Audit slams Research Corporation of the University of Hawaii, Honolulu Council overrides mayor's homeless bill veto, micro units coming to Kakaako, Hawaii County advance $99.8M bond issue, Molokai to upgrade hotels, NASA launch a go, Maui police busted, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Homeless in Honolulu © 2015 All Hawaii News

The Honolulu City Council overrode Mayor Kirk Caldwell's veto of an expansion of the ban on lying and sitting on sidewalks to new areas outside of Waikiki and Chinatown Wednesday. Wednesday's 6-to-3 vote in favor of overriding the veto means homeless camps in Kalihi and near Aala Park may be torn down. But Caldwell is worried the new law is unconstitutional and could cost the city pricey legal fees. Hawaii News Now.

On Wednesday, Honolulu Council members voted 6-3 to override Mayor Kirk Caldwell’s recent veto of Bill 6. The measure expands the city’s so-called “sit-lie” ordinance,” which bans sitting and lying down on certain public sidewalks. The Council override makes the measure law. Star-Advertiser.

State auditors sharply criticized the Research Corporation of the University of Hawaii for “complacency and weak planning” and failing to meet its broader mission to the state, in a report released Tuesday. RCUH, a public agency that operates independent of the university, was founded by the Legislature in the 1960s to help the university compete for research grants — in part by making the corporation exempt from a number of state procurement laws. Civil Beat.

The Hawaii National Guard is holding the largest disaster preparedness exercise in its history with more than 2,200 participants from multiple states responding to a simulated hurricane and other events across Oahu, Hawaii island, Maui and Kauai. Star-Advertiser.

How Island Appeal Adds to the Nation’s Highest Rents. When it comes to rents and real estate, the state's middle class can't compete with the endless pool of people who want to move here. Civil Beat.

Oahu

City Council members voted Wednesday to adopt a $2.3 billion operating budget that did not include funding for seven positions that Mayor Kirk Caldwell insists are crucial to providing housing for the homeless. Star-Advertiser.

The state’s first micro housing project in Kaka’ako with 300 square foot units received a green light today from the Hawai’i Community Development Authority. Hawaii Public Radio.

The Hawaii agency regulating development in the Honolulu neighborhood of Kakaako, has chosen New York’s Bronx Pro Group LLC to build a low-income rental project that will include smaller, efficient units such as micro-units. Pacific Business News.

The Hawaii Congressional delegation announced Wednesday that Honolulu International Airport will receive $16.5 million in grant funding from the U.S. Department of Transportation. KHON2.

Repairs to the damaged dock of the USS Arizona Memorial have been taking longer than expected, which will delay the reopening of the Pearl Harbor landmark at least a day, the Navy and National Park Service said. Associated Press.

Navy and National Park Service officials say repairs to the damaged dock of the USS Arizona Memorial are taking longer than expected, which will delay the reopening of the Pearl Harbor landmark at least a day. Associated Press.

Just 22 percent of newly created jobs in urban Honolulu pay the local living wage of $23,480. That means we are 142nd on the list — just nine slots from the bottom. Civil Beat.

Hawaii

There’s going to be a whole lot of construction going on. The county is poised to increase its bond debt 28 percent to complete a flurry of improvements to parks, roads, sewers and garbage facilities following a unanimous vote Wednesday by the County Council. West Hawaii Today.

A mile-long, 60-acre swath of invasive albizia trees threatening power lines in Piihonua has been eradicated just in time for the start of hurricane season. Tribune-Herald.

The Hawaii County Fire Department this week is wrapping up a five-week training in which ocean safety officers are learning to use rescue watercraft — commonly called Jet Skis — to save lives here. Fire officials plan to have the watercraft deployed on two beaches — Hapuna and Pohoiki — in time for this summer’s hurricane season and the peak water recreation time. West Hawaii Today.

Residents of a little town 4,390 miles away have collected $17,586.55 to help the residents of lower Puna who were threatened by the recent lava flow. The Hawaii County Council on Wednesday accepted the money that was wire-transferred to county coffers by Mayor Masamichi Miyawaki of Yurihama Town, Tottori Prefecture, Japan. West Hawaii Today.

An unusually wet May helped make up for a dry start to the year on some parts of Hawaii Island. Three areas along the windward slopes of the Big Island, including Piihonua, Hakalau and Honokaa, recorded their highest May rainfall totals since 2006, according to data provided by Kevin Kodama, senior hydrologist with the National Weather Service in Honolulu. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

A finding of no significant environmental impact has been issued for Lokahi Pacific's 16-unit Mokuhau affordable housing project. Maui News.

Two Maui Police personnel busted for DUI, flashing. MauiTime.

Maui police have initiated five cases connected to a Police Department employee who callers said was exposing himself in a vehicle in the Pukalani Terrace parking lot and in the Hannibal Tavares Community Center parking lot on Sunday. Star-Advertiser.

Albert Perez, one of the founders of Maui Tomorrow, has been selected as the organization's new executive director. Maui News.

The Maui Tomorrow Foundation has chosen Albert Perez to take over the environmental non-profit organization from Irene Bowie, who announced her retirement a couple months ago. MauiTime.

Kauai

Following two days of delays, NASA’s Low Density Supersonic Decelerator test flight has been cleared for launch Thursday at Kauai’s Pacific Missile Range Facility. Star-Advertiser.

The Kauai County Council finalized its $182.2 million budget on Wednesday without making any changes to the version that was previously approved in committee. The council also finished work on a controversial B&B permit bill, approved the long-debated Lihue Community Plan, and started work on a new proposal to help the county recoup some of the costs incurred from conducting search-and-rescue operations. Garden Island.

Molokai

Molokai Ranch is planning to redevelop and reopen two hotels it owns on the island, to help spur economic development on the Friendly Island, the mayor of Maui County, which includes Molokai. Pacific Business News.

Molokai’s historic Kapuaiwa Coconut Grove has stood for more than a century. However, recently residents have begun to notice the deteriorating health of the coconut trees. Scattered among the healthy palms are a number of dead trees, their tall trunks ending abruptly in leafless stubs. Not only are the lifeless trees an eyesore, but the cause of their death is an increasing concern within the community. Molokai Dispatch.
Lanai

The Maui County Council Planning Committee has made significant revisions to the Lanai Community Plan that members hope will assuage residents' concerns about development on the island owned by billionaire Larry Ellison. Maui News.

Huge rate hike sought for Hawaii Obamacare plan, cash-strapped Department of Education to cut programs, lawsuit filed against Kauai dairy, Sand Island homeless shelter draws council ire, ethics bill stalls in Hawaii County, resort cut from Lanai plan, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Puuhonoa o Honaunau National Historical Park © 2015 All Hawaii News

It’s still going to cost just five dollars to visit Puuhonoa o Honaunau National Historical Park. Bucking a trend of increased entrance fees at national parks, officials at the popular South Kona destination have decided to implement increases in the cost of only one of its passes — and not until 2017. West Hawaii Today.

The Legislature has approved less than half of the additional funds the Department of Education said it needs to run Hawaii's public school system next school year, but the department says it expects to only partially fill a resulting $38 million funding gap. Star-Advertiser.

Efforts to reduce chronic school absenteeism are shining new light on the prevalence of illnesses like asthma among students and the lack of trained medical professionals stationed in Hawaii schools. Hawaii currently lags behind most states when it comes to the availability of school nurses. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Medical Service Association is proposing an average 49.1 percent rate hike — the highest it has ever requested — for 20,935 members in Obamacare plans for 2016. Star-Advertiser.

The Hawaii Medical Service Association is proposing to increase its rates by an average of 49.1 percent for individual Affordable Care Act health plans in 2016. West Hawaii Today.

Lawmakers have agreed to remove a mandate requiring ethanol in gasoline, the only thing left to do is for the governor to sign it into law. KHON2.

Under a new budget plan approved by the Board of Regents Tuesday, the University of Hawaii at Manoa will allocate some funding to instructional units based on student enrollment for the first time. Pacific Business News.

Public school teachers who didn't pull an absentee ballot but wanted to vote in Tuesday's re-do HSTA election cast their votes in person. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu

The city of Honolulu's plan to build container-style shelter units at Sand Island for the chronically homeless is a "piecemeal" approach and will only shift the problem from one area of the island to another, the district's City Council member said. Star-Advertiser.

Mayor Caldwell announced a plan to build Hale Mauliola, temporary modular housing, and to provide services for houseless on Sand Island site. Hawaii Independent.

Despite Mayor Kirk Caldwell’s veto of one attempt, Honolulu City Council members appear dead set on expanding the city’s controversial “sit-lie” ban even though they acknowledge they’re increasing the chance of a legal challenge. On Wednesday, the council will take up a spate of new bills aimed at pushing the boundary of the existing laws banning people from sitting or lying on sidewalks and in pedestrian malls. Civil Beat.

Federal prosecutors have accused local businessman Albert Hee of being a tax cheat. They now say he's a corporate deadbeat. In a superseding indictment filed several months ago, a federal grand jury said that Hee's company owes the Honolulu Board of Water Supply $5 million. Hawaii News Now.

Paying for solar -- twice! It may not sound very book-smart, but that is what the state has done at one of its libraries. KITV4.

A proposal by Haseko to develop part of its Ewa Beach property continues to draw stiff opposition from several residents who insist that the site near Oneula Beach Park is not a good fit for the project. Star-Advertiser.

The Hawaii Farm Bureau is opening a new farmers market beginning this Sunday in Hale'iwa. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii

It’s back to the drawing board for an ethics reform measure that has already made untold appearances before the County Council over the past five years. The council Finance Committee on Tuesday postponed the measure, Bill 37, until June 30 after inconsistencies were discovered in its amended text. West Hawaii Today.

With a deadline for its input looming Saturday, the Hawaii County Council, the policy-making body for the county, has not yet had any discussion about one of the county’s main policy documents, the General Plan. West Hawaii Today.

The Hawaii County Council Committee on Governmental Relations and Economic Development took up a rare discussion on Hawaiian sovereignty in Hilo on Tuesday. Puna Councilman Danny Paleka introduced a resolution requesting the Hawaii state legislature designate July 31st as Lā Ho‘iho‘i Ea, recognizing the day independence was restored to the Kingdom of Hawai‘i in 1843 following a taking by the British Royal Navy. Big Island Video News.

WHR LLC, which bought the 383-room Naniloa hotel on Hilo’s Banyan Drive in December 2013, signed a franchise license agreement Monday with Hilton Worldwide, making it the first DoubleTree by Hilton establishment on the Big Island. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Maui County Council Member Bob Carroll has called a Hana community meeting at 5 p.m. today at the Hana Community Center to discuss the possibility of a skydiving business using Hana Airport as a drop zone. Maui News.

Kauai

Oregon-based environmental attorney Charlie Tebbutt on Monday filed a lawsuit alleging violations of the federal Clean Water Act on the part of those behind a proposed dairy in Mahaulepu Valley. The suit claims the backers of Hawaii Dairy Farms — a proposed $17.5 million, 576-acre operation — have and continue to violate federal water regulations by installing irrigation systems, wells and water troughs without a state stormwater construction permit. Garden Island.

For the second day in a row, NASA postponed a high-profile launch here Wednesday despite a forecast of calm breezes and sunny weather in the low 80s. Star-Advertiser.

Flights from Japan to Kauai could be a future reality, as the Department of Homeland Security’s U.S. Customs and Border Protection announced expansion of its international inspection program to an airport in Japan. Garden Island.

Lanai

Proposed revisions to the draft Lānaʻi Community Plan update are now available on the council’s web site, Planning Committee Chair Don Couch announced today. Maui Now.

The future of Lanai is under consideration. The Maui County Council has a revised long-term plan for the Pineapple Isle. Among the changes, plans to build a new resort on the eastern side of the island were scrapped due to lack of resources. KHON2.

Kahoolawe

In an effort to cope with receiving only a third of its requested funds from the state Legislature, the Kaho'olawe Island Reserve Commission expects to downsize its 18-member staff, with some taking pay cuts, others being reduced to part-time workers and two people losing their jobs. Maui News.

Thirty Meter Telescope to be the last on Mauna Kea, Hanabusa joins Honolulu rail board, windmills posed for Oahu coastal waters, Hawaiian Telcom to double Internet speeds, EPA, and Navy reach deal on Red Hill storage tanks, Kauai buses could be powered by landfill gas, mayor's entertainment spared in Big Island budget, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Telescopes on Mauna Kea, courtesy photo

University of Hawaii officials affirmed Monday that the controversial Thirty Meter Telescope project will be the last new observatory developed on Mauna Kea and pledged to decommission one-quarter of existing telescopes atop the Hawaii island mountain as requested by Gov. David Ige. Star-Advertiser.

Following Gov. David Ige’s lead, the University of Hawaii on Monday outlined its plan for improving stewardship of Mauna Kea that includes a commitment to reduce the number of observatories by the time the controversial Thirty Meter Telescope is complete. Tribune-Herald.

The University of Hawaii announced a plan Monday that will lead to the removal of several large telescopes on Mauna Kea. School officials will meet with the state Department of Land and Natural Resources this week to discuss the decommissioning process. Associated Press.

On Monday, June 1st, the University of Hawaii issued its promised written response to Governor David Ige’s requests concerning stewardship of Mauna Kea, which were announced at a news conference on May 26. The governor’s intervention comes as construction of the $1.4 billion Thirty Meter Telescope on Mauna Kea has been delayed due to strong opposition. Big Island Video News.

It’s been one week since Governor David Ige told the University to do a better job of managing land atop Mauna Kea. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaiian Telcom will double its fastest Internet speeds to 1 gigabit-per-second, starting next week, the Honolulu-based company said Tuesday. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii’s energy future could hinge on a June 10 vote by Hawaiian Electric Industries Inc. shareholders. During a special meeting last month, a majority of the company’s shareholders voted in favor of the $4.3 billion sale of Hawaiian Electric Co. to Florida-based NextEra Energy. However, the 75 percent super-majority required by Hawaii law was not secured. Tribune-Herald.

The Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary is seeking to fill seven alternate and one primary seat on its advisory council. The sanctuary is accepting applications for the following seats: commercial shipping (primary), commercial shipping (alternate), Hawaii County (alternate), Lanai Island (alternate), citizen-at-large (alternate), education (alternate), tourism (alternate), and whale watching (alternate). MauiTime.

Oahu

State and federal regulators will meet Wednesday to discuss a Danish company's plan to build 102 floating wind turbines off Oahu's shores and generate about 30 percent of the island's electric power needs. Star-Advertiser.

Former U.S. Rep. Colleen Hanabusa was appointed to the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation Board of Directors by Mayor Kirk Caldwell on Monday. Civil Beat.

Colleen Hanabusa is taking on a new challenge outside of the political arena: Honolulu's public rail transit project. Starting later this month, the former congresswoman from Waianae will replace Carrie Okinaga on the Hono­lulu Authority for Rapid Transportation board of directors, which oversees the cash-strapped rail project that's currently under construction. Star-Advertiser.

When Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell announced his preliminary affordable housing strategy last September, housing advocates praised it as aggressive, even revolutionary. Nine months later, little has changed. Civil Beat.

Mayor Kirk Caldwell is now looking at putting up modular or container-style transitional shelter units at Sand Island for between 75 and 100 of Honolulu's chronically homeless. Star-Advertiser.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Hawaii state Department of Health on Monday announced a tentative deal with the military to better prevent and detect leaks from 20 giant fuel storage tanks near Pearl Harbor. Associated Press.

The Navy has reached an agreement with federal and state regulatory agencies to improve technology aimed at better preventing and detecting fuel leaks at its Red Hill Bulk Storage Facility following last year's spill of an estimated 27,000 gallons of aviation fuel from one of its World War II-era tanks. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii

Teed-off golfers were able Monday to persuade the County Council not to dip into Hilo Municipal Golf Course accounts to beef up recycling programs during a long day of tweaking the county’s $438.8 million annual budget. West Hawaii Today.

Four tsunami warning sirens on Hawaii Island failed Monday’s test, according to Hawaii County Civil Defense. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Before serving as a hearings officer in the Haleakala Telescope contested case, attorney Lane Ishida had never done any legal work for the University of Hawaii. But two years after he issued an order giving the controversial, $300 million project the green light, the university awarded him with four contracts for legal work, budgeting $110,000 for the work. Three of those contracts were issued during a two-day period in October 2014. Hawaii News Now.

The economic downturn in 2007 sparked a series of delays for a proposed 103-unit condominium project in Kahului, but Alexander & Baldwin Properties executives said they're optimistic that the project will come to fruition now that the Maui County Council has relaxed workforce housing requirements. Maui News.

East Maui County Councilman Robert Carroll is hosting a community meeting tomorrow, June 2, at 5 p.m. at the Hāna Community Center cafeteria to address community concerns regarding the proposed operation of Skydive Hawaiʻi out of the Hāna Airport. Maui Now.

Kauai

A NASA flying saucer is set to take to the skies offshore of the Pacific Missile Range Facility as early as Wednesday, a test flight designed to land heavier payloads on Mars during future human and robotic missions. Garden Island.

The launch window for the low density supersonic decelerator officially begins Tuesday. Late Monday, Scientists decided ocean conditions were not right and would have made recovery operations unsafe.  They have postponed any testing until Wednesday, no earlier than 7:30 a.m. KHON2.

Methane gas generated by the decay of organic matter in the Kekaha landfill could one day be used to power Kauai County’s public bus fleet. The plan is part of a long-range strategy to reduce the island’s dependence on fossil fuels and move toward a more sustainable system. Garden Island.

If you’re looking for a home on Kauai — and have an extra $18 million handy — your search could be over. Garden Island.

Sea turtle nesting season begins, retailers urge veto of theft bill, good news for Hawaiian language immersion schools, Kenoi aides use pCards, rules unpopular in homeless shelters, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Young honu green sea turtle © 2015 All Hawaii News

Wildlife officials are asking the public to be mindful of Hawksbill and green sea turtles as they begin their 2015 nesting season along Maui beaches this month. Maui Now.

Some Hawaii retailers and industry advocacy groups are pushing back against a proposed law that nearly doubles the monetary value of goods that suspected thieves can steal before they are charged with a felony. Pacific Business News.

Yet more confirmation that housing is really, really expensive in Hawaii. The National Low Income Housing Coalition has released a report saying that folks in our state need to earn $31.61 per hour to afford a “modest” two-bedroom apartment. According to the report, that makes Hawaii more expensive than any other state, even second-place California and third-place District of Columbia. Civil Beat.

The state has agreed to fund nearly $880,000 worth of settlements on behalf of the Department of Education, including several wrongful termination cases, a lawsuit alleging mistreatment of a special education student, and compensation for 300 educational assistants stemming from a payroll dispute. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaiian language immersion schools received good news from lawmakers last week, as five U.S. senators introduced a measure to preserve endangered Native American languages such as olelo Hawaii. Garden Island.

Oahu

Want to Fill Up Your Homeless Shelter? Ditch Some of the Rules. Next Step shelter's lenient approach leads to a higher occupancy rate than other Oahu facilities. But some question whether that's best for the long term. Civil Beat.

The revised plan by Haseko to create a recreational lagoon rather than a marina along the makai border of its Ewa Beach property won a thumbs-up from the Honolulu Planning Commission last week. Star-Advertiser.

It has been more than a decade since the city approved the building of a cemetery in Hawaii Kai. Those plans haven't gone anywhere since then, but work has begun once again, and that has some Hawaii Kai residents concerned. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Kai residents who thought there had been a halt last year to a decade of dumping of construction debris on vacant preservation land are alarmed the landowner has resumed the practice. Star-Advertiser.

The Navy command overseeing the hospital ship involved in a mishap that damaged the USS Arizona Memorial’s dock has sent investigators to Hawaii to probe what happened. Associated Press.

Hawaii

Mayor Billy Kenoi’s executive assistants charged nearly $143,000 on their county-issued credit cards — including airfare for a local surfer, a helicopter ride for visiting dignitaries, and wine that was gifted during a trip to the state Capitol — since the start of his administration. Tribune-Herald.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s announcement to open pre-clearance operations at Narita International Airport in Tokyo would help the tourism industry and bring relief to Honolulu International Airport, the Hawaii Tourism Authority says. Pacific Business News.

Kona International Airport could soon be receiving international arrivals under a plan to staff U.S. Customs officers at 10 foreign points of departure. West Hawaii Today.

This summer, Kona coffee farmers will have a new tool in the fight against coffee berry borer. Legislation was approved last year to give farmers $500,000 in subsidies for spray. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Most short-term rental home applications are approved by the county Department of Planning without a hitch, but the Maui Planning Commission denied a petition last week to convert two farm dwellings in Launiupoko into vacation rental units. Maui News.

As hundreds of people paid tribute to veterans during a Memorial Day service at the Maui Veterans Cemetery, a Hawaii National Guard official said that a $6 million cemetery expansion project will honor veterans' sacrifices even more. Associated Press.

Kauai

Starting Thursday, motorists using the intersection at Umi and Hardy streets will need to seek alternate routes and allow extra time to reach their destinations. Garden Island.

Japanese visitors spark tourism rise, animal quarantine harms pets, Honolulu councilman wants men's room diaper tables, shipping declines, Office of Hawaiian Affairs forms sovereignty committee, Kauai animal shelter kill rate disputed, USS Arizona Memorial to reopen in a week, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

visitor learns Hawaiian hula © 2015 All Hawaii News

April was the second month of 2015 that experienced a year-over-year climb in visitor spending and arrivals, largely due to a gain in domestic travelers and visitors from Japan. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii hosted more visitors last month than in April 2014, and they spent more, according to the Hawaii Tourism Authority. For the year, visitors are up but their spending is about the same as last year. Civil Beat.

The Hawaii Tourism Authority says the number of travelers visiting the islands climbed 2.3 percent in April over the same month last year as more tourists arrived from the western part of the United States. Data released by the state agency Thursday showed nearly 680,000 people visited the islands in April. Visitor spending rose 5.4 percent to $1.2 billion. Associated Press.

In a move to maintain its neutrality, the Office of Hawaiian Affairs is handing off responsibility for the final stage of its nation-building campaign to a new group that will independently administer an election of delegates, convention and final ratification vote. Na'i Aupuni, a group of five volunteer and unpaid directors with ties to Hawaiian royalty, has been given nearly $2.6 million originally earmarked for the effort aimed at moving Native Hawaiians a step closer to self-determination as authorized by the state under Act 195. Star-Advertiser.

Despite vocal opposition and community concerns raised at OHA board meetings in late April, 2015, the board has decided to go forward with a nation building process spearheaded by a new organization: Na‘i Aupuni. Hawaii Independent.

Complaints of overheated and underfed animals getting sick at the state-run Animal Quarantine Station in Halawa have prompted the Legislature to take a closer look at how pets are housed and treated at the facility. Civil Beat.

In a private sector economic indicator, Young Brothers Ltd. reports a 1.9% decline in cargo shipments between islands during the first quarter, compared to the same time last year. Hawaii News Now.

The East-West Center, which has faced big funding threats in recent years as federal support for its programming dwindled, is about to start head-hunting for its first new president in nearly two decades. Longtime center President Charles E. Morrison is planning to leave his post in August 2016, at the end of his current contract. Civil Beat.

An ongoing dispute over the results of a recent Hawaii State Teachers Association election for president and other officers to lead the teachers union has made its way to the courts. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

The city's top civil attorney said it's not up to the Honolulu Ethics Commission staff to determine the potential ramifications of a settlement agreement reached by the commission and former City Councilman Nestor Garcia. Star-Advertiser.

Time for a change? Lawmaker wants diaper changing tables in men’s restrooms. KHON2.

Punahou School has begun construction on a campus-wide overhaul project that is expected to be completed during the next decade, which includes building four two-story studios for elementary school students and a 20,000-square-foot learning commons for kindergarten through eighth grade. Civil Beat.

The National Park Service and the Navy aim to resume taking visitors to the USS Arizona Memorial in a week, after a dock damaged by a wayward vessel is repaired. Associated Press.

The Navy said Thursday that it is uncertain if a hospital ship hit the dock of the USS Arizona Memorial as was initially reported. Star-Advertiser.

The Hawai’i Health Systems Corporation continues to develop plans to meet a budget shortfall of 50 million dollars. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii

Hawaii Electric Light Co.’s selection of Ormat Nevada Inc. to build the next geothermal power plant in Puna received a positive recommendation this month from an independent observer. Tribune-Herald.

Kohala Councilwoman Margaret Wille wants to slice into Hilo Municipal Golf Course funds to hire three new transfer station attendants to help promote recycling programs. In a budget amendment to be considered Monday, Wille is asking that golfers and the community do more to augment the greens fees at the county’s only publicly funded golf course instead of relying on taxpayer bailouts. West Hawaii Today.

A new class-action lawsuit claims Hawaii Community College fraudulently collected “hundreds of thousands of dollars” in student fees throughout the past decade. Tribune-Herald.

A dangerous and crowded North Kona beach will have to wait at least another year for lifeguards. A push for funding to install ocean safety officers at Kua Bay fell short this past session. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Ever since Samuel Thomas Alexander and Henry Perrine Baldwin planted their first sugarcane crop in 1870, there have been cane fires on Maui. But on Wednesday morning, a fire that was set near Kamali’i Elementary School by Hawaiian Commercial and Sugar Co. inundated the campus and left some residents wondering whether a state permit system is working. KITV4.

Iao Stream will likely have its name restored to "Wailuku River," which dates back more than a century, following the state Board on Geographic Names' unanimous vote Wednesday night in favor of the move. Maui News.

Kauai

No more than 10 B&B permit applications will be reviewed per year under an ordinance change approved during a Kauai County Council committee hearing Wednesday. Garden Island.

The Kauai Humane Society has underreported the percentage of cats and dogs it euthanized for the last five fiscal years, a fact that has become the crux of a campaign launched by employees to oust the organization’s executive director. Garden Island.

Kauai was the leader of the four larger Hawaiian Islands when it came to visitor growth and spending through April. According to the Hawaii Tourism Authority, per person per day spending on the Garden Isle rose to $179, up 2.7 percent, and total expenditures reached $533 million, up 6.2 percent. Garden Island.

Hawaii Supreme Court tosses gay marriage lawsuit, state ethics director on hot seat, USS Arizona Memorial damaged, Honolulu ethics case could jeopardize rail, court clears environmental management director for Hawaii County post, Maui council nixes rec fee hikes, teacher union election heads to court, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii Supreme Court © 2015 All Hawaii News

The state Supreme Court is dismissing a lawsuit challenging Hawaii’s gay marriage law. The court says in an opinion Wednesday that the plaintiffs lack standing to make the challenge. Associated Press.

State Rep. Bob McDermott said he is weighing legal options after the Hawaii Supreme Court dismissed a lawsuit filed by himself and three individuals challenging the state's Marriage Equality Act. Ruling that plaintiffs were not harmed or injured by the 2013 law, Supreme Court justices ruled they had no standing to challenge the statute. Star-Advertiser.

Chalk up another loss for state Rep. Bob McDermott in the marriage wars. The Ewa Beach Republican was summarily brushed aside Wednesday by the state Supreme Court, which dismissed his challenge to Hawaii’s Marriage Equality Act for lack of standing. Civil Beat.

Les Kondo, the executive director of the state Ethics Commission, defended his job performance Wednesday, backed by leaders of other agencies who called him a dedicated professional who excels in a tough job. The five-member commission had rated him "average" overall, down from "outstanding" in 2012, and was considering whether to remove him from the job he has held since January 2011. But after hours of discussion behind closed doors, commissioners recessed until June 9 without a decision. Star-Advertiser.

The executive director of the Hawaii Ethics Commission said no decision was reached by the panel Wednesday during a discussion of his performance. Executive Director Les Kondo told The Associated Press after the commission meeting ended in the late afternoon that the panel will continue its discussion, but he says no date for that session has been set. Associated Press.

After meeting for more than three hours Wednesday, the State Ethics Commission retreated into a closed executive session to consider the fate of its executive director, Honolulu attorney Les Kondo. But the meeting ended about 5 p.m. with no decision on whether Kondo would stay on as executive director. Kondo declined comment except to say the discussion would continue at a later date. Civil Beat.

An ongoing dispute over the results of a recent Hawaii State Teachers Association election for president and other officers to lead the powerful teachers union has made its way to the courts. Star-Advertiser.

High school teacher Corey Rosenlee, who says he rightfully won last month’s election for leadership of the Hawaii State Teachers Association, filed court documents Wednesday in an effort to block union plans to hold a new election. Civil Beat.

Care Home Bill Would Have Forced Out a Patient. The failed legislation touted as a compassionate way to reunite an aging married couple is seen in a new light with concerns about displacing Medicaid clients in favor of private-paying residents. Civil Beat.

A new commander has taken over as the top U.S. military officer in the Asia-Pacific region. Adm. Harry Harris assumed command of the U.S. Pacific Command during a ceremony at Pearl Harbor on Wednesday. He replaces Adm. Samuel Locklear, who has retired. KITV4.

New Jersey-based biopharmaceutical company Soligenix Inc. is partnering with the University of Hawaii and Hawaii Biotech, Inc., on the development of a heat-stable subunit of a developing Ebola vaccine. Pacific Business News.

Oahu

The agreement between former City Councilman Nestor Garcia and the Honolulu Ethics Commission to settle claims that he accepted illegal gifts and failed to report them may throw a monkey wrench into the future of the city's $5.8 billion rail transit project. Garcia agreed to pay the city a civil fine of $8,100 to settle allegations that he accepted illegal gifts and failed to report them, the Ethics Commission announced Wednesday. Star-Advertiser.

With scores of Central Oahu businesses already feeling the brunt of rail construction, city leaders want to create a fund that offers them relief -- but those leaders haven't yet determined where the money would come from or at what total amount. Star-Advertiser.

The thousands of visitors who pour into Hawaii's most popular tourist attraction -- the USS Arizona Memorial -- will not be able to board for up to a week after the USNS Mercy hospital ship struck the memorial's floating dock Wednesday as the Mercy was towed out of Pearl Harbor. Star-Advertiser.

Visitors to the state's most visited attraction went away disappointed Wednesday when boat tours to the U.S.S. Arizona Memorial were suspended due to damage to its floating dock. Hawaii News Now.

Kamilo Nui Valley in Hawaii Kai is once again a topic of discussion as a major property owner in the valley, Hawaii Kai Memorial Park, LLC, has resumed dumping asphalt at the site of a proposed cemetery at 7488 Hawaii Kai Drive. Hawaii Independent.

It's been 8 months since a Honolulu Police Sergeant was caught on video fighting with his girlfriend. The sergeant is still on desk duty because the internal investigation is still not done. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii

Environmental Management Director Bobby Jean Leithead Todd can keep her job, following a judge’s ruling that the mayor and County Council had discretion to put her in the position without the engineering degree seemingly required by the county charter. West Hawaii Today.

The expedited decommissioning of telescopes on the Big Island could have a detrimental impact on Hilo and its economy, Dr. Günther Hasinger, director of the UH Institute for Astronomy, told Pacific Business News Wednesday.

South-Korea based Mirae Asset has purchased the Fairmont Orchid, Hawaii hotel in South Kohala, but with the management of the business slated to remain the same, the public may not know the difference. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

The Maui County Council nixed a 600 percent proposed permit hike Tuesday for surf, dive, kayaking and other commercial ocean recreation activities that use county beaches. Maui News.

The $72 million Downtown Kihei project with restaurants, shops, businesses, medical offices, a movie theater and a hotel received an initial green light from the Maui County Council Tuesday afternoon. Maui News.

Waikapū Properties, LLC is proposing the development of nearly 500 acres for a mixed-use residential community within and around the Maui Tropical Plantation. Maui Now.

The Hawaiʻi Board on Geographic Names unanimously voted last night to restore the name Wailuku River to the waterway that runs through ʻĪao Valley. Maui Now.

Kauai

Penny Cistaro said Wednesday the people trying to oust her from Kauai Humane Society’s top job don’t represent the majority of her staff. Garden Island.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration wants to increase protection for humpback whales. The plan includes an expansion of the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary. And that drew some sharp reactions at a recent public hearing on Kaua‘i. Hawaii Public Radio.

Kahoolawe

The state agency in charge of restoring the island of Kahoolawe, a former bombing range off the coast of Maui, is scrambling for money in the wake of unsuccessful lobbying this past legislative session. Civil Beat.

Ige gives Thirty Meter Telescope go-ahead, protestors vow to continue; busy hurricane season ahead; Defense Secretary Ash Carter in Honolulu for ceremony; population grows 4.4%; Ellison has big plans for Lanai; more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Thirty Meter Telescope protestor on Mauna Kea, courtesy Occupy Hilo Media

Gov. David Ige said Tuesday he supports and will protect the rights of the builders of the Thirty Meter Telescope to proceed with construction on Mauna Kea, but he also announced the creation of a cultural council to restore balance between science and Native Hawaiian interests on the mountain. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Gov. David Ige gave his official support for the $1.4 billion Thirty Meter Telescope project Tuesday, and asked that the University of Hawaii return to the authority of the state Department of Land and Natural Resources more than 10,000 acres of the Mauna Kea summit on the Big Island not being used for astronomy. Pacific Business News.

While promising to protect the rights of the Thirty Meter Telescope to proceed with construction and opponents to peacefully protest, Gov. David Ige on Tuesday outlined his vision for better stewardship of Hawaii’s tallest and most sacred mountain. Tribune-Herald.

A project to build a giant telescope near the summit of Mauna Kea has the right to move forward, but Hawaii has failed the mountain in many ways, Gov. David Ige said Tuesday. Associated Press.

Foes of the planned Thirty Meter Telescope on Tuesday vowed to continue blocking construction of the $1.4 billion project despite plans announced by Gov. David Ige to improve the stewardship of Mauna Kea. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Gov. David Ige announced his support for building the Thirty Meter Telescope on Mauna Kea on Tuesday, saying the project has the right to proceed. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Governor David Ige announced his support of the controversial Thirty Meter Telescope and believes the project may proceed with construction. He also laid out his plan for future development on Mauna Kea, calling on the University of Hawai‘i to be better stewards of the land. Hawaii Public Radio.

Governor David Ige is laying out his plan for the stewardship of Mauna Kea, as it relates to TMT construction and beyond. Hawaii News Now.

Governor Ige announces changes to stewardship of Mauna Kea. The governor supports the TMT's right to move forward as well as public right to protest; charges UH with doing a better job serving the mountain's best interests. Hawaii Independent.

Native Hawaiian cultural practitioners challenging the Thirty Meter Telescope in court say they were left disappointed after Gov. David Ige’s remarks about management of Mauna Kea. Tribune-Herald.

This afternoon, Hawaii Governor David Ige announced at a news conference his “way forward” for the University of Hawaii’s proposed Thirty Meter Telescope (TMT) atop Mauna Kea on the Big Island. MauiTime.

Governor David Ige says a project to build a giant telescope near the summit of Mauna Kea has the right to move forward, but that the state has failed the mountain. KITV4.

Governor David Ige announced his plan for moving the stewardship of Mauna Kea forward, including a change in the way the State of Hawai’i manages Mauna Kea, which will lead to the formation of a Mauna Kea Cultural Council and actions that the University of Hawai’i must take to enhance stewardship. Big Island Now.

Those standing vigil on Mauna Kea in opposition to the Thirty Meter Telescope have issued a written response to Governor David Ige’s plan calling for changes in how the state manages the mountain. Big Island Video News.

Following Governor David Ige’s press conference in which he laid out his vision for future stewardship of Mauna Kea, University of Hawaiʻi President David Lassner responded with a statement to reporters, saying that the university “can and must do better.” Big Island Video News.

Following a busy 2014 season that saw three hurricanes threaten the islands, forecasters Tuesday predicted a slight uptick in activity with five to eight "tropical cyclones" expected this season in the Central Pacific. Star-Advertiser.

Meteorologists at the Central Pacific Hurricane Center predict 5 to 8 tropical cyclones could form in the central Pacific basin this year. It's the most since the center began holding pre-hurricane season press conferences in the early 2000s. Hawaii News Now.

The start of the 2015 Central North Pacific hurricane season is just days away, and forecasters are expecting a busier year thanks in part to El Nino. West Hawaii Today.

Meteorologists with the Central Pacific Hurricane Center are predicting a busy storm season. In their pre season press conference officials predicted 5 to 8 tropical cyclones could form in the central pacific basin this year. Hawaii Public Radio.

The Hawaii Health Connector board has postponed a board meeting to discuss and approve a “corrective action plan” for the health insurance exchange by a week. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii's population last year rose by by 4.4 percent to 1.41 million residents, from 1.36 million in 2010, but all three of Hawaii's Neighbor Island counties saw a higher percentage of growth in population than that of the state average and the City and County of Honolulu, according to 2014 U.S. Census Bureau data. Pacific Business News.

Opinion: Dear Joe, If You’re Concerned About Ethics Problems Look in the Mirror The Hawaii House Speaker is off-target in his criticism of the Ethics Commission for doing its job. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Secretary of Defense Ash Carter will attend the Change of Command ceremony for the U.S. Pacific Command and U.S. Pacific Fleet at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam Friday morning. Hawaii News Now.

Two towers up to 23 stories would bring 151 affordable rental units for seniors in Chinatown under a plan outlined by city officials Tuesday. Star-Advertiser.

Former Hawaii Congresswoman Colleen Hanabusa has formed a new law company in Hawaii that bears her name, according to public records. Pacific Business News.

The 1977 decision to transform fields of sugar cane in West Oahu into a new city known as Kapolei is one of Honolulu’s most significant planning decisions. But some urban planners now think that starting a community from scratch miles away from downtown Honolulu was a bad idea. Civil Beat.

Several residents and officials contend that creating an exclusive fund for the popular Waipio Peninsula Soccer Park would help with much-needed improvements and maintenance. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu’s plastic bag ban starts in a month, and retailers are feeling the pressure. Come July 1, retailers will longer be allowed to give out plastic bags. KHON2.

The federal government has agreed to pay $2 million to settle a lawsuit filed by the mother of 5-year-old Talia Williams. Talia died July 16, 2005, after nearly seven months of almost daily beatings at the hands of her father, former Schofield Barracks soldier Naeem Williams, and her stepmother, Delilah Williams. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii

It’s an ill wind that blows nobody any good. Hurricanes Iselle, Julio and Ana that threatened Hawaii Island last year brought with them some valuable lessons on how best to prepare this year. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration is forecasting an “above-normal” hurricane season with 5 to 8 tropical cyclones expected to affect the Central Pacific this season.  That’s more than the average season of 4 to 5 tropical cyclones in a typical year, which includes tropical depressions, tropical storms and hurricanes. Maui Now.

Kauai

The Kauai County Planning Commission on Tuesday approved a homestay permit application for the first time in more than a decade. Garden Island.

A group of employees at the Kauai Humane Society is calling for the dismissal of KHS executive director, Penny Cistaro. Garden Island.

The Department of Parks and Recreation is hosting a public hearing to consider requests for surf and stand up paddling schools and boating companies at Hanalei Bay and Black Pot Beach Park to amend the “Rules and Regulations Relating to the Use of Parks and Park Facilities by Peddlers and Concessionaires.” Garden Island.

Lanai

Former Oracle Corp. CEO Larry Ellison, the majority owner of the island of Lanai, has proposed a lot of new projects for the Pineapple Island, including building a third luxury resort, a research university, more residential projects, a bowling alley and a film studio — and he is still considering those projects and other developments, Maui County Mayor Alan Arakawa told Pacific Business News.

Hurricane forecast to be released today, Kauai to rescue seabirds, cable company could have new owners, Monsanto protests across the islands, radio antenna to be moved at state expense, gay marriage a money-maker, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Central Pacific Hurricane Center, U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Jessica Kendziorek

Experts from the Central Pacific Hurricane Center will unveil their predictions for this hurricane season that runs from June 1 through the end of November. At 10:30 Tuesday, leading experts are expected to release the 2015 Central Pacific Hurricane Season outlook.  Joining the forecasters will be Governor David Ige and administrators from the Hawaii Emergency Management Agency. KHON2.

Charter Communications Inc. is close to an agreement to buy Time Warner Cable — the second-largest cable and Internet service company in the nation and parent of Hawaii’s Oceanic Time Warner Cable — for $55.1 billion in cash and stock. Pacific Business News.

Demonstrators planted coconut trees and waved signs in rallies across the Hawaiian Islands as part of an international day of protests against agriculture business Monsanto. Associated Press.

New Hawaii state Senate President Ron Kouchi announced the final lineup of committee chairmanships and leadership positions Friday morning, mostly settling unresolved posts from the rocky transition to power. Civil Beat.

The State Senate confirmed the chairs for all 14 committees under Senate President Ronald Kouchi. Hawaii Independent.

Oahu

The state Department of Transportation plans to spend $5 million to relocate a privately owned radio antenna in an effort to resolve a complex set of problems that has delayed a $550 million Honolulu Harbor modernization project more than a year. Star-Advertiser.

Details of a plan to put up a senior affordable rental housing complex and community center on a closely watched city property along River Street are to be unveiled by Mayor Kirk Caldwell on Tuesday. Star-Advertiser.

Several dozen local residents put their software coding skills to work this past weekend, competing to design phone apps and other solutions aimed at tackling Oahu's growing transportation challenges. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii

Since the state legalized same-sex marriage, hundreds of gay couples have tied the knot on Hawaii Island, with a majority of them coming from out of state. As of March 2, 444 same-sex couples wed on the Big Island after the state’s marriage equality law went into effect on Dec. 2, 2013. Those couples accounted for 13.7 percent of all marriage licenses issued on Hawaii Island, according to data provided by the state Department of Health. Tribune-Herald.

Faced with a county Board of Ethics delay of his complaint against Mayor Billy Kenoi, Kapaau resident Lanric Hyland has filed a separate complaint against Finance Director Deanna Sako. West Hawaii Today.

For most, it’s welcome financial help. For one, the offer didn’t settle well. With a large contribution from the Thirty Meter Telescope’s education fund, Hawaii Community Foundation has divvied out $100,000 in scholarships to 25 students from around the Big Island. Tribune-Herald.

A 2007 report by a Colorado firm hired to provide an independent evaluation of the risks involved in developing the Thirty Meter Telescope on Mauna Kea warned of serious headwinds, the high probability of litigation and a complicated and lengthy regulatory process. Star-Advertiser.

Organizers behind an effort to build a network of mixed-use trails through some of Hilo’s most scenic spots say that they could break ground on the first phase in September. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

A bill passed by lawmakers this month to establish a regulated, statewide medical marijuana dispensary system could affect thousands of patients in Maui County. Maui News.

There's been no debate about what generated the Legislature's passage this month - over the objections of state law enforcement officials - of a bill to establish a statewide system of medical marijuana dispensaries. Maui News.

Kauai

Around 80 people rallied near the Lihue Airport on Saturday against agriculture company Monsanto. Garden Island.

The Kauai Endangered Seabird Recovery Project is conducting annual radar monitoring of two nocturnal seabird populations, the state Department of Land and Natural Resources said in a news release Monday. Star-Advertiser.

If plans for a proposed subdivision behind the middle school on Olohena Road move forward, it could involve building a new connection to the Kapaa Bypass. Garden Island.

Hawaii turns Obamacare program over to feds, House speaker tries to hobble ethics director, teachers challenge union election decision, tuition hikes scaled back, military beefed up, layoffs for Kaho'olawe Island commission, Hawaii hospitals, Kaui DuPont workers, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Waimanolo Beach, photo by Alaska Dave

Waimanalo Bay Beach Park was named the top beach on an annual top 10 list of U.S. beaches compiled by a coastal science professor known as Dr. Beach. Associated Press.

Hawaii is switching its Obamacare program to the federal exchange, meaning 37,000 residents insured through the Hawaii Health Connector will have to re-enroll via the federal marketplace for coverage in 2016, Gov. David Ige's administration confirmed Thursday. Star-Advertiser.

House Speaker Joe Souki is calling on the Hawaii State Ethics Commission to reject many of the new policies it has put in place since Les Kondo became its executive director in 2011. The five-member commission has been reviewing Kondo’s performance over the past four months, his first formal evaluation in three years, and plans to take up the issue at its next meeting Wednesday. Civil Beat.

Three teachers who say they won the Hawaii State Teachers Association election plan to go to court on Tuesday to try and force the union to uphold the already counted election results, unless the organization takes action on its own before then. Civil Beat.

The man who won the election last month to become the next president of the state's teacher union said he will go to court to prevent union leaders from throwing out the results and holding another vote. Hawaii News Now.

Gov. David Ige has approved a final payment to the Honolulu Star-Advertiser to cover lawyers' fees in a lawsuit the newspaper filed to force former Gov. Neil Abercrombie to disclose the names of nominees for appointments as state judges.

The State Auditor has released a follow-up to its 2012 report on the state Department of Education’s transportation woes. That audit slammed the DOE for numerous problems related to how it managed its school bus services and made 20 recommendations for improvement. Civil Beat.

The Army's commander in the Pacific said Thursday one of his top priorities is incorporating the growth of U.S. soldiers assigned to the region. Over 100,000 soldiers are now assigned to the U.S. Pacific Command, Gen. Vincent Brooks said in an interview. That's up from about 80,000 before President Barack Obama implemented his policy of "rebalancing" U.S. attention to the Asia-Pacific region, he said. Associated Press.

Tourism numbers would seem to be at all-time highs, but a deeper dive into the data shows that the visitor spending may not be as rosy as it appears. Hawaii Public Radio.

The University of Hawaii Board of Regents on Thursday took the unusual step of scaling back tuition increases for the next two school years in an effort to keep tuition affordable. Star-Advertiser.

UH regents vote to divest from fossil fuels. The University of Hawaii, with 53,000 total students, is now the largest university in the world to have divested from the fossil fuel industry so far. Hawaii Independent.

Oahu

An updated master plan for the Hawaii State Hospital includes development of a new 150-bed long-term care facility on the site of the Bishop Building located near the front of the Kaneohe campus, a state official said. Star-Advertiser.

Don’t expect a quick decision on whether the City Council will override Mayor Kirk Caldwell’s veto of Bill 6, legislation that would have expanded the city’s sit-lie law beyond business and commercial districts. On Thursday, Council Chairman Ernie Martin said he and his colleagues would review the mayor’s offer to work on a different version of the bill before deciding their next step. KITV4.

Hawaii

The West Hawaii region of the Hawaii Health Systems Corp. is planning layoffs to address budget shortfalls. But it is not yet clear what the reduction in force will look like, or how it will impact services at Kona Community and Kohala hospitals. West Hawaii Today.

A task force is taking on a troublesome bike lane design on Queen Kaahumanu Highway where it passes through Kailua-Kona. West Hawaii Today.

The first of several fee increases at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park kicks in June 1. While entrance fees will increase annually in $5 increments from its current price of $10 per vehicle to $25 in 2017, the annual Tri-Park Pass will remain at $25 until 2017, when it will jump to $30. The vehicle pass is valid for seven days. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Laying off half of its staff and periodically closing the Kahoolawe base camp may be in the future for the Kaho'olawe Island Reserve Commission. Maui News.

The state Department of Transportation hopes emergency funds from the federal government will help make shoreline repairs to the Olowalu section of Honoapiilani Highway, but residents insist the department focus its efforts, and money, on moving the highway mauka to the planned Lahaina bypass. Maui News.

Stock price for Maui-based software firm Code Rebel soars after IPO. Code Rebel is the first Hawaii-based technology company to have an initial public offering in 10 years. Pacific Business News.

Maui’s Hāmoa Beach in the remote east end of the island has once again claimed a spot on the top 10 Best Beaches in America list compiled by Dr. Stephen P. Leatherman, a professor at Florida International University. Maui Now.

Kauai

Seed company DuPont Pioneer has laid off 23 employees on Kauai as part of a plan to consolidate a parent seed facility in Kekaha with one in Waialua on Oahu, officials said Thursday. Star-Advertiser.

Global seed giant DuPont Pioneer is shuttering its Kekaha facility and serving pink slips to 34 workers in a move company officials say will help streamline operations. Garden Island.

The Pacific Missile Range Facility is earmarked to receive $30 million in the Military Construction and Veterans Affairs appropriations bill for fiscal year 2016 on Thursday by the Senate Appropriations Committee. Garden Island.

An endangered monk seal is set to return to Kauai shores today after veterinarians on Oahu removed a large fish hook from its esophagus. Garden Island.