Veterans Day marked in Hawaii, state Senate shifts some leaders, aquarium fish lawsuit moves to state Supreme Court, Maui and Kauai charter amendments pass, Honolulu police, zoo at issue, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Veterans Day parade © 2016 All Hawaii News

Events this morning marking Veterans Day include the annual National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific ceremony and the annual Wahiawa Lions Club parade, while an afternoon ceremony honoring veterans will take place aboard the Battleship Missouri Memorial. Star-Advertiser.

In observance of Veterans Day, all federal, state, city and county offices will be closed. KITV.

Hawaii Senate President Ron Kouchi announced slight changes to the 25-member chamber’s leadership structure Thursday as lawmakers get ready for the next session, which opens Jan. 18. Civil Beat.

The State Senate announced its leadership lineup today with only a few changes.  Hawaii Public Radio.

Conservation groups are appealing to the state Supreme Court to require more oversight of the aquarium fishing industry. Hawaii News Now.

Issues surrounding aquarium fish collection are being taken to Hawaii’s Supreme Court after the Intermediate Court of Appeals sided with the state on permit issuance. Garden Island.

The Coast Guard cited three commercial fishing vessels for safety and other violations, and sent the boats back to port during inspections this month, in one instance discovering a non-U.S. citizen at the helm of a U.S. vessel. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Medical Service Association has named Michael Stollar president and chief operating officer. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Commission changes cast uncertainty over future of Honolulu’s police department. KHON2.

The city’s quest to regain accreditation for the Honolulu Zoo received a big boost this week when Oahu voters approved an amendment to the City Charter that requires 0.5 percent of estimated property tax revenue each year to be dropped into an account set up to exclusively fund the 42-acre facility. Star-Advertiser.

A state board guiding affordable-housing production voted Thursday to move ahead with a plan for developing 590 rental apartments and a public elementary school in two towers on state land in Kakaako. Star-Advertiser.

The board overseeing construction of Oahu’s rail transit system has selected its new leader, as the financially challenged project continues to face future uncertainty. Star-Advertiser.

The dean of Hawaiian studies at the University of Hawaii at Manoa is being recommended for the chancellor position at UH West Oahu. Star-Advertiser.

A large Kahuku farm must stop selling and distributing its sea asparagus and seaweed products because salmonella, which has sickened at least 14, was found on the farm last week. Star-Advertiser.

Makaha animal shelter volunteers say dogs wrongfully taken in massive raid. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii

The Hawaii County Board of Ethics found there is probable cause that Mayor Billy Kenoi violated the county code when he used his government issued purchase card for personal expenses. Big Island Video News.

Hawaii County Mayor Billy Kenoi has acknowledged in an agreement there is probable cause that he violated ethics code by using a county-issued credit card for personal purchases. Associated Press.

Hawaii County is hoping more access to pesticide treatments will help efforts to combat the little fire ant population. Tribune-Herald.

Organizers of the 100% Pure Kona Coffee Half Marathon have canceled this weekend’s scheduled run over uncertainty whether there would be enough police officers available to assist with road closures. West Hawaii Today.

Managers and employees celebrated a new Grand Naniloa Hotel on Thursday as they marked the official launch of its partnership with DoubleTree by Hilton. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Maui’s three senators secured key leadership roles and committee assignments in the upcoming 29th session of the Hawaiʻi Legislature. Maui Now.

A majority of Maui County voters cast “yes” ballots for proposed Maui County Charter amendments, including one that provides for council members to confirm most directors of county departments. Maui News.

A hearing was scheduled for testimony on the state’s proposal to establish parking fees for the ‘Āhihi-Kina‘u Natural Area Reserve on Maui. Maui Now.

Kauai

Five of the seven proposed amendments to the Kauai County Charter were approved by voters Tuesday. Garden Island.

The finish line for the demolition of Coco Palms is in sight. Garden Island

Native Hawaiians, Asia-Pacific, pundits react to Trump triumph, Kenoi admits 'probable cause' to pCard misuse, cheaper to put Thirty Meter Telescope on Canary Islands, saving Waikiki Natatorium, voter turnout down, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Keaukaha Hawaiian campground © 2016 All Hawaii News

The future of a Hawaiian nation has suddenly found itself in the shadow of a huge cloud with the stunning election of Republican Donald Trump as president. Star-Advertiser.

Uncertainty regarding America’s relationships with Asia-Pacific nations has “increased exponentially” with the election of Donald Trump, the outgoing leader of the East-West Center said Wednesday. Civil Beat.

A Donald Trump presidency could theoretically boost military spending in Hawaii, impact relations with neighboring countries overseas and shake up health care for people of the Aloha State, some local experts predict. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaii’s congressional delegation still seemed to be processing what Trump’s presidency could mean for national policy and Hawaii’s political interests. Star-Advertiser.

The day after the General Election, some wonder what impact a Trump Presidency will have on Hawaii. KITV.

Despite his win in heavily Democratic Hawaii, U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz says overall losses in his party mean he will have to work harder on issues such as climate change, which are important to his state. Associated Press.

Column: Welcome To TrumpWorld. Donald Trump’s presidency could be both good news and bad news for Hawaii. Civil Beat.

The Republican Party’s General Election “Sweep” on the mainland was in stark contrast to political races in Hawai’i where GOP candidates were defeated. Hawaii Public Radio.

Even as Republicans nationally celebrated the election of billionaire Donald Trump as president, Hawaii Republicans this week continued their slide into near-oblivion on the state political scene. Star-Advertiser.

Despite long lines on Election Day, a shortage of blue “secrecy sleeves,” and malfunctioning voting machines that turned away some voters, the new chairman of the state Elections Commission said Wednesday he was “very, very impressed” with the election. Star-Advertiser.

The voter turnout in Hawaii Tuesday was down from four years ago, from 62 to 58 percent. But actual ballots cast were up by about 400 to more than 437,000 due to an increase in registered voters. Hawaii News Now.

Despite this year’s all-time high number of  registered voters — likely due to a new online registration system — Hawaii’s voter turnout rate in the general election was less than for the 2012 presidential election. Civil Beat.

Column: Wednesday-Morning Quarterbacking Hawaii’s Election. Civil Beat.

With Republicans in control of the White House and in Congress, will Hawaii’s Democratic lawmakers on Capitol Hill face a tougher battle sending federal dollars our way? KHON2.

Hawaii voters seem inclined to let the Legislature have more flexibility when it comes to spending excess state revenue. Civil Beat.

It’s been a busy year for the state Department of Health. KHON2.

Outrigger Hotels and Resorts and its portfolio of 37 hotels, condominiums and vacation resort properties is being sold to Colorado-based private equity firm KSL Capital Partners for an undisclosed amount, the two companies said Tuesday. Pacific Business News.

Oahu

Historic preservationists are pushing a new plan to save the Waikiki Natatorium War Memorial, a World War I monument, and its pool, where Hawaii Olympian Duke Kahanamoku once swam. Star-Advertiser.

With Veterans Day coming up, there is a new proposal to save the aging Waikiki Natatorium. Hawaii News Now.

Ko Olina Resort &Marina is envisioned to almost double in size and connect directly with the City of Kapolei as part of an estimated $5 billion expansion for the West Oahu vacation destination. Star-Advertiser.

A major solar farm that would span hundreds of acres of land near the University of Hawaii-West Oahu campus is in the works, Pacific Business News has learned.

Hawaii

Mayor Billy Kenoi’s attorneys reached a stipulated agreement Wednesday with the Hawaii County Board of Ethics for misuse of his county-issued credit card. The advisory opinion, offered by the lawyers to avoid an investigative hearing in response to a long-delayed complaint, acknowledges there is “probable cause” that Kenoi violated a section of the county’s Ethics Code by using the card for personal expenses, which were later paid back. Tribune-Herald.

Outgoing Hawaii County councilwoman Margaret Wille read scathing testimony into the record of the Board of Ethics on Wednesday, sharply criticizing Mayor Billy Kenoi in the wake of the government purchase card controversy. Big Island Video News.

TMT official: Moving Thirty Meter Telescope  to Canary Islands could save money. Pacific Business News.

President-elect Donald Trump didn’t win any Hawaii County precincts, but voters were much kinder to him on the west side of the island than on the east side. That’s according to a West Hawaii Today analysis of precinct reports released early Wednesday by the state Office of Elections.

Maui

Maui’s voter turnout improved from 52.7% in 2014 to 56.4% this year. Of the 93,912 registered voters in Maui County, 52,969 cast ballots in the General Election. Maui Now.

After nearly 3,000 votes were counted late Tuesday night and early Wednesday morning, natural farm alchemist Alika Atay came from behind to defeat former Maui County Council Member Dain Kane for the Wailuku-Waihee-Waikapu council residency seat, according to general election results posted at 5:18 a.m. Maui News

An ocean-front Maui property that has been rock star Pat Benatar's home for years went on the market for $3.6 million on Wednesday morning. Pacific Business News.

Kauai

The 2016 general election saw the highest voter turnout in Kauai since the 2008 general election, which featured U.S. Senators Barack Obama and John McCain. Garden Island.

Ensuring a future for keiki, mitigating a large tourist population and protecting the environment are just some of the topics Kauai residents want to see addressed in the general plan update. Garden Island.

With all 16 precincts reporting, Derek Kawakami and Arthur Brun are the new faces of the Kauai County Council. Garden Island.

Most incumbents keep seats, state Senate loses sole Republican, Hawaii holds for Hillary, Caldwell re-elected Honolulu mayor, new face on OHA board, more election news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Voting in general election © 2016 All Hawaii News

Statewide election summary here.

Without a native son on the ballot for president, Hawaii’s voter turnout dropped below the last presidential election year in 2012. With all but a handful of votes counted, 412,282 ballots were cast statewide, about 55 percent of Hawaii’s 749,917 registered voters. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii voters grappled with long lines and frustrating equipment malfunctions statewide Tuesday, as a larger-than-expected turnout appeared to overwhelm a number of polling places. Hawaii News Now.

Schatz, Gabbard, Hanabusa Win Big In Congressional Races. Colleen Hanabusa will rejoin the congressional delegation after winning two races on the general election ballot. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Democrats in the congressional races made election wins look easy Tuesday night, with U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz, U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard and former U.S. Rep. Colleen Hanabusa all seizing and holding commanding leads from the first election returns. Star-Advertiser.

Former Honolulu City Councilman Stanley Chang ousted the Senate’s lone Republican Sam Slom on Tuesday night, making Hawaii the only state in the nation with an entirely Democratic state Senate. Star-Advertiser.

Chang Tops Slom In Race To Unseat Hawaii’s Only GOP Senator. Other than Slom and Pouha, incumbents fared well in legislative races. Rhoads, Gates, Holt and Nakamura won open seats. Civil Beat.

Hawaii has become the only state in the nation to have an all-Democrat legislative body. Hawaii News Now.

Keli‘i Akina, president of the Grassroot Institute of Hawaii, seemed headed for a surprising victory over Office of Hawaiian Affairs veteran Haunani Apoliona, after trailing narrowly in early returns. OHA Chairman Robert Lindsey defeated challenger Mililani Trask, 44.6 percent to 32.5 percent, with almost all votes counted. Associated Press.

Voters Split On Making Changes To State Constitution. Voters narrowly agreed to a measure involving excess state funds but turned down an increase in the financial threshold for jury trials. Civil Beat.

Incumbents cruised to victory in the neighbor island County Council races Tuesday night, although a few lost their seats, including veteran Kauai County Councilman Gary Hooser and Maui County Councilman Don Couch. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Incumbent Kirk Caldwell defeated former U.S. Rep. and City Councilman Charles Djou in the battle for Honolulu mayor Tuesday night. With nearly all the ballots counted before midnight, Caldwell had 138,142 votes, or 52.3 percent, to Djou’s 125,945, or 47.7 percent. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell defeated challenger Charles Djou 51 percent to 46.5 percent Tuesday evening. Civil Beat.

Kirk Caldwell won his re-election bid Tuesday night, prevailing in a hard-fought battle against challenger Charles Djou to serve a second term as Honolulu's mayor. Hawaii News Now.

Honolulu City Council members and city prosecutor were cruising comfortably to re-election Tuesday night. Civil Beat.

Honolulu Voters Say No To Longer Terms For Mayor, Council. But most of the other charter amendments were passing handily, including more police oversight and money for the Honolulu Zoo. Civil Beat.

A Honolulu City Charter amendment to give the Police Commission greater authority soared to approval with most of the vote counted Tuesday. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii

Sue Lee Loy and Eileen Ohara cruised to victory in races for two open Hawaii County Council seats Tuesday evening. Tribune-Herald.

Two seats on the nine-member Hawaii County Council were decided in run-off elections Tuesday night. Big Island Video News.

Incumbents carried the day Tuesday in Hawaii Island’s state House races. Tribune-Herald.

State Sen. Kai Kahele will finish the remaining two years of his late father’s term in the Senate, Hilo voters decided on Tuesday. Tribune-Herald.

They’re tucked at the bottom and probably the least understood of everything on the ballot, but one change to the county charter passed, one change to the state constitution failed and another passed Tuesday night. West Hawaii Today.

A would-be voter in Hawaiian Ocean View Estates said she and four others were denied ballots because they weren’t listed in the system. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

In a come-from-behind victory, Aloha ʻāina candidate Alika Atay won the race for the Wailuku Council seat after trailing the entire night by a slim margin. Maui Now.

With a number of tight races getting down to the wire, there remained nearly 3,000 votes to count in Maui County, as of shortly before 11 p.m., according to Deputy County Clerk Josiah Nishita. Maui News.

Maui’s voter turnout improved from 52.7% in 2014 to 56.4% this year.  Of the 93,912 registered voters in Maui County, 52,969 cast ballots in the General Election.  This included a precinct turnout of 26,493 and an absentee turnout of 26,476, representing 28.2% of the vote each. Maui Now.

Maui voters turned out in greater numbers Tuesday, at least compared with anemic results during the Aug. 13 primary election, according to reports from polls at the Haiku Community Center, Maui High School, Kihei Community Center and Kihei Elementary School. Maui News.

Kauai

With all 16 precincts reporting, Derek Kawakami and Arthur Brun are the new faces of the Kauai County Council. Garden Island.

District 16 Incumbent Daynette “Dee” Morikawa will return to the state House after defeating Republican candidate Victoria Franks Tuesday. Garden Island.

It was a night of smiles and celebration for Nadine Nakamura even before the first printout was released on Tuesday night, and the celebrations continued once it was announced later that she was leading by a significant amount for the District 14 seat in the House of Representatives. Garden Island.

Election Day preview: Candidates and parties make last sweep, second Thirty Meter Telescope appeal to Hawaii Supreme Court, DNA to prove Hawaiian homestead eligibility, Army sued over cultural access, Maui candidate calls from jail, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Democratic Party rally © 2016 All Hawaii News

See our Facebook page for more Grand Rally photos!

Hawaii Democrats and Republicans staged last-gasp sign-waving sessions before the Democrats’ traditional Grand Rally in Hilo on Monday in the final buildup to today’s voting. Star-Advertiser.

Trump sign-wavers

United States Senator for Hawaii Mazie Hirono took to the stage of the Democratic Party Grand Rally in Hilo on Monday evening. Most of her comments were directed at the Clinton-Trump presidential election. Big Island Video News.

Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard was in Hilo Monday to take part in a Democratic Party election-eve tradition. Big Island Video News.

With a polarizing presidential race, an election to replace the late U.S. Rep. Mark Takai and the possibility of an all-Democrat state Senate, Hawaii voters face difficult choices at the polls. Associated Press.

Hillary supporters

Voter registration in Hawaii is at an all-time high, but that might not translate into higher turnout on Election Day, experts said. Hawaii News Now.

Here are some things to look for in this year’s general election in Hawaii. Associated Press.

Time to cast your ballot: What Hawaii voters need to know. Star-Advertiser.

Red flag raised on the absentee voting system. KITV.

Public access to health care inspection reports filled with delays, redactions. KHON2.

Native Hawaiians could soon be able to use DNA to prove eligibility for homesteads, under new administrative rules being proposed by the state Department of Hawaiian Home Lands. West Hawaii Today.

Oahu

On the eve of the election, Honolulu mayoral candidates Kirk Caldwell and Charles Djou are making their final push for votes. Hawaii News Now.

The U.S. Army is violating a court settlement by restricting access to cultural sites in a valley many Native Hawaiians consider sacred, a lawsuit filed today alleges. Associated Press.

Measures to pave the way for transit-oriented development projects along the rail corridor are advancing even though concerns over affordable-housing requirements persist. Star-Advertiser.

The state Department of Education wants to impose a school impact fee on all new residential development along a 4-mile stretch of the Honolulu rail line from Kalihi to Ala Moana to build or expand schools in the area. Civil Beat.

The state Department of Health announced Monday that there are 14 new cases of salmonella on Oahu and that they have been linked to limu poke, or cubed raw fish served with seaweed. Star-Advertiser.

A city worker who was depicted on live video allegedly propositioning a transgender probationer for sexual favors pleaded not guilty Monday in Oahu’s Circuit Court. Star-Advertiser.

Regulars at Sand Island Beach Park say that someone is bringing his dogs to the park to let them kill cats for sport. At least 15 cats have turned up dead in the last four months, including three on Friday. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii

A group opposing the construction of the Thirty Meter Telescope on Mauna Kea is appealing to the state’s highest court for the second time. The group Mauna Kea Anaina Hou filed a notice of appeal with the Hawaii Supreme Court Tuesday evening. Hawaii Public Radio.

As of Saturday, 38,440 residents — or 34 percent of the county’s 113,355 registered voters — had made their voices heard at the ballot box, said Pat Nakamoto, Hawaii County elections division chief. Tribune-Herald.

Proving his political career is not over, outgoing Hawaii County Mayor Billy Kenoi gave the opening speech at the traditional Democratic Party Grand Rally in Hilo. Big Island Video News.

The word of the day in West Hawaii Monday was inconvenience, as a fiber-optic cable break caused major disruptions to the communications grid across the island’s leeward region. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Republican state House candidate Chayne Marten called The Maui News from jail Saturday night, insisting he’s innocent of sexual assault charges and vowing that he would be exonerated. Maui News.

The U.S. Marshals Service arrested a former Maui corrections officer Saturday who spent two years evading law enforcement officials after being charged with sexual assault against a female inmate, the U.S. Department of Justice announced Sunday. Maui News.

Kauai

Today’s the last day to cast your vote for your representation in government at all levels, including the next president of the United States of America. Garden Island.

Ige touts ocean energy conversion, inspections lag for medical providers, voter registration hits record as election nears, Bureau of Conveyances digitizing records, Kenoi-Kim transition hits bump, Maui financial data goes online, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Gov. David Ige throws shaka Saturday at Hilo Veterans Day parade © 2016 All Hawaii News

Gov. David Ige said he is interested in the commercial use of ocean thermal energy conversion to help achieve the state’s 100 percent renewable-energy goal. Star-Advertiser.

A key division within the state Department of Land and Natural Resources that handles real estate transactions is halfway through a project to convert more than 170 years of vital state records into a permanent digital format. Pacific Business News.

Some of Hawaii’s medical providers haven’t had safety inspections for as long as four years as the state struggles to keep up with oversight responsibilities with a shortage of health inspectors. Star-Advertiser.

More Hawaii residents have registered to vote this year than ever before. The ease of online registration, offered for the first time in Hawaii this election cycle, might explain the increase in the total electorate  to 749,917. Civil Beat.

A look at early voter numbers in Hawaii indicates this may be a good year for voter turnout. KHON2.

Clinton, Trump Donors Include Some Familiar Hawaii Names. Individual gifts from the islands totaled $2.2 million to the 2016 presidential candidates. Civil Beat.

The death of one of Hawaii’s congressmen has led to an unusual ballot and voter confusion in urban Honolulu. The rare double election means residents in the 1st Congressional District are selecting someone to fill the late U.S. Rep. Mark Takai’s seat for the two-month unfinished term and someone to represent the district for the next two years. Associated Press.

Over the years, solar energy has become part of the landscape of Hawai‘i. But contraction in the industry has left some customers in the lurch. Hawaii Public Radio.

Oahu

A lawsuit alleging that military families were not informed of high levels of ground contamination before they moved into their Kaneohe Marine Corps Base housing has been settled. Star-Advertiser.

A number of congressional, legislative and City Council races are on the ballot, but if a spot check on early voting at Honolulu Hale is any indication, it’s the presidential race first and foremost on the minds of many Hawaii voters. Star-Advertiser.

Mayoral Campaign Weekend Update. Caldwell identifies seven “whoppers” from Djou while the challenger unveils plans for parks and housing. Civil Beat.

The University of Hawaii’s flagship campus has narrowed down its finalists for chancellor. The Chancellor Search Advisory Committee identified two finalists, John V. White and Sonny Ramaswamy for the open chancellor position at UH Manoa. White and Ramaswamy will participate in a final round of interviews this month. Garden Island.

Car dealership sues Honolulu firm renting parking spaces. Star-Advertiser.

Fall victim’s family prepares to sue Ala Moana Shopping Center. KITV.

A frustrated Manoa homeowner says the land surrounding is home is sinking and causing structural damage. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii

Mayor-elect Harry Kim’s administration hasn’t even taken over yet, but the County Council is already trying to stave off a possible purge in the Office of Corporation Counsel. West Hawaii Today.

Mayor-Elect Harry Kim Talks Transition With Council. Big Island Video News.

As Mayor Billy Kenoi pushes to see other projects finished before his term is up, county-paid overtime has become an issue for some elected officials. Hawaii County Councilman Aaron Chung has been trying to organize a briefing on the subject for a few weeks. Big Island Video News.

Big Island restaurants yet to fail Health Department inspections. Tribune-Herald.

TMT wants to resume construction in 2018: Pace of contested case could impact deadline. Tribune-Herald.

A Japanese government delegation spent Saturday touring Hilo and discussing emergency response practices with Hawaii island officials as part of the first-ever international World Tsunami Awareness Day. Star-Advertiser.

A Hawaii developer plans to begin construction on a Malama Market-anchored shopping center on the Big Island in Feburary, the developer confirmed to Pacific Business News.

Friends of Amy B.H. Greenwell Ethnobotanical Garden nonprofit formed to save sacred space. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Members of the public will now be able to more easily access Maui County financial performance data, thanks to new open data software, county officials announced today. Maui Now.

“Keep Upcountry Upcountry” has been a rallying cry against creeping urbanization in Maui’s paniolo country, and that call resonates with Maui County Council candidates Napua Greig-Nakasone and Yuki Lei Kashiwa Sugimura. Maui News.

Both candidates for the Maui County Council’s Kahului residency seat emphasized balance in decision-making across the issues, with the incumbent touting his support by both the old political guard and the new progressive groups while his opponent talked about speaking for the old-timer “local people.” Maui News.

Ernest Balinbin touts his hard work and community involvement through his catering business as some of the reasons he should be elected to the West Maui residency seat on the Maui County Council. Maui News.

Kauai

Criminal liability may not be the first thing on the mind of a farmer designing his irrigation system, but for those in food production, it’s a real business risk that must be assessed. Garden Island.

Dennis Esaki, director of Kauai Island Utility Cooperative, resigned from the KIUC board of directors, effective Oct. 31, due to personal and professional reasons. Garden Island.

Debra Wennett says she’s all for safer walkways and bikeways in Hanapepe Town, but she hopes county alterations won’t change the town’s rural identity. Garden Island.

Construction will begin today on the $2.4 million replacement of three bridges along the Mohihi-Camp 10 Road in the Na Pali-Kona state forest reserve. Garden Island.

HNL ranks high for airports, Oahu jail could cost $650M, University of Hawaii wants extra $29M, Maui committee gives nod to accessory dwelling units, Kaui General Plan unveiling, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Honolulu International Airport © 2016 All Hawaii News

Honolulu Airport is ranked the fifth-best U.S. airport, according to a new study by ThePointsGuy.com. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii's very own Honolulu International Airport lands a top 5 spot as one of the best airports in the nation. KITV.

The University of Hawaii plans to ask the Legislature for an extra $29 million for operations next academic year, including additional funds for the UH Cancer Center, initiatives around boosting graduation rates and research activities, and salary increases for graduate assistants. Star-Advertiser.

Clinton And Trump Supporters Make Some Noise In Hawaii. The state campaigns intensify their get-out-the-vote efforts as the polls tighten and Election Day approaches. Civil Beat.

A lack of inspectors. A whole sector unregulated. A long wait to license more facilities. Those are just some of the problems plaguing long-term care in Hawaii’s long-term care industry, and it could be putting Hawaii’s kupuna at risk. KHON2.

If you’ve purchased a property anywhere in Hawaii that’s been through a non-judicial foreclosure, you may have acquired considerably less than you bargained for — or potentially nothing at all. West Hawaii Today.

Hawai‘i’s Solar Customers: Left in the Dark? Hawaii Public Radio.

Oahu

Bill would require office buildings to offer shower facilities for biking workers. Hawaii News Now.

It’s been more than a year since the Hawaii Department of Health urged developer Forest City Residential Management to test the soil near homes on Marine Corps Base Hawaii on windward Oahu for possible pesticide contamination. The soil sampling still hasn’t happened. Civil Beat.

The Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation reported Thursday that it received $55.1 million in general excise and use tax surcharge revenue for the third quarter. Pacific Business News.

A Schofield Barracks soldier died Thursday as a result of injuries from a training accident in the Kahuku area as part of Lightning Forge, one of the 25th Infantry Division’s biggest exercises, the Army said. Star-Advertiser.

OCCC Replacement: $650M? The State is in the initial stages of studies and plans to build a new jail in Honolulu.  But before it’s fully funded, a task force is studying if a new facility is needed. Hawaii Public Radio.

The number of local high school graduates who enrolled at the University of Hawaii at Manoa jumped 12 percent this fall from last year, reversing a downward trend of the previous three years. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaiian Airlines announced Thursday that it will resume service to Kapalua Airport in West Oahu. Pacific Business News.

The city says it will begin fining the Haleiwa Beach House restaurant $250 a day, claiming that it needed a permit to make improvements and pave its parking lot. But the restaurant's owner contends he already has the permits and is following the law. Hawaii News Now.

For the first time in more than a decade, the Department of Land and Natural Resources is adding a new law enforcement boat to its fleet. KITV.

Hawaii

The state has acquired two new law enforcement vessels for the Department of Land and Natural Resources Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement. One of the Sea Blade 23 vessels will be based on Oahu and the other in Kailua-Kona. West Hawaii Today.

Hawaii Island sweet potato growers are struggling to protect their crops from an invasive insect that makes harvests unmarketable. Tribune-Herald.

Scientists will mix biology and geology this month inside Hawaii Volcanoes National Park as they help NASA get ready for an eventual manned mission to Mars. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

The affordable accessory dwelling bill, which would permit ʻohana units on certain smaller lots, gained unanimous committee support and now heads to the full council for first reading, Planning Committee Chair Don Couch announced today. Maui Now.

Maui County Council Member Elle Cochran said Wednesday that she plans to offer an amendment to a proposed “affordable accessory dwellings” bill that would prohibit their use as short-term rentals or bed-and-breakfast operations. Maui News.

The state Department of Land and Natural Resources is awaiting approval of plans to repair the eroded paths of the Waihee Ridge Trail, a popular hike that residents and visitors have expressed concern about in recent months. Maui News.

Incumbents in Maui County state House seats enjoyed a significant advantage — as usually is the case — in fundraising to defend their seats against challengers. Maui News.

Kaiser Permanente Hawaii, which is slated to take over operations of Maui Memorial Medical Center on July 1, has begun helping to fill staff shortages in the transition by appointing an orthopedic surgeon and a new interim director of trauma surgery, Kaiser and hospital officials said. Maui News.

Maui Sugar: End of an Era – Part 2. Maui Now.


Kauai

Hawaii’s voter turnout is among the worst in the nation, according to a study conducted by WalletHub, but Kauai voters have been coming out early and often for early registration and same-day voting. Garden Island.

Island’s road map for the future is here. General Plan update draft to be released today. Garden Island.

As part of its sustainability efforts, the County of Kauai installed three water-bottle fillers at the Lihue Civic Center. Garden Island.

Molokai

Agriculture and unemployment are nearly inseparable for Molokai, considering that its largest employers are biotech companies Monsanto and Mycogen. Maui News.

New Honolulu rail impact fee proposed for schools, 3 media opinions on Kenoi trial, gay-bashing in Puna, Kauai inmates see violent porn, oxybenzone ban promoted, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Rinsing off the sunscreen at Kona beach © 2016 All Hawaii News

A nonbinding resolution asking the Legislature to ban oxybenzone in sunscreens is heading to the state Capitol, following a unanimous vote Wednesday by the County Council. West Hawaii Today.

Hawaiian Airlines-Disney partnership first of its kind. Pacific Business News.

The Battle of Midway was a major turning point in World War II’s Pacific theater. But the remote atoll where thousands died is now a delicate sanctuary for millions of seabirds, and a new battle is pitting preservation of its vaunted military history against the protection of its wildlife. Associated Press.

Oahu

The Department of Education wants to start levying what it calls its only taxing power to generate funding for new schools in urban Honolulu, where officials anticipate population spikes will require several new campuses along the city’s rail line. Star-Advertiser.

The rail has triggered a new fee proposal by the Hawaii State Department of Education. Hawaii News Now.

The Hawaii State Department of Education wants to establish a School Impact District along the Honolulu Area Rapid Transit (HART) route. KITV.

Anti-Caldwell Super PAC May Have Broken Campaign Laws. Save Our City spent nearly $200,000 on anti-Caldwell ads, but it hasn’t been telling voters where the money came from. Civil Beat.

Former Honolulu city Councilman Rod Tam says voters should move past his 2011 conviction for stealing city funds and violating campaign spending laws as he fights for the open Senate seat representing downtown Honolulu, Nuuanu, Iwilei and Liliha. Star-Advertiser.

The Honolulu City Council voted unanimously Wednesday to approve a $1 million settlement of a lawsuit by the family of a Honolulu woman who died after she was struck by a city refuse truck in Kalihi in February 2014. Star-Advertiser.

The second-highest-ranking member of the Honolulu Police Department is leaving her post. KHON2.

The state is trying to make it safer for people to bike and jog along Nimitz Highway. KHON2.

Questions about the latest proposed condominium tower at Ward Village in Kakaako were raised during an initial public hearing Wednesday on the project called ‘A‘ali‘i. Star-Advertiser

Mark Platte, news director at Hawaii News Now, will resign at the end of this year, and Scott Humber, assistant news director, will take over the top newsroom post Jan. 1. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu Mother Looks In Vain For Answers In Son’s Day Care Death. Cynthia King tried to move on after the loss of her baby two years ago. But then she came across inconsistencies she couldn’t ignore. Civil Beat.

Hawaii

An openly gay Puna father whose home and car were spray-painted with an anti-gay slur this past weekend said he thinks the vandalism is related to the hostility he alleges his two sons have faced at a Pahoa charter school. Tribune-Herald.

The Thirty Meter Telescope contested case hearing continued Wednesday at the Grand Naniloa Hotel Crown Room in Hilo with navigator Chad Kalepa Baybayan and astronomer Robert McLaren appearing as witnesses for the University of Hawaii at Hilo. Tribune-Herald.

Famed voyaging canoe captain and Hawaiian navigator Chad Kalepa Baybayan testified Wednesday in favor of building the Thirty Meter Telescope near the summit of Mauna Kea, arguing it would be “the highest level of desecration” to take any action that limits opportunities for future generations of Hawaii youth. Star-Advertiser.

The Hawaii County Board of Ethics is scheduled to hear a long-pending complaint against Mayor Billy Kenoi next week following his acquittal on criminal charges for alleged misuse of a county-issued credit card. Tribune-Herald.

Opinion: AG swung big, and missed. West Hawaii Today.

Opinion: In Kenoi Case, Don’t Confuse ‘Not Guilty’ With ‘Innocent’ The Hawaii County mayor was repeatedly warned about his misuse of a government credit card. Civil Beat.

Opinion: Kenoi leaves courtroom, his future uncertain. Star-Advertiser.
 
Maui

Maui County Councilmember Elle Cochran today announced she has introduced a proposal to prioritize the use of accessory dwelling units, sometimes called ʻohana units, for long-term tenants. Maui Now.

Upcountry Maui County Council candidate Yuki Lei Kashiwa Sugimura outdistanced not only her opponent, Napua Greig-Nakasone, but also every other council candidate in raising and spending campaign funds this election cycle, according to reports filed for Aug. 14 to Oct. 24 with the state Campaign Spending Commission. Maui News.

In a closely watched council race this election cycle, incumbent and Maui County Council Chairman Mike White will defend his Makawao-Haiku-Paia residency seat against challenger and first-time candidate Trinette Furtado on Tuesday. Maui News.

Maui County officials say they need more time to decide on two proposals that would extend the county’s ban on plastic bags to include reusable ones and do away with food containers. Associated Press.

Robert Olson, founder of California-based R.D. Olson Development, which has done several projects in Hawaii, has purchased property within the resort town of Kapalua on the island of Maui for $8.65 million, Pacific Business News has learned.

Kauai

A state prison warden admitted in federal court Wednesday that he showed sexually violent films to inmates as part of a therapy program he designed, but insisted they were not pornographic. Star-Advertiser.

Kauai Community Correctional Center's warden admitted in federal court Wednesday that he showed female inmates sexually-violent movies and used terms like "whore" and other derogatory words when talking to women prisoners. Hawaii News Now.

A jail warden on the Hawaiian island of Kauai is testifying about showing violent sexual films to inmates as part of a unique therapy program he created. Associated Press.

Citing bad timing, the Kauai County Council unanimously voted down Wednesday a resolution that would give them the ability to ask questions during public testimony. Garden Island.

Protecting Earth’s oceans is paramount to survival on Kauai and two local organizations are providing an opportunity for residents to have a say in preserving their place. Garden Island.

Kenoi found not guilty in theft trial, HART executive director to be Hanabusa's chief of staff, PACs fuel fight in Honolulu mayoral race, Maui council defers polystyrene bill, building permit gripes in Hilo, Kauai fishnets feed H-Power, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Kenoi hugs supporters after acquittal, pool photo by Hollyn Johnson/Tribune-Herald

In a stunning and unanimous verdict Tuesday, a Hawaii island jury took 24 hours to find Mayor Billy Kenoi not guilty of all charges related to personal and alcohol purchases that Kenoi billed to the county — and later repaid — from 2011 to 2015. Star-Advertiser.

Mayor Billy Kenoi was acquitted of all remaining charges Tuesday in his criminal trial in Hilo Circuit Court. Tribune-Herald.

Jurors have found Hawaii County Mayor Billy Kenoi not guilty of all theft charges against him. Civil Beat.

A Big Island jury found Mayor Billy Kenoi not guilty on all counts today on his alleged misuse of his county issued purchasing card. Hawaii Public Radio.

The decision, read in a Hilo courtroom at 1:15 p.m. Tuesday, declared Kenoi not guilty on all counts. The mayor mouthed the words “thank you” to the jury. KHON2.

Not guilty. That's the verdict a jury handed down in Mayor Billy Kenoi's theft trial. KITV.

Mayor Billy Kenoi is not guilty. Big Island Video News.

Hawaii Island Mayor Billy Kenoi has been found not guilty on all counts for his alleged misuse of his county-issued purchasing card in a trial that questioned whether spending hundreds of dollars on whiskey and pineapple juice is a legitimate government expense. Associated Press.

The most sensational example of how Mayor Billy Kenoi used his county purchasing card never made it into the courtroom. Star-Advertiser.

Billy Kenoi’s future in politics is a hot topic again after the Big Island mayor was acquitted on all counts in his felony theft trial. Hawaii News Now.

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Mike Formby, acting executive director of the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation, will become Colleen Hanabusa’s chief of staff if she wins the general election Tuesday to fill the seat left vacant by U.S. Rep. Mark Takai, who died from cancer in July. Star-Advertiser.

The Hawaii Board of Education voted Tuesday afternoon to begin the search for a new schools superintendent to replace Kathryn Matayoshi. KHON2.

Hawaii voters have an opportunity to change the state’s constitution in ways that would affect how surplus tax revenues are used and the threshold for jury trials in civil cases. Civil Beat.

More than 100 foreign fishermen who work on Hawaii longline vessels that bring in tuna and swordfish to Honolulu piers have been sent back to their countries by U.S. Customs and Border Protection over the past decade for offenses such as drinking alcohol, performing work that they are not authorized to do, or straying too far from the piers. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

More than $2.5 million has been spent in the Honolulu mayoral campaign since the Aug. 13 primary election, about half of it from independent political action committees seeking to sway voters both for and against incumbent Mayor Kirk Caldwell. Star-Advertiser.

Super PACs Raise Over $1 Million In Honolulu Mayor’s Race. Two political action committees favor Kirk Caldwell while a third, funded by engineer Dennis Mitsunaga, is backing challenger Charles Djou. Civil Beat.

Until now, the money and the people behind an anti-Kirk Caldwell political action committee has been kept secret. Hawaii News Now.

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A new Hawaii Army National Guard unit took delivery of three Black Hawk medevac helicopters Friday at Kalaeloa Airfield, paving the way for a new capability within the islands’ reserve force. Star-Advertiser.

The state Department of Land and Natural Resources says it expects to hire two more employees at Kaena Point State Park Reserve to better protect nesting albatrosses that were attacked last year and help curtail other violations. Civil Beat.

As the supply of housing continues to diminish on Oahu, the cost of renting continues to climb, according to a report released Tuesday by real estate consultant Ricky Cassiday. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii

It’s been a little more than a year since the county beefed up its staff and overhauled its building permit review process in an effort to speed up permits. But about a dozen people — primarily design professionals and construction contractors — on Tuesday laughed off a Public Works official’s contention that things are much better now. West Hawaii Today.

After being approved by Hawaii County Council late last month, a plan to improve connectivity in Upper Puna is now in the hands of the Mayor’s Office and the Department of Public Works. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Two proposals that would extend the ban on plastic bags to reusable ones and polystyrene food container products in Maui County were deferred Monday afternoon by a County Council committee. Maui News.

Most of the content in Mayor Alan Arakawa’s five bills aimed at curbing behavior by homeless people, such as going the bathroom in public or drinking in parks, is already enforceable by other county or state laws, said Maui County Prosecuting Attorney John D. Kim on Monday. Maui News.

An investigation of Hawaiian Airlines baggage handlers accused of stealing items from checked luggage in Maui has widened. Hawaii News Now.

Major Maui solar farms starting construction within weeks. Pacific Business News.

Kauai

A former psychiatric social worker at Kauai Community Correctional Center was forced out of her job for trying to protect female inmates from a warden who allegedly subjected them to sexual humiliation and discrimination, her attorney told jurors at the start of trial in her lawsuit Tuesday. Associated Press.

Protecting Earth’s oceans is paramount to survival on Kauai and two local organizations are providing an opportunity for residents to have a say in preserving their place. Garden Island.

It took just seven months to fill up another 20-foot Matson container with nets scavenged from Kauai’s beaches, and Saturday the debris will be shipped to Oahu. Garden Island.

Lanai

 Hokama faces political rookie for Lanai seat on the council. Maui News.

Safe voting in Hawaii, Kenoi case goes to jury, Caldwell and Djou bicker over debate, alternate site selected for Thirty Meter Telescope, Kauai ex-police officer to serve weekends in jail, geothermal company fined $5.5M, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Diebold tech tests ballot-counting system © 2016 All Hawaii News

With Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump complaining about a rigged election and online hackers reportedly attacking at least 20 state voter registration rolls, Hawaii election officials are stepping up their vigilance against possible voter shenanigans. Star-Advertiser.

One week from Tuesday is the general election, and time is quickly running out to register and to vote. Civil Beat.

Voting by mail is now the way most people cast their ballots in Hawaii elections. With election security in the national spotlight, we wanted to know what’s in place to ensure Hawaii’s election runs smooth. KHON2.

U.S. Sen. Mazie Hirono plans to introduce a bill in Congress to protect foreign fishermen from exploitation. The bill would give fishermen temporary work visas to ensure wage protections and safe working conditions. Associated Press.

Hawaii Department of Education will receive $1.5 million in School Improvement Grants (SIG) to improve facilities, classrooms and the overall student experience. The SIG program invests in schools that are among the lowest-performing schools in the nation. Garden Island.

Oahu

Former U.S. Rep. Charles Djou criticized Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell Monday for refusing to chip in $5,000 so the two of them can hold a televised debate Saturday night, three days before the Nov. 8 general election. Star-Advertiser.

The campaign of Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell on Monday quickly squashed a last-minute debate proposal from opponent Charles Djou. Civil Beat.

More than $1 million has been spent on ads for the Honolulu mayor's race during the past six weeks. And most of that money is going to support one candidate. Hawaii News Now.

3 Civil Questions For Kirk Caldwell And Charles Djou. Civil Beat.

Keith Kaneshiro has spent decades taking on some of Hawaii’s toughest criminals while working as a city prosecutor. Civil Beat.

Beyond Candidates: Amendments Cram Oahu’s Ballot. Civil Beat.

Does Party Preference Matter On Council’s Reapportionment Panel? A charter amendment would lift a cap on how many people from one party can help redraw Honolulu City Council district boundaries. Civil Beat.

Measure Asks: Are All Those Boards and Commissions Needed? Charter Amendment 12 calls for a system to periodically review many of Honolulu’s boards and commissions. Civil Beat.

More than 500 people have signed up for Hawaiian Electric Co.’s new time-of-use program. Star-Advertiser.

Wahiawa General Hospital’s chief executive will retire by year’s end as a new management firm has assumed control of the struggling rural hospital. Star-Advertiser.

The state of Hawaii is not moving ahead with its proposed purchase of the 316,000-square-foot Downtown Honolulu office building Alii Place, a spokeswoman from Gov. David Ige’s office confirmed to Pacific Business News on Monday.

Hawaii

Mayor Billy Kenoi’s fate was placed in the hands of a dozen of his own constituents Monday following closing arguments during his criminal trial in Hilo Circuit Court. Tribune-Herald.

The closing arguments in the trial of Mayor Billy Kenoi were delivered to the jury on Monday. Big Island Video News.

It's now up to jurors to decide whether Hawaii County Mayor Billy Kenoi is guilty of felony theft over his alleged abuse of a county-issued credit card. Hawaii News Now.

It’s now up to a Hilo jury to decide whether Mayor Billy Kenoi should be punished on any of five criminal counts against Kenoi for the use of his county issued purchasing card, or pCard. Star-Advertiser.

A deputy state attorney general Monday told jurors deciding Mayor Billy Kenoi’s future that Kenoi “lived above the law” when he charged personal and alcohol purchases to his county-issued purchasing card. Star-Advertiser.

The fate of Big Island Mayor Billy Kenoi now lies in jurors' hands.  Deliberations kicked off in the mayor's theft trial on Monday. KITV.

Jury deliberations are underway in the theft trial of Hawaii Island Mayor Billy Kenoi. KHON2.

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The Thirty Meter Telescope has officially selected the Canary Islands as its alternative project site, should efforts to build the observatory in Hawaii fail. Big Island Video News.

The nonprofit organization that wants to build a giant telescope atop Mauna Kea has selected another site in case it can’t be built on land many Native Hawaiians consider sacred. Star-Advertiser.

Thirty Meter Telescope officials have chosen the Canary Islands off the coast of Spain as an alternative site for a giant, $1.4 billion observatory in case their efforts to build it in Hawaii fail. Pacific Business News.

A $1.4 billion telescope planned for construction on Mauna Kea could move to another site. Officials from the Thirty Meter Telescope have selected the Canary Islands in Spain as the TMT’s alternate location if a permit for Hawai‘i is not granted by early next year. Hawaii Public Radio.

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Votes are trickling in to Hawaii County elections headquarters, but just a small percentage of the 113,355 registered voters have voted so far. West Hawaii Today.

Puna Geothermal Venture’s parent company agreed last week to pay the U.S. government $5.5 million to resolve a civil lawsuit alleging it fraudulently applied for and received millions in federal clean energy grants, according to the federal district attorney for Nevada. Tribune-Herald.

The Hawaii State Department of Labor & Industrial Relations announced Monday that it assessed Tradewind Plastering and Drywall Inc. $130,367 for wages owed to construction workers and $13,037 in penalties for a total of $143,000. Pacific Business News.

The state Department of Labor and Industrial Relations said Monday it has assessed Tradewind Plastering and Drywall Inc. a total of $143,000 for violating wage laws on the University of Hawaii at Hilo College of Hawaiian Language Building construction project. Tribune-Herald.

Josephine Regala DeLuz, who served on the Hawaii County Council for a decade, died Oct. 19 in Waimea on Hawaii island. She was 87. Star-Advertiser.

Maui

The Maui District Health Office and the County of Maui today announced it has jointly launched a video and mapping initiative to disseminate information about the general locations, virus type and lab status of mosquito-borne cases. MauiWatch.

Maui Memorial Medical Center and Kaiser Permanente announced the appointment of orthopedic surgeon Warren “Vic” Ayers, MD, to Maui Memorial Medical Center. Maui Now.

Commentary: Are the Honua`ula and Pulelehua development projects rising from the grave? MauiTime.

Kauai

A former Kauai police lieutenant who said she stole money from the department because her family was in debt was sentenced Monday to 60 weekend days in jail. Associated Press.

A former police lieutenant who admitted stealing $75,000 from the Kauai Police Department is going to jail for 60 days. Star-Advertiser.

Changing the way county meetings are run will be discussed when the Kauai County Council meets Wednesday. Garden Island.

Residents on Kauai’s North Shore want better access to the Kilauea Point National Wildlife Refuge. Garden Island.

Nihoku’s predator-proof fence within the Kilauea Point National Wildlife Refuge isn’t the only enclosure in the state dedicated to conserving Hawaii’s endangered seabirds. Garden Island.