Medical marijuana dispensaries, super PACs, budget on Legislature's plate, no free trips for teachers, state investigating Lhaina boatyard, Ige mum on tax increase, Hawaii County mayor under investigation, NASA flying saucer to test parachute off Kauai, sandbar booze ban could be permanent, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Interior of Hawaii state Capitol © 2015 All Hawaii News

The Hawaii Legislature is heading into its final month and lawmakers are making deals in hopes of keeping their most important bills alive. The committees that handle the money have thick agendas this week as they plow through every proposal that results in spending or revenue. Associated Press.

The state Senate Committee on Public Safety, Intergovernmental and Military Affairs (PSM) amended a House bill aimed at mitigating hazardous situations by inserting word-for-word language from a separate measure which sought to ease restrictions on news media covering events, such as the June 27 lava flow. And it did it to a bill sponsored by none other than the very House representative who refused to give the media access measure a hearing. Tribune-Herald.

New financial disclosure database puts latest government officials' disclosures on one easy-to-read website. Civil Beat.

Deadline Looms for Ige to Pick New DLNR Chair. With the Carleton Ching appointment behind him, the governor has until Monday to nominate someone else if the Senate is to confirm him or her this session. Civil Beat.

Teachers who organize educational trips for students should not travel free as chaperones, courtesy of the tour company, according to new advice from state Ethics Commission attorneys. The directive flies in the face of longstanding practice in Hawaii's public schools and quickly ran into resistance. Star-Advertiser.

Ten years ago frustrated Hawaii residents waved signs, held town hall meetings and raised a chorus to demand a war on "ice" — crystal methamphetamine. Today, while the problem doesn't make the headlines it used to, officials say crystal meth, or ice, continues to torment Hawaii. Star-Advertiser.

The Hawaii Public Utilities Commission is shaking up the way Hawaiian Electric Co. makes money by limiting costs that are simply passed through to customers without appropriate regulatory scrutiny, according to public documents filed this week. Pacific Business News.

A local businessman with University of Hawaii athletics fundraising ties was arrested for theft and money laundering. Patrick Oki, age 45, was picked up by authorities just before 11 a.m. Sunday at the Honolulu International Airport. He’s the managing partner of PKF Pacific Hawaii, a company that provides auditing, accounting, and advising services. KHON2.

Police arrested the managing partner of local accounting firm PKF Pacific Hawaii on Sunday on suspicion of first-degree theft and money laundering. Star-Advertiser.

In our series this week “Trashing Paradise” we’ve been looking at a number of issues involving waste in Hawaii, and many of them differ from island to island. Hawaii Public Radio.

Oahu

Hawaii Gov. David Ige isn’t saying whether he will approve or veto any extension of a General Excise Tax surcharge that is being earmarked for Honolulu’s $6 billion rail project. But he does acknowledge that he’s worried an estimated $910 million shortfall in construction costs will continue to balloon. And he’s not sure taxpayers should be penalized for potential mismanagement. Civil Beat.

The Senate Ways and Means Committee is scheduled Monday to discuss a proposed draft of a bill that would instruct the state Department of Land and Natural Resources to engage in buying Alii Place, a 25-story building Ewa of the state Capitol on the edge of downtown Honolulu. The price could be close to $90 million. And that doesn't include the land under the building. Star-Advertiser.

The state is currently paying more than $10 million to rent private office space in downtown Honolulu. Some lawmakers believe money can be saved by buying a downtown high-rise office building. Hawaii News Now.

The electronic door locking systems for the state's largest prison have begun to fail after 28 years of use, and prison officials plan to replace them next year with a new high-tech, $9.9 million security system. The state plans to move about 250 inmates from Halawa Correctional Facility to a prison on the mainland early next year to clear out portions of Halawa so work can start on the replacement of the obsolete Hawaii locking system. Star-Advertiser.

For the last three years the state has banned drinking alcohol on certain weekends at Ahu O Laka, or the Kaneohe Sandbar. Now the time has come for the Department of Land and Natural Resources to decide whether to make that rule permanent. Hawaii News Now.

Developers of the 11,750-home Hoopili project in West Oahu say they are OK with being required to offer more homes at lower prices as sought by Hono­lulu City Council members. Star-Advertiser.

According to HPD records, Sergeant Anson Kimura was arrested and released Sunday on suspicion of second degree assault. The incident happened Friday morning when it is said Kimura shot a 40-year old woman in the torso at King's Sports Bar. KITV4.

A Honolulu deputy prosecutor and former state legislator has been arrested on suspicion of operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Associated Press.

Hawaii

A state attorney general investigation and an ethics complaint are following this week’s revelations that Mayor Billy Kenoi regularly used a county-issued credit card for personal purchases ranging from a $1,200 surfboard to visits to Honolulu hostess bars.West Hawaii Today

Hawaii County finance officials had warned Mayor Billy Kenoi several times that his personal purchases on a county credit card were improper, but the spending practice did not stop until December 2013 when he charged $892 at a Honolulu hostess bar, the finance director says. Star-Advertiser.

A new sound study shows that the proposed Kona Motorsport Park won’t be a noise nuisance to its neighbors. The park, which has been in discussions for two decades now, won’t become reality until a number of hurdles are cleared. But Paul Maddox, president of the Hawaii Racing Association, said the study should help convince detractors who worry their peace of mind will be ruined by engine noise. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaii County Councilman Greggor Ilagan has drafted legislation that he says will bring clarity to a county ordinance dealing with neighborhood watch signs. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

The state has started an investigation into a Lahaina boatyard’s practice of collecting storage fees from boaters near the Mala boat ramp. The Department of Land and Natural Resources is investigating whether the owner of the Mala Boat Yard is allowed to collect rent from boaters under his revocable month-to-month lease with the state. Associated Press.

A Lahaina business is under investigation for collecting storage fees from boaters on land leased from the state near the Mala boat ramp for more than three decades. Maui News.

Haleakala National Park is celebrating the kick-off of a national public awareness and education campaign celebrating the centennial anniversary of the National Park Service. Haleakala joins parks, programs and partners across the country to launch the FindYourPark.com website, marking the milestone Park Service anniversary in 2016. MauiTime.

Schools weigh attendance against risk of spreading lice. Maui News.

Kauai

A NASA flying saucer will be sent aloft by balloon from Kauai in June in a second test of braking technology intended for use in landings on Mars. Star-Advertiser.

A recent initiative completed by the Kauai Civil Defense Agency is a signage project that directs people along evacuation routes and guides them safely out of evacuation zones. Along island roads, 128 tsunami advisory signs were placed. Garden Island.

A Kauai man is among Gov. David Ige’s nominations to the University of Hawaii Board of Regents. The appointments are subject to confirmation by the Senate. David Iha, Kauai County, will serve upon confirmation through June 30, 2017. Garden Island.

Mauna Kea telescope protesters arrested, Google mulls statewide wireless plan, $5M released to study jail move on Oahu, school trips could violate ethics laws, Maui loses $12M interest for failing to pay state, Kenoi may face charges for pCard use, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Telescope roadblock demonstrators on Mauna Kea, courtesy Occupy Hilo Media

Shouts of “ku kiai mauna” — the guardians of the mountain — reverberated off ancient cinder cones and dome-shaped telescopes Thursday at Mauna Kea’s summit as police led 12 arrested protesters away from the Thirty Meter Telescope construction site. They were among about 30 arrested on the mountain by Hawaii County Police and state Department of Land and Natural Resources officers as opponents of the $1.4 billion project staged another dramatic protest on a mountain they say is sacred ground. Tribune-Herald.

Demonstrators vowed to continue their protest on Mauna Kea even though 31 people were arrested and charged Thursday with trespassing and blocking work vehicles from reaching the construction site of the planned $1.4 billion Thirty Meter Telescope. Star-Advertiser.

Arrests were made yesterday on Mauna Kea Access Road. Protesters who oppose the construction of the Thirty Meter Telescope have been on the mountain for the past week, blocking access to construction crews. Hawaii Public Radio.

Big Island police arrested twelve protestors Thursday. They were accused of blocking construction vehicles access to the summit of Mauna Kea. The crews were trying to get to the site to work on what will be the world's biggest telescope. Hawaii News Now.

Scientists hoping to see 13 billion light years away, giving them a look into the early years of the universe, are facing opposition from Native Hawaiian groups who say the construction site of a new telescope is on sacred land. Associated Press.

Four individuals were arrested today by DLNR enforcement officers on the Mauna Kea summit while protesting the construction of the Thirty-Meter Telescope. Hawaii Independent.

Google may launch a new wireless phone service in Hawaii that seamlessly blends Wi-Fi and cellular networks together as part of a major plan aimed at shaking up the U.S. mobile phone industry, according to public documents. Pacific Business News.

Trips by hundreds and perhaps thousands of Hawaii public school students could be in jeopardy after the state Ethics Commission said teachers are breaking the ethics law by accepting free trips from travel companies. Hawaii News Now.

Parents seeking an "opt-out" for their children from standardized testing now underway in Hawaii public schools are being told that the state cannot grant the requests, according to new guidelines issued to schools. Star-Advertiser.

Supporters of Uber, a ride-hailing service that allows customers to use smartphones to contact independent drivers, rallied Thursday against the state Legislature's first attempt to regulate the new industry. Star-Advertiser.

A state House bill that would have set up a system for designating certain agricultural products as specifically Hawaii grown has been deferred following opposition from several Kona coffee farmers. The state Committee on Commerce and Consumer Protection deferred House Bill 1051 Wednesday. West Hawaii Today.

The Hawaii Public Utilities Commission has set a timetable for the 29 intervenors and the Hawaii Consumer Advocate to follow in the major case involving NextEra Energy’s $4.3 billion acquisition of Hawaiian Electric Co., according to a public filing. Pacific Business News.

A new state report estimates that Hawaii needs nearly 66,000 new homes to meet demand over the next 10 years. Civil Beat.

A securities law compliance expert from a Honolulu investment advisory firm has been named Hawaii's securities commissioner. State Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs Director Catherine Awakuni named Ty Nohara to the post. The department said Thursday the appointment is effective April 16. Associated Press.

Oahu

Gov. David Ige has agreed to release $5 million for planning and to solicit proposals to relocate the Oahu Community Correctional Center, an idea that has been promoted by Kalihi residents and their elected officials for years. Star-Advertiser.

Dan Grabauskas, who serves as executive director of the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation, on Thursday asked the agency's board to forgo any consideration of the $35,000 annual performance bonus that he's eligible for under contract. Star-Advertiser.

State officials do not know how many state workers were allowed to leave early Wednesday to avoid a repeat of Tuesday's horrific H-1 freeway traffic jam, but likely hundreds of both state and city employees got paid to go home. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii

Hawaii County Prosecutor Mitch Roth is evaluating whether there are grounds for criminal charges against Mayor Billy Kenoi stemming from allegations of unauthorized use of his county credit card, state Attorney General Doug­las Chin said Thursday. Chin said he and Roth have been in talks regarding the matter. Star-Advertiser.

More troubles are emerging for Big Island Mayor Billy Kenoi. The Hawaii County prosecutor’s office has launched a criminal investigation into Kenoi’s misuse of a government-issued credit card. KHON2.

Already in political hot water for his $900 night at the Club Evergreen, Hawaii News Now has learned that Big Island Mayor Billy Kenoi also took the county credit card to the Camelot Restaurant & Lounge on Sheridan Street, dropping $400 at the hostess bar. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii County will need 19,610 new housing units over the next 10 years, as it leads the state in the rate of household growth over the decade. West Hawaii Today.

Keauhou residents miffed about lack of cell service following tower removal. West Hawaii Today.


Maui

Maui County lost out on more than $21 million in interest earnings when the county Finance Department failed to send payments from fiscal years 2010 to 2014 to the state agency that provides health and life insurance benefits to county employees, according to an independent audit of the department's Treasury Division released Thursday. Maui News.

Maui Mayor Alan Arakawa said he is considering turning Maui Electric Co. into a publicly owned utility. Star-Advertiser.

Maui Tomorrow Foundation is losing its executive director, Irene Bowie, who successfully assisted challenging the legality of the Hawaii Superferry operations, helped advocate returning more water to Central Maui streams and pushed for more environmental awareness overall. Maui News.

This year’s annual Hawaii STEM Conference takes place April 17-18 at the Wailea Marriott Resort. The event is sponsored by Maui Economic Development Board’s Women in Technology project in partnership with the County of Maui. MauiTime

Two of Maui’s beaches were featured in TripAdvisor’s 2015 Travelers’ Choice Awards for the best beaches in the US. Maui Now.

Kauai
Following the success of last year’s Hawaii on the Hill, plans are underway for another campaign June 9-10 in Washington, D.C. Sen. Mazie Hirono, who spearheaded last year’s event attended by more than 1,000 people, spent part of her Kauai itinerary Thursday visiting with local businesses that participated and made the gathering a hit. Garden Island.

The Navy has underestimated the threat maritime exercises and the use sonar poses on marine life around Hawaii and California, a federal judge ruled Tuesday. Garden Island.

Senate trims Ige budget, police ticket cellphone users in traffic jam, clean energy initiative ends, teachers allowed to campaign at school, Mauna Kea telescope protests continue, Kenoi releases credit card records, Maui council to cut budget, treasures return to Kauai museum, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii state Capitol © 2015 All Hawaii News

A Hawaii Senate panel has passed a version of the state budget that restored some funding that the House had stripped out, but the panel left several departments wanting more money. Associated Press.

The state Senate unveiled a new two-year budget Wednesday that would slightly cut back on Gov. David Ige's proposals, but would still increase state spending to record levels next year. The Senate budget draft would shave about half of 1 percent from the $13 billion budget proposed by Ige for the year that begins July 1, and would trim a bit more than half of 1 percent from Ige's proposal for the following year. Star-Advertiser.

The Hawaii Senate Ways and Means Committee on Wednesday restored $212 million in general funds that the House had cut last month from Gov. David Ige’s proposed $13.28 billion state spending plan for the next two years. Civil Beat.

Gov. David Ige has made six appointments to the University of Hawaii Board of Regents, including a former community college provost, accountant and attorney, and hospital executive. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Senate to Post Résumés of Nominees on Website. President Kim decides it's important to provide "important information to the public" about gubernatorial appointments to boards and commissions. Civil Beat.

The Hawaii state Senate has formed a special committee after questions were raised about whether Sen. Brickwood Galuteria lives in his district. Hawaii News Now.

Teachers running for union offices in an internal election now underway will be allowed to distribute their campaign materials in school mailboxes, according to the terms of a temporary restraining order issued last week by the Hawaii Labor Relations Board. Civil Beat.

The Hawaii Department of Agriculture said Wednesday that it has posted on its website some data showing what restricted-use pesticides were sold in the state last year. The data only specifies what kinds of pesticides were purchased and in what amounts, and doesn’t state who bought them. Civil Beat.

The Hawaii Clean Energy Initiative — a series of agreements created in 2008 under the leadership of then-Gov. Linda Lingle that are critical to shaping the state’s energy future, including achieving 70 percent renewable energy by 2030 — has officially ended, according to public documents. Pacific Business News.

One of the top clean-energy nonprofits in Hawaii sharply criticized the state Public Utilities Commission on Wednesday over its much anticipated order on decoupling, which separates Hawaiian Electric’s revenues from its sales. Blue Planet Foundation, headed by Jeff Mikulina, said the commission failed to adopt proposals to tie the utility’s revenues to clean energy performance. Civil Beat.

A federal judge ruled on March 31 that the National Marine Fisheries Service acted illegally in approving testing and training activities by the US Navy in the Pacific Ocean that threatens widespread harm to whales, dolphins, sea turtles and other marine mammals. Maui Now.

Oahu

Members of the Honolulu City Council had more harsh words Wednesday about the direction of the island's rail project — but then the group signaled its support of a rail tax extension with key votes. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu City Council members voted yes on two rail-related measures during a special meeting Wednesday, indicating their support for extending an island-wide tax hike to pay for estimated cost overruns on the $6 billion project. Civil Beat.

Lawmakers on both sides of Punchbowl Street are weighing a handful of nonbinding resolutions that would call for piecemeal reforms to the Honolulu rail project. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu police issued 65 tickets to motorists for illegally using cellphones and other electronic devices Tuesday during the height of the traffic standstill touched off by ZipMobile troubles. Star-Advertiser.

Officials from the Honolulu Police Department explained in a press conference on Wednesday that there was a preplanned electronic device enforcement event in Pearl City on Waimano Home Road on the same day that a broken ZipMobile caused traffic gridlock on the H-1 Freeway. KITV4.

At least one state lawmaker has written a letter to Honolulu City Prosecutor Keith Kaneshiro, asking him to dismiss any traffic citations that were issued for cell phone or shoulder lane use during Tuesday's traffic nightmare. Hawaii News Now.

Tuesday's carmageddon cost residents an estimated $1 million in lost time and gas, rendered cabdrivers and delivery trucks motionless, caused travelers to miss flights, and had caregivers working overtime when family members couldn't arrive to take their keiki or kupuna home. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii

A $1,219.69 surfboard at a Honolulu store, $1,909.47 worth of equipment at a Kailua-Kona bike shop and $78.27 in sportswear from a Honolulu Quiksilver shop were among personal purchases Mayor Billy Kenoi made on his county charge card since being elected in 2008. Kenoi also paid a $700 tab at a karaoke bar across the street from his Hilo office, and his $566 state bar association dues, and he bought an $89.86 garment bag at a Kailua-Kona big box store, among many other personal purchases. West Hawaii Today.

Hawaii County Mayor Billy Kenoi revealed Wednesday he has reimbursed the county for a total of $26,000 in charges and interest on a county credit card — roughly half of which went for personal purchases. Star-Advertiser.

What was supposed to be a night out with friends at a local hostess bar has turned into a political crisis for one of the Democratic Party's rising stars. Hawaii News Now.

Big Island Mayor, Billy Kenoi spent nearly 900 dollars at Club Evergreen, a hostess bar in Honolulu. Kenoi says he paid the money back,but those weren’t the only unauthorized purchases on what is called his county pCard. KHON2.

With the exception of two members, the Hawaii County Council is choosing to remain tight-lipped concerning Mayor Billy Kenoi’s personal use of a county-issued credit card. Tribune-Herald.

Protesters of the Thirty Meter Telescope, who call themselves protectors of Mauna Kea, say they will continue to take a stand against the $1.4 billion project even if it means facing arrest. Tribune-Herald.

Protesters continued their vigil against the planned $1.4 billion Thirty Meter Telescope without incident Wednesday as no work crews attempted to travel up to the construction site at the summit of Mauna Kea for the second day in a row. Star-Advertiser.

Opinion: The long-standing overtly contentious face off between Native Hawaiians and the University of Hawaii’s aggressive advocacy of maximizing Mauna Kea as a premier site for astronomical observatories is heading into its most serious period of conflict. Civil Beat.

Funding for the Kona Judiciary Complex passed intact through key Senate committees on Wednesday. The $55 million needed to round out the $90 million price tag for the complex was approved by the Ways and Means and Judiciary committees. West Hawaii Today.

Two critically endangered Hawaiian monk seals were recently returned to Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument after being rehabilitated at The Marine Mammal Center’s Ke Kai Ola Hawaiian Monk Seal Hospital in Kailua-Kona.West Hawaii Today.

Maui

"We are in cutting mode," said Maui County Council Budget and Finance Committee Chairman Riki Hokama on Tuesday as council members began their review of Mayor Alan Arakawa's proposed nearly $700 million budget for fiscal 2016. Maui News.

More than 100 supporters of the Sustainable Hawaiian Agriculture for the Keiki and the Aina Movement or SHAKA join hands in front of the Kalana O Maui Building on Tuesday morning at the close of a rally demanding implementation of last year's voter-approved moratorium on genetically modified organisms. Maui News.

The Maui Police Department will soon equip at least some of its officers with body cameras, the department announced on Mar. 20. MauiTime.

With former mayoral candidate Nelson Waikiki Jr. saying Wednesday that he wants to represent himself in his criminal case, his sentencing was delayed until May 1 on securities fraud charges. Maui News.

Kauai
The Kauai Museum on Wednesday opened two of four large crates of artifacts received from the Smithsonian Institution of National Museum of American History.  The antiquities, which went down with a ship almost 190 years ago, have a storied history. Garden Island.

The public is invited to attend a meeting on the role that electric vehicles play in Kauai’s clean energy future. Among the topics that will be covered are the benefits of EV usage; access to charging stations; and EV trends in Hawaii and beyond. Garden Island.

Molokai

A resolution urging the mayor to seek a half-million-dollar appropriation for the Molokaʻi Ferry is scheduled to surface on the council agenda next Tuesday, April 7, 2015. Maui Now.

Navy war games violated federal law, flood insurance rates rising, Honolulu traffic jam underscores poor road planning, fired judge fires back, telescope protests continue, psychologists want to prescribe drugs, Kauai library celebrates 60th, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

RIMPAC 2014 in Hawaii file photo, courtesy U.S. Navy

A federal judge in Honolulu says the National Marine Fisheries Service violated federal law in issuing a permit to the U.S. Navy to conduct sonar testing, underwater detonations and other activities over millions of square miles of ocean between Hawaii and the West Coast. U.S. District Court Judge Susan Oki Mollway sided with the Conservation Council for Hawaii, the Natural Resources Defense Council and a number of other environmental organizations in issuing her ruling Tuesday afternoon. Civil Beat.

A federal judge on Tuesday said the National Marine Fisheries Service violated environmental laws when it approved the Navy’s plans for training in waters off Hawaii and Southern California. The agency failed to support its finding that the training would have a “negligible impact” on marine life, U.S. District Court Judge Susan Oki Mollway wrote in her ruling. Associated Press.

Thousands of Hawaii property owners are about to be hit with a flood of higher premiums. About 20,000 people who carry flood insurance will see their annual policies increase an average 19.8 percent beginning today under changes to the National Flood Insurance Program. Star-Advertiser.

Civil Beat Database: Checking Up on Top State Officials Just Got a Lot Easier. Financial disclosures for top Hawaii officials are now available on a new searchable site to help the public identify potential conflicts of interest. Civil Beat.

About a dozen mental health advocates gathered Tuesday outside the fourth-floor office of Senate Health Chairman Josh Green at the state Capitol to demand that Green hold a hearing on a measure they believe would significantly improve mental health treatment in Hawaii, particularly in rural communities. Star-Advertiser.

Supporters of a bill to allow psychologists to prescribe medications in Hawaii gathered Tuesday at the state Capitol to plead with lawmakers to hear the measure. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaiian Electric Co. and Florida-based NextEra Energy Inc., which is buying the Honolulu-based utility for $4.3 billion, are urging the Hawaii Public Utilities Commission to not extend the deadline for the acquisition case, according to public documents. Pacific Business News.

A total of 420,409 firearms were registered in Hawaii from 2000 to 2014. And that’s on top of the 1 million firearms that were already in the state, according to an estimate by the Hawaii Attorney General’s office and the Honolulu Police Department in the late 1990s. That means there could be more guns in Hawaii than residents, according to data from the Attorney General’s office. Civil Beat.

From plastic bottles on the beach to trash along trailsides, illegal dumping can be seen around Hawaii. Hawaii Public Radio.

When plastic is washed or dumped into the ocean, it doesn’t completely break down…instead it adds to a dangerous plastic soup. Hawaii Public Radio.

Opinion: When it finally came down to it, the Chess Club, a faction of senators loyal to Gov. David Ige, decided not to support Carleton Ching, the governor’s choice to head the Department of Land and Natural Resources. Those senators don’t deserve sympathy for having to make an agonizing choice. That’s their job. What they deserve is criticism for doing that job so badly. Civil Beat.

Oahu
State Department of Transportation officials hope that Wednesday morning's commute will go smoothly — with the H-1 ZipperLane still open for town-bound traffic — but there's no guarantee that pau hana drivers won't see a repeat of Tuesday's carmageddon that caused widespread gridlock. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu ranks No. 3 in the country when it comes to traffic congestion. That’s according to the annual TomTom Traffic Index, which was released Tuesday. Civil Beat.

Honolulu was recently ranked the third worst city for traffic congestion in the nation but Tuesday evening’s traffic jam brought frustrations to new heights. As drivers heading westbound remained stuck for hours due to a broken ZipMobile, some took to Twitter to vent about #Zipnado aka #Carmageddon. Civil Beat.

Officials say both of the state's ZipMobiles are likely to remain broken until at least Wednesday afternoon as the transportation department await the arrival of replacement parts and a repair technician from the U.S. mainland. Hawaii News Now.

A state judge who was rejected by the Judicial Selection Commission has fired back, saying the commission's proceedings were unfair. In a March 21 letter obtained by Hawaii News Now, Circuit Judge Randal Lee alleged that commission members did not review his full record but relied heavily on a last-minute complaint by a city deputy prosecutor, whom he had removed from a case for misconduct.

Honouliuli Internment Camp closed 69 years ago, but shame, sorrow and regret still haunt the gulch called Jigoku-Dani, or Hell Valley, by the Japa­nese-Americans who were held there during World War II. The Kunia site, kept out of sight during the war and out of the American consciousness for decades after that, was dedicated in an emotional ceremony Tuesday as Hono­uli­uli National Monument. Star-Advertiser.

Two Honolulu City Council members want D.R. Horton to include cheaper housing in its planned 11,750-home development between Ewa and Kapolei. The Council’s Zoning and Planning Committee is planning to take up two amendments on Thursday when it considers Bill 3, a measure to rezone nearly 1,300 acres of prime farmland to make way for a new mixed-use community. Civil Beat.

A state judge has refused to order the forfeiture of 77 arcade sweepstakes machines Hono­lulu police seized in 2012 because the city prosecutor took too long to file the request. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii

Implementing a “pay as you throw” garbage plan, allowing more East Hawaii garbage to be sent to the West Hawaii landfill and banning recyclables and compostables from both landfills are among Kohala Councilwoman Margaret Wille’s plans to bring the county closer to the goal of zero waste. West Hawaii Today.

Preventing the spread of little fire ants and other invasive species could add as much as $600,000 a year to county mulching operations. The council Finance Committee on Tuesday unanimously advanced county administration’s request to solicit contracts for up to $2.4 million annually for operations turning green waste into mulch at the county landfills in East and West Hawaii. West Hawaii Today.

Construction crews made no attempt Tuesday to reach the Thirty Meter Telescope site on Mauna Kea following a human blockade the day before as officials try to find a resolution to the standoff. Tribune-Herald.

Protesters who this week interrupted work on what's expected to be the world's largest telescope were put on notice Tuesday that they face arrest if they continue to block crews from reaching the Mauna Kea summit construction site. Star-Advertiser.

A Hawaii County fire battalion chief and captain are under investigation for criticizing the leadership of Fire Chief Darren Rosario in a story on Hawaii News Now earlier this month.

Maui

The cabins at Waiʻānapanapa State Park will close for approximately a year beginning today as a $2.3 million cabin renovation and wastewater treatment project gets underway. Maui Now.

A project to double the size of the Department of Motor Vehicle and Licensing satellite office in Kihei - the county's fastest-growing satellite office - has gone out to bid. Maui News.

Kauai

The Kapaa Public Library is celebrating its 60th anniversary on Tuesday starting at 1 p.m. with cake, refreshments and entertainment by the Kapaa Senior Center Ukulele Band. Garden Island.

Protesters halt telescope construction, feds approve NextEra-Hawaiian Electric deal, fire captain investigated for talking to media, VA office falsified benefit claims, Caldwell blasted at rail meeting, Kauai backs off B&B law, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Mauna Kea TMT blockade, courtesy Occupy Hilo Media

Construction of the Thirty Meter Telescope ground to a halt Monday as more than 50 protesters formed a roadblock outside the Mauna Kea visitor center. Calling the $1.4 billion project a desecration of the mountain, the activists marched back and forth across the Mauna Kea Access Road, making sure to stay within the crosswalk. Tribune-Herald.

Protesters on Mauna Kea are not allowing construction workers to access the summit of Mauna Kea. Crews encountered dozens of protesters on Monday morning who were blocking access to the construction site of the Thirty Meter Telescope. Hawaii News Now.

In a statement, the Thirty Meter Telescope project manager responds to today’s blockade of the Mauna Kea Access Road, saying construction crews “patiently waited for law enforcement to allow our workers the access to which they are entitled." Big Island Video News.

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission approved the sale of Hawaiian Electric Industries Inc. to NextEra Energy Inc., a step experts said was expected. The two companies announced the approval Monday. Star-Advertiser.

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission has approved the planned acquisition of Hawaiian Electric Industries by Florida based-NextEra Energy, according to a joint press released issued by the two companies on Monday. Civil Beat.

Federal regulators have approved Florida-based NextEra Energy Inc.’s proposed $4.3 billion acquisition of Hawaiian Electric Co., one of the major approvals needed to finalize the sale, the two companies announced Monday. Pacific Business News.

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission signed off on the pending $4.3 billion sale of Hawaiian Electric Company to Florida-based NextEra Energy, sending the fight to the Hawaii Public Utilities Commission. Tribune-Herald.

A supervisor at the regional Veterans Administration office in Honolulu was manipulating data to make it look like the agency was processing veterans’ benefits claims faster than they actually were, according to a new report by the VA Office of Inspector General. The data manipulation happened last year when there was heightened scrutiny nationwide over how long veterans were waiting to see doctors. Associated Press.

A Honolulu Veterans Affairs supervisor improperly ordered staff to electronically tamper with 143 claims for benefits, allowing veterans to receive money for dependents who were not eligible, according to the VA's inspector general. Star-Advertiser.

This week, HPR is taking a closer look at ‘ōpala—issues surrounding garbage in Hawai‘i. We’re calling the series “Trashing Paradise”---and we begin with a look at some of the history of ‘ōpala in the islands…and some of the economic factors driving its future. Hawaii Public Radio.

Oahu

Mayor Kirk Caldwell, along with state lawmakers who soon will decide whether to approve a rail tax extension, faced a chorus of angst and frustration from residents Monday over the direction of Oahu's transit project. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell and his top transit official took their licks from a decidedly anti-rail crowd during a boisterous town hall meeting at Washington Middle School on Wednesday. Civil Beat.

A wealthy South Korean businessman who bought two Kahala beachfront properties was required to tear out an illegal seawall that was encroaching on the public beach. But the city has since given Lee Kun-hee, the billionaire chairman of South Korea’s Samsung Group, permission to erect a new wall just mauka of the state’s certified shoreline, which scientists say will exacerbate beach erosion. Civil Beat.

Video raises new concerns over animal care at quarantine station. Hawaii News Now.

In our continuing series, “Trashing Paradise,” we take a look at the only landfill on the island of O’ahu …home to 80 percent of the state’s population and vacation destination for more than 8 million visitors each year. Hawaii Public Radio.

Undersecretary of Defense for Policy Christine Wormuth visited Punchbowl cemetery Sunday as the Pentagon considers whether to exhume the bodies of nearly 400 crew members of the USS Okla­homa buried as "unknowns." Many families of the Dec. 7, 1941, casualties want their relatives identified, and the Defense Department now has the scientific capability to make a majority of those identifications. Star-Advertiser.

Residents in Kahuku could see 10 new wind turbines as early as the end of this year. But, before the plan is put in place, the Department of Land and Natural resources needs to check its environmental impact. KITV4.

The state lost a round in court on Monday over a land dispute in Waimanalo. KHON2.

The state Public Charter School Commission decided Monday to temporarily reinstate funding for the troubled Halau Lokahi Charter School, allowing 60 remaining students to finish the school year at the Hawaiian culture-focused campus. Star-Advertiser.

In Honolulu’s Chinatown each morning, adventurous visitors and local residents have a fascinating new option: a walking tour though one of the most successful entrepreneurial business districts ever launched in Hawaii — the red light district of World War II. Civil Beat.

Hawaii

A captain in the Hawaii County Fire Department is under investigation by the chief for criticizing the department in public. Fire Chief Darren Rosario sent a letter Wednesday to Capt. Sean Sommers, telling him he was being investigated on administrative charges that he violated the department’s rules when he criticized the department and fire chief in a March 19 interview on Hawaii News Now. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

The head of Hawaii's largest public employee union sharply criticized Sen. Roz Baker for "bullying" rank-and-file union members who testified earlier this month against a controversial bill to privatize three Maui County hospitals. The Hawaii Government Employees Association said Baker treated members rudely as they gave testimony March 19 before the Senate Committees on Health and Commerce and Consumer Protection opposing a bill to authorize a private entity to assume control of the state-owned Maui Memorial Medical Center, Kula Hospital and Lanai Community Hospital. Star-Advertiser.

In an effort to better connect residents with county services, the County of Maui is now offering a free mobile phone app that would allow people to alert officials to non-emergency problems and then monitor how officials correct those issues, according to a county news release sent out on Mar. 30. MauiTime.

A state contract to improve and expand the Maui Veterans Cemetery has been awarded to F&H Construction, which submitted a low bid of nearly $4.7 million. Maui News.

Kauai

The County of Kauai said visitor accommodation providers who were faced with having to close because they lacked proper permits can continue their operations. Mayor Bernard Carvalho Jr. and planning officials met Monday to review the situation. Garden Island.

At the end of a recent corporate board meeting of the Hawaii Health Systems Corporation, one thing was clear: Kauai is likely now in the strongest position of all the regions as it enters the 2016 fiscal year on July 1. Garden Island.

Kauai chickens boast pre-contact DNA, Maui garbage crisis nears, Hawaii House urges audit of public hospital system, undersea cable a NextEra plan, rail review back before council, Big Island mayor uses county credit card at hostess bar, B&B crackdown on Kauai, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Kauai feral chicken © 2015 All Hawaii News

Kauai chickens, pre-contact fowl have same DNA. Star-Advertiser.

A controversial measure that would have required monthly disclosure of pesticide use in Hawaii has died in the Legislature, essentially ensuring that the public won’t be able to find out details about what pesticides are being sprayed in the state and where. Civil Beat.

The House Health Committee is calling for a management and financial audit of the corporation that operates the state's network of private hospitals, citing concerns that the network that includes the Hilo and Maui Memorial medical centers is in a "financially perilous" situation. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii legislators will consider a bill that would ban sex trafficking and treat people who are forced into prostitution as victims instead of criminals. Associated Press.

State lawmakers have made an initial push to bring Brazilian jiu-jitsu into Hawaii’s schools. Tribune-Herald.

According to the Department of Accounting and General Services, there’s no policy that forbids Hawaii government employees from using personal email accounts – like Gmail or Yahoo! – for official government business. But if a private email account is used for work, those emails can become public records that may need to be saved or potentially released through public records requests. Civil Beat.

Hawaii’s chief academic officer is leaving the state Department of Education next month for a job in Washington, D.C. Ronn Nozoe, Hawaii DOE deputy superintendent since 2010, has been appointed to serve as deputy assistant secretary for policy and programs in the Office of Elementary and Secondary Education at the U.S. DOE, school officials announced Friday. Civil Beat.

Undersea cable project sparked NextEra Energy's interest in buying Hawaiian Electric Co. Pacific Business News.

Oahu

The Honolulu City Council has scheduled a special session for April Fools' Day to consider measures that would signal its support for extending the rail tax, if that's what's needed to complete the island's 20-mile public transit project. Star-Advertiser.

Officials at the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation like to tout transparency, but City Councilman Trevor Ozawa thinks they can do more. This week Ozawa introduced a resolution to encourage HART to televise its public meetings through Olelo Community Media or other public access channels. The meetings could also be streamed online. Civil Beat.

Hawaii

Despite strict rules against using county-issued credit cards for personal purposes, and a prohibition against purchasing alcohol with them, Mayor Billy Kenoi charged $892 on his county card at a Honolulu hostess bar one December day in 2013. Kenoi said Friday that he reimbursed the county for the expense on his purchasing card, or pCard, in March 2014. West Hawaii Today.

If a set of bills in the Legislature continue on their present course, Makalei will have an advanced life support ambulance and personnel to fill a critical gap in emergency services in that fast-growing North Kona area. West Hawaii Today.

The county has put Puna traffic cameras online at punatraffic.com, which monitors traffic monitoring service for the lower Puna to Keaau area, according to a statement. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

The threat of another Maui County trash crisis surfaced Friday when Department of Environmental Management officials renewed a request for $700,000 for the department's Solid Waste Division. Maui News.

Maui’s only acute care hospital is considering eliminating cardiology and a birthing unit to cope with a $28 million cut to the state hospital system’s budget for the Maui region. Associated Press.

Randall Brokaw knows the clock is ticking for a possibly century-old Chinese wall, with ties to the venerable Dr. Sun Yat-sen, before it is destroyed or crumbles away in old Wailuku town. Maui News.

While the state Department of Defense is attempting to achieve "shrine status" with its ambitious expansion and improvements to the Maui Veterans Cemetery in Makawao, the existing cemetery was showing signs of wear and tear last week. Maui News.

Maui residents want lower energy bills, greater regulation of electric utilities and transparency and open communication with the public, according to a recent study by the Maui Economic Development Board. Maui News.

Kauai

Kauai County has been telling owners of illegal short-term rentals to cease operations. The county sent notices to 320 people operating vacation rental, bed and breakfast and homestay businesses without proper permits. Associated Press.

For nearly 23 years, Alexis Boilini and Michael Levy have welcomed people from all over the world into their home. Garden Island.

$11M preparing for tech bids lost, state seeks broadband help, construction to grow 9.4%, Hawaiian Electric catching up on PV applications, Kauai space launch delayed, Chinese tourists drive visitor stats, more government and politics news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Computer e-waste recycling, courtesy Damon Tucker

After the state spent more than $11 million developing a request for proposals for new computer technology to make government more efficient, the Ige administration is now scrapping the solicitation but promises the money has not been wasted. Star-Advertiser.

A panel of experts at the Hawaii Venture Capital Association luncheon on Thursday discussed the state’s need for broadband, which actions are needed to make it a reality and ways that higher bandwidth can be used. Pacific Business News.

Construction spending is forecast to rise 9.4 percent this year to $7.6 billion, the University of Hawaii Economic Research Organization said. Star-Advertiser.

The construction industry isn’t growing as quickly as economists had expected. That’s according to a new report by the University of Hawai‘i Economic Research Organization. Despite a surge of activity on Oahu, the annual forecast says residential building permits actually fell last year. Hawaii Public Radio.

Visitor arrivals to Hawai‘i rose slightly last month, up a little more than 2% compared to a year earlier. Visitor spending fell by a little more than 4%. One group with higher numbers: the Chinese. Hawaii Public Radio.

A plan to allow tourists who are ripped off during their Hawaii vacations to testify against the suspects by way of videoconferencing was rejected by state lawmakers this week, and it appears the idea is dead for the year. Star-Advertiser.

The push to allow for medical marijuana dispensaries in Hawaii — some 15 years after state leaders permitted medical use of the drug — continues to advance through the Legislature, with key lawmakers in support saying they hope to give the state's nearly 13,000 medical pot patients access to such outlets by early 2016. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaiian Electric Industries CEO Connie Lau made it clear during her closing speech Thursday at the Maui Energy Conference that the company will continue to pursue liquefied natural gas as a “bridge fuel.” Civil Beat.

Hawaiian Electric Co. said Thursday it has approved all rooftop solar applications on Maui and Hawaii island waiting since at least October for the go-ahead. Star-Advertiser.

The Nominating Committee to the State Commission on Water Resource Management will meet Tuesday to review personnel applications and select nominees to fill one position on the State Commission on Water Resource Management. Hawaii Independent.

State taxpayers will pay $418,500 to settle three cases of wrongful terminations of public school employees. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu

Seeking public input, city aims to lock away prime Oahu farmland. More than 56,000 acres is eyed for inclusion on a map that puts limits on urban development. Star-Advertiser.

The state fears the little fire ant infestation in Waimanalo could get worse. That’s because a group of people have been going in and out of the area that’s infested with the ants. On Friday, the state attorney general’s office will file a temporary restraining order against the group, hoping a judge orders them off the property. KHON2.

City considers fencing Kapalama Canal to move out homeless. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii

While the June 27 lava flow is not dead, the downgrading of the threat from Kilauea volcano Wednesday could provide the Federal Emergency Management Agency with a closing date for the disaster. If that occurs, FEMA spokeswoman Kelly Hudson said the agency would continue to process requests for disaster relief funds but could limit reimbursement to expenses that occurred before March 25. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaii County Fire Department operations in West Hawaii are not being jeopardized by recent turmoil in the office that resulted in two battalion chiefs being put on paid leave, a top-ranking Fire Department official said this week. West Hawaii Today.

As the site preparation for the construction of the Thirty Meter Telescope gets underway, the opposition to the $1.3 billion observatory has taken to Mauna Kea. Big Island Video News.

Several dozen demonstrators assembled Thursday along Mauna Kea Access Road, where organizers say protesters plan to camp out indefinitely in hopes of halting work atop Mauna Kea on what is expected to be the world's largest telescope. Star-Advertiser.

As cars tear up and down residential streets and along roadways in Kona, those who live closest to the lead-footed driving are increasingly calling on the county to erect speed humps to rein drivers in. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

The state is threatening to seize several private boats in Lahaina over a lease dispute. Hawaii News Now.

Having Maui County glean 100 percent of its energy needs from renewable energy sources has long been a vision for Mayor Alan Arakawa, but achieving that goal will take time and technological advances, utility officials said Wednesday. Maui News.

Maui County plans to replace its streetlights with more efficient LED lighting, following other counties in Hawaii, including Honolulu and Kauai. Pacific Business News.

Maui County is Hawaii's healthiest county with its active residents and many opportunities for exercise, according to a study released Wednesday by a national health foundation and the University of Wisconsin Population Health Institute. Maui News.

Kauai

The University of Hawaii's first space launch has been delayed three times since 2013, with liftoff of the low-cost, small-satellite delivery system pushed back from January to the fall due to technology and timing issues, officials said. Star-Advertiser.

Traffic congestion. U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz wants to hit it head on, not only for Hawaii’s sake, but all other states that are faced with similar challenges. Garden Island.

Kauai District Engineer Ray McCormick of the Hawaii Department of Transportation will be the featured speaker at the Wailua-Kapaa Neighborhood Association’s meeting at 2 p.m. Saturday at the Kapaa Library. The talk is free and open to the public. Garden Island.

NOAA expands humpback whale sanctuary, marijuana dispensaries fast-tracked, lava threat downgraded, census shows islands' growth, rail audit bill advances, Matlin named UH AD, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Humpback whale breaches in Hawaii, courtesy NOAA

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration on Wednesday proposed to expand the focus of the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary to include all the marine species within its boundaries. Star-Advertiser.

It looks like 2015 tourism is off to a slow start, with arrivals and spending below targets. Although visitor arrivals came back in February, the Hawaii Tourism Authority reported Wednesday that total visitor spending continued trending down, dropping by 4.3 percent from a year ago to $1.2 billion. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii could have medical marijuana dispensaries much sooner than initially anticipated — perhaps as soon as next year. On Wednesday, the Senate Health and Public Safety committees passed House Bill 321, the bill that would create medical marijuana dispensaries and production centers in each Hawaii county. Civil Beat.

A legislative committee has approved a bill related to the state's health exchange. But it removed part of the proposal that would allow the exchange to issue $28 million in debt financing. Associated Press.

Some state lawmakers want the State Capitol to reduce the hours its open to the public to increase security since homeless people are entering the building early in the morning and late at night. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu

More people left Oahu between July 1, 2013, and July 1, 2014, than moved in, but births made up the difference and nudged the island's population closer to 1 million, according to data released Thursday by the Census Bureau. Star-Advertiser.

A House resolution that would call for a state audit of Oahu's cash-strapped rail project is gaining momentum. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii lawmakers, who are considering the extension of a tax hike to pay for Honolulu’s $6 billion rail project, want more assurances before they sign off. Civil Beat.

More than a year's worth of work to keep development off a big piece of Turtle Bay Resort on Oahu's North Shore avoided a serious setback Wednesday after receiving a life-sustaining vote at the state Legislature. Star-Advertiser.

The House Committee on Water and Land advanced a bill today to fund the state’s portion to purchase Turtle Bay Resort land for conservation. Hawaii Public Radio.

Twenty-two years after he beseeched the University of Hawaii athletic department for an opportunity to get his foot in the door, David A.K. Matlin was handed the keys to the place as its new director on Wednesday. Star-Advertiser.

Sophina Placencia, 32, was arrested Wednesday for five felony theft counts for improperly diverting more than $200,000 in state funds from the Waianae Community Outreach for use by herself, family members and friends, said Attorney General Doug Chin. KITV4.

Hawaiian Electric Co., which flipped the switch on smart meters for 5,200 customers on Oahu as part of a pilot program late last year, has had fewer than 1 percent of customers opt out, the head of the Honolulu-based utility said Wednesday. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii

When it comes to population increases in Hawaii County, more of us flew here than grew here, according to the latest data released Wednesday by the U.S. Census Bureau. Hawaii County’s population grew 4.9 percent, to 194,190 people, according to the data that tabulated births and deaths and estimated domestic and international migration between the 2010 census and June 30, 2014. West Hawaii Today.

With the threat level from Kilauea volcano downgraded Wednesday, Hawaii County will consider scaling back its lava flow updates and overflights that have been a nearly daily occurrence for the past six months, said Civil Defense chief Darryl Oliveira. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaiian Volcano Observatory geologists on Wednesday downgraded the alert level for Kilauea volcano from warning to watch for the first time since warning levels were reached in September. Star-Advertiser.

The Hawaiian Volcano Observatory is downgrading the alert level for Kilauea. The observatory said Wednesday the alert level goes from warning to watch. Associated Press.

The world’s largest defense contractor, Lockheed Martin, is teaming up with NELHA-based Kampachi Farms on a venture to make open-ocean aquaculture commercially viable. West Hawaii Today.

The state Commission on Water Resource Management is chiefly concerned with how much water is available and how those quantities should be managed. But West Hawaii residents are just as worried about threats to water quality, judging from a scoping meeting held by CWRM in Kailua-Kona on Tuesday evening. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Arrivals to the island of Maui rose 3.5% in February to 195,624, according to new information released by the Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority. Maui Now.


Kauai

A photovoltaic project at Hanalei Elementary School is set to resume after a change in contractors forced a work delay. Garden Island.

Teachers union fights ethics law, PUC and Honolulu rail members love to travel, Maui mayor seeks 16% budget hike, Kauai to hike vehicle fees, Hawaii to hike water rates, $60k parking spaces at Waikiki affordable apartments, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii State Teachers Association at 2014 NEA convention, courtesy photo

The Hawaii State Teachers Association launched two legal actions this week to block enforcement of a new policy prohibiting teachers who are candidates for union offices from distributing their individual campaign materials in school mailboxes. Civil Beat.

The Senate Judiciary Committee approved a bill on Tuesday that could make voting by mail the norm in Hawaii. The panel passed HB 124, which aims to boost Hawaii's low voter turnout and increase participation in elections. It would start with smaller counties and gradually build so all voters get ballots in the mail. Associated Press.

Despite a huge backlog of cases, members of the Public Utilities Commission combined spent more than 100 works days last year attending industry conferences on the Mainland and in Korea and Puerto Rico. Hawaii News Now.

Lawmakers Consider Funding Private Projects with State Revenue Bonds. Hawaiian Electric, renewable energy companies, a Catholic school and a racetrack owner are seeking more than $1 billion in special purpose revenue bonds. Civil Beat.

A state House committee signed off Tuesday on a series of resolutions related to the pending $4.3 billion sale of Hawaiian Electric Company to Florida-based NextEra Energy. Tribune-Herald.

Mistaken identity by eyewitnesses contributed to more than 70 percent of all wrongful convictions nationwide. Hawai’i lawmakers want to implement uniform procedures to improve the accuracy of these accounts. Hawaii Public Radio.

A resolution in the Hawaii state Legislature would task a state agency with creating an 18-person, volunteer working group to create a master plan to bring broadband to Hawaii’s resort areas. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii's court system has improved the way it serves people with limited English skills, the U.S. Department of Justice said. The department announced Tuesday it is closing its review of the Hawaii Judiciary's Language Access Program. The department intervened in 2012 and provided assistance after receiving complaints about language assistance services provided by Hawaii's state courts. Associated Press.

Research done by scientists at the University of Hawaii School of Ocean and Earth Science and Technology paints a grim picture for the state's coastlines. Results of their data find that by mid-century, at least 9 out of every 10 shorelines in the state will be in retreat. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii firefighters fight for workers compensation benefits due to cancer. KHON2.

Oahu

As state lawmakers continue to weigh a rail tax extension, the House Transportation Committee is considering whether to request a state audit of the project — but rail officials might not be able to provide all the details committee members want to see. Star-Advertiser.

Between July 2007 and November 2014 at least $479,000 was spent on travel-related expenses for about 90 people, paid for from the rail transit fund, according to city budget data. Civil Beat.

While the Commodore Waikiki apartment complex is offering up a lot of affordable housing units, the same can't be said about its parking stalls. They're going for a whopping $60,000 a piece. KITV4.

An aged state building on prime real estate just a block away from the State Capitol that's been vacant for 12 years is finally getting renovated. The Princess Victoria Kamamalu Building, at the corner of King and Richards streets, was built in 1957 and needed renovations in 2003 when 300 state employees moved out. Hawaii News Now.

The developer of a planned resort in Ewa Beach is advancing its plan to shift around and expand hotel sites at the growing Hoakalei Resort. Star-Advertiser.

A decision on the fate of the shuttered archery range at Kapiolani Park should be made in the coming months, city Parks Director Michele Nekota said Tuesday. Star-Advertiser.

It's legal. But some say it's not right. A homeowners group in Kailua wants to keep people off their private street at night. But beach-goers worry about losing yet another path to a public shoreline. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii

Water rates would rise 3 percent next year, followed by 4 percent the following year and then 5 percent annually for the next three years, under a proposal floated Tuesday by the county Water Board. West Hawaii Today.

A Senate bill seeking funding to control albizia trees on Hawaii Island has stalled after failing to cross over to the state House of Representatives. Proponents of the bill say they were surprised by the failure of the measure, in light of the devastation wrought by the invasive trees following Tropical Storm Iselle. Tribune-Herald.

Five tractor-trailers carrying heavy equipment slowly ascended Mauna Kea early Tuesday morning as construction of Hawaii’s Thirty Meter Telescope prepared to get underway. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Maui County residents could see hikes in their water and sewer bills, trash collection fees and in the county's fuel and vehicle weight tax under Mayor Alan Arakawa's nearly $700 million county budget for fiscal 2016, a whopping 16 percent increase. Maui News.

Kaiser Permanente Hawaii for the first time will be providing round-the-clock pediatric care at the state-owned Maui Memorial Medical Center. Star-Advertiser.

Kaiser Permanente today announced its plans to provide 24/7 inpatient pediatric care to patients at Maui Memorial Medical Center. Maui Now.

Kaiser Permanente Hawaii has concluded a new contract with Maui Memorial Medical Center to provide 24/7 inpatient pediatric care, according to an announcement Tuesday. Maui News.

Maui County is the healthiest county in Hawaii, followed by Honolulu and Kauai, according to a new report released Wednesday by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and the University of Wisconsin Population Health Institute. Pacific Business News.

Ocean Safety crews were assigned to patrol waters offshore of Kaʻa Point near Kahului Airport in Kahanā after sharks were seen feeding on a decomposing baby whale carcass. Maui Now.

Goodwill Industries of Hawaii has opened a new donation center on the mauka side of Kahului Shopping Center. MauiTime.

Kauai

To help offset the estimated $100 million needed to pay for road repairs and funding other initiatives such as The Kauai Bus, Mayor Bernard Carvalho Jr. and his administration are asking the Kauai County Council to approve gradual increases to the county’s motor vehicle weight tax. Garden Island.