Hawaii farmland dwindling, dairy seeks state bailout, Honolulu Police sued for racial discrimination, cocaine possession mars Maui legislator's medical marijuana dispensary application, bad year for coffee, Legislature pares bill list, Kauai lobbying bill advances, Humane Society in Big Island group's cross-hairs, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii Island farmland © 2016 All Hawaii News

There's a drop in the number of acres devoted to agriculture between 1980 and 2015: a decline of 200,000 acres of cropland and 340,000 acres of pastureland, representing drops of 57 percent and 31 percent, respectively. Star-Advertiser.

A state Department of Agriculture study of agricultural land use aimed at helping industry, government and the community in decision-making also tells the story of the accelerated decline of farming in Hawaii, punctuated by this year's announcement of the end of sugar cultivation on Maui. Maui News.

A baseline study of agricultural land use created by a team of Big Island researchers and planners is intended to help inform future decisions as Hawaii’s agriculture continues to evolve. Tribune-Herald.

Bad weather and a lingering pest problem delivered major blows to Hawaii coffee farmers this past season, according to a new report that estimates production of one of the biggest crops in the state fell 16 percent. Star-Advertiser.

And Then There Were 2,633 — Hawaii Legislature Pares List Of Bills. A look at some of the measures that survived the first major deadline of the session, and some of what has fallen by the wayside. Civil Beat.

Owning a car could soon become more expensive as lawmakers consider increases to the state’s fuel tax and vehicle registration fees. Tribune-Herald.

Big Island state Sen. Lorraine Inouye expressed confidence Friday that a bill requiring a feasibility study for an interisland ferry would at least advance from the Senate to the House this legislative session. Maui News.

Florida Sen. Marco Rubio and surgeon Ben Carson have qualified for Hawaii’s March 8 presidential caucus. They join Texas Sen. Ted Cruz, businessman Donald Trump and Ohio Governor John Kasich on the ballot. Civil Beat.

Under a bill making its way through the Legislature this year, an independent review board administratively attached to the attorney general’s office would conduct a separate investigation in police cases. Star-Advertiser.

A bill that would give the state's counties the power to acquire electric utility property through eminent domain has passed second reading in the state House of Representatives, but it doesn't appear headed out of the House. Maui News.

State Sen. Josh Green has more than a half-million dollars in his campaign coffers, far more than any of his 24 colleagues. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Bicycling advocates are worried that a push by Honolulu City Council members to gain more control over planned bikeways and other Complete Streets projects could stymie efforts to make streets more pedestrian- and bike-friendly. Star-Advertiser.

A racial discrimination lawsuit involving three Honolulu police officers who say their lives were put at risk because of the color of their skin appears to be about to come to an end. Civil Beat.

SunEdison Inc. is urging Hawaii regulators to not approve Hawaiian Electric Co.’s termination of the power purchase agreement between the two companies regarding the Missouri company’s three proposed Oahu solar farms, according to public documents. Pacific Business News.

A $5.5 million federal grant will aid the University of Hawaii Cancer Center’s research into why cervical cancer rates are so high among certain Pacific Island populations. Civil Beat.

Christian leader Franklin Graham is scheduled to be in Honolulu Wednesday to hold a prayer rally, preach the Gospel and challenge believers “to take a stand and take action.” Civil Beat.

Hawaii

Hawaii’s largest dairy is seeking state help to develop a $10 million milk processing plant after the only local processor dramatically cut what it pays Hawaii’s last two dairy farms for their milk last year. Three bills at the Legislature backed by the administration of Gov. David Ige seek to allow Big Island Dairy LLC to finance a milk processing plant by selling bonds under the state’s authority. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii’s Cuts To Pest Control Have Allowed Dengue To Thrive. The state aggressively attacked previous outbreaks of dengue fever that were quickly stopped but response efforts have been gutted. Civil Beat.

Fewer county police officers were fired or suspended last year compared to the year before, according to an annual report submitted to the state Legislature. West Hawaii Today.

The University of Hawaii is pulling out of geothermal research projects on Hualalai. West Hawaii Today.

Administrators of East Hawaii’s hospital system began last week to publicly build a case for the possibility of shutting down the Extended Care Facility at Hilo Medical Center. Tribune-Herald.

How to reduce the number of unwanted animals that are euthanized on the island? That’s the question some animal advocate groups want to answer, and they attended a town hall meeting to tackle just that. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

A federal judge denied United Public Workers' request to prevent the privatization of the Maui state hospitals. Pacific Business News.

U.S. District Judge Helen Gillmor rejected Friday an attempt by the United Public Workers union to derail the privatization of Maui Memorial Medical Center and Kula and Lanai Community hospitals, according to an announcement from the state Department of the Attorney General. Maui News.

A legislator involved in a cocaine possession case in 1988 is part of a medical marijuana dispensary application.  Sen. J. Kalani English’s guilty plea on a charge of promoting a dangerous drug was deferred and the case later dismissed after he completed court requirements. Associated Press.

After two decades of steadily processing the island's green waste into compost, Maui EKO Compost recently diverted its millionth ton of waste. Maui News.

The state will pay $50,000 to settle a lawsuit against the Department of Transportation for failing to offer the driver’s license test in Chuukese and Marshallese. Star-Advertiser.

Kauai

The eight-member citizen fact-finding group on pesticide use by Kauai’s major agricultural operators will release the draft of its final report on March 10. Garden Island.

A bill that would regulate lobbying on Kauai evolved in committee last week, and is expected to go before the County Council Wednesday. Garden Island.

The state is renewing its efforts to tackle a decades-long problem of accumulated trash and damage to heiau in Kauai’s Kalalau Valley — the result, for the most part, of illegal camping. Star-Advertiser.

Better bus system one solution to congestion. But an all-or-nothing approach difficult with tight budget. Garden Island.

Carol Bain says she is running for another term on the Kauai Island Utility Cooperative Board of Directors because she wants to see certain projects come to fruition. Garden Island.

Invasive species are still successfully staking their claim on Kauai. Garden Island.

Bill would let imprisoned felons vote, DLNR creates oversight panel after newspaper reports land-lease abuse, bill allowing media access at disaster scenes clears committee, sight-seeing helicopter crash alarms Pearl Harbor tourists, Thai restaurant fined for taking down health placard, tax reform for Kauai, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Prison guard in Hawaii © 2016 All Hawaii News

Hawaii would become the third state to allow imprisoned felons to vote if House Bill 2773 becomes law. Incarcerated state residents would be allowed to vote by absentee ballot under the bill introduced by Rep. Kaniela Ing. It’s scheduled to be considered by the House Judiciary Committee on Friday. Civil Beat.

The state Department of Land and Natural Resources’ controversial revocable-permit program could be in for some big changes. Suzanne Case, chairwoman of the agency’s board, announced Thursday the formation of an eight-member task force, including several members from outside the department, to review the program and recommend revisions to ensure the process serves the public trust and provides transparency and consistency. Star-Advertiser.

With six months to go before the Aug. 13 primary, two high-profile lawmakers seem to be having trouble raising money for their re-election bids. But while Reps. Calvin Say and Tom Brower may be cash poor, two of their colleagues — Romy Cachola and Sylvia Luke — have been raking in the cash, despite easy wins in the 2014 election. Civil Beat.

More than 40 percent of Hawai’i’s homeless live unsheltered on neighborhood streets, parks, beaches or vacant properties.   But the state does not plan to spend more on shelters for this population. Hawaii Public Radio.

News media could be granted access to restricted areas in emergency situations under Senate Bill 533, but critics worry reporters might put themselves in danger or interfere with rescue workers. Civil Beat.

As the three members of the Public Utilities Commission weigh whether to let NextEra Energy take control of Hawaiian Electric Industries, a regulatory dust-up that came to a head in Florida six years ago might offer some guidance. Civil Beat.

Gov. David Ige is urging Hawaii lawmakers to appropriate $9.4 million to fund the state’s troubled health insurance exchange. Star-Advertiser.

Ige Nominates 7 To Environmental Council. The neglected council has struggled to meet over the past year due to lack of quorum. Civil Beat.

Cultivating cannabis has become somewhat mainstream and one startup is hoping to harness the excitement of the growing trend to create a commodities trading platform for hemp, which can only be operational in 27 states, including Hawaii. Pacific Business News.

Hawaiian Airlines and other U.S. carriers now have two more opportunities to land another coveted slot at Haneda International Airport in Tokyo. Star-Advertiser.

U.S. Sens. Brian Schatz and Mazie Hirono are praising an agreement announced Thursday that will add more flights between the United States and Haneda International Airport in Tokyo. West Hawaii Today.

Hawaii in general, and Hawaiian Airlines in particular, could reap more visitors from new agreements between Japanese and American aviation officials. Hawaii News Now.

Voting on a bill that would create no-spray buffer zones around sensitive areas was deferred by The Hawaii House Agriculture Committee in a joint hearing with the House Committee on Energy and Environmental Protection Tuesday, essentially killing the bill for this legislative session. Garden Island.

Oahu

A sightseeing helicopter carrying a family of four crashed just offshore of the USS Arizona Memorial visitor center Thursday morning, shocking tourists and prompting a few people to dive into Pearl Harbor to help those in the overturned aircraft. Star-Advertiser.

WATCH: Helicopter crash video near Ariz. Memorial. KITV4.

Schnitzer Steel and smaller metal recyclers would receive a 25 percent discount in refuse disposal fees under a bill passed 7-1 by the Honolulu City Council. Star-Advertiser.

Rail leaders have restarted condemnation proceedings for Blood Bank of Hawaii’s headquarters in Kalihi, despite the blood bank’s urging that they hold off as negotiations continue. Star-Advertiser.

A Thai restaurant in the Windward City Shopping Center faces a $7,000 fine for removing a yellow “Conditional Pass” placard that had been posted at its entrance after Health Department inspectors found food safety violations. Star-Advertiser.

Drivers stuck in traffic along the Waianae Coast may be getting some relief.  An afternoon contraflow lane in Nanakuli could be in operation in the next month or two, said state Rep. Andria Tupola, (R) Nanakuli. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii

Lawmakers have advanced a bill curbing the ability of counties to pass their own laws regulating geothermal power plants. Three Senate committees voted late Wednesday afternoon in favor of an amended version of SB 2535, which gives the state exclusive authority to regulate “geothermal resources development and geothermal resources exploration,” unless it delegates that power to the counties. Tribune-Herald.

Puna Pono Alliance President Robert Petricci made the trip to Oahu to testify on Senate Bill 2535 relating to Geothermal Resources Exploration and Drilling. Big Island Video News.

Hawaii Electric Light Co. plans to kick one of its renewable energy partners to the curb. The utility said this week it likely will terminate next month a power purchase agreement with the foundering Hu Honua Bioenergy LLC plant in Pepeekeo, after the company failed to meet key deadlines in its effort to provide Hawaii Island with up to 10 percent of its energy needs in renewable power, totaling 21.5 megawatts. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

The Maui Police Department is seeking proposals for a body-worn camera system, as it takes a closer look at the technology. Maui News.

The Maui Police Department is considering outfitting officers with body-worn cameras. Hawaii News Now.

Heavy rains Tuesday night and early Wednesday flooded the Maui County Service Center at the Maui Mall, damaging computers and motor vehicle records, shutting down power and generating a foul smell. Maui News.

The Maui Visitors and Convention Bureau today launched its new “Maui Mavericks” public relations campaign and selected 16 next-generation leaders as Maui ambassadors for the program. Maui Now.

Kauai
Kauai County needs real property tax reform, but a 3 percent assessment cap for homestead and long-term affordable rental properties could provide relief for some families while county officials hash out a complete overhaul. That was the general consensus of the committee that took on the assessment cap bill on Wednesday. Garden Island.

Actress Julia Roberts has dropped the asking price — for a second time in less than a year — of her beachfront estate on the Hawaii island of Kauai by about $4 million to $21.95 million, Pacific Business News has learned.

Nurses could prescribe medical marijuana, wait list trimmed for medpot cards, teachers on paid leave for sex with students, VA chief resigns, Honolulu pays homeless for lost possessions, unions protest Scott Walker talk, dengue fever canvassing continues, Hawaiian Electric cuts solar and biomass projects, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

marijuana bud

Advanced practice registered nurses, who already prescribe prescription drugs, could start certifying patients for medical marijuana under a bill passed out of committee Wednesday. Star-Advertiser.

The state Health Department says it has reduced how long it takes to process patients’ applications for medical marijuana from up to eight weeks to no more than five business days. Civil Beat.

Hawaii has less than two months before licenses are supposed to be awarded for medical marijuana dispensaries. But the state still has not chosen a panel to make those decisions. KHON2.

The state House Transportation Committee on Wednesday approved a bill that would allow police to issue tickets to pedestrians for using mobile electronic devices, including cellphones, while crossing a street. Star-Advertiser.

Some state lawmakers want to strengthen the law against “vehicular lollygagging,” a term that describes motorists who drive slowly in the left lane as faster-moving traffic stacks up behind or streams around them on the right. Star-Advertiser.

The Department of Education reported four separate cases where two teachers, a counselor and a custodian are each accused of having sexual relations with a student. And in two of those cases, the employees have been on paid leave for more than a year. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii is the only Western state without a citizen initiative process, but a few state senators here have begun efforts to change that. Civil Beat.

Wayne Pfeffer, the embattled head of the Department of Veterans Affairs’ Pacific Islands Health Care System, has abruptly resigned, effective immediately, and will be returning to the mainland.Star-Advertiser.

The Hawai’i Republican Party hosted its annual Lincoln Dinner Fundraiser last night in Windward O’ahu. Hawaii Public Radio.

The percentage of prison guards across the state who called in sick on Super Bowl Sunday was down from last year, but nearly a third of all guards were still absent from work. Associated Press.

The state has been through “a dramatic change” — Hawaii Department of Agriculture’s words — in ag land use over the last 35 years with the end of the plantation era in both sugar and pineapple production. Civil Beat.

The US Fish and Wildlife Service and the Hawai‘i Department of Land and Natural Resources, Division of Forestry and Wildlife, will hold a series of talk story sessions across the islands about methods to control and eradicate invasive rodents and mongooses to protect the state’s native species. Maui Now.

The State of Hawai‘i has issued a request for proposals to modernize its payroll, time and attendance systems to provide greater functionality and efficiencies in serving more than 75,000 full- and part-time employees statewide. Maui Now.

Commentary: It only took Hawaii officials slightly more than 26 years to follow through on a state Auditor’s recommendation to modernize its payroll system, the Department of Accounting and General Services announced yesterday. MauiTime.

Recent census data that included Pidgin as a language Hawaii residents speak at home has sparked pride. It also got people talking about its use and the stigma that limits its wider acceptance in the state. Associated Press.

Oahu

Embattled Honolulu police Maj. Ryan Borges, a 30-year veteran, has declined a promotion to assistant chief, HPD’s third highest-ranking position, following weeks of controversy because of his history of domestic abuse. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu Police Chief Louis Kealoha announced Wednesday that Maj. Ryan Borges will not be promoted to assistant chief. Civil Beat.

The Honolulu City Council voted unanimously Wednesday to pay a total of $48,500 to 21 homeless individuals to settle a lawsuit challenging the way the city applied its sidewalk-clearing laws. Star-Advertiser.

About a decade ago, the University of Hawaii Manoa set an aggressive goal to cut its energy consumption in half by 2015. It failed. Miserably. Civil Beat.

Public Utilities Commission Chair Randy Iwase blasted Hawaiian Electric Co. on Wednesday for terminating a contract for three solar farms on Oahu. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu rail officials say they expect to know in about a couple of weeks what caused a temporary construction framework to accidentally “separate” from the elevated guideway over the weekend in Pearl City. Star-Advertiser.

It’s official: U.S. Rep. Mark Takai is running for re-election. Civil Beat.

Hawaii mixed-martial arts champion Egan Inoue has opened a cryotherapy treatment center in Moiliili. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii

Hawaiian Electric Co. plans to terminate its power purchase agreement with Hu Honua Bioenergy on March 1 after the developer of the large Big Island biomass plant missed several deadlines that were part of the contract between the two companies, according to public documents. Pacific Business News.

The Big Island’s power utility wants out of its agreement with a troubled bioenergy production facility planned for Pepe’ekeo. Big Island Video News.

More than 30 volunteers, health workers and Civil Defense personnel spent Wednesday morning pounding pavement in Kailua Village, searching for standing water and educating entrepreneurs, residents and visitors on the dengue outbreak. West Hawaii Today.

Efforts to control an invasive insect that has caused significant damage to Hawaii Island’s macadamia crop are moving forward in the state Senate. Tribune-Herald.

A place to wait for the bus, a rock wall sign proclaiming the entrance and picnic tables for community events and socializing will soon be coming to Na Kahua Hale O Ulu Wini, a transitional housing complex in Kailua-Kona. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

A Maui County Council committee gave its blessing Tuesday to the county's proposed $1.2 million purchase of the Waiakoa Gym in Kula. Maui News.

The chairman of the Senate Committee on Water, Land and Agriculture on Wednesday shelved a bill that would allow Alexander & Baldwin to hold on to the rights of millions of gallons of water that it diverts from East Maui streams even as the company plans to close its water-intensive sugar plantation on Maui in the coming months and lay off more than 650 workers. Star-Advertiser.

A Maui police officer was arrested on Tuesday, Feb. 16, 2016 for violating a warning citation. Carlos, Frate, 31, of Kīhei, was arrested and charged for violating a warning citation, which was issued as a result of an investigation into a case involving alleged abuse of a family or household member, according to department reports. Maui Now.

Kauai

After more than a year of clearing out garbage on a 75-acre piece of undeveloped land, ‘Aina Ho’okupu o Kilauea is making progress in establishing an agricultural park on the site. Garden Island.

The County of Kauai doesn’t collect reimbursements for airlift rescue expenses like those sometimes necessary on the Kalalau Trail, even though there are legal ways to recoup those dollars. Garden Island.

The County of Kauai Planning Department advises the Wailua Houselots community that personnel are walking door-to-door in the neighborhood Wednesday and this evening with a four-question survey. Garden Island.

Legislature mulls tax credits and hikes, pesticide buffer zone killed, state fights aquarium fishing rules, Oahu prison riot, planned Oahu jail can't skip environmental reviews, Hawaii Council split on 'Styrofoam' ban, Takai to run for reelection despite cancer, Kahele's son named to state Senate, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Mai tais are served in Kona bar © 2016 All Hawaii News

A tax credit that would help low-wage working families squeezed by rising rents and other costs is up for decision-making by the Senate Ways and Means Committee today. Star-Advertiser.

A measure that calls for an increase in Hawaii’s general excise tax to help residents take care of elderly and sick family members cleared another committee Tuesday. Senate Bill 2478 passed Senate Human Services on a 5-2 vote. Civil Beat.

Hawaii House lawmakers have deferred indefinitely a bill that would have created vegetative buffer zones around five schools as part of a pilot project to protect against inadvertent exposure to pesticides sprayed at nearby farm fields. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Fights Against Regulating The Catching Of Reef Fish. State officials seek in court to avoid limiting the collection of fish and other reef creatures for aquariums. Civil Beat.

Homelessness was cited by legislative leaders as the most pressing issue this session.  There are more than 130 bills relating to homelessness and affordable housing. Hawaii Public Radio.

Pro surfer Kohl Christensen wants an administrative hearing after he said technical problems with the state Department of Health’s website prevented him from applying for a license to grow and sell medical marijuana in Hawaii. Civil Beat.

Finding qualified special education teachers is not the only staffing challenge facing Hawaii schools. As of Feb. 1, one out of every three school psychologist positions within the Department of Education was vacant. Only 56 percent of high-level occupational therapist positions are filled. And the DOE is also trying to recruit 484 educational assistants — employees of varying skills and education levels who work with special education students. Civil Beat.

Rooftop solar, utility-scale solar and wind, with some offshore wind, as well as geothermal, biomass and biofuels are the types of renewable energy sources that are part of Hawaiian Electric Co.’s interim status report to state regulators on its new energy plan. Pacific Business News.

If you’ve ever gotten stuck behind a slow driver in the far left lane of a highway or a freeway, you know how frustrating it can be. A new bill in Hawaii looks to tackle the issue of vehicular “lollygagging.” KHON2.

Hawaii lawmakers are considering a bill cracking down on slow drivers in the fast lane. Associated Press.

In 1779 the ruling chief of Hawaii island greeted a visitor from a distant land named Capt. James Cook at Kealakekua Bay and offered him a lavish gift of his own feathered cloak and helmet. Now, after 237 years away from Hawaii, the ahu ula (feathered cloak) and mahiole (feathered helmet) of Chief Kalaniopuu will be returning to the islands for display at the Bishop Museum starting March 19. Star-Advertiser.

With a salary of $550,008, head football coach Norm Chow was the highest-paid employee of the University of Hawaii system when the current fiscal year began last July. That’s hardly surprising. Across much of America, the head football coach of the biggest public university is the state’s highest-paid public employee, period. Civil Beat.

Oahu

House and Senate committees Tuesday scrapped Gov. David Ige’s proposal to exempt the construction of a new Oahu jail from the state’s environmental review process amid mounting opposition from environmentalists and advocates for criminal justice reform. Star-Advertiser.


State Pulls Request For Prison Environmental Studies Exemption. Lawmakers advance bills to fast track relocation of the Oahu Community Correctional Center but decide environmental studies are a must. Civil Beat.

A riot broke out at Oahu Community Correctional Center – the state’s largest jail -- last week and one of the alleged instigators has caused trouble there before. Officials described the incident as the worst disturbance at OCCC in 30 years. Hawaii News Now.

The Honolulu Police Department said Tuesday it is looking into a possible violation of department standards by a high-ranking officer after a controversy surfaced about his promotion. Star-Advertiser.

The mayor has met with Honolulu Police Department Chief Louis Kealoha over a controversial assistant chief pick. Hawaii News Now.

Top Hawaii unions plan to protest a talk by Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker, who is in Honolulu this week. Walker is to deliver the keynote address for the Lincoln Day Dinner, sponsored by the Hawaii Republican Party. Civil Beat.

U.S. Rep. Mark Takai will officially announce today he is running for re-election to a second term despite his bout with pancreatic cancer, saying he is excited about the future and his doctors have cleared him to campaign. Star-Advertiser.

As traffic gridlock along the H1 freeway worsens, one city councilmember is calling for drastic measures. A new bill introduced by Councilmember Carol Fukunaga calls for a temporary ban on construction of major projects between Aiea, Salt Lake, Moanalua and Red Hill. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaiian Electric Co. backed out of its contract with SunEdison Inc. for three utility-scale solar facilities on Oahu that were approved by state regulators in July. Star-Advertiser.

Instead of ramping up at a 47-megwatt solar farm in Wapio, work crews are ramping down. Employees got the bad news Tuesday morning, including a dozen who reported for what was to be their first day on the job.  Another 44 people recently hired at a job fair can’t begin work. KITV4.

Hawaii
Gov. David Ige on Tuesday appointed Hilo resident Kai Kahele to fill the District 1 Senate seat vacated by his father, the late Sen. Gil Kahele, who died unexpectedly last month at age 73. Kahele’s original term was to expire Nov. 6, 2018. Kai Kahele will represent Hilo until the primary and general elections are held later this year to elect someone to fill the remainder of the term. Tribune-Herald.

Gov. David Ige has appointed Kaiali‘i Kahele to the 1st district state senate seat that was held by his late father at the time of his passing. Big Island Video News.

Stalled on Styrofoam: Divided council sends foam food container ban out for more input. West Hawaii Today.

Door-to-door dengue education outreach begins today in Kailua-Kona, the lone Hawaii Island area identified as a high-risk area for potential dengue transmission. West Hawaii Today.

West Hawaii animal rescue groups and some community members are continuing a battle to force the Hawaii Island Humane Society to lower its euthanasia rates. West Hawaii Today.

A Captain Cook man accused of driving without proper materials during “Freedom Ride 2016” — and whose car was at one point suspected of having an explosive device on it before it was cleared — made his initial court appearance Tuesday. West Hawaii Today.

W.H. Shipman wants to add traffic lights on Highway 11 to aid motorists driving into its business park, and is seeking a $2.75 million appropriation to get the project done. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Maui County real estate sales were down slightly while median prices were up by single digits in January compared with January 2015, according to Realtors Association of Maui's monthly statistics. Maui News.

Kauai

While there is no immediate threat for mosquito-borne viruses to strike Kauai, officials are asking residents to help make sure it stays that way. Garden Island.

Numbers gathered for the draft of the infrastructure assessment prepared by Honolulu-based SSFM International showed that by 2035, Kauai is going to be low on water, wastewater treatment capacity and in solid waste treatment capacity if trends continue as predicted. Garden Island.

SolarCity has selected Tesla Energy to supply the batteries for a first-of-its-kind solar array and energy storage system to be built for Kauai Island Utility Cooperative. Garden Island.

The Kauai Island Utility Cooperative is working to provide affordable solar power all day and all night. The company SolarCity chose Tesla Energy to provide a “first-of-its-kind solar array and energy storage system” on Kauai, according to the statement from the co-op. Civil Beat.

Hawaiian Electric sale faces June deadline, rift in Native Hawaiian constitutional convention, Wasserman Schultz rallying Hawaii Democrats tonight, doctors needed stat, county probe finds Maui tires missing, homeless have great view atop Diamond Head, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Honolulu lights up at night © 2016 All Hawaii News

NextEra Energy Inc. is likely to pull the plug on its proposed purchase of Hawaii’s largest electric utility if state regulators do not approve the sale by June, according to analysts. Star-Advertiser.

NextEra Energy Inc. and Hawaiian Electric Co. say they hope the Florida utility giant’s $4.3 billion proposed acquisition of Hawaii’s largest utility is finalized by March 14, according to public documents. Pacific Business News.

The monthlong Na‘i Aupuni constitutional convention moved into its final two weeks Monday with a consensus to draft formal documents establishing a Native Hawaiian government. Star-Advertiser.

A hui calling itself Aha Aloha Aina 2016 plans a series of meetings on Oahu, Hawaii island and Maui later this month “to identify the very broad movement in the Hawaiian movement for Independence and educate the community on the various initiatives.” Civil Beat.

Hawaiian activist Bumpy Kanahele has walked away from the Hawaiian Constitutional Convention, saying the process is rigged. Hawaii News Now.

A growing number of Hawaii voters — 56 percent in the last primary — already request early ballots so they can vote from the comfort of their own homes and then mail in their ballots. But now there’s legislation, Senate Bill 2496, to phase in all-mail balloting in the islands. Civil Beat.

House Higher Ed Leader Takes Aim At the University of Hawaii. The nearly two dozen bills introduced by Rep. Isaac Choy may be indicative of a larger sense of frustration with the university. Civil Beat.

Home-growers can breathe a sigh of relief: A bill that would have prohibited patients from growing their own medical marijuana is essentially dead. The measure, HB 1680, had not been heard by the House Committee on Health by Thursday, which was the filing deadline for bills referred to at least three committees. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaiian and English are both official languages in the state but as of the 2010 Census only 3% of the islands' population actually speak Hawaiian. The push to increase the number of Hawaiian language speakers topped the agenda at the 2nd annual 'Aha Kumu at Disney's Aulani Resort and Spa on Monday. KITV4.

The state has hired the private company Securitas to provide security at all of Hawaii’s airports for at least three more years, despite recent allegations of bribery. The state says the new contract takes effect this week. KHON2.

Oahu
The Honolulu Traffic Code says street parking isn’t allowed within 4 feet of a driveway. A bill moving through the Honolulu City Council would allow an exception, under a pilot project, to that law in one tightly packed Ewa Villages neighborhood. Star-Advertiser.

A bill expected to be heard Wednesday at the Hawaii State Capitol calls for $1.5 million to restore part of Waikiki Beach. Civil Beat.

Debbie Wasserman Schultz will lead a fundraiser at The Plaza Club in Honolulu Tuesday evening. Civil Beat.

They live on the best real estate in Hawaii, perched on cliffs above $10 million dollar oceanfront mansions on Diamond Head Road. The homeless of Diamond Head pay no rent or property taxes but enjoy postcard ocean views and the balmiest weather in the islands. Civil Beat.

When traffic is moving smoothly, it takes about six minutes for drivers to get from Maili to Nanakuli. On Saturday, it took drivers 90 minutes or more to travel that stretch. Hawaii News Now.

The Howard Hughes Corp. officially began construction Thursday on its third mixed-use condominium tower in the Honolulu neighborhood of Kakaako, with a groundbreaking ceremony for Aeo, which includes what will be Whole Foods Market’s flagship Hawaii store. Pacific Business News.

The federal government will soon list the endangered Oahu elepaio as a bird species distinct from other elepaio in what environmentalists describe as an attempt to better protect them. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii

A bill amendment to be introduced in the state Senate today would undo Hawaii County’s nighttime drilling ban for geothermal power projects and further restrict — if not entirely prohibit — efforts by counties to enact similar regulations. Tribune-Herald.

The chances of the majority of sitting County Council members facing opposition this election year is increasing, with new potential challengers pulling nomination papers last week. West Hawaii Today.

Calling all orthopedic surgeons, pediatric specialists, obstetricians and psychiatrists: Hawaii Island needs you. Those specialties and more have been identified as pressing needs on the Big Island, according to the latest assessment of the state’s physician workforce. Tribune-Herald.

A humpback whale can stretch more than 50 feet from nose to tail, but sometimes it takes a 45-foot Coast Guard station boat to keep it safe. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

More than $73,000 were spent in just over one year on nearly 200 tires, none of which can be accounted for, and they’re not to be found on any county cars and trucks. KHON2.

Coast Guard crews with Hawaiʻi Department of Natural Resources conservation officers conducted joint patrols off Maui Thursday in conjunction with Operation Koholā Guardian.  Maui Now.

Kauai

A measure scheduled to be heard before the Kauai County Council would restore a lobbying ordinance on the island that was eliminated some 20 years ago. Civil Beat.

Just half of Hawaii visitors stay at hotels, state gives cheap land leases to well-connected, Hawaii County mulls 'Styrofoam' ban, Maui philanthropist Mary Cameron Sanford dies, plenty of blame in May 17 Osprey crash, Go-Go's rock star seeks animal protection, dengue emergency, state to release medpot names, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Waikiki street scene © 2016 All Hawaii News

There were approximately 212,953 visitors in Hawaii on any given day in 2015, and approximately 53 percent of them, or 113,203 visitors, stayed in a Hawaii hotel last year, according to a new report by Hospitality Advisors and STR, Inc. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii lawmakers are heading into their fifth week of the 2016 legislative session, and they are scheduled to take on bills relating to marijuana, police oversight and pesticide buffer zones. They are up against a deadline Friday, when all bills must be in their final committee. Associated Press.

Tenants ranging from a global agricultural conglomerate to the state’s most exclusive private school have been leasing land from the Department of Land and Natural Resources for decades, paying as little as pennies per acre monthly under a program that operates with no formal rules and is limited by law to temporary, month-to-month uses. Star-Advertiser.

DLNR program controversy echoes flaws found at DHHL. After the Honolulu Star-Advertiser exposed a deeply flawed revocable permit program at the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands in 2013, then-Gov. Neil Abercrombie appointed a task force to recommend ways to improve the program.

Recent political action committee filings with the state Campaign Spending Commission provide a peek into the election year ahead when it comes to how money influences campaigns. Civil Beat.

A bill that would establish “continuous background checks” to alert police when Hawaii gun owners have been arrested in another county or state is advancing at the state Legislature. Star-Advertiser.

A proposed constitutional amendment to allow the public to elect Hawaii’s attorney general advanced a step forward in the state Senate on Wednesday over the objections of current Attorney General Douglas Chin. Star-Advertiser.

Judges and lawyers came out in strong opposition this week to legislation that would let Hawaii voters elect their state attorney general and judges instead of the current appointment process. Civil Beat.

Responding to pressure from the news media and the public, the Hawaii Department of Health has agreed to release the names of the people who are on a review panel for applications to grow and sell medical marijuana. Civil Beat.

Some Hawaii lawmakers and advocates say medical marijuana dispensary applicants could be at a disadvantage because health department rules don’t allow greenhouses. Associated Press.

A 1980s female rock musician is teaming up with state Sen. Russell Ruderman to tackle to what they believe is a widespread problem in Hawaii — animal cruelty. Ruderman, a Democrat who represents Puna, introduced Senate Bills 2263, 2273 and 2270 upon request from his friend, Jane Wiedlin, a musician and member of the band, The Go-Go’s. Tribune-Herald.

State lawmakers want to move some long-term tenants out of Hawaii’s public housing complexes to make room for new occupants to help solve the state’s homeless crisis, but they are finding that strategy won’t be easy to implement. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Governor David Ige on Friday signed an emergency proclamation to mobilize efforts against mosquito-borne illnesses such as dengue fever and the Zika virus. Pacific Business News.

The state's growing illegal fireworks problem is prompting legislation targeting smugglers. A measure now making its way through the state Senate calls for random inspections of cargo containers and the use of explosive sniffing dogs on the state's waterfronts. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu

A long-running dispute over reserved parking along privately owned roads in Kakaako has literally spilled from the streets — as well as from a state courthouse and a city advisory panel — into the state Legislature. Star-Advertiser.

A Marine Corps investigation into the May 17 fatal crash of an MV-22 Osprey at Bellows, after consecutive landing attempts in the same severe brownout conditions, apportioned blame all the way around but said pilots could have picked an alternative flight profile or alternative landing site when it became clear the engulfing sand and dust were far worse than expected. Star-Advertiser.

To last for more than a century, an organization has to reinvent itself. That’s what Bishop Museum president & CEO, Blair Collis, has been doing. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii

Hawaii County Democrats have selected three nominees to succeed the late Gil Kahele in his state Senate seat. The senator’s son, Kai Kahele, former Lyman Museum executive director Dolly Strazar and county Office of Housing and Development division chief Kaloa Robinson were chosen via precinct balloting Saturday during an open process conducted at Keaukaha Elementary School. Tribune-Herald.

The Hawaii County Democratic party has chosen three names to fill the 1st district senate seat of the late Gilbert Kahele. Kahele’s son, Kaiali’i Kahele, joins Dolly Strazar and Kaloa Robinson as the candidates who will go before Governor David Ige. One of them will be chosen as the governor’s nomination to represent Hilo in the state senate. Big Island Video News.

Almost three weeks after state Sen. Gil Kahele’s death, friends, family and colleagues have been busy — carrying out what they say was the Hilo Democrat’s political vision. Tribune-Herald.

Those old foam to-go containers might soon need to be gone. A bill banning polystyrene foam food containers in Hawaii County is scheduled to be heard Tuesday by the County Council Environmental Management Committee. West Hawaii Today.

Two women who run a small Native Hawaiian group dedicated to the protection of whales and other marine animals face a $5,000 fine for violating the federal Marine Mammal Protection Act during their response to a stranded whale in 2014. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii developer Peter Savio has closed on his purchase of Uncle Billy’s Hilo Bay Hotel and has renamed the 145-room Big Island hotel the Pagoda Hilo Bay Hotel. Pacific Business News.

Kumu call for kapu on ohia harvest. West Hawaii Today.

Bids to build the University of Hawaii’s new pharmacy school in Hilo are at least $2.5 million more than expected. Associated Press.

A sewage treatment plant is the best option for keeping human waste off a fragile and environmentally significant reef at Puako Bay. That’s according to an engineering report that recommends the treatment plant over the more expensive option of building a sewer line so the community of around 160 homes can connect to a treatment plant at Mauna Lani. West Hawaii Today.

A company that lost a bid to build the next geothermal power plant on Hawaii Island filed a complaint with the state Public Utilities Commission on Tuesday — the day before Hawaii Electric Light Co. announced talks with Ormat Nevada Inc. had ceased. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

"The Last Harvest" series chronicles the various aspects of Hawaiian Commercial & Sugar Co.'s final harvest as it shuts down at the end of the year after a 145-year run. The shutdown of HC&S represents the end of sugar in Hawaii. The installments will run periodically throughout the year. Today's story is the first in the series. Maui News.

Seventeen candidates had checked out nomination papers as of Friday for Maui County Council or state House seats serving county districts, according to a Hawaii Office of Elections report. Maui News.

Mary Cameron Sanford, a beloved philanthropist whose family roots go back five generations on Maui, died Sunday afternoon at The Queen's Medical Center on Oahu at age 85. Family members said that she died of heart failure. Maui News.

Around 70 Ka'anapali Beach Club workers rallied Thursday afternoon to protest expired labor contracts. Maui News.

Kauai

More than 50 citizens, including employees of Kauai Veterans Memorial Hospital, took to the streets for picketing along Hofgaard Park to bring awareness to the Legislature about funding cuts resulting in the hospital’s downsizing. Garden Island.

Kani Blackwell hopes the third time is the charm for the approval of a new charter school on Kauai. Garden Island.

State agency seeks to save coral, challenges to medical marijuana selection secrecy and care home inspection confidentiality, labor lawsuit dismissed in Maui hospital privatization, bill would ban feeding feral cats on public land, Schatz calls for swift dengue action, illegal vacation rentals targeted on Oahu, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Growing coral faster, courtesy state Department of Land and Natural Resources

The state Department of Land and Natural Resources is establishing a new coral nursery at Sand Island that aims to serve as a sort of “neonatal intensive care unit” to help restore damaged reefs as well as a bank for Hawaii’s native corals. Star-Advertiser.

Officials in Hawaii have come with a plan to grow large chunks of coral in a fraction of the time it would normally take. In doing so, they hope to create a stock of replenishing species to build up damaged or unhealthy reefs in the future. Associated Press.

The Honolulu Star-Advertiser told the state Health Department on Thursday it will file a lawsuit if the agency does not release by the close of business today the names of committee members who will award Hawaii’s first medical marijuana dispensary licenses.

Health Officials: Don’t Make Us Post Care Home Inspections Online. Hawaii health officials say they “strongly supported” a bill that would let them stop following a law they’ve struggled to comply with, but senators killed the measure. Civil Beat.

Hawaii lawmakers are pushing for more police oversight in the wake of incidents that they say chipped away at the public’s trust. Star-Advertiser.

The Honolulu Police Department is opposing an effort to create statewide standards and training for law enforcement officers, while state law enforcement agencies support the proposal. Hawaii News Now.

To help relieve overcrowding in jails, Hawaii lawmakers advanced a bill that would release from custody some misdemeanants — people convicted of misdemeanors. Civil Beat.

State legislators advanced two bills Thursday that address regulation of taxicabs and ride-hailing companies that use smartphones to connect independent drivers with fares. Star-Advertiser.

Charter School Commission Executive Director Tom Hutton is stepping down after three years on the job, having put in place a new accountability system for charter schools and overseen the contentious closure of one of the state’s oldest charter campuses. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii’s airports could have their own governing body in the coming years thanks to a Senate bill seeking to expedite modernization of the state’s key transit system. Tribune-Herald.

A bill to prevent large commercial solar operations from setting up shop in residential neighborhoods is moving ahead at the state Legislature. West Hawaii Today.

House Bill 1668 would authorize any state court to permit the use of a facility dog in a judicial proceeding “involving the testimony of a vulnerable witness if the court determines that there is a compelling necessity for the use of a trained and credential facility dog to facilitate the testimony of a vulnerable witness.” Civil Beat.

Hawaii Attorney General Douglas Chin has filed a complaint in 1st Circuit Court seeking to officially dissolve the defunct Hawaii Health Connector, citing that its assets are being "misapplied or wasted." Pacific Business News.

The state maintained its 2.3 percent growth forecast for Hawaii’s economy this year and raised its projection for visitor arrivals but said it expects tourists to spend less in 2016 than previously anticipated due to the strong U.S. dollar and the weakening of foreign currency. Star-Advertiser.

In the first seven months of the fiscal year general tax fund deposits have surged 7.3 percent compared to the same period in the previous year, according to a statement released by the Department of Taxation. Pacific Business News.

The Center for Public Integrity analyzed lobbying registration data from all 50 states from 2010 through 2014. Civil Beat.

Predator bill could outlaw feeding of feral cats on public land. KITV4.

With the changing face of Hawaii communities, the State Historic Preservation Division will be surveying and documenting residential neighborhoods on Maui, Kauai and Hawaii island. Maui News.

Oahu
The city is turning up the heat against operators of illegal vacation rentals, putting more inspectors in the field and scanning the Internet for advertisements. Star-Advertiser.

The Honolulu Police Department pushed back Thursday against criticism that it isn’t doing enough to catch rapists after it was disclosed that 1,500 rape kits collected from alleged victims of sexual assaults have gone untested. Star-Advertiser.

Some businesses along Kamehameha Highway in Pearl City say they have been suffering because of the rail project. KITV4.

Hawaii
Thursday evening, officials with the Department of Land and Natural Resources considered a rule amendment that would establish the Kaupulehu Marine Reserve, where no marine life could be taken inside of 120 feet of water. The kapu is being proposed to allow the shoreline ecosystems near the Four Seasons Resort Hualalai a chance to recover from what some say has been years of overfishing. West Hawaii Today.

The TMT International Observatory’s decision to consider locations other than Mauna Kea for its next-generation telescope didn’t come as much of a surprise to supporters of the project, given the hurdles it still faces. Tribune-Herald.

U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz called Thursday for a swift response to Hawaii Island’s dengue fever outbreak. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Maui County Council Chairman Mike White listed an annual income of more than $180,000 and newly appointed Environmental Management Director Stewart Stant won $85,000 from Las Vegas table games, according to financial disclosures recently filed with the Maui County Board of Ethics. Maui News.

A federal judge has denied an effort to halt privatization of three hospitals in Maui County. Civil Beat.

A federal judge dismissed a lawsuit Tuesday filed by the United Public Workers, clearing a potential roadblock to the takeover of operations of three Maui County public hospitals by Kaiser Permanente on July 1. Maui News.

The names of the four candidates vying for the top post in the county Department of Liquor Control were disclosed Wednesday during a county Liquor Commission meeting. Maui News.

A January court ruling invalidating Alexander & Baldwin’s permits to tap millions of gallons of water a day from Maui streams could also affect other companies, farmers and developers that are allowed to use public water without conducting environmental assessments or consulting with Native Hawaiians on whether the use affects taro farming and other customary practices. Star-Advertiser.

There are a handful of bills dealing with industrial hemp before the state legislature this session.   Some lawmakers are looking at ways to help 675 Maui sugar workers who are scheduled to lose their jobs at the end of the year. Hawaii Public Radio.

Kauai

The State Historic Preservation Division will be surveying residential neighborhoods on Kauai, Maui and Hawaii islands, starting this month. Staff will be on Kauai Feb. 16 to 18 and visit Hanalei, Kapaa, Lihue and Hanapepe. Garden Island.

Power outages on the Lihue Airport runway caused a 45-minute delay Wednesday for travelers in Honolulu. Garden Island.

Thirty Meter Telescope could leave Hawaii; lawmakers mull general excise tax hikes, GMO fish bans, $100M for cool schools; charter school head to resign; Honolulu police has backlog of 1,500 untested rape kits; geothermal contract nixed; Maui sugar layoffs looming; lobbyist disclosure bill on Kauai, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Conceptual drawing of Thirty Meter Telescope, courtesy photo

Thirty-Meter Telescope project officials say they’re beginning to review possible sites outside Hawaii, and say they could pull out of the state if they don’t get a clear path to approval soon. Hawaii News Now.

Ed Stone, Thirty Meter Telescope executive director, said in an interview Wednesday that the $1.4 billion project will need assurances from the state that it can obtain a permit for unhindered construction on Mauna Kea no later than September 2017 — or it will take its next-generation telescope to another mountain. Star-Advertiser.

When state Sen. Roz Baker announced in her committee room Wednesday that her colleagues had agreed to a plan to increase the general excise tax to help long-term care providers, supporters applauded and issued heartfelt thanks. Civil Beat.

Lawmakers gave initial approval Wednesday to legislation that would provide the tens of millions of dollars needed for Gov. David Ige’s aggressive plan to cool 1,000 public school classrooms by the end of the year. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii lawmakers say they don't want genetically engineered fish grown in the islands. Lawmakers are moving forward with a bill to ban farming genetically engineered fish, which critics dub "frankenfish." KITV4.

The head of a state agency tasked with implementing sweeping legislative changes to Hawaii’s charter school system is resigning in the midst of pushback from school leaders who say they are being over-regulated. Civil Beat.

The House Transportation Committee unanimously passed a measure Wednesday to require annual inspections and registration for mopeds. Civil Beat.

The state Health Department’s selection process for medical marijuana license applicants is layered in secrecy. The department won’t identify the people who are deciding who will get the coveted licenses, and it also won’t say who appointed those people to a selection committee. Civil Beat.

The state is remaining tight-lipped about details surrounding its budding medical marijuana dispensary program — and so are most of the applicants. Tribune-Herald.

Twenty days into generally amiable regulatory hearings about NextEra Energy’s proposed $4.3 billion purchase of Hawaiian Electric Industries, the tone of the hearings has become decidedly less civil. Civil Beat.

The regulatory hearings regarding NextEra Energy Inc.’s proposed $4.3 billion acquisition of Hawaiian Electric Co., recessed on Wednesday and are scheduled to resume on the last day of the month for one week, the chairman of the Hawaii Public Utilities said Wednesday. Pacific Business News.

Oahu

The Honolulu Police Department has 1,500 rape kits dating back more than a decade that haven’t been tested, a spokeswoman for the department confirmed Wednesday afternoon. Star-Advertiser.

More than 1,000 rape kits are sitting at the Honolulu Police Department’s crime lab, waiting to be tested. KHON2.

The State dedicated a refurbished rental building overlooking historic Pearl Harbor today. Hawaii Public Radio.

Thousands of spectators gathered at Waimea Bay early Wednesday for “The Eddie,” but the monster waves that were expected didn’t arrive on time — prompting organizers to cancel the competition’s highly anticipated run. Star-Advertiser.

City officials say a “no tolerance” parking ban will be in place along all streets and road shoulders in Lanikai this Presidents Day weekend. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii

Nevada’s Ormat Technologies, which was awarded a contract by Hawaii Electric Light Co. to develop a 25-megawatt geothermal energy project on Hawaii’s Big Island, has withdrawn from contract negotiations with the utility, HELCO said Wednesday. Pacific Business News.

After a year of negotiations, Ormat has withdrawn from contract talks with Hawaii Electric Light Co. for providing the next 25 megawatts of geothermal power on Hawaii Island, the utility announced Wednesday. Tribune-Herald.

The Hawaii Island Energy Cooperative has produced a plan that it says could satisfy nearly 100 percent of the Big Island’s electricity needs with renewable energy before 2045. Civil Beat.

Puna Councilman Dan Paleka was cleared by the county Board of Ethics on Wednesday to accept a trip to Washington, D.C., to meet with a nonprofit group on alternatives to incarceration for the mentally ill. West Hawaii Today.

A new dengue fever risk map shows the Captain Cook area of South Kona has been downgraded from “red” – or high risk – to “orange” – or moderate risk for acquiring the mosquito-borne disease. Big Island Video News.

Three years after it closed its doors for renovations, the 18-hole oceanside golf course at Kona Country Club is now open for business. West Hawaii Today.

Hawaiian Style Cafe, a popular Hilo restaurant will pay more than $53,000 in unpaid wages and damages to employees after being found in violation of the federal Fair Labor Standards Act. Tribune-Herald.

Maui
Warren Haruki, chief executive officer of Maui Land & Pineapple Co., sees Maui at an “inflection point” and talked to Pacific Business News about some of the challenges that will face Alexander & Baldwin Inc. after sugar.

Hawaiian Commercial & Sugar Co., which will be shutting down operations at the end of the year, has announced its first set of layoffs. Ninety-five workers will lose their jobs on March 7, company officials said Tuesday. Maui News.

Kauai

Two Kauai residents testified against proposed legislation that sets up regulations for lobbyists on the island at a public hearing on Wednesday, and the County Council received 55 written testimonies on Bill 2614. Garden Island.

By Tuesday afternoon, thousands of dead fish were reported along the beaches, according to Don Heacock, Kauai district aquatic biologist with the Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources. The aquatic carcasses were also reported at the mouths of Kinikini Ditch, which follows along the Pacific Missile Range Facility, and MacArthur Park Ditch. Garden Island.

Oldest known bird hatches chick; bills would set term limits, ban pedestrian cellphone use, require pesticide buffer zones, tighten police oversight; Kahele's son seats Senate seat; Kahoolawe munitions cleanup seeks funds, competition lowering airfares, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Wisdom's mate with new chick, Feb. 8, 2016, by Kiah Walker/USFWS Volunteer

A 65-year-old Laysan albatross named Wisdom — the oldest known bird in the wild, according to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service — is a mother again following the hatching of a chick Feb. 1 at Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge, part of the Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument. Star-Advertiser.

People who use their cellphones while crossing the street could be cited and fined under a bill being considered by state legislators today. Star-Advertiser.

The state Health Department said Tuesday it will neither release the names of committee members who will select the winners of Hawaii’s eight medical marijuana dispensary licenses nor disclose any information about the selection process. Star-Advertiser.

State Sen. Russell Ruderman, a Democrat representing Puna and parts of Ka‘u who is seeking his second term, thinks state lawmakers should have term limits, and he introduced a bill capping the time a lawmaker can stay in the same office at 12 consecutive years. Tribune-Herald.

As Ethan Ferguson awaits trial on multiple sex assault charges on the Big Island, state Sen. Will Espero has continued his quest for more clarity on how Ferguson could have been hired as a state law enforcement officer in the first place. Civil Beat.

Hawaii lawmakers are looking to take control over how police cameras are used and who manages footage as increasing numbers of officers throughout the state are expected to wear video recording devices. Star-Advertiser.

A bill that would establish requirements for body-worn and vehicle cameras for county police departments was deferred Tuesday at the Hawaii State Capitol. But Senate Bill 2411 is not dead. Rather, the Senate Committee on Public Safety, Intergovernmental and Military Affairs plans to take the measure up again Feb. 16. Civil Beat.

With drone use taking off in Hawaii, lawmakers are reviewing several bills involving the popular gadgets, including several that would add privacy restrictions and one that would require users to have liability insurance. Hawaii News Now.

The Senate Judiciary Committee is hearing two bills to amend the State Constitution to provide equal rights for victims and survivors of crime. Hawaii Public Radio.

Concerned parents are calling on Hawaii lawmakers to establish buffer zones around schools to protect their children from chemicals found in pesticides. But the large agriculture companies that spray pesticides say their practices are safe, and some smaller farmers worry that buffer zones could cut into their food production. Associated Press.

Lorna Cummings Poe was one Kauai resident who testified at a state hearing Tuesday for a bill relating to pesticides and schools. Garden Island.

Should elections be conducted exclusively by mail in Hawaii? Is it time to increase fines for failing to disclose campaign expenses and contributions? Do lobbyists need to be held to a higher standard of conduct? State lawmakers are weighing a slate of so-called “good government” bills this session that could boost voter turnout and lessen the influence of money in politics. Civil Beat.

Hawaii lawmakers are looking to fund an educational program aimed at getting students, primarily those who come from low-income families, more involved in after-school activities. Associated Press.

The number of Hansen’s disease patients in Hawaii has fallen to 14 following the recent deaths of two patients at the state Department of Health’s Hale Mohalu Hospital on Oahu. Star-Advertiser.

Competition from Virgin America is driving down California-Hawaii flight fares. Pacific Business News.

The U.S. Department of Transportation has approved Larry Ellison's sale of his controlling interest in Island Air to a group of Hawaii investors and the Hawaii interisland airline's former chief has returned to the post, the airline said Monday. Pacific Business News.

Nine Hawaiʻi restaurants have received the 2016 AAA Four or AAA Five Diamond Award, the highest rating issued by AAA Hawaiʻi. Maui Now.

Oahu

The Honolulu City Council on Thursday will consider four measures that address regulation of taxicabs, as well as their ride-hailing competitors like Uber and Lyft that use smartphone applications to connect independent drivers with passengers. Star-Advertiser.

Aiea Public Library’s photovoltaic solar panels are finally up and running. The Hawaii State Public Library System made the announcement Tuesday evening. KHON2.

The beach at Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve reopens at 6 a.m. Wednesday for the first time in six days. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii

Kai Kahele says he will seek the nomination this Saturday to fill the state Senate seat vacated by his late father, Gil Kahele. Kahele, a 41-year-old Hawaiian Airlines pilot and Hawaii Air National Guard major, said he is not taking anything for granted, but hopes to be able to see his father’s legislative priorities through the rest of the session. Tribune-Herald.

Farmers and ranchers on the Big Island concerned about the impact of agricultural theft on their business operations could get help in the coming year thanks to legislation currently proposed in the state House of Representatives. Tribune-Herald.

Tourism officials worked Tuesday to counteract negative impacts to the visitor industry following Monday’s declaration of a state of emergency in Hawaii County because of the ongoing dengue fever outbreak. Tribune-Herald.

It’s a busy place, but these days, most folks are just stopping for a restroom break and perhaps to let the kids burn off a little steam at the almost-halfway point along Daniel K. Inouye Highway between Hilo and Kona. That could all change by the end of the year, however, as a $10.5 million renovation project aims to transform the old cabins, bunkhouse and dining hall of Mauna Kea Recreation Area into a facility worthy of much longer stays. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Vendor applications and sponsorship forms for the third Made in Maui County Festival, set for Nov. 4-5 at the Maui Arts & Cultural Center, are currently available, the Mayor's Office of Economic Development announced Monday. Maui News.

Kauai

There hasn’t been a Chevron gas station built on Kauai for more than a decade. That changed starting Tuesday morning at the Hokulei Shopping Village. Garden Island.


Kahoolawe

Kahoolawe Reserve Commission Scrabbles For Funding. The state body that manages the former bombing range has nearly exhausted its federal funds. Civil Beat.