Friday, March 10, 2017

Absent owners pay one-third of property taxes, state to benefit from military spending, House kills pesticide disclosure bill, EPA probes pesticide effects on Native Hawaiians, Maui mayor jeered at state of county speech, North Shore surfer group protests wind turbines, former judge Burns dies, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

copyright 2017 All Hawaii News all rights reserved
Big Island aerial © 2017 All Hawaii News
A new report released by the Hawaii Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism estimates that close to one third of the state’s real property tax was paid by out-of-state owners in 2016. Pacific Business News.

U.S. military spending is on the rise, and Hawaii is likely to be a financial beneficiary, especially when it comes to expanded sea power. A $578 billion defense bill, up $5 billion overall from last year, was passed by the U.S. House of Representatives on Wednesday on a bipartisan vote of 371-48. Civil Beat.

The state Department of Budget and Finance is reviewing the flow of federal funding into Hawaii to see what funds might be at risk from budget cuts or other actions by President Trump’s administration, Gov. David Ige said Thursday. Star-Advertiser.

State lawmakers are looking for ways to generate more state revenue by taxing foreign real estate investors. Hawaii Public Radio.

Leadership in the state House of Representatives killed a bill that would increase regulation over pesticide use in an 11th-hour move that’s attracting strong criticism from environmental activists who backed the measure. Star-Advertiser.

The Hawaii House of Representatives on Thursday quashed a bill that would have required large-scale agricultural operations to publicly disclose when and where they spray pesticides and insecticides. Civil Beat.

A bill that would require chemical companies to give notice before spraying restricted use pesticides around sensitive areas died on the Hawaii House floor on Thursday. Garden Island.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is launching an investigation into whether state agencies discriminated against Native Hawaiians on West Kauai and Molokai when licensing pesticide use on nearby farms. Civil Beat.

The Hawaii Department of Agriculture and its affiliated Agribusiness Development Corp. are being investigated for alleged violations of the Civil Rights Act. Garden Island.

Hawaii taxpayers are facing a legal bill of as much as $150,000 — and maybe more — to underwrite a campaign to topple President Donald Trump’s revised travel ban. Star-Advertiser.

A bill that would establish a working group to explore the use and best practices of blockchain technology in Hawaii has crossed over to the Senate. Blockchain technology is used to track digital money transactions by connecting “blocks,” or virtual bank statements and linking them chronologically on a “chain.” Pacific Business News.

The Harold K.L. Castle Foundation said today that it has pulled back a $50,500 grant that had been awarded to help the Board of Education hire a search firm to recruit the next schools superintendent. Star-Advertiser.

The Harold K.L. Castle Foundation has decided to pull its $50,500 donation for Hawaii’s search for a school superintendent out of concerns that the process is rigged in favor of Darrel Galera. Civil Beat.

Payment of a major grant to the Board of Education has been suspended over concerns a board member who quit to apply for the superintendent position could have an unfair advantage. KHON2.

Retired Judge James S. Burns, who served more than 30 years on the bench from state district court per diem judge to chief judge of the Intermediate Court of Appeals, died of throat cancer this morning at the Queen’s Medical Center. He was 79. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaiian Airlines' unexpected landing due to 'unruly passenger' was an expensive decision. This unscheduled landing may have cost the Honolulu-based airline tens of thousands of dollars due to costs incurred by dumping fuel, refueling, providing additional meals for delayed passengers as well as ground handling fees. Pacific Business News.

Commercial real estate sales in Hawaii dipped for a second straight year in 2016 but stayed above $4 billion thanks to the sale of roughly 2,500 hotel rooms by the largest local hotel company. Star-Advertiser.

Right now tax refunds are being delivered within four weeks. As things get busier, your state refund could take as long as 16 weeks. KHON2

Oahu

A new peer review penned by transit industry experts from across North America raises renewed concerns over the Honolulu rail agency’s ability to gauge the true cost and schedule for Oahu’s cash-strapped transit project. Star-Advertiser.

High turnover and distractions over old contract disputes are hampering Honolulu’s over-budget and behind-schedule rail project, according to a panel of independent transit experts commissioned to review the project’s management. Civil Beat.

A federal appeals court Thursday ruled in favor of the decision by Honolulu police to seize and hold 77 arcade machines as gambling devices in 2012. Star-Advertiser.

A battle is starting to swell between the developer of an on-shore wind energy farm that is planned for the area and a community group called “Surfers 4 Solar.” They are waging a battle over the effects the giant wind turbines may be having on the waves at one of the most-famous surf spots on the planet. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii

East Hawaii legislators and business owners are urging the Hilo community to continue its support of a series of economic revitalization bills. Tribune-Herald.

The preservation of lands in Hakalau was once again on the Hawaii County Council agenda. Big Island Video News.

A bill that could boost safety at a popular swimming spot in Puna is moving through the state Legislature. Tribune-Herald.

Another lawsuit filed in a federal court in California is accusing Craft Brew Alliance Inc., which owns Kona Brewing Co., of misleading shoppers into believing they’re buying beer made in Hawaii. West Hawaii Today.

Alaska Airlines announced Thursday 13 new nonstop routes from the Bay Area, including its first between San Francisco and Kona, which will run daily and is set to begin on Dec. 14. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

In his annual ‘State of the County’ address on Thursday, Mayor Alan Arakawa called Maui’s housing crisis his “most immediate priority,” vowing to find new ways to make it affordable to live in the county — and to find new ways to make the islands sustainable for future generations. Hawaii News Now.

Protesters seek to drown out Maui mayor's State of the County address. Hawaii News Now.

A group of demonstrators held signs outside the venue for the Mayor’s State of the County Address on Thursday, calling for respect of the Hawaiian Culture, accountability, and an apology for comments made about rocks some consider to be sacred at ʻĪao Valley. Maui Now.

Mayor Alan Arakawa presented an array of ambitious plans for the county, including buying more shoreline property to prevent development, creating an affordable housing fund and shutting down the 87-year-old Waiehu Municipal Golf Course during his State of the County address on Thursday. Maui News.

Maui Mayor Alan Arakawa announced the proposed closure of the Waiehu Municipal Golf Course due to continued operating losses. Maui Now.

ATC Mākena Holdings, LLC will be completing several projects that will significantly expand coastal access and recreational opportunities for the public within the Mākena Resort area. Maui Now.

Kauai

An agreement between the County of Kauai and a land developer for the use of land to provide access and parking was deferred Wednesday during the Kauai County Council meeting. Garden Island.

A 55-year-old pavilion at Kapaa Beach Park was taken down last month. Garden Island.

The public is invited to attend the mayor’s State of the County address. Garden Island.

Thursday, March 9, 2017

Hawaii sues Trump over travel ban, House panel trims Ige's budget, foam food container ban bill paused, 10-cent checkout bags for Honolulu, renewable energy ahead of schedule, Arakawa cancels controversial lease, Kona makeover, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

courtesy Hawaii attorney general
Hawaii Attorney General Doug Chin, with members of the Muslim Association of Hawaii, at March 7, 2017, news conference. Credit: James Walther
A federal judge in Honolulu said Wednesday that Hawaii can move forward with filing what would be the first lawsuit challenging President Donald Trump’s revised travel ban. Associated Press.

Hawaii has filed for an immediate injunction against President Donald Trump’s executive order on immigration, becoming the first state in the country to wage a legal fight over the newly revised travel ban. Civil Beat.

Hawaii is boldly challenging President Donald Trump’s revised travel ban to “protect its residents, its employers, its educational institutions, and its sovereignty against illegal actions,” according to the state’s lawsuit filed Wednesday. Star-Advertiser.

Hawai‘i has become the first state to sue President Trump over his revised temporary travel ban. Hawaii Public Radio.

In anticipation of a lowered economic forecast coming out next week, the House Finance Committee called for shaving $500 million from the governor’s $14 billion budget proposal Wednesday. Civil Beat.

Economists say a shortage of housing is driving up housing costs, contributing to Hawaii’s high cost of living. Hawaii has the second-highest consumer debt in the nation and 77 percent of the debt is from mortgages. Associated Press.

Economists say Hawaii’s high cost of living tied to housing. West Hawaii Today.

A House bill backed by Airbnb that would enable the online vacation rental platform to act as a tax broker and collect and remit taxes on behalf of its hosts in Hawaii has crossed over to the Senate. Pacific Business News.

A bill seeking harsher punishments for people found guilty of child abuse has passed the House and will continue to the Senate. Garden Island.

Hawaiian Electric Co. says it’s ahead of schedule in reaching the state’s renewable energy goal, largely due to the popularity of rooftop solar systems. The state’s dominant electric utility said Wednesday that 25.8 percent of its electricity came from renewable energy resources last year, up from 23.2 percent in 2015. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaiian Electric Co. received nearly 26 percent of its energy from renewable resources in 2016, up from 23 percent in 2015, the company said Wednesday. Pacific Business News.

Ethics, insider edge, and governor’s role questioned in top school job switch. KHON2.

A complaint over the cost of a $10 blanket aboard a Hawaiian Airlines flight from Las Vegas to Honolulu — and a comment about taking someone “to the woodshed over this” — led the pilot to dump the plane’s fuel and make an unscheduled landing in Los Angeles on Wednesday morning that likely cost the airline “tens of thousands of dollars.” Star-Advertiser.

Oahu


An effort to stiffen Oahu’s contentious checkout bag ban came down to agreement on a single issue before City Council members Wednesday — charging shoppers a minimum 10-cent fee for each bag. Star-Advertiser.

Residents would be able to pay for a permit to park directly in front of their driveways under a bill advanced by a City Council committee Tuesday. Star-Advertiser.

The city's proposal to double the cost of metered parking has residents up in arms, while others say it will increase the availability of those valuable stalls. Hawaii News Now.

A Campbell High School teacher has been disciplined after claiming in a staff-wide email Wednesday that he would not teach immigrant students who are in the country illegally. Star-Advertiser.

An educator at Campbell High School is in hot water for stoking the flames of how President Donald Trump's travel ban could impact his students. KITV.

Honolulu residents have the second highest credit score in the United States among large cities with a population of more than 300,000, according to a new report by WalletHub. Pacific Business News.

A proposal to allow a Waikiki nonprofit group to set parking fees, oversee freight and passenger deliveries, and make other transportation rules in the state’s No. 1 tourist destination garnered a mixed response from the public during a meeting Wednesday night. Star-Advertiser.

The attorney for a man suing former Honolulu Police Chief Louis Kealoha and his wife, Katherine, claims lawyers for the two are avoiding being served papers on the complaint, and wants to be able to serve them through a general publication instead. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii

It’s back to the drawing board for a proposed ban on foam food containers. West Hawaii Today.

Mayor Harry Kim defended his decision to cancel a 10-year compost agreement before the Hawaii County Council on Tuesday evening. Tribune-Herald.

A $65 million proposal to construct hundreds of residential units and hotel rooms, as well as commercial and community space, in Kailua-Kona is making headway. West Hawaii Today.

The Queen Liliuokalani Trust plans to develop a nearly 70-acre mixed-use project in Kailua-Kona on the Big Island that would include 300 residential units, 220 rooms in two hotels, a 50,000-square-foot community performance facility and 470,000 square feet of commercial space, according to public documents filed Wednesday. Pacific Business News.

The Hawaii County Council Public Works and Parks and Recreation Committee on Tuesday discussed plans for upgrading several of downtown Hilo’s aging streets, particularly Waianuenue Avenue. Tribune-Herald.

A tour group was caught in closed area near Hawaii’s active Kilauea volcano, and now the tour guide in charge of the visit faces a possible penalty. Big Island Video News.

Maui

A lease between Mayor Alan Arakawa’s family and a Hong Kong-based company seeking to build a photovoltaic farm on his family’s land in Kula that came under fire last year has been canceled, county and state records show. Maui News.

The state Department of Land and Natural Resources plans to develop a 285-acre business park on former Hawaiian Commercial and Sugar Co. lands on Maui that would include light industrial and other commercial businesses, according to public documents filed Wednesday. Pacific Business News.

A development group has scrapped plans to develop a long-planned mixed-use Puunani Subdivision project in Wailuku on Maui that would’ve included a total of nearly 600 homes, according to public documents filed Wednesday. Pacific Business News.

A former Maui Police Department officer was ordered to pay $1,500 in fines and was placed on one year’s probation Wednesday for issuing false parking and speeding tickets, in what the prosecution called “a breach of the public trust.” Maui News.

Kauai

Education, affordable housing, infrastructure and sustainability were among the topics Gov. David Ige told The Garden Island are top priorities for Kauai.

Post office resolution divides council. Proposal calling for Postal Service to leave Rice Street site open is deferred. Garden Island.

Kauai Island Utility Cooperative, whose grid has maxed out on the amount of solar it can take, has connected Tesla Powerpacks to get the island’s largest solar system online. Star-Advertiser.

Tesla Energy, a division of entrepreneur Elon Musk’s Tesla, and SolarCity, which recently was acquired by Tesla, unveiled its major solar farm and energy storage project on the Hawaiian island of Kauai Wednesday. Pacific Business News.

Wednesday, March 8, 2017

Hawaii set to be first to challenge Trump's travel ban, state Senate passes assisted suicide bill, Honolulu may charge for checkout bags, Kona beach closed after high bacteria counts, Kauai searches for entangled humpback, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Facebook photo
 Feb. 10, 2017, rally, courtesy Muslim Association of Hawaii
Hawaii is expected to become the first state in the nation to challenge President Donald Trump’s revised travel ban. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii is poised to challenge President Donald Trump’s new executive order on immigration as early as Wednesday — more than a week before the travel ban is set to take effect. Civil Beat.

Hawaii is not wasting any time challenging President Donald Trump's new travel ban. KITV.

A day after President Donald Trump signed a revised travel ban, attorneys for Hawaii said the state plans to challenge that order as well. Associated Press.

As Hawaii Muslims offered mid-day prayers Tuesday, the president of their association talked about recent anonymous hate messages directed at the Oahu mosque and its members via social media posts, emails and voicemail messages. Hawaii News Now.

Statement of Hawaii Attorney General Doug Chin can be found here.

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Hawaii’s full Senate voted overwhelmingly Tuesday to advance a bill that would let terminally ill patients obtain prescriptions for lethal doses of drugs after an emotional debate on the floor that included one senator’s personal story about his battle with pancreatic cancer and why he opposed giving patients the option to end their own lives. Star-Advertiser.

Aid In Dying Bill Clears Senate Despite Emotional Appeal. On a big day at the Capitol, senators also passed a rail tax bill while the House voted to decriminalize drug paraphernalia possession. Civil Beat.

The Hawaii Senate passed a bill to allow terminally ill patients to receive medical aid in dying, one of hundreds of bills lawmakers passed Tuesday ahead of a legislative deadline. Associated Press.

The state Senate passed a medical aid-in-dying bill and a bill to ban vaping and smoking on all University of Hawaii campuses. The two measures were among hundreds of bills lawmakers passed Tuesday ahead of a legislative deadline. Tribune-Herald.

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Growth in visitor arrivals has outpaced hotel usage in Hawaii, according to a recent survey commissioned by the Hawaii Tourism Authority, which shows consumer demand for alternative accommodations is growing. Star-Advertiser.

The Board of Education promises to be open and transparent regarding its search for a new superintendent. KHON2.

The ideal candidate to be Hawaii’s next schools superintendent will be a “transformational leader” who encourages innovation and risk-taking, inspires teamwork and demonstrates a deep commitment to helping students maximize their potential, according to a list of job characteristics endorsed by the state Board of Education. Star-Advertiser.

The state Department of Health said today that Meadow Gold Dairies may resume selling 2 percent reduced-fat milk processed at its Honolulu plant after sales were suspended more than a week ago because of signs of potential contamination. Star-Advertiser.

Thousands of public school teachers across Hawaiʻi waved signs to motorists before school this morning, Tuesday, March 7, and then walked into schools together before classes began. Maui Now.

Oahu

The state Senate passed a proposal to deal with Oahu’s troubled transit project Tuesday, but not before several members vented about the city’s handling of rail and called for more accountability. Star-Advertiser.

A bill expanding the city’s controversial “sit-lie” ordinance into Iwilei and additional parts of Kapalama moved out of a City Council committee Tuesday after receiving passionate testimony from area merchants and residents. Star-Advertiser.

Paper or plastic? Either way, you’d have to pay under a proposal to make Honolulu’s plastic bag ban even stricter. KHON2.

A leading surfers group, with a track record for stopping projects, turned out in full force Tuesday to make waves against a plan to replace Waikiki’s aging Royal Hawaiian Groin with a design that has a much larger footprint. Star-Advertiser.

The Hawaii Foodbank expects to save about $2.1 million over the next 25 years on its newly installed rooftop solar energy system, the Honolulu-based nonprofit said Tuesday. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii's residents take the top spot in terms of the country’s happiest and healthiest, but those who call urban Honolulu home appear to be below the state’s average. Pacific Business News.

Commentary: The Honolulu Ethics Commission last month concluded it lacks legal authority to apply the conflict of interest prohibitions and disclosure requirements of the ethics code to City Council members who receive significant campaign support from special interest groups. Civil Beat.

Hawaii

The Hawaii Department of Health Clean Water Branch issued a beach advisory for Kona Coast Beach Park Tuesday, citing elevated levels of enterococci bacteria in the water. West Hawaii Today.

The Department of Public Works is instituting new procedures — such as requiring tools to be checked in and out each day — in response to an audit that found too much inventory unaccounted for. West Hawaii Today.

The Hawaii Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism and the U.S.-Japan Council, a Washington, D.C.-based nonprofit educational organization, will host the first ever Japan-Hawaii Economic Summit in Kona from May 9-11. Pacific Business News.

Teachers rally for better wages. West Hawaii Today.

A woman wearing a full-face snorkel mask died at Pohoiki Bay. Her husband thinks the new style of mask may be to blame, but no one keeps track of the equipment being used when someone drowns. Civil Beat.

Maui

Teachers out in force. Maui News.

Overnight receiving kennels for strays and owner-surrendered animals at The Maui Humane Society shelter in Puunene will be closed on April 1 in a decision made for “the welfare of the animals,” said the nonprofit organization’s chief executive officer. Maui News.

Kauai

A search continues for an entangled humpback whale last seen near Koloa Landing on Kauai’s south side at 9 a.m. Monday by a kayaker about a mile off-shore. Garden Island.

Educators push for progress in contract talks. Garden Island.

Kauai Women’s Caucus aims to bring social change. Garden Island.

Tuesday, March 7, 2017

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

copyright 2017 All Hawaii News all rights reserved
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.

Monday, March 6, 2017

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

courtesy Hawaii Department of Education
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.

Friday, March 3, 2017

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

copyright 2017 All Hawaii News all rights reserved
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.

Thursday, March 2, 2017

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

courtesy Hawaii Department of Agriculture
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.

Wednesday, March 1, 2017

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

Copyright 2017 All Hawaii News all rights reserved
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.