Hawaii Supreme Court vacates Thirty Meter Telescope permit on Mauna Kea, Navy on standby in dengue battle, U.S. Supreme Court puts Native Hawaiian election on hold, Maui tackles homelessness, Kauai addresses bed and breakfasts, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Thirty Meter Telescope protester, courtesy Occupy Hilo Media

In a ruling that could set back development of the Thirty Meter Telescope for years, the Supreme Court of Hawaii on Wednesday invalidated the permit allowing construction of the $1.4 billion project on Mauna Kea. The court, in a unanimous decision, said the state Board of Land and Natural Resources erred when it approved the project’s Conservation District Use Permit before holding a contested case hearing to consider evidence about whether the permit should be granted. Star-Advertiser.

The Hawaii Supreme Court has voted unanimously to vacate the permit allowing the Thirty Meter Telescope to be built atop Mauna Kea, a mountain on the east side of Hawaii Island. The justices concluded that the state Board of Land and Natural Resources violated due process when it approved a permit for the $1.4 billion project in 2011 prior to holding a contested case hearing. Civil Beat.

A long-awaited Hawaii Supreme Court ruling Wednesday invalidating a construction permit for what would be one of the world's largest telescopes represents a major setback for the $1.4 billion project on a mountain astronomers tout for having perfect star-gazing conditions. Associated Press.

The Hawaii Supreme Court on Wednesday vacated the $1.4 billion Thirty Meter Telescope’s permit to build an observatory atop Mauna Kea and sent the case back to the state Board of Land and Natural Resources for a contested case hearing. Pacific Business News.

The Hawaii Supreme Court voted unanimously, today, to vacate the permit allowing the Thirty-Meter Telescope (TMT) to be constructed on Mauna Kea. The court ruled that the state Board of Land and Natural Resources (BLNR) wrongfully approved a conservation use permit in 2011 prior to holding a contested case hearing. Project officials will have to return to the BLNR to get new approval for the project. Hawaii Independent.

The Hawaii Supreme Court on Wednesday ruled the permit allowing construction of the Thirty Meter Telescope near the summit of Mauna Kea is invalid. According to the court, the Board of Land and Natural Resources shouldn’t have issued a permit to build the $1.4 billion next-generation telescope until a contested case hearing to evaluate a petition by a group challenging the project’s approval could be held. Tribune-Herald.

The Hawaii Supreme Court on Wednesday invalidated a permit awarded for the construction of one of the world's largest telescopes on Mauna Kea, a mountain many Native Hawaiians consider sacred. Associated Press.

The permit allowing the Thirty Meter Telescope to be built and operated on Mauna Kea has been thrown out by the Hawaii Supreme Court. In the conclusion of a 58 page opinion written by Chief Justice Mark E. Recktenwald, the court vacated the lower circuit court’s findings of fact and judgment.  Big Island Video News.

The state’s highest court has revoked a permit for construction of the Thirty Meter Telescope atop Mauna Kea. The Hawai‘i Supreme Court ruled that due process was violated when it approved the permit for the telescope before holding a contested case hearing. TMT may now have to go through the process again if they still want to construct the $1.4 billion telescope. Hawaii Public Radio.


The Hawaiʻi Supreme Court issued an opinion today vacating the circuit court’s May 5, 2014 decision that had affirmed the Board of Land and Natural Resources’ Conservation District Use Permit that was granted on April 12, 2013, for the Thirty Meter Telescope at Mauna Kea. Maui Now.

The state "put the cart before the horse" when it issued a permit for construction of the Thirty-Meter Telescope before a contested case hearing on the issue was resolved, the state Supreme Court ruled Wednesday. Hawaii News Now.

Construction of a Thirty Meter Telescope has been halted again. On Wednesday, the Hawaii Supreme Court ruled the permit to construct the telescope on Mauna Kea is invalid. TMT opponents are calling this their most important victory yet. KITV4.

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The U.S. Supreme Court on Wednesday formally granted an injunction blocking the Na‘i Aupuni Hawaiian self-governance election while the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals considers the case challenging it. Under the order, Na‘i Aupuni officials are prohibited from counting ballots and certifying the winners of the election until the appellate court makes a decision. Star-Advertiser.

The U.S. Supreme Court on Wednesday blocked the counting of ballots in the ongoing Nai Aupuni election until a lower court takes action on a related lawsuit. The ruling was a blow to supporters of an election of delegates to a Native Hawaiian convention on self-governance, but a big victory to those who oppose it. Civil Beat.

The Hawaii State Ethics Commission has been talking for more than a year about how to improve its online electronic filing system. The current system by which lawmakers and other government officials file required disclosure forms on finances, gifts, lobbying and travel is clunky — requiring, for example, users to submit PDF documents, either printed out or as electronic attachments. Civil Beat.

Officials are questioning the head of NextEra Energy Hawaii about what would happen if the company takes over Hawaiian Electric, the state's main utility company. The Hawaii Public Utilities Commission's chief counsel Thomas Gorak questioned NextEra Energy Hawaii President Eric Gleason on Wednesday during one of a series of public hearings that will last several weeks. Associated Press.

NextEra Energy Inc. is expected to have up to five of the company's executives join the Hawaiian Electric Co. executive team if the $4.3 billion sale of the Honolulu-based utility to the Florida energy giant goes through. Pacific Business News.

Every time transparency takes a hit at otherwise open hearings to decide the fate of NextEra Energy’s $4.3 billion acquisition of Hawaiian Electric Industries, it stinks up the process. That’s the perspective of Randy Iwase, the head of the Public Utilities Commission who is acting as a sort of lead judge in the three-day old hearing at Blaisdell Center. Civil Beat.

NextEra Energy Merger: The Real Action Is In The Politicking. The Hawaii Public Utilities Commission will ultimately decide if the $4.3 billion deal should be approved, but that hasn’t stopped polling, press conferences and news releases. Civil Beat.


While charter school leaders are pushing back against what they say is too much oversight by the Hawaii State Public Charter School Commission, a state report released Tuesday criticizes the commission for just the opposite. Civil Beat.

Oahu
Friends, family members, employees, well-known political figures and business executives have submitted letters totaling 200 pages to U.S. District Judge Susan Oki Mollway urging her to go easy on Honolulu telecommunications executive Al Hee as he faces several years in prison for tax fraud. Star-Advertiser.

Construction is underway on a temporary homeless shelter in Kakaako. The state says the location is perfect because of it’s location and proximity to transportation, but it will only be open for two years. KHON2.

Installing residential solar-energy systems is at its peak this time of year as homeowners try to cash in on end of year tax incentives.   But as HPR’s Wayne Yoshioka reports, the industry has taken a number of hits recently that have already reduced demand. Hawaii Public Radio.

Nearly three-quarters of a century after bombs fell on Oahu, launching America into World War II, war dead and veterans on both sides of the conflict — as well as the reconciliation with Japan that is still ongoing — will be memorialized and highlighted on Dec. 7. Star-Advertiser.

Former home of legendary surfer Duke Kahanamoku for sale. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii

The U.S. Navy is on standby to help battle dengue fever on the Big Island, the director of the state Department of Health said Wednesday. Director Ginny Pressler made the announcement during a three-hour informational session with the Hawaii County Council, participating with fellow physicians Sen. Josh Green and Rep. Richard Creagan, county Civil Defense Administrator Darryl Oliveira and Aaron Ueno, Big Island district health officer for the DOH. West Hawaii Today.

Mosquito repellent has found its way back into Big Island stores — although stocks and selection are thin in places. Tribune-Herald.

Aloha Petroleum will spend $3.25 million to update five fuel storage facilities statewide after violating the federal Clean Water Act and Clean Air Act at its East Hilo bulk fuel storage terminal. Civil Beat.

Aloha Petroleum agreed to pay $650,000 to settle Clean Air and Clean Water acts violations at its Hilo East bulk fuel storage terminal, one of the company’s two fuel storage facilities near Hilo Harbor, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Tribune-Herald.

A large swath of North Kohala coastline with environmental and cultural significance is on its way toward preservation. The Hawaii County Council unanimously gave the go-ahead Wednesday for the Finance Department to begin negotiations to purchase the Hapuu to Kapanaia cultural corridor, a 167-acre corridor that includes two major heiau from Kamehameha I’s time. It also approved negotiations for the purchase of Halelua, a 50-acre parcel that includes much of the lower Halawa Gulch. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Mayor Alan Arakawa's administration has submitted five bills and a proposed budget amendment to the Maui County Council aimed at "nuisance" behavior associated with homeless people. Maui News.

Maui County Mayor Alan Arakawa's administration has submitted five bills aimed at enforcing laws surrounding "nuisance" behavior and a proposed budget amendment to address the growing homelessness crisis. Associated Press.

Something to lose sleep about: The battle with the coqui frog. One becomes a thousand, and the annoying noise makes ‘chickens look like nothing’ Maui News.

A few weeks ago the state Land Use Commission LUC met at the Maui Arts & Cultural Center to discuss the final environmental impact statement (EIS) for Olowalu Town, a massive development project pushed by Bill Frampton and Dave Ward. The project is billed as a “complete community”–containing its own housing, public infrastructure, recreation, commercial development and open space. The LUC didn’t decide the fate of the EIS (or the project), but will meet again at the MACC on Dec. 7 to take it up again. MauiTime.

Opinion: Looks like the special Maui County Liquor Commission subcommittee tasked with crafting a selection process to find a new Liquor Control (LC) Director has been busy. And in contrast to the Liquor Commission’s secret October machinations that led to the double-crowning of Commissioner Dana “son of former LC Director Joe” Souza (up-ended only by Souza’s surprising and never-explained decision to decline the position, made just days before he was to assume office), the selection committee’s work is being documented in public records. MauiTime.

Kauai

Bed and breakfasts were up for discussion again at Wednesday’s County Council meeting. Councilman Ross Kagawa summed up the goal of the current proposed B&B bill, saying that it’s a chance to control where and how homestays and B&Bs operate. Garden Island.

The Kauai County Council chairman threatened to have another councilmember removed from a meeting Wednesday. An argument broke out during public testimony on Bill 2606, which aims to “implement a homestead tax cap for owner-occupied properties that receive a homeowner exemption and also for long term affordable rental properties.” Garden Island.

One of three public meetings to be held in Hawaii and Southern California about future Navy training activities in Pacific waters will take place tonight. The Navy is preparing an evaluation of potential environmental effects associated with its planned military training, testing and research in these areas after 2018. Garden Island.

Small savings, possible layoffs from NextEra sale of Hawaiian Electric, net metering could survive Public Utilities ruling, second homeless shelter for Kakaako, Hawaii County Council rejects bigger Ethics Board, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Utility sale pending in Hawaii

The $60 million that NextEra Energy Inc. is promising to save customers if its purchase of Hawaiian Electric Industries is approved comes out to only $1 on a monthly bill, the head of the state’s largest utility company acknowledged Tuesday when testifying during trial-like hearings put on by state regulators. Star-Advertiser.

Sometimes a Public Utilities Commission hearing isn’t public at all. That was the case on Tuesday afternoon at Blaisdell Center where, on the second day of a quasi-judicial process that will decide whether NextEra Energy’s $4.3 billion acquisition of Hawaiian Electric is allowed to go through, the public was cleared from the room for 45 minutes while the PUC and other parties directly involved in the hearing met behind closed doors. Civil Beat.

Alan Oshima, the head of Hawaiian Electric Co., which could be purchased by NextEra Energy Inc. for $4.3 billion, could not guarantee that there would be no layoffs after the two-year period following the closure of the acquisition. Pacific Business News.

The Alliance for Solar Choice, a group representing rooftop solar interests in Hawaii and on the mainland, released a poll Tuesday the group said showed most Hawaii residents oppose the sale of Hawaiian Electric Co. to NextEra, especially when told they could lose local control of their utility company. Civil Beat.

The Public Utilities Commission has suspended the Hawaiian Electric Companies (HECO) proposed community based solar tariff and instead opted to open a formal investigative docket. Ililani Media.

More than 25 Hawaii companies and organizations have thrown their support for NextEra Energy Inc.’s proposed $4.3 billion acquisition of Hawaiian Electric Co. in recent weeks, the two firms said Monday. Pacific Business News.

Commentary: A recent study by a nonprofit consumer watchdog agency ranked Hawaii as one of three states doing the best job of informing the public about consumer complaints against businesses and licensed professionals. Civil Beat.

More than 18-thousand homes are sold each year in Hawai’i. And now, for the first time, we have data to show us where these buyers are coming from. Hawaii Public Radio.

Timothy Ray Brown, the renowned Berlin patient whose recovery was chronicled in the New England Journal of Medicine, is in Honolulu to help kick off a multimillion-dollar initiative that aims to transform Hawaii into the first HIV-free state in the U.S. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

A second homeless shelter will open in February in Kakaako, where three homeless encampments have been allowed to mushroom as city and state officials wrestle with how to handle Oahu’s persistent homeless population — the largest per capita in the nation. Star-Advertiser.

Construction is underway for a temporary shelter for homeless families near the Kaka‘ako Waterfront Park. Hawaii Public Radio.

Your voices will be heard. That was the message that State Homeless Coordinator Scott Morishige stressed at the Waianae Coast Neighborhood Board meeting on Tuesday, while also trying to reassure people that no sweeps are currently planned for The Harbor homeless community. Civil Beat.

A homeless encampment continues to grow along a bustling avenue heading into Waikiki. Hawaii News Now.

Trash pickup problems aren’t going away. In fact, they seem to be getting worse. While we’ve had several reports of lingering trash in Kaimuki, Kalihi, and Hawaii Kai, more residents are now having problems. KHON2.

On Wednesday, a second access route to the Mehana Subdivision in Kapolei will officially open. The access route connects the subdivision to and from Kapolei Parkway via Kama’aha Avenue. KITV4.

Hawaii

A bill seeking a larger Board of Ethics with more County Council authority over its members found very little traction Tuesday in the council Finance Committee. West Hawaii Today.

Between 2008 and 2015, mainland buyers purchased more homes in Hawaii County than anywhere else in the state, according to a new report. Tribune-Herald.

A bill making it easier for small agricultural tourism enterprises to operate in Hawaii County is a long way from fruition. West Hawaii Today.

An updated map showing the locations where dengue fever has been investigated and confirmed on Hawaii Island has been released by the Hawaii County Civil Defense. The map depicts case locations as of November 30th when the number of confirmed cases of dengue fever totaled 112. Today that number rose to 117. Big Island Video News.

Several weeks after work began on the Big Island’s first roundabout project, a significant change to traffic patterns is beginning. A construction detour located near mile marker 10 on Highway 130 goes into effect today. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Since January 2008, a solid 52 percent of homes sold in Maui County have been to buyers from either the Mainland or foreign nations, states a new report from the Hawaii Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism (DBEDT). MauiTime.

Visitor arrivals and spending on Maui rose slightly in October, the Hawai'i Tourism Authority reported in preliminary data Monday. Maui News.

More than 2.1 million visitors spent $3.5 billion on Maui from January through October of this year, an increase of 5.3 and 5.9% respectively. Maui Now.

Kauai

A recent ruling by the Hawaii Supreme Court is expected to affect fewer than a dozen drunken driving cases on Kauai, according to the prosecuting attorney. Garden Island.

Visitor arrivals up but spending down, outsiders buy big percentage of Hawaii homes, hearings begin on NextEra sale of Hawaiian Electric, Kauai tackles B&Bs, more government and political news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Kona luau at sunset © 2015 All Hawaii News

Visitor arrivals hit their eighth consecutive monthly record in October, but year-over-year spending fell because visitors generally spent less per day and on each trip. Total arrivals to the Hawaiian Islands grew 4.8 percent to 692,930 visitors in October, according to preliminary statistics released Monday by the Hawaii Tourism Authority. Star-Advertiser.

The number of travelers to Hawaii climbed 4.8 percent last month compared to the same month last year. The Hawaii Tourism Authority said Monday more than 690,000 visitors came to the islands in October. Associated Press.

The Public Utilities Commission and the state Consumer Advocate pressed Hawaiian Electric Co.’s chief executive Monday on the potential costs ratepayers could shoulder if Florida-based NextEra Energy Inc. buys the utility. Star-Advertiser.

A crucial stage of deliberations over the proposed $4.3 billion merger of NextEra Energy and Hawaiian Electric Industries began with a surprise announcement Monday. The U.S. Department of Defense, a huge consumer of electricity in the state, is seeking to withdraw from its intervenor status in the case, saying it is satisfied that the merger would be in the best interest of ratepayers. Civil Beat.

NextEra Energy Inc. has no plans to place Hawaiian Electric Co. executives or other Hawaii-based officials on its board of directors if its $4.3 billion acquisition of the Honolulu-based utility to the Florida energy giant goes through. Civil Beat.

The Hawai’i Public Utilities Commission started nearly two weeks of hearings today on the proposed sale of the state’s largest electricity provider. Hawaii Public Radio.

Groups in support and opposition of NextEra Energy Inc.’s proposed purchase of Hawaiian Electric Industries rallied around the Neal S. Blaisdell Center Monday morning as state regulators began the trial-like hearings to investigate whether the $4.3 billion sale is in the public interest. Star-Advertiser.

The first day of hearings in the proposed acquisition of Hawaii’s electric utilities consisted of questioning of Hawaiian Electric Co. President and CEO Alan Oshima. Tribune-Herald.

The monthlong Hawaiians-only election that was to end Monday has been extended three weeks. Nai Aupuni, the organization that is holding the election — one that could lead to a path toward Native Hawaiian self-governance — took the action three days after a court injunction halted any counting of the votes. Civil Beat.

A Supreme Court order halting the counting of ballots in an election for Native Hawaiian sovereignty has prompted an extension of the voting period by another three weeks. Garden Island.

The Board of Education is holding a “charter school listening tour” and exploring the possibility of creating additional charter school authorizers, after complaints from school leaders about a state commission created three years ago to improve charter accountability. Civil Beat.

The Hawaii Health Connector will end operations on Friday instead of today as originally expected, a state official said Monday. Star-Advertiser.

State computers crashed on Cyber Monday, but apparently it wasn’t because too many workers were searching the Internet for bargains. State Chief Information Officer Todd Nacapuy said the state’s mainframe was down because of a power failure caused during routine maintenance to the system’s backup power supply. Star-Advertiser.

The state Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism released its first report on Hawaiʻi home buyers, saying about 47% of neighbor island homes were sold to out-of-state residents, while only 15% of Oʻahu homes were sold to out-of-state residents. Maui Now.

Oahu

City officials said Monday they are taking steps to ensure essential services to 35 residents of Mapele Road after heavy rain washed away a section of the roadway, making it impossible for refuse and fire trucks to pass. Star-Advertiser.

As the number of Dengue Fever cases rose to 112 Mayor Kirk Caldwell held a news conference this morning to discuss what the city is doing to prevent a potential  outbreak on Oahu. Hawaii News Now.

Even though work on the Honolulu rail will continue through the holidays, drivers will be getting some traffic relief in just a few days. Rail officials say crews will still be working on the 20-mile rail line, but there won't be any major lane closures from Dec. 11 through Jan. 3, 2016. Hawaii News Now.

Walgreens has sold its flagship Hawaii store across from Ala Moana Center in Honolulu, along with the adjacent Heald College Building on Kapiolani Boulevard, to Los Angeles-based investment bank and wealth management firm Salem Partners for a total of $73.5 million. Pacific Business News.

Hawaiian Airlines on Monday announced plans to begin daily nonstop service between Narita International Airport (NRT) and Honolulu International Airport starting July 22, 2016. Narita marks the airline’s 11th international destination and its fourth destination in Japan. West Hawaii Today.

Hawaii

Hawaii County officials say they can save taxpayers $12.3 million by refinancing $270.2 million in bonds. West Hawaii Today.

Confirmed dengue fever cases continue to rise on the Big Island more than one month after state health officials first confirmed the presence of the mosquito-borne virus. West Hawaii Today.

The total number of confirmed cases of locally acquired dengue fever on Hawaii Island is now 112. The rise follows the long Thanksgiving weekend in which the reported case count held at 107. Big Island Video News.

Maui

Since 2008, more homes in Maui County were sold to people from the American mainland and foreign countries than to Hawaii residents, according to a state report. A new analysis from the state Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism covers trends in Hawaii’s housing market from January 2008 through September 2015. Civil Beat.

The Maui County Council’s Water Resources Committee is scheduled to take up the old “Show me the water” law during their Dec. 2, 2015 meeting. According to a Nov. 27, 2015 press release from the Maui County Council’s media office, the reason is to discuss a new bill–introduced by Councilmember Mike Victorino–that would repeal the old law. MauiTime.

The public is invited to celebrate the long-awaited grand opening of the Upcountry Dog Park in Makawao on Saturday, Dec. 5, beginning at 9 a.m. Maui Now.

A demonstration on the eve of the Paris climate summit barred a group of Maui residents from delivering sections of a mile-long lei Sunday, but the group remains steadfast in its mission to spread aloha to those affected by the recent Paris terror attacks. Maui News.

Kauai
Should you be able to rent out part of your property as lodging for tourists, even if you don’t live within a designated Visitor Destination Area? That’s the question that will be discussed at the Kauai County Council meeting on Wednesday.  Garden Island.

Visitor spending on the Garden Isle is on the rise thanks to a 5 percent year-over-year growth in arrivals through October. Garden Island.

Campaign disclosure law stands, Gabbard back in spotlight, state owes millions to Department of Hawaiian Home Lands, Maui mulls water availability rules, Kauai takes up property taxes, barking dogs, more government and political news from all the Hawaiian Islands

The U.S. Supreme Court won't hear a challenge to Hawaii campaign finance laws that require a private company buying campaign ads to register as a political action committee. The justices on Monday rejected an appeal from a Hawaii electrical construction company that spent about $9,000 on political newspaper advertisements during the 2010 election cycle. Associated Press.

Tulsi Gabbard: Rising Democratic star makes mark on party by openly defying it. New York Times.

The state owes nearly $20 million to the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands for violating the state Constitution by failing to adequately fund the department for more than two decades, a state judge has ruled. Star-Advertiser.

After an eight day trial which concluded in July, First Circuit Court Judge Jeannette Castagnetti has ruled that the State violated its constitutional duty by its continuing failure to provide adequate funding to the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands. Hawaii News Now.

A judge says the state has to appropriate millions of dollars more to fund the Department of Hawaiian Homelands adequately for the first time since at least 1992. Associated Press.

Is the Native Hawaiian election known as Na‘i Aupuni in trouble? U.S. Supreme Court Justice Anthony Kennedy issued an order Friday blocking the counting and certification of election votes pending a further order by Kennedy or the court. Star-Advertiser.

Supporters of a Native Hawaiian election of delegates to a February convention are urging voters to submit their ballots by the Monday deadline, despite an order Friday by U.S. Supreme Court Associate Justice Anthony Kennedy temporarily halting the counting of ballots or certification of winners. West Hawaii Today.

Having lost two previous rounds in court, the Grassroot Institute of Hawaii prevailed on Friday when a U.S. Supreme Court justice put a stay on the counting of votes in a Native Hawaiian election. Civil Beat.

The final evidentiary hearing in the state regulatory review of the proposed $4.3 billion acquisition of Hawaii’s electric utilities will begin Monday. Tribune-Herald.

The state Public Utilities Commission upheld last week its decision to not compel testimony from company CEOs in the upcoming evidentiary hearing on the proposed merger of NextEra Energy Inc. and the Hawaiian Electric companies. Tribune-Herald.

The Hawaii Consumer Advocate says that Jim Robo, the CEO of NextEra Energy Inc., and Connie Lau, CEO of Hawaiian Electric Industries Inc., should be part of the upcoming regulatory hearing process regarding the NextEra's proposed $4.3 billion acquisition of Hawaiian Electric Co. Pacific Business News.

Hawaiian Airlines and other air carriers should expect some pointed questions next year from lawmakers about some long-standing state tax exemptions that are costing the state millions of dollars a year in lost tax collections. Star-Advertiser.

A Hawaiian Airlines executive has hinted a brand-makeover could be coming for the Hawaii-based carrier in the next couple of years, including new uniforms. Pacific Business News.

Oahu

The Hawai'i Convention Center is on track to achieve its highest gross revenue and its lowest net loss since opening in 1998. But tourism officials acknowledge it still has further to go. Star-Advertiser.

One month after Ewa homeowners filed a lawsuit against Haseko Development for deciding to build a lagoon instead of a marina, Haseko representatives met with officials from the city Department of Planning and Permitting to discuss the project’s environmental impact analysis and zone change application. Civil Beat.

State officials say they have found private bidders to help clear out more homeless residents who have been camped along the Kakaako shoreline. Associated Press.

Yet more confirmation that homelessness is at a crisis level in Honolulu: Alternet has listed us along with five other U.S. cities “struggling with a massive homelessness problem and what they are — or are not — doing about it.” Civil Beat.

Hawaii

Department of Health personnel sprayed areas of South Kona, Hilo, Puna and Kau on Sunday in an ongoing effort to combat the spread of mosquito-borne dengue fever on the Big Island. Star-Advertiser.

Homegrown tourism supplements agricultural income as County Council takes up agritourism measure. Tour guide turned vanilla producer Jim Reddekopp just wanted a place to raise his kids. He ended up creating the first commercial vanilla orchid plantation in the United States. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

A bill that would repeal the county’s water availability policy, also known as the “show me the water” policy, will be considered by the Water Resources Committee on Wednesday, Dec. 2 at 9 a.m. in the Council Chamber.Maui Now.

Just four days before the star-studded and red-carpet-themed Mayor's Kokua Ball in March 2013, Hollywood movie mogul Ryan Kavanaugh fired off emails to Maui County officials, vilifying then-Maui film commissioner Harry Donenfeld and giving them what appears to be an ultimatum - Donenfeld would need to go or the Relativity Media chief would. Maui News.

The state Department of Health will receive written comments and hold public hearings on proposed changes regarding cesspools. Maui News.

A Kahului woman settled a lawsuit against the state Department of Education over inadequate teaching methods and services for her deaf daughter, but added that she will sue again if the proper services are not provided as agreed. Maui News.

Kauai

Barking dogs, bed-and-breakfasts and the homestead tax cap are all going to be on tap at this Wednesday’s Kauai Council meeting. Garden Island.

The Department of Land and Natural Resources is reminding Kaua‘i residents to be mindful of Albatross breeding season between now and July. Hawaii Public Radio.

Maria Costantini is a field assistant for Kauai Forest Bird Recovery Project, a state Division of Forestry and Wildlife program that promotes the conservation of Kauai’s native forest birds, all of which are unique to Hawaii, several of which are endemic to Kauai and a few of which are endangered. Garden Island.

Native Hawaiian elections near end as opponents appeal to U.S. Supreme Court, Japanese Defense Minister Gen Nakatani addresses South China Sea in Honolulu, CDC coming to study dengue, Oahu solar panels capped, Maui mayor wants $1.8M for homelessness, Four Seasons Resort Lanai remodeling, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Native Hawaiian protest in front of governor's mansion ©2015 All Hawaii News

Opponents of an election designed to be a significant step toward Native Hawaiian self-governance are asking the U.S. Supreme Court to block votes from being counted in what they argue is an unconstitutional, racially exclusive process. Associated Press.

An election for delegates to a proposed convention is set to conclude November 30th, though concerns about the process persist among members of the Hawaiian community. Na’i Aupuni, an organization founded to help establish a path toward Hawaiian self-determination. Hawaii Public Radio.

The Hawaii Board of Agriculture voted unanimously Tuesday to move forward on rules that would ban wild animals from being brought to Hawaii for use in circuses and fairs. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii and its low rate of gun-related violence — even in the face of a remarkable surge in gun ownership here — has gotten the attention of one national publication that writes about the raging gun debate in America. Civil Beat.

Japanese Defense Minister Gen Nakatani on Tuesday expressed his support for the U.S. Navy’s sailing of a warship close to one of China’s artificial islands in the South China Sea. Associated Press.

In his first visit to Hawaii as Japan’s defense minister, Gen Nakatani said it is important for the international community to “work more effectively” together to protect freedom of navigation, but he said Japan won’t be patrolling disputed islands in the South China Sea. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Last month, with little fanfare, the state Public Utilities Commission announced it will cap new residential and commercial solar projects at 25 megawatts or about 4,500 new systems on Oahu. Star-Advertiser.

Solving the housing crisis is not going to be easy or cheap, in part, say development experts, because of city officials’ longtime neglect of Honolulu’s basic infrastructure, particularly sewers. Civil Beat.

Three dogs and a cat became the first animals to be cleared for the new Sand Island transitional shelter Tuesday as the city tries to make it easier to get homeless pet owners off the street. Star-Advertiser.

You might think you know where the wealthiest people in Hawaii live. After all, the area of Oahu’s South Shore from Kahala to Portlock is consistently ranked as the state’s wealthiest area, with some of the highest real estate prices in the Islands. Pacific Business News.

Some elderly and disabled residents say they are trapped after the elevators in their seven story building stopped working. KHON2.

When real estate agents have open houses in Honolulu these days, they are putting out their usual signs. But more and more agents seem to be placing signs on sidewalks or on the city property between the sidewalks and the curbs. Civil Beat.

Hawaii

As Hawaii County dengue cases approach 100, a top CDC official is set to arrive on island next week to assess the handling of the outbreak here. West Hawaii Today.

A team from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control will visit Hawaii island next week to assess the development of the dengue fever outbreak and review state and county efforts to contain the spread of the virus, Hawaii County Civil Defense Administrator Darryl Oliveira said Tuesday night. Star-Advertiser.

The Big Island’s tourism industry appears to have been spared the bite from the ongoing dengue fever outbreak, but some worry that could change if the number of infections from the mosquito-borne illness continues to rise. Tribune-Herald.

The U.S. Labor Department says an unregistered farm labor contractor deprived migrant workers picking coffee on the Big Island of federal protections such as minimum wage. Associated Press.

A woman is barred from work as a farm labor contractor for operating an unregistered company after a federal investigation. The U.S. Department of Labor filed its allegations on Nov. 3 against Tomasa Rincon-Ibarra, who was doing business as Tomasita Farm Service in 2011. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Mayor Alan Arakawa is recommending nearly $1.8 million be spent on mobile, lightweight and durable portable shelters for the immediate housing needs for Maui's homeless. Maui News.

Heeding a call to ease the island's pent-up demand for more housing, the Maui Planning Commission recommended approval Tuesday of A&B Properties' proposed Wai'ale South development in Central Maui. Maui News.

Maui County's unemployment rate for October fell a half-percentage point compared to October 2014 to 3.6 percent, the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations reported Thursday. Maui News.

Kauai

The Kauai Island Utility Cooperative that has powered Kauai since 2002 is launching a one-year pricing plan that will offer 300 select households a 25 percent discount on electricity between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. each day. Civil Beat.

The stoplight at Kuamoo Road and Kuhio Highway has been throwing a wrench into Eastside traffic flow since Saturday, when heavy rains caused a short in the system. Garden Island.

Lanai
The Four Seasons Resort Lanai has started taking reservations for early 2016, following a multimillion-dollar renovation led by owner Larry Ellison that shut down both of the island's main hotels earlier this year. Pacific Business News.

Board of Agriculture mulls wild animal acts, Japan defense minister visits USS Arizona, Thirty Meter Telescope to be last atop Mauna Kea, dengue fever worries tourism authorities, more government and political news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Zoo animals, such as these elephants at Honolulu Zoo, won't be affected by animal act ban © 2015 All Hawaii News

The state Board of Agriculture is expected to vote today on an initiative that would ban wild animals, such as lions, elephants and tigers, from being brought to Hawaii for display at circuses and fairs. Star-Advertiser.

The State Board of Agriculture will be reviewing the formal rule proposal banning the importation of wild animal acts to Hawaii Tuesday morning. KITV4.

Japan’s defense minister has arrived in Hawaii to meet senior U.S. military officials this week. Defense Minister Gen Nakatani was scheduled to lay a wreath at the USS Arizona Memorial on Monday. He’ll also due to see a ballistic missile defense radar and a guided missile cruiser at Pearl Harbor. Associated Press.

The state’s largest labor federation and three local chambers of commerce have announced their support of the $4.3 billion buyout of Hawaiian Electric Industries by Florida-based NextEra Energy. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell signed into law Monday measures that range from rezoning land in Waikiki to ensuring that homeowners who are renovating their homes don’t miss out on property tax exemptions. Civil Beat.

Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell and members of the Strategic Housing Development office presented Monday the city’s plan to convert a former school campus in Makiki into a transitional housing facility. KHON2.

The Hawaii Community Development Authority says a $7 million appropriation from the Legislature to move utility lines underground in Kalaeloa isn't enough to complete the project after bids to do the work came in high, and it will ask for an additional $6 million. Star-Advertiser.

Doubt continues to reign over the ownership of Ansaldo, the Italian rail-car maker that has the $1.4 billion contract to build and operate the train cars for Honolulu’s rail transit system, as Italian regulators are taking a complaint over Hitachi’s bid for the company seriously. Pacific Business News.

People living in tents and makeshift shacks on state land bordering the Waianae Boat Harbor have long known their situation was precarious at best.  Civil Beat.

Hawaii

The University of Hawaii has made it official: the Thirty Meter Telescope site will be the last spot on Mauna Kea to be developed for astronomy. Tribune-Herald.

The University of Hawaii is confirming that the planned location for the Thirty Meter Telescope on the Northern Plateau of the Mauna Kea summit will be the “last new area on the mountain where a telescope project will be contemplated or sought.” Big Island Video News.

While tourism apparently hasn't suffered much yet, there's growing concern the visitor industry on the Big Island could take a major hit if the number of dengue fever cases continue to mount. Star-Advertiser.

The Big Island’s dengue fever outbreak reached 92 cases Monday, matching the number confirmed on Maui during a 2001 outbreak. Tribune-Herald.

There are nearly 90 confirmed dengue fever cases on the Big Island, primarily centered in Kona.   One elected official in a neighboring district is concerned the state is not doing enough to prevent its spread. Hawaii Public Radio.

Maui

The County of Maui Department of Environmental Management reported that a wastewater overflow of approximately 2,160 gallons occurred on Thursday, Nov. 19, 2015 at the Paukūkalo Pump Station along Waiehu Beach Road. Maui Now.

Kauai

Kauai police officials are warning the public to be aware of fake $100 bills with red Chinese markings being used to buy merchandise. Star-Advertiser.

Three experienced voyagers from Kauai who set out nearly two decades ago to build the island's first long-distance Polynesian canoe in more than a century are almost ready to set sail. Associated Press.

Lanai

Shipping volume between Honolulu and Lanai took a double-digit dive for the first nine months of this year compared to last year. Maui News.

Sea cucumber limits sought, lawmakers back teachers in ethics dispute, Pear Harbor trail improvements coming, Big Island tax changes spur questions, Maui planning department likes new development, Kauai 911 system to get upgrades, more government and political news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Sea cucumber © 2015 All Hawaii News

After a commercial operation was discovered overharvesting sea cucumbers earlier this year, the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) is seeking to regulate the catch and consumption of the marine creature throughout the state. Molokai Dispatch.

Several lawmakers have pledged to help the teachers union in its dispute with the state Ethics Commission over a ban on free trips for teachers who organize out-of-state student field trips. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii’s public worker pension fund already has teams of lawyers pursuing lawsuits over investment losses where improper or fraudulent activities by publicly traded companies allegedly reduced the fund’s earnings, and the $14 billion retirement fund is ramping up to pursue possible new legal claims. Star-Advertiser.

The Hawaii Health Connector’s board of directors plans to vote Wednesday on a plan to accelerate the transition of the beleaguered online insurance marketplace to the state beginning Dec. 1. Civil Beat.

Hawaii regulators’ upcoming evidentiary hearings regarding NextEra Energy Inc.’s proposed $4.3 billion acquisition of Hawaiian Electric Co. will be televised live on cable on Olelo Community Television. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii received a grade of “C” on the latest March of Dimes Premature Birth Report Card. Star-Advertiser.

The Pentagon agency that recovers missing American war dead said it plans to more than double this fiscal year the number of identifications it made last year — possibly fulfilling for the first time a mandate previously set by Congress. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

If history repeats itself it will be several more months before the verdict is in on whether the Federal Transit Administration is effectively overseeing major public transportation infrastructure construction in the western United States, including Honolulu’s $6.6 billion commuter rail project. Civil Beat.

City officials are proposing several short- and long-term projects to revitalize the Pearl Harbor Historic Trail after residents expressed concerns with improving the trail’s safety and infrastructure. Star-Advertiser.

The new Sand Island facility opened its doors to the homeless last week, but as of Saturday, it’s nowhere near full. KHON2.

A MV-22 Osprey crash at Bellows Air Force Station that killed two U.S. Marines was caused by pilot performance and an improper survey of the landing zone, according to an investigation released Monday by the Marines. Hawaii News Now.

Residents in Kahaluu alerted KHON2 of a problem in their neighborhood of huge pieces of a major road missing.

Hawaii

The Hawaii County property tax office is being deluged with phone calls following mailings this week to more than 40,000 property owners telling them about a new ordinance that requires them to file state income taxes in order to qualify for their county homeowner’s exemption. West Hawaii Today.

An Adventist Health representative has begun studying the financials of East Hawaii’s publicly funded hospital system, as his nonprofit organization continues making overtures to the economically troubled health care facilities. Tribune-Herald.

The growing dengue fever outbreak on Hawaii's Big Island isn't a reason to cancel vacation plans to the Aloha State, an official with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said Friday. Associated Press.

Big Island residents should now have a better idea where dengue cases are located. Hawaii County Civil Defense has begun publishing on its website a map of the island with pins showing where the confirmed and suspected cases are located. West Hawaii Today.

As Hawaii County continues its “Fight the Bite” campaign to get a handle on Hawaii Island’s dengue outbreak, reaching out to homeless residents is an especially important step, said county Civil Defense Administrator Darryl Oliveira. Tribune-Herald.

State health officials say the outbreak of Dengue Fever could last for months and are urging the public to take precautions. Hawaii Public Radio.

The idea that the moon could serve as a viable location to site and operate an observatory was discussed at the Galaxy Forum Hawaii 2015 in Waimea. Big Island Video News.

Maui

The Maui County Department of Planning is recommending approval of land-use measures to make way for A&B Properties' 123-acre Wai'ale South project on fallow sugar cane fields in Central Maui. Maui News.

Mayor Alan Arakawa's homeless initiative that will provide temporary sanctuaries for people living on the streets and at the beach was called "amazing" by one homeless person at a health fair Friday, while other homeless people expressed concerns about locations of the sites and access to transportation. Maui News.

More than 30 portable air-conditioning units have been installed at Maui County public schools this school year alone, in an immediate response to the public outcry over the excessive heat in public school classrooms during the record-high temperatures numerous days early in the school year. Maui News.


Adding bus service between Queen Ka'ahumanu Center and Kahului Airport every half hour, extending hours of service on popular routes and doubling the number of bus stops on Maui are all part of a plan county officials hope will improve bus service for riders. Maui News.

Kauai

The Kauai Police Department is going to get a new 911 and records management system, which brings with it a $2.3 million price tag. Garden Island.

Skeptics of the upcoming Nai Aupuni elections sought clarity at Wilcox Elementary School Friday night. Garden Island.

Federal court rejects lawsuit to stop Native Hawaiian election, National Guard called to help dengue fever fight, Maui settles religious pamphleteering lawsuit, Honolulu homeless possessions protected in ACLU lawsuit, grand jury hearing police chief case, state out $3.2 million in overdue library books, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Honolulu public library © 2015 All Hawaii News

The state of Hawaii is trying to collect $3.2 million in fees from overdue library books. KHON2.

A move to block a Native Hawaiian convention was rejected Thursday by the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals, prompting a pledge to appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court. Star-Advertiser.

The U.S. Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals on Thursday rejected an attempt to stop the counting of votes in the election of delegates to a Native Hawaiian constitutional convention, or ‘Aha. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard and 46 other Democrats joined 242 Republicans in the U.S. House on Thursday in passing a bill to restrict the admission of Iraqi and Syrian refugees to America by requiring extra security procedures. Civil Beat.

Responding to criticism over transparency, the state Public Utilities Commission now plans to post online the transcripts of the upcoming evidentiary hearing on the proposed $4.3 billion sale of Hawaiian Electric Industries to NextEra Energy. Civil Beat.

The Hawaii Community Foundation is adjusting its approach as it marks its centennial next year and welcomes the former head of the state Department of Hawaiian Home Lands as its new president and chief operating officer. Star-Advertiser.

The U.S. Navy is asking the public to weigh in on how it can tailor its training exercises to better protect whales and other marine life from harm. West Hawaii Today.

Oahu

The city’s efforts to address homelessness by routinely cleaning up city sidewalks suffered a setback Thursday when a federal judge ordered officials to stop the immediate disposal of property seized in the sweeps and start videotaping items they destroy. Star-Advertiser.

The City and County of Honolulu has reached a court-sanctioned agreement that temporarily prevents it from immediately disposing of any personal items during the enforcement of the stored property and sidewalk nuisance ordinances. Civil Beat.

A new study said today that Honolulu has the largest number of homeless of any small U.S. city, underscoring the seriousness of Hawaii's homeless problem. Associated Press.

A federal grand jury is now hearing evidence in the criminal case against Honolulu's police chief and his wife, a prosecutor, Hawaii News Now has learned.

The University of Hawaii Athletics Department's deficit hit a record $4.2 million in the 2015 fiscal year, and is expected to grow to $4.8 million the following year, UH Athletics Director David Matlin said Thursday. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaiian Electric Company is proposing to offer customers on Oahu electricity rates as low as some found in high-end states on the mainland — at certain times. The pricing is part of an effort to get customers in Hawaii to change how, and when, they consume electricity. Civil Beat.

Hawaii

Hawaii’s Department of Health announced Thursday that the National Guard will be assisting the agency in a “support” role after 79 cases of dengue fever have been confirmed on the Big Island since Sept. 11. Civil Beat.

The state epidemiologist says the Big Island dengue outbreak, now poised to eclipse the 2001 Maui outbreak, is just getting started. Star-Advertiser.

On Wednesday afternoon, the state Department of Health revealed a new version of a map showing the Big Island and the areas were the dengue virus likely is to have been transmitted to people from mosquitoes. Tribune-Herald.

In a press conference held today on Oahu, Governor David Ige said the state has been in communication with the federal Center For Disease Control and Prevention over dengue fever from the beginning, and that the White House is monitoring the situation in Hawaii. Big Island Video News.

The Hawaii State Department of Health said Thursday that the number of cases of dengue fever reported on the Big Island had reached 79. Pacific Business News.

A cluster of locally acquired cases of dengue fever on Hawaii Island is growing, heightening concerns that the painful mosquito-borne disease could spread to other islands. Garden Island.

It’s been a year since West Hawaii Battalion Chiefs Steve Loyola and Ty Medeiros were suspended, reportedly for publicly criticizing Hawaii County Fire Chief Darren Rosario. West Hawaii Today.

A Kona resident frustrated by a lack of response from Gov. David Ige’s office on the decision to resettle Syrian refugees in Hawaii is creating an online petition seeking to pause immigration to the state. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

A pastor and his wife who were passing out religious material on a sidewalk fronting the Maui Fair in 2013 and were ordered by police to leave have reached a settlement with Maui County in a federal lawsuit over violations of their First Amendment free speech rights. Maui News.

The state Land Use Commission voted this morning to approve the 15-day extension requested by the applicants, Olowalu Town LLC and Olowalu Ekolu LLC. Maui Now.

Fifteen days were added Thursday to the state Land Use Commission's deadline to take action on a draft final environmental impact statement for development of a 1,500-home Olowalu town in West Maui. Maui News.

Five Hawaiian youth delegates from Maui will be joining nearly 200 world leaders in Paris on Monday - the site of last week's terrorist attacks - for a United Nations conference on climate change. Maui News.

Commentary: If you’re headed to Wailea this week, watch out! California lawmakers–and their attendant lobbyists–are out in force. It’s the work of the California Independent Voter Project, and their annual conference is taking place at the Fairmont Kea Lani. MauiTime.

Kauai

Jeni Kaohelaulii of Work It Out was determined to find her workers during the Kauai Community College Job Fair Wednesday. Garden Island.

Chinese Navy to visit Honolulu, Hawaii business is brisk, residents favor solar, Honolulu rail tax advances, dengue fever response slow, Maui Olowalu development opposed, Kauai finalizes legislative wish list, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii state Capitol © 2015 All Hawaii News

The state of Hawaii plans to select a contractor for a major project to cool 11 of its Downtown Honolulu buildings, including the State Capitol — a total of nearly 1.3 million square feet of space — with a seawater air conditioning system in an effort aimed at reducing future costs. Pacific Business News.

Three Chinese navy ships will stop in Hawaii on the final leg of an around-the-world deployment meant to show China’s expanding global military capability, but also highlighting ongoing relations between the United States and People’s Liberation Army despite disagreement in the South China Sea. Star-Advertiser.

“China is testing us,” states a new report from Hawaii Pacific University that warns of a shortage of U.S.-flagged merchant ships and China’s ability to potentially withhold its own booming shipping to limit U.S. deliveries of consumer goods or troop supplies in a crisis. Star-Advertiser

A new poll done by SMS Research on behalf of The Alliance for Solar Choice reports that 97 percent of the respondents support more rooftop solar in Hawaii, and oppose state regulators’ recent decision to do away with net energy metering, a big reason for the record growth of this type of renewable energy in the Islands. Pacific Business News.

In its final quarterly forecast of 2015, the state Department of Business, Economic Development & Tourism said Wednesday that it is slightly revising upward its visitor arrival projection for 2016 and noted that labor market conditions improved through the first three quarters with civilian labor force, employment and payroll jobs hitting historically high levels during that period. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii state economists predict 1% inflation and 2.4% economic growth this year, after their revising their forecast with summer data. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii is in the midst of a construction boom with cranes dotting the skyline throughout the islands. KITV4.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture has given Hawaii a $660,422 award for the exemplary performance of its Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. Civil Beat.

The U.S. Navy is expected to prepare a new environmental impact statement for sonar training and testing exercises in the Pacific Ocean in response to concerns for the safety of whales, dolphins, turtles and other marine life. Maui News.

Oahu

The Honolulu City Council Budget Committee gave preliminary approval Wednesday to a bill that would extend Oahu’s 0.5 percent surcharge on the general excise tax through 2027 to help pay for the $6.57 billion rail project. Star-Advertiser.

The Honolulu City Council Budget Committee passed a measure Wednesday to extend for five years a 0.5 percent surcharge on the general excise tax to pay for the escalating costs of the $6.6 billion rail project. Civil Beat.

The Honolulu City Council’s Budget Committee today focused on financing for Honolulu’s rail transit project. Hawaii Public Radio.

Honolulu officials have approved a bill that would extend a tax surcharge to pay for the $6.57 billion rail project. Hawaii News Now.

University of Hawaii-Manoa Chancellor Robert Bley-Vroman has initiated a search for a permanent director for the financially struggling UH Cancer Center, the university announced this afternoon. Star-Advertiser.

Almost exactly a year after Michele Carbone resigned as director of the struggling University of Hawaii Cancer Center, the UH is initiating a formal search process for his replacement. Civil Beat.

The Honolulu City Council’s Zoning and Planning Committee deferred action this week on two bills pertaining to the last undeveloped phase of Haseko’s Ewa Beach development after several community members raised concerns about building near the shoreline. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu’s Section 8 program got a “High Performer” rating from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, which funds the rental subsidy program that’s officially known as the Housing Choice Voucher Program. Civil Beat.

The city's new facility to help the homeless officially opens Thursday in Sand Island. Hawaii News Now.

Businessman Duane Kurisu has been looking at a 13-acre parcel just off Nimitz Highway — and seeing a lot of promise. In Kurisu’s vision, the state-owned land could be the perfect place for a “plantation-style” village for homeless families and single mothers with children — up to 300 of them. Civil Beat.

A group of 20 protesters joined The Alliance for Solar Choice, a solar activist group, at the King Kamehameha statute on King Street on Wednesday to rally against the recent Public Utilities Commission decision to end a popular solar incentive program. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii

Two West Hawaii lawmakers are calling for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the World Health Organization to send medical experts to help quell the dengue fever disease before it becomes endemic. West Hawaii Today.

As the number of confirmed cases of dengue fever rises on Hawaii Island, two doctors-turned-lawmakers are challenging state officials – in writing and on video – to step up the response to the outbreak. Big Island Video News.

The state Department of Health says it addressed issues which, in some cases, slowed the delivery of results from dengue fever blood tests to Hawaii Island residents. Tribune-Herald.

The state Department of Health confirmed Wednesday that 72 people have contracted dengue fever on Hawaii island, up by seven from Tuesday. Star-Advertiser.

Hilo garbage soon will be making its way across the island to the West Hawaii landfill at Puuanahulu, thanks to a unanimous vote Wednesday by the Hawaii County Council. West Hawaii Today.

A 13-acre Ka‘u property that once hosted Native Hawaiian sporting events came closer to being preserved Wednesday. In a 9-0 vote, the Hawaii County Council gave final approval to a resolution authorizing Finance Director Deanna Sako to negotiate acquisition of the land near Naalehu. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

A proposed development of a small town at Olowalu with 1,500 homes, hundreds of potential ohana units, stores, schools, parks and a mauka realignment of Honoapiilani Highway ran into a buzz-saw of opposition Wednesday before the state Land Use Commission. Maui News.

As of noon on Wednesday, Nov. 18, the state Land Use Committee heard from 31 of the 84 Maui residents who signed up to testify at the Maui Arts & Cultural Center’s McCoy Studio Theater regarding acceptance of the Olowalu Town LLC and Olowalu Ekolu LLC’s Final Environmental Impact Statement, a 3,000-page document made available to the public 18 days ago. Maui Now.

Maui County has fully recovered from the Great Recession and is breaking previous records in labor force, employment and job count, as well as generating three-quarters of a billion dollars' worth of construction work over the past year, a state administrator and county official said Wednesday. Maui News.

It’s been six months since Always Investigating first told you about a fancy kitchen in a Maui County building, paid for with tax dollars on a county credit card. Now, we’ve finally gotten a look inside and learned more about how long it’s been there. KHON2.

Widening work has started on Old Haleakala Highway in Pukalani. BCP Construction of Hawaii Inc. is the contractor for the more than $1 million county sidewalk improvement project. Maui News.

Commentary: Dust can be a big hassle. Even a health hazard. Ask the good people at Hawaiian Commercial & Sugar (HC&S), which runs Pu`unene sugar mill–the last one in the state. State health officials recently busted the mill for producing too much dust in one of its fields. But a warning to those members of the public who wish to complain about it: you’re in for a long and frustrating duel with bureaucrats if you do. MauiTime.

Kauai

The county has finalized a $7 million list of five projects that will be seeking state funding in January. Garden Island.

A master plan that will set a vision for Black Pot Beach Park over the next 20 years was the topic of a public discussion attended by Mayor Bernard Carvalho, Jr., members of a Honolulu-based planning agency hired by the county and more than 100 community members. Garden Island.

Mark Oyama was recognized and congratulated by the County Council for his induction into the 2015 Hawaii Restaurant Hall of Fame in ceremonies on Sept. 21. Garden Island.