Reef fish population ebbs; Legislature to vote on pesticide buffer, university smoking/vaping ban, Oahu homeless, concussion education, more bills; DLNR officer convicted of rape fired; Honolulu looks at distracted pedestrians; Maui's Iao Valley slowly recovering; Kauai monk seal apparently killed, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaiian net fisherman © 2017 All Hawaii News

A report from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration says nearly a dozen Hawaiian reef fish species are being overfished. KHON2.

U.S. officials say the first-ever assessment of Hawaii’s reef fish shows that 11 of 27 species are experiencing some level of overfishing. Associated Press.

NOAA: 11 species overfished in Hawaii. Garden Island.

Link to full NOAA report here.

Pesticide bill will be put to a vote. Bill would require farms to implement buffer zones around schools, watersheds, shorelines and hospitals when spraying pesticides. Garden Island.

Hawaii School Board Member Wants Top State Education Job. Darrel Galera is seen as a favorite for the superintendent position because of his relationship with Gov. David Ige. Civil Beat.

Former public school principal Darrel Galera resigned from the state Board of Education on Monday and said he will apply for the superintendent job the board is seeking to fill. Star-Advertiser.

A 1978 amendment to the state constitution mandated that Hawaii’s public schools teach Hawaiian education. Thirty-nine years later, the state’s Department of Education still struggles to offer Hawaiian education programs to the vast majority of public school students. Civil Beat.

A bill to ban vaping and smoking on all University of Hawaii campuses statewide crossed over from the state Senate to the House. Tribune-Herald.

There's a growing call underway to scrap safety checks for Hawaii cars. Hawaii News Now.

Legislature helps fund concussion education. Star-Advertiser.

Native Hawaiian activist Mililani Trask is suing Office of Hawaiian Affairs Trustee Peter Apo, accusing him of violating his responsibilities stemming from alleged incidents of sexual harassment.Civil Beat.

Video blog: Interview With Former Hawaii Governor John D. Waihee III. Civil Beat.

Two rallies last week demonstrated the great divide here over the Presidency of the United States. Hawaii Public Radio.

Oahu

A bill before the Honolulu City Council would prohibit pedestrians from using mobile electronic devices, including cellphones, while crossing a street or highway. Star-Advertiser.

The City's "Department of Planning and Permitting", is presenting the "Oahu General Plan" Tuesday night, addressing the impacts of sea level rise, and climate change. KITV.

A Waikiki group is proposing sweeping changes to parking in the state’s No. 1 tourist district, including raising the hourly rate for metered parking to $3 from $1.50, extending the metered parking hours to 10 p.m. instead of 6 p.m., converting about 300 free parking spaces to metered and issuing reduced-rate permits to Waikiki residents. Star-Advertiser.

State ends lease with Moiliili tow company, eyes rentals for Native Hawaiians.KHON2.

On Friday, the House passed 137 bills, including two measures relating to supporting Oahu’s homeless population. Pacific Business News.

The median sales price for a single-family house on Oahu climbed in February to the second-highest level ever at $755,000, according to data released Monday by the Honolulu Board of Realtors. Star-Advertiser.

The Honolulu company that makes Hula Brand noodles, shrimp flakes and other dry edibles has violated food safety standards with unsanitary equipment and insect droppings at its plant, the Food and Drug Administration says. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii

Two close associates of Mayor Harry Kim have joined the administration as contract hires after turning down full-time jobs. West Hawaii Today.

Mokulele Air and Makani Kai Air are two contenders for a new Essential Air Service contract that will cover all commercial flights in and out of Waimea-Kohala Airport beginning later this year. West Hawaii Today.

The Department of Land and Natural Resources announced in a tersely worded written statement Monday it has terminated the employment of Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement Officer Ethan Ferguson. Tribune-Herald.

Big on ideas, but short on funding, the staff at a small Hilo-based aerospace agency are hoping a bill moving through the state Legislature will make the difference. Tribune-Herald.

The contested case hearing for the Thirty Meter Telescope project at Mauna Kea on Hawaii's Big Island concluded on Thursday after 44 days of witness testimony, but a decision on whether TMT officials can proceed with the $1.4 billion project could still be months away. Pacific Business News.

Home prices on Hawaii’s Big Island rose by double digits last month, even as the number of single-family homes sold fell, according to statistics provided by Hawaii Information Service on behalf of Hawaii Island Realtors. Pacific Business News.

Maui

Flood-ravaged Iao Valley is slowly coming back to life six months after powerful stormwater forced evacuations, swept cars and massive boulders downstream and shut down the two parks that help make this spectacular canyon one of Maui’s most popular visitor destinations. Star-Advertiser.

The Department of Land and Natural Resources allowed media access into Iao Valley park March 6 to provide an update on the current restoration process.  Maui Now.

Hazardous conditions following a major flood in September haven’t deterred tourists from trying to visit Kepaniwai Park and Iao Valley State Monument. Maui News.

Kauai

State authorities are investigating what they’ve described as the suspicious death of a 15-year-old endangered monk seal on Kauai. Star-Advertiser.

A 15-year-old endangered Hawaiian monk seal known to many Kauai locals was found dead on a beach near Eleele on Feb. 23. Civil Beat.

An oft-spotted, 15-year-old endangered Hawaiian monk seal, known as R4DP, was found dead on a beach near Eleele on Feb. 23. Garden Island.

The Honolulu-based company in the process of redeveloping the iconic Coco Palms Resort on the island of Kauai is also building an affordable housing project as a component of the Coco Palms project, a company executive confirmed to Pacific Business News.

Kauai’s real estate market sizzled last month as the median price for single-family houses soared above $700,000 and the median cost for condos rose nearly 50 percent. Star-Advertiser.

The Hawaii Foodbank has promoted a new branch manager to take care of its Kauai location. Garden Island.

Hawaii seeks teachers, lawmakers kill 'Styrofoam' bills, children test positive for lead, Waikiki surfer group opposes groin replacement, compost contract cancellation could cost $4M, Maui movie industry soaring, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii classroom, courtesy Hawaii Department of Education

Through March and April, the state Department of Education will travel to the Mainland to recruit teachers to the islands for the upcoming school year. Garden Island.

Committee Chairs Halt Bills To Ban Foam Food Containers. The prohibition continues to gain support from Hawaii environmentalists, but is effectively dead this session. Civil Beat.

2 state bills would compel candidates to air tax data. Star-Advertiser.

The Hawaii Legislature is nearing the halfway point of the 2017 session. All bills have to pass out of their original chamber by Thursday. Associated Press.

About 1,800 infants and toddlers in Hawaii have tested positive for high lead levels in their blood in recent years, according to data compiled by the state Department of Health, indicating that lead exposure, which can cause permanent developmental disabilities, continues to be a problem in Hawaii years after the state set a goal of eliminating all cases of lead poisoning and decades after the country recognized it as a major health problem. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii now has some of the most severe penalties in the nation for people who are caught with drug paraphernalia, but House lawmakers are attempting to downgrade those paraphernalia offenses from felonies to civil violations that would result in fines and no prison time. Star-Advertiser.

State To Schools: Customize Your Hawaiian Education Approach. The Na Hopena A’o program encourages new approaches to helping students appreciate the “Hawaiian perspective.” Civil Beat.

Regulation of pregnancy clinics sought. Star-Advertiser.

Two bills taking on sunscreen move forward. Tribune-Herald.

Developers Weigh in On Solving Affordable Housing Crisis. Hawaii Public Radio.

Oahu

A leading surfer group is mobilizing against a plan to replace the failing Royal Hawaiian Groin with a new structure that is about 10 times larger. Star-Advertiser.

A leading surfer group is speaking out against a state plan to replace a crucial groin in Waikiki with a new structure that is about 10 times larger, saying it will change the quality of the waves at the beach. Associated Press.

A state lawmaker says he has been unable get the Department of Land and Natural Resources to explain how $8 million in state funding was spent in support of the World Conservation Congress in Waikiki in September. Star-Advertiser.

Does The Justice Department Really Have A Case Against The Kealohas? Civil Beat.

City officials are seeking input on a new draft of the Oahu General Plan as part of a public review process that began several years ago. Star-Advertiser.

New Honolulu Housing Is For Artists Only. All 84 units at a publicly funded affordable housing complex in Kakaako will be reserved for artists. Civil Beat.

Two major power plants at Oahu's military bases could be in the works, Pacific Business News has learned.

Michaels Development Co., one of the largest private sector affordable housing owners and developers in the United States, is moving ahead on its long-planned affordable housing project in Kapolei in West Oahu, a company executive confirmed to Pacific Business News this week.

Koha Oriental Foods has been fined $100,000 by the state Department of Health for allegedly operating a food storage warehouse in Waipahu without a state permit from November 2015 to August. Star-Advertiser.

Fifteen black-footed albatross chicks have been imported from Midway Atoll to Kahuku to try to establish a breeding colony on Oahu’s North Shore, but any success won’t be evident for years. Star-Advertiser.

Fifteen black-footed albatross chicks have been moved from Midway Atoll to establish a breeding colony on Oahu's north shore. Associated Press.

American Savings Bank recently broke ground on its new headquarters. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii

Hawaiian Earth Recycling isn’t going to let Hawaii County go scot-free after canceling its 10-year compost agreement. In a letter to county officials Wednesday, Senior Vice President John Brigham said the company would seek more than $4 million to cover expenses it incurred under the contract if Mayor Harry Kim’s termination notice isn’t rescinded. Tribune-Herald.

The county has filed a condemnation lawsuit aimed at gaining better public access to Papaikou Mill Beach via the only existing trail to the shoreline, which is on private property. Tribune-Herald.

The Hawaii Island Board of Registration, which considers election disputes, erred when it refused to hear a Kapaau resident’s complaint about a candidate in the 2014 election, the state Supreme Court ruled Thursday. West Hawaii Today.

The USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory, which measures and tracks earthquakes, reports 31 earthquakes were recorded over a period of 42 minutes on Sunday. Big Island Video News.

A water restriction notice for North Kona issued in January by the Hawaii County Department of Water Supply is expected to remain in effect indefinitely, an official with the department said. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Maui County’s film and television industry is surging after raking in $15 million last year — far surpassing previous years — but the high cost of production compared to Oahu continues to be an impediment, according to the Maui County film commissioner. Maui News.

The location for Maui veterans’ long-awaited, one-stop shop for medical and psychological services will be selected in the next few months in a first-in-the-nation leasing arrangement for the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Maui News.

Kauai

Councilmember JoAnn Yukimura wants to send a united message to the U.S. Postal Service: Keep the Lihue post office on Rice Street. Garden Island.

The county is adding sand at the north end of the Pono Kai Seawall in Kapaa, but concerns are being raised about the effect on coral reefs in the area. Garden Island.

Hawaii Life Real Estate Brokers is suing one of its founders, Justin Britt, who is also the sole medical marijuana dispensary licensee on Kauai, over allegations he has put the company at risk by misappropriating funds and damaging the company’s reputation. Pacific Business News.

Ahukini Landing has been reopened after a little more than a month and people can now once again walk out onto the pier. Garden Island.

The spotlight is again falling on a bunch of noisy birds that have flocked to Kauai’s South Shore, as Hawaii recently celebrated Invasive Species Awareness Week. Garden Island.

Nearly 1,000 turn out for Mayor’s Prayer Luncheon. Garden Island.

Sunscreen ban, aquarium fish limit posed by state Legislature, Thirty Meter Telescope hearing concludes, Honolulu bikeshare advances, minimum wage hikes dying, growth forecast slows, more on Caldwell, Kim budgets, Kauai mayor returns from Phillipines, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Rinsing off baby at Kona beach © 2017 Al Hawaii News

The Hawaii Senate is on track to pass a bill banning the use of sunscreens that contain oxybenzone, which studies have shown harms coral reefs. Civil Beat.

Lawmakers have advanced a bill that would limit aquarium fish collecting. KITV.

Hawaii workers who are paid the minimum wage will see it grow from $9.25 to $10.10 in January. But it won’t be going higher than that any time soon. Civil Beat.

A University of Hawaii economic group is dialing back its growth forecasts for the state amid an ongoing slowdown in tourism and construction that is expected to continue for at least the next three years. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii's correctional facilities grapple with a 'silver tsunami.' The state's population is aging, including behind bars. Hawaii News Now.

Another Hawaii bill that sought more oversight of the state’s commercial fishing industry is dying. The bill would have required boat operators to provide contracts between foreign fishermen and employers. Associated Press.

Lawmakers are pushing a bill that would require hospitals, before transferring a patient to another facility via air ambulance, to first call a carrier contracted with the patient’s health insurer in an effort to prevent excessive medevac charges. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii lawmakers are pushing to provide firefighters -- diagnosed with cancer on the job -- with expanded medical coverage, disability benefits, and compensation equal to 100 percent of average weekly wages. Hawaii News Now.

Eight finalists are in the running to fill three seats on the voluntary 15-member University of Hawaii Board of Regents. Star-Advertiser.

In the last fiscal year, Hawaii paid $197,057.21 to settle 535 claims that cost $10,000 or less. KHON2.

The state’s monthly outdoor warning siren test will take place Friday after severe weather prompted officials to reschedule it. Hawaii News Now.

The shipping company Pasha Group is hiring charter barges to reduce delays in deliveries to neighbor islands that resulted from a labor shortage Wednesday night and Thursday morning, Pasha spokeswoman Laurie LaGrange said. Star-Advertiser.

Shipping company Pasha Hawaii says there’s been a work stoppage at Honolulu Harbor by its stevedores. KHON2.

Costco Wholesale announced Thursday it plans to raise membership fees on June 1. Pacific Business News.

Oahu

Mayor Kirk Caldwell defended his proposals for a trash pickup fee, higher bus fares and an increase in property taxes Thursday against criticism from some City Council members. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell devoted much of his annual budget presentation Thursday to trying to persuade state lawmakers and the public that it makes sense to extend a half-percent general excise tax surcharge to help fund construction of the city’s rail system. Civil Beat.

Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell unveiled his 2018 budget today.  He is proposing to raise property taxes for investors and hotels, charge more for trash pickup and increase fuel and vehicle weight taxes. Hawaii Public Radio.

Honolulu's mayor unveiled his budget plan for next fiscal year. It calls for hikes in everything from bus fares, property taxes and a new fee to pick up your trash. KITV.

Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell presented Thursday his Fiscal Year 2018 budget request. KHON2.

A Hawaii bill would give more power to the state board that regulates Aloha Stadium in Honolulu and its surrounding land that’s primed for development, including residential and commercial projects. Pacific Business News.

Environmental impact of popular Waikiki fireworks show being studied. Hawaii News Now.

Honolulu’s long-awaited bike-share system is finally slated to launch this summer, now that its organizers say they have a major deal signed to help fund and run the service. Star-Advertiser.

Bikeshare Hawaii has signed an agreement with Secure Bike Share as its financing and operating partner. Pacific Business News.

Conservationists are trying to establish a Black-footed albatross colony on Oahu’s North Shore. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii

Thirty Meter Telescope hearing concludes: Decision on contested case could still be months away. Tribune-Herald.

Mayor Harry Kim and members of his cabinet laid out parts of their vision and listed priorities for economic development in West Hawaii at the Kona-Kohala Chamber of Commerce Mayoral Luncheon Thursday at the Sheraton Kona Resort &Spa at Keauhou Bay. West Hawaii Today.

A University of Hawaii at Hilo professor says he wants a full UH college curriculum taught in Hawaiian. Tribune-Herald.

Kahaluu Beach Park will likely remain closed at least until the end of this month as crews work to reroute pipes in the park. West Hawaii Today.

The bottle might say “Liquid Aloha,” but two California residents say the company that owns Kona Brewing Co. is misleading shoppers into believing they’re buying beer brewed in the Aloha State. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

A state Senate bill that would give fire and county building permitting inspectors the power to enter private property, with notice, to investigate possible violations of agriculture building codes “could be very helpful to us,” said the Maui County deputy planning director. Maui News.

The Maui Police Department introduced its newly acquired scent-tracking dog at a media meet-and-greet held Thursday at the Honolulu Police Department’s training academy on Oʻahu. Maui Now.

Kauai

Mayor Bernard Carvalho Jr. and Council Chair Mel Rapozo returned to Kauai last week after leading the Filipino Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii’s 26th trade mission to the Philippines. Garden Island.

ABC Stores’ Island Country Markets, which will be the anchor of the newly renovated 66,000-square-foot Coconut Marketplace in Kapaa on Kauai’s Eastside, is expected to open in July, the firm handling leasing for the marketplace confirmed to Pacific Business News.

The state has ordered Hawaii’s only dairy company to put a halt on the sale and distribution of some of its milk, but health officials say milk on Kauai is safe to drink. Garden Island.

Lanai

Shelter for domestic violence victims opens on Lanai. Maui News.

State issues alert for bee disease, Mayors Caldwell, Kim release budgets, Kona harbor employee fined for ethics violation, Honolulu police embroiled in abuse investigations, residents to police fireworks violations, media access to disasters, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

American foulbrood disease, courtesy Hawaii Department of Agriculture

State agricultural officials are warning Hawaii’s beekeepers to keep an eye out for the re-emergence of a destructive bee disease that once wiped out much of the islands’ honeybee population. Star-Advertiser.

Detection of the destructive and difficult-to-eradicate American foulbrood disease in a Kula beehive recently led the state Department of Agriculture to issue an alert Wednesday. Maui News.

The Hawaii Department of Agriculture sent notice to beekeepers across the state Wednesday of a new case of American foulbrood, a bee disease that decimated much of Hawaii’s honeybee population in the 1930s. West Hawaii Today.

A beekeeper recently detected a destructive bee disease, American foulbrood or AFB in a bee hive in Kula, Maui, agricultural officials have confirmed. Several hives on Oʻahu and Hawaiʻi Island were also affected by AFB in February and October, 2016 respectively. Maui Now.

News release on bee disease by state Department of Agriculture is here.

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

State Sen. Josh Green introduced more than 10 bills this session relating to homelessness. As of Tuesday, two were headed for a vote on the Senate floor. But neither are quite as ambitious as when they started. Tribune-Herald.

How News Media May Get More Access To Disaster Scenes. After a virtual news blackout as lava flows threatened a town, lawmakers rethink limits on coverage. Civil Beat.

A proposed Hawaii bill aims to speed up the state’s progress toward its ambitious 100 percent renewable energy goal by creating training courses for state and county employees responsible for approving energy projects. Pacific Business News.

Bill would let residents report illegal fireworks with cell phone footage. Hawaii News Now.

Lawmakers aim to defuse illegal fireworks market. KITV.

A Hawaii bill that sought to change the way commercial fishing licenses are granted died after industry representatives told lawmakers it would wreck the business. Associated Press.

Is Hawaii Ready For Driverless Cars? Waikiki tourists, highway traffic jams, pedestrian problems and unique environmental conditions could pose issues for the new technology. Civil Beat.

For the third month in a row, statewide bankruptcy filings increased from the year-earlier period as the number of cases in February rose 13 percent, according to data released Wednesday by the U.S. Bankruptcy Court, District of Hawaii. Star-Advertiser.

First-time homebuyers in Hawaii and Florida have among the most obstacles in the nation when it comes to bagging a property, according to a study by Bankrate.com. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii Medical Service Association reported a $28.5 million profit in 2016, up from $4 million the previous year. Kaiser Permanente Hawaii, on the other hand, said its loss grew to $22.8 million — from $17.4 million — due to caring for seniors and low-income patients, and paying for technology, facilities and member services. Star-Advertiser.

Kaiser Permanente Hawaii on Wednesday reported a net loss of $12.7 million for the fourth quarter of 2016, a 95.3 percent increase in losses compared to previous fourth quarter net loss of $6.5 million. Pacific Business News.

Commentary: Hawaii Moves Too Slow On Asset Forfeiture Reform. Some states are insisting that people must be convicted of a crime before they lose their property. Civil Beat.

Oahu

The $2.45 billion operating budget Mayor Kirk Caldwell plans to unveil today proposes a new trash pickup fee and increases to bus fares and Residential A property taxes for next fiscal year that officials say are needed to fund hikes in nondiscretionary spending — including debt service, employee retirement and collective bargaining. Star-Advertiser.

As they unveil this year’s budget plan, officials in the mayor’s office largely aim to convince state lawmakers that the city cannot cover the added costs to complete the island’s cash-strapped rail project. Star-Advertiser.

The Honolulu Planning Commission gave its approval Wednesday for the city to continue using Oahu’s only landfill until it’s filled to capacity, regardless of when that might be. Star-Advertiser.

The Honolulu Police Department admitted Wednesday it botched the case of a toddler who almost died from apparent abuse at an Ewa Beach day care, but said it was highly unlikely that anyone will ever be brought to justice for the crime. Civil Beat.

The Honolulu Police Department plans to do more investigating on three old cases that resulted in serious injury to a child after determining more could have been done during the initial investigations, officials said today. Star-Advertiser.

The mother of a toddler who nearly died is pleading with the Honolulu Police Department for a more thorough investigation into her son’s injuries. KHON2.

The Hawaii Community Development Authority is going ahead with plans for a solar facility to be built in Kalaeloa, which may disrupt nearby Hawaiian cultural sites. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu HomeLoans and Downtown Capital are among local real estate companies in opposition of restrictions for condominiums built in Kakaako proposed by the Hawaii Community Development Authority. Pacific Business News.

A master plan that would guide a monumental resculpting of the state’s biggest park in urban Honolulu and add new uses including sand volleyball courts, an oceanfront amphitheater and a beer garden failed to win support of a state board Wednesday. Star-Advertiser.

Nothing to negotiate in Aloha Stadium, UH deal. Star-Advertiser.

Starbucks has opened one of only 20 of its Reserve experience bars across the country in Waikiki. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii

Mayor Harry Kim unveiled a proposed budget Wednesday that ratchets up county spending by $11 million, a scant 2.4 percent, but leaves open the possibility that expenditures could yet increase based on decisions outside his control. West Hawaii Today.

Mayor Harry Kim Issues Message On $474 Million Budget. Big Island Video News.

A Hawaii island harbor agent is being fined $1,000 and ordered to repay a parasailing company $238.45 after he arranged free trips from the company, while appearing to offer the company unspecified favors. Star-Advertiser.

Two California shoppers are suing the distributors of Kona Brewing Company saying they were deceived into thinking the beer was made in Hawaii. Hawaii News Now.

Housing units sitting idle in Pahoa for years will be auctioned off instead of renovated. Tribune-Herald.

Advisory signs at Kamakahonu Beach at Kailua Bay came down Friday after tests for pathogen indicators fell below Clean Water Branch thresholds. West Hawaii Today.

A cruise ship scheduled to make a call in Kailua-Kona Wednesday was unable to do so as a result of high, unusual winds associated with a weather system to the west. West Hawaii Today.

The summits of Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa were closed Wednesday after they received a fresh blanket of snow that resulted in whiteout conditions. Tribune-Herald.

It's been a dramatic new year so far for one of Hawai'i Island's most spectacular sights. The Kīlauea Volcano has been continuously erupting for 34 years—but there have been some changes since January. Hawaii Public Radio.

Maui

Cooperation among West Maui landowners is key to reducing sediment runoff to reefs, whose coral coverage is down significantly in the region’s northern waters, according to a recent University of Hawaii study. Maui News.

Starting March 1, until funding is exhausted, residents will be able to dispose of one vehicle per year at no processing charge. Maui Now.

Maui County residents will be able to dispose of one vehicle per year for free under a new county abandoned vehicle program. Maui News.

The cost of shutting down Hawaiian Commercial & Sugar Co.’s operations last year was $20 million lower than expected and the company’s sugar operations performed “better than expected” for its last harvest, said the chief executive officer of parent company Alexander & Baldwin on Tuesday. Maui News.

Ohana by Hawaiian Airlines has resumed its service to Kapalua Airport in West Maui, exactly 30 years after the airport opened. Pacific Business News.

After a 24-year hiatus, Hawaiian Airlines made its return to Kapalua Airport on Wednesday. Maui News.

Kauai

Hawaii Dairy Farms may be back to square one with its environmental impact statement, a process that started with the release of its draft EIS in June. Garden Island.

A brown water advisory was issued by the state’s Department of Health, Clean Water Branch Wednesday due to the heavy rains that was accompanied by lightning and thunder Tuesday night. Garden Island.

Hawaii tourism spending up 10%, tax hike for teachers trimmed, raw milk rules sought, Oahu daycare deaths prompt legislation, Big Island bond rating improves, Kealoha's last day, Kauai fights mangroves, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Waikiki shoppers © 2017 All Hawaii News

A turnaround in the Japan tourism market and strong business from the U.S. mainland helped Hawaii’s visitor industry start the year with robust arrivals and spending. Star-Advertiser.

Spending by visitors to Hawaii jumped 10 percent last month compared to the same time a year earlier. Associated Press.

The Hawaii Tourism Authority will spread $3.3 million of its product enrichment funding across 128 programs statewide. Star-Advertiser.

Legislation to tax investors and visitors to fund education advanced in the Senate today. Hawaii Public Radio.

Only investment homes valued at $2 million or more would be subject to a property tax surcharge earmarked for public schools under revisions legislators made Tuesday to a controversial tax proposal drafted by the teachers union. Star-Advertiser.

A bill to authorize Airbnb to collect state taxes from both legal and illegal vacation rentals when accepting bookings in Hawaii won tentative approval from the House Finance Committee on Tuesday after Gov. David Ige’s staff intervened to ask lawmakers to keep the measure alive. Star-Advertiser.

One day after the state health department ordered Meadow Gold Dairies to discontinue its distribution of 2% milk due to high levels of the bacteria, Hawaii locavores are pushing for more options, including the sale of raw milk. Hawaii News Now.

Legislation that would allow terminally ill Hawaii adults to receive medication to end their own lives is heading to the floor of the state Senate. Civil Beat.

Hawaii's Congressional Delegation Reacts to President's First Address. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Attorney General Doug Chin says he asked President Donald Trump to explain a ban on travel from seven Muslim-majority nations. Associated Press.

Almost four years after Hawaii lawmakers approved a bill to assure safe sleep practices at day cares, the Department of Human Services has adopted regulations requiring infants to be placed on their backs while napping and prohibiting soft bedding and bumpers thought to pose a hazard for sudden infant death syndrome. Civil Beat.

An online system for parents to keep track of their child’s school lunch account is finally being rolled out. KHON2.

Alexander & Baldwin Inc. sold 451 condominiums and 611 acres of vacant land last year, but the cost to shut down Hawaii’s last sugar cane plantation pulled company earnings into negative territory for 2016. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu-based Alexander & Baldwin reported net income of $300,000, or 1 cent per diluted share, for the fourth quarter, compared to a net loss of $14 million, or 29 cents per diluted share, from 2015’s comparable period. Pacific Business News.

Oahu

A threatening phone call that led to the closing and evacuation of the preschool at Hawaii’s largest synagogue Monday has been added to a larger probe involving threats against 20 Jewish schools and community centers across the mainland the same day and some 100 hate crimes against Jewish institutions since the beginning of 2017, officials said Tuesday. Star-Advertiser.

Parents of children at an Ewa Beach day care where a toddler nearly died in an apparent assault were not informed about the incident, contrary to a recommendation from a panel of child abuse experts that reviewed the case. Civil Beat.

Three grieving mothers are pushing state lawmakers for changes to help prevent day care deaths. Hawaii News Now.

Parents: Baby sitter’s police ties stalled son’s abuse case. Associated Press.

Catholic Charities Housing Development Corp. has completed the first phase of its senior affordable rental housing development in Mililani Mauka, and has begun the second phase of the project. Pacific Business News.

Monsignor John Mbinda issued a double blessing Tuesday for a kupuna housing project’s first phase opening and second phase starting construction in Mililani Mauka where rent for residents is as low as $565 a month. Star-Advertiser.

Tuesday was Honolulu Police Chief Louis Kealoha’s last official day on the job. KHON2.

Honolulu Police Chief Louis Kealoha did not return to his office on Tuesday, his final day as the leader of the city's police force. Hawaii News Now.

Two Oahu residents have been charged in separate cases alleging theft of state accounts totaling more than $750,000. Star-Advertiser.

A Japanese wholesale food company that makes the Spam musubi sold at 7-Eleven stores in Hawaii has purchased Japan-based Fujifilm Corp.’s Hawaii regional office in Central Oahu, effectively ending the photography and imaging giant’s longtime run in the state, Pacific Business News has learned.

Hawaii

Hawaii County’s credit rating rose two notches Friday, when Fitch Ratings upgraded the county from AA- to AA+. West Hawaii Today.

Kahaluu Beach Park has been closed until further notice following the discharge of less than 100 gallons of wastewater onto the beach and beach waters, according to the state Department of Health’s Clean Water Branch. West Hawaii Today.

An upper-level disturbance is bringing some unsettled weather to the Hawaiian islands, including the potential for heavy snow and ice at Big Island summits. Hawaii News Now.

United Airlines will begin daily summer service between Denver, Colorado, and Kona starting in June. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Visitor arrivals on Maui increased 1.5 percent in January 2017 year-over-year, but a shorter length of stay resulted in no growth in visitor days. Maui Now.

Malassada Tuesday. Maui News.

Kauai

Volunteers wage fight against mangrove, threat to Hawaii’s economy, environment. Garden Island.

Learn how to benefit from state and federal landowner-assistance programs that support private forest-restoration efforts in a landowners’ forestry workshop on Saturday, March 11, hosted by the state Department of Land and Natural Resources Division of Forestry and Wildlife. Garden Island.

Jim Mayfield wants to switch Kauai Island Utility Cooperative’s focus to pursuing an expansion of utility services, namely telecommunications and Wi-Fi. Garden Island.

Humpback whales show island preference, Senate leaders rebuke Honolulu over rail costs, lawmakers mull county share of hotel tax, bill requires gray water reuse, Meadow Gold milk recalled because of bacteria, Mauna Kea's future subject of closed-door meetings, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Humpback whale breach, courtesy Kohala Sail & Sea, PC: Michael Faughn

Few humpback whales showed up to be counted Saturday at the Kauai sites of the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary Ocean Count. Contrary to the other sites on Oahu and Hawaii island, Kauai counts were low. Garden Island.

A total of 984 humpback whale sightings were reported during the 2017 Great Whale Count on Maui over the weekend, including 544 pods (or groups of whales) and 88 calves. Maui Now.

Hawaii lawmakers might create a group to develop a way to collect data on how vacation rentals affect Hawaii’s tax revenue, housing supply and brand as a visitor destination. Associated Press.

The state Senate will vote on a bill boosting the counties’ share of the transient accommodations tax to $108 million a year. Currently, the counties share $103 million, an amount scheduled to decrease to $93 million next fiscal year. Tribune-Herald.

The House Finance Committee has scheduled a hearing Tuesday morning on House Bill 1586, which would phase out the counties’ share of transient accommodations over a three-year period and implement new income tax brackets and rates. Maui News.

Developers who want to construct buildings in Hawaii would have to install systems to reuse gray water under a bill in the Legislature. Associated Press.

The state is doubling down on its efforts to crack down on welfare cheats, or people who get more than their fair share of the benefits meant to help those in need. KHON2.

The state Department of Health ordered Meadow Gold Dairies to stop selling its 2 percent reduced-fat milk because of signs of potential contamination. Star-Advertiser.

The Hawaii State Department of Health issued a cease and desist order to Meadow Gold Dairies on Monday to halt its distribution and sale of 2-percent reduced fat milk after lab results from routine milk samples exceeded standard limits for coliform bacteria. Pacific Business News.

Just one-fifth of the classrooms Gov. David Ige pledged to air condition by the start of 2017 have been completed. Civil Beat.

The number of permitted solar systems on the neighbor islands continues to slide. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaiian Airlines says it has become the first U.S. airline to join an international research project on climate change and air quality. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii’s David Ige joined a bipartisan group of governors Monday at a press conference to discuss the needs of their states. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Senate leaders delivered Honolulu’s mayor and those overseeing the city’s troubled rail project a harsh rebuke Monday when they advanced a measure that aims to help finish building the transit system without another tax extension. Star-Advertiser.

Wielding a scalpel the size of an axe, the Hawaii Senate’s budget committee on Monday sliced off scores of pages from a bill intended to help Honolulu fund its troubled rail project. Civil Beat.

An 11th hour call to bring rail down to street level has lawmakers wanting to know if it’s possible. KITV.

Honolulu Police Chief Louis Kealoha today officially closes out a 33-year career, his seven years at the top now overshadowed by a federal investigation into conspiracy and corruption. Star-Advertiser.

The Honolulu Police Department says it doesn't have the money for key programs, but is letting $12M sit idle in the bank. Hawaii News Now.

Two Oahu residents were charged last Friday in separate incidents of alleged theft from State of Hawaii accounts. West Hawaii Today.

Embattled owners of 'no-kill' animal shelter in Makaha deny abusing animals. Hawaii News Now.

The Pacific Beach Hotel has hired six new employees for leadership positions within the hotel as part of its $115 million renovation and rebranding as the Alohilani Resort Waikiki Beach, to be completed by this fall. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii

A process to form a vision for the future of Mauna Kea is starting to take shape. A 10-member committee, known as the Hui Ho‘olohe, will begin receiving feedback from Hawaii Island residents next month, said Friends of the Future executive team leader Susan Maddox, who is managing the process. Tribune-Herald.

Mayor Harry Kim convened a meeting last week with Hawaii County Civil Defense and officials at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park to discuss how to better protect visitors to Kilauea’s 61g lava flow, currently the most popular tourist attraction in the state. West Hawaii Today.

Persistent records requests from three Kailua-Kona residents have put state and county agencies on the defensive, leading to attempts to clamp down on those they think ask for too much information. West Hawaii Today.

A Hawaii island boat owner faces a state fine of $10,000 as the Coast Guard has stepped up enforcement in response to an apparent increase in illegal charters drawn to the Kilauea Volcano lava gushing into the ocean. Star-Advertiser.

A young pueo (Hawaiian short-eared owl) was euthanized after being flown to the Big Island last week. The decision was made by wildlife biologists from the DLNR Division of Forestry and Wildlife and was made to prevent the bird’s continuing suffering. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

As wind farms statewide are killing more Hawaiian hoary bats than expected, a Maui wind farm is asking the state to increase the amount of endangered bats and nene it’s allowed to incidentally kill. Maui News.

Kauai

The United States Navy wants to take advantage of the sun on Kauai’s Westside by installing a 44-megawatt solar array and a battery storage facility on 180 acres at the Pacific Missile Range Facility. Garden Island.

The Navy wants to power up what could be one of the largest solar farms in the state at the Pacific Missile Range Facility on Kauai, where ongoing missile testing requires unwavering power for flight tests that process huge amounts of data. Star-Advertiser.

If elected to serve on the board of directors of the Kauai Island Utility Cooperative, Hermina Morita promises to use her experience in policy making to ensure the co-op thrives. Garden Island.

If elected to serve on the board of directors for Kauai Island Utility Cooperative, Norma Doctor Sparks wants to focus on how the co-op helps residents recover from natural disasters. Garden Island.

Hawaii officials say an invasive parakeet is causing health and environmental problems on Kauai. Associated Press.

Ige attends governor's conference, Tulsi Gabbard gets an earful at town hall, more money for homeless, 'vexatious requester' bill back before Legislature, Zuckerberg makes it official, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Gov. Ige at governor's conference, courtesy Governor's Office

Hawaii’s Governor Steps Gingerly Into GOP Power Circle. David Ige, a Democrat, is in Washington meeting with everyone who he thinks might help the islands — including the newly empowered Republicans. Civil Beat.

Three years after homeless people on Oahu were first placed into market-rate, Housing First rental units, the state wants to add another $3 million to expand the concept to Kauai, Maui and Hawaii island starting in April. Star-Advertiser.

A bill in the Hawaii Legislature could limit some people’s rights to file public records requests with public agencies, raising concerns that it could reduce journalists’ and community members’ access to information. Associated Press.

The Department of Education has awarded more than two dozen contracts totaling $43.5 million to install just over 500 air conditioners that would get the state halfway to its goal of cooling 1,000 classrooms, a new status report shows. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii lawmakers are nearing the halfway point of the 2017 legislative session. They’re reviewing bills that need to be passed out of the originating chamber in the next two weeks in order to stay alive. Associated Press.

Hawaii lawmakers advanced a bill Friday that would significantly dial back the use of prolonged segregated confinement at the state’s eight prisons and jails. Civil Beat.

Were global trade to be disrupted, Hawaii would be particularly susceptible to food shortages, as the state imports the vast majority of what it consumes. Senate Bill 1313, pending at the Legislature, aims to change that by making Hawaii more self-­sufficient. Star-Advertiser.

Investigators working in the Hawaii correctional system were able to substantiate more cases in which corrections staff sexually abused inmates during 2015 than cases where inmates sexually assaulted one another, according to a new report released by the state Department of Public Safety. Star-Advertiser.

Roberts Hawaii said Friday that it has determined its website was hacked after a number of customers reported fraudulent credit card charges after making an online purchase with the tour company. Pacific Business News.

Even though the state Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism announced this month that Hawaii’s economy continues to expand, albeit at a slightly reduced rate, a Young Brothers report shows interisland cargo shipments between Honolulu and six Neighbor Island ports “essentially flat” at 0.1 percent growth in 2016. Maui News.

Commentary: If Souki’s tallies are right, medically assisted death bill has fighting chance to survive. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

A town hall with U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard included some heated exchanges Saturday, as some constituents questioned her about her recent trip to Syria and her stance on the president. Hawaii News Now.

Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard held a town hall meeting, on Saturday, called "Congress on Your Corner." to listen to her constituents concerns for their community and country. KITV.

The majority of parking lot owners have evaded a law that requires lots with 100 stalls or more to have at least one electric vehicle charging station. Star-Advertiser.

Regulators will gain more authority to crack down on illegal structures and uses on agricultural land if two bills advancing at the Legislature become law. The legislation was introduced to address enforcement gaps that emerged over the past several years as dozens of unregulated buildings, including illegal dwellings, were erected in an off-the-grid ag development in West Oahu. Star-Advertiser.

The amount of construction cranes in Honolulu is holding steady with residential and mixed-use projects continuing to dominate the construction industry in Hawaii’s state capital, according to a new report. Pacific Business News.

Longtime city ocean safety chief Jim Howe has been chosen to be Honolulu’s new director of the Department of Emergency Services. Star-Advertiser.

The Hawaiian Humane Society on Friday issued a citation on 310 counts of animal cruelty against the owners of a Makaha animal shelter, where more than 300 dogs were seized in October. Star-Advertiser.

A California company plans to develop a big solar energy farm in Kalaeloa in West Oahu, Pacific Business News has learned.

Hawaii

Rep. Cindy Evans (D-North Kona, North Kohala, South Kohala) introduced legislation allowing farms to have so-called “tiny homes” on agricultural-zoned land in order to house employees. If enacted, the bill would be limited to agricultural land in Hawaii County. Tribune-Herald.

A bill to fund lifeguards and life-saving equipment at Kua Bay passed committee Friday in Honolulu and will now move to the full state House of Representatives. West Hawaii Today.

A bill that would grow a farming program at Kulani prison is headed for a vote in the state House. Tribune-Herald.

Sheriffs have new wheels for transporting custodies to and from Hawaii Community Correctional Center in Hilo for court hearings in Kealakekua. West Hawaii Today.

Hawaii County Prosecutor Mitch Roth believes was a target of retaliation for raising concern over possible corruption within the ranks of state government. Big Island Video News.

Where’s the darn bus? That question could soon be asked a little less frequently, as Hawaii County works toward installing an app that will provide real-time information on estimated Hele-On bus arrival times. West Hawaii Today.

Hawaiians heard amid telescope hearings. Star-Advertiser.

Maui

On Maui Friday, Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard toured the Maui Community Correctional Center as she continues this week’s focus on reforming the criminal justice system and visiting Hawai?i correctional facilities.  Maui Now.

With about 70 percent of the on-site preparation work done for the West Maui Hospital and Medical Center, the project is seeking as much as $85 million in bond financing for equipment purchases and to complete construction, hospital and medical complex developer Brian Hoyle said Thursday. Maui News.

Kauai

The majority of the crowd at Saturday’s Wailua-Kapaa Neighborhood Association meeting wanted one thing: for the state to take down the bridge currently under construction over Keahua Stream. Garden Island.

Starting today, The Garden Island is publishing profiles on the seven candidates for the Kauai Island Utility Cooperative board of directors. Garden Island.

One of the reasons Juno-Ann Apalla wants to be on the Kauai Island Utility Cooperative board is so she can help Kauai residents understand what’s going on within the organization. Garden Island.

Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg has officially dropped his quiet title lawsuits against hundreds of fractional owners of small pieces of land, or kuleana lands, within his 700 acres of oceanfront land he owns on the island of Kauai’s North Shore, which was an attempt to gain ownership of those small pieces of lands, an attorney representing Zuckerberg confirmed to Pacific Business News over the weekend.

Commentary: A reporter’s work can still move mountains. Star-Advertiser.

Task force urges delay of new jail, Maui wind farm seeks to kill more endangered bats, most want recreational marijuana, homelessness as a medical condition, Ellison's Lanai water at issue, rat lungworm debated, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Jail guard in Hilo © 2017 All Hawaii News

A 13-member task force led by Hawaii Supreme Court Associate Justice Michael Wilson is recommending that the state hold off on its plans for building a new jail on Oahu until the group can issue a final report at the end of the year that provides a road map for reforming the state’s correctional system. Star-Advertiser.

The State Legislature created a task force last session to provide recommendations to improve Hawai’i’s Correctional System.  They briefed lawmakers on an interim report today. Hawaii Public Radio.

Legislation that would classify chronic homelessness as a medical condition and allow the state to pull from its $2 billion annual Medicaid fund to house those who qualify is on its way to a vote on the floor of the Hawaii State Senate. West Hawaii Today.

A growing number of Hawaii residents want marijuana to be legalized for recreational use, a poll released Thursday by the Drug Policy Forum of Hawaii shows. Star-Advertiser.

A bill in the Hawaii Legislature could limit some people's rights to file public records requests with public agencies, raising concerns that it could reduce journalists' and community members' access to information. The proposal would allow a state office to declare a person a "vexatious records requester."  Associated Press.

The state Department of Hawaiian Home Lands didn’t produce any new housing units for Native Hawaiians last fiscal year, even though it has $38 million in unspent federal funds. Civil Beat.

Flaws in protective order system leave abuse victims vulnerable. KHON2.

Hawaii lawmakers are considering putting up hundreds of thousands of dollars to fight rat lungworm disease, a condition in which parasitic worm larvae infect people's brains. Associated Press.

State lawmakers were briefed on the current status of rat lungworm disease that is worrying East Hawai’i Island residents. Hawaii Public Radio.

An informational briefing was held at the State Capitol on Wednesday, providing state legislators with an update on Rat Lungworm Disease from the Department of Health and a state-wide RLD Joint Task Force. Big Island Video News.

Based on the state's latest data, Hawaii has about 450,000 homes. A little more than 194,000 of those are rentals. Real estate analyst Rick Cassiday estimates the military occupies between 10,000-to-20,000 of those units. KITV.

Anti-Trump Movement Urges Hawaii Politicians To Take A Stand. Members of a new hui called Indivisible Hawaii are letting the state’s congressional delegation know they are worried about the country. Civil Beat.

Oahu

State lawmakers have advanced a bill aimed at providing some relief to Waianae Coast residents who endure hours of daily traffic congestion. Star-Advertiser.

Condominium sales in Kakaako helped the owner of Ward Village earn a $202 million profit last year that was up about 60 percent from $127 million the year before. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii

The Kona-Kohala Chamber of Commerce’s 2017 Mayoral Luncheon will be held at the Sheraton Kona Resort & Spa at Keauhou Bay from 11:30 a.m - 1:30 p.m. Thursday. West Hawaii Today.

East Hawaii lawmakers want to beef up Hawaii Community College’s agriculture program. Tribune-Herald.

A Hilo nursing home facing loss of Medicare certification instead achieved a flawless inspection. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

A Maui wind farm wants the government to increase the number of endangered Hawaiian hoary bats it is allowed to kill, after passing the limit 15 years ahead of schedule. Star-Advertiser.

Maui coffee farmers worry that state Department of Agriculture standards are tainting the image of an industry that’s already losing good beans to the coffee berry borer. Maui News.

Maui Land &Pineapple Co. kept liquidating assets during the final three months of last year in a continuing strategy that enabled the company to produce a $7.4 million profit in the fourth quarter that compared with a $900,000 loss in the same period the year before. Star-Advertiser.

Pacific Biodiesel Technologies plans to begin farming Hawaii’s largest biofuel crop project with a ground blessing scheduled for Friday on the Valley Isle, the Maui company said this week. Pacific Business News.

Safeway will anchor the new Hoʻokele Shopping Center, a 94,000-square-foot center located at the gateway to Alexander & Baldwin, Inc.’s Maui Business Park in Central Maui. Maui Now.

Kauai

The US Postal Service plan to close the Rice Street post office throws a wrench into the revitalization plan for downtown Lihue, but it could also help with safety concerns for pedestrians. Garden Island.

The state has said its plan to harvest non-native trees in the Lihue-Koloa Forest Reserve and the ongoing construction of the bridge over the Keahua Stream at the entrance to the reserve are not connected. Garden Island.

County administration has made it clear it doesn’t support establishing a pedestrian easement to get to a Koloa beach, and that’s what concerns Councilman Mel Rapozo. Garden Island.

Lanai

When the billionaire co-founder of Oracle Corp., Larry Ellison, purchased the majority of the Hawaiian island of Lanai for $300 million in 2012, there was at least one major unresolved issue on the Pineapple Island — the water used at the Manele Golf Course near the Four Seasons Resort Lanai. Pacific Business News.