Hold onto your wallets--the Legislature's in session; Maui mayor's denial of sacred rocks draws ire; insecticide ban urged; bills die on deadline; Kim kills compost contract; rail car construction to resume; more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii Capitol © 2017 All Hawaii News

State lawmakers are advancing a startling array of more than a dozen proposals this year to increase taxes or impose new levies on everything from marijuana and prepaid cellphones to rocks. Star-Advertiser.

Commentary: Residents, brace for a clear money grab by politicians. Star-Advertiser.

After a major legislative deadline, the number of bills still alive in the Hawaii Legislature has dwindled. Proposals to boost the use of batteries for renewable energy and take parts of the federal Affordable Care Act into state law are survived. But the variety of unusual proposals to solving homelessness — from setting up sanctioned campgrounds to allowing people to live in driveways — had a mixed fate. Associated Press.

Environmental activists are urging Hawaii lawmakers to implement a statewide ban on a widely used insecticide that’s been linked to disruptions in the brain development of babies and young children — a cause they say is all the more urgent now that President Donald Trump has assumed office and signaled his intent to curtail environmental regulations. Star-Advertiser.

A twice-defeated Senate bill that would allow media access during island disasters and emergencies has passed one committee and is on its way to the Senate Judiciary and Labor Committee. Star-Advertiser.

The Hawaii Lodging and Tourism Association will host its second annual "Tourism Day at the Capitol" this week. KITV.

The state Legislature is considering taking money generated by the transient accommodations tax away from the counties. Garden Island.

The Board of Education has tapped an Iowa-based executive search firm to help it find and screen candidates for the schools superintendent position. Star-Advertiser.

The Board of Education is asking Hawaii residents for their input in choosing the state's new schools superintendent. Hawaii News Now.

Candidates are again being sought to fill a vacancy on the five-member Kamehameha Schools board of trustees after one of three finalists withdrew from the search. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii is ranked fourth among states with the highest percentage of millionaire households, according to the 2016 Phoenix Wealth & Affluent Monitor, a study released by Phoenix Marketing International. Pacific Business News.

Oahu

Nearly three months after its halt, production of rail cars for the Honolulu rail project is about to start up again. KHON2.

Mayor Kirk Caldwell's affordable housing strategy aims to add up to 800 units per year. Pacific Business News.

One of the hottest areas for new housing production on Oahu could soon have a longer-lasting supply of moderate-priced homes for sale or rent — and at lower prices — if a state board adopts new rules recommended by its staff. Star-Advertiser.

A man in his 40s died Saturday morning after breaching a TSA security checkpoint at the Honolulu International Airport. Hawaii News Now.

A couple of shopping malls on O‘ahu are dealing with some of the challenges of middle age. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii

Mayor Harry Kim on Thursday signed a termination of a composting contract that was “deemed disadvantageous” to Hawaii County. Tribune-Herald.

As the days add up in the Thirty Meter Telescope contested case, so does the cost. As of Dec. 31, the state’s bill for the quasi-judicial hearing was $224,789.62, according to the Department of Land and Natural Resources. Tribune-Herald.

Using a wheelchair or walker to reach the best areas of Hawaii County parks will get easier. But it won’t happen overnight. Tribune-Herald.

Vog experts, health professionals and concerned citizens gathered in Kona for a seminar meant to answer one simple question: Is vog the greatest daily threat to the health of Hawaii Islanders? West Hawaii Today.

A former police officer charged with fatally striking a bicyclist is scheduled to appear in court for a fitness hearing Friday accompanied by an attorney still seeking assurances the county will pay for his defense. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Mayor Alan Arakawa is coming under fire from social media and elsewhere for saying in a televised “Hawaii News Now Sunrise” interview Friday that “there’s no such thing as sacred rocks.” Maui News.

Public scoping meetings have been scheduled for Alexander & Baldwin’s application to the state Board of Land and Natural Resources for a 30-year lease for water from streams in Nahiku, Keanae and Huelo. Maui News.

Jeanne Unemori Skog, the longtime head of the Maui Economic Development Board who began with the nonprofit 33 years ago, will step down in June, she announced Friday. Maui News.

Kauai

The County of Kauai will discuss a resolution that will allow the County Council to establish an investigating committee when it meets Wednesday. Garden Island.

When it comes to updating Rice Street, the Kauai Board of Realtors wants to hear what the community has to say. Garden Island.

Kauai has a new state district health officer. Garden Island.

Caldwell stresses affordable housing in State of the City speech, minimum wage hike advances in Legislature, state attorney general persists in travel ban opposition, foam food container ban back on table, Kauai seeks control of historic trail, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell State of the City address, courtesy photo

Mayor Kirk Caldwell made his pitch for more affordable housing and finishing the city’s troubled rail project at his fifth State of the City address Thursday evening. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell called Thursday for cooperation from other governments, the private sector, unions and nonprofits to help the city “turn the corner” on its affordable housing shortage. Civil Beat.

Mayor Kirk Caldwell unveiled a his plan to re-invigorate affordable housing construction on Oahu in his fifth State of the City address Thursday evening. Hawaii News Now.

Emphasizing the need for more affordable housing, Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell delivered his fifth State of the City Address. KITV.

Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell delivered his fifth State of the City address Thursday evening. KHON2.

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A state Senate committee has passed a bill to increase the state minimum wage to $15 an hour by 2019, but three other bills to incrementally raise the state minimum wage have been deferred in the House. Star-Advertiser.

Town Square: Sit-Down With Governor David Ige. Hawaii Public Radio.

State department delays mail-out of tax booklets. The state advised Hawaii businesses seeking to fill out their general excise tax returns to head online or to district offices before Monday’s deadline. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Stands Ready To Challenge Trump’s Promised New Order. The president said he would rescind his earlier travel ban — now stalled in court — and instead issue another one. Civil Beat.

The world's oldest known seabird has a new chick. Associated Press.

Oahu

Local rail officials and Hawaiian Electric Co. say they’ve agreed to a cheaper fix for many of the utility-line clearance problems that have plagued Oahu’s elevated transit project, saving about $140 million. Star-Advertiser.

Mayor Kirk Caldwell has allowed a bill limiting the operation of tour buses, limousines and related commercial vehicles in most Waimanalo beach parks to become law without his signature. Star-Advertiser.

A local lawmaker is calling for the consolidation of administrative positions at the University of Hawaii at Manoa after a nationwide search for a new Chancellor came up empty. Hawaii News Now.

Investigation launched after Waikiki hotel diverts storm water into ocean. KHON2.

The Hawaii Convention Center today is unveiling $1.1 million in new flooring that can convert its 204,000-square-foot exhibition hall into courts for amateur and professional sporting events in an effort to diversify group business. Star-Advertiser.

A stingray smuggling bust turned into a new display at the Waikiki aquarium. KITV.

Kmart continues to pay American Assets Trust Inc. yearly base rents of $4.5 million for one of its shuttered Hawaii locations, the highest amount of any lease in its retail portfolio, according to public documents filed Tuesday. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii

A ban on polystyrene foam food containers is back before a County Council committee, following its close loss last year on a deadlocked vote. West Hawaii Today.

A bill that would have given control of Hawaii Health Systems Corp.’s East Hawaii medical facilities to Hawaii County appears to have died. Tribune-Herald.

The completion date for the long-delayed Komohana Street reconstruction project has again been pushed back. Initially estimated to be finished by February 2016, the work is now set for a mid-April timeline, according to the county Department of Public Works. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaii Island’s efforts toward renewable energy and off-grid living took a giant leap with the inception of Ainamalu, a new Waikoloa community that began construction this week. West Hawaii Today.

Salvador Luquin, who owned a popular Mexican restaurant destroyed by last month’s fire, said he has purchased a lunch wagon and hopes to be cooking again in the next few weeks. Tribune-Herald.

A magnitude-4.5 earthquake struck off the coast of the Big Island on Friday morning, but it was not strong enough to generate a tsunami threat. Hawaii News Now.

Maui

A bill for about a $900,000 appropriation to offset costs for emergency repairs related to the September flooding in Iao Valley failed to garner enough votes Wednesday from a Maui County Council committee. Maui News.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has approved dredging of the Lahaina Harbor channel to clear a buildup of material that poses a danger to harbor traffic, West Maui state Rep. Angus McKelvey announced last week. Maui News.

Kauai

State lawmakers are weighing a bill that requires the state to identify the path of the ancient Ala Loa trail on Kauai and recognize it as a public trail. The trail, which generally follows the coast around the island, apparently includes a section that crosses the property of Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg as well as other oceanfront property owners reluctant to open their land. Star-Advertiser.

For the people of Kauai, the Lihue post office is more than just a swinging door for mail. Garden Island.

It’s going to take days and a crew of more than three people to dig out a net that’s implanted in the sand by the river mouth at South ‘Aliomanu Beach. Garden Island.

Assisted suicide bill clears Senate panel, property taxes could rise to pay for income tax cut, Caldwell's State of the City tonight, Maui may allow advertising at county facilities, firefighters union seeks insignia on uniforms, fewer whales entangled, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii sunrise © All Hawaii News

Hawaii bill would allow medical aid in dying. Associated Press.

Senate Bill 1129, the “medical aid in dying” bill, which would allow terminally ill adults with a prognosis of six months or less to live to self-administer medication to end their own lives, with an amendment to allow advanced practice registered nurses in addition to doctors to prescribe lethal drugs, passed the Senate Committee on Commerce, Consumer Protection and Health  on Wednesday. Star-Advertiser.

Medical Aid In Dying Bill Stays Alive In Hawaii Senate. The proposal, which didn’t even receive a hearing last year, has cleared one committee and its prospects seem good in a second. Civil Beat.

The state Senate Committee on Commerce, Consumer Protection and Health voted 6-0 Wednesday to recommend passing a “death with dignity” bill after testimony poured in during an emotional hearing Wednesday. Tribune-Herald.

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

A bill that could force Hawaii’s four counties to raise property taxes was passed Tuesday by the House Tourism Committee. Maui News.

House Bill 1586 aims to reduce income taxes on low-income and middle-income families, as well as seniors, by eliminating the counties' share of the transient accommodations tax on hotels and short-term rentals. West Hawaii Today.

Hawaii lawmakers have advanced hotly contested bills this month that would allow Airbnb, and similar online vacation rental platforms, to collect taxes on behalf of the state. Star-Advertiser.

A proposal to deploy high-tech cameras for traffic enforcement by photographing the license plates of motorists who run red lights has been approved by two committees in the state Senate. Star-Advertiser.

Tightening The Rules For Lobbyists. Lobbyists spent millions trying to influence lawmakers last year. Civil Beat.

Operators of Hawaii’s wind farms are poised to spend more than $4 million on efforts to fill critical knowledge gaps regarding the endangered Hawaiian hoary bat, and may eventually spend up to $6 million. Civil Beat.

The federal government has filed a lawsuit against Discovering Hidden Hawaii Tours Inc., alleging that the company’s president sexually harassed male employees for more than a decade. Star-Advertiser.

A man who controls three related Hawaii tour companies subjected male employees to sexual harassment, the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission said in a lawsuit filed Wednesday. Associated Press.

If, as the classic 1980s TV commercial advises, you’re looking for the union label, you’re not likely to find it on Hawaii firefighters uniforms any time soon. West Hawaii Today.

The number of whales getting tangled up in fishing gear in Hawaiian waters has been on the decline. Associated Press.

Not a single whale entanglement has been reported almost four months into whale season in Hawaiian waters. Maui News.

Kelvin Taketa, who has led the Hawaii Community Foundation for nearly 20 years, said Wednesday that he will step down as soon as the board names a new CEO. Pacific Business News.

Gary Caulfield, First Hawaiian Bank vice chairman and chief information officer, is retiring after 34 years at the bank. Pacific Business News.

Oahu

Mayor Kirk Caldwell’s fifth State of the City address tonight will focus on a revamped plan to give incentives to housing developers in exchange for providing more affordable rentals to those most in need — and keeping them affordable longer. Star-Advertiser.

Bills that would extend Oahu’s rail tax easily advanced in both Legislative chambers Wednesday, but the measures now face tougher scrutiny in the House and Senate’s money committees. Star-Advertiser.

Most of the action so far regarding finding more money for Honolulu’s rail project has taken place in the state Senate, but now the House of Representatives is getting involved. Civil Beat.

There were a few key junctures in the long, convoluted story of Honolulu’s rail project.  Getting the point five percent general excise tax increase was one, and the decision to go with an elevated system is another. Hawaii Public Radio.

Traffic and affordable housing are the most pressing issues for Island residents according to a statewide survey for the Hawaii Association of Realtors, though less than half of Oahu respondents support extending the general excise tax beyond 2027 to fund rail completion beyond Middle Street. Pacific Business News.

Honolulu International Airport could lose one of its runways under a plan to improve runway safety. KHON2.

University of Hawaii President David Lassner has recommended suspending for two years the search for a chancellor for the Manoa campus, following an unsuccessful nationwide search to fill the position. Star-Advertiser.

The Honolulu Police Commission is aiming for the department's new chief to be sworn-in this summer. Associated Press.

The Honolulu Police Department may reopen a criminal case involving the suspected assault of a toddler at a day care run by the wife of a Honolulu police officer in response to a Civil Beat story that uncovered serious flaws in the investigation.

A former student at Pearl City High School has filed a lawsuit against the state Department of Education in a case where she was sexually assaulted by a special needs student in 2012. Hawaii News Now.

Senia, long-planned and recently opened by chefs Chris Kajioka and Anthony Rush, and Vino, run by master sommelier Chuck Furuya, have been nominated for 2017 James Beard Awards in separate categories. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii

The third try might be the charm for securing legislative funding for rat lungworm disease research. Tribune-Herald.

A state Department of Land and Natural Resources enforcement officer on trial for the alleged sexual assault of a then-16-year-old girl on a Hilo beach on New Year’s Day 2016 admitted Wednesday he kissed the girl but testified she initiated it. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Maui County is seeking more income through a bill that would allow businesses and nonprofits to advertise at county parks, sponsor an event or allow an entity to become an exclusive provider for things such as soft drinks at county concessions. Maui News.

Saying “nobody here wants this,” angry residents voiced overwhelming opposition to TEACH, the group that plans to turn Old Maui High School into a center for agriculture, housing and education. Maui News.

Kauai

Increasing tourist traffic, adding user fees and allowing people to book tee times online are just some suggestions to drum up business at the Wailua Golf Course. Garden Island.

County officials hope an audit of the Kauai Humane Society, paired with new leadership, will help steer the organization in a positive direction. Garden Island.

Gary Hooser, former Kauai County councilman, is joining Kauai Community Radio. Garden Island.

Motorcyclists seek to weave in traffic; minimum wage, commercial fishermen, pesticide, assisted suicide, prostitution bills mulled by Legislature; Park Service loses Keauhou aquifer protection bid; Waikiki bacteria level high, Roth cleared in ethics charge, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Mutt on a motorcycle © 2017 All Hawaii News

Motorcycle rights advocates are pushing to pass a law that would allow bikers in Hawaii to ride in-between vehicles while in traffic. Hawaii News Now.

Minimum Wage Hike Clears Hawaii Senate Committee. Supporters call the current wage woefully inadequate in such an expensive state. Businesses argue $15 would be devastating. Civil Beat.

Hawaii lawmakers to hear 'death with dignity' bill today. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii lawmakers advanced a bill Tuesday calling for more oversight of the commercial fishing industry after an Associated Press investigation found hundreds of foreign fishermen confined to boats and some living in subpar conditions. Associated Press.

There’s one bill before the legislature this session that is focusing on an alternative to criminalizing prostitution. Hawaii Public Radio.

Will Hawaii Restrict Pesticides, Require More Disclosure From Big Ag? After a federal court shot down the efforts of individual counties, advocates of more regulation have only the Legislature to turn to. Civil Beat.

A bill that would help families fight lawsuits like recent ones filed by Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg to acquire ancestral lands in Hawaii by forced sale took its first step forward at the state Legislature on Tuesday, buoyed by Native Hawaiian organizations and individuals. Star-Advertiser.

The teachers union’s property tax proposal to generate more funding for public schools advanced another step at the state Capitol on Tuesday. Star-Advertiser.

The state House Committee on Housing advanced a bill that would have real estate investment trusts, or REITs, pay Hawaii corporate income taxes on income the companies pass to their shareholders. Star-Advertiser.

The chairman of the board of the Hawaii Tourism Authority is calling on state Sen. Glenn Wakai to either produce some evidence of wrongdoing by HTA or apologize to the agency’s leadership. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaiian Electric Industries Inc.’s profit rose 5.5 percent in the fourth quarter as the company rebounded from costs related to its failed sale to Florida-based NextEra Energy Inc. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaiian Electric Industries Inc., the parent of Hawaiian Electric Co. and American Savings Bank, on Tuesday reported a profit of $248.3 million, or $2.29 per diluted share, for all of 2016, compared to $159.9 million, or $1.50 per diluted share in 2015. Pacific Business News.

Oahu

An autistic high school student raped a classmate while the adult assigned to monitor him was taking a nap, said a federal lawsuit accusing Hawaii’s statewide school district of negligence. Associated Press.

The Department of Health is issuing an advisory after high levels of bacteria were detected in waters off Waikiki. KHON2.

Many miss out on Brown Water Advisory message. KITV.

Hawaii

After hours of testimony before a packed hearing room at the West Hawaii Civic Center, the state Commission on Water Resource Management Tuesday denied the National Park Service’s petition to declare the Keauhou Aquifer system a state ground water management area. West Hawaii Today.

It was standing room only Tuesday at the West Hawaii Civic Center for the meeting of the State Commission on Water Resource Management, as they voted to deny the National Park Service its request to take over managing part of West Hawaii’s water. Big Island Video News.

County Prosecutor Mitch Roth was cleared Tuesday of allegations he violated the county ethics code when he testified about perceived corruption in the Department of Land and Natural Resources at an Oct. 28 Land Board hearing in Honolulu. West Hawaii Today.

Hawaii County is fining a landowner for building an illegal seawall on Lalakea pond after state officials declined to levy a penalty. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Organizers of a community meeting in Pāʻia were met with heavy opposition from area residents to plans for leasing the Old Maui High School campus to TEACH Development LLC, a company that is looking to use the 23 acre campus. Maui Now.

Pono Life Sciences Maui LLC received a notice to proceed to acquire and cultivate medical marijuana from the Hawaii State Department of Health on Tuesday, making it the fourth dispensary to get the approval and the second Maui licensee to meet the requirements. Pacific Business News.

Kauai

Two bills that could affect quiet title law, kuleana land ownership and a historic trail on the island unanimously passed legislative committee on Tuesday. Garden Island.

The Hawaii State Department of Health is allowing an extension of the decision-making period for the Hawaii Dairy Farms Final Environmental Impact Statement. Garden Island.

The recently released Kauai Humane Society audit will be presented at today’s Kauai County Council meeting. Garden Island.

The Army’s Explosive Ordnance Disposal team safely detonated a live hand grenade at a remote location in Kalaheo Monday afternoon. No injuries were reported. Garden Island.

Hawaii teachers rally for more pay - here's how much they make, gas tax could jump 62%, more money for Wahiawa General Hospital, depleted uranium plan approved, Maui development controversial, teenage alleged rape victim scrutinized in DLNR agent trial, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii teacher rally at Capitol, courtesy Hawaii State Teachers Association

Several thousand public school teachers packed the grounds of the state Capitol on Monday as part of a rally calling on the governor and lawmakers to increase funding for public schools and raise teacher salaries. With a starting salary of $46,601 and highest salary of $85,488, the average teacher here is earning $58,959 this school year, according to the Department of Education. Star-Advertiser.

About 6,000 Hawaii teachers marched to the state Capitol to call for better pay. KITV.

Hawaii teachers marched to the state Capitol to call for better pay. They rallied today while the union is in the midst of contract negotiations with the state. Associated Press.

A state Senate committee on Monday voted to raise the gasoline tax in Hawaii by 10 cents per gallon, from 16 to 26 cents. Hawaii News Now.

Gov. David Ige’s proposal to increase the state’s vehicle weight tax, gasoline tax and registration fees won tentative approval from a Senate committee Monday after a key lawmaker announced she will amend the bill to increase the state gas tax by more than 62 percent. Star-Advertiser.

Drivers May Face Higher Taxes, Fees To Maintain Highways. A bill to hike Hawaii’s fuel and vehicle weight taxes and registration fee stays afloat at the Legislature. Civil Beat.

Hawaii’s public employees pension fund dug a little deeper hole for itself last quarter as it tried to climb out of a $12.44 billion shortfall. Star-Advertiser.

A bill that would have prohibited county mayors and the governor from holding additional work was deferred last week at the Hawaii State Capitol, meaning that it’s almost certainly dead for the 2017 session. Civil Beat.

A group of local doctors fears that proposed legislation to allow the terminally ill to end their own lives will endanger the public’s health and safety. Star-Advertiser.

Change in school lunch policy urged after kids denied meals. KHON2.

A federal judge is allowing Hawaii to file an amended lawsuit challenging President Donald Trump's travel ban on people from seven mostly Muslim countries. Associated Press.

Oahu

The Navy opposes proposed state legislation that would require the military’s Red Hill fuel tanks to have secondary, or double-­walled, containment by 2027 — and so does the state Department of Health. Star-Advertiser.

Lawmakers are considering pumping more money into the struggling Wahiawa General Hospital to keep it afloat, provided it discontinues acute-care services and focuses solely on emergency, geriatric and long-term care. Star-Advertiser.

Man hit with hepatitis A sues Genki Sushi, food suppliers. Star-Advertiser.

Manoa Valley pool and gym to close for at least six months because of safety reasons. KITV.

Why Aren’t We Changing Waianae’s Culture Of Fistfights? “Nobody seems to care,” says a man who lives near where schoolkids regularly congregate to watch two or more students duke it out. Civil Beat.

A California developer broke ground Friday on its 14-story, 191-unit student housing project that will replace the iconic University Square retail center near the University of Hawaii Manoa campus in Honolulu. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii

Money to battle rapid ohia death fungus, subsidies for rural schools, personnel costs at Hawaii Community Correctional Center and agriculture and water programs are facing new cuts as Gov. David Ige adjusts his proposed budget to account for an unexpectedly bleak economic picture. West Hawaii Today.

The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission last week approved a radiation monitoring plan for Pohakuloa Training Area and other U.S. Army installations that previously used depleted uranium. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaii taxpayers are on the hook to pay a Hawaii island developer $1 million after a state agency scuttled plans that had languished for more than two decades for a sprawling subdivision equipped with luxury homes, a golf course and shops. Star-Advertiser.

A teenager who claims she was raped by a state law enforcement officer on New Year’s Day 2016 on a Hilo beach testified Monday that she didn’t tell her stepmother about the alleged incident because the teen “didn’t know how to deal with it.” Tribune-Herald.

Ongoing trouble in regards to a special stone placed on Mauna Kea by one of the original petitioners in the Thirty Meter Telescope contested case hearing took center stage on Monday. Big Island Video News.

Maui

A controversial development proposed for Maui's North Shore drew hundreds to a community meeting on Monday. Hawaii News Now.

Home inventory on Maui has increased for the high season as prices continue to trend upward, according to a monthly real estate report by Realtors Association of Maui Chief Staff Executive Terry Tolman. Pacific Business News.

The median price of a single-family home in Maui County fell 6.5 percent to $655,000 in January, compared with December when median prices reached $700,500, according to Realtors Association of Maui statistics. Maui News.

Kauai

An instructor in early education will be available to speak with people interested in acquiring a bachelor’s degree in early education on Tuesday from 9 to 10 a.m. in Room 204 at the One Stop Center at Kauai Community College. Garden Island.

Polystyrene foam food container ban advances, Ige releases new set of budget cuts, marijuana crop in the ground, lawyers reject judge reconfirmation measure, repairs coming to Mighty Mo, Kauai GOP holds Lincoln Day Dinner, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Polystyrene food containers at farmers market © 2017 All Hawaii News

A proposal before state legislators that would ban foam food containers drew considerable support at a packed hearing last week. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Gov. David Ige has proposed across-the-board cuts to his $28.5 billion spending plan for the next two years due to tax revenues coming in lower than expected. Civil Beat.

Hawaii lawmakers tackle affordable housing, health, fishing. Associated Press.

Prominent lawyers including former Attorney General Margery Bronster turned out in force at a hearing last week to oppose requiring Hawaii judges seeking to serve more than one term on the bench to be reconfirmed by the state Senate. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii authorities may have been violating their own state law for years by issuing commercial fishing licenses to thousands of foreign workers who were refused entry into the country, The Associated Press has found.

State Sen. Glenn Wakai has directed a series of scathing attacks at officials with the Hawaii Tourism Authority in recent months, but denies the suggestion he may be using his office to retaliate or pursue a personal agenda after his wife resigned from her executive position at HTA following disagreements with management. Star-Advertiser.

A review of a critical audit issued five years ago that revealed a lack of oversight and accountability over the hiring and compensation of so-called casual hires at Hawaii public schools finds few improvements have been made. Star-Advertiser.

Ruth Bader Ginsburg: Anti-Immigrant Sentiment ‘Disheartening’. The U.S. Supreme Court Justice, in Honolulu for a UH law school program, spoke to high school students Saturday. Civil Beat.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture estimated that the value of vegetable crops produced by commercial farmers statewide rose 6 percent to $47.9 million last year from $45.2 million the year before. Star-Advertiser.

Commentary: U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard overreaches in lofty comparisons with Mink and Eisenhower. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

One of Oahu’s state-approved medical marijuana dispensaries has started growing Hawaii’s first legal cannabis plants, and anticipates sales can begin in early summer. Star-Advertiser.

The contentious proposal to spend a share of Oahu rail tax dollars on state transportation projects is still alive in the state Senate after all. It’s one of a host of ideas the chamber might pack into the bill that aims to rescue the island’s beleaguered rail project. Star-Advertiser.

Reports about Honolulu’s ongoing rail issues can seem to come in alarming and disjointed bursts. Hawaii Public Radio.

Environmentalists and businesses are being given an opportunity to develop a proposal to stiffen Oahu’s plastic checkout bag ban. Star-Advertiser.

Effective immediately, commercial activity is being shut down along most of the eastern Oahu coastline from Makapu’u to Kailua. KHON2.

The Hawaii Public Utilities Commission, the key state agency that regulates such utilities as Hawaiian Electric Co., is consolidating its staff into one building next year, the head of the agency told Pacific Business News.

The state Department of Hawaiian Home Lands has spent more than a decade trying to make higher and better use of its only land in urban Honolulu: a former bowling alley in Moiliili. Now state lawmakers are considering helping to kick-start redevelopment of the site. Star-Advertiser.

New video shows the moments right before Honolulu police officers shot and killed a man inside a stolen vehicle on Saturday. Hawaii News Now.

The USS Missouri Memorial Association, the nonprofit owner of the “Mighty Mo” in Pearl Harbor, has embarked on a $3 million project to repair some extensive corrosion high up on the superstructure and add some historical features to the 887-foot battlewagon. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii

As the March 1 deadline approaches for Mayor Harry Kim to submit his preliminary budget to the County Council, the administration is working feverishly trying to cover a roughly $12 million difference between anticipated revenue and anticipated expenses. West Hawaii Today.

The National Park Service is asking the state Commission on Water Resource Management to step in and designate the Keauhou Aquifer, which covers a vast region from Makalawena Beach to north of Kealakekua Bay, a water management area. A hearing on the proposal is scheduled for 9:30 a.m. Tuesday at the West Hawaii Civic Center. West Hawaii Today.

Sammy Hagar, take heart. Saddle Road motorists can’t drive 55 either. West Hawaii Today

Mauna Kea’s oldest telescope will get a makeover later this year, but an internal upgrade will have to wait for additional funds. Tribune-Herald.

The County has responded to complaints of static electricity shocks at island playgrounds, officials said at this week’s council committee meetings. Big Island Video News.

Bills that would create the first-ever community economic district on Hawaii Island are inching their way toward a final form. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Hawaiian Commercial & Sugar Co. says it still needs around 115 million gallons of water per day for its plans to transform most of its 36,000 acres formerly used for sugar cane into diversified agriculture. Maui News.

Maui Electric Co. is marching toward 100 percent renewable energy for Maui County, and that will come without an undersea interisland cable, utility President Sharon Suzuki told about 75 people during a community discussion Thursday night at the University of Hawaii Maui College. Maui News.

Tens of thousands of introduced plants present in Hawaii. Maui News.

Kauai

Kauai County is the first in the state to convert all its streetlights from high pressure sodium lights to energy-saving LED lights as a result of a joint project between the County of Kauai and Kauai Island Utility Cooperative. Garden Island.

90 attend GOP Lincoln Day Dinner. Garden Island.

Project to fix Alaka‘i Swamp boardwalk in full swing. Garden Island.

From educating beachgoers about conditions to responding to swimmers in distress, Kauai’s roving patrol unit is protecting the island’s unguarded beaches. Garden Island.

Molokai

The clock is running on the Maui County Council’s yearlong deadline to take action on the Molokai Community Plan update, which has been sitting in the council’s Planning Committee docket since May 4. Maui News.

Legislature mulls free tuition, taxing REITs, Ige appoints campaign manager as judge, Honolulu rail tax falters, Machado returns as OHA chair, Ward Warehouse coming down, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

University of Hawaii at Manoa © 2017 All Hawaii News

Two bills that would appropriate millions for low-income students to attend University of Hawaii schools cleared their first hurdle at a House Higher Education Committee hearing Thursday. Civil Beat.

Mainland Students Could Be An ‘Economic Driver’ For Hawaii. Some lawmakers want the University of Hawaii to attract more out-of-state students who pay higher tuition as well as diversify the campuses. Civil Beat.

Hawai’i’s top economic drivers, tourism and the military, are at or near capacity. But the state has a plan to expand the economy in innovation, the fastest growing sector.  Hawaii Public Radio.

End tax breaks for REITs, real estate investment trusts, local firms urge Legislature. Star-Advertiser.
Former state workers face long wait for payouts despite hefty payroll upgrade. KHON2.

Promising to bring stability to a panel beset with dissension, Colette Machado of Molokai on Thursday was elected chairwoman of the Office of Hawaiian Affairs Board of Trustees. Star-Advertiser.

Colette Machado has returned to the seat of power at a state agency supporting Native Hawaiians. In related news, Abigail Kawananakoa filed a lawsuit Thursday challenging the employment of OHA CEO Kamanao’pono Crabbe. Civil Beat.

Hawaii's attorney general wants to add a new plaintiff to the state's lawsuit challenging President Donald Trump's travel ban on people from seven mostly Muslim countries: Ismail Elshikh, the imam of the Muslim Association of Hawaii, whose mother-in-law is a Syrian national living in Syria. Associated Press.

Lawmakers are considering adding to the list of illnesses that qualify for the legal use of medical marijuana as the state’s first dispensaries prepare to open in a few months. Star-Advertiser.

A third Hawaii medical marijuana contractor received state approval today to begin legally growing pakalolo. Star-Advertiser.

Dignitaries from Hawaii and Japan gathered at the Kaka'ako Waterfront Park on Thursday to remember those who lost their lives when a U.S. submarine collided with the Japanese ship Ehime Maru. Nine people were killed in the 2001 collision - including 4 teenage students. KITV.

Hundreds of corrections officers called in sick on the day of the NFL’s annual championship game. KHON2.

Oahu

Gov. David Ige announced three appointments to Oahu’s Circuit Court on Thursday, one of whom is his former campaign manager Keith Hiraoka, who resigned from that post last month when he found out that he had been chosen as a candidate by the Judicial Selection Commission. Star-Advertiser.

Gov. David Ige has appointed his former campaign manager, Keith Hiraoka, to fill the 1st Circuit Court seat that Judge Karen Ahn vacated when she retired in June. Civil Beat.

In an unusual move, two state Senate committees on Thursday elected to not vote on that chamber’s primary “vehicle” for funding the over-budget Honolulu rail project. Instead, the measure will be so heavily amended that it will require another public hearing. Civil Beat.

A measure that would extend the half percentage point general excise tax surcharge for the city's rail project is still alive, but with several changes and additions. Hawaii News Now.

Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell will sign a bill into law providing TheBus riders the option to purchase a one-day pass. Hawaii News Now.

The wrecking ball now has a firm date with Ward Warehouse. Property owner Howard Hughes Corp. has informed the Kakaako retail complex’s roughly 60 tenants that they must vacate in August to make way for residential tower development. Star-Advertiser.

Bicyclists love new bike lane on McCully while residents struggle for parking. Hawaii News Now.

Honolulu is the best place in the United States to be a Realtor, according to a recent study by WalletHub. Pacific Business News.

A group representing survivors of sexual abuse and an organization representing the LGBTQ community are urging Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell to rescind his appointment of Marc Alexander to lead the city Office of Housing. Civil Beat.

Disney, Marvel Studios and IMAX are planning to develop a headquarters for Marvel’s next major project — a feature film and ABC television series “Marvels The Inhumans” — in a former Navy facility in Hawaii, the head of the state’s film commission confirmed to Pacific Business News this week.

Hawaii

Mayor Kim Wants To Reduce Two Percent Land Fund. Harry Kim would like to cut the amount set aside for public land purchases by half. Big Island Video News.

Mayor Harry Kim spent Wednesday evening at the Ocean View Community Center quelling wave after wave of frustration from an animated crowd of roughly 60 residents, many of whom feel the county has left them behind. West Hawaii Today.

Two lawmakers want to increase safety at a popular Puna swimming spot and vet the feasibility of a harbor at Kapoho Bay. Tribune-Herald.

With a county voucher program set to expire at the end of next month, Hawaii Island legislators once again are hoping to secure state funding that would help residents combat invasive little fire ants. Tribune-Herald.

The Hakalau Bridge on Old Mamalahoa Highway will be closed starting at 5 p.m. Friday because of public safety concerns, the county Department of Public Works said Thursday. Tribune-Herald.

A Kona District Court judge has disqualified himself from hearing the case of Sean “Peaman” Pagett, who was cited Christmas Day for running an unpermitted race at Kailua Pier. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

For many homeless people, the easiest place to turn for health care is often the emergency room, said Carol Petith-Zbiciak, doctor of nursing practice at the University of Hawaii Maui College. Maui News.

Kauai

Kauai Humane Society is among the animal welfare advocates descending upon the Hawaii Capitol today for Humane Lobby Day at the Legislature. Garden Island.

The Kauai County Council on Wednesday unanimously deferred a proposal to establish pedestrian access and parking easements in Koloa. Garden Island.

Ruth’s Chris Steak House is opening its sixth restaurant in Hawaii and first on Kauai at The Shops at Kukuiula on the island’s South Shore, the owner of the shopping complex confirmed to Pacific Business News Thursday.

New records show U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard met twice with Syria's Assad, homeless campgrounds touted for Honolulu, Legislature mulls rent control, Styrofoam ban, public records backlog increases, economy to slow, state seeks help with pension fund, DLNR officer rape trial begins, OHA audit approved, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard © 2017 All Hawaii News

Gabbard met Syria’s Assad twice, filings reveal. Immediately after touching down in Damascus, Syria, U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard was off to an hour and a half meeting with Syrian President Bashar Assad — a meeting she described as impromptu upon her return to the United States last month — according to travel forms she filed on Wednesday with the U.S. House Ethics Committee. Star-Advertiser.

U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard’s amended travel forms show that she spent one and a half hours with Syrian President Bashar Assad. Civil Beat.

The state expects Hawaii’s economy in 2017 to grow at the slowest pace in four years but projects that visitor arrivals will top 9 million for the first time ever. Star-Advertiser.

The Hawaii State Employee Retirement System, which is underfunded and overcommitted by more than $12 billion, is looking for a real estate investment consultant to review the performance of its real estate managers and the overall program, Pacific Business News has learned.

The state Office of Information Practices favors government agencies in disputes and takes too long to resolve complaints over access to public records and meetings, according to a new report by The Civil Beat Law Center for the Public Interest. Civil Beat.

Hawaii lawmakers consider statewide Styrofoam ban for food vendors. KITV.

State Sen. Glenn Wakai delivered a scolding to the leadership of the Hawaii Tourism Authority Wednesday for what he characterized as excessive spending by the agency, but Wakai said he is dropping his earlier proposal to prohibit the HTA from meeting in secret to discuss proprietary information. Star-Advertiser.

Rent control proposal takes aim at Hawaii’s sky-high housing costs. KHON2.

Hawaii Rep. Kaniela Ing wants lawmakers to pass a bill that would set up a pilot project for rent control. Civil Beat.

A measure introduced by State Rep. Kaniela Ing of Maui for a “rent control” pilot project will be heard in the House Committee on Housing, Feb. 9 at 9 a.m. at the Hawaiʻi State Capitol in room 423. Maui Now.

An Office of Hawaiian Affairs committee is taking the first step toward the most comprehensive financial audit in the agency's nearly 40-year history. The board's resource management committee voted Wednesday to authorize putting out a call for independent accounting firms that could conduct the audit. It's not yet known how much it will cost. Associated Press.

A proposed study of the over-representation of Native Hawaiians in the criminal justice system was put on hold by Hawaii lawmakers last week, partly because of wariness over the current political climate. Star-Advertiser.
 
Libraries Struggle With A New Role: Social Services Center. Hawaii provides library security guards, but so far bucks the trend of training employees to better serve patrons with special needs. Civil Beat.

A state House committee on Tuesday passed two bills that would allow the state to collect more tax revenue from Hawaii’s proliferating vacation rental and bed-and-breakfast properties while the counties figure out how to regulate them. Associated Press.

An ongoing NASA study of Earth and its ecosystems finally has landed in the islands, with dozens of scientists focusing their attention on a couple of high-profile natural phenomena Hawaii is famous for: corals and volcanoes. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

State lawmakers are considering bills to create official campgrounds for the homeless in Honolulu, an approach that is being strongly opposed by state Homelessness Coordinator Scott Morishige and the state Department of Human Services. Star-Advertiser.

State lawmakers are exploring setting up “safe zones” for homeless people to camp, one of an array of offbeat solutions to its homelessness crisis which ranks worst in the nation. Associated Press.

Two Hawaii state legislators say they plan to seek answers and perhaps push for reopening the case of a Honolulu toddler whose near-fatal assault never resulted in criminal charges, as detailed in a Civil Beat story on Wednesday.

This Honolulu Toddler Nearly Died In An Assault But No Charges Filed. The Honolulu Police Department investigation, focused on the family of a police officer, fell short of best practices, experts say. Civil Beat.

‘Rare’ Request Seeks To Hide Criminal Case Involving Allegedly Corrupt Cop  From Honolulu Prosecutor. Civil Beat.

The Honolulu Police Commission bypassed Honolulu Police Department brass in authorizing a $250,000 severance check to outgoing Police Chief Louis Kealoha from what appears to be HPD money, but the commission chairman said the panel followed the law in doing so. Star-Advertiser.

The Kapalama Canal in Kalihi is projected to get a big makeover. Hawaii News Now.

A panel of Honolulu City Council members debated a bill Wednesday to make Honolulu’s plastic bag regulations more stringent, but decided to delay action until stakeholders can come up with a better method to encourage shoppers to bring their own reusable bags when grocery shopping. Civil Beat.

The Honolulu Family Justice Center, a safe haven for domestic violence, sex assault and human trafficking victims, opened its doors in November. But so far, only three women have stayed there. Hawaii News Now.

A program designed to keep hundreds of kids safe and off the streets isn’t happening because of ongoing problems at a Makiki recreation center. KHON2.

There's a battle brewing over what the University of Hawaii should do with the former home of PBS Hawaii. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii

Sex assault trial of Department of Lands and Natural Resources officer begins. Tribune-Herald.

The Hawaii County Council on Wednesday unanimously accepted a public access trail and unpaved roadway from developers of a North Kohala parcel, despite the advice of Corporation Counsel Joe Kamelamela, who said county code requires the administration to inspect the property before taking it over. West Hawaii Today.

An upcoming $20.1 million project will bring traffic lights and turn lanes to two intersections on Kawailani Street in Hilo. Tribune-Herald.

On Tuesday, the Hawaii County Council Committee on Public Works and Parks and Recreation was given an update on all the parks projects, completed and ongoing, around the Big Island. Big Island Video News.

The U.S. Coast Guard boarded two vessels operating illegal lava tours from the Pohoiki Boat Ramp between Tuesday and Wednesday afternoon. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

The Maui County Board of Ethics deferred action Wednesday on a complaint against Maui County Council Chairman Mike White. Maui News.

Lawmakers are pushing several bills that aim to free up beds at Maui Memorial Medical Center by moving costly long-term care patients into other health care facilities. Star-Advertiser.

Maui Beach Hotel has cut back employee hours and lost its trademark ’80s dance night after losing its liquor license for the first time in July. Maui News.

Paia businessman Michael Baskin has paid Maui County the $190,000 balance of the largest fine ever levied by the Department of Planning, department Director Will Spence said Tuesday. Maui News.

Kauai

On Wednesday, the Kauai County Council unanimously passed Bill No. 2644, which allows the county to purchase 32 units built in the first phase of Hooluana at Kohea Leo, located at the intersection of Kuhio and Kapule highways. Garden Island.

Several lawmakers are voicing their support for the Hawaii Dairy Farms’ plan to operate a 699-cow dairy in Kauai’s Mahaulepu Valley. Garden Island.

The Navy plans to develop a a major solar farm and battery energy storage system on nearly 200 acres at the 2,134-acre Pacific Missile Range Facility at Barking Sands on the west side of the island of Kauai. Pacific Business News.

Short-term rental advocates say millions added to economy. Garden Island.

Lanai

Billionaire Larry Ellison is moving ahead with his project to develop a place for helicopters to land near one of the two luxury Four Seasons resorts he owns on the island of Lanai, Pacific Business News has learned.

Federal court stays Hawaii Trump travel ban lawsuit; Coast Guard cites unauthorized lava boat tours; state Legislature tackles tax hikes, fines, vacation rentals, pesticides, homeless, invasive species; Ellison seeks permission for Lanai parties, Dunkin’ Donuts returning, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii driving © 2017 All Hawaii News

Hawaii drivers be on alert: State lawmakers are considering huge increases to the fines for at least six different motor vehicle violations ranging from cellphones and seat belts to excessive speed and drunken driving. Civil Beat.

A federal judge in Honolulu is suspending Hawaii's lawsuit challenging President Donald Trump's travel ban on people from seven majority-Muslim countries. Associated Press.

The federal court has granted an emergency motion to put on hold Hawaii’s lawsuit against the Trump administration, a decision that will remain in place as long as a nationwide stay on President Donald Trump’s travel ban is in effect. Civil Beat.

State's Lawsuit Against Trump Stayed. Hawaii Public Radio.

Audit: Some Department of Education Employees Still Start Work Before Being Cleared. A new report reveals that hiring practices for some employees have gotten worse, not better, in the past four years. Civil Beat.

Bills to Use Medicaid Funds for Homeless Rent Payments Advance in the Legislature. Hawaii Public Radio.

State lawmakers look at locations for homeless campers this legislative session, including allowing camping in private yards and driveways. KITV.
Isle caregivers relate financial, health pain in calling on state for aid. Star-Advertiser.

State lawmakers are exploring a measure that would implement a wholesale tax on nicotine e-cigarettes and related products that would likely be passed on to retailers and consumers. Hawaii News Now.

A Hawaii House committee on Tuesday passed two bills that would allow the state to collect more tax revenue from the state's proliferating vacation rental and bed-and-breakfast properties while the state's counties figure out how to regulate them. Associated Press.

Two bills designed to let vacation rental companies, such as Airbnb, VRBO and Homeaway, collect taxes on behalf of those who rent out short-term accommodations on those platforms were heard by the state House Tourism Committee on Tuesday. West Hawaii Today.

A bill that would give counties more authority for invasive species management passed through the House Committee on Energy and Environmental Protection Tuesday. Garden Island.

Six pesticide-related bills passed through the House Committees on Agriculture and on Energy and Environmental Protection Tuesday. Garden Island.

New bill aims to hold local animal shelters accountable to treatment. KHON2.

As promised, U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard has paid for her recent trip to the Middle East out of her own pocket, records show. Civil Beat.

Hawaiian Airlines and its pilots union have reached a tentative agreement on a six-year contract that will increase the wages for some of its pilots by as much as 40 percent the first year and 2 to 3 percent in subsequent years. Star-Advertiser.

BNP Paribas raised $800 million from its secondary offering of First Hawaiian Inc. stock, selling 25 million of its shares in First Hawaiian Bank’s holding company at $32 a piece. Pacific Business News.

Oahu

Hawaii lawmakers plan to consider a bill Wednesday to require the Navy to upgrade aging underground fuel storage tanks at Red Hill by July 2027 or shut down the facility by July 2030. Civil Beat.

No more surprises — that’s the goal for the new head of the Honolulu rail project. KHON2.

City officials are seeking input on preliminary designs for a park and other improvements along the Kapalama Canal as part of transit-oriented development efforts. Star-Advertiser.

A Honolulu City Council committee has approved a resolution asking the city to maintain Thomas Square as a public park. Civil Beat.

Homeless living under Makiki bridge draw safety concerns. The camp sits underneath the Anapuni Street bridge near Wilder Avenue. Hawaii News Now.

The man who left a state government job dealing with homelessness five years ago is now working for the city government on the same issue. Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell is hiring former state homeless director Marc Alexander to lead the city Office of Housing. Civil Beat.

A former industrial site near Honolulu Airport is slated to soon become a destination for doughnuts, coffee, pancakes, snacks and gasoline as part of a retail development project that will re-establish Dunkin’ Donuts in Hawaii after a more than 10-year absence. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii

Hawaii County spent more than $280,000 on overtime costs to rush completion of the Hilo Municipal Golf Course and Ka‘u gym projects, Parks Director Charmaine Kamaka told County Council members Tuesday. Tribune-Herald.

A plan to preserve the Amy Greenwell Ethnobotanical Garden is slowly moving forward, as the county awaits its pending sale before moving to purchase a conservation easement. West Hawaii Today.

The state has appealed a judge’s order requiring the state Board of Land and Natural Resources to hold a contested case hearing on the sublease between the University of Hawaii at Hilo and the Thirty Meter Telescope. Star-Advertiser.

After several years on the drawing board, a planned shopping center in Pahoa is expected to begin construction next month. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaii-based Cellana is partnering with Living Ink Technologies to develop sustainable algae inks. Pacific Business News.

As the lava “fire hose” at the Kamokuna ocean entry continues to thrill visitors at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, authorities are noticing an increase in unlicensed tour operators who visit the spectacle by boat. Big Island Video News.

Maui

A pair of bills in the state Legislature aim to keep affordable rents at the Front Street Apartments in Lahaina from rising to market rates in 2019. Maui News.

Alexander & Baldwin has sold a 339-acre parcel in Paia to a California businessman for nearly $10 million. Hawaii News Now.

Maui cultural leaders say they were shocked to see county contractors truck tons of what they consider sacred rocks out of Iao Valley recently, as part of repairs in the area following September's major flooding. Hawaii News Now.

Kauai

A network of trained responders seeks to discover how and why whales become entangled, how it affects the individual and the population as a whole, and response methods. Garden Island.

Lanai

Billionaire Oracle Corp. co-founder Larry Ellison, who is the majority owner of the Hawaiian Island of Lanai, plans to hold up to 40 special events hosting hundreds of guests each year on two locations at the golf course he owns on the Pineapple Island, Pacific Business News has learned.