Hawaii unlikely to give up voter rolls, state GOP organizes, feds say telecom deal illegal, Waikiki floatilla ends in chaos, Lehua poison drop delayed, little progress on special rail session, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

No vote no grumble campaign, 2014 courtesy photo

Gov. David Ige joined a chorus of other state leaders Monday in criticizing a White House commission’s request for a trove of personal voter data. Ige said the state doesn’t have any assurance that the information would be kept secure and, at this point, doesn’t think the state should share those records. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Unlikely To Cooperate With Trump’s Voter Fraud Panel. State law doesn’t allow for the sharing of personal information with the federal government. Civil Beat.

The 2018 Primary Election is a little more than a year away.  Hawaii Republicans are trying to organize for that election and win. Hawaii Public Radio.

Federal authorities announced Monday that a long-standing, exclusive agreement between the Hawaiian Homes Commission and embattled telecommunications provider Sandwich Isles Communications Inc. violates federal law, a decision that raises new doubts about the company’s future. Star-Advertiser.

Workers' comp insurance up in the air for medical marijuana dispensaries. Hawaii News Now.

The clock is ticking, but state lawmakers say they haven’t made much progress yet on a special session that’s supposed to solve the rail crisis. Star-Advertiser.

As federal officials crack down on illegal immigration, many in Hawaii’s faith community are mobilizing. Hawaii Public Radio.

In the first phase of a plan to significantly reshape how Hawaiian Electric Co. delivers power to some 450,000 customers statewide, the utility has unveiled a $205 million proposal to upgrade its electric grid over six years. Civil Beat.

Hawaii’s solar industry slump continues, but representatives are hopeful batteries connected to solar energy systems will help the number of installations rebound. Star-Advertiser.

New Hawaii Law Bans Wildlife Trafficking. Maui Now.

Anyone following education news in the state lately knows there’s no shortage of plans for improving public schools. Civil Beat.

Following a hiatus of more than a decade, pregnant Marshallese women are coming to Hawaii late in their pregnancies, having their babies and then placing the newborns with mainland families for adoption under suspicious circumstances, health care providers, community advocates and others say. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Wastewater is flowing across the sand and sidewalks and into the ocean along a popular stretch of beach, exposing unwitting beachgoers to potentially dangerous bacteria, an environmental watchdog alleges. Star-Advertiser.

Lifeguards estimate 8,000 to 10,000 people attended the annual Independence Day “floatilla” off Waikiki, hundreds had to be rescued from the water. Star-Advertiser.

A so-called July Fourth "floatilla" party off Waikiki quickly dissolved into chaos Tuesday afternoon, with hundreds being rescued from the water and at least 10 people taken to hospitals with alcohol-related injuries. Hawaii News Now.

Hundreds gathered Tuesday at Iolani Palace to participate in a dramatic re-enactment of events that 123 years ago led to the completion of the overthrow of the independent nation of Hawaii. Star-Advertiser.

Katherine Kealoha, a Honolulu city prosecutor who’s under federal criminal investigation for alleged corruption and abuse of power, has been on unpaid leave since late April. Civil Beat.

The Howard Hughes Corp. plans to include micro-units in its next mixed-use condominium project at its Ward Village master-planned community in Honolulu's fast-growing Kakaako neighborhood, with studio units starting at less than 300 square feet. Pacific Business News.

After 18 years, The Pineapple Room by Alan Wong located in Macy’s at Ala Moana Center will serve its last meal on July 29. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii Island

Hawaii County might soon clamp down on drinking at James Kealoha Beach Park, also known as 4 Mile. Tribune-Herald.

Repairs to the Keahuolu Deepwell are expected to be completed Sunday, the County Department of Water Supply said. West Hawaii Today.

A House bill that would allow tiny houses to be built on Hawaii County ag land is on the governor’s veto list after being passed by the state Legislature. Big Island Video News.

Federal judge breathes new life into lawsuit: Do public housing tenants have a personal right to seek legal redress to their complaints, or must they rely on government agencies to defend their tenant rights? West Hawaii Today.

A 64-year-old Hilo man accused of sexually assaulting a woman Friday morning in Orchidland Estates is a driver for Arc of Hilo and the alleged victim, an adult, was mentally unable to consent to sex and physically unable to resist, according to court documents filed by police. Tribune-Herald.

A county funded community collaboration in lower Puna aims to find new solutions to the rapid ohia death problem. Tribune-Herald.

The Hawaii Tribune-Herald won 14 awards, including four first-place honors, in the annual journalism contest put on by the Hawaii chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

The president of Kaiser Permanente Hawaii said Monday that the transition of three Maui County hospitals from state control to management by the nonprofit health care company “exceeded our expectations.” Pacific Business News.

Council panel reviewing bills on sand mining: An official from Maui Lani Partners said Monday that the company has been “taking material off-site since 1994” and that the county’s warning to stop grading and excavating sand two months ago “was the first time we were made aware there was a notice of warning on a potential violation on the property.” Maui News.

Protecting the watershed at the Kula Forest Reserve and the Kahikinui Forest Reserve’s Papa’anui tract through land acquisition, public hunting of pigs, deer and goats and forest monitoring is the top priority in a draft reserve management plan released by the state Division of Forestry and Wildlife. Maui News.

Kauai

Poison drop scheduled for Lehua awaiting permits. Garden Island.

Volunteers to hike to Alakai Swamp to band birds. Garden Island.

All Hawaii News wins awards! Here's how you can help keep the news coming

SPJ awards for 2017

Don't take my word for it -- hear what the judges said:

"This site truly is a must-read and a service to the people of Hawaii."

"A worthwhile daily read."

I'm honored and humbled to again be awarded a first-place and a finalist plaque in the Society of Professional Journalists Hawaii chapter annual Excellence in Journalism contest.

All Hawaii News, which will celebrate its 9th anniversary later this year, has become for me a labor of love. Journalism, to me, isn't a job. It's a calling.

This blog is how I read the day's news each morning. It's a way for me to share my passion for government and political news with the world.

All Hawaii News is a boutique blog. It appeals to a small but steadily growing group of decision-makers and media types. It attracts readers from across the state, the Mainland United States, China, the South Pacific and Russia.

Most days, All Hawaii News is a hand-curated compilation of the day's top political and government news from all the Hawaiian Islands. It's a quick one-stop site for an overview of what's happening around Hawaii. Other days, you'll find news stories, videos or audios exploring crucial government issues. And sometimes, there will be a commentary or analysis about a topic of pressing interest.

This blog will never get as many Google hits as someone's grumpy cat. It will never embrace the "If it bleeds, it leads" mentality.

But if one person is better informed about government and politics across our tiny island chain in the middle of the Pacific, my mission has been accomplished.

Don't let that stop you from dropping a buck or two in the collection boxes to the right, however.

Reader contributions help pay for the basic essentials of maintaining an online presence. A little extra shows appreciation and gives me incentive to carry on. Face it, it's a lot of work.

Mahalo for your kokua!

Lifeguard lawsuit immunity ends, Matson strike averted, Oahu historic property tax hike advances, hemp plans progress, Maui hospital takeover complete, journalists win SPJ awards, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii lifeguards © 2017 All Hawaii News

 A 15-year-old state policy granting immunity to county lifeguards from civil liability ended Friday, but it’s business as usual for the roughly 350 of them as they patrol Hawaii waters this Independence Day weekend. Star-Advertiser.

With mosquito-borne diseases such as dengue fever and Zika virus continuing to be a threat to Hawaii, the state is ramping up its vector control capacity in an effort to help prevent an outbreak — or at least meet one with greater force. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaiian Electric Companies has submitted a draft of its plan to modernize the power grids on the five Islands it serves to bring more renewable resources online. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii is going to need more caregivers. The state’s seniors, those 65 and older, made up 17.1 percent of Hawaii’s 1.4 million residents in 2016 — a jump from 14.3 percent in 2010, according to recently released data from the U.S. Census Bureau. Star-Advertiser.

‘What Does The US Government Have Against Grandmothers?’ Hawaii Attorney General Doug Chin says the Trump administration’s scaled-back travel ban is illogical in establishing close family relationships. Civil Beat.

Hawaii and Undocumented Immigrants: Part 2. Hawaii Public Radio.

The Navy is planning to forward-deploy another three-ship “amphibious ready group” in the Pacific — a move that will add to highly prized ship-to-shore capability in the maritime-dominated region as well as bring more than 4,400 sailors and Marines and millions of dollars in economic impact to the chosen destination. U.S. Sen. Mazie Hirono thinks it should be in Hawaii. Star-Advertiser.

A new, 154-foot Coast Guard “fast response cutter” scheduled to be commissioned in Hono­lulu in October represents the first in a series of new cutters anticipated in coming years as District 14 revitalizes a fleet that’s between 25 and 50 years old. Star-Advertiser.

Matson Inc. reached an agreement with two key unions Friday, avoiding a strike that posed a threat to Hawaii’s supply of everything from food to building materials. Civil Beat.

Matson has been able to avoid a strike after reaching a tentative contract agreement with two of its unions, with only hours to spare before the expiration of the current contract. Pacific Business News.

Honolulu-based Matson Inc. on Thursday said it will pay its shareholders a third quarter dividend of 20 cents per common share. The shipping company said the figure represents a 5.3 percent increase over the previous quarter's dividend. Pacific Business News.

The cost of a private ­school education in Hawaii continues to climb as the state’s largest independent schools are charging on average 4.5 percent more in tuition for the upcoming school year, according to a Honolulu Star-Advertiser analysis, with most school officials citing the cost to retain good teachers as their biggest expense. Star-Advertiser.

After months of delay, the state Department of Agriculture is moving forward with its goal of developing a line of Hawaii hemp seeds and an eventual statewide hemp industry. Tribune-Herald.

Oahu

Owners of Oahu properties designated historic residences would need to pay $700 more annually under a bill that has received an initial nod from the City Council Budget Committee. Star-Advertiser.

A Hawaii Circuit Court judge ruled Friday that the city must turn over documents to Civil Beat related to embattled deputy prosecutor Katherine Kealoha’s employment with the Honolulu prosecuting attorney’s office. Civil Beat.

The median rent for a two-bedroom unit in Honolulu in June rose to $2,120 a month, nearly $1,000 more than the national average, a new report shows. Star-Advertiser.

For years, city transit officials have struggled to meet Oahu’s demand for Handi-Van service — a demand they say is the highest in the nation per capita. Now, without a fare increase, the service will be stretched “to the point of failure,” those officials are telling City Council members. Star-Advertiser.

UH football player possibly paralyzed after diving in waters off Waikiki. KITV.

A plan to dismantle a breakwater to prevent risky dives on Oahu's south shore is moving forward. Hawaii News Now.

Officials renamed the city’s aquatic center in Waipio in honor of the late U.S. Rep. K. Mark Takai during a ceremony Saturday. Star-Advertiser.

On A Mission To Save Hawaii’s Most Endangered Native Plants From Extinction. Civil Beat.

Honolulu Civil Beat Named Hawaii’s Best News Site For 7th Straight Year. The Hawaii Chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists makes its annual award presentations. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Island

State Senator Josh Green has officially asked Governor David Ige to declare a state of emergency in West Hawaii over the ongoing water crisis. Big Island Video News.

County scrambles to fix wells but repairs more than a week away. West Hawaii Today.

A revised bill banning disposable polystyrene — popularly known as “styrofoam” — is coming back to the Hawaii County Council next week. Tribune-Herald.

Kona’s Community Development Plan was upheld as law Monday by the Intermediate Court of Appeals, sending a proposed development back to the county Planning Department. West Hawaii Today.

Kona coffee farmer tries to stay upbeat amid deportation proceedings. Star-Advertiser.

On June 23, the Hawaii County Council voted to adopt a resolution to award a Public Access, Open Space, and Natural Resources Preservation Maintenance Stewardship Grant to Na Mamo o Kāwā. Big Island Video News.

West Hawaii Today won six awards, including two first-place honors, in the annual journalism contest hosted by the Hawaii chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Maui Memorial Medical Center, Kula Hospital, and Lanai Community Hospital officially transferred operations from state provider Hawaii Health System Corporation to Maui Health System, a subsidiary of Kaiser Permanente, on Saturday. Hawaii News Now.

The Maui Region staff has created a legacy video to document this day as the Maui Memorial Medical Center, Kula Hospital, and Lānaʻi Community Hospital become part of the Maui Health System, a subsidiary of Kaiser Permanente. Maui Now.

The Office of Hawaiian Affairs wants faster, stricter protections for central Maui sand dunes after Always Investigating exposed the extent of sand exports and business connections on Oahu. KHON2.

With news of possible further mining of the sand dunes of Central Maui, the Office of Hawaiian Affairs Board of Trustees has formally called for a halt to the practice. Star-Advertiser.

Summit focuses on affordable housing hurdles. Maui News.

Maui News staffers and a columnist received 11 awards, including five first-place honors, from the Society of Professional Journalists Hawaii Chapter during the 2016 Excellence in Journalism Awards ceremony Friday night on Oahu. Maui News.

Kauai

Kauai Humane Society is currently finalizing its contract with Kauai County, but it’s expected the county will contribute around $795,000 in Fiscal Year 2017-18. Garden Island.

An intern at the Limahuli Garden and Preserve came across a dead snake on her morning jog along Kuhio Highway in Haena Friday. Garden Island.

Hanalei Watershed Hui and the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary have partnered together to protect their corner of the planet. Garden Island.

Hawaii renews challenge to travel ban, Matson workers poised to strike, well failures force Kona water restrictions, $88.3M budget for tourism agency, endangered monk sea births pup on Waikiki beach, Mauna Kea park plan panned, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Waikiki with Diamond Head © 2017 All Hawaii News

Visitor arrivals and spending rose again, making May the third straight month that Hawaii’s four largest visitor markets reported year-over-year increases in both performance categories. Star-Advertiser.

Visitor spending across the Hawaiian Islands increased by 8.7 percent to $1.3 billion last month, compared to May 2016, according to preliminary statistics from the Hawaii Tourism Authority. Pacific Business News.

The Hawaii Tourism Authority approved an $88.3 million annual budget Thursday after meeting for more than two hours behind closed doors. Star-Advertiser.

=====

Hawaii Challenges Trump Administration Again As Travel Ban Takes Effect. Attorney General Doug Chin says the president’s definition of a “close relationship” that would get around the ban is too narrow. Civil Beat.

Hawaii challenges family rules on travel ban. Associated Press.

The state is challenging the Trump administration's definition of the "close U.S. relationship" needed to avoid a travel ban for refugees and those coming from six majority Muslim nations. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Attorney General Doug Chin says he's concerned the Trump administration may be violating the U.S. Supreme Court's travel ban ruling. Associated Press.

The Migration Policy Institute estimates there are about 21,000 undocumented immigrants living in Hawaii. The PEW Research Center says this number could be as high as 45,000. Hawaii Public Radio.

=====

Matson Inc. sailors and firefighters could walk off the job tonight if no deal is reached on a new contract. Star-Advertiser.

A new Hawaii law requires notifying law enforcement when someone prohibited from owning a firearm tries to get a gun permit. Gov. David Ige signed the bill Thursday. Star-Advertiser.

Why The Fishing Industry Wants More Say On Papahanaumokuakea. As federal officials sift through public comments on national monuments, supporters of Hawaii commercial fishermen say they merit special consideration. Civil Beat.

About 500 coffee-growing kits imported from the U.S. Mainland are being pulled from shelves at Longs Drugs stores statewide after the Hawaii Department of Agriculture was informed that the product was being sold. Garden Island.

The CEO of an airport in the northern Philippines said officials there plan to start talks with airlines to launch flights between Pampanga province and Los Angeles and Hawaii. Pacific Business News.


Oahu

An endangered Hawaiian monk seal that usually has pups on the less congested island of Kauai decided to have its latest on a crowded beach at Kaimana beach in Waikiki, delighting of scores of visitors. Star-Advertiser.

An endangered Hawaiian monk seal has given birth on a Waikiki beach — the first such birth there in at least several decades. Associated Press.

Hawaiian monk seal "RH58" and her new pup created quite the spectacle at Kaimana Beach on Thursday. Hawaii News Now.

A popular Waikiki beach is drawing even more attention with its high-profile guests. KHON2.

=====

The Honolulu City Council’s Zoning and Housing Committee approved a bill Thursday that would create a privately run special improvement district to regulate traffic on Waikiki streets. Civil Beat.

Hawaiian Electric Co. and the state Department of Transportation Airport Division Wednesday said the emergency power facility at Honolulu International Airport is in full operation after years of testing. Pacific Business News.

A backup power plant at Daniel K. Inouye International Airport is now in full operation nearly five years later than originally expected. KHON2.

Two startup charter schools looking to open on Oahu will have to wait two more weeks to learn their fates; a third appears headed for rejection. Star-Advertiser.

All of the city’s driver licensing and other customer service operations were back to normal Thursday morning after in-house and contractor technicians were able to make necessary fixes overnight to a days-long computer problem. Star-Advertiser.

KITV President and General Manager Joe McNamara, widely known as “Joe Mac,” resigned his position this week to focus on his health. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

An Emergency Water Restriction notice has been issued for North Kona after a fifth water well went down. Big Island Video News.

The Hawaii County Department of Water Supply has ordered all residents and customers in North Kona to immediately restrict water use to health and safety needs as well as cease all irrigation activities following the failure of yet another water well in the area. West Hawaii Today.

Hawaii island Mayor Harry Kim and his idea of turning Mauna Kea into an international peace park were thrashed during nearly two hours of testimony Thursday before the Office of Hawaiian Affairs Board of Trustees. Star-Advertiser.

The world needs a place like Hawaii and a mountain like Mauna Kea, Mayor Harry Kim told the Office of Hawaiian Affairs trustees Thursday. Tribune-Herald.

Big Island Mayor Harry Kim’s plans for a Mauna Kea cultural park is facing strong opposition from Thirty Meter Telescope protesters. Hawaii News Now.

Two Hilo women are suing the state, claiming its negligence resulted in their injuries when the car they were in struck a boulder on Highway 19 about 20 miles north of Hilo four years ago. Tribune-Herald.

There was no spring slump this year for Hawaii Island tourism. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Maui County officials announced that operations at the Division of Motor Vehicle and Licensing are back up to normal after glitches with the Honolulu mainframe slowed services earlier this week. Maui Now.

The Office of Hawaiian Affairs wants faster, stricter protections for central Maui sand dunes after Always Investigating exposed the extent of sand exports and business connections on Oahu. KHON2.

The Department of Environmental Management’s Wastewater Reclamation Division advises customers that the sewer user fee will increase by an average of three percent when rate hikes go into effect on July 1. Maui Now.

Kauai

Kauai Bus announces route, schedule changes. County aims to improve Kauai Bus service with route, schedule changes. Garden Island.

Kauai saw 104,882 guests in May, a 9.8 percent increase from May 2016. Garden Island.

Hawaii Supreme Court nixes back pay for substitute teachers, marijuana dispensaries lose insurer, Don Quijote Group buying Times Supermarket, House committee saves Kauai missile testing, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii Supreme Court

The Hawaii Supreme Court has ruled that several thousand public school substitute teachers are not entitled to millions of dollars in back wages and interest that a lower court had previously awarded. Star-Advertiser.

In a unanimous decision, the Hawaii Supreme Court ruled Wednesday that substitute and part-time teachers who worked in Hawaii between 2000 and 2012 were not entitled to the $56 million in back pay and interest that they were seeking. Civil Beat.

The Hawaii Supreme Court on Wednesday ruled that public school substitute and part-time teachers are not entitled to back wages or interest on back wages for alleged underpayment by the state over a 12-year period. Pacific Business News.

=====

Hawaii’s medical marijuana dispensaries are facing another hurdle after the state’s largest workers’ compensation provider decided to drop their insurance policies. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Employers’ Mutual Insurance Co., the state's largest workers' compensation insurer, said Wednesday that it sent a 30-day policy cancellation notice to seven medical marijuana dispensaries following a “thorough legal evaluation of state and federal law regarding the production and sale of medical marijuana in the state of Hawaii.” Pacific Business News.

=====

Hawaii-based Times Supermarkets is being sold to the Don Quijote Group for an undisclosed price. The 24 supermarkets include 17 Times Supermarket stores on Oahu, Maui and Kauai; five Big Save Markets on Kauai, and Shima’s Supermarket and Fujioka’s Wine Times on Oahu. Star-Advertiser.

Don Quijote Holdings Co. Ltd on Wednesday said that an affiliate has executed a stock purchase agreement to acquire Hawaii-based Times Supermarkets. Pacific Business News.

The Don Quijote Group will buy Times Supermarkets and its affiliated grocery stores in Hawaii, the companies announced Wednesday. Hawaii News Now.

=====

Hawaii managed to hold onto one of the two at-large seats it has historically held on the Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council thanks to the governor of the Northern Mariana Islands nominating someone from the Aloha State. Civil Beat.

AARP Hawaii is conducting Caregiver Workshops throughout the state this summer. Hawaii Public Radio.

Malaysian carrier AirAsia X began its maiden U.S. service between Kuala Lumpur and Honolulu on Wednesday, ushering in a connection between Hawaii and Southeast Asia that has the potential to add millions of dollars to Hawaii’s tourism economy. Star-Advertiser.

Scientists, including Tina Weatherby with the University of Hawaii at Manoa School of Ocean and Earth Science and Technology, published a study wherein they reconstructed the skin of endangered green turtles, marking the first time that skin of a non-mammal was successfully engineered in a laboratory. Garden Island.

Oahu

Mayor Kirk Caldwell signed into law a bill that will increase the vehicle weight tax from 5 cents a pound, to 6 cents next year, and 7 cents in 2019. KHON2.

City officials said they hope the computer problems that have shut down motor vehicle registration and driver’s licensing operations in all four Hawaii counties since Monday can be fixed by Friday. Star-Advertiser.

Experts advise major changes for TheHandi-Van with demand, costs both soaring. KHON2.

A California development firm’s newest attempt at subdividing Oahu’s historic Dillingham Ranch ran into community resistance at a North Shore Neighborhood Board meeting Tuesday night, but the board didn’t end up with enough votes to oppose the project. Star-Advertiser.

The Hawaii Department of Transportation plans to spend up to $30 million to outfit two gates at the Daniel K. Inouye International Airport to serve the world’s largest commercial jumbo jet. Civil Beat.

There's been a long-standing homeless population along the Pearl City bike path. But some say the numbers have been increasing in the past few weeks, with some bikers and joggers saying they're now avoiding the path. Hawaii News Now.

=====

Honolulu’s long-anticipated bike-share rental system went live Wednesday, starting with a blessing at the state Capitol for the distinctive turquoise bicycles. Star-Advertiser.

Bicycle-Sharing Program Hits The Streets Of Honolulu. Biki features 1,000 bicycles at 100 stations from downtown to Diamond Head. Civil Beat.

Honolulu’s bike share program was five years in the making. It's reality now. The next step is shaking out the bugs. KITV.

=====

The proposed redevelopment of Hawaii's Aloha Stadium could be pushed back before it even starts following Gov. David Ige's notice that he intends to veto legislation that would allow public-private partnerships. Pacific Business News.

Embattled ship 'Falls of Clyde' one step closer to returning home to Scotland. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Big Island Dairy was sued Wednesday by the Hawaii Center for Food Safety and Kupale Ookala, a group of local residents, who claim the company is polluting nearby waters with animal waste. Civil Beat.

A group of Ookala residents is moving forward with a lawsuit against Big Island Dairy for alleged violations of the federal Clean Water Act. Tribune-Herald.

Pohakuloa Training Area sewer, storm water collection system project just 1st phase of multiple improvements.  Tribune-Herald.

Several weeks of logging in a small Waimea neighborhood has appeared to come to a halt after an injunction was granted by the 3rd Circuit Court and a citation was issued from the Department of Public Works. West Hawaii Today.

State Senator Russell Ruderman, the Democrat serving district 2 (Puna), offered constituents a frank look at the 2017 state legislative session during his talk story on Tuesday. Big Island Video News.

Community reacts to homelessness initiatives at forum. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Installing new grass, reviewing high administrative costs and assessing employee duties at the Waiehu Municipal Golf Course are some of the areas a Maui County Council committee will explore to help the island’s only public course increase revenue and decrease financial losses. Maui News.

A $12 million expansion of the state’s harbormaster building and various improvements around the Lahaina Harbor received unanimous approval Tuesday from the Maui Planning Commission. Maui News.

The owner of the South Maui Gardens Nursery is withdrawing his application for a commercial and residential development in Kihei, a surprise move after the project got the early go-ahead from the Maui Planning Commission Tuesday. Maui News.

A Maui police sergeant says he took part in a scheme with another officer and a third person to bribe a witness who accused the other officer of stealing $1,800 from him. Star-Advertiser.

Kauai

The House Armed Services Committee approved a defense amendment Wednesday that would safeguard continued missile testing on Kauai and assess the effectiveness of a new medium-range radar before taking additional steps to protect Hawaii from North Korean threats such as activating the Aegis Ashore facility. Star-Advertiser.

Hoola Lahui Hawaii on Kauai will receive $2.4 million as one of five grants awarded to the Native Hawaiian Health Care Systems programs totaling $10.6 million. Garden Island.

July isn’t just the month that celebrates America’s independence. It’s also the month that celebrates Hawaiian sovereignty. Garden Island.

Honolulu computer glitch causes statewide problems, Hirono recovering from second cancer surgery, Biki bike-sharing begins in Honolulu, Maui Hawaiians win quiet title dispute, unexploded ordnance presents Big Island development problem, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Honolulu Hale © 2017 All Hawaii News

An attempt Tuesday to reboot the mainframe computer that runs the state system to renew driver’s licenses and vehicle registrations failed, forcing people to face a third consecutive day of delays on Wednesday. Star-Advertiser.

U.S. Sen. Mazie Hirono’s surgery to remove part of her rib Tuesday was successful, and she is in recovery, according to staff from her office. The operation was the second of two surgeries planned since Hirono was diagnosed with stage 4 kidney cancer earlier this year. Star-Advertiser.

U.S. Sen. Mazie Hirono is recovering from a second surgery following her kidney cancer diagnosis. KHON2.

Papahanaumokuakea National Monument Review Opposed in Hawaii. Hawaii Public Radio.

University of Hawaii President David Lassner’s six-figure salary last year ranked at the low end of pay for public university leaders, according to a new report released Tuesday night by the Chronicle of Higher Education. Star-Advertiser.

More than 5,000 residents of Hawaii’s Second Congressional District (rural Oahu and the Neighbor Islands) participated in U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard’s interactive “Telephone Town Hall” on hurricane and disaster preparedness Monday evening. Garden Island.

Oahu

After about five years of preparation, “Biki” — Honolulu’s first major bike-share rental system — finally gets rolling across town today. Star-Advertiser.

The city-sponsored Bikeshare Hawaii program gets underway today — minus about 10 docking stations within Kapiolani Park because of a dispute over whether they should be allowed there. Star-Advertiser.

Crews were busy putting about bikes in place in time for Wednesday's roll out. KITV.

Due to computer mainframe issues, the city Department of Customer Services has made the decision to partially close the city’s driver licensing centers on Wednesday, June 28. KHON2.

The city says driver licensing centers will be partially closed on Wednesday, June 28 due to computer mainframe issues. KITV.

Homeless And Community Service Workers Considered For Park Cleanup. Honolulu City Council members hear ideas for employing the homeless and getting “free labor” from court-ordered workers. Civil Beat.

What to do with recent skeletal discoveries is the question to be discussed by the State Historic Preservation Division and the Oahu Island Burial Council during a meeting Wednesday. Hawaii News Now.

Special Permits Near Honolulu Rail Line Attract Proposals For Big Hotels. Developers can build higher and denser as long as the city finds that their projects promote “transit-enhanced neighborhoods.” Civil Beat.

As speeding cars and pedestrian safety remains on the mind of some Pearl City residents, a national traffic expert is examining ways to make Oahu's roads safer. Hawaii News Now.

Charley’s Taxi has received a "Certificate of Excellence" from TripAdvisor, becoming Hawaii’s first and only taxicab company to receive the recognition from the online travel site. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii Island

The Monday morning malfunction of a City and County of Honolulu mainframe computer has become a statewide problem for anyone seeking to obtain or renew a driver’s license, register a motor vehicle or get a state identification card. Tribune-Herald.

Gov. David Ige plans to veto a bill intended to help businesses extend their leases on state land. The bill, introduced by Rep. Mark Nakashima, was one of eight bills introduced this past session aimed at addressing economic revitalization in Hilo. None of the others passed. Tribune-Herald.

The Hawaii County mayor wants to coordinate the military cleanup of unexploded ordinance in the Former Waikoloa Maneuver Area in order to lift federal funding restrictions for affordable housing. Big Island Video News.

A town hall meeting on Monday night unleashed new outrage and fresh questions about an unauthorized construction project at the Punaluu Boat Launch over the weekend. Hawaii News Now.

Local businesses along Pawai Place in Kona’s Old Industrial area joined Hope Services and police officers for a street cleanup Tuesday morning. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

The Division of Motor Vehicles and Licensing Kihei Satellite Office will be closed for about 3 1/2 weeks beginning Monday for expansion work, the county Department of Finance has announced. Maui News.

A 2nd Circuit Court jury returned a verdict Friday in favor of a Native Hawaiian family in a case involving Makila Land Co.’s attempt to quiet title a 3.4-acre kuleana parcel in Kauaula Valley in Lahaina. Maui News.

Kauai

A computer issue that began Monday on Oahu is affecting services at Kauai’s Department of Finance Driver Licensing division. Garden Island.

Jeff Stone, developer of the proposed Princeville Lodge, has withdrawn the project’s shoreline setback application. Garden Island.

Hofgaard Park is closed to allow the County of Kauai Housing Agency to start construction on access improvements aligned with the federal Americans with Disabilities Act. Garden Island.

Kapaia swinging bridge to be repaired. Volunteers needed; meeting near site is today. Garden Island.

Hawaii reacts to travel ban ruling, Matson workers could strike, more than 5k welcome Oprah, Honolulu airport woes continue, Punaluu dredging draws ire, more news fro all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii Attorney General Doug Chin courtesy photo

Students, visiting professors and others from six predominantly Muslim countries with legitimate ties to the United States will be allowed to travel to Hawaii but face an uncertain future once they arrive, state Attorney General Doug Chin said Monday following a decision by the U.S. Supreme Court on President Donald Trump’s travel ban. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Attorney General Doug Chin on Monday said "immigration into the United States should not be restricted due to religion or national origin" after the U.S. Supreme Court decided to reinstate part of Donald Trump's travel ban. Pacific Business News.

Both President Trump as well as officials from the State of Hawaii are seeing positives in today’s U.S. Supreme Court order on the second travel ban issued by the White House in March. Big Island Video News.

The Supreme Court is allowing President Donald Trump to forge ahead with a limited version of his ban on travel from six mostly Muslim countries to the U.S. Associated Press.

The Supreme Court's decision to partially reinstate President Donald Trump's temporary travel ban has left the effort to keep some foreigners out of the United States in a murky middle ground, with unanswered questions and possibly more litigation ahead. Associated Press.

The U.S. Supreme Court on Monday announced it would partly reinstate President Donald Trump's controversial travel ban, a decision the White House called a "victory", but one that Hawaii's attorney general is calling a "compromise." Hawaii News Now.

State Attorney General Doug Chin was encouraged that the compromise decision does not block those with direct ties to the US from traveling from those six mostly Muslim countries. KITV.

=====

Hawaii will soon have less influence in setting national policies that affect everything from commercial fishing to endangered species in nearly 1.5 million square miles of the Pacific Ocean. Gov. David Ige’s administration twice missed deadlines to submit to federal officials a list of names to fill two at-large terms that expire in August on the Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council. Civil Beat.

Despite a steady drumbeat of negative news surrounding President Donald Trump and his policies, Republicans in Hawaii remain steadfast in their support for him. Civil Beat.

Matson Inc. sailors and firemen are threatening to strike if they are unable to reach a contract agreement with the company. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

State officials are trying to involuntarily transfer the sheriff’s lieutenant overseeing law enforcement at Daniel K. Inouye International Airport, according to two sources with knowledge of the situation. Star-Advertiser.

Newly released records show that Honolulu Police Commissioner Loretta Sheehan was an early target of police chief Louis Kealoha and his wife, Katherine, a city prosecutor, who has described Sheehan as being “racially insensitive.” Civil Beat.

The Navy is extending the public comment period on a proposal to spend $1.2 million to reduce potential exposure to chemicals at a Barbers Point landfill where asbestos and burned waste were dumped between 1942 and 1997. Star-Advertiser.

Ige’s veto could delay stadium plan even further. The bill, which would create the Office of Public-Private Partnerships within the state Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism, was supposed to be part of a bold statement about changing the way the state does some of its business and Aloha Stadium was seen as a showcase example. Star-Advertiser.

Group pushes for closer look at impacts to Haunama Bay, one of Oahu’s top tourist destinations. KHON2.

A Kapolei High School counselor who pleaded guilty to soliciting a minor for prostitution is scheduled to be sentenced in court on Tuesday. Hawaii News Now.

One Man’s Quest To Revive A Forgotten Kalihi Park. Robert Silva has spent two years restoring a taro patch in a small park that was once a gathering spot for Hawaiian royalty. Civil Beat.

Fireworks on the Fourth is a quiet affair in contrast to noisy New Year’s Eve celebrations in Hawaii. With so few buying firecrackers, only one retailer will be selling them for Independence Day celebrations. Star-Advertiser.

A former employee of a company whose subsidiary publishes Hawaii Business, Honolulu Magazine and other periodicals stole more than $3.8 million from her former employer by depositing checks from advertisers into accounts of phony businesses she created, according to a federal grand jury indictment. Star-Advertiser.

Fidelity National Financial Inc., one of the nation’s largest title insurance companies, is the new majority owner of Honolulu-based Title Guaranty. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

A boat tour operator is being accused of unpermitted excavation at Punalu‘u that includes damage to the remnants of a historical pier. Tribune-Herald.

The Ka’u community is in disbelief after managing to prevent a man’s apparently unpermitted effort to create new boat ramp over a historic structure along the shoreline of Punaluu beach. Big Island Video News.

Some Hawaii island residents are outraged after a tour operator apparently started demolition work at a boat ramp along a historic shoreline in Punaluu without permission. KHON2.

Aina Lea Inc., developer of The Villages at Aina Lea, has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy reorganization. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

More than 5,000 people welcomed Oprah Winfrey to her very first appearance on Maui as she lead a special conversation designed to inspire Hawaiʻi residents – already ranked the healthiest state in the nation by the Gallup-Sharecare Well-Being Index – to lead even healthier, happier, more productive lives. Maui Now.

‘How do you shift the paradigm?’: Oprah Winfrey shares her philosophy for healthy living. Thousands flock to MACC to hear from former talk show host. Maui News.

Maui County officials are looking for historical artifacts that help tell the story of the county's government. KITV.

The county clerk is asking for the public’s assistance to help gather artifacts and materials that tell the history of the County of Maui government. Maui Now.

Kauai

Principal Mahina Anguay and her staff are celebrating Waimea High School’s six-year accreditation following a positive report from the Western Association of Schools and Colleges. Garden Island.

Some Kauai lawmakers aren’t surprised Gov. David Ige is thinking about vetoing a bill that will take away lifeguards’ protection against lawsuits who protect state beaches. Garden Island.

Lanai

After rolling layoffs for the last few years during hotel renovations, Lanai residents are enjoying 3.4% unemployment, three points lower than this time last year.  This weekend will be a particularly exciting on Lanai, priming for the July fourth holiday with the Pineapple Festival  on Saturday. Hawaii Public Radio.

Aquarium bill, 14 others, face Ige veto; Onizuka memorabilia moving to Honolulu; Kona crab catch limits mulled; Kauai mayor returns budget unsigned; Big Island chief judge Ibarra retiring, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Yellow tang © 2017 All Hawaii News

Gov. David Ige said Friday he will likely veto a bill that would severely curtail and eventually end the aquarium fish collecting trade in Hawaii, stating it would be premature to consider a ban before more studies are done. Star-Advertiser.

Gov. David Ige plans to veto 15 bills, including a proposal backed by environmental groups seeking to phase out the catching of aquarium fish in Hawaii. The governor similarly intends to veto a bill that critics feared would give public worker unions too much power. Civil Beat.

Governor Has Signed 48 Bills Into Law. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii Gov. David Ige plans to veto a bill that would forbid issuing new aquarium fishing permits. Associated Press.

The Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council recommended lowering the 2017 annual catch limit for main Hawaiian Islands Kona crab of 3,500 pounds. The previously recommended ACL for this fishery was 27,600 pounds. Maui Now.

Travel agents named Hawaii as the “destination with the highest client satisfaction” in TravelAge West’s Western Agents’ Vote of Excellence competition. Star-Advertiser.

A politically connected ship repair company has finally succeeded in a years-long lobbying campaign to get lawmakers to sweeten a special tax credit to subsidize the company’s relocation from state-owned waterfront land to make way for a new container terminal. Star-Advertiser.

The Board of Education has set aside $114,500 to cover merit-based raises ranging from 2 to 3.75 percent for senior Department of Education executives. Star-Advertiser.

On Saturday, pediatricians will be the last of the Hawaii Medical Service Association’s primary care doctors to undergo a change by which they will be paid a fixed monthly rate per patient in a practice instead of being reimbursed for each procedure or patient visit. Star-Advertiser.

The state unveiled a new website Friday aimed at helping track the hundreds of sex assault kits that still haven't been tested for DNA. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu

The agency overseeing the island’s financially troubled rail transit project is losing another key leader. Brennon Morioka, who’s worked nearly 4-1/2 years as the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation’s deputy executive director, submitted his resignation earlier this month. Star-Advertiser.

In a countersuit filed Thursday, the Blood Bank of Hawaii accuses the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation of acting “in bad faith” and “recklessly subjecting Hawaii’s blood supply to grave but unnecessary risks.” Star-Advertiser.

The Navy agreed it needs to do more to evaluate fuel and water flow modeling beneath and around the Red Hill fuel storage facility before a Dec. 8 deadline for a finalized fuel tank upgrade plan. Star-Advertiser.

Houses and condominiums here are being snapped up at a feverish pace as the summer home-buying season kicks off.  Star-Advertiser.

Oahu youths holding golf identification cards will be able to play golf for free at any of the six city-owned courses starting July 1 under a bill expected to be signed by Mayor Kirk Caldwell in the coming days. Star-Advertiser.

A year after the Ellison Onizuka Space Center closed its doors in Kona, the country's first Asian-American astronaut's legacy lives on through a new exhibit in Moilili. Hawaii News Now.

Japanese Cultural Center to get Onizuka memorabilia moved from Kona after airport expansion. Star-Advertiser.

The Board of Water Supply is responding to multiple main breaks that happened early Sunday morning. Hawaii News Now.

Several coastal areas were inundated with water Saturday as this month's round of king tides reach close to record levels. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Chief Judge Ibarra to retire after 28 years on bench. West Hawaii Today.

Should tourism helicopters fly only over the ocean instead of neighborhoods to decrease their noise? Or will that endanger lives — and the tourism industry? Tribune-Herald.

Fear of rat lungworm disease impacts Hawaii Island produce market. West Hawaii Today.

UniEnergy Technologies is planning to install a grid-scale energy storage system on the Big Island of Hawaii later this year. Pacific Business News.

Officials with Hawaii island’s Department of Water Supply said this week that North Kona consumers are largely ignoring the notice for mandatory 25 percent reduction in water use issued in January. Associated Press.

Maui

Five new contracts totaling nearly $8.3 million were awarded last month for air-conditioning and ventilation projects at Maui County public schools. Maui News.

An environmental impact statement preparation notice has been posted for a renewable energy conversion and sludge processing project at the Wailuku-Kahului Wastewater Reclamation Facility. Maui News.

The sustainability of the Waiehu Municipal Golf Course is on the agenda of the County Council’s Parks, Recreation, Energy and Legal Affairs Committee at 10 a.m. Tuesday in Council Chambers in Wailuku. Maui News.

VIDEO: Count Down to July 1st Maui Hospital Transition. Maui Now.

Kauai

County budget returned unsigned; council version goes into effect July 1. Mayor Bernard Carvalho Jr. said the newest version of fiscal year 2017-2018 budget does not adequately prepare the county for a sustainable future. Garden Island.

Two Hawaiian men at the center of a dispute to determine rightful ownership of 17 acres of Coco Palms resort property will be in court on Wednesday to hear the state’s response to their claim of kuleana land. Garden Island.

A lack of resources and a change in monitoring criteria caused the Environmental Protection Agency to mandate the state Department of Health’s Hawaii Beach Monitoring Program. The newly formed Beach Monitoring Program was aired out Wednesday at a meeting on Kauai. Garden Island.

Hawaii Gov. David Ige releases list of bills he may veto

Hawaii Gov. David Ige

(Press Release) Gov. David Ige has notified legislative leaders and key lawmakers of the 15 bills that are listed on his Intent to Veto list. The Hawaii State Constitution requires the governor to notify the Legislature of the bills he intends to veto by June 26.

On July 11, any measure that the governor has not signed or vetoed will become law.

Links to bills can be found here.

INTENT TO VETO LIST:

SB 1240        RELATING TO AQUATIC LIFE

This bill requires the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) to define “sustainable” and establish a policy for sustainable collection practices through take limits. This bill also prohibits the DLNR from issuing new aquarium fish permits to use fine meshed traps or fine meshed nets and prohibits the transfer of permits after five years.

Rationale: There is concern that the science does not support the claims made by the bill. It will be premature to ban aquarium collection before doing the necessary studies. The DLNR is committed to working with all stakeholders to come up with a better solution.

SB 410          RELATING TO COLLECTIVE BARGAINING

This measure broadens the scope of collective bargaining negotiations by requiring negotiations on the implementation of terms and conditions of employment, including making these violations grievable by employees who disagree with such working conditions.

Rationale: This bill directly impacts the ability of state departments to effectively manage its workforce by negating management rights to direct its workforce and requiring union consent on such matters as assignment, transfer and discipline.

SB 562          RELATING TO TORT LIABILITY

This measure requires the Attorney General to defend any civil action or proceeding brought in any court against a county, based on any negligent or wrongful act or omission of a lifeguard who provides lifeguard services at a state beach park.

Rationale: This bill is objectionable because it requires the Attorney General to defend the counties for any civil action or proceeding, without exception.

HB 1414       RELATING TO THE DEPARTMENT OF TAXATION

This bill requires the auditor to investigate and report on problems with the Department of Taxation’s tax system modernization project.

Rationale: The Department of Taxation is awaiting findings and results of an independent verification and validation of the tax system modernization project. The audit would be redundant. The auditor stated that the audit may not yield useful results due to the difficulties tied to investigating a project that is incomplete and undergoing implementation.

HB 1309       RELATING TO GRANTS

This measure requires the Director of Finance to seek repayment of operating grants appropriated by the legislature if the grantee discontinues the activities or services approved in the grant.

Rationale: This bill is contrary to the intent of Chapter 42F, Hawai‘i Revised Statutes, which authorizes the legislature to appropriate general funds to nongovernmental organizations through various state agencies. The Director of Finance does not have the capacity to monitor all grantee programs, and relies on each state agency to enforce the provisions of the grant application and contract between the agency and grantee.

SB 722          RELATING TO EFFICIENCY MEASURES

This measure requires the Director of Finance and a selected state department to develop and implement the efficiency measures pilot project as part of the state’s budget system.

Rationale: Imposing additional requirements for data collection on our state budget system requires re-programming older software on mainframe computers at a time when the state is upgrading its IT systems to cloud-based applications. Limited state resources would be better spent updating our budget IT programs into cloud-based applications.

SB 713          RELATING TO BUDGET DOCUMENTS

This measure requires the six-year program and financial plan and budget to include information on tax expenditures.

Rationale: There is uncertainty in quantifying future revenue loss attributed to certain tax expenditures as changes to tax laws usually elicit changes to taxpayer behavior. Further, there is a lag in the availability of certain tax expenditure data, which would not align with the preparation of the annual budget documents submitted to the Legislature.

HB 1588       RELATING TO GENERAL OBLIGATION FUNDS

This measure prohibits the issuance of general obligation bonds to finance the repair and maintenance of capital assets where the repair and maintenance costs incurred add value to, and prolong the life of the assets for a period of less than ten years.

Rationale: This measure aims to more closely align the financing of debt with the depreciation of the state’s assets. However, like many other state and county governments, Hawai‘i is faced with a growing number of deferred maintenance projects and a limited pool of operation funds for such projects. Further, the record-keeping necessary to ensure compliance with the tiered structuring of the debt could not be done within existing resources, and would therefore increase the costs of the state’s debt management program.

SB 1074        RELATING TO THE FIFTIETH ANNIVERSARY OF THE HAWAII STATE CAPITOL

This measure appropriates funds to the State Foundation on Culture and the Arts to plan and coordinate the celebration of the fiftieth anniversary of the Hawai‘i State Capitol.

Rationale: Current provisions of state law establishing the Works of Art Special Fund under 103-8.5, Hawai‘i Revised Statutes, are very specific and do not allow for the financing of a celebration of this nature.

SB 1073        RELATING TO THE STATE FOUNDATION ON CULTURE AND THE ARTS

The measure appropriates funds to the State Foundation on Culture and the Arts to support its artist fellowship program.

Rationale: Current provisions of state law establishing the Works of Art Special Fund under 103-8.5, Hawai‘i Revised Statutes, are very specific and do not allow for the financing of an artist fellowship program.

HB 523         RELATING TO RECYCLING

This measure authorizes the Department of Accounting and General Services (DAGS) to establish a recycling pilot program for the onsite collection of recyclable materials at buildings and facilities.

Rationale: The amount of waste produced is insufficient to merit having an onsite recycling pilot program. The Department of Accounting and General Services regularly recycles cardboards and paper, and janitors recycle the limited amount of bottles and cans produced.

HB 2              RELATING TO AGRICULTURE

This bill authorizes the placement of “tiny homes” of 500 square feet or less of living space within the state agriculture district of Hawai‘i County. These “tiny homes” will be used by farm workers or their immediate families on land currently being used for agricultural production.

Rationale: The Hawai‘i County Zoning Code (HCC Chapter 25) already allows for a “farm dwelling” as a permitted use of agricultural-zoned lands. By Zoning Code definition, a “farm dwelling” means a single-family dwelling located on or used in connection with a farm, or if the agricultural activity provides income to the family occupying the dwelling.

HB 727         RELATING TO MOTORCYCLES

This measure allows the operator of a motorcycle or motor scooter to proceed cautiously between stopped lanes of traffic and on the shoulder lane of highways. The intent is to alleviate congestion and reduce the risk of injury or loss of life.

Rationale: There is concern that this will compromise road safety. The shoulder lane is designed to accommodate stopped vehicles and emergency vehicles on highways, and bicycles on arterial roadways. While the intent of the bill is to reduce risk or injury or loss of life, there is concern that allowing shoulder lane use to these types of vehicles will instead create more danger for the operators of these vehicles.

HB 575         RELATING TO PUBLIC LANDS

This bill establishes a process for the re-leasing or re-negotiation of a lease for public lands classified as commercial or industrial use near the end of the lease. The bill permits the Department of Land and Natural Resources to extend public land leases to school or government entities without recourse to auction, with certain exceptions.

Rationale: There is concern that section 2 of this bill is special legislation and is in violation of Section 5 of Article XI of the Hawai‘i State Constitution. It limits application of the bill to commercial and industrial lands only, without distinguishing these lands from other public lands under lease.

HB 627         RELATING TO PUBLIC-PRIVATE PARTNERSHIPS

This measure establishes the Office of Public-Private Partnerships within the Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism, and appropriate funds for a state public-private partnership coordinator position.

Rationale: There is concern that the lone position of a state public-private partnership coordinator will not be sufficient to adequately coordinate interagency collaboration, maintain analysis reports, and develop future public-private partnership opportunities. Having one office manage all public-private partnership contracts, proposals, and negotiations for the state may create a bottleneck that will slow the progress for agencies already involved in these partnerships.