$2.4B rail bailout bill signed into law, Hawaii reacts to Trump DACA termination, bird, fish deaths in wake of Lehua rat poison drop, A&B says no GMO crops on Maui, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Gov. David Ige signs rail bailout bill, governor's office photo

Gov. David Ige signed into law Tuesday Senate Bill 4, an estimated $2.4 billion bailout package that island leaders hope will finally complete the transit project to Ala Moana Center, following three years of steep cost increases that have left its outcome uncertain. Star-Advertiser.

Legislation to help pay for Honolulu's rail transit project became law Tuesday with Hawaii Gov. David Ige's signature. Pacific Business News.

Governor Signs Rail Funding Bill Into Law, Next: Transient Accommodations Tax. Hawaii Public Radio.

Gov. David Ige signed a bill into law Tuesday to bail out Honolulu’s rail project. KHON2.

Gov. David Ige today signed the rail funding bailout bill, SB 4, after completing legal and policy reviews of the measure over the weekend. Maui Now.

And with the stroke of the governor’s pen, Senate Bill 4 becomes law. The legislation was passed by the State House and the Senate during a divisive special session. Big Island Video News.

Gov. David Ige signed a bill Tuesday that provides additional funding for Honolulu’s financially troubled rail transit project. Maui News.

Newly appointed House Majority Leader Cindy Evans of Hawaii island could lose her leadership role in a bit of collateral damage from the Honolulu rail controversy. Star-Advertiser.

Within minutes of the Honolulu rail bailout bill being signed into law Tuesday, Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell issued a statement crediting the state House and Senate for “hard work” on the legislation. Civil Beat.

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There used to be a time in Hawaii when an incumbent governor was a shoo-in for re-election. But in the 2014 primary election, now-Gov. David Ige unseated a fellow Democrat. Now U.S. Rep. Colleen Hanabusa is attempting to do the same to Ige. Associated Press.

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President Donald Trump’s decision to end a program that allowed young, unauthorized immigrants known as “Dreamers” to stay in the country has sparked fear in families who could be ripped apart and drawn condemnation from Hawaii leaders. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii’s representatives in the U.S. Congress strongly condemned the Trump administration’s decision Tuesday to rescind the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program. Civil Beat.

Demonstrators lined the sidewalk outside the Federal Building in Honolulu, holding signs to voice their opposition to the decision to end Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA). KITV.

Dozens gathered in front of the Prince Kuhio Federal Building Tuesday evening to rally against President Donald Trump’s plan to phase out a program offering protections to young illegal immigrants. KHON2.

At least 100 protesters took to the streets of downtown Honolulu on Tuesday afternoon, part of nationwide rallies against President Donald Trump’s plan to rescind the Obama-era program that protects young undocumented immigrants who came to the country as minors. Civil Beat.

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Convincing Landlords That Housing The Homeless Is Good Business. By promising guaranteed rent and regular check-ins, shelters are creating networks of landlords willing to rent to homeless people. Civil Beat.

Retired Maj. Gen. Kelly McKeague, a 1977 Damien Memorial School graduate, was named director of the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency on Tuesday, returning to the program that was mired in controversy several years ago. Star-Advertiser.

The Pentagon announced retired Maj. Gen. Kelly McKeague, a 1977 Damien Memorial School graduate, is the new director of the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency. Associated Press.

U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, announced that the U.S. Department of Homeland Security will award $7.6 million in federal funding to Hawaii to prevent and respond to natural disasters, terrorism, and other emergencies. Garden Island.

Twenty-four companies have what it takes to be named to this year’s list of Hawaii’s Best Workplaces. Pacific Business News.

Oahu

Blaisdell Park free of homeless for now. Star-Advertiser.

Cuts in funding leads to a halt in Kakaako park homeless sweeps. Hawaii News Now.

New rental housing and retail is coming to the Diamond Head side of Waikiki when Queen Emma Land Co. begins the long-anticipated redevelopment of a tired 2.5-acre tract of prime leasehold land. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Communities in Kailua-Kona and Puako are battling contamination from cesspools leaking into the nearby sea. But the solution won’t be easy — nor will it be cheap. West Hawaii Today.

Kahilihili Road, which will provide a means for motorists to make left turns in to and out of the Natural Energy Laboratory of Hawaii Authority, opened Tuesday. West Hawaii Today.

A Kona doctor arrested on suspicion of prescription fraud last year pleaded not guilty to charges Tuesday afternoon. West Hawaii Today.

Condominium sales have lost momentum on the Big Island, dropping 22.7 percent in August after a 60 percent increase in July, according to statistics from Hawaii Island Realtors provided by Hawaii Information Service. Pacific Business News.

‘Part of who we are’: Harvey relief volunteers with Hawaii ties exude aloha spirit. Tribune-Herald.

The Big Island Fair is returning to Kailua-Kona after the threat of storm last year forced the carnival to cancel, interrupting 30 years of consecutive entertainment to the Big Island each September. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

The head of Alexander &Baldwin’s diversified agriculture operations told a Maui County Council committee Tuesday that the company is not farming any genetically modified crops for food or for animal feed. Maui News.

Several key school bus routes on Maui have been restored after a driver shortage had disrupted the start of the school for hundreds of students, Hawaii education officials said Tuesday. Civil Beat.

Dimino Named Complex Area Superintendent for Baldwin-Kekaulike-Maui. Maui Now.

A Kihei man says he found suspected ordnance along a South Maui road last week and turned it into the Maui Police Department for disposal. Maui News.

Mālama Maui Nui will host a cleanup at the Kahului Harbor small boats ramp from 9 a.m. until noon on Sept. 16, 2017. The cleanup will kickoff the annual Get the Drift and Bag It! campaign. Maui Now.

Kauai

The monitoring team on Lehua Island has collected 45 dead fish and two dead birds from the near-shore waters, after two applications of rodenticide were dropped from a helicopter over the island. Garden Island.

After numerous social media posts, photos, and videos showing dead fish or birds that posters claim were killed by a rodenticide currently being used to eradicate non-native, damaging (invasive) rats from Lehua Island, the DLNR, Island Conservation, and other Lehua Island Restoration Project partners have deployed on-island monitoring teams to investigate. Maui Now.

Photos and video of dead fish and birds washing up on Lehua Island have been spreading on social media days after rat poison pellets were dropped from a helicopter on the steep cliff side of the island to eradicate invasive rodents. Star-Advertiser.

Single-family home and condominium sales experienced double-digit decreases on Kauai in August, dropping 27 percent and 11.5 percent, respectively, according to statistics from the Kauai Board of Realtors provided by Hawaii Information Service. Pacific Business News.

Tourism money for Ala Wai, more rail special session analysis, youth jail operations questioned, surviving the end of sugar, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Along the Ala Wai © 2017 All Hawaii News

Tourism dollars will soon augment efforts to improve the viability of the Ala Wai watershed, including the filthy Ala Wai Canal. Star-Advertiser.

How the Legislature’s ‘Big Five’ Crafted A Deal To Rescue Honolulu Rail. Civil Beat.

Rail bailout forever weds state to project. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu rail officials and Ansaldo Hawaii Joint Venture, the vendor building the city’s rail cars, will begin live testing of the driverless train cars Tuesday along a section of elevated guideway, which will mark the first time the cars will be operated under their own power. Pacific Business News.

Tuesday marks a big step forward for Honolulu’s rail project. The Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation plans to energize the rail for the very first time. KHON2.

Former Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation head Daniel A. Grabauskas has taken a job with the Massachusetts Bay Transit Authority in Boston, where he worked until 2009. Pacific Business News.

An Idaho general contracting company owned by a Hawaii native from Laie has defaulted on 11 government contracts in Hawaii worth about $57 million — leaving various projects incomplete or barely begun. Star-Advertiser.

A firm that controls one of two air ambulance companies in Hawaii is acquiring the second medevac business in a transaction that could create a monopoly in the islands. Star-Advertiser.

Island Air’s fleet makeover is complete. The state’s second-largest airline retired the last of its 64-seat ATR-72 aircraft on Monday and now has a fleet of all Bombardier Q400 turbo­props. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Direction by youth jail Administrator Mark Patterson raises concerns. Administrator Mark Patterson tools around the sprawling grounds of the Hawaii Youth Correctional Facility in a bright blue utility vehicle, his latest purchase in an equipment shopping spree for the ranch he is building. Star-Advertiser.

Reforms helping more teens stay out of jail. Star-Advertiser.

With juvenile incarceration lowered, where did the budgeted money go? Star-Advertiser.

Will Kalihi Redevelopment Push Out Current Residents And Businesses? A state “vision report” says “Mom and Pop stores would thrive and gentrification would be mitigated.” It just doesn’t say how. Civil Beat.

The state and former prison guard Irwin Ah-Hoy have each agreed to pay $50,000 to settle a lawsuit filed by a former Women’s Community Correctional Center inmate whom Ah-Hoy sexually assaulted. Star-Advertiser.

A Los Angeles-based developer is proposing to build a condo-hotel project and affordable senior rental units in Honolulu. This Wednesday Honolulu City Council is expected to vote on whether to move forward with the project. KITV.

Following a sweep of homeless encampments in Waipahu in May that saw the typical return of tents and tarps, 18 agencies last week offered services at Hawaii’s Plantation Village in an effort to get nearby homeless people one step closer to seeking help. Star-Advertiser.

Residents say hikers impacting street parking, privacy. Picturesque backdrops off Manana Ridge Trail in Pearl City attract thousands of hikers each year. KITV.

The city is working to make Kailua safer for bicyclists especially for kids who bike to school. A bicycle boulevard is currently in the planning stages. KHON2.

The wreckage of the Beech 19A aircraft that crashed near Kunia on July 28, killing all four Oahu residents on board, likely will stay in the state-owned Honouliuli Forest Reserve where it went down. Star-Advertiser.

Not far from the Kim Taylor Reece Gallery in Hauula is a newly formed hole several feet deep in the makai lane of Kamehameha Highway. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Rep. San Buenaventura To Host Puna Roads Meeting. Big Island Video News.

Repairs to a one-lane bridge leading to Hakalau Beach Park could begin in early November, according to Hawaii County Public Works. Tribune-Herald.

Restoring Hale Nana Mahinaai: Nonprofit working to bring king’s quarters back to ‘prisitine condition’ West Hawaii Today.

As the date for the Hawaii County Council’s hearing for Bill 13, reducing the use of polystyrene foam on Hawai‘i Island, the “Hold the Foam Working Group” has issued a full media kit complete with a press release, a Call to Action document, and fact sheet, and a photo of a Kailua-Kona rubbish can overflowing with Styrofoam food containers. Big Island Video News.

Douglas Shinsato, a corporate executive and consultant who lives in Waimea, was nominated by Gov. David Ige this week to fill the open seat on the Board of Regents. He was confirmed by the state Senate on Friday. Tribune-Herald.

Honolulu-based property management firm Hawaiian Properties is expanding to the Big Island with the acquisition of Augustine Realty in Kailua-Kona. Pacific Business News.

Heroes honored: 9 lifesavers receive awards as Sayre Foundation marks 20 years. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

University of Hawaii researchers are helping local sugarcane growers and processors to choose and cultivate native varieties that best suit their purposes. Maui Now.

Kahului-based Pacific Biodiesel has begun its second harvest of sunflower seeds that can be used to create biofuel. Star-Advertiser.

Mokulele Airlines, the only company that offers flights in and out of Hana, is seeking to have the federal government subsidize flights to the East Maui community. Maui News.

Nighttime sewer line work will cause a lane closure on Kaahumanu Avenue this week, according to an announcement from the state Department of Transportation. Maui News.

Gene Zarro, CEO South Maui Learning Ohana, has announced that the Kihei Charter School, A new Century Public Charter, will be opening on schedule in August 2018 with an expected K-12 enrollment of 625 students. Maui Now.

Kauai

The state Department of Education reports that progress is being made by school bus contractors to address the shortage of Commercial Driver Licensed drivers on Kauai and Maui qualified to operate school buses. Garden Island.

Housing rentals are limited on the island, and costs are climbing. Garden Island.

The black, tar-like goo coating the tidepools on the eastern side of Mahaulepu Beach is most likely a petroleum substance that washed onto the rocks from offshore, according to the state Department of Health. Garden Island.

New toilets and flush valves are just a few of the upgrades to the restrooms at Kee Beach State Park, which were closed from Aug. 21 to 28 for routine maintenance, according to the state Department of Land and Natural Resources. Garden Island.

Special Saturday edition: $2.4B rail bailout bill passes Legislature, Hanabusa running for governor

Rail construction, courtesy HART

The Hawaii House of Representatives on Friday voted to approve the rail bailout measure, capping a five-day special legislative session marked by acrimonious exchanges between legislators and city officials — including Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell — who wanted more money. Civil Beat.

Four months after their initial efforts collapsed, state House and Senate majorities have swiftly passed a $2.4 billion funding deal, hoping it will finally be enough to get rail all the way to Ala Moana Center. Star-Advertiser.

The state House of Representatives voted in favor of the rail bailout bill on Friday, with the bill now heading to Gov. David Ige’s desk. Pacific Business News.

There was no stopping the $2.4 billion train bailout Friday, when a House majority of 31 overpowered 15 opponents to pass a bill hiking the hotel tax on all islands to pay for an over-budget Honolulu rail project as an intense five-day special session concluded. West Hawaii Today.

Bill to generate $2.4B for rail bailout now headed to governor's desk. Hawaii News Now.

It took more than four hours of debate and four attempts to amend the bill on the floor but the House majority position prevailed. KITV.

Following a third and final reading, House lawmakers approved Friday a bill to bail out Honolulu’s rail project. KHON2.

After a long debate on the floor of the State House, representatives voted to pass Senate Bill 4 to fund Honolulu’s $8.2 billion rail project. The final tally was 31 yes, 15 no and five excused. Big Island Video News.

Mayor, council leaders react to passing of rail funding bill. KITV.

Hanabusa © 2017 All Hawaii News

Hanabusa to run for governor. Star-Advertiser.

U.S. Rep. Colleen Hanabusa all but declared her candidacy for governor Friday, announcing that she will file papers to form her campaign committee — Hanabusa for Governor — to challenge Gov. David Ige next year. Civil Beat.

The 2018 governor's race just got a lot more competitive. U.S. Rep. Colleen Hanabusa announced Friday that she's establishing a campaign committee to run for the seat in 2018. Hawaii News Now.

Congresswoman Colleen Hanabusa announced Friday she will be forming a campaign committee to run for governor. KITV.

Tourism up, crime down, final vote for $2.4B rail bailout bill today, Ige cools 1k schools, OHA member pays $25k ethics fine, waters woes not to impact Ironman, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Tourists at Honolulu farmers market © 2017 All Hawaii News

Hawaii Visitor Spending Jumped Nearly 10 Percent In July. Travelers spent $1.6 billion last month, and the number of visitors climbed almost 7 percent to more than 890,000. Associated Press.

Hawaii’s visitor industry knocked it out of the park in July, which was the biggest month ever in Hawaii tourism. Star-Advertiser.

Visitor spending in Hawaii increased 9.8 percent to $1.6 billion in July, with year-to-date spending rising 8.9 percent to $9.95 billion, compared to the same period last year, beating expectations for the month, according to preliminary statistics released Thursday by the Hawaii Tourism Authority. Pacific Business News.

Visitors to Hawaii from the U.S. East Coast brought the largest gains in spending in July, with spending from that market increasing 22 percent last month to $452.5 million, compared to last year, and contributing to an overall increase in visitor spending of 10 percent. Pacific Business News.

The Hawaii Tourism Authority says spending by visitors jumped nearly 10 percent last month compared to a year earlier. Garden Island.

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Hawaii achieved a record-low crime rate in 2016 as three of the state’s four counties led the way in setting their own record rates. Star-Advertiser.

Go. David Ige fulfills goal to air-condition 1K classrooms. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii's public school children will be more comfortable this school year after the state kept its promise of installing air conditioning units in 1,000 classroom across the islands. Pacific Business News.

Gov. David Ige out beats his promise to cool 1,000 classrooms. KITV.

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Based on a procedural voice vote Thursday, rail’s controversial bailout bill appears poised to easily pass the House today. Star-Advertiser.

The Legislature’s $2.4 billion rail funding package, expected to clear its final legislative hurdle Friday, won’t just bring a big influx of of cash to the over-budget and behind-schedule project. Civil Beat.

A bill increasing the hotel tax statewide to bail out the vastly over-budget Honolulu rail project advanced in the House on Thursday after narrowly clearing its committees the night before. West Hawaii Today.

Senate Bill 4 is nearing final passage during this week’s Special Legislative Session. But funding Honolulu’s Rail Transit Project caused some clashes between lawmakers. Hawaii Public Radio.

The rail bail out bill faces one final hurdle with a final floor vote in the House Friday. KITV.

Facing pressure from state lawmakers to find new revenue sources, the city and the rail authority are taking a second look at private and public partnerships. Hawaii News Now.

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The state Ethics Commission has fined an Office of Hawaiian Affairs trustee $25,000 for violating ethics laws by using his state office, staff and resources for his own business purposes on “innumerable occasions,” including on a critical vote and subsequent work associated with the controversial Thirty Meter Telescope. Star-Advertiser.

The Hawaii State Ethics Commission announced Thursday that it has reached a $25,000 settlement agreement with Office of Hawaiian Affairs Trustee Peter Apo, who admitted to using the state agency’s connections and resources to benefit his consulting firm, The Peter Apo Company. Civil Beat.

An Office of Hawaiian Affairs trustee who admitted to making an inquiry with a business from the Thirty Meter Telescope after publicly advocating for its construction will pay a $25,000 fine to the state ethics commission. Hawaii News Now.

The Army has declared as deceased the final two missing members of a UH-60 Black Hawk that crashed during night training off Kaena Point Aug. 15. Star-Advertiser.

The Army has declared dead the final two soldiers missing after a Black Hawk helicopter with a crew of five crashed off Hawaii earlier this month. Associated Press.

Hawaii is neglecting a “hidden economy” by significantly undervaluing its nearshore fisheries both economically and culturally, according to a recently published report. West Hawaii Today.

Oahu

On Oahu 1,400 establishments hold liquor licenses. The Honolulu Liquor Commission's proposed license fee increase would raise what they pay by 70 percent. Hawaii News Now.

A nonprofit developer has completed a $33 million first phase of preservation work on an old Kunia pineapple plantation village to provide affordable housing for retirees and low-income farmworkers. Star-Advertiser.

An annual truck rally held Sunday in Kapolei was disrupted when Honolulu police officers and city vehicle inspectors arrived in force. Hawaii News Now.

Can anything be done about the flooding in Mapunapuna? KHON2.

Honolulu-based Hensel Phelps Construction Co. on Thursday received two contracts totaling close to $39 million from U.S. Department of Defense for construction work in Hawaii and Guam. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii Island

Crime hits record low. Tribune-Herald.

Rates that will cause Hawaii island residents’ electrical bills to rise nearly $5 a month went into effect Thursday. Star-Advertiser.

A U.S. Coast Guard investigator identified a brownish slick floating offshore of Kahaluu Beach Park as possibly algae, authorities said Thursday afternoon. West Hawaii Today.

The Ironman World Championship, the thousands of visitors it brings and a water shortage at the heart of the action in North Kona during one of the hottest times of the year appears a volatile and potentially dangerous mix. But it might not be so bad as it seems. West Hawaii Today.

The University of Hawaii at Hilo welcomes Douglas Shinsato, nominated by the governor to be the new UH Regent. Big Island Video News.

State Sen. Kai Kahele of Hilo wants the University of Hawaii at Hilo’s enrollment to exceed 5,000 students in 10 years. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Maui County’s total Index Crime rate in 2016 was the highest in the State of Hawaii; but it was also its lowest level on record since the start of statewide data collection in 1975. Maui Now.

Maui’s Short Term Rentals. Residents of Paia and Haiku are trying to decide the future of short-term rentals in their community after an unusual discovery: their current community plan and the Maui County Code don't match up. Hawaii Public Radio.

New Study: 72% of Maui Ocean Drownings are Visitors. Maui Now.

The Hawaii State Department of Education reports that progress is being made by school bus contractors to address the current shortage of Commercial Driver Licensed drivers on Maui and Kauai qualified to operate school buses. Maui Now.

Kauai

Though the Air Force reduced the number of bombs aimed at a training area 50 miles off the coast of Kauai, conservationists are still concerned about the whales and dolphins in the area. Garden Island.

Honolulu rail $2.4B bailout passed by Senate, advances in House; Kauai missile test successful; Hawaii's last princess; Big Island judges appointed, Maui judge sought; more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

U.s. Sen. Mazie Hirono, Hawaii Attorney General Doug Chin at 'Dreamer' press conference, courtesy Chin

Hope For Legal Status In the US Turns To Uncertainty For This ‘Dreamer’. President Trump is considering ending a program that granted temporary legal status to young undocumented immigrants, including more than 500 in Hawaii. Civil Beat.

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A $2.4 billion Honolulu rail bailout bill clipped quickly down the fast track Wednesday, easily clearing the Senate and its only House committees midway through a week-long special session. West Hawaii Today.

A $2.4 billion bailout plan for the troubled Honolulu rail project cleared some big hurdles Wednesday, passing both the full Senate and two House committees despite opposition from lawmakers who say the project’s costs have spun out of control. Civil Beat.

Impassioned pleas to force the House to negotiate and come up with a better rail bill fell on deaf ears. After nearly two hours of debate the Senate closed its side of the deal. KITV.

The bill to bail out Honolulu Rail passed the House Transportation and Finance Committees Wednesday night. Senate Bill 4 would extend the General Excise Tax (GET) and raise the transient accommodations tax (TAT) by 1-percentage point to help pay for rail. KITV.

With all 25 state senators casting votes, legislation aimed at rescuing the city’s cash-strapped rail project by raising state taxes passed the full Senate today with a 16-9 vote and now heads over to the House of Representatives. Star-Advertiser.

The State Senate chamber was emotionally charged today as lawmakers voted on the bill to fund the Honolulu Rail Transit project. Hawaii Public Radio.

A bill to fund Honolulu’s rail project passed out of the Hawaii State Senate Wednesday. KHON2.

VIDEO: Senate Advances Rail Bill, Big Island Votes No. Big Island Video News.

A bill that would combine increasing the state’s transient accommodations tax and extend Oahu’s 0.5 percent surcharge of the general excise tax passed the Senate on its third reading on Wednesday. Pacific Business News.

Mayor’s stress test claim ‘evaporated’ as FTA reaffirms half-billion pad not required. KHON2.

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The U.S. military shot down a medium-range ballistic missile during a test off Hawaii, officials said. Associated Press.

Tuesday’s ballistic missile intercept test off Kauai represents another success in the development of missile defense systems that are increasingly in demand, are often tested in Hawaii, and whose development is being ramped up to meet an otherwise vexing threat from North Korea. Star-Advertiser.

A Raytheon Co. missile system was a key part of a successful anti-ballistic test off the coast of Hawaii Tuesday, boosting the company's stock as the saber-rattling between the U.S. and North Korea continues. Pacific Business News.

The US military successfully shot down a medium range ballistic missile target during an interceptor test off of Kauaʻi on Tuesday night. Maui Now.

The National Marine Fisheries Service has approved a five-year Air Force plan for bombing practice at sea off the Hawaiian Island of Kauai. Associated Press.

Updated Hawaii Salary Database: Doctors And Judges Do Well, Thank You. We’ve added tens of thousands of additional workers, including those in the Department of Education, the Judiciary and general state employees. Civil Beat.

There’s an ongoing court battle involving the health and future of the woman some call Hawaii’s last princess. Apart from the legal case itself, it’s a story of royalty….and how that lineage continues to this day. Hawaii Public Radio.

State regulators and the solar industry are seeking more input on Hawaiian Electric Co.’s $205 million grid modernization plan. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaiian Electric Companies submitted on Tuesday the final draft of its Grid Modernization Strategy for review by the state Public Utilities Commission. West Hawaii Today.

A real estate firm is predicting that investors could spend around $1 billion less acquiring commercial property in Hawaii this year, which if accurate would be a third consecutive year of decline. Star-Advertiser.

New statewide safety rules for food establishments go into effect Saturday. Garden Island.

Oahu

A proposal to substantially increase Oahu liquor license fees is expected to come under heavy criticism during a public hearing today before the Honolulu Liquor Commission. Star-Advertiser.

For the past few months Honolulu police have been trying out a new method of interaction. It's designed to build a bridge with Honolulu's homeless population. Hawaii News Now.

The state Department of Health advised the public to stay out of the waters of part of Honolulu Harbor after a wastewater discharge Wednesday night. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Supporters of Hu Honua Bioenergy celebrated a new beginning Wednesday as construction continues to ramp up on the once troubled $250 million power plant near Pepeekeo. Tribune-Herald.

Gov. David Ige on Wednesday announced the appointments of two new judges to the 3rd Circuit Court on the Big Island. Pacific Business News.

Gov. David Ige Wednesday appointed Kealakekua-based Attorney Robert D.S. Kim as judge of the 3rd Circuit Court in Kona. West Hawaii Today.

Hawaii Senator Mazie Hirono kicked off a special Facebook event geared towards small business owners in Hilo on Monday. Big Island Video News.

Maui

A settlement has been reached between the Hawaii Civil Rights Commission and the County of Maui over a complaint filed that alleged denial of reasonable accommodations for a disabled employee. Maui Now.

A disability discrimination case has been settled between Maui County and the Hawaii Civil Rights Commission, according to an announcement Wednesday. Maui News.

Saying it didn’t appear that information not provided to the defense would have affected the outcome, a judge denied a former Maui Community Correctional Center guard’s request for a new trial on charges that he sexually assaulted an inmate three years ago. Maui News.

Former Maui Corrections Officer Convicted of sex assault, Sentencing Set. Maui Now.

The Department of Water Supply’s new water treatment plant on West Alu Road in Wailuku is about 40 percent complete. Maui News.

The Judicial Selection Commission is accepting applications and nominations to fill a vacancy for 2nd Circuit Family Court judge. Maui News.

When Judge Keith Tanaka retires today, he will end 10 “unexpected” and “invaluable” years on the 2nd Circuit Family Court bench. Maui News.

Kauai

The second drop of rodenticide on Lehua Island happened Wednesday. Garden Island.

The state has administered a second round of rodenticide bait drops to eradicate rats on Lehua Island. Star-Advertiser.

Rail bailout bill up for Senate vote today, grand jury probes Honolulu prosecutor, bombing OK'd off Kauai, Hawaiian homesteaders seek takeover of troubled telecom, prison sex shaming lawsuit revived in appeals court, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Royal Kona resort © 2017 All Hawaii News

A bill to fund Honolulu’s financially troubled rail project was advanced by the state Senate and is heading for a final vote by the legislative body. Associated Press.

A package of state tax hikes to bail out the city’s beleaguered rail project appears poised to clear its last major hurdle with a full Senate vote today before moving over to the House. Star-Advertiser.

State Lawmakers are advancing the Honolulu rail transit funding measure this week during a special legislative session. Hawaii Public Radio.

A bill that would generate almost $2.4 billion to bail out the city’s troubled rail project passed its second reading in the state Senate on Tuesday, and the measure appears to have enough support to make it through the third and final vote. Hawaii News Now.

A bill to bail out Honolulu’s rail project passed a second reading in the Senate Tuesday. KHON2.

A bill raising the statewide hotel tax to pay for the struggling Honolulu rail project cleared another hurdle Tuesday, when the Senate advanced it on a 17-7 procedural vote. West Hawaii Today.

Hawaii lawmakers are back in for day two of the special legislative session to deal with a rail tax bill. KITV.

When Hawaii industry tourism executives decried a proposal to raise a hotel room tax to help bail out the struggling Honolulu rail project, lawmakers responded with more than a little skepticism Monday. Civil Beat.

Maui Groups Testify Against Honolulu Rail Funding. Maui Now.

Members in the Maui County legislative delegation were of different minds on the proposed measure to help Honolulu fund cost over-runs on its rail transit project, which is being considered in a special session that opened Monday. Maui News.

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The state House of Representatives today adopted a resolution formalizing new committee assignments, which includes more than 50 changes. Maui Now.

Gov. David Ige’s nominee to the state agency that regulates Hawaii’s utilities was unanimously approved by a Senate committee today. Star-Advertiser.

Gov. David Ige has nominated state Rep. Marcus Oshiro as the new chairman of the Hawaii Labor Relations Board. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Gov. David Ige has nominated state lawmaker Marcus Oshiro for the Hawaii Labor Relations Board as its chairperson and representative of the public. Pacific Business News.

Republican state Rep. Bob McDermott announced today he is withdrawing from the 2018 race for Hawaii governor after learning that another Republican plans to run. Star-Advertiser.

A coalition of Hawaiian homestead associations has declared its intent to purchase the beleaguered Sandwich Isles Communications, which in June lost its exclusive license to provide telephone and internet service to homestead communities statewide. Civil Beat.

Hawaiian Electric Co. submitted final plans to state regulators Tuesday seeking to make $205 million in upgrades to its energy systems on Oahu and Hawaii island and in Maui County over the next six years. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii's largest utility company, Hawaiian Electric Cos., has filed its grid modernization plan with state regulators. Pacific Business News.

100-year-old Japanese bible returned to Sen. Inouye's family, archives now public. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu

A U.S. Justice Department investigation into alleged corruption and abuse of power in Hawaii law enforcement has expanded to include a look at a property deal associated with a much-touted safe haven for victimized women created by Honolulu prosecutor Keith Kaneshiro. Civil Beat.

A federal appeals court ruling Tuesday revived a woman’s lawsuit that alleges she was subjected to cruel and unusual punishment by being forced to participate in a therapy program involving “public sexual shaming” while incarcerated at a Hawaii jail. Associated Press.

A project in the governor's push to build thousands of affordable homes has been scaled back dramatically because of push back from Kalihi residents. Hawaii News Now.

Some changes are coming to the property tax laws for the City and County of Honolulu. They’re going into effect this Friday. KHON2.

Electric vehicle owners heading to Costco in Iwilei will soon be able to shop and charge their cars car at the same time. Pacific Business News.

Retired Senior Family Court Judge Betty Vitousek, instrumental in establishing the Family Court here as well as the Legal Aid Society of Hawaii, died of natural causes Monday in Honolulu. She was 98. Star-Advertiser.

Commentary: No One Has Won The Fight Over Fixing This Waikiki Seawall. Both sides claim victory in the legal battle between landowners and the state over who should maintain the “Gold Coast” barrier. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Island

The second theft of a Hele-On bus within a month, allegedly by the same individual, has county officials scrambling to ensure it doesn’t happen again. Tribune-Herald.

Members of the HI-CoP group waved signs at the entrance of Hilo Airport as the mayor met with the tour helicopter industry. Big Island Video News.

Big Island residents fed up with noisy tour helicopters took their message to the streets Tuesday, waving signs calling for the end to noise. Hawaii News Now.

Some residents in North Kona are worried that the region's water crisis will worsen when thousands of visitors arrive soon for the world's largest long distance canoe race and the Ironman triathlon. Hawaii News Now.

Big Island physicians are starting a nonprofit designed to encourage doctors-in-training to pick the Big Island as a place to live and practice medicine. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Businesses and customers in and around the Kahului industrial area report an increase in vandalism and other criminal activity they say is related to the number of homeless people in the area. Maui News.

A bulldozer operator, whom earlier witnesses said was moving sand without an archaeological monitor, testified Monday that he did not need one in the sand mining lawsuit against a Maui Lani developer. Maui News.

Kauai

The National Marine Fisheries Service has given approval to a five-year Air Force plan for bombing practice at sea off Kauai that reduces munitions used and increases monitoring for impacts to whales and dolphins. Star-Advertiser.

People living near the U.S. Navy Pacific Missile Range Facility might have heard sirens and other loud noises coming from the base Tuesday, and those noises will be continuing today. It’s because of a two-day training exercise. Garden Island.

A Kauai judge declared a mistrial in a case against a former law enforcement officer after jurors deadlocked on 19 counts of sexual assault of a minor and found him not guilty on four counts. Star-Advertiser.

Ulupono Initiative is conducting a telephone survey about Kauai’s economy, and some say the company should be more upfront about its involvement with Hawaii Dairy Farms. Garden Island.

Tuesday water quality tests from the Surfrider Blue Water Task Force show the bacteria level in Hanalei Bay has waned. Garden Island.

Rail bailout bill squeezes through divided Senate committee, House reorganization removes rail critics from key posts, federal court hears Hawaii's challenge to Trump travel ban, food safety rules go into effect this weekend, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Iolani Palace © 2017 All Hawaii News

Iolani Palace is shining brighter than ever with a new look from LED lights. More than 1,000 lights were installed at the nation's only royal residence, illuminating the palace in the dark night. Hawaii News Now.

The state Senate Ways and Means Committee narrowly voted tonight to advance legislation that would generate $2.37 billion to bail out the city’s financially troubled rail project. Star-Advertiser.

A $2.4 billion bailout plan for the Honolulu rail project crossed its first hurdle on Monday, when the Senate Ways and Means Committee narrowly voted to approve the measure in the face of fierce opposition from the Mayor of Honolulu, neighbor island officials and hotel executives. Civil Beat.

State Legislative Leaders Inclined to Pass Rail Funding Bill "As Is" Hawaii Public Radio.

A $2.4 billion bailout of the Honolulu rail project, partly subsidized by an increase in the statewide hotel tax, advanced by a 6-5 vote Monday in the Senate Ways &Means Committee. West Hawaii Today.

After a marathon hearing, the Senate Ways and Means Committee narrowly voted 6-5 Monday night on a bill that would generate almost $2.4 billion to bail out the city’s troubled rail project. Hawaii News Now.

The rail bailout bill passes the Senate Ways and Means Committee with a narrow 6-5 vote. KITV.

A special session began Monday for lawmakers to hammer out a proposal to bail out Honolulu’s rail project. KHON2.

Officials at Honolulu's cash-strapped $9.5 billion rail project are under pressure to deliver an adequate funding plan to the federal government. Hawaii lawmakers are meeting in a special legislative session to find a financial solution. Associated Press.

The mayor of Hawaii County made a rare trip to the State Legislature on Monday to speak out against the latest rail funding proposal. Big Island Video News.

How Hawaii's Hotel Room Tax became the Lawmakers' Go-To Tax. Hawaii Public Radio.

Lawmakers gaveled in for what they hope will be a week to sort out a rail spending plan. KITV.

Feds not yet counting rail ‘stress test’ that borrowing could patch. KHON2.

Lawmakers are using the five-day special session this week to shuffle some positions in the state House, and on Monday officially named state Rep. Cindy Evans (D, Kaupulehu-Waimea- Halaula) as the new House Democratic majority leader. Star-Advertiser.

State Reps. James Tokioka and Isaac Choy received notice late Sunday morning that they were reassigned from the House Finance Committee. Garden Island.

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Three federal appeals court judges today challenged the Trump administration’s limited view of who is allowed into the country under the travel ban, with one questioning from “what universe” the government got the idea that the mother-in-law of a U.S. resident could enter while cousins, aunts and uncles, and grandparents are barred. Associated Press.

New food safety rules designed to protect the public at restaurants and food establishments statewide will go into effect on Saturday. Star-Advertiser.

The state Department of Health will require all restaurants statewide — during food prep and service — to have a staff member on-site who is certified in food safety. Tribune-Herald.

The Hawaii Department of Health has amended Chapter 50 of the Food Safety Code with new requirements, including a new food education mandate, with some going into effect Sept. 2. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii Gov. David Ige has nominated corporate executive and consultant Douglas Shinsato to the University of Hawaii Board of Regents to serve out the remainder of the late Barry Mizuno's term. Pacific Business News.

First Assembly of God in Moanalua set up its Alaska-­made “spherical dome” on the grounds of the state Capitol to give city and state lawmakers a chance to see how 45 homeless mothers and their children would live in Kahaluu. Star-Advertiser.

A passenger whose disruptive behavior prompted the pilot of a nonstop flight to New York to return to Honolulu in November owes Hawaiian Airlines $97,817, a federal judge ruled Monday. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Condominium owners along Waikiki’s Gold Coast celebrated Monday a Hawaii Supreme Court ruling that they said makes clear the state is responsible for maintaining a crumbling sea wall that protects their mostly million-dollar properties. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Supreme Court says state responsible for Waikiki seawall. Pacific Business News.

Waikiki Residents Lose Fight To Force State To Repair Seawall. The state Supreme Court ruled it was up the Legislature — not the courts — to decide whether to pay for fixing a damaged seawall. Civil Beat.

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Major upgrades are finally about to begin at a run-down Oahu harbor. Hawaii News Now.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency said Monday it reached a settlement with Fileminders of Hawaii LLC and its owner, Hawaii MMGD, to pay a civil penalty of $122,000 for operating a large-capacity cesspool at their Kapolei facility in violation of the Safe Drinking Water Act. In June the cesspool was closed, and the company installed an individual wastewater system. Star-Advertiser.

Facebook will host a free workshop for small businesses in Honolulu this week. The event is aimed at teaching local small business owners best practices when it comes to engaging customers on the social media platform. Pacific Business News.

Commentary: Demilitarizing Diamond Head. The state Department of Defense is demolishing outdated buildings, as well as turning over land, tunnels and historic artillery batteries to the state parks. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Island

The Hawaii County Water Board and Hawaii County Department of Water Supply intend to pull out all the stops to address North Kona’s water crisis, including opening up their wallet. West Hawaii Today.

Kamehameha Schools says it is finalizing a lease with Hawaii Forest for 10,000 acres of timber land on the Hamakua Coast. Tribune-Herald.

A 21-year-old Hilo man accused of stealing a Hele-On bus earlier this month has done it again, police said. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

A blessing was held today for the one- and two-bedroom apartments at the County of Maui’s 56-unit Kulamalu Hale apartment rentals in Pukalani. Maui Now.

Four food trucks were robbed and vandalized on Maui Sunday night at the Food Truck Marketplace in Kahului. KITV.

Kauai

People on Kauai are still wondering about the black, tar-like substance infiltrating the tide pools on the eastern side of Mahaulepu Beach. Garden Island.

Finance Committee members yanked as special session for rail funding starts today, SNAP program scrutinized, Maui to pay $10.7M in time share lawsuit, Ka'u shelter falls short, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Kauai taro fields © 2017 All Hawaii News

A state program that has preserved more than 30,000 acres of private land in Hawaii for public benefit over a decade might not preserve much this year because of a paperwork mishap that the Legislature declined to correct in April. Star-Advertiser.

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Two members of the powerful House Finance Committee were abruptly replaced Sunday in a partial House reorganization launched just a day before the start of a high-stakes special session to try to bail out the financially troubled Honolulu rail project. Star-Advertiser.

A bill that would bail out Honolulu’s floundering rail project with about $2.4 billion from Oahu taxpayers and hotel guests statewide contains one key provision missing from earlier proposals: a requirement that the Hawaii State Auditor conduct a sweeping audit of the rail project and its manager, the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation. Civil Beat.

When the Legislature takes up a $2.4 billion bill to bail out the struggling Honolulu rail project on Monday, the carefully crafted deal faces three main obstacles. Civil Beat.

A bill requiring the neighbor islands to help bail out Honolulu’s over-budget rail project is roundly opposed by Hawaii County officials, the chambers of commerce, the hotel industry, many Big Island residents and all four of the island’s state senators. West Hawaii Today.

Some neighbor island lawmakers are agitating against plans to increase the hotel room tax statewide to pump more money into Honolulu’s financially troubled rail project, and their resistance could jeopardize what is expected to be a close vote in the state Senate this week on a multibillion-dollar rail bailout package. Star-Advertiser.

An undercurrent of tension between the Honolulu mayor and lawmakers has spilled over into outright mistrust over a huge money gap. KHON2.

Lawmakers will gather at the state Capitol Monday for a special legislative session on how to fund Honolulu's troubled rail project. Hawaii News Now.

The state legislature is set to open a special session on Monday to decide how to pay for Honolulu’s 10-billion dollar rail project. Hawaii Public Radio.

A special session starts on Monday for the proposal to bail out Honolulu’s rail project. KHON2.

The Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation invited the public to a viewing of the country's first fully-automated, driverless train. KITV.

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The Hawaii system that administers federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program dollars, formerly called food stamps, has allowed at least one recipient to accumulate more than $20,000 in unused benefits. Star-Advertiser.

DNA leads Army to declare 3 Black Hawk crew members dead after crash. KHON2.

Oahu

Frustrated by how long it has taken the Police Commission to pick a new chief, some Honolulu City Council members are suggesting it may be time to consider changing the law to allow the mayor to make the selection. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii’s growing homeless problem has prompted the state’s largest health care companies to join forces with the city to provide medical services, respite and housing to some of Oahu’s most needy residents. Star-Advertiser.

Last week, Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell signed into law yet another bill that expands the boundaries of Honolulu’s “sit-lie” ban — a series of ordinances that prohibit people from sitting or lying on sidewalks and in pedestrian malls. Civil Beat.

Would you let a homeless person live in your backyard? What if you got paid to do it? Hawaii News Now.

Wind developers looking to build on Oahu are now required to give the public more opportunity to be heard. Star-Advertiser.

A woman who lives in Nuuanu is on a mission — to turn part of Aala Park in Downtown Honolulu into a dog park, which she tells us will also help revitalize the neighborhood. KHON2.

Unearthing Hickam’s 14 ‘unknowns’ Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Hawaii County has withheld payment of more than $900,000 to the general contractor of the Ka‘u District Gym and Shelter because the structure isn’t up to code for a hurricane shelter. Tribune-Herald.

The HELCO-Hu Honua biomass power purchase agreement is being appealed to the Hawaii Supreme Court. Big Island Video News.

Drivers will have to wait a little longer before using the latest improvements to Saddle Road,  the Daniel K. Inouye Highway. Tribune-Herald.

Volunteers keep Amy B.H. Greenwell Ethnobotanical Garden alive. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Maui County has been ordered to refund $10.7 million to two time-share owners associations in a legal dispute over amended assessments billed nearly a decade after the original assessments were made. Maui News.

A state judge has rebuked Maui County attorneys and property tax officials for collecting $10.7 million in improper taxes from owners of a Kaanapali time-share because the owners challenged the county’s tax policy. Star-Advertiser.

The hearings officer in a contested case proceeding over East Maui stream flows has recommended restoring 26.5 million gallons a day to 12 streams, which East Maui taro farmers, Native Hawaiian cultural practitioners and their attorneys complained still represented “a gross imbalance” in water allocation in favor of Alexander & Baldwin. Maui News.

A poll taken at the end of a Haiku Community Association meeting Thursday night showed residents evenly divided (about 20 to each side) on whether to allow more vacation rentals in the community. Maui News.

Dozens of residents gathered Saturday at the West Maui Senior Center in Lahaina to learn about and give feedback on the impending update of the West Maui Community Plan. Maui News.

Six Hawaiian green sea turtles (honu) were released off the coast of Maui during a private ceremony on Thursday, marking the conclusion of the turtles’ residency at the Maui Ocean Center’s Aquarium. Maui Now.

Hawaii Public Radio announced the completion of its relocated Maui transmitters on August 8. Hawaii Public Radio.

Kauai

Flights to Kauai will increase by 42.6 percent in 2018; concerns loom over too many visitors. Garden Island.

Public schools across Kauai have been back in class for nearly a month, but some students are still sweating it out because of high temperatures and a lack of air conditioners in their classrooms. Garden Island.

Kauai’s farm-to-school pilot program, happening at two public charter schools on the island, has received a $170,000 commitment from the Office of Hawaiian Affairs. Garden Island.

Kauai Humane Society has cats coming out of its ears. The shelter is filled to capacity with all types of animals right now. Garden Island.