New Hawaii website helps hikers find safer trails, big pukas in medical marijuana law, Hawaii County Council kills polystyrene ban, Maui Council approves $659.5M budget, Kauai pesticide study questioned, Land Board again confirms judge for Thirty Meter Telescope, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hiker on Pauoa Flats Trail © 2016 All Hawaii News

The state has launched its newly revamped website designed to help hikers easily find sanctioned trails in Hawaii. Star-Advertiser.

Find the Hawaii trails website here.

Hawaii is the only state that doesn’t participate in the FBI’s Hate Crime Statistics Program. Instead, state officials currently compile their own hate crimes report with information collected from local prosecutors rather than police. Associated Press.

There’s a “gray area” in Hawaii’s up-and-coming medical marijuana dispensary program that few are talking about: In order for dispensaries to procure their first batch of cannabis, someone’s going to have to break the law. Tribune-Herald.

NextEra Energy Inc. and Hawaiian Electric Co., the two companies involved in a $4.3 billion acquisition, were both silent on Friday, the day two companies contractually agreed that either could walk away from the deal. Pacific Business News.

Rat lungworm, a debilitating, sometimes fatal disease caused by parasites that worm their way into the human brain is the focus of a newly created state joint task force, but some say that’s not what’s needed. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

The cost to build the rail transit system has already increased from $5.3 billion to $8 billion. But the project will cost city taxpayers another $100 million a year once it's finally operating. Hawaii News Now.

A jump in offers above asking price, key market indicators showing continued strong demand and the rapid pace of condominium sales indicates strong competition continues for available residential properties on Oahu, according to a new report. Pacific Business News.

Loretta Sheehan, a former prosecutor, was nominated to the Honolulu Police Commission only on Friday, but she already has big ideas for how to rebuild trust in the agency after watching its stature crumble under the weight of scandals involving officer misconduct and excessive use of force. Civil Beat.

Police want to make it easier to become a radio dispatcher. The Honolulu Police Department’s Communications Division, which includes civilian police dispatchers who answer emergency and nonemergency 911 calls, says it streamlined a previously cumbersome application process to allow more people to apply and be hired. Star-Advertiser.

Videos of daredevils on a swing atop the summit of the forbidden Haiku Stairs hiking trail, thousands of feet above the H-3 Freeway, have been popular on social media. The Board of Water Supply, however, is hiring a contractor to take it down in the next few weeks. KITV4.

A state Circuit Court jury awarded the association of Lagoon Tower timeshare owners $5.7 million in damages to be paid by the association’s former board president after a 10-day trial in April. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii

County Council kills bill banning foam food containers. West Hawaii Today.

Despite a continuing problem fielding enough members to vote on important issues, there will be no changes to the Board of Ethics this year. Nor will there be more than four consecutive terms for County Council members. West Hawaii Today.

The state Land Board on Friday again affirmed a retired judge to oversee Thirty Meter Telescope permit proceedings despite calls for her removal from the project’s builder and those who opposed building the telescope on Mauna Kea. Associated Press.

Big Island’s New Marine Reserve Was A Long Time Coming. The state’s decision to establish a “no take zone” along a popular stretch of the island’s west coast is hailed by some, derided by others. Civil Beat.

Forty or so fishermen lined Queen Kaahumanu Highway waving signs on Saturday to protest the establishment of the Kaupulehu Marine Reserve, the island’s first initiative to put a reef off-limits to fishing while a subsistence plan is drafted for the 3.6 miles of coastline at Kaupulehu Bay. West Hawaii Today.

In the four years since the county ordinance known as “Aliyah’s Law” went into effect, Hawaii Island police have ordered 2,168 vehicles towed at the drivers’ expense. Tribune-Herald.

A planned affordable- housing project on Hawaii island that is more than four years behind schedule is close to breaking ground on its first homes, but the master developer of the envisioned community with 2,330 residences on state land wants out. Star-Advertiser.

Maui

Maui County Council members gave final approval Friday to the $659.5 million fiscal 2017 budget, making a last-minute change to eliminate proposed increases in commercial ocean recreation activity permit fees. Maui News.

A bill that would require residents to own a property for five years before applying for a short-term rental permit could soon be headed to the Molokai, Lanai and Maui planning commissions for input from the public and commission members. Maui News.

After hearing sharply divided public testimony Friday, Maui County Council members referred to committee a proposal to switch from the current mayor-council form of county government to a council-manager system that includes an elected, but less powerful mayor. Maui News.

Offshore sand could help deter beach erosion in west Maui. The county planning department has been working with consultant Moffatt &Nichol since February on a study that resulted in the discovery of 300,000 cubic yards of sand off Kahana Bay in April. Associated Press.

Maui County shoreline planners are "elated" after discovering more than 300,000 cubic yards of "beach-quality sand" off Kahana Bay, which could replenish the beachfronts of numerous condominiums that have been slowly disappearing into the ocean. Maui News.

Officials at Lahainaluna High School are working to fix a water discoloration issue in bathroom sinks and hope to have it resolved by the beginning of next school year, acting Principal Joanne Dennis said Friday. Maui News.

The cross-country odyssey of a pair of glamorous twin sisters who found fame teaching yoga to the elite of South Florida and ignominy in a series of criminal incidents in Utah ended in bizarre tragedy May 29 when a white 2016 Ford Explorer veered off Hana Highway and plunged 200 feet onto a rocky shoreline. Star-Advertiser.

Kauai

State regulators and experts in the fields of health and environmental science say that many of the recommendations put forward by a joint fact-finding group convened to study the potential hazards of pesticide use by large agricultural operations on the west side of Kauai likely aren’t useful, would cost millions of dollars annually and in some cases exceed state resources and expertise. Star-Advertiser.

For Councilman Arryl Kaneshiro, allowing Kauai residents to build multiple family dwellings on their property is a step in the right direction toward addressing the island’s affordable housing problem. Garden Island.

As of Friday, 20 Kauai residents filed papers, announcing their candidacy for different posts. Garden Island.

James “Jimmy” Tokioka (D-15, Wailua, Hanamaulu, Lihue, Koloa, Omao) — first elected to the state house in 2006 — is seeking his sixth, two-year term as a state house representative for Kauai. Garden Island.

Hanabusa files for congressional seat, Ohana inter-island flights on hold, 60 lbs of honeycomb in emergency siren, H-1 zipper lane expands, new cancer center director approved, rail amendments may be on Honolulu ballot, Maui hospitals in chaos, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

 

Hanabusa files nominations papers, courtesy Hanabusa campaign

Colleen Hanabusa formally launched her campaign Thursday to seek election to the U.S. House of Representatives representing urban Honolulu, a seat she held from 2011 to 2015. Star-Advertiser.

Colleen Hanabusa ended two weeks of speculation Thursday by officially filing to run for Congress. Civil Beat.

Former U.S. Rep. Colleen Hanabusa says she decided to run for her old seat in Congress after former colleagues, including outgoing U.S. Rep. Mark Takai, asked her to run. Associated Press.

Commentary: Hanabusa ready to resume her climb up ladder in D.C. Star-Advertiser.

The race for Mark Takai's Congressional seat is shaping up. For the Democrats, the only recognizable names who've held office before and have filed the proper paperwork are Lei Ahu Isa and Colleen Hanabusa. KITV4.

Former U.S. Rep. Colleen Hanabusa is looking to once again represent Hawaii’s First Congressional District, a seat she held from 2011-2014. KHON2.

With just days to go before the June 7 filing deadline, Duke Aiona is apparently considering three very different contests. Civil Beat.

=======================

Hawaiian Holdings’ plan to expand interisland air cargo service under its Ohana by Hawaiian brand to Maui, Kauai and the Big Island has been delayed until later this year as the parent of Hawaiian Airlines waits for the Federal Aviation Administration to certify three ATR 72 turboprop aircraft purchased for the service. Pacific Business News.

The federal office of Housing and Urban Development is giving Hawaii an additional $1.3 million in rental assistance for veterans. Associated Press.

The state Office of Planning, in partnership with the state Office of Enterprise Technology Services, has made upgrades to the state’s geographic information system that take advantage of current advances in server-based GIS and cloud services, and improve data sharing, accessibility and cost-effectiveness. Big Island Now.

Oahu

The expected hiring of renowned colon cancer expert Dr. Randall Holcombe to lead the University of Hawaii Cancer Center could result in a substantial donation from local philanthropists that would infuse the cash-strapped research center with much-needed capital. Star-Advertiser.

The UH Board of Regents on Thursday approved Dr. Randall Holcombe as the new director. Holcombe currently serves as chief medical officer for cancer for the Mount Sinai Heath System in New York City. Hawaii News Now.

Honolulu voters haven’t had a real say regarding the rail project since the mayoral election of 2012, but that could change this fall. The Honolulu Charter Commission is moving forward with ballot measures that could give the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation board more power for now and ensure that one city agency — the Department of Transportation Services — handles the operations and maintenance of all public transit services when rail construction is finished. Civil Beat.

The Honolulu City Council passed the budget bills for the next fiscal year beginning July 1st. Hawaii Public Radio.

There is a proposal to close the Ala Wai Canal from the Ala Moana Boulevard Bridge to the Kalakaua Avenue Bridge during the IUCN World Conservation Congress, Sept. 1-10. The security matter will be considered at a meeting of the Hawaii Board of Land and Natural Resources June 9. Civil Beat.

H-1 Zipper Lane users will soon have two lanes to get into town instead of one — a move that state transportation officials hope will help to slightly ease the traffic congestion endured by thousands of West and Central Oahu commuters on weekday mornings. Star-Advertiser.

The Hawaii State Department of Health has issued a notice ordering the Haleiwa Beach House restaurant on Oahu’s North Shore to cease operations, saying its wastewater is spilling onto a neighboring property with a fish pond that children use for educational purposes. Pacific Business News.

The state ordered the Haleiwa Beach House restaurant to close after confirming that sewage was spilling from its wastewater system into a neighboring property near a fishpond frequently visited by children. Star-Advertiser.

The state has ordered Haleiwa Beach House to shut down because the eatery's septic system is spilling sewage on a property frequently used by children. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii

A charter amendment giving the County Council more control over department heads is moving forward. Department heads would have to come before the County Council for confirmation every two years, under a ballot amendment forwarded Thursday. West Hawaii Today.

The Windward Planning Commission has approved a Hawaii County Civil Defense request to release funds for an updated air quality model for the area surrounding Puna Geothermal Venture. The project will study the dispersion of hydrogen sulfide and other gases from the Pohoiki power plant. Big Island Video News.

They sat empty for about three years, but initial registration numbers indicate the Queen Lili‘uokalani Trust’s two reopened Keahuolu Camping Program sites should be busy for a while. Tribune-Herald.

A group will be out near Queen Kaahumanu Highway on Saturday morning, likely holding signs that show their displeasure with a precedent-setting ban on fishing at Kaupulehu Bay. West Hawaii Today.

Nearly $100,000 for more spay-neuter coupons, and the deletion of contract language that appears to encourage the killing of animals are among changes to the Hawaii Island Humane Society contract with the county. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Maui County hospital executives said many of their 1,100 employees are using vacation and sick days in anticipation of ending employment under the public hospital operator, Hawaii Health Systems Corp. As many as 50 hospital workers are taking leave daily, leaving executives scrambling to hire temporary workers to fill the gaps. Star-Advertiser.

70,000 Bees, 60 Pounds of Honey Removed from Hive in Maui Siren. Maui Now.

The state Office of Elections is reminding candidates that the deadline to file nomination papers is 4:30 p.m. Tuesday. Maui News.

Kauai

The Kauai County Council unanimously voted Wednesday to defer a bill that would allow residents in the Lihue Planning District to construct rental units as part of their homes. Garden Island.

It’s the time of year when Kauai’s nocturnal seabirds start to lay their eggs. That means Kauai Endangered Seabird Recovery Project is once again out with its radar truck collecting data on the birds. Garden Island.

Kahoolawe

Six miles from the scenic beaches of south Maui sits a small, deserted island with a rich history and a big problem. The U.S. Navy used the barren island as a bombing range for decades starting in World War II. It later joined with the state and spent millions on cleanup, but they didn’t finish the job. Associated Press.

Confidential patient records in Health Exchange limbo, construction booming, crystal meth still plagues state, three counties pass budgets, Oahu windmills killing endangered bats, Duke Aiona mulls 3 races, coral graveyard found in Pacific, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Construction crane looms over Honolulu © 2016 All Hawaii News

Honolulu was the nation’s third-fastest-growing construction job market during the past 12 months as employment in the local industry hit an April high, according to new analysis from the Associated General Contractors of America. Star-Advertiser.

A former Hawaii Health Connector contractor claims to be holding on to Hawaii state residents' personal health information in what appears to be a favor to the state government, which has failed for months to give the company direction on what to do with the sensitive data. Pacific Business News.

When it comes to financial health, Hawaii ranks 45th. Civil Beat.

Crystal Meth in Hawaii: Demand, Supply and Local Culture. Hawaii Public Radio.

On July 9, the Hawaii Education Summit will be held to discuss the benefits of the new Every Student Succeeds Act, according to a statement released by Gov. David Ige’s office. Civil Beat.

More than 300 people who are either homeless or at risk of becoming homeless, primarily on Oahu, received assistance from a portion of the $900,000 in state funds that Aloha United Way distributed to 18 social service agencies in April in an effort to reduce the highest per capita homeless rate in the nation. Star-Advertiser.

Under the state’s policy, the Hawaii Department of Public Safety cannot decide where to place transgender inmates based only on their anatomy; it must make an individualized assessment that takes into account each inmate’s gender identity and personal concerns about safety. Civil Beat.

Former Lt. Gov. James “Duke” Aiona Jr. pulled papers Wednesday for three different seats. KHON2.

Lei Ahu Isa is running to represent Hawaii’s 1st Congressional District. A former state legislator and current trustee with the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Isa said she filed her papers Wednesday. Civil Beat.

The NFL said Wednesday its decision to move the Pro Bowl to Orlando, Florida, for the next three seasons is unrelated to funding, Aloha Stadium or Hawaii's ability to host the game. Associated Press.

Federal scientists reported what they’ve dubbed a “coral graveyard” off the coast of Jarvis Island in the Pacific Remote Island Marine National Monument on Wednesday, saying an emergency undersea expedition found 95 percent of the coral dead. Garden Island.

Oahu

The Honolulu City Council on Wednesday passed a $2.33 billion operating budget and $940 million capital improvements package for the fiscal year that starts July 1. Star-Advertiser.

The Honolulu City Council approved a $2.3 billion operating budget for fiscal year 2017 Wednesday that includes millions of dollars for nonprofits and homelessness initiatives, and a separate rail budget that caps spending at a figure $1.3 billion short of what the federal government estimates the project may cost. Civil Beat.

The Honolulu City Council on Wednesday approved operating and capital improvements budgets for the city’s troubled rail project, but in doing so slashed funding for the project’s staff and office space, and tightened the screws on construction money. Star-Advertiser.

Rail and disputed Kakaako roads on collision course. KITV4.

The number of endangered Hawaiian hoary bats killed by spinning wind turbines on an Oahu wind farm is on pace to far exceed U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service projections. Star-Advertiser.

A group of Kailua neighbors is up in arms after volunteers from two canoe clubs hacked away vegetation from a vacant lot on state land Monday, clearing the way for a canoe launch site along the Kawainui Canal, or Oneawa Channel. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaiian Dredging Construction Co. Inc. paid about $2.3 million for the historic Honolulu Advertiser building on Kapiolani Boulevard, which it plans to renovate and use as its headquarters. Pacific Business News.

Water problems at Lahainaluna High School have not been ignored. The Department of Education told KHON2 Wednesday that it wasn’t aware of them.

Hawaii

Mayor Billy Kenoi is adding 14 new positions to the county's $462.9 budget. But even that wasn’t enough for most County Council members, who on Wednesday added one more. West Hawaii Today.

The Hawaii County Council voted on Wednesday to approve a new budget for the upcoming fiscal year. Big Island Video News.

Lt. Col. Jacob Peterson relinquished command of Pohakuloa Training Area to Lt. Col. Christopher Marquez in a ceremony Wednesday morning at the Army installation’s theater. Tribune-Herald.

Contaminated soil has halted redevelopment of a Hilo public housing complex. The housing site has been empty for over 10 years. Associated Press.

The County Council’s Finance Committee will get a chance to weigh in on the future of Hakalau Point today as it considers a resolution authorizing the purchase of the nearly 9-acre property, a former home to the Hakalau Plantation Co. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaii County could soon have its first tenant at the Kapulena Agricultural Park since seeking farming leases in 2012. Tribune-Herald.

Eighteen months later, there is still no answer from the state Office of Information Practices on whether the Commission on Water Resource Management violated the Sunshine Law during Kona site visits in 2014. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

A Maui County Council committee deferred action Wednesday on a proposal that would restrict certain county employees' participation in political campaigns. Maui News.

The Hawaiʻi Ecotourism Association today announced the receipt of a $50,000 contract from the Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority to expand their Sustainable Tour Certification Program. Maui Now.

A coalition of social service agencies, Maui County, the Governor's Office and the Realtors Association of Maui is launching a program to encourage property owners and managers to make more housing available to those most in need of shelter. Maui News.

Kauai

The Kauai County Council unanimously finalized the $189 million fiscal year 2016-2017 operating budget Wednesday. Garden Island.

A 20-year-old boardwalk at Kauai’s Kokee State Park is getting replaced with recycled plastic as state officials aim to protect the area’s rare species and improve safety for the thousands of people who visit each year. Associated Press.

A flight plan for a Cessna 182H that crashed and burned last week, killing five people, was never filed, according to a preliminary report from the National Transportation Safety Board. Garden Island.

Leona Perez, Kauai Independent Food Bank’s programs manager, said school hasn’t been out for a week and they’ve already seen an increase in the number of families coming in for emergency food. Garden Island.

University of Hawaii cleared to import zika virus, Department of Education seeks contractors for $100M school cooling project, biggest RIMPAC yet coming to Hawaii, most ocean debris not from Japan, tourism chief laments Pro Bowl loss, solar capacity varies, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Dr. Vivek Nerurkar, chairman, Tropical Medicine, Medical Microbiology and Pharmacology, courtesy University of Hawaii

The Board of Agriculture voted unanimously Tuesday to allow University of Hawaii scientists to import the Zika virus to Hawaii for vaccine trials, paving the way for local researchers to join the growing clamor among companies and scientists worldwide to develop methods to control the virus, which is linked to devastating birth defects in newborns. Star-Advertiser.

The Department of Education has reopened its request for contractors to prequalify to bid on cooling projects, including the installation of air conditioners at public schools, as part of the state’s $100 million initiative to cool 1,000 classrooms this year. Star-Advertiser.

The U.S. Navy says 27 nations will participate in the world’s largest maritime exercises in coming weeks. This is an all-time high for the Rim of the Pacific exercises, which date to 1971. They drills are held every two years. Associated Press.

A study of the eight main Hawaiian Islands shows that ocean debris regularly accumulates around the archipelago, and that most of it is not linked to the March 2011 earthquake and tsunami in Japan, state officials said Tuesday. Associated Press.

U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders has picked up a superdelegate vote in Hawaii, but he still faces a steep uphill battle in his quest to overtake Hillary Clinton for the Democratic presidential nomination. Associated Press.

Hawaiian Electric Industries and Florida-based NextEra Energy each have until Friday to walk away from their $4.3 billion merger deal without paying a $90 million termination fee and up to $5 million in related expenses. Civil Beat.

Oahu is half full. Maui County is 70 percent full, and the Big Island is 38 percent. That’s how close each county is to reaching its capacity for residential solar systems that can export excess power to the grid and receive credit. Star-Advertiser.

The head of Hawaiian Electric Co., the state’s largest utility, had some choice words aimed at some in the solar photovoltaic industry, a sector that was once one of the fastest-growing industries in the state but has slowed since the ending of net energy metering. Pacific Business News.

Commentary: For the second time in just six years, a class action lawsuit brought by a group of retired state and county employees challenging what they say were unconstitutional cuts to their health benefits upon retirement is back before the Hawaii Supreme Court. Civil Beat.

Jimmy Borges, Hawaii’s gentleman of jazz, died Monday at age 80, having faced his recurring cancer with the same gutsy attitude that propelled him from hardscrabble Kalihi to the glittering stages of Las Vegas. Star-Advertiser

Hawaii jazz singer Jimmy Borges died of cancer Monday, two days before his 81st birthday and two days after he won four Na Hoku Hanohano awards. Civil Beat.

Oahu

The president of the Hawaii Lodging and Tourism Association said Tuesday the departure of the NFL’s Pro Bowl for Orlando, Florida, is a black eye to the state’s sports tourism sector. Mufi Hannemann said it will be difficult to get the game to return. Associated Press.

The Pro Bowl’s relatively low return on the $5.2 million price of bringing it to Hawaii sparked years of debate about whether the money would be better spent elsewhere. According to HTA statistics, the 2016 Pro Bowl generated $26.2 million for the state’s economy, second only to the PGA Tour, which brings in $55 million. Star-Advertiser.

Planning the future of a popular Honolulu park, by looking to its historic past. Thomas Square is set to get a major makeover, but after unveiling improvements to the public -- city leaders got an earful Tuesday evening over the plans. KITV4.

Oahu’s busiest satellite city hall and driver licensing operations at City Square will relocate two blocks to the new Kapalama Hale in the coming weeks, about nine months later than originally anticipated. Star-Advertiser.

The distributor of arcade machines, deemed gambling devices by a federal judge, and two former arcade owners pleaded not guilty Tuesday to state racketeering and gambling promotion charges. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii
More than two dozen people and groups filed to intervene in the Thirty Meter Telescope contested case by Tuesday’s deadline. The motions are scheduled to be considered during a June 17 hearing in Hilo. Tribune-Herald.

Abandoned vehicles littering the sides of Mamalahoa Highway and elsewhere throughout the island are slowly disappearing, thanks to new contracts inked last month by Hawaii County. West Hawaii Today.

A much-anticipated mauka-makai connector along Alii Drive is one step closer to reality, following final publication last month of a finding of no significant environmental impact. West Hawaii Today.

Over half of all marine debris on Hawaii Island shores is plastic, according to the results of a state wide aerial survey, and is concentrated on the southeastern tip of the island, particularly around Kamilo Point. Big Island Video News.

On Hawaii Island, 2,200 pieces of marine debris were mapped during the August to November 2015 time period. Fifty-two percent of that was plastic. Most was concentrated at Kamilo Point in Ka‘u. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Workers are concerned about the water coming out of the faucet at a school on Maui.KHON2.

The cost of the yet-to-be-built Iao water treatment plant has grown more than 43 percent from an estimated $15 million to nearly $21.5 million. Maui News.

Mayor to discuss ongoing projects.Ongoing county projects will be discussed on the TV show “Your County with Mayor Arakawa” at 7 p.m. Wednesday on Akaku Channel 55. Maui News.

Kauai

Hawaii’s voters have chosen the people they will be sending to the Republican and Democratic national conventions this summer and Kauai has a few of her own who will be visiting the mainland to cast their votes. Garden Island.

The waters in the United States are relatively safe for swimming, according to the 2015 Clean Water Report released Thursday by the Surfrider Foundation. Garden Island.

Marine debris on the coastlines of Hawaii is predominately plastic, according to an aerial survey of the eight main Hawaiian Islands. On Kauai, the imagery analysis identified 2,878 pieces of marine debris. Nearly half of it was plastic, and most of the debris was concentrated on the eastern shores of the island. Garden Island.

Molokai

The Department of Hawaiian Home Land's refusal to pay a $15,000 bill could wind up costing taxpayers hundreds of thousand of dollars. Back in July, the DHHL hired Red Dirt Construction to build a dirt road through six miles of rugged terrain in Hoolehua on Molokai. Hawaii News Now.

Niihau

More discarded plastic, stray fishing nets and other marine debris is washing up on Niihau than on any of the other eight main Hawaiian Islands, according to a recent, first-of-its-kind study by state officials. Star-Advertiser.

Pro Bowl to move to Orlando, University of Hawaii seeks to import zika virus, Kauai police chief has no official job description, Hawaii Democrats oppose super delegates at rally, new judge coming to Thirty Meter Telescope case, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Aloha Stadium, courtesy Bobak Ha'Eri

It's official: The Pro Bowl is moving from Hawaii to Orlando. Hawaii News Now.

Three people with knowledge of the negotiations have told The Associated Press that the NFL is moving the Pro Bowl from Honolulu to Orlando this season. Associated Press.

The Board of Agriculture is expected to vote today on whether to grant the University of Hawaii a permit to import the Zika virus to Hawaii for animal vaccine trials as concerns mount locally and internationally over the spread of the virus and its ability to cause microcephaly, a devastating birth defect.  Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Democrats sent a message to their national party to stop using super delegates for the presidential election. KITV4.

Bernie’s Backers Prevail At Democratic State Convention. Despite party elite’s support of Hillary Clinton, Hawaii Democrats elected a party chair who supports Bernie Sanders. Civil Beat.

Despite the growing evidence that something is chronically amiss, the Legislature has repeatedly failed to act on police reform. Civil Beat.

At least one prominent Democrat has opted out of the race for the urban Honolulu congressional district now that Colleen Hanabusa has confirmed she is running. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii’s Public Utilities Commission has suspended Young Brothers Ltd.’s request to increase its general rate on Thursday, according to public documents. Pacific Business News.

State regulators said they plan to host public hearings in July as part of an investigation of Young Brothers Ltd.’s application to increase interisland shipping rates by roughly 4 percent. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

The Honolulu City Council is poised to reject funding for a plan to upgrade and renovate Thomas Square that has drawn mixed reviews from community members. Star-Advertiser.

A nonprofit effort to purchase and preserve the last major freshwater spring in Honolulu with a surface connection to the ocean has run into a jam after neighboring homeowners expressed concerns over their privacy. Star-Advertiser.

Dr. Randall F. Holcombe, chief medical officer for cancer in the Mount Sinai Health System in New York City, has been chosen as the next director of the University of Hawaii Cancer Center. Civil Beat.

A state agency has fined a Honolulu hotel, the Kahala Hotel & Resort, for a New Year's Eve fireworks show launched from state land. Associated Press.

D.G. “Andy” Anderson reopened the former Jameson’s by the Sea restaurant in March as Haleiwa Beach House despite warnings from the city not to because renovation work was done without building permits. Star-Advertiser.


Hawaii

The University of Hawaii released a progress report last week regarding implementation of Gov. David Ige’s 10-point plan for Mauna Kea. Ige gave UH, which manages 11,288 acres on the mountain, the directives a year ago following large protests against construction of the Thirty Meter Telescope. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaii County’s wastewater treatment plant in Hilo has a mold problem. An administrative building, which includes a laboratory and break room for wastewater employees, has been mostly vacated after mold was found behind the walls and ceiling. Tribune-Herald.

The Board of Land and Natural Resources gave final approval Friday for a marine reserve at Kaupulehu, where a 10-year moratorium will be placed on the harvest of fish along a 3.6-mile stretch of coastline. West Hawaii Today.

State considers permanent ohia transport ban. Tribune-Herald.

Puna Councilman Greggor Ilagan is seeking $5.5 million to put a park in Hawaiian Paradise Park. Ilagan will ask the rest of the council this week to add the project to the county’s capital budget. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Democratic Rep. Lynn DeCoite has filed as a candidate to retain the 13th House District seat she was appointed to in February 2015 to fill the remainder of the term of the late Rep. Mele Carroll. Maui News.

The U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee has approved a defense spending bill for fiscal 2017 that includes $11.7 million for the Maui Space Surveillance System, according to an announcement from U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz. Maui News.

Kauai

It was revealed by Kauai police commissioners on Friday that three job descriptions for the chief of police are unofficial. Garden Island.

The Planning Commission sided with North Shore residents Tuesday, unanimously voting to change the proposed location of two classroom portables at Hanalei Elementary School. Garden Island.

The fate of two transient vacation rentals operating in Kekaha will not be decided until June. During a Planning Commission Tuesday, commissioners unanimously voted to defer taking action on two TVRs to give the operators, Ian and Anna Cronshaw, time to argue their case. Garden Island.

Aaryl Kaneshiro, elected to the Kauai County Council in 2014, filed his nomination papers for re-election. Garden Island.

Average hurricane season expected, Hanabusa pulls nomination papers for Congress, DOT superintendent fined $3k for using state workers and equipment, nonprofits get more from state budget, Maui software company goes bust, Green dinged on financial disclosure error, rental costs increase, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Damage from Hurricane Iniki in 1992, public domain photo

Central Pacific Hurricane Center forecasters Thursday said to expect anywhere from an average to an above-average hurricane season, with an outlook that calls for an equal 40 percent chance of either a normal or above-normal season and a 20 percent chance of a below-normal season. Star-Advertiser.

After a record-setting hurricane season fueled by a strong El Nino in 2015, federal forecasters said Thursday the 2016 central Pacific hurricane season will likely be only slightly above average as La Nina conditions take over. Associated Press.

In the wake of a record-setting hurricane season fueled by a “Godzilla” El Nino, Central Pacific Hurricane Center forecasters say this season will likely be near or above normal as La Nina conditions take hold. West Hawaii Today.

Weather officials say Hawai‘i will see normal to above normal activity this hurricane season, predicting between four and seven tropical cyclones. Hawaii Public Radio.

Seven tropical cyclones are predicted for the upcoming hurricane season that runs June 1 through Nov. 30. Garden Island.

Will 2016’s hurricane season be as storm-filled as 2015? KHON2.

==============================================

Hawaii lawmakers budgeted significantly more state money for nonprofits and community groups this year compared to last, but the process of choosing who got what remains murky. The Legislature approved 104 grants in aid totaling $36.7 million for fiscal 2017, which starts July 1. Lawmakers winnowed this down from 276 applications for $147.6 million. Civil Beat.

Former U.S. Rep. Colleen Hanabusa has begun the process in Hawaii to run for the congressional seat that will be left vacant by U.S. Rep. Mark Takai. The Hawaii Office of Elections said Hanabusa was issued nomination papers on Thursday. That's the first step candidates take when running for office. Associated Press.

More homeless people than ever — 14,954 — sought homeless services across the islands in the 2015 fiscal year, representing an increase of 4.7 percent, according to a study released Thursday. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii’s tourism industry continues to break records, as April drew more visitors than any previous April.Star-Advertiser.

Fourteen of Hawaii’s 25 state senators and 14 of the 51 state representatives did not hold fundraisers during the 2016 session. Civil Beat.

Students with head lice, or ukus, will not be sent home from school, which is raising concerns that the infestation could spread. KHON2.

Oahu

A lease agreement to operate horse stables that a state lawmaker describes as the last remnant of paniolo culture in East Honolulu ends next week, prompting supporters to call for needed upgrades. City officials, meanwhile, are weighing whether to close down Koko Crater Stables, which spans 10 acres in Koko Crater Botanical Garden. Star-Advertiser.

An upcoming clean energy event in Hawaii will feature a 100 percent renewable energy microgrid that utilizes an electric vehicle charging station, biomass gasifier, battery storage, solar panels and a microgrid controller, event officials said Thursday. Pacific Business News.

The developer of a proposed wind farm on Oahu has unveiled a new plan for the project that calls for fewer, but taller turbines. Associated Press.

A study conducted by the National Low Income Housing Coalition states that, among other things, Hawai'i has the highest hourly wage needed to afford a two bedroom apartment. KITV4.

The Hawaii Lodging and Tourism Association’s Charity Walk raised $2 million and seeks applications from local nonprofits over the next couple of weeks. Pacific Business News.

In the past 18 months, the Institute for Human Service has moved 388 homeless back to the mainland through its airline relocation program, which enrolls only clients who have support systems in their home states and requires participants to pay for half of their tickets. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii

State Sen. Josh Green has paid a $300 administrative fine and submitted an amended financial disclosure form in an agreement with the state Ethics Commission. West Hawaii Today.

A Big Island state roads superintendent who allegedly drew upon government workers and equipment after his personal pickup truck blew a tire has been fined $3,000 by the state Ethics Commission. West Hawaii Today.

The average Hawaii County renter earns less than half of the income needed to afford a two-bedroom apartment, newly released data from the National Low Income Housing Coalition shows. Tribune-Herald.

The final phase of the Pahoa roundabout project opened Monday, marking the end of a much-maligned detour route and the beginning of new traffic patterns in the area. Tribune-Herald.

The new man at the helm of Hawaii County Civil Defense is an old hand at emergency management for the state. That’s allowing a smooth transition for Ed Teixeira, former vice director of state Civil Defense, now called the Emergency Management Agency. West Hawaii Today.

A Puna-based public charter school hopes to appease some of its recent financial problems by delaying payments — such as rent — until late July, after its first allocation of 2016-17 fiscal year per-pupil funding arrives. Hawaii Tribune-Herald.

Maui

In the past 10-plus years, the Maui rental market has become more challenging. A  modest, two-bedroom rental rental under 800 square feet in a rural area like Ha‘ikū that would have gone for $1,200 a month a few years ago would now rent for upwards of $1,600 a month. Maui Now.

A mixed-use development cleared a hurdle Tuesday when the Maui Planning Commission accepted its final environmental assessment. Maui News.

A once ginormous value for a small Maui software company has vanished after the firm named Code Rebel Corp. filed for bankruptcy last week in a Delaware court. Star-Advertiser.

Second Circuit Judge Richard Bissen will discuss Hawaiian cultural issues in the courts as the featured speaker at the annual membership dinner of the Maui Native Hawaiian Chamber of Commerce. Maui News.

Kauai

For about 25 minutes Thursday, Gov. David Ige outlined recent goals and achievements of his administration, the Legislature and the team of Mayor Bernard Carvalho, Jr. Garden Island.

The number of visitors coming to Hawaii rose 3.4 percent in April compared to the same month a year earlier. But the Hawaii Tourism Authority said Thursday tourist spending dropped more than 1 percent to $1.1 billion during the month. Garden Island.

U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii) secured $12 million in defense funding for Kauai for fiscal year 2017. Garden Island.

Hanauma Bay named America's best beach, no proof agribusiness pesticides harmful in Kauai report, new judge sought for Thirty Meter Telescope case, four seek state Democratic party chair, Kahuku Village opposes wind farm, DOT deputy fined for sending contracts to husband's firm, Hawaiian Airlines pilots picket, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hanauma Bay © 2016 All Hawaii News

For the second year in a row, a beach in Hawaii has been selected as the best beach in America by a Florida professor who’s made a career ranking and studying beaches around the country. This year’s top spot goes to Hanauma Bay, a picturesque nature reserve with gin-clear, turquoise water and abundant sea life. Associated Press.

Hawaii's Hanauma Bay on Oahu has been named America's best beach on an annual top 10 list compiled by coastal science professor Stephen Leatherman, also known as Dr. Beach. Associated Press.

Laying bare the complex politics of reconciliation and contrition, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on Wednesday rejected the idea of visiting Pearl Harbor to reciprocate for President Barack Obama's historic trip to Hiroshima later this week. Associated Press.

Jacce Mikulanec, Tyler Dos Santos-Tam, Florence Kong Kee and Tim Vandeveer are vying to replace Stephanie Ohigashi as chair of the Democratic Party of Hawaii. The election will be held at the party’s state convention this weekend at the Sheraton Waikiki. Civil Beat.

Democrat Colleen Hanabusa will make a bid to return to the seat she once held in the U.S. House of Representatives representing urban Honolulu, according to sources who have discussed the race with her. Star-Advertiser.

A former deputy director of the state Department of Transportation has paid a $13,000 administrative fine to resolve allegations that she violated the state ethics code when she apparently took action on a dozen state contracts with a consulting firm that employs her husband. Star-Advertiser.

The Hawaii Department of Agriculture plans to spend up to $2.5 million to install energy efficiency and renewable energy systems at its facilities across the state.Pacific Business News.

Have an idea for how to improve public education in Hawaii? The Department of Education is asking for public input as it undergoes a review of its multi-year strategic plan — a document that lays out goals for public education in Hawaii. Civil Beat.

Federal forecasters at the Central Pacific Hurricane Center in Honolulu are announcing the hurricane forecast for the 2016 season. Officials with the National Weather Service will give a briefing Thursday outlining the probability and frequency of tropical cyclones in the waters around Hawaii. Associated Press.

Oahu

Gov. David Ige’s administration says it will move forward on plans to construct a skilled nursing facility on the edge of the University of Hawaii’s Windward Community College campus in Kaneohe, despite rising opposition from the school’s leadership associations and the college chancellor. Star-Advertiser.

One of the biggest uncertainties for Honolulu’s commuter rail project — aside from concerns that there’s not enough money to build it — is how much it will cost to relocate utilities along the proposed route. Civil Beat.

Roughly 24 residents gathered at Kahuku Village Association Community Center on Wednesday evening to voice their concerns about a proposed 25-megawatt wind project, the second wind farm near the North Shore community. Star-Advertiser.

A windward Oahu wind farm could end up with the tallest turbines in the state. The proposed project is forced to make changes, and the Kahuku community found out what could be going up in their neighborhood. KITV4.

The city’s busiest DMV is getting ready to close and reopen in a new location. Council members want to make sure taxpayers are getting the best deal. KHON2.

With less than two weeks to go before the filing deadline, the race for Honolulu mayor has officially attracted eight candidates. Civil Beat.

Honolulu Prosecuting Attorney Keith Kaneshiro made it official. He’s running for re-election. Civil Beat.

The National Park Service and the nonprofit group Pacific Historic Parks on Wednesday launched an effort to win grant money to preserve historic Pearl Harbor battleship moorings. Associated Press.

Dozens of Hawaiian Airlines pilots picketed Wednesday for a new collective bargaining agreement a week after voting to allow union representatives to call for a strike if necessary. The pilots gathered outside Honolulu International Airport. Associated Press.

Naked man gives Honolulu airport 4th security fence breach. Associated Press.

The origins of Hawaii’s eclectic cuisine will be explored in a new TV series on PBS hosted by Hawaii’s own Chef Ed Kenney, who owns and operates four Oahu restaurants. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii

Former 3rd Circuit Court Judge Riki May Amano is facing another hurdle to her overseeing the Thirty Meter Telescope’s next contested case hearing — the University of Hawaii at Hilo. Tribune-Herald.

In a surprise turn of events, the University of Hawaii filed a motion Wednesday asking that Judge Riki May Amano be replaced as hearings officer of the upcoming Thirty Meter Telescope contested case hearing. Star-Advertiser.

The question of privatization continues to hover over the East Hawaii Region of Hawaii Health Systems Corp. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Despite concerns about traffic, the 1,600-acre Waikapu Country Town project advanced Tuesday as the Maui Planning Commission formalized its comments on the development's draft environmental impact statement. Maui News.

The Makani Kai Air Cessna crash that led to the death of state Department of Health Director Loretta Fuddy three years ago off Molokai's Kalaupapa peninsula could have been prevented, according to a report by the National Transportation Safety Board. Maui News.

Kauai

There isn’t enough data to conclusively connect pesticide use on Kauai to the health of the environment and of the community, according to the group that spent 15 months researching the subject. Garden Island.

Hawaii needs to do a better job of determining the health and environmental effects of the chemicals that genetically modified seed and coffee companies spray on their crops, according to the final joint fact-finding report commissioned by the state and Kauai County. Civil Beat.

The vehicle weight tax has increased only twice on Kauai since it was imposed in 1978, but it’s been steadily producing money for the county. Garden Island.

Nene and farming will be the topic of conversation at the Kilauea Community Center Thursday at a public meeting hosted by The Kauai Nene Habitat Conservation Plan. Garden Island.

Lanai
The thrice-delayed Lanai Community Plan is returning to the full Maui County Council after passing through the Planning Committee on Tuesday. Maui News.

Japan's Abe nixes Pearl Harbor trip, NextEra reconsidering $4.3B Hawaii electric purchase, crash that killed health director was preventable, revenues council tweaks projection downward, Honolulu rail board reconsidering route, $135M Coco Palms reno slows, ohia wilt a concern, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Kilauea lava flow a Puu Oo, courtesy Hawaiian Volcano Observatory

Scientists have posted the first images of the new lava breakouts that began erupting this morning from the flanks of Puʻu ʻŌʻō. Big Island Video News.

Lava began flowing in two directions from Kilauea’s Pu‘u ‘O‘o cone Tuesday morning. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaii County Civil Defense and geologists at the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory are watching two new lava flows from the Puu Oo vent that began Tuesday morning. Star-Advertiser.

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President Barack Obama said Wednesday he plans to use his historic visit to Hiroshima with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe to reflect on the suffering of war and the need to take steps to prevent it. Abe said he had no plans to reciprocate Obama's gesture by paying his own visit to Pearl Harbor. Associated Press.

NextEra Energy Inc.’s proposed $4.3 billion takeover of Hawaiian Electric Industries Inc. is looking less and less likely as the company gets a new chance to buy the largest power distributor in Texas, analysts said. Bloomberg News.

The $4.3 billion merger deal between Florida-based NextEra Energy and Hawaiian Electric Industries is looking less likely to go through, analysts said in a Bloomberg story Tuesday. Civil Beat.

Hawaiian Electric Co.’s announcement last week that it has reached an agreement with a subsidiary of Fortis Inc. for the Canadian electric and gas utility giant to supply the state’s largest utility with liquefied natural gas as a replacement for oil has surprised the other Hawaii utility looking to ship in LNG. Pacific Business News.

A panel of experts charged with predicting how much the state will collect in taxes revised its estimate downward Tuesday by about $34 million for this year, but that isn’t expected to cause any great hardship in state government. Star-Advertiser.

The Council on Revenues tweaked its state revenue forecast downward today despite numerous economic indicators pointing to an upward trend. Hawaii Public Radio.

For the first time, former Congresswoman Colleen Hanabusa admits she's thinking about running for U.S. Rep. Mark Takai's seat. Hawaii News Now.

State lawmakers passed two bills in an attempt to monitor and reduce the number of opioid-related overdoses in Hawaii. Star-Advertiser.

To hear the state’s prison officials tell it, Hawaii is saving millions of dollars by sending hundreds of its excess prison inmates to the mainland. But a closer inspection shows that the deal isn’t as much of a bargain as it seems. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Rail board members are now openly questioning whether narrow Dillingham Boulevard would be the best path on which to build the island’s transit system heading into town, as the project faces huge costs and the community braces for the impacts of building through that crowded corridor. Star-Advertiser.

One of the biggest uncertainties for Honolulu’s commuter rail project — aside from concerns that there’s not enough money to build it — is how much it will cost to relocate utilities along the proposed route. Civil Beat.

Opponents of a planned tourist attraction with commercial hula shows and luau buffets amid gardens deep in Manoa Valley have a new opportunity to contest the project following a lapsed permit for the work. Star-Advertiser.

Commentary: There’s no dispute that the 2012 general election was marred by widespread ballot shortages that caused confusion and delays at many polling places. Now the Hawaii Supreme Court will have to decide what, if anything, needs to be done about it. The court heard oral arguments last week in the appeal of a lawsuit brought by the Green Party of Hawaii and seven individual voters stemming from the 2012 ballot fiasco. Civil Beat.

Hawaii

Rocks placed on the Mauna Kea Access Road on May 16 have rekindled tensions on the mountain, as state conservation officers seek a person of interest spotted on a Visitor Information Center camera. Big Island Video News.

Hawaii state conservation officers are seeking a suspect who placed rocks on the access road to the Big Island's Mauna Kea. Division of Conservation and Resource Enforcement officers said in a statement Tuesday that a shirtless man wearing board shorts and slippers was captured on surveillance cameras just before the rocks appeared. Associated Press.

Government officials at levels from Hilo to Washington, D.C., are calling for increased resources and collaboration to fight rapid ohia death. Tribune-Herald.

U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz is pressing federal and state authorities to bolster efforts to eradicate the fungus killing tens of thousands of acres of native ohia trees on the Big Island, comparing the spread of the disease known as rapid ohia death to a large forest fire in scope and degree of devastation. Star-Advertiser.

State land chairwoman Suzanne Case has approved an environmental review for a logging operation of non-native trees in the Waiakea Timber Management Area on Hawaii island. Star-Advertiser.

The Hawaii State Ethics Commission announced Tuesday that it has resolved a complaint over Big Island Sen. Josh Green’s failure to disclose property he owns on Oahu. The commission decided to agree to a settlement in which the senator must pay a $300 administrative penalty, giving him a lighter penalty in large part because of his cooperation in the investigation. Civil Beat.

Defamation, malice, and cunning. That’s how a Hawaii Island Humane Society response is characterizing a lawsuit filed in mid-April by Big Island Dog Rescue. West Hawaii Today.

Maui
The Makani Kai Air Cessna crash that led to the death of state Department of Health Director Loretta Fuddy three years ago off Molokai's Kalaupapa peninsula could have been prevented, according to a report by the National Transportation Safety Board. Maui News.

Despite concerns about traffic, the 1,600-acre Waikapu Country Town project advanced Tuesday as the Maui Planning Commission formalized its comments on the development's draft environmental impact statement. Maui News.

A Maui County Council committee recommended two proposed charter amendments and deferred three others Monday, as members began the task of whittling down nearly 20 proposals for November's general election ballot. Maui News.

The Historic Hawai'i Foundation is recognizing four Maui County projects for historic preservation honors during its 42nd annual Preservation Honor Awards ceremony Friday in Honolulu. Maui News.

Kauai

A $135-million project to bring Coco Palms back to life is still moving ahead. After being told that funding for the project is in the bank, the Planning Commission unanimously voted Tuesday to defer its decision on demolition of the resort until June 28. Garden Island.

An “SOS” drawn in the sand led to the rescue today of two hikers stranded overnight on the Na Pali Coast Trail on Kauai. Star-Advertiser.

A couple was rescued on Kalalau beach Tuesday morning after writing a signal for help in the sand. Garden Island.

Four victims of Monday’s plane crash at the Port Allen Airport have been identified by friends and family. Enzo Amitrano, Wayne Rose, and brothers Marshall and Phillip Cabe died in the accident. The pilot has not been identified. Garden Island.

The Sunday discovery of 34 dead wedge-tailed shearwater birds near Kauai’s Spouting Horn remains under investigation, but officers with Hawaii’s Department of Land and Natural Resources still believe dogs are behind the killings. Garden Island.

Hawaii could be first to put all gun owners in FBI database, Kauai skydiving plane crash kills five, Hanabusa may run for Congress, union endorsements begin, rail's future eyed, 30 shorebirds killed by dogs, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

SIG Pro semi-automatic pistol, Wikipedia photo by Augustas Didžgalvis

Hawaii could become the first state in the United States to enter gun owners into an FBI database that will automatically notify police if an island resident is arrested anywhere else in the country. Associated Press.

Hanabusa To Run For Takai’s Seat In Congress? The Democrat and former congresswoman likely would scare off many potential challengers for the seat she won twice before Takai. Civil Beat.

Not all candidates have filed to run for the state House and Senate, but the Hawaii State Teachers Association already knows who it is supporting in the Aug. 13 primary election. The filing deadline is June 7, but the teacher's union announced its preferred slate last Thursday, nearly all of them incumbents and all but five Democrats. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Rail board members will hold a special public meeting today to discuss the cash-strapped transit project’s ongoing costly challenges with overhead utility line clearances — a problem that an independent oversight firm has dubbed rail’s “most significant risk.” Star-Advertiser.

A new federal estimate that Honolulu rail construction could cost up to $8.1 billion — nearly $3 billion over the original budget — is forcing city officials to re-evaluate the size and scope of the largest public works project in the state’s history. Civil Beat.

John Henry Felix, longtime Oahu businessman, philanthropist and former Honolulu city councilman who once helped block rail from proceeding on Oahu during a pivotal 1992 Council vote is now poised to join the rail board. Star-Advertiser.

The state attorney general has filed criminal charges against the principal and elementary school vice principal of Myron B. Thompson Academy state charter school. Star-Advertiser.

The number of Honolulu drunk-driving arrests is down, so is the number of court cases prosecutors are initiating, and there’s another legal threat looming just months after refusing a breath test got a whole lot easier. KHON2.

Brian Ahakuelo, the embattled leader of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 1260, announced his retirement for the second time, telling union officials Saturday that he and his wife would step down as the parent union investigates the local’s finances. Star-Advertiser.

The retirement of a longtime Hawaii state senator has several candidates looking to win the open seat. Democrat Suzanne Chun Oakland, whose District 13 includes Liliha, Palama, Iwilei, Nuuanu and neighboring areas, already has state Rep. Karl Rhoads, a fellow Dem, in the running. Now Kim Coco Iwamoto, another Democrat, is in the race as well. Civil Beat.

Jose Fajardo, the new president and general manager of Hawaii Public Radio, says he knew from an early age that he wanted to pursue a career in radio and public broadcasting. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii

It’s beginning to look a lot like an election year. With just two weeks to go before the filing period closes, 10 candidates have filed and another seven pulled nomination papers in a crowded mayoral race. West Hawaii Today.

A vacant parcel of land measuring a little more than 3 acres within the Kukio Golf and Beach Club resort community on the Big Island has been sold for $20 million, one of the highest land sales of its size ever in the state. Pacific Business News.

The Hu Honua Bioenergy company’s recent statements on its dealings with the power utility are “woefully inaccurate and misleading”, according to the Hawaii Electric Light Company president Jay Ignacio. Big Island Video News.

The family of musician Robert Keawe Lopaka Ryder, 37, who was murdered in 2013, have sued the Hawaii Police Department for allegedly allowing his identity as a confidential informant to leak out. West Hawaii Today.

Sports Authority is shutting down all of its 463 locations nationwide, including two Hawaii Island locations among eight stores across the state, as part of a liquidation process expected to span several months. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Maui Hemp Institute for Research and Innovation hosts a nine-day Hemp Fest to promote the benefits of industrial hemp and celebrate the theme, “Grow Our Future.”  Maui Now.

Kauai

Five people were killed in a plane crash at the Port Allen Airport Monday morning. The single-engine Cessna 182H owned by Skydive Kauai had just taken off for skydive tour around 9:30 a.m. when it crashed and burned. Garden Island.

Investigators spent the day scouring the wreckage of a skydiving tour plane that crashed at the end of a runway while taking off from Kauai’s Port Allen airport Monday morning, killing all five people on board. Star-Advertiser.

Officials are investigating the cause of a fiery plane crash on the south shore of Kauai that killed all five people on board. Hawaii Public Radio.

More than 30 wedge-tailed shearwaters were found dead Sunday in the seabird colony at Spouting Horn in the Lawai area. Garden Island.

Frank VanderSloot, the billionaire founder of an Idaho-based multilevel marketing company that sells nutritional supplements, has purchased a historic 102-acre estate in Hawaii on the island of Kauai for $14.3 million. Pacific Business News.