Rail work approaches Ala Moana, Katherine Kealoha resigns as deputy prosecutor, ethics complaint filed against Caldwell, Japan Airlines' Kona stop successful, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Aerial view of construction near the North Nimitz Highway to H1 Interstate merge, April 2018. PC: Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transit

Rail construction begins between Middle Street and Ala Moana Center. Rail disruptions will be moving deeper into the city as crews start a four-year, $400-million project to relocate utility lines in the city center section. Hawaii News Now.

Middle Street-to-Ala Moana phase of rail project moving ahead. The roughly 100 people attending tonight’s Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation meeting heard the message loud and clear from rail officials and their contractors: “We’re coming.” Star-Advertiser.

Teachers’ proposal would require hefty hike in property taxes. The union representing Hawaii’s public school teachers is arguing that a state tax on second homes valued at more than $1 million could bring in $200 million to $400 million in new revenue for public schools that could be used to raise teacher salaries, enhance classrooms, support special education and maybe even fund public preschools. Star-Advertiser.

Innovative New Program Plugs Some Holes In Mental Health Care System. A new network of providers and social workers is teaming up to get mental health patients the treatment they need. Civil Beat.

The Hawaii Interagency Council on Homelessness conducted its quarterly meeting today and provided updated plans. Hawaii Public Radio.

The state is warning consumers of a social media scheme in which the scammers are posing as Stephen Levins, executive director of the Hawaii Office of Consumer Protection. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Katherine Kealoha Resigns From Honolulu Prosecutor’s Office. She and her husband, former Police Chief Louis Kealoha, face their first trial on bank fraud charges in November. Civil Beat.

Katherine Kealoha resigns as deputy prosecutor. She and her husband, former Honolulu Police Chief Louis Kealoha, are fighting federal charges in what could become one of the biggest public corruption trials in state history. Star-Advertiser.

Ex-police chief's deputy prosecutor wife resigns as corruption trial nears. Hawaii News Now.

Katherine Kealoha resigned as deputy prosecutor with the City and County of Honolulu Monday. KHON2.

Katherine Kealoha resigns as Honolulu Deputy Prosecutor. KITV.

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Resident files complaint against mayor over education tax lobbying. A Makakilo resident filed a complaint with the city Ethics Commission alleging that Mayor Kirk Caldwell overstepped his authority by asking chairmen of the city’s 33 neighborhood boards to put discussion on a controversial constitutional amendment on their agendas, offering his opposition on the issue and then suggesting that they invite a political action committee to speak on it. Star-Advertiser.

The American Civil Liberties Union of Hawaii said a recent federal court decision could spell trouble for two bills before the Honolulu City Council that make it illegal to obstruct or “lodge” on sidewalks and other public property, as well as existing ordinances that target the homeless. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii high school students tapped to fill medical assistant shortage. Hawaii Pacific Health has teamed up with Kapiolani Community College and five public high schools to launch an innovative program to train students as medical assistants during their senior year. Star-Advertiser.

The number of luxury homes on Oahu selling for $1.5 million and above rose 15 percent last month compared to the same month last year, although the median price of those homes declined by 8 percent, according to an analysis by Coldwell Banker Pacific Properties. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii Island

In its first year of service between Tokyo and Kailua-Kona, Japan Airlines’ daily flights were responsible for injecting $73.49 million in visitor spending into the Big Island, generating $8.58 million in state tax revenue, according to the Hawaii Tourism Authority. Pacific Business News.

Salary Commission still irked at charter amendment oversight. How involved should the public be in determining government salaries? West Hawaii Today.

The Hawaii County Salary Commission met in the Hilo Council Chambers on Monday to consider proposals for adjustments to future salaries of county executives and elected officials. Big Island Video News.

Closing of Pahoa lava shelter a bittersweet moment for volunteers, staff. Tribune-Herald.

Shelter that housed hundreds of eruption evacuees closes after four months. KHON2.

The process of reopening Highway 137 to Pohoiki began Monday after county officials and private contractors visited the lava-covered roadway. Tribune-Herald.

Lava upsurge dies down; naming the fissure heats up. A state board has received its first application recommending a name and expects a second application soon as part of a process that will involve Hawaiian elders, competing proposals and possibly a public meeting in Puna to determine what to call the roughly 100-foot-tall cinder cone that began as one of 24 cracks in the ground emitting lava and at times spouted magma more than 200 feet high. Star-Advertiser.

Overuse of the historic Waipio Valley and an effort to sell much of the land have created an uncertain future for the hearty people who live, work and play here. Civil Beat.

Maui

Former Maui police officer gets probation for his role in bribery scheme. Walter Ahuna was sentenced Monday to three years probation with six months of home confinement. Ahuna is accused of helping two other former police officers, Anthony Maldonado and Chase Keliipaakaua, in their effort to get a victim to withdraw his complaint. KHON2.

Haleakala National Park will begin accepting applications for guided astronomy and hiking tour Commercial Use Authorizations, valid for up to two years. Maui Now.

Kauai

Andria Tupola, Republican candidate for governor of Hawaii, is on Kauai for a two-day campaign swing. Garden Island.

Kauai flush with films. “We started out this year with Disney’s ‘Jungle Cruise’ and we’re getting ready to start with the ‘Fast and the Furious’ offshoot — ‘Hobbs and Shaw,’” said Randy Francisco, Kauai film commissioner. “So with 2018, we’ll have these two bookend blockbusters.” Garden Island.

Farms and farmers may get government help, doctor shortage looms, residents buy sex online, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii farmers market ©2018 All Hawaii News

More than 45,000 acres on Oahu should be designated as important agricultural lands and required to stay that way in perpetuity under a new plan submitted by Mayor Kirk Caldwell to the Honolulu City Council. Star-Advertiser.

Lawmakers seek federal aid to help local farmers in wake of natural disasters. Hawaii’s congressional delegation is urging the U.S. Department of Agriculture to provide financial assistance to Hawaii farmers affected by the Kilauea Volcano eruption on Hawaii island, flooding from heavy rains in April and Hurricane/Tropical Storm Lane last month. Star-Advertiser.

The Hawaii Congressional Delegation is urging the U.S. Department of Agriculture to provide direct assistance to Hawaii farmers affected by recent natural disasters. Big Island Video News.

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Hawaii facing doctor shortage. Hawaii lost 51 full-time doctors from 2017 to 2018, the first loss since 2014 when 92 left the workforce, according to the latest physician workforce survey by the University of Hawaii. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii’s Mental Health Care Crisis. The lack of psychiatrists is a particular problem for people who rely on the state’s public health insurance for low-income residents. Civil Beat.

Hawaii residents dominate in buying sex online, study says. A new study that shines a light on a hidden corner of Hawaii’s illicit sex trade estimates that 1 in 11 adult males here buys sex online. Star-Advertiser.

The state Department of Transportation says pedestrian fatalities have increased by 84 percent from the same time last year. Associated Press.

The state’s film industry is on pace for a record year. Film and television production in Hawaii could generate in excess of $400 million this year, topping the record mark set in 2010. Star-Advertiser.

UH Wants $600 Million In 2019 To Modernize Its Crumbling Campuses. And that’s just the beginning. The university has a six-year, $1.6 billion plan in the works. Civil Beat.

St. Francis Medical Center Tries To Stop $80M Settlement For Abuse Victims. The center employed the psychiatrist accused of sexually abusing dozens of students at Kamehameha Schools, which reached the settlement with victims. Civil Beat.

Are Hawaii Residents Experiencing Disaster Fatigue? It has been a stressful year for residents of Hawaii. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaiian Airlines announced late Thursday night that it will be the only carrier to offer nonstop flights between Honolulu and Boston when it begins the service in April. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

The board of the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation is nearing a pivotal decision on whether to solicit new partners in the development, operation and maintenance of the city’s 20-mile rail line, a proposal that could eventually involve billions of taxpayer dollars. Star-Advertiser.

The owner of Hawaiian Memorial Park has filed a new draft environmental impact study in a bid to add 30,000 more burial sites to the Kaneohe cemetery nearly a decade after a similar effort was rejected by a state commission. Star-Advertiser.

Estate formerly owned by King Kamehameha III up for auction. The four-bedroom, three-bathroom house sits on two acres of land off Nuuanu Pali Drive. KHON2.

UH Manoa gets $1M for microbe research in Waimea Valley. With $1 million from the W.M. Keck Foundation, which funds pioneering research, the UH faculty members will map the microbial communities that underpin the valley’s varied ecosystems and explore how they function. Star-Advertiser.

University of Hawaii Manoa professor H. Annamalai is leading a project to improve weather forecasts for US-affiliated Pacific Islands like the state of Hawaii. Maui Now.

Hundreds of volunteers helped Malama the Aina at a cleanup Sunday morning at Ala Moana Beach Park. Volunteers removed trash, plastics, and other debris from the beach and park areas and enjoyed music, snacks, and giveaways.  KITV.

Launch of Hawaii Five-0, Magnum P.I. celebrated by adoring fans in Waikiki. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

The National Park Service has produced a new map prior to the reopening of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park on National Public Lands Day on September 22. Big Island Video News.

With Hawaii Volcanoes National Park on track to reopen later this month, Volcano businesses are cautiously optimistic about a return to pre-eruption visitors. Tribune-Herald.

The recent purchase of the “Great Crack Property” in Ka'u by the National Park Service concludes a plan 50 years in the making. Tribune-Herald.

Some vacation rental condos, by a quirk of zoning, are being swept up into a vacation rental bill while those just across Alii Drive are not, an issue that has a crowd ready to speak out at the Leeward Planning Commission meeting. West Hawaii Today.

Roadblocks to relicensing push some drivers to illegal behavior. A bureaucratic barrier, a lack of adequate state statutes and the sluggish pace at which county Departments of Motor Vehicles process road tests have created a glitch in the driver’s re-licensing process that’s incentivizing thousands of Hawaii residents to break the law every year. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Maui County will float a $109 million general obligation bond to refund outstanding bonds and loans and to refund the county general fund about $45 million for money already spent on new projects, according to an announcement. Maui News.

Mayor Alan Arakawa announced that three major bond rating agencies awarded Maui County the highest bond ratings in the state last week. Maui Now.

The state Campaign Spending Commission levied a $2,700 fine Wednesday on Maui County Council Member Alika Atay, his campaign and its treasurer for violating Hawaii campaign finance laws, commission General Counsel Gary Kam reported. Maui News.

One in 10 Maui County residents lives below the poverty line, which is lower than the national poverty rate of 12.3 percent for 2017, according to data released Thursday by the U.S. Census Bureau. Maui News.

Kauai

Controversial sister city? Last Monday, Sara Duterte, the mayor of Davao, a city on Mindanao Island in the Philippines, was on Kauai signing a sister-city partnership with Mayor Bernard Carvalho Jr. She’s the daughter of Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte, whose administration has been criticized by Amnesty International and other groups for committing multiple human rights violations. Garden Island.

Shearwaters in the skies. Lights will go on this week for Friday night football on Kauai, marking the season’s first football game within the endangered Newell’s shearwater fledgling season. Garden Island.

Governor, Honolulu mayor attend climate conference, National park expands by almost 2k acres, Nuuanu reservoir drained to prevent overflow, Maui mops up following Olivia, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Gov. David Ige at climate conference, courtesy photo

Gov. David Ige and Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell are attending the Global Climate Action Summit in San Francisco this week. Star-Advertiser.

What New Census Data Says — And Doesn’t Say — About Hawaii. Incomes are slightly higher but housing costs are still among the worst in the nation. Civil Beat.

A contested case hearing over alleged ethics violations has been scheduled next month for Office of Hawaiian Affairs trustee Rowena Akana, who is accused of breaking the state’s gifts law, gifts reporting law and fair-treatment law. Star-Advertiser.

Following Campaign Cash In Hawaii Just Got Easier. A new digital tool lets users see a massive amount of data with just a few mouse clicks — no Excel experience necessary. Civil Beat.

When voters cast their ballots in November, one of the issues they’ll be deciding on is a Constitutional Amendment that would establish a surcharge on investment real property. Garden Island.

Hawaiian Airlines’ Boeing 767 fleet will retire by the beginning of next year, about a quarter earlier than originally expected. Pacific Business News.

Oahu

Honolulu Board of Water Supply officials said Thursday afternoon that there was no danger of Nuuanu Reservoir No. 1 failing and said they notified the public about the possibility of evacuations downstream that morning in an abundance of caution to keep the community informed. Star-Advertiser.

Board of Water drains Nuuanu Reservoir after storm raises water levels. Hawaii News Now.

Heavy rain from Tropical Storm Olivia filled Nuuanu Reservoir #1 to dangerous levels Thursday. KHON2.

Many Nuuanu residents were in a state of panic Thursday morning after being alerted a dam was approaching dangerous levels that could trigger evacuations. KITV.

Crews from the Honolulu Board of Water Supply and the Honolulu Fire Department on Thursday managed to lower the water levels at the Nuuanu reservoir No. 1 after they had come within a foot and a half of the dam's spillway. Pacific Business News.

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The state Health Department may have issued an islandwide brown-water advisory due to Tropical Storm Olivia, but plenty of tourists were still splashing in the waters fronting major hotels in Waikiki on Thursday afternoon. Star-Advertiser.

Idaho Court Ruling May Impact Honolulu Homeless Bill. On Wednesday the Honolulu City Council voted unanimously to advance two bills that could have a major impact on the city’s homelessness policy. Hawaii Public Radio.

Council Rejects Big Bus Fare Hikes For Seniors And The Disabled. Taxpayers will continue to subsidize public transportation at a higher level than called for in city guidelines. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Island

The National Park Service has acquired a 1,952-acre oceanfront property in Ka'u from a Florida real estate developer. The $1.95 million purchase by the park service of the “Great Crack Property” from Joseph Gillespie III is the last piece of a settlement between First Citizens Bank of Raleigh, N.C., and Hilo businessman Ken Fujiyama and his Ken Direction Corp. to settle the bank’s foreclosure claim concerning a defaulted mortgage on the then-Naniloa Volcanoes Resort. Tribune-Herald.

A pay-as-you-throw bag-tag rubbish program could be revisited after it was rejected first in 2009 and again in 2015. West Hawaii Today.

Damage to county facilities from the flooding late last month caused by torrential downpours from Hurricane Lane totaled about $20 million, said Managing Director Wil Okabe on Thursday. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

State and county officials Thursday got a bird’s-eye view of the parts of Maui County hardest-hit by Tropical Storm Olivia. Star-Advertiser.

West Maui takes stock a day after homes, cars washed away. A day after Tropical Storm Olivia pummeled Maui with torrential rains and strong winds, residents are still trying to assess all the damage. Hawaii News Now.

VIDEO: Homes, cars swept away in Honokohau Valley flood. Maui News.

‘The water just started washing things away,’ resident says. Maui News.

Post Storm Recap: Maui County Resumes Services. Maui Now.

A road in Haiku collapsed when rain from the outer bands of Hurricane Lane hit the Valley Isle weeks ago. Rain from Tropical Storm Olivia hasn't helped the situation. Hawaii News Now.

Kauai

A Koloa business owner is concerned that clogged culverts near Weliweli Road caused some of the flooding in the area, and has been trying to get the County of Kauai to remedy the problem. Garden Island.

The 22nd annual Coconut Festival has been canceled due to lack of funds. Instead, the Kapaa Business Association, which regularly hosts the event, is partnering with the Kauai Veterans Council to bring the Nov. 3 Veterans Day Parade back to Kapaa. Garden Island.

Islands still getting drenched by Olivia remnants, super PACs gear up for education tax fight, Honolulu City Council kills bus fare hike, ethics board punts honesty bill, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Flooded Maui road PC: Hawaii Department of Transportation

Olivia made a rare double landfall over west Maui and Lanai as a tropical storm on Wednesday, triggering torrential rains and significant flooding in some areas. That brought down trees, closed roads and knocked out power to thousands. Hawaii News Now.

Isles appear to dodge major damage from Olivia. Tropical Storm Olivia blew through the Hawaiian Islands Wednesday but not before leaving a soggy trail of fallen trees, swollen streams, landslides and power outages.  Star-Advertiser.

Trump signs disaster declaration for Hawaii as weakened Olivia dumps rain on Islands. Pacific Business News.

Gov. David Ige’s request for a Presidential Disaster Declaration for Tropical Storm Olivia has been granted, one day after the request was submitted. Maui Now.

Here are all the active weather alerts associated with Olivia. Hawaii News Now.

Maui County under flash flood warning; flash flood watch remains in effect for state. Star-Advertiser.

Things are slowly returning to normal now that Tropical Storm Olivia is moving away from the state. Hawaii News Now.

All public schools open Thursday except Kilohana Elementary on Molokai. KHON2.

The U.S. Postal Service announced that all Post Offices across the state will be open and mail will be delivered, weather and local conditions permitting, on Thursday, Sept 13. KITV.

Tropical Storm Olivia dropped almost 8 inches of rain on a part of Maui and lashed the Lanai airport with 51 mph wind gusts Wednesday, while the Big Island dodged a bullet. Tribune-Herald.

As Maui County weathered winds that wrenched trees from the ground and rains that raised the rivers Wednesday afternoon, people on Kauai watched the skies. Garden Island.

It’s shaping up to be an unpredictable hurricane season in Hawaii, with cyclones approaching from multiple directions — and there’s still six weeks left until it comes to a close on Nov. 30. Star-Advertiser.

Shelters offer storm cover for the few who turned up. There were a total of 75 people across 15 evacuation centers on Oahu, Hawaii island and Maui County as of Wednesday morning, according to the Red Cross. Star-Advertiser.

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Political action committees that can raise unlimited funds already have formed to try to persuade voters in the debate over whether to amend the Hawaii Constitution in November to allow the state to tax investment property to help fund public education. Star-Advertiser.

More than 80 candidates running for elected office this year have been fined by the Hawaii Campaign Spending Commission for violating campaign laws. Star-Advertiser.

Bigger Fines Considered To Send Campaign Lawbreakers A Message. Candidates and political organizations may have to start paying more for filing their spending reports late or inaccurately. Civil Beat.

‘Fragile Aloha’: Why Hawaii’s Last Constitutional Convention Was Important. Delegates quickly broke into factions in 1978, but they ultimately made breakthroughs on Native Hawaiian issues. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Council rejects proposed bus, van hikes. Honolulu City Council members Wednesday shot down a plan by Mayor Kirk Caldwell to raise TheBus and TheHandi-Van fares starting Jan. 1. Star-Advertiser.

A bill to dramatically increase the fines against those who flout city building codes won final approval from the Honolulu City Council Wednesday. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Ethics Board punts on honesty policy. Honesty may be said to be the best policy, but it’s not a policy the County Council, or the Board of Ethics, seems eager to see set in law. West Hawaii Today.

On Tuesday, the Hawaii County Board of Ethics reviewed a County Council bill that would require local government to be “accurate and factual.” Big Island Video News.

An autopsy on a 51-year-old tour guide who collapsed and died while leading a lava tour hike near Kalapana on Feb. 1 found the man’s death was accidental. The report found the immediate cause of death for Sean King was “thermal injuries and volcanic fume exposure.” Tribune-Herald.

Maui

'We're very, very fortunate.' Maui's mayor optimistic despite damage from Olivia. While much of the rain from Olivia has moved off, the focus now is dealing with the damage left behind. KHON2.

VIDEO: Homes, cars swept away in Honokohau Valley flood. Maui News.

Tropical Storm Olivia made history Wednesday as the first such storm to make landfall on Maui in modern times. Thankfully for residents and visitors on the Valley Isle, it was a brief and not particularly hard landing. Star-Advertiser.

Heavy rains and strong winds from Tropical Storm Olivia pummeled Maui County on Wednesday, washing away homes, bringing down trees and utility poles, and triggering widespread power outages. Hawaii News Now.

Olivia Maui Photos: Historic Landfall Made on Maui and Lanai. Maui Now.

Despite concerns about water, wildfires and access to the Lahaina Pali Trail, the Maui Planning Commission gave a nod Tuesday to advance a 21-lot Maalaea agricultural subdivision. Maui News.

Kauai

Kalalau Trail closure redirects visitors elsewhere on Kauai. With Kee Beach and the Kalalau Trail closed, there are a few thousand tourists every day looking for somewhere else to go. Garden Island.

All the latest news on Tropical Storm Olivia, what's open, what's closed, Carvalho ponders future, boosted posts boost candidates' fines, plus more top stories from all the Hawaiian Islands

Tropical Storm Olivia at 4:30 a.m. HST Wednesday, NOAA

Tropical Storm Olivia is closing in on the state and is on a track that is expected to take it directly over Maui sometime Wednesday morning. Hawaii News Now.

Tropical Storm Olivia continues to bear down on the islands of Maui and Molokai this morning. Located about 55 miles east-northeast of Kahului and 140 miles east of Honolulu, Olivia clocked in with maximum sustained winds of 45 mph and was headed west at 12 mph, according to the Central Pacific Hurricane Center. Star-Advertiser.

Here are all the active weather alerts associated with Olivia. Hawaii News Now.

A Tropical Storm Warning has just been dropped for the Big Island. Overnight, Kauai was dropped from the warning.  As of right now, Oahu and Maui County remained under Tropical Storm Warnings, with the threat of tropical-storm force winds remaining for those communities. That means winds in excess of 39 mph are expected. Maui Now.

Olivia on way. Hawaii Gov. David Ige asked President Donald Trump on Tuesday to declare an emergency for the state as Tropical Storm Olivia approaches. Garden Island.

Are You Covered By Hurricane or Flood Insurance? Tropical Storm Olivia is weakening but Hawaii homeowners should be aware of what their insurance policies cover. Hawaii Public Radio.

Bankruptcies rise locally despite strong state economy. Hawaii bankruptcies rose in August for the sixth time in eight months this year even as the state economy continues to remain strong. Star-Advertiser.

Why Hawaii Farmers Are Actually Embracing Government Regulation. Some small ag operations are finding federal food safety regulations can help them expand to new markets. Civil Beat.

Federal Money Is Running Out For Charter Schools’ Pre-K Programs. The Legislature will be asked to replace money from an expiring federal grant that helped establish 18 pre-K charter classrooms. Civil Beat.

Proposed changes to administrative rules on student misconduct are temporarily on hold pending further revisions by the state Department of Education. Tribune-Herald.

Oahu

With Hurricane Olivia expected to continue to weaken, most city services on Oahu will be operating on a regular weekday schedule Wednesday, Mayor Kirk Caldwell announced this afternoon. Star-Advertiser.

Caldwell: City is taking precautions, but 'we don't want to overreact'. Hawaii News Now.

Emergency officials are worried about the storm's impact on a new erosion hot spot on Oahu's North Shore. Most of Ehukai Beach has already disappeared with recent currents, and officials are afraid Olivia could be even more rough on the shoreline. Hawaii News Now.

Solar permits issued on Oahu declined in August for the third straight month and are now just slightly ahead of where they were at this time a year ago. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Fourteen Big Island candidates are among dozens throughout the state settling with the Campaign Spending Commission after they failed to disclose how much they spent on advertising leading up to the primary election. West Hawaii Today.

Hawaii County Ethics Board Considers Changes. The chair of the newly appointed Charter Commission talked with board members about possible charter amendments they would like to propose. Big Island Video News.

As Tropical Storm Olivia made its way to the islands Tuesday, the focus turned mostly away from the Big Island and more toward Maui as it appeared the worst effects of the cyclone would be felt well to the north of Hilo. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

A flash flood warning is in effect for Molokai as Tropical Storm Olivia bears down on Maui County. Star-Advertiser.

VIDEO: Kahului Harbor experiencing extremely rainy conditions. KITV.

Dozens of Maui residents seek shelter ahead of the storm. Seven emergency evacuation shelters were activated Tuesday evening across Maui County. KHON2.

Maui County is bracing for strong impacts from Tropical Storm Olivia. The county's Emergency Operations Center has been activated, and the county issued an emergency proclamation. Hawaii News Now.

Hana Elementary and High School are closed today and county officials asked visitors not to go to Hana as Tropical Storm Olivia continued to approach from the east. Maui News.

Maui post offices to close Wednesday, all others remain open. KHON2.

Maui County prepared for the arrival of Tropical Storm Olivia late today or early Wednesday by closing Haleakala National Park and some state parks and halting some residential refuse collections. Maui News.

Maui condo market surges but home sales flat. The median price for condos jumped 27.5 percent to $509,988 from $400,000 in the year-earlier period while condo sales surged 32.7 percent to 146 from 110. Star-Advertiser.

Condo prices jump on Maui as single-family prices stay flat. The median price of a condominium on Maui jumped 27.5 percent last month, compared to August 2017, while the median price of a single-family home on the Valley Isle was unchanged, according to statistics from the Realtors Association of Maui. Pacific Business News.

Kauai

Mayor Bernard Carvalho Ponders A Future Outside Of Politics. The bigger-than-life leader needs time to figure out what’s next, because he never expected to lose in the Democratic primary for LG. Civil Beat.

Residents were invited to take part in a West Kauai Community Plan meeting Monday night at Kaumakani Neighborhood Center — but not many did. Garden Island.

In August, the median price for a residential home increased 15 percent from last year at this time. Garden Island.

Tropical Storm Olivia weakens, set to bisect island chain, Marriott hotel workers on Honolulu and Maui vote to strike, Kawananakoa loses control of $215M fortune, Waikiki beachboys lose lawsuit, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Tropical Storm Olivia 5 a.m. Tuesday

Olivia has begun a gradual weakening trend, but it is still forecast to move over the islands as a tropical storm as early as Tuesday night, meaning it could bring potentially damaging impacts to parts of the state. Hawaii News Now.

Tropical Storm Olivia weakens slightly as it closes in on Hawaii. Located about 355 miles east-northeast of Kahului and 440 miles east of Honolulu, Olivia clocked in with maximum sustained winds of 65 mph and was headed west at 10 mph at 5 a.m. today, according to the Central Pacific Hurricane Center. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Gears Up — Again — For Olivia. After the islands were mostly spared from Hurricane Lane’s wrath, leaders aim to keep residents on guard against a tropical storm. Civil Beat.

What's closing or canceled as Olivia targets island chain. Hawaii News Now.

Hurricane Olivia weakened to a tropical storm Monday as it advanced toward the Hawaiian islands but that didn’t stop the state’s visitor industry from unleashing a whirlwind of safety preparations. Star-Advertiser.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency says that although they are stretched thin, they are ready to respond to all natural disasters. FEMA has been busy with multiple hurricanes threatening the United States, however agency officials got a head start since they were already activated in Hawaii for the past two disasters. KITV.

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Abigail Kawananakoa’s bid to regain control of her $215 million trust was blocked in court Monday by a judge who concluded the woman’s mental capacity is impaired due to the stroke she suffered last year. Star-Advertiser.

Judge Appoints New Trustee For Kawananakoa Fortune. The judge ruled Abigail Kawananakoa can make simple decisions but not complex ones such as altering her 2001 trust. Civil Beat.

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Future of Health Care in the Pacific Uncertain As End to Compact Funding Nears. U.S. economic assistance under the Compact of Free Association is set to expire in five years – dealing quite a blow to the health care systems in three Pacific Island nations. Hawaii Public Radio.

Why Brett Kavanaugh Scares Native Rights Advocates. Hawaii Sen. Mazie Hirono is just one of those who worries the Supreme Court nominee could upend hard-fought policy and funding gains. Civil Beat.

‘We Don’t Give Up’: Identifying America’s Long-Lost Soldiers. The POW/MIA forensic lab in Hawaii has more than 1,400 service members who have been missing in action, some for decades. Civil Beat.

Unite Here Local 5 hotel workers voted Monday to authorize a strike at six Marriott-operated hotels in Honolulu and on Maui. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii hotel workers vote to authorize strike on Marriott. UNITE HERE Local 5 hotel workers from six Marriott-operated hotels in Honolulu and Maui have voted to authorize a strike with a 95% yes vote. KHON2.

The votes are in and hotel workers have authorized a strike, these hotel workers work at six Marriott-operated hotels in Honolulu and Maui. KITV.

Thousands Poised To Strike At Some Of Waikiki’s Biggest Hotels. The union vote could lead to a work stoppage by about 3,500 workers, including those at the Royal Hawaiian, Westin Moana Surfrider and Sheraton Waikiki. Civil Beat.

Oahu

World War II Valor in the Pacific National Monument to close Tuesday. Due to the tropical storm warning now in effect for Oahu, World War II Valor in the Pacific National Monument will close the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 11, to allow staff time to prepare for heavy winds and rain. KHON2.

East Oahu residents worried about streams after April historic flooding. County crews are clearing out streams and ditches ahead of Olivia, Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell said on Monday. Hawaii News Now.

Fishermen feel vacating the ports ahead of a tropical storm could be dangerous. On Monday night, ports in Hawaii and Maui counties were expected to go into what's called condition "Zulu," meaning sustained gale force winds are expected within 12 hours. Hawaii News Now.

Broken pipe causes cloudy, murky waters in Waikiki. The Department of Health is investigating a water main break at the Hale Koa Hotel. Hawaii News Now.

First Circuit Judge Dean E. Ochiai ruled this morning to dismiss the last remaining motions in Star Beachboys court proceedings against the city and Dive Oahu, the city’s current operator of the Waikiki beachboy concessions. Star-Advertiser.

Lawsuit alleges former Hawaii priest molested children. The lawsuit against the Diocese of Honolulu and Maryknoll Fathers and Brothers was filed today on behalf of a man who says a priest, James Jackson, abused him when he was a child in the 1980s. Associated Press.

Hawaii Island

State and county officials advised residents to have 14 days worth of food and pet food, a full tank of gas and other emergency supplies ready as Tropical Storm Olivia is set to arrive either late tonight or early Wednesday. Tribune-Herald.

Volcano House and Kilauea Military Camp work to reopen. Two attractions in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park are expected to be reopened to the public the same day the national park returns to service later this month. Tribune-Herald.

Leilani Estates returnees assess lava damage. Star-Advertiser.

Volcanic emissions down, West Hawaii skies clearest in years. West Hawaii Today.

Students on Monday blessed with ti leaf and salt water the four corners of the site of a new creative arts, science and technology building at Waikoloa Elementary and Middle School in South Kohala. West Hawaii Today.

Alleged threat briefly puts schools in lockdown. A suspect is in police custody after allegedly threatening gun violence Monday morning at the University of Hawaii at Hilo. Tribune-Herald.

Algae biofuel company to launch commercial work. A company that set out 11 years ago to test whether it could make fuel oil from algae in Hawaii announced Friday that it is ceasing research work after succeeding, and will try to build a commercial production plant in the islands. Star-Advertiser.

Maui

As Maui braces for the impacts associated with Tropical Storm Olivia, Maui Now is keeping track of what’s open and closed with an ongoing list of closures, cancellations and notices. Maui Now.

Still scarred from Lane, Upcountry Maui braces for Tropical Storm Olivia. Maui County is staging resources island-wide, but both residents and emergency officials are keeping a close eye on areas still recovering from hurricane-turned-tropical-storm Lane. KHON2.

Haleakala National Park to close ahead of Olivia. The National Park Service is closing Haleakala National Park ahead of Tropical Storm Olivia. KHON2.

Ag program for keiki gets growing. Goals is to nurture a new crop of farmers by sowing seeds early. Maui News.

Ledcor resort project on Maui more than half sold out. The Luana Garden Villas, Ledcor Group’s townhome project on 10 acres in the Honua Kai Resort & Spa on Maui, has sold out more than half of its 72 units since launching sales earlier this year. Pacific Business News.

Kauai

The County of Kauai will hold an open house and presentation on Wednesday to provide an update on the Lihue Town Core Mobility and Revitalization project. Garden Island.

Immediate water conservation notice issued for Haena. he Department of Water issued an immediate water conservation notice at 6:25 p.m. Monday for all Haena customers until further notice, due to the recent damage to the hydrant and system in the area that has affected water tank levels. Garden Island.

A disaster response team is planning a one-day rebuild on the North Shore. Garden Island.

Hurricane Olivia approaches, education tax question to stay on ballot, first ID of Korean war remains anticipated, Navy scales down Red Hill fuel tank plans, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hurricane Olivia 4:30 a.m. Monday  NOAA

Tropical storm warning issued as Olivia nears islands. Hurricane Olivia continues on a path toward the Hawaiian Islands and has prompted a tropical storm warning for Hawaii and Maui counties. Star-Advertiser.

At 5 a.m. Monday, forecasters said Olivia remained a Category 1 hurricane, with sustained winds of 85 miles per hour. Hawaii News Now.

Maximum sustained winds are near 85 mph with higher gusts. Little change in strength is forecast today, with slight weakening starting tonight and continuing through Tuesday. However, Olivia is forecast to be a strong tropical storm when it reaches the Hawaiian Islands. KHON2.

On the forecast track, Olivia will be approaching the main Hawaiian islands later Tuesday or Tuesday night. KITV.

Governor signs emergency proclamation as Olivia heads toward Hawaii. KHON2.

An emergency proclamation was signed by Gov. David Ige Sunday in preparation of potential impacts from Hurricane Olivia, which is expected to approach the state as a tropical storm this week. Hawaii News Now.

Gov. Ige signed an emergency proclamation that will provide relief for disaster damages, losses and suffering caused by Hurricane Olivia. KITV.

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A judge has ruled against a motion by Hawaii’s four counties to block November ballots from asking voters if they want to amend the Hawaii Constitution to allow the state to tax investment property. Associated Press.

Hawaii judge allows property tax con amendment to stay on ballot. A proposed amendment to the Hawaii Constitution that would permit the Legislature to place a “surcharge” on investment properties will be allowed on the November ballot following a judge’s ruling on a motion filed by the counties seeking to block the question. Pacific Business News.

The state Department of Taxation wants to subpoena Airbnb Inc. records for the past 10 years to determine whether transient vacation rental operators in Hawaii have been paying their state taxes. Star-Advertiser.

First identifications of remains turned over by North Korea to be announced. In coming weeks, the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency is expected to announce the first two identifications from 55 sets of remains turned over by North Korea following a historic June summit between Kim Jong Un and President Donald Trump. Star-Advertiser.

We Don’t Give Up’: Identifying America’s Long-Lost Soldiers. The POW/MIA forensic lab in Hawaii has more than 1,400 service members who have been missing in action, some for decades. Civil Beat.

This Massive Boom Aims To Snag Pacific Ocean’s Plastic Trash. The collection system created by a Dutch innovator is headed to the Great Pacific Garbage Patch. Associated Press.

Oahu

Mayor to residents: Prepare for Olivia, but avoid overbuying supplies. Hawaii News Now.

Honolulu mayor urges residents to stay vigilant despite potential hurricane fatigue. KHON2.

Navy plan for Red Hill tanks in question. After more than four years of discussion about upgrading 20 massive, aging underground fuel tanks that could pose a threat to a major source of Oahu’s drinking water, the Navy is saying, in part, that it isn’t sure of its future fuel needs in the Indo-Pacific region — pushing for the cheapest and least protective option to satisfy federal and state regulators. Star-Advertiser.

Invasive, reef-smothering algae are being kept in check at Kaneohe Bay thanks to tiny, native sea urchins that graze on them the same way goats feed on grass. Star-Advertiser.

A police motorcade led the fanfare for Saturday’s parade for the Honolulu Little League All Stars, who made Hawaii proud last month by beating South Korea to become the 2018 Little League World Series Champions. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu Habitat for Humanity breaks ground on 4 new homes in Waimanalo. Hawaii News Now.

Commentary: Alleged mail-in voting abuse demands deeper investigation. Twice in six years, state Rep. Romy Cachola has been accused of effectively stealing elections by intimidating elderly immigrants in his Kalihi district to vote for him via mail-in ballots. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Before Hawaii County creates a redevelopment agency to guide eruption recovery in Puna, it may need some help from the state Legislature. Roy Takemoto, executive assistant to Mayor Harry Kim, said state law may only allow counties to have one such agency at a time. Star-Advertiser.

Residents flock to MacKenzie to relax, see new beach. MacKenzie State Recreation Area is located at the end of the road, where Highway 137 meets a barricade and not far from where lava from the lower Puna eruption first entered the ocean. Tribune-Herald.

Mandatory evacuation pau: Leilani Estates residents being allowed to return starting today. Tribune-Herald.

The Lessons Learned In Puna As Lava Shelters Shut Down. Public agencies and private organizations devised massive relief efforts, but “they knew a lot less about living rough than we did,” said one evacuee. Civil Beat.

Federal Support Critical to Kilauea Recovery Effort. Hawaii Public Radio.

Proposed compost site draws questions. Administrators with Hawaii County’s Department of Environmental Management say a new proposed site for a island-wide composting facility will have fewer impacts on the community and won’t be near any residences. Tribune-Herald.

New life for Amy B.H. Greenwell Ethnobotanical Garden. With the announcement of a $550,000 grant through a federal community forest program, the nonprofit Friends of Amy B.H. Greenwell Ethnobotanical Garden have collected $1.3 million in raised funds that can go toward purchasing the garden from the Bishop Museum. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Maui County prepares for Olivia with key port ready to close.  As Olivia approaches, Maui is still reeling from Hurricane Lane. KHON2.

Former Maui County Council Member Mike Victorino reported having a campaign war chest surplus of $33,280.40 as of last month’s primary election while Council Member Elle Cochran, his rival for the Mayor’s Office, disclosed having a deficit of $1,283.47, reports to the state Campaign Spending Commission show. Maui News.

The county Urban Design Review Board has recommended approval of plans for a Kahoolawe Island Reserve Commission education and operations center on 8.26 acres next to the Kihei Boat Ramp. Maui News.

Visitors are overwhelming Maui’s Hana Highway and the residents who live along the remote route. Even as Hurricane Lane loomed over the Hawaiian islands last month, dumping 24 inches of rain on East Maui and triggering landslides, flash flooding, downed trees and other perils, tourists were hitting the famed “Road to Hana.” Star-Advertiser.

Roadwork in Haiku that was delayed due to weather will resume Monday, Sept. 10 along Awalau Road from the half mile mark to Kaupakalua Road. Maui Now.

Opposing candidate signs face off: Political signs a given for homeowners with prime visible locations. Maui News.

New guestrooms, restaurant at Sheraton Maui following $26.5 million renovation. Pacific Business News.

Kauai

The County of Kauai will hold an open house and presentation on Wednesday to provide an update on the Lihue Town Core Mobility and Revitalization project. Garden Island.

Time Is Literally Running Out For This Historic Kauai Radio Station. President Donald Trump’s proposed 2019 budget would wipe out an annual $6.3 million appropriation that supports the National Institute of Standards and Technology’s 70-year-old broadcast at the Navy’s Pacific Missile Range Facility in Kekaha, as well as its two sister stations in Fort Collins, Colorado. Civil Beat.

It took the Ewings only two days to get the water out of their yard after the August storm. That’s an improvement, since it took two weeks to get rid of the water after the April floods. Garden Island.

Hawaii sues Airbnb, vacation rentals controversial on all islands, rail contractor seeks ‘mega-substantial’ settlement, Hirono releases Kavanaugh documents about Native Hawaiians, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Vacation rentals on Kauai ©2018 All Hawaii News

Hawaii sues for info on Airbnb owners who aren't paying taxes. The state says it believes that many vacation rental owners are failing to report and pay general excise tax and transient accommodation taxes, and they're asking the court to order Airbnb to turn over the names, addresses, Social Security numbers and bank information for potentially thousands of owners. Hawaii News Now.

Amid the political fracas that has engulfed the Supreme Court confirmation hearings of Brett Kava­naugh, protections for Native Hawaiians have been thrust into the spotlight. Star-Advertiser.

Hirono calls Supreme Court nominee's views on Hawaiians 'offensive'. U.S. Sen. Mazie Hirono released "committee confidential" documents Thursday in which U.S. Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh questions the constitutionality of Native Hawaiian programs. Hawaii News Now.

Olivia, Norman continue to weaken overnight. Hurricanes Norman and Olivia both weakened overnight as the former continued on a track away from the islands while the latter remained on track toward Hawaii. Star-Advertiser.

Olivia expected to remain a hurricane when it crosses into the Central Pacific. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Gov. David Ige is asking President Donald Trump to declare a major disaster for Hurricane Lane which battered the state last month. Associated Press.

To aid in Hurricane Lane recovery, governor seeks presidential disaster declaration. Hawaii News Now.

Governor requests major disaster declaration with damage from Lane exceeding $22 million. KHON2.

Gov. David Ige asked the U.S. President to declare a major disaster for the state as a result of the impacts from Hurricane Lane. Impacts include floods and wildfires from Aug. 22 to Aug. 29. KITV.

Board of Education To Wait On Approving New Student Discipline Code. Board members want state education officials to clarify some points in the code governing student misconduct and discipline. Civil Beat.

Report: More than 35,000 Hawaii households 'food insecure'. More than 35,000 Hawaii households are "food insecure," which means they've run into trouble providing enough food for their families and, in some cases, have gone hungry, a newly released U.S. Department of Agriculture report estimates. Hawaii News Now.

Humpback Whales are Navigating an Ocean of Change. Maui Now.

Oahu

Honolulu rail contractor seeks ‘mega-substantial’ settlement over construction delays. Star-Advertiser.

Board members of a foundation a 92-year-old heiress established for Native Hawaiians are calling for a judge to protect her $215 million trust. Associated Press.

Court-appointed official says heiress Kawananakoa may be victim of 'undue influence'.  Hawaii News Now.

"Greedy and not Pono": friends of Hawaiian heiress concerned about wife's management of fortune. KITV.

That Long Line For A Driver’s License May Get Even Longer. The number of expiring licenses increased from about 2,000 per month in the summer of 2017 to 12,000 per month this summer. Civil Beat.

Vacation Rental Regulation Plan Finds Little Support from Residents. The Honolulu Planning Commission held a public hearing yesterday on several proposals that would change the way Temporary Vacation Units, or TVU’s, operate on Oahu. Hawaii Public Radio.

In wake of park closures, homeless encampments pop up on nearby streets. The city has closed for maintenance Old Stadium Park, Moiliili Community Park and Crane Park. The three parks are set to reopen Nov. 5. Hawaii News Now.

OHA Considers Management Plan for Wahiawa Birthing Stones. Trustees of the Office of Hawaiian Affairs are taking up a master plan for more than 500 hundred acres in Wahiawa. The land was acquired six years ago to safeguard a rich cultural resource. Hawaii Public Radio.

'I've never seen it like this.' North Shore residents shocked by Ehukai Beach erosion. As one North Shore beach starts to look like its old self again, another popular beach nearby is becoming unrecognizable. KHON2.

Crew of crashed Black Hawk became disoriented, Army report says. The pilots of an Army Black Hawk helicopter that crashed into the ocean off Kaena Point on an Aug. 15, 2017, night training flight, killing all five aboard, experienced “spatial disorientation” and hit the water with “tremendous force” nose down and banked to the right, according to an Army investigation. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu’s housing market took just a small step in August but crossed a big threshold to top the $800,000 price mark for the first time. Star-Advertiser.

Median price of single-family home on Oahu hits record high. The median price for a single-family home on Oahu hit a record $810,000 in August, up by nearly $24,000 from a year ago, new Honolulu Board of Realtors figures show. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu single family home prices hit an all-time record high last month, with the median sales price at $810,000. KHON2.

Hawaii Pacific Health plans to open a $3.1 million medical clinic in the Aeo residential tower in Kakaako. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii Island

The Windward Planning Commission wants to see a stricter short-term vacation rental law than currently proposed by the County Council. West Hawaii Today.

Wood-Burning Power Plant Raises Environmental Concerns. A facility that plans to burn 30 truckloads of eucalyptus logs daily requires massive amounts of water for cooling. Civil Beat.

County preps to reopen Isaac Hale. Puna residents looking forward to jumping back into the ocean, and even digging their toes into a brand new black sand beach, have reason to rejoice. Tribune-Herald.

There was a wave of support on Wednesday for Puna councilwoman Jen Ruggles and her decision to refrain from legislating until county lawyers can provide a proper legal opinion. Big Island Video News.

Maui

Maui's tourism plan to discourage illegal vacation rentals. Maui officials have begun implementing a 10-year tourism strategic plan that includes efforts to discourage visitors from staying in illegal vacation rentals. Associated Press.

Planning panel advances special fund for shoreline issues. Revolving fund would gain revenue from application fees and fines. Maui News.

Armstrong Development topped off its newest condominium community, Kalama Kai, located just 200 feet from Kalama Beach Park in Kihei, Maui. The residential workforce housing development at 45 Kanani Road and will feature 39 three-bedroom units and one one-bedroom unit. Maui Now.

Kuleana Lands on Maui Focus on Recovery from Brushfires. Hawaii Public Radio.

Kauai

Warnings about dangerous terrain and drowning risks are now posted at the trailhead to Queen’s Bath, attached to a new fence that spans the hillside in front of the trail. Garden Island.

Sugar Plantation Bash Saturday is to help get Paulo running. Paulo, the oldest operating steam locomotive in Hawaii, has been hauling school kids for longer than she’s been hauling sugar, said Scott Johnson, the Grove Farm Homestead Museum engineer. Garden Island.