Trump to touch down this afternoon, scientists alarmed by coral loss, Portlock beach access condemnation begins, Kauai Humane Society in turmoil, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Coral bleaching with yellow tang, file photo, © 2017 All Hawaii News

Scientists deliver alarming message about future of Hawaii's coral reefs. Hawaii's coral reefs and nearshore fisheries are facing unprecedented threats that put their future in question. Hawaii News Now.

A group of Hawaii scientists say nearly half of the state's coral reefs were bleached during heat waves in 2014 and 2015 and nearshore fisheries are declining. Associated Press.

New data released by local scientists show Hawaii's coral and reef fish are in serious decline. The Nature Conservancy presented a briefing at the State Capitol for lawmakers Thursday on how to better protect ocean resources. KITV.

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Trump packs a heavy schedule during short trip to isles. President Donald Trump’s overnight stay in Honolulu today is brief, but his planned meeting with the governors of Hawaii, Alaska and Pacific U.S. territories fits into the theme of his first official visit to Asia — bolstering U.S. defenses and prosperity — which takes place amid ongoing tensions with North Korea. Star-Advertiser.

They track air threats to Hawaii 24/7 and they're on high alert for Trump's arrival. At a secure, classified location on Oahu, 230 Hawaii Air National Guard member keep a constant watch over the state. Hawaii News Now.

Road closures begin as Waikiki prepares for president's visit. President Donald Trump and the first lady are scheduled to land Friday afternoon, staying the night before embarking on a 12-day tour of Asia on Saturday. Hawaii News Now.

Some flights canceled ahead of Pres. Trump's arrival. Federal Aviation Administration flight restrictions due to Pres. Donald Trump's stopover in Hawaii on Friday has forced some companies to cancel flights. KITV.

‘Wish you weren’t here’: Hawaii prepares to welcome Trump. Associated Press.

Messages for the president. President Donald Trump will be arriving on Oahu on his way to meet with military authorities in Hawaii, as well as government officials across Asia. Garden Island.

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Bill Introduced Allowing Hawaii’s Foreign Fishermen Onshore. The crew members are currently confined to their vessels even when they are in port. Associated Press.

Will Inconsistencies in Survivors' Story Lead to a Criminal Investigation? What was first seen as a harrowing tale of survival for two Hawaii women is now coming into question. Hawaii Public Radio.

Shelter shortage, supply-stocking outlook among Hawaii’s hurricane concerns. New guidelines may already be too short for how long you should be prepared to be self-sufficient after an emergency like a hurricane. KHON2.

Hawaii has 132 dams. The vast majority are 'high hazard'. More than 90 percent of Hawaii's dams are considered "high hazard" dams, which means if they fail it could result in the loss of life. Hawaii News Now.

Highway statistics available at DOT website. Highway data — including pavement conditions, average annual daily traffic volume for state roads and locations of fatal traffic crashes for the years 2012 to 2016 — are now available on the state Department of Transportation website. Star-Advertiser.

Accountant is now accused of stealing $7M from Hawaii nonprofit. The new charges bring the total that Lola Jean Amorin is alleged to have stolen from the Arc in Hawaii to nearly $7 million. Hawaii News Now.

HEI’s earnings fall 52.8% due to 2016 merger breakup fee. A $90 million merger break-up fee swelled Hawaiian Electric Industries Inc.’s third-quarter earnings a year ago. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaiian Electric Industries reports Q3 profit of $60M. Hawaiian Electric Industries Inc. reported net income of $60.1 million, or 55 cents per diluted share, for the third quarter, compared to net income of $127.1 million, or $1.17 per diluted share, for the same quarter last year, which included a termination fee related to NextEra Energy’s failed bid to buy Hawaii’s largest utility. Pacific Business News.

Casting underway for 'Moana' release dubbed in Hawaiian. Disney hit "Moana" is going to be dubbed in Hawaiian, and star Aulii Cravalho has announced she'll be reprising her role in the special release. Hawaii News Now.

Casting Call for Hawaiian Language Version of Moana. Maui Now.

Oahu

Lane to Portlock beach to be opened. The Honolulu City Council gave the OK for the city to initiate condemnation proceedings for an easement over a small lane off Portlock Road allowing surfers, fishers, beachgoers and other ocean enthusiasts public access to a section of beach at Maunalua Bay known as “Seconds.” Star-Advertiser.

Koa Ridge finally reaches building stage. Perseverance. That word was used several times during a ceremony Thursday in Central Oahu where it has taken developer Castle &Cooke Hawaii nearly 20 years to move from planning to building a residential community called Koa Ridge. Star-Advertiser.

Castle & Cooke broke ground Thursday on its 3,500-home Koa Ridge master-planned community in Central Oahu nearly 20 years after it was first proposed, with billionaire Chairman David Murdock vowing to use his own funds to finance the $2 billion mixed-use development on 576 acres between Mililani and Waipio. Pacific Business News.

David Murdock made a rare public appearance in Hawaii Thursday to kick off construction of the $2 billion Koa Ridge master-planned community that is being developed by a company he owns, Castle & Cooke, and financed by himself. Pacific Business News.

What’s At The Center Of The Case Against The Kealohas? Bank Fraud. The former HPD chief and his prosecutor wife are accused of using various methods, from forged documents to bogus rental leases, to defraud banks. Civil Beat.

Judge Dismisses Suit Challenging Secret Meetings About Police Chief. A lawsuit that could have nullified a $250,000 cash payout to former Honolulu Police Chief Louis Kealoha was dismissed Wednesday by Hawaii Circuit Court Judge Virginia Crandall. Civil Beat.

The 19-year-old accused of spray painting the Prince Jonah Kuhio Kalanianaole statue in Waikiki on Halloween pleaded no contest and was sentenced to two days in jail with credit for time served and four hours of community service. Associated Press.

Bishop Museum hires new leader from New York. The museum is expected to announce today that Melanie Y. Ide, a principal at Ralph Appelbaum Associates, the world’s largest museum exhibition design firm, will take the leadership role following a unanimous vote of the board of directors. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Mayor’s vision for peace monument on Mauna Kea includes end to division over TMT. Mayor Harry Kim made a plea for reconciliation Wednesday during his first public remarks about Mauna Kea since Gov. David Ige gave him the green light to pursue his vision for the mountain as a monument to peace. Tribune-Herald.

Lab’s Rat Lungworm Research Finally Gave This Man A Diagnosis. Promising work at the University of Hawaii Hilo is drastically underfunded while $1 million is spent on public education about the disease. Civil Beat.

A central sewer system for the Lono Kona neighborhood took a big step forward Thursday when the County Council agreed on maps and a funding plan. West Hawaii Today.

Hula Hulas, a new restaurant concept recently launched on the Big Island by San Diego-based Grand Restaurant Group, is the first location of five planned for Hawaii. Pacific Business News.

Uber and Lyft have seemingly taken off since launching on Hawaii Island earlier this year, though some taxi drivers say the ride-hailing companies have hampered local cab business. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Navy schedules hearing to cover training impact. The U.S. Navy has scheduled a public hearing from 4 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at Maui High School for its draft environmental impact statements for personnel and weapons systems training between Hawaii and Southern California. Maui News.

Kauai

More options in animal control. Kauai Humane Society’s animal services contract with County of Kauai could be on the chopping block if the council’s 2018 legislative proposal package is accepted. Garden Island.

Humane society director resigns. A year after taking the helm as head of Kauai Humane Society, Executive Director Scott Pisani has handed in his resignation, and he’s keeping the reason under wraps. Garden Island.

 Lanai

Lanai readies the welcome mat for cruise ship guests. With 458 passengers, the Seabourn Sojourn is the largest cruise liner to call on island. Maui News.

Officials expect traffic nightmare for Trump visit, first female police chief sworn in, Thirty Meter Telescope appealed to state Supreme Court, legislative panel holds ocean health meeting today, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Trump hotel in Waikiki © 2017 All Hawaii News

Honolulu city and state officials warned residents and visitors to expect massive rush-hour traffic delays Friday and possibly Saturday during President Donald Trump’s visit to Oahu. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell is warning that President Donald Trump’s stopover in Hawaii on Friday will cause “major traffic delays” along the motorcade route and in the state’s largest tourism district — Waikiki. Pacific Business News.

The president's visit Friday is expected to cause significant traffic delays thanks to road closures along his motorcade route and in Waikiki. Hawaii News Now.

Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell and Honolulu Police Department warn the public to expect traffic delays as President Donald Trump makes his first visit to Hawaii as President of the United States. KITV.

City officials discuss potential traffic issues ahead of President Trump’s visit to Honolulu. KHON2.

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Some of the Hawaii State Legislature is talking about ocean health today in an informational briefing for the House of Representatives Committee on Ocean, Marine Resources and Hawaiian Affairs. Garden Island.

Hawaii bankruptcy filings are beginning to reflect slowing growth in the state economy and are now on pace to exceed last year’s total. Star-Advertiser.

Taiwan on Wednesday was added to the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Global Entry program, which will allow Taiwanese visitors to apply for expedited customs clearance at Honolulu International Airport and 53 other airports in the United States. Pacific Business News.

Maui Land & Pineapple Co. Inc. reported a net loss of $500.000, or 3 cents per share, for the third quarter, compared to net income of $2.5 million, or 13 cents per share, for the same quarter in 2016. Pacific Business News.

Oahu

A new era for the Honolulu Police Department began Wednesday with the swearing in ceremony for its 11th chief, Susan Ballard, who replaced recently indicted former Chief Louis Kealoha. Star-Advertiser.

Officers Hope New Chief Will Clear Away ‘Dark Cloud Over HPD’. Susan Ballard is sworn in as Honolulu’s police chief to a chorus of praise as the department looks to move beyond the Louis Kealoha years. Civil Beat.

Honolulu’s first female Police Chief was sworn into office today at HPD Headquarters. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii's first female police chief was sworn in to the Honolulu Police Department Wednesday. Chief of Police Susan Ballard was officially named HPD's 11th chief. KITV.

Honolulu’s new top cop took the oath Wednesday morning to protect the City and County. KHON2.

Three former members of the Honolulu Police Department’s elite Criminal Intelligence Unit were back in U.S. District Court on Wednesday to answer to charges filed against them in last month’s indictment of former Honolulu police Chief Louis Kealoha and his prosecutor wife, Katherine Kealoha. Star-Advertiser.

Three Officers Plead Not Guilty In Honolulu Police Corruption Case. The charges relate to the alleged framing of a man at the behest of the former police chief and his prosecutor wife. Civil Beat.

A Honolulu police lieutenant, an officer and a retired major pleaded not guilty Wednesday to charges alleging they helped former Chief Louis Kealoha and his deputy prosecutor wife frame a man. Associated Press.

Three men arrested in the conspiracy case against the former Honolulu police chief pleaded not guilty in federal court Wednesday. KITV.

Two new members to the Honolulu Police Commission were approved unanimously by city council Wednesday. Hawaii News Now.

The Honolulu City Council approved Wednesday two new members to the Honolulu Police Commission. KHON2.

Commentary: It Turns Out We Owe Chuck Totto A Big Thank-You. Federal indictments in the Honolulu police corruption case vindicate the former ethics director but raise questions about the Caldwell administration. Civil Beat.

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Vacation rental issue moves to planning department. After hearing more than an hour of testimony, City Council members voted to approve four resolutions directing Mayor Kirk Caldwell’s administration to come up with bills for them to consider. Star-Advertiser.

Pineapple has been gone for over a decade, and vegetable crops disappeared this year. Now, fallow fields between Mililani and Waipio are about to produce homes in a $2 billion project called Koa Ridge in Central Oahu. Star-Advertiser.

Castle & Cooke Hawaii plans to break ground Thursday on Koa Ridge, its long-delayed $2 billion master-planned community that will add 3,500 homes along with commercial space, an elementary school and a new hospital in Central Oahu. Pacific Business News.

A preliminary search for state-controlled land parcels on Oahu where possible “safe zones” could be established for homeless encampments turned up no vacant sites. Star-Advertiser.

DLNR to hire salvage company to remove vessel near Kahala Resort. The DLNR says they plan to hire a salvage company to remove a 25-foot sailboat that ran aground Tuesday on the reef at Maunalua Bay. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Opponents of a giant telescope planned to be built on Mauna Kea are appealing the state Land Board’s approval of the project’s construction permit to the Hawaii Supreme Court. Associated Press.

Kona Councilman Dru Kanuha wants to save Kahaluu Beach Park from the sea. Almost 10 years after a conceptual master plan was created for one of the island’s most popular beach parks, Kanuha was successful Wednesday getting fellow members of the County Council to agree to put $600,000 into the budget to plan and design park improvements. West Hawaii Today.

The county is rethinking plans for a popular Kona beach park. During the Finance Committee meeting, Kona councilmember Dru Kanuha introduced a bill to fund the planning and design of future improvements to the park. Big Island Video News.

Mayor Harry Kim did not agree with the Hawaii County Department of Water Supply’s decision to keep quiet on the failure of two North Kona deep wells in the first half of October, but he did accept it. West Hawaii Today.

A bill to amend the county water plan for the Keauhou Aquifer in Kona has been withdrawn, after the community voiced concerns. Big Island Video News.

Hawaii County won’t be getting a time extension yet for completing its master plan for a park in Hawaiian Paradise Park. Tribune-Herald.

A plan for a county park in Puna’s Hawaiian Paradise Park subdivision is moving forward. Big Island Video News.

Aquaculture in Hawaii just got a $149,972 infusion for research and industry support, and it’s being used to develop a way for small businesses and individuals to get a piece of the shellfish industry. Garden Island.

Maui

Land use change for Makila Kai project in trouble. A 49-unit housing project in Launiupoko, containing a mix of residential workforce housing and market-rate agricultural lots, was essentially halted Wednesday. Maui News.

Navy schedules hearing to cover training impact. The U.S. Navy has scheduled a public hearing from 4 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at Maui High School for its draft environmental impact statements for personnel and weapons systems training between Hawaii and Southern California. Maui News.

Longline fishing industry scrutinized for hiring of foreign fishermen. The Hawaii Longline Association has jumped into a legal fight they say threatens their livelihood. Longliners oppose a Maui fisherman's complaint against the state. Hawaii News Now.

Island visitor counts continue on record-breaking pace. A total of 2.1M visitors arrived by air on Maui in the first nine months. Maui News.

Maui Health System, the new operator of three isle hospitals, is reversing its controversial policy to charge as much as $672 for a private postpartum room for new parents at Maui Memorial Medical Center. Star-Advertiser.

District 12 of the Democratic Party of Maui will host a presentation to discuss Medicare on Wednesday, Nov. 8, 2017 from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at the Pukalani Pool Multipurpose Room. Maui Now.

Kauai

There were eight fatal vehicle crashes on Kauai’s state roads in 2016, more than double the number in 2015, according to new data from the Hawaii Department of Transportation. Garden Island.

Power was still out in some of Kauai’s North Shore Wednesday evening as a swollen Hanalei River caused the closure of Kuhio Highway and blocked access for repairs. Garden Island.

Hirono says spreading cancer won't keep her from her post, Ige seeks Airbnb tax deal, steep hikes in local Obamacare premiums, F-35A stealth aircraft flying through, disaster declared in Maui drought, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

U.S. Sen. Mazie Hirono courtesy image

U.S. Sen. Mazie Hirono, who was diagnosed with stage 4 kidney cancer and had a kidney removed in May, announced Tuesday that she has “some small spots in my thyroid gland.” Star-Advertiser.

Sen. Mazie Hirono has a video update on her fight against cancer. KITV.

Gov. David Ige’s administration is pursuing a private tax agreement with Airbnb Inc. that would allow the vacation rental company to collect taxes from its hosts and send the money to the state. Star-Advertiser.

The proverbial “tip of the spear” is about to get sharper in Asia with 10 of the Air Force’s advanced F-35A stealth aircraft transiting through Hawaii on their way to the first operational deployment for the attack planes to Japan. Star-Advertiser.

HMSA and Kaiser to raise Obamacare rates Jan. 1. The state approved an average 19.8 percent rate hike for Hawaii Medical Service Association and a 24.1 percent increase for Kaiser Permanente’s Obamacare health plans. Star-Advertiser.

Native Hawaiian Health Task Force Isn’t Giving Up The Fight. After racing to craft legislation in just five days last session, the group’s members want to continue addressing ethnic health disparities. Civil Beat.

The Hawaii Longline Association may join the court battle over foreign fishermen and whether they should be licensed to fish in Hawaii waters despite being barred from stepping on U.S. soil. Star-Advertiser.

Lost-at-sea saga marked by inconsistencies, changing stories. The dramatic story of two Honolulu women who were lost at sea for nearly six months before being rescued by the U.S. Navy played out on front pages and websites worldwide. Associated Press.

A locations assistant on “Hawaii Five-0” sued CBS, alleging an employee harassed her repeatedly for over a year by pursuing unwanted sexual contact and threatening to light her and her desk on fire, among other things. Tribune News Service.

Medical Cannabis vs Prescription Opiate Pain Killers. More than 33,000 Americans died from opioid overdoses last year.  Local medical cannabis proponents say many of these deaths can be prevented. Hawaii Public Radio.

Oahu

It’s Hard To Say Where Homeless People Go After Sweeps. City and state data on their whereabouts is spotty. Advocates say permanent housing is the only true solution. Civil Beat.

Tenants, landlord clash at Kewalo Basin harbor. Two small businesses operating charter boats in Honolulu have been caught up in a dispute with the contractor running a state-owned harbor. Star-Advertiser.

The state of Hawaii’s Princess Victoria Kamamalu Building in Downtown Honolulu has re-opened after being vacant for more than a dozen years, following an extensive $27 million renovation that included asbestos abatement. Pacific Business News.

Former charter school director charged with theft. Laara Allbrett, who was the director of Halau Lokahi, was charged Monday with four counts of second-degree theft. KHON2.

The city levies big fines against homeowners — and then waives most of them. For the past eight years, the former owners of a Waikiki property on the corner of Kalaimoku and Kuhio streets have been accruing fines at a rate of $100 per day, for a variety of land use violations. Hawaii News Now.

Owner of Kapolei oil refinery celebrates first anniversary in Hawaii. Island Energy Services LLC, the company that took over the Hawaii-based assets of Chevron Corp., is celebrating its one-year anniversary in the Islands on Wednesday. Pacific Business News.

Bikeshare Hawaii CEO pleased by growth, says Biki is evolving. Star-Advertiser.

Pali Momi Medical Center on Monday opened its Hawaii Pacific Health Cancer Center, the first of its kind in West Oahu. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii Island

Mum’s the word: DWS explains silence on two North Kona deep well failures in October. For at least a couple of days in the heart of October and during the thick of the Ironman World Championship, Hawaii County was down five of its 13 deep wells in North Kona. West Hawaii Today.

Resurfacing project on Waianuenue Avenue to begin Nov. 13. For nine days, Waianuenue Avenue will be reduced to one lane only between Kamehameha Avenue and Kaiulani Street as workers repair the road’s deteriorated surface. Tribune-Herald.

The recently vacated Keaau Village Market will be replaced by a Longs Drugs location, building permits have revealed. Tribune-Herald.

State Senator Lorraine Inouye, State Representative Chris Todd, and Representative Mark Nakashima were featured speakers at Monday’s Japanese Chamber of Commerce & Industry of Hawaii general membership meeting. Big Island Video News.

Authorities on the Big Island are cracking down on agricultural theft by attempting to eliminate the market for stolen produce. Associated Press.

Maui

Drought-stricken Maui farmers eligible for federal loans. The United States Department of Agriculture has designated Maui County as a Primary Disaster Area because of the drought that's plagued the Valley Isle and neighboring islands for years. Hawaii News Now.

The US Department of Agriculture has designated Maui County as a primary natural disaster area due to losses and damages caused by a recent drought. Maui Now.

No Additional Fee for “Private” Postpartum Rooms at Maui Hospital. Effective Nov. 1, 2017, Maui Health System we will no longer collect additional fees for private postpartum rooms at the Maui Memorial Medical Center. Maui Now.

The Maui News has reversed course and will use carriers for newspaper home delivery after all. It also will retain its Sunday edition after announcing in a front-page publisher’s note to readers Tuesday that it is rescinding its recent decision to use the U.S. Postal Service for home delivery instead of newspaper carriers. Star-Advertiser.

Kauai

A program that helps landlords get paid and helps to keep tenants from being evicted has expanded to Kauai. Star-Advertiser.

Kauai renters and landlords have a new resource at their fingertips now that the state Judiciary has expanded an aid program for tenants and landlords. Garden Island.

This week, 13 elders from indigenous tribes around the world are gathering on Kauai to hold ceremonies and talk story about the condition of the planet. Garden Island.

Self-resetting rat traps are turning out to be the firepower conservationists needed to help control rat populations on Kauai. Garden Island.

Kuhio Highway near the Hanalei Bridge is closed tonight due to flooding on Kauai, and a shelter at Hanalei Elementary School has been opened. Star-Advertiser.

Trump to stay in Waikiki, doubts raised about sailors adrift, Ige pledges oversight of Kakaako parks, coastal zone regulations eased, Maui News kills postal delivery, more news from all the Hawaiian islands

Children with paddleboard in Keaukaha © 2017 All Hawaii News

Hawaii's Sustainable Tourism Stamp is Changing Industry Culture. 2017 is being dubbed the Year of Sustainable Travel by the World Tourism Organization. Hawaii Public Radio.

White House releases details of Trump's 12-day trip to Asia. Trump will start the Nov. 3-14 travel with a briefing from the U.S. Pacific Command in Hawaii. He will also visit Pearl Harbor and the USS Arizona Memorial during his first trip as president to the Pacific island. Washington Examiner.

President Trump is expected to arrive in Hawaii on Nov. 3, and the White House has started telling local officials that he's planning to stay in Waikiki. Hawaii News Now.

Six U.S. states want to intervene in Hawaii’s lawsuit challenging President Donald Trump’s travel ban. Associated Press.

Experts raise doubts about Hawaii sailors' harrowing survival tale. The U.S. Coast Guard said today that the two Hawaii women who were lost at sea for five months had an emergency beacon aboard their sailboat that was never activated. Associated Press.

Two high-profile challengers will spice up the races for the embattled Office of Hawaiian Affairs Board of Trustees. William Aila Jr. and Esther Kiaaina are well-known Native Hawaiians who have spent years working for the state and federal governments, each with an emphasis on conservation and cultural rights. Civil Beat.

Treat PTSD With Medical Cannabis. Combat vets have options for treatment – including medical cannabis -- that could ease their PTSD symptoms. Hawaii Public Radio.

Dialysis clinics stalled waiting on certification. A surge of 700 new Hawaii kidney dialysis patients a year is driving an increase in treatment facilities statewide. Star-Advertiser.

HMSA CEO Michael Gold to retire after 43 years. Michael Gold, the CEO of the Hawaii Medical Service Association, will retire at the end of the year, the board of directors of the state’s largest healthcare provider announced on Monday. Pacific Business News.

Honolulu-based American Savings Bank reported net income of $17.6 million for the quarter ending Sept. 30, an increase of 16.5 percent compared to net income of $15.1 million in the third quarter of 2016. Pacific Business News.

Oahu

As Kakaako parks re-open, governor pledges tougher enforcement efforts. Weeks after they were closed for homeless sweeps, Kewalo Basin and Kakaako Gateway parks and Point Panic reopened Monday. Hawaii News Now.

State to hire private security to enforce Kakaako park hours, Ige says. The state will begin regularly enforcing park closures in Kakaako Makai “regardless of housing status,” Gov. David Ige said today, as some of the area’s parks reopened to the public three weeks after sprawling homeless encampments were cleared. Star-Advertiser.

Gov. Ige announces commitment to keep Kakaako Makai safe. KITV.

Kakaako parks reopen with new security measures, but more work needed at Waterfront. KHON2.

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Honolulu police Maj. Susan Ballard will be sworn in as the Honolulu Police Department’s 11th chief at HPD’s South Beretania Street headquarters Wednesday morning. Star-Advertiser.

Susan Ballard To Be Sworn In Wednesday As Honolulu Police Chief. The 32-year veteran will be first woman to lead the police department in its 85-year history. Civil Beat.

A Look At The Business Execs Up For Seats On Honolulu Police Commission. The City Council is set to vote Wednesday on Mayor Caldwell’s nominees, who would join the oversight panel amid a corruption scandal at HPD. Civil Beat.

The Hawaii Pacific Rim Society has donated $2.3 million to the East-West Center, one of the largest single donations in its history. Pacific Business News.

Senate Transportation Chairwoman Lorraine Inouye wants lawmakers to order an audit of the over- budget, long-delayed construction of a new maintenance and cargo hangar for Hawaiian Airlines at Daniel K. Ino­uye International Airport. Star-Advertiser.

What lies beneath? As Kakaako develops up, questions raised about infrastructure below. KHON2.

Army to install hundreds of rat traps in Waianae, Koolau mountains. Over the next few months workers from Schofield Barracks will place about 1,000 rat traps in the Waianae and Koolau mountains. Hawaii News Now.

Several cases of scabies have been reported at Makalapa Elementary School, and the principal has alerted parents and staff to keep an eye out for the skin infection, which is caused by a parasitic mite. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Streamlining development permits in coastal zones without limiting public input was a balancing act confronting the Leeward and Windward planning commissions Monday. West Hawaii Today.

The Windward and Leeward Planning Commission met on Monday to consider amendments to rules regarding Special Management Areas. Big Island Video News.

As TMT opponents disrupt a BLNR meeting, the governor and Mayor Kim move forward with a plan for a Living Monument for World Peace on Mauna Kea. Big Island Video News.

Big Island Mayor Harry Kim is leading a group to establish a living monument on Mauna Kea. Governor Ige tapped on Kim to come up with ideas to create a symbol of peace on the mountain. KITV.

County cracks down on crop theft. Ken Love, executive director of Hawaii Tropical Fruit Growers, convened a meeting Friday afternoon at the University of Hawaii College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources Kona Cooperative Extension Service in Kainaliu, which a couple dozen frustrated farmers attended. West Hawaii Today.

Removal of banyan trees at Honomu Park to begin. A contractor says his crew will arrive at Honomu Park today to begin clearing a large banyan tree that fell next to the gym earlier this month. Tribune-Herald.

The National Park Service is investigating the case of a Keaau woman who fell to her death at the Kilauea Crater during the weekend. Tribune-Herald.

Trucking Trash All The Way Across The Big Island. The Hilo landfill is filling up, and plans call for most East Hawaii garbage to be hauled west starting in a year. Civil Beat.

Arthur “Art” Taniguchi, senior vice president and Hawaii Island regional manager, announced that he will retire from Bank of Hawaii in January, after 27 years of service. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

The Maui News will rescind its recently announced decision to switch home delivery of the newspaper from carriers to the United States Postal Service. Maui News.

Feral pigs made themselves noticed in Maui’s central plain this summer as motorists dodged them on major roadways and state crews have had to pick up the not-so-fortunate ones as roadkill. Maui News.

Hawaiian Airlines is looking to hire 70 people for customer and ramp service contract position at Kahului Airport. Hawaii News Now.


The Hyatt Regency Maui welcomes Klara Crocco as its Director of Marketing and Communications. Maui Now.

Kauai

Kauai’s popular Eastside path is set to complete its span from Lydgate Beach Park to Ahihi Point. And the county is getting a good deal on it. Garden Island.

Kahoolawe

Long-term results in watershed restoration to be studied. Grant funds to benefit efforts on Kahoolawe. Maui News.

Aquarium fish collecting halted; Mauna Kea conflict spurs arrests, peace park plan; Taiwan president visits USS Arizona Memorial; Oahu monster houses, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

School of tropical fish © 2017 All Hawaii News

A Hawaii judge has halted the commercial fishing of reef fish for aquariums until the state reviews the trade's environmental impact. Associated Press.

A new ruling upholds a state Supreme Court ban on Hawaii's aquarium fishing industry and there's no timeline on when it will be lifted. Hawaii News Now.

Aquarium fishing permits in Hawaii are now invalid and illegal, due to a Friday Oahu Circuit Court ruling by Judge Jeffrey Crabtree. Garden Island.

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The U.S. Navy wants approval to continue war games in Hawaii and California waters that include naval ships firing at air targets, Marine battalions practicing amphibious assaults and submarines shooting explosive torpedoes. Civil Beat.

Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen visited the USS Arizona Memorial on Saturday, providing a very public record of her first trip to Hawaii, which drew strong objections from China. Star-Advertiser.

President Donald Trump is scheduled to stop on Oahu this week, before beginning a two-week trip to Asia. He will travel to Japan, the Republic of Korea, China, Vietnam, the Philippines, and Hawaii, from November 3-14. KITV.

Three TMT opponents were arrested after they interrupted a land board meeting on Friday, demanding the resignation of one member. Big Island Video News.

A U.S. Navy ship carrying two Honolulu women it rescued from their storm-battered sailboat in the Pacific docked Monday at an American naval base in Japan. Associated Press.

House and Senate leaders will convene an informal working group of lawmakers in the weeks ahead to try to finally develop a viable system for collecting hotel room taxes from Airbnb Inc. and other companies that market transient vacation units across the islands. Star-Advertiser.

State goes after unlicensed aging-in-place facilities. Health Department data show the agency conducted 10 investigations of unlicensed care homes in 2015, 10 in 2016 and 11 through mid-October of this year, with six of those still pending. Star-Advertiser.

Will Regular Classrooms Better Serve Hawaii’s Special Ed Students? Co-teaching — classrooms with both a general and special-ed teacher — is catching on in a state that has one of the lowest “inclusion” rates in the nation. Civil Beat.

Doctors At UH Hyperbaric Facility Complained Months Before It Shut Down. In a letter to university officials, the physicans said they were worried about patient safety and a lack of resources. Civil Beat.

With state’s only hyperbaric chamber inactive, some divers feel uneasy. West Hawaii Today.

Group seeks to rebrand medical marijuana as ‘cannabis’. A local nonprofit trade organization is trying to stamp out use of the term “marijuana” as well as associated slang words that include pot, grass, weed and pakalolo when referring to licensed dispensaries that grow and sell cannabis to registered patients. Star-Advertiser.

The first Pacific Regenerative Medicine Conference will be held Nov. 6-7 at the Hawaii Convention Center. State Sen. Josh Green, an emergency room physician, will deliver a keynote presentation on regenerative medicine in Hawaii’s health landscape. Star-Advertiser.

After more than a century away from the islands, human remains stolen from burial caves in Hawaii and sold to a museum in Germany have finally returned home. Star-Advertiser.

Island Air said in a bankruptcy filing Friday it is in discussions with multiple prospective investors to obtain about $6.5 million in financing. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaiian Airlines took delivery Friday of its first of 18 Airbus A321neo aircraft that it plans to use for West Coast markets. Star-Advertiser.

Commentary: Lieutenant governor race needs firefight spark. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Waikiki business people and government officials are calling on the Honolulu Police Department and U.S. armed forces to address a recent uptick in serious crimes in the state’s top tourist district, where two military members were victimized this month. Star-Advertiser.

Several Waikiki leaders are frustrated by the holdup in the release of $1 million earmarked this year by state lawmakers to address homelessness in tourist areas, which many say is contributing to the district’s security concerns. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii’s public defender is reviewing the criminal cases handled by four Honolulu police officers and a deputy city prosecutor to uncover any possible wrongdoing after they were accused of planting evidence, falsifying reports and lying to U.S. investigators in a corruption probe. Associated Press.

Former police chief Louis Kealoha will soon have a new attorney defending him against charges of conspiracy, bank fraud and deception of government investigators. Civil Beat.

Council members offer bills to address ‘monster houses’. Officials with the city Department of Planning and Permitting, which is tasked with enforcing zoning and building violations, say their hands are tied on many of the complaints because they can cite or fine only people who are not meeting code requirements. Star-Advertiser.

Star-Advertiser Employees Rally To Protest Layoffs. More than 30 newsroom staffers have lost their jobs at Hawaii’s biggest newspaper in the past year amid ongoing contract negotiations. Civil Beat.

Tenants, landlord clash at Kewalo Basin harbor. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii's new 'Teacher of the Year' hails from Ewa Makai Middle. Hawaii's Department of Education honored Vanessa Ching of Ewa Makai Middle School Friday with the title of "Teacher of the Year." Hawaii News Now.

Several scabies cases reported at Oahu elementary school. The Hawaii Department of Education sent a letter home to parents after several cases of the infection were reported at Makalapa Elementary School in Salt Lake. KHON2.

Hawaii Island

Gov. David Ige has tapped Mayor Harry Kim to lead a working group to create a “living monument for world peace” on Mauna Kea. West Hawaii Today.

The Department of Hawaiian Home Lands wants future landholders and Honomu community members to help plan their new subsistence agriculture development. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaii County is hiring a consultant to draft a master plan for a park in Hawaiian Paradise Park. Tribune-Herald.

Almost six years after one of the county planning commissions rejected rule changes governing special management areas, which center around shorelines, the Planning Department is trying again. West Hawaii Today.

Hawaii solar customers can still receive credit for supplying solar energy to the power grid after the Public Utilities Commission approved new solar incentive programs earlier this month. Tribune-Herald.

The state Land Board approved fining a tour boat operator $42,165 on Friday for damage done to the historic Punaluu Wharf. Tribune-Herald.

The Hawaii land board voted on Friday to fine the man accused of digging up part of the historic Punalu’u Wharf with a backhoe back in June. Big Island Video News.

Senate WAM Committee Visits East Hawaii. Big Island Now.

Closing the Hilo Landfill. On Hawaii Island, county officials have been talking about the potential closure of the Hilo Landfill for more than three decades. Hawaii Public Radio.

Maui

Proposed tax changes cause concern. A Maui Vacation Rental Association official fears that two bills on property tax classifications recommended for approval by a Maui County Council committee could lead to higher property taxes for at least 2,900 property owners in Maui County. Maui News.

Low-income renters fear they’ll be priced out of Lahaina apartments. Some 300 low-income residents at Front Street Apartments effectively face eviction under what they call an “IRS loophole” that enables the property to be converted to market-priced units after 15 years in service. Star-Advertiser.

Audit calls for change to MFD staffing policy. Overtime costs have almost doubled since provision took effect. Maui News.

Sweeping change. ‘Group effort’ offers jobs and more for homeless people in Wailuku. Maui News.


Kauai

Timeshare visitors leave behind billions of dollars. The timeshare industry generated about a billion dollars in economic output just on Kauai and an estimated $5.3 billion in consumer and business spending in 2016. Garden Island.

Nearly $250,000 in federal grant funds were awarded to the Office of the Prosecuting Attorney to continue funding its Drug Nuisance Abatement Unit and Sex Assault Prosecution Unit. Garden Island.

The Hawaii Farm Bureau’s 70th annual meeting will be prefaced Monday by the Ag Summit Reception and screening of “Food Evolution” on Kauai. Garden Island.

Footings went in for a $32,000 gazebo at the Kilauea Community Agricultural Center on Thursday, one of the first steps for constructing the little community gathering place within the developing ag park. Garden Island.

Molokai

One-third of the island of Molokai is up for sale and residents want to send a message to its prospective buyer. On Saturday, about 200 community members marched from Mahana to Maunaloa wearing green shirts that read "We Are Molokai Pule O'o" and "Keep Molokai Molokai." Hawaii News Now.

Chicago firm pitches solar panel, battery project for Molokai. 37-acre solar farm could stablize rates now, reduce reliance on oil-generated power. Maui News.

Navy rescues Honolulu women after months lost at sea, homegrown pot tainted, audit says burning Honolulu recyclables cheaper than recycling them, vacation rentals irk neighbors, Kauai mayor wannabes line up, rail begins airport leg, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Women lost at sea rescued, courtesy U.S. Navy

After five months adrift, two women are saved by the U.S. Navy. Two Honolulu women and their dogs survived powerful storms, shark attacks and bouts of hopelessness while drifting at sea for five months aboard a 50-foot sailboat that broke down during their sail from Hawaii to Tahiti. Star-Advertiser.

U.S. Navy

Two Honolulu women and their dogs have been rescued after being lost at sea for months while trying to sail from Hawaii to Tahiti. Associated Press.

Two Hawaii women and their dogs have been rescued after spending months lost at sea in the Pacific Ocean. The pair, Jennifer Appel and Tasha Fuiava, survived off of water purifiers and a year’s worth of dry food, like pasta and oatmeal. Hawaii News Now.

The U.S. Navy released a video of its recent rescue at sea. A pair of Hawaii women and their dogs were stuck on board their sailboat in the Pacific Ocean. KITV.

Growth in visitor numbers outpaces spending. Arrivals last month increased 5 percent year-over-year to 701,833 visitors, and spending rose to $1.2 billion — up nearly 2 percent from September 2016, according to preliminary statistics released Thursday by the Hawaii Tourism Authority. Star-Advertiser.

Visitor spending increased 7.1 percent to a total of $12.56 billion through the third quarter of 2017 in Hawaii, according to preliminary statistics released Thursday by the Hawaii Tourism Authority. Pacific Business News.

Visitors to the Hawaiian Islands spent a total of $12.5 billion in the first three quarters of 2017, an increase of 7.1 percent compared to the same period last year, according to preliminary statistics released Thursday by the Hawaii Tourism Authority. Garden Island.

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Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen is expected to arrive today for a short visit on her first official trip to Hawaii on what is technically labeled a “transit.”  Star-Advertiser.

Vigilance required for public pensions to reach full funding. 9.4 percent of Hawaii residents are part of the state Employees’ Retirement System. Maui News.

Cannabis Curriculum a Grassroots Effort in Hawaii. The number of patients registered under Hawai’i’s medical cannabis program has grown by 54 percent since 2015. Hawaii Public Radio.

Most homegrown marijuana tainted, lab reports. Most of the homegrown pakalolo tested by Hawaii’s first medical marijuana laboratory is tainted with pesticides and other dangerous contaminants. Star-Advertiser.

Human remains stolen from burial caves in Hawaii more than a century ago are finally returning to their resting place. Hawaii News Now.

High Surf Warning issued as waves of 35 feet forecast. A High Surf Warning has been issued for north- and west-facing shores of Oahu, Niihau, Kauai and Molokai, and north-facing shores of Maui. Hawaii News Now.

Southwest Airlines officials say starting service to Hawaii is now their primary focus, interisland flying is being seriously considered and they don’t plan on using red-eye flights from the mainland to the islands. Star-Advertiser.

Island Air filled two key employment positions Thursday, even as its long-term fate remains up in the air in federal Bankruptcy Court. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Audit: Honolulu Could Save Millions By Burning Recyclables For Energy. Sorting and selling recyclables hauled away in blue bins no longer makes economic sense, the audit found. Civil Beat.

Auditor urges city to get some cash for its trash. Many of the recyclables collected in Honolulu residents’ blue bins could eventually wind up at the city’s HPOWER plant in Kapolei instead of overseas, based on the recommendations of a new city auditor’s report. Star-Advertiser.

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After hearing more than four hours of sometimes emotional testimony from supporters and detractors of vacation rentals, the City Council Zoning and Housing Committee on Thursday voted to advance four proposals aimed at addressing the complicated issue. Star-Advertiser.

The Honolulu City Council is once again trying to get control of the growing vacation rental industry and crack down on illegal units. Hawaii News Now.

A battle over vacation rentals and illegal bed-and-breakfasts is brewing before the city council. On Thursday, members of the Committee on Zoning and Housing took up four resolutions that addressed the issue. KHON2.

Operators, neighbors clash over plans to curb vacation rentals. The online booking platforms for vacation rentals have created issues in neighborhoods no one ever expected. KITV.

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First, it was a law that bans lying down on city sidewalks. Now a city councilman wants to take it a step further, by making it illegal for people to lie down at bus stops. KHON2.

HPD Corruption Case: Who Is Alison Lee Wong? The feds say Honolulu prosecutor Katherine Kealoha used the alias of “Alison Lee Wong” to help carry out alleged crimes. Civil Beat.

Years in the making: How prosecutors built their case against the Kealohas. It's the biggest abuse of power case in modern Hawaii history. Hawaii News Now.

Former Honolulu Prosecutor Peter Carlisle: Fed's Case Against the Kealohas Solid. Honolulu’s former police chief and his city deputy prosecutor wife pleaded not guilty to federal charges Friday. Hawaii Public Radio.

Rail work kicks off airport leg. The joint venture Shimmick, Traylor and Granite is being paid $875 million to build Phase 3 of the 20-mile Honolulu rail line. Hawaii News Now.

Rail pillars are going up for the airport section of Honolulu's Rail Transit Project. Contractors used heavy machinery to drill its first holes for the 5-plus mile stretch of that phase of the project, which runs from Aloha Stadium to Middle Street. KITV.

Star-Advertiser Employees Rally To Protest Layoffs. More than 30 newsroom staffers -- about a quarter of the staff -- have lost their jobs at Hawaii’s biggest newspaper in the past year amid ongoing contract negotiations. Civil Beat.

A restaurant in the Shirokiya Japan Village Walk at Ala Moana Center was shut down for interfering with a state Department of Health inspection to follow up on food safety violations. Star-Advertiser.

The Hawaii Department of Health Sanitation Branch has posted a red “closed” placard at Mazesoba Ono-ya inside Ala Moana Center for refusing to cooperate during a follow-up health inspection to correct eight outstanding critical food safety violations. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii Island

Construction continues on the former Sports Authority storefront at Prince Kuhio Plaza, with new tenants — T.J. Maxx and Petco — expected to open early next year, according to the mall. Tribune-Herald.

Lava Inundation Zones Mapped On Mauna Loa. Mauna Loa is not erupting, but scientists with the USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory are watching it closely. Big Island Video News.

Kua O Ka La students learning about ‘what’s happening in their ocean’ by participating in eDNA study. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Maui Police Officer Arrested for Domestic Abuse. Maui police responded to a Kahului residence on Tuesday night after receiving a call for a domestic violence complaint involving a 26-year-old female and an off-duty Maui Police Department officer. Maui Now.

State pension system still considering golf course development. As questions circled around plans for the Kaanapali Golf Course, the executive director of the state Employees’ Retirement System, which owns the golf course, said it’s too early to tell how much the project will cost and whether it will prove beneficial for the agency and the community. Maui News.

Kauai

Kauai County Department of Parks and Recreation director announces run for mayor. Kauai’s Lenny Rapozo announced Thursday that he’ll be entering the race for county mayor. Hawaii News Now.

Gov. David Ige covered a lot of ground in his 40-minute talk Thursday morning at the Lihue Business Association. Garden Island.

State Rep. Andria Tupola, recently chosen as House Minority Leader, will be at Lihue United Church Parish 6 to 8 p.m. Saturday. Tupola is running for governor. Garden Island.

The Department of Water recently held a blessing ceremony to commence the Koloa Well 16 A and 16 B Site and Building Improvements Project in Koloa. Garden Island.

Honolulu picks first female police chief, prosecutors prepare to seize former chief's house, legislative leaders pick rail board members, lieutenant governor race gets crowded, Monsanto drops Molokai land plan, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Honolulu Police Chief Susan Ballard

Maj. Susan Ballard became Honolulu’s first female police chief today, taking over a department mired in a scandal that deposed her predecessor and cast a cloud over the entire force. Star-Advertiser.

Susan Ballard, a major with three decades of policing experience, will be the new chief of the Honolulu Police Department, the first woman to hold the top job in its 85-year history. Civil Beat.

'A new day': HPD major selected to lead department in crisis. Hawaii News Now.

Police Major Susan Ballard has been chosen to become the next Honolulu Police chief. KITV.

Four Honolulu police commissioners have selected the City and County’s next chief of police: Maj. Susan Ballard. KHON2.

Video: Honolulu Police Chief Selection Press Conference. Civil Beat.

In picking Maj. Susan Ballard as the island’s new police chief, the Honolulu Police Commission chose someone who’s been a commander within the Honolulu Police Department but — by several accounts including her own — was outside of the inner circle that flanked now-indicted and retired Chief Louis Kealoha. Star-Advertiser.

Maj. Susan Ballard: A closer look at Honolulu's next police chief. Of the seven finalists chosen for the Honolulu police chief position, current Maj. Susan Ballard was the only applicant currently still employed with HPD. Hawaii News Now.

Excitement surrounds pick for Honolulu’s next chief of police. KHON2.

Federal prosecutors are moving forward to have the Hawaii Kai home of former Honolulu Police Chief Louis Kealoha and his city prosecutor wife Katherine Kealoha forfeited to the government. Star-Advertiser.

Covert Honolulu Police Unit Has Long History Of Troubles. The CIU is again under scrutiny, with five officers recently arrested as part of a federal investigation into police corruption. Civil Beat.

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Race for lieutenant governor gets more crowded, while congressional race remains quiet. Hawaii News Now.

Kauai Mayor Bernard Carvalho Jr. announced today he will run in what is shaping up to be a crowded race for lieutenant governor next year. Star-Advertiser.

Kauai Mayor Wants To Be Hawaii’s Lieutenant Governor. Stressing education and family issues, Bernard Carvalho Jr. joins a crowded field of candidates for the state’s No. 2 job. Civil Beat.

Kauai Mayor Bernard Carvalho announced his candidacy for 2018 lieutenant governor of Hawaii in front of the State Capitol on Wednesday. Garden Island.

Kauai Mayor Bernard Carvalho Jr. has his eye on a new job. He announced Wednesday that he’s planning to run as a Democrat for lieutenant governor in 2018. KHON2.

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Legislative picks to sit on HART board announced. State Legislative leaders have announced their four picks to serve as nonvoting members on the volunteer Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation board, a provision of the $2.4 billion rail-bailout package they approved in September. Star-Advertiser.

Legislative Leaders Appoint Four People To Honolulu Rail Board. The state budget director and others are tasked with bringing more accountability to the project, even though they’re nonvoting members. Civil Beat.

State makes its 4 picks for HART board appointees. Under the rail funding bill that passed in the state legislature earlier this year, state leaders were tasked with appointing a total of four non-voting members to the HART board. Hawaii News Now.

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Southwest could face legal hiccup in Hawaii expansion. A union on the mainland is threatening to block the airline's expansion to the islands citing ongoing disputes. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii astronomer discovers ‘odd’ space object. A University of Hawaii astronomer discovered what appears to be the first near-Earth space object to have arrived here from beyond our solar system, the university announced Wednesday. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii’s Filipino veterans and delegates finally get recognized. Star-Advertiser.

Filipino Veterans Presented Congressional Gold Medals. Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard and Senator Mazie K. Hirono joined other US Congressional leaders to present the Congressional Gold Medal to Filipino World War II veterans today at the US Capitol. Maui Now.

Hawaii Nonprofit Seeks A Statewide Effort To Fight Hunger. One in five children in the islands deals with hunger, according to a recent report. Civil Beat.

What if the Great Mahele Wasn't a Foreign Imposition? The concept of private property was introduced to Hawaii with the Great Mahele of 1848. That action is often blamed for a lack of land ownership among native Hawaiians…a situation that lasts to this day. Hawaii Public Radio.

Oahu

City projects mark 1 year of housing homeless families. While state sheriff’s deputies swept more than 300 chronically homeless people from state land in Kakaako and below the H-1 freeway viaduct this month, the city quietly marked the first anniversary of two housing projects — one in Waianae and one in town — that provide permanent housing for homeless families. Star-Advertiser.

These Kalihi Streets Are A Big Hazard For Bike Riders. Honolulu DOT has plans for improving safety in the area, including repaving North King Street and adding shared-use lanes. Civil Beat.

'Good law' or 'dumb law'? Opinions on new distracted walking measure vary.  Hawaii News Now.

A 55-year-old, male teacher who was fired from all-girls Sacred Hearts Academy in Kaimuki has been arrested on suspicion of two counts of fourth-degree sex assault and three counts of third-degree sex assault, police said. Star-Advertiser.

A former Honolulu private school teacher who was fired after allegations of "inappropriate conduct" with students has been charged with two counts of sexual assault, police say. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Trash talking: Panel to decide solid waste direction for the decade. It’s time for the county to update its integrated solid waste management plan, a document required by state law every 10 years to ensure local governments keep on top of their trash, green waste, compost and recycling issues. West Hawaii Today.

Moon base prototype may be built on Big Island. The United States and other countries are planning to return to the moon. And the road back to the lunar surface may go through Hawaii. Hawaii News Now.

Kamehameha Schools deliberate in removal of old Keahou Beach Hotel. West Hawaii Today.

North Hawaii Community Hospital is moving forward with a $25 million emergency room expansion. West Hawaii Today.

Maui


Tuesday morning’s severe thunderstorm and floods continued to erode Wailuku River and nearly destroyed a maintenance bridge regularly used by the Hawai’i Nature Center for educational programs in Iao Valley. Maui News.

Lights are back on after largest outage in a decade. More than 160 Maui Electric Co. workers and two contracted crews responded to the county’s biggest power outage in more than a decade early Tuesday morning in the wake of a thunderstorm that rolled through Maui County. Maui News.

The Department of Water Supply announced it has ended its declaration of a Stage 1 water shortage in the Upcountry district as the forecast indicates that probabilities favor above average rainfall for the upcoming wet season. Maui Now.

Kauai

School boundary changes draw fire. Many have questions about how it could affect students, families. Garden Island.

AES Distributed Energy Inc. and SunPower Corp. are developing a new solar-plus-storage facility on the Garden Isle, set to be the largest in the state. Pacific Business News.

Plastic storage pau. Surfrider Kauai looking for place to store marine debris. Garden Island.

The State Commission on Water Resource Management will be holding a public hearing at the Lihue Civic Center on Nov. 17 on proposed amendments to its administrative rules pertaining to water use, wells and stream diversion works. Garden Island.

Molokai

Monsanto withdraws request to preserve Molokai farmland. The corn seed producer notified the state Land Use Commission on Wednesday that it has withdrawn a petition to designate 1,084 acres for protection under a state law intended to preserve prime farmland. Star-Advertiser.