kanuha, saying Kanuha was unduly influenced by unregistered lobbyists and didn’t listen to constituents in two recent anti-smoking bills. West Hawaii Today.

The state Department of Transportation hopes to begin work on the Queen Kaahumanu Highway widening project this summer. West Hawaii Today.

The owners of Hilo Lanes are asking $3.75 million for the shuttered bowling alley. The business at 777 Kinoole St. closed abruptly in May after operating for 54 years when its air-conditioning broke. Tribune-Herald.

Kauai

Green Energy Team LLC’s $90 million biomass-to-energy facility in Koloa is now hot. The 6.7-megawatt facility is located near Knudsen Gap and will provide about 11 percent of the island’s electricity, relying completely on wood chips. Garden Island.

Developers seeking to rebuild and reopen the historic Coco Palms Resort in Wailua have to wait at least another two more weeks before any decisions are made on their building permits. The Kauai County Planning Commission on Tuesday was unable to make a decision on the construction plans and building permits for Coco Palms Hui LLC. Garden Island.

County of Kauai officials say they will close the dirt parking lot that runs along Nawiliwili Stream and behind the Anchor Cove Shopping Center next week for a two-day pothole repair project. Garden Island.

Policing the police, rideshare regulations coming, pension fund recovers slowly, Hawaii's not local, waste conversion advancing on Maui, Schatz talks up military, Kauai bared in SI swimsuit edition, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii police © 2015 All Hawaii News

Hawaii lawmakers are looking for ways to increase oversight of the state's police officers. Associated Press.

The state is significantly under budget in launching a $1.5 million upgrade that puts data for more than 16,000 Hawaii government workers in a new cloud-based system designed to be tougher for hackers to crack. On Tuesday, Gov. David Ige's office is expected to announce a successful upgrade of the state's ancient Oracle-based system that tracks personnel information including health and retirement benefits for nearly all state workers. Star-Advertiser.

The Legislature for the first time is looking to regulate rideshare companies, possibly through the Public Utilities Commission. Star-Advertiser.

The Senate Commerce and Consumer Protection Committee, chaired by Roz Baker, spent Monday morning praising Catherine Awakuni Colón, Gov. David Ige’s appointee to head the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs. The full Senate is expected to take up the nomination soon for final approval. Civil Beat.

Hawaii's largest public pension fund, seeking to make up an $8.58 billion shortfall, posted a 1.7 percent investment gain last quarter to fall further behind its targeted investment return rate for the year. Halfway through this fiscal year, the state Employees' Retirement System fund was up just 0.6 percent, according to a report presented to ERS trustees Monday by Portland, Ore.-based Pension Consulting Alliance Inc. Star-Advertiser.

State lawmakers are considering bills that would essentially provide a salary, health care and other compensation to those wrongfully imprisoned. Civil Beat.

The deadline to enroll for insurance through the Affordable Care Act is this Sunday. That’s a special challenge for more than 7,500 immigrants from countries of the Compact of Free Association, including Micronesia. Starting March 1st, they’ll lose their Medicaid coverage, and will have to find insurance through the Hawai‘i Health Connector. Hawaii Public Radio.

A bill in the Hawaii Legislature would prohibit the sale of ivory and rhinoceros horns in the state. Bill supporters say more than 35,000 African elephants were slaughtered in 2012. Associated Press.

Some states have far higher percentages of local-born residents, but that doesn't silence the talk about what it means to be 'local' on the islands. Civil Beat.

U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz wants Gen. Ray Odierno, Army chief of staff, to pay particular attention to Hawaii's strategic importance during a visit by Odierno to Oahu this week. Star-Advertiser.

Editorial: Ethics violations jeopardize trust. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

A special state House committee tasked with determining the validity of a petition challenging the residency of Rep. Calvin Say (D, Palolo-St. Louis Heights-Kai­muki) will hold its first meeting Friday afternoon. Star-Advertiser.

With home burglary and auto theft tallies on Oahu falling over the past four years, Hono­lulu Police Chief Louis Kea­loha says this year he will continue to focus on reducing home burglaries while stepping up efforts to improve customer service and domestic violence awareness in the department. Kealoha presented his 2015 plan for the Honolulu Police Department to the Honolulu Police Commission last week. Star-Advertiser.

Hundreds of suspected drunk drivers are walking away with no punishment. Thousands of charges are filed every year and it takes up a lot of court time, while often getting nowhere. KHON2.

Energy efficiency efforts at the University of Hawaii at Manoa are paying off with big savings, officials said. Associated Press.

Hawaii

Public comment sought on General Plan. West Hawaii Today.

The Hawaii County Department of Public Works and the state Department of Education have applied for the largest shares of some $20 million in federal funding for lava disaster relief, according to the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Star-Advertiser.

A new Department of Hawaiian Home Lands development in Waimea would provide beneficiaries with a cemetery, agriculture space, golf range and equestrian center, according to a draft environmental assessment. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Anaergia Services, the California-based firm contracted to build a state-of-the-art waste conversion facility at the Central Maui landfill, is eyeing Maui Electric Co., the County of Maui, a number of hotels and other consumers as potential buyers of renewable fuels to be produced at the facility once it comes on line in 2018, officials said Sunday. Maui News.

The Mayor's Office of Economic Development has contracted the Applied Research Laboratory at the University of Hawaii to evaluate, develop and recommend broadband access for Maui County, the county announced last week. Maui News.

Maui County Democratic Party Precinct President and former state Board of Education member Mary Cochran died in her sleep Sunday morning, according to a post on the Maui Democratic Party website. Maui News.

Discovering alien civilizations in this generation is possible, and a prototype for a megatelescope that could spot them could be completed in two years, a Maui astronomer says. Maui News.

Declassified documents include Maui UFO report. In 1956, Lahaina woman said she saw object hovering off the coast. Maui News.

Kauai

The Kauai Police Department issued 3,199 more traffic citations in 2014 compared to the year before. There were 23,407 moving violations issued last year, compared to 20,208 in 2013. Garden Island

The island of Kauai — 22 pages worth — is featured front and center in the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit 2015 edition, which hit newsstands Monday. Garden Island.

Ige looks to lobbyists to fill Cabinet, lawmakers mull medical marijuana dispensaries, 13 vie for Mele Carroll's Maui seat, National Guard leaves lava duty, cutting class time again, those darn albizias, more top government and political news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Ige's Jan. 26, 2015 State of the State address, courtesy photo

Three of the people Gov. David Ige picked to head major state agencies were registered lobbyists for companies, organizations or clients whose interests likely will intersect with the departments they were nominated to oversee. Star-Advertiser.

Fifteen years after medical marijuana was legalized in Hawaii, legislators considered a bill Saturday that would finally give patients the ability to legally obtain it even if they can’t grow it themselves. Civil Beat.

A bill in the state Legislature would give voters more information about who is spending money on campaign ads. The proposal would require super PACs and other noncandidate committees to file an additional campaign spending report earlier in the election cycle. Associated Press.

Hawaii Governor David Ige says the state is closely tracking the West Coast terminal labor dispute's potential impact here in Hawaii. Hawaii News Now.

Dozens of Hawaii’s public housing projects have an immediate repair and maintenance backlog totaling an estimated $275 million. Over the next decade, that amount is expected to grow to over $820 million, more than the facilities backlogs for public schools and colleges combined. Despite that, Gov. David Ige recently cut the Hawaii Public Housing Authority’s budget request from $180 million to $5 million. Civil Beat.

A state program aimed at protecting and restoring Hawaii's beaches would get up to $3 million in revenues annually under a bill making its way through the Legislature. Star-Advertiser.

Affordable housing can be hard to find in Hawaii, and one lawmaker is trying to make it easier on families with Section 8 vouchers. Associated Press.

Starting Monday, inspection reports for developmentally disabled adult foster homes will be made available online for the first time. Civil Beat.

Lawmakers for a fourth straight year are considering dialing back the 2010 law that lengthened Hawaii's school day and imposed minimum instructional hours at public schools. Advocates of the law want to see minimum learning times preserved to ensure consistency across schools and help bring Hawaii in line with other states. But the state Department of Education says complying with the law is onerous for schools and the union representing teachers says it infringes on collective bargaining rights. Star-Advertiser.

After years of trying, advocates for children with autism are hopeful that the Legislature will pass a bill requiring medical insurance companies to provide coverage for diagnosis and treatment. Star-Advertiser.

A slew of bills pertaining to animal welfare has been introduced in the state legislature. Tribune-Herald.

After three years with no cases, 15 people in Hawaii came down with measles last year, and health officials worry that unvaccinated people are endangering themselves and others, including infants. Star-Advertiser.

Heavy rainstorms have become more numerous on Hawaii island over the past 50 years while becoming less frequent in Leeward Oahu and Central Maui, according to a recent study by a pair of University of Hawaii researchers who tie the phenomenon to climate change. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

The Army is seeking public comment on a court-ordered environmental study that represents one of the last major hurdles before it can consider resuming controversial live-fire training in Makua Valley. Star-Advertiser.

The owner of a residence on Paiko Peninsula is accused of fiddling with state property and denying public access. Star-Advertiser.

Gov. David Ige has announced most of his selections for board members of the Hawaii Community Development Authority, a state agency that is in charge of managing land in Kakaako, Kalaeloa and Heeia. Civil Beat.

Home prices on Oahu soared in January, a traditionally slow month for sales, as the median price of a condominium hit a record $381,500, according to statistics released Saturday by the Honolulu Board of Realtors. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii

State legislators are taking dead aim at albizia trees in response to the devastation wrought by the invasive species following Tropical Storm Iselle. A total of nine bills directly targeting albizia have been introduced for the 2015 session, including identical companion bills in the House and Senate seeking $2.1 million to remove the most dangerous trees that remain standing near Hawaii Island roadways. Tribune-Herald.

With property lease secured, UH Puako Marine Center project is progressing. West Hawaii Today.

The Hawaii National Guard’s mission in Puna came to an end this week as the June 27 lava flow continues to show sluggish activity near its front. Darryl Oliveira, Hawaii County Civil Defense administrator, said he amended his request for assistance Monday allowing the withdrawal of National Guard soldiers, who were deployed since late October to help maintain security as the flow approached Pahoa. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Thirteen people have applied to replace District 13 state Rep. Mele Carroll. The 13 submitted applications to represent the district for East Maui, Lanai and Molokai before the deadline Friday night. Associated Press.

Thirteen candidates have lined up to replace state Rep. Mele Carroll - including an executive assistant to Mayor Alan Arakawa, Carroll's opponent in the last election, businesspeople and officials from environmental nonprofit groups. Maui News.

The Maui County Council approved the reappointment of Patrick Wong as corporation counsel in a meeting Friday that drew more than 50 testifiers, most of them critical of Wong's role in pending litigation involving the stalled initiative calling for a moratorium on the cultivation of genetically engineered crops. Maui News.

Kauai

Developers who want to rebuild Kauai’s historic Coco Palms Resort must address concerns raised by the state Historic Preservation Division before any county permits are issued. Associated Press.

As a county official who oversees nearly 21 beach parks, two stadiums and 44 parks across the island, covering 487 acres, Department of Parks and Recreation Director Lenny Rapozo will tell you there’s a lot of ground to cover. Garden Island.

Hawaiian monk seal protection sought, agriculture home-rule battle in Legislature, Maui County bails on anti-GMO group, police reports show officers disciplined, House won't tax REITs, shipping costs to drop while strike looms, more government and political news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaiian monk seal snoozes in the sun © 2015 All Hawaii News

An environmental group Thursday recommended that the federal government spend more to help prevent critically endangered Hawaiian monk seals from becoming extinct. Associated Press.

The Marine Conservation Institute is calling for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to “redouble its efforts” to conserve and recover the endangered Hawaiian monk seal. Garden Island.

A tug of war over control of the agriculture industry's use of pesticides and genetically modified crops is playing out in the Legislature as lawmakers consider bills that would limit counties' regulatory abilities and create pesticide buffer zones around schools. Associated Press.

Kona coffee growers and state lawmakers are renewing their push for more accurate labeling and greater quantities of the real thing in blends of java being sold under the Kona label. West Hawaii Today.

As lava continues to flow into Pahoa, a measure that aims to give journalists better access to emergency sites continues to wend its way through the state Senate but has stalled in the House. Star-Advertiser.

Lawmakers consider triple-time pay for holiday retail workers. KHON2.

Gov. David Ige announced Thursday afternoon that he wants Leonard Hoshijo to be the deputy director in the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations, while the top job remains unfilled. Civil Beat.

Veteran labor union official Leonard Hoshijo was nominated by Gov. David Ige Thursday to be the deputy director in the state Department of Labor and Industrial Relations. Star-Advertiser.

House Scraps Bill to Remove Tax Break for Prime Real Estate. It’s up to Hawaii senators to decide whether to advance a bill imposing a corporate income tax on investment trusts that own lucrative properties. Civil Beat.

The House Committee on Energy and Environmental Protection conducted a hearing yesterday on pesticide applications around schools and hospitals. Hawaii Public Radio.

Honolulu, Maui and Hawaii island police officers were disciplined in a total of 110 misconduct incidents and eight officers were discharged in 2014, according to annual reports submitted to the Legislature by the four county police departments. Star-Advertiser.

Matson Inc., the state's largest ocean cargo transportation firm, is following the recent plunge in oil prices with a plunge of its own by reducing its fuel surcharge by a record amount. Honolulu-based Matson announced Thursday that it will reduce the charge by 7 percentage points — to 24.5 percent from 31.5 percent — effective Sunday in response to falling bunker fuel prices. Star-Advertiser.

West Coast shipping docks could shut down in the next four to 10 days, but Hawaii's air cargo companies told Pacific Business News they are prepared to add services to make up for a potential lockout.Hawaii relies on ships for more than 90 percent of incoming delivery of goods.

Opinion: The U.S. Army is largely leaving Hawaii, but Maui Rep. Kaniela Ing is the only state official happy about it. Mauitime.

Opinion: We Need to Right the Wrongs for Struggling Native Hawaiians. Hawaiians and non-Hawaiians need to come together to improve the plight of our people. Civil Beat.

Oahu

A federal oversight committee is blasting Honolulu’s rail project, calling it “alarming” and “not sufficient.” A new review looked at the rising cost of building the rail system, putting the project at $500 million to $600 million over-budget. KHON2.

Over the next four weeks, as a six-month improvement project gets underway on the popular Makapuu Trail, its mile-long path to the lighthouse will be closed on weekdays. Beginning Monday, contractors of Haron Construction Inc. will begin repair and construction work along the trail. The project is estimated to cost $2.7 million. Star-Advertiser.

Two former Honolulu Zoo directors said the nonprofit Honolulu Zoo Society is failing to help the zoo that's in dire need of financial assistance, just a year before it faces a crucial re-accreditation inspection. The society gives the zoo only about 10 percent of its annual budget in direct assistance, but the head of the group said it provides valuable support to the zoo in other ways. Hawaii News Now.

The massive fuel leak at Sand Island may have started a month before it was first reported. A report by the EPA says that Hawaii Fueling Facilities Corp. noticed a large loss of volume in its No. 2 tank back on Dec. 22, or nearly a month before it reported the leak. Hawaii News Now.

Mayor Kirk Caldwell and officials from the city’s Department of Planning and Permitting will host a public workshop on Tuesday, February 10 from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. to discuss the renovation of the Neal S. Blaisdell Center. Civil Beat.

Nearly two dozen University of Hawaii-Manoa degree programs that faced possible closure for producing few graduates have been spared from the chopping block — for now. The state House Higher Education Committee on Thursday tabled House Bill 555, which proposed shutting down small undergraduate programs that persistently award fewer than 10 degrees a year. Star-Advertiser.

A Honolulu police officer accused of assaulting his ex-girlfriend used his position of authority to intimidate her into keeping silent about his ongoing abuse, the victim told the Hono­lulu Star-Advertiser on Thursday.

Hawaii

A divided County Council voted Wednesday evening not to endorse a non-binding resolution asking the county’s attorneys to file a lawsuit against Puna Geothermal Venture to prevent it from drilling a new well at night. Tribune-Herald.

Three Hawaii Police Department officers were fired last year and 14 suspended for misconduct ranging from improperly filing reports to not arresting a suspect, according to an annual report submitted recently to the state Legislature. West Hawaii Today.

Dozens of security officers at Kona International Airport will hold a vote today on whether to join a union. West Hawaii Today.

A leak in the June 27 lava flow’s tube system near Pu‘u ‘O‘o is helping to reduce activity at its farthest edge. Tribune-Herald.

The number of single-family homes on Hawaii's Big Island jumped 30 percent in January, when compared with the same month the year before, while the median price rose 9 percent, according to Hawaii Information Service on behalf of Hawaii Island Realtors. Pacific Business News.

Maui
Members of the SHAKA Movement (Sustainable Hawaiian Agriculture for the Keiki and the ‘Āina) are expressing outrage at a recent Maui County decision to take “no position” on defending the moratorium on GMO cultivation in Maui County. Maui Now.

John D. Kim was recommended for reappointment as Maui County's prosecuting attorney on Wednesday, following a five-hour meeting of the Maui County Council Policy and Intergovernmental Affairs committee conducted mostly behind closed doors. Maui News.

South Maui residents will get to keep their recycling bins while the county deliberates whether or not it should cease, continue or expand its pilot "3 Can Plan." Maui News.

A California engineer and developer, who has sought to build hydropower facilities on Maui in the past, is trying again with a unique seawater project on the south side of the island. Maui News.

Kauai

Developers seeking to rebuild the historic Coco Palms Resort will have to do a little extra legwork before any ground is broken. Kauai County Historic Preservation Review Commissioners on Thursday gave their unanimous stamp of approval to current plans by Coco Palms Hui LLC to redevelop, restore and repair the Wailua hotel, which has been shuttered since Hurricane Iniki buffeted the island in 1992. Garden Island.

Mayor Bernard Carvalho, Jr. recently returned from a trip to Washington D.C., where he attended the 83rd winter meeting of the U.S. Conference of Mayors. While there, the mayor met with Hawaii’s congressional delegation and other key contacts, and attended the State of the Union event. Garden Island.

The median price of a condominium on Kauai rose 39 percent in January on fewer sales, while sales of single-family homes increased by 65 percent, according to the Hawaii Information Service on behalf of the Kauai Board of Realtors. Pacific Business News.