Supreme Court grills advocates on education tax amendment, Hirono approval drops, Honolulu building permits lag, regents approve new Mauna Kea rules, $40k fine for killing nene, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii Supreme Court building ©2018 All Hawaii News

Hawaii Supreme Court hears arguments on proposed constitutional amendment. The Hawaii Supreme Court is expected to rule quickly after hearing oral arguments Thursday on whether a question on general election ballots asking voters if they want to give the state the power to tax investment property to support public education should be invalidated. Star-Advertiser.

Supreme Court Hears Challenge To ConAm Ballot Measure But Defers Ruling. Hawaii’s county governments hope the court will act quickly to invalidate the measure that would allow the state to tax property for education. Civil Beat.

Supreme Court hears oral arguments on controversial constitutional amendment question. State Attorney General Russell Suzuki conceded Thursday that a controversial constitutional amendment to raise investment property taxes for education could lead to higher taxes for residential homeowners in the future. Hawaii News Now.

A controversial ballot question rests in the hands of the Hawaii Supreme Court justices. They heard arguments Thursday on whether the state should be allowed to collect property taxes for education. KHON2.

Counties, state argue before Hawaii Supreme Court on constitutional amendment to tax property for schools. Pacific Business News.

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What does a blank vote mean? The yes votes have to be 50 percent or more of all ballots cast. KHON2.

The ConCon’s Real Price Tag? That’s Still A Mystery. An opposition ad puts the cost at $55 million. But that assumes unprecedented full public funding of campaigns for hundreds of delegate candidates. Civil Beat.

Civil Beat Poll: Hirono Approval Rating Still High Despite Kavanaugh Backlash. Moderates and conservatives have a dimmer view of the Hawaii senator after her pointed criticisms of the Supreme Court justice during his confirmation. Civil Beat.

Hawaii High Court Weighs Whether To Release Secret Investigation Of State Auditor. Justices appeared concerned about the state’s argument that attorney-client privilege protects the Legislature from releasing the report. Civil Beat.

Commentary: The Senate Confirms Judges, So Why Is The House Butting In? Were House leaders looking to mess with the governor when they interviewed Keith Hiraoka, his choice for the state Intermediate Court of Appeals? Civil Beat.

Five OHA seats up for grabs this election. Five open seats amid public scrutiny of how OHA trustees spend their allowances and the embarrassing leak of a scathing audit. KITV.

Hawaii’s unemployment rate ticked up in September to a one-year high of 2.2 percent amid further evidence that the state’s economic growth is slowing. Star-Advertiser.

Unite Here Local 5, the union representing 2,700 striking hotel workers on Oahu and Maui, accused Kyo-ya Hotels & Resorts on Thursday of more unfair labor practices at its Marriott-managed hotels. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Council bill would address lengthy building permit times. A bill requiring the city to process less complicated building permits within 60 days won preliminary approval from a City Council committee Thursday after a parade of builders, contractors, engineers and architects aired complaints about how the delays are hurting their businesses. Star-Advertiser.

Workers, homeowners frustrated by building permit backlog push for change. KHON2.

City Pushes for Monster Home Crackdown While Streamlining Building Permits. Hawaii Public Radio.

New law cracks down on contractors violating stop-work orders. The law comes after complaints that contractors are doing work on homes without a permit and when ordered to stop, they just keep on working despite getting fined. KHON2.

Surprise Eviction Notices Have This Old Plantation Community Up In Arms. State Sen. Donovan Dela Cruz and a state agency are aggressively moving ahead with development plans for Central Oahu’s Whitmore Village. Civil Beat.

Honolulu ranks high on yet another list — this time for the worst roads. Drivers spend an average of roughly $850 a year in repairs, a new report says. Hawaii News Now.

University of Hawaii at Manoa to raise parking rates starting next year. The Board of Regents on Thursday approved new rates that will be phased in over six years starting next fall.  Star-Advertiser.

UH Students And Staff Will Pay For $35 Million In Parking Garage Repairs. Parking rate increases will be phased in over the next six years in a plan approved by the Board of Regents. Civil Beat.

Hawaii State Public Library hasn't had any major upgrades in 26 years. KHON2.

Grand jury indicts janitor accused of molesting teen student in Kaneohe. Records indicate the alleged assault happened after a ‘fun fair’ at the campus. Hawaii News Now.

Utah developer buys site for third hotel in Kapolei. Utah-based Garn Development Co. LLC has closed on the purchase of a 2.64-acre lot within the 40-acre Leihano development where it plans to build the city of Kapolei’s third limited-service hotel. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii Island

The University of Hawaii Board of Regents unanimously agreed Thursday to allow the university to revise its proposed rules for Mauna Kea. Hawaii News Now.

UH taking another step toward better managing Mauna Kea. UH Board of Regents approved a request to revise to UH's proposed administrative rules. KITV.

Draft EA for proposed Honomu ag project done. The Department of Hawaiian Home Lands has completed a draft environmental assessment for its proposed Honomu agricultural homestead community and will host a meeting next week about the project. Tribune-Herald.

Kona Village Resort eyes 2021 reopening. The Kona Village Resort could potentially reopen in 2021, a decade after sustaining heavy damage from the 2011 tsunami. West Hawaii Today.

The County of Hawaii is in the process of revamping its website. The county seeks the public’s feedback on the site to make it useful, user-friendly and exciting. Big Island Now.

Maui

Councilors loath to swap site in Wailuku for bus hub. Some members of a Maui County Council committee expressed reluctance to part with the old Wailuku Post Office site as part of a proposed lease exchange for a new Maui Bus hub on state land in Kahului. Maui News.

Proposed changes to special management area permits and the shoreline area designation that account for rising sea levels will be presented to a County Council committee and the Maui Planning Commission. Maui News.

Maui Gas Prices Up Again. In Kahului, the average price was $4.15, which is three cents higher than last Thursday, eight cents higher than on this date last month and 63 cents higher than on this date a year ago. Maui Now.

Maui Chamber to Hold Emergency Preparedness Classes. Maui Now.

Kauai

A part-time Kauai resident must pay more than $40,000 in fines for fatally shooting four nene geese with a pellet gun near his home in Koloa last year. Star-Advertiser.

A part-time Koloa resident was ordered Tuesday to pay more than $40,000 in fines for shooting endangered nene. Garden Island.

Judge orders Kauai man to pay upwards of $40K for shooting at nene birds. The 72-year-old used a pellet gun to kill four nene birds. Hawaii News Now.

Man to pay more than $40,000 in fines for shooting at nene. KHON2.

Part-time Kauai resident fined over $40K for fatally shooting nene geese. Steven Cookson was convicted of five misdemeanor state charges. KITV.

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Kauai Bus users will see schedule changes to improve services starting Monday. Garden Island.

Appellate court nominee has Kauai ties. Garden Island.

Gov. Ige ahead 21 percentage points in poll, Honolulu moves closer to property taxes for rail, Danner arrested at Kauai Native Hawaiian encampment, Maui rescinds $100k grant for council aide, no tax break for lava-impacted businesses, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Ige, Tupola ©2018 All Hawaii News

Civil Beat Poll: Voters Want Ige To Stick Around As Hawaii’s Governor. Republican state Rep. Andria Tupola trails by 21 percentage points among likely Hawaii voters in the latest survey. Civil Beat.

Commission Doubles Fines For First-Time Campaign Spending Violators. New penalties were levied against 25 candidates and committees.Candidates who violate campaign finance laws will face stiffer penalties after a state commission voted to double some fines for first-time offenders Wednesday. Civil Beat.

State aquaculture sales in ’17 held steady at $76.4 million. Hawaii’s aquaculture industry needed fewer workers last year but maintained sales close to a 2014 peak, according to a recent federal report. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

City council takes one step closer to dipping into property taxes for rail. A proposal that allows the city to use property taxes to pay for the rail project moved forward today at city council and is one step closer to becoming reality. KHON2.

Council advances bill to raise $44M for rail from city bonds. A bill allowing $44 million in city money to be used to help pay for the $8 billion-plus rail project won preliminary approval from the Honolulu City Council on Wednesday. Star-Advertiser.

The Strange Intersection Of A Rail Deadline And City Council Politics. The incumbent has stalled council bills considered crucial for the project, while the challenger is a close ally of the mayor who leads the charge for rail. Civil Beat.

Class-action lawsuit alleges city negligence worsened East Honolulu flooding. A group of East Honolulu residents are taking the city to court, saying its negligence contributed to historic flooding in April that did millions of dollars in damages to Oahu homes. Hawaii News Now.

City of Honolulu sued over April floods. The City and County of Honolulu now faces a lawsuit stemming from April floods, that damaged hundreds of East Oahu homes. KITV.

State department head sues city over flood damage. The head of the state Public Housing Authority is suing the city. KHON2.

Commission gets tough on ‘monster homes’. Honolulu Planning Commission members unanimously endorsed a draft bill Wednesday that is tougher than what the city Department of Planning and Permitting proposed. Star-Advertiser.

Contractors complain city’s permitting delays are forcing workforce lay-offs. Permitting department pledges to find ways to improve. Hawaii News Now.

Why Are City Lawmakers Involved In This Lobbyist’s Backyard Tiff? Alicia Maluafiti’s dog kennels are upsetting her Ewa Beach neighbors. Now City Council Chair Ernie Martin has introduced a bill that would legalize them. Civil Beat.

Honolulu City Council candidate Tommy Waters claims smear campaign against him and supporters. Those who support former representative Waters say they are being targeted by people who oppose their candidate. KITV.

Greenpeace’s historic ship in Honolulu after studying Great Pacific Garbage Patch. Officials will also host tours to highlight the threat of plastic pollution. Hawaii News Now.

Wife, daughter of HPD lieutenant perish in Kaimuki fire. Honolulu Police Lt. Nathan Wharton, the husband and father of the victims, was not home at the time of the fire. Star-Advertiser.

Man challenges conviction for killing friend, claims Hawaiian sovereignty. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Council rejects tax relief for Pahoa, Volcano. Puna Councilwoman Eileen O’Hara was unable to muster support Wednesday for a resolution seeking to provide tax relief for commercial properties in Pahoa and Volcano. Tribune-Herald.

DWS hopeful Honokohau deep well to return to service by end of October. North Kona has been without four of its 14 water sources for months, but the Hawaii County Department of Water Supply believes it will revise that ratio in the coming days. West Hawaii Today.

A pedestrian trail that meanders from Kohala Lighthouse to recently acquired county land at Kapanaia Road now belongs to the public, with the County Council on Wednesday unanimously accepting an easement as part of a 2002 settlement agreement with a developer. West Hawaii Today.

Hilo doctor, four of his employees arrested for alleged drug trafficking. Dr. Ernest Bade was apprehended at his clinic at 260 Osorio Lane in Hilo by U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency officers and Hawaii County deputies Tuesday. Tribune-Herald.

The Hawaii County Council Planning Committee on Tuesday advanced a bill to regulate the Big Island’s short-term vacation rentals. Big Island Video News.

Maui

Maui County officials terminated a $100,000 grant awarded to an executive assistant of Council Member Alika Atay for events celebrating Queen Kaahumanu’s 250th birthday and now will take over reviews and payments of $46,000 in outstanding receipts owed to vendors. Maui News.

The Maui County Planning Department will hold two more meetings—Oct. 18 and Oct. 23, 2018—on its proposed revisions to the Maui Planning Commission’s rules on Special Management Area (SMA) permits and the shoreline area. Maui Now.

The Maui County Department of Public Works will hold a community meeting Oct. 30, 2018, to discuss shoreline erosion along Lower Honoapiilani Road at Kaopala Bay in Kahana. Maui Now.

The Ritz-Carlton Kapalua in Maui has sold for almost $1 million a room — one of the state’s highest hotel sales on a per-room basis ever. Star-Advertiser.

Sale of Ritz-Carlton Kapalua on Maui to Blackstone closes. Pacific Business News.

Rock icon Steven Tyler to perform for one night only on Maui. The lead singer of Aerosmith will play on Dec. 27. Hawaii News Now.

Kauai

Prominent Native Hawaiian activist Robin Danner and her son were arrested Wednesday during a confrontation with state Department of Hawaiian Home Land enforcement officers and officers of the Kauai Police Department over a disputed campsite near Anahola Beach Park. Garden Island.

The state Department of Health canceled a brown water advisory Monday, the first of several that had been in effect since Aug. 31, just days after remnants of Hurricane Lane drenched the islands. Garden Island.

Poll shows voters prefer term limits, oppose legal marijuana; state prepares for medically assisted death; Honolulu seeks poll workers, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii's Big Island ©2018 All Hawaii News

On Tuesday, U.S. News &World Report named Hawaii’s southernmost island the 2018-19 Best Winter Vacation spot in the world, beating out 19 other locales on the list of the top 20 global destinations. Travelers and U.S. News &World Report editors alike ranked the Big Island No. 1 winter vacation destination for its “warm weather and excellent surfing conditions.” West Hawaii Today.

Civil Beat Poll: Voters Want Term Limits For State Legislators. They also support an initiative process, all-mail voting and a lottery. But forget about legalizing pot. Civil Beat.

Civil Beat Poll: Voters Like The Idea Of A ConCon, They’re Just Not Going To Vote For It. There is significant support for the idea once it’s explained, but that support has decreased from previous polls. Civil Beat.

State prepares for new medically assisted death law to take effect. The state Department of Health is urging health care organizations to prepare for the new law that permits terminally ill adult residents with six months or less to live to obtain a prescription for medication to end their lives.  Star-Advertiser.

The Hawaii  Department of Health is telling healthcare organizations statewide to prepare for the Jan. 1, 2019, effective date of the Our Care, Our Choice Act, which allows adult residents with a medically confirmed terminal disease and less than six months to live the choice to obtain a prescription for medication to end their life. Maui Now.

Gov. David Ige lent his political weight Monday night to a proposed constitutional amendment that would allow the state to tax investment properties to support public education, while also promising to veto any resulting bill that might raise property taxes for owner- occupied homes or increase rents on affordable housing. Star-Advertiser.

Congressional District One: Republican Cam Cavasso. The Republican Candidate for the Congressional District One seat, representing urban Honolulu, is a veteran politician.  Hawaii Public Radio.

DOH employee questions medical marijuana quality, policies for checking it. Is the weed you need in Hawaii clean and safe? An employee of Hawaii's Department of Health, who wishes to remain anonymous, says no. KITV.

How OHA Trustees Spent Their Allowances. Thousands of dollars went to support athletic competitions, charitable galas and beauty pageants. Civil Beat.

A United Nations scientific panel on Climate Change released a report earlier this month that warned of a worsening crisis by 2040. Here in Hawaii scientists have been raising the red flag about global warming and sea level rise and the need to deal with protecting our natural resources. Hawaii Public Radio.

Nine members of a Southern California drug trafficking ring accused of disguising methamphetamine as decorative Aztec calendars and statues to ship the drug to Hawaii are behind bars, federal authorities said today. Tribune News Service.

The hotel strike on Oahu and Maui could put a damper on two high-profile group events coming to Hawaii this week, including Waikiki’s largest convention of the year. Star-Advertiser.

No negotiations planned as Marriott hotel worker strike continues. Pacific Business News.

Oahu

Record number absentee ballots mailed on Oahu. The Honolulu County Clerk's office mailed 164,000 absentee ballots Tuesday. KHON2.

Office of Elections looking to fill over 300 volunteer positions for General Election. Twenty-days until the General Election, over 300 volunteers needed. KITV.

Major portions of Ala Wai Community Park and next-door Ala Wai Neighborhood Park will be closed for maintenance through Dec. 26. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu has been ranked as one of the 10 greenest cities in the United States, according to a new report. Pacific Business News.

Waikiki’s last lei stand could be revived if an ‘experiment’ goes well. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaiian Humane Society opens community clinic for spay, neuter services. A ‘high-quality, high-volume’ sterilization clinic for pets on Oahu has been opened by the Hawaiian Humane Society. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Brenda Carreira is set to become the latest in a line of administrators to try to repair Hawaii County’s beleaguered Mass Transit Agency since Mayor Harry Kim assumed office in 2016. West Hawaii Today.

A bill regulating vacation rentals took a big step forward Tuesday, clearing a council panel on its way to two final votes. West Hawaii Today.

Puna Councilwoman Eileen O’Hara introduced a resolution Tuesday recognizing animals as “sentient beings” but quickly withdrew it because of lack of support from other council members. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

A striking employee was put in handcuffs and banned from hotel grounds for one year after passing out leaflets to guests informing them of the strike at the Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa, according to the union that represents the workers. Maui News.

UNITE HERE Local 5 has filed an unfair labor practice charge against Sheraton Maui, alleging violations of federal labor law against three Sheraton Maui employees. Maui Now.

Malamalama Maui launched its final campaign, “36,000 Acres. 36,000 Hearts.” to engage 36,000 people—approximately one for every acre of the previous sugarcane lands—in sharing a message, vision and/or solution from their heart for the future of the Central Valley. Maui Now.

Kauai

Kauai County Council Elections Shaping Up As A Free-For-All. The winners must deal with several looming issues, including combating climate change, worries over the relentless growth of tourism and maintaining the island’s rural lifestyle. Civil Beat.

While those caught using tobacco products at two county parks can now face fines, the tobacco-free status is more about changing society’s views than issuing citations. Garden Island.

Four Newell’s shearwater birds were released at the Kamalani Playground at Lydgate Park Tuesday in the annual Releasing of the 'A'o. Garden Island.

More than half oppose education property tax in poll, Ige and Tupola debate, ballots in the mail, hotel strikers cited for trespassing, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii 2018 general election ballot © 2018 All Hawaii News

Civil Beat Poll: Hawaii Voters Oppose ConAm On Property Taxes. While there is sentiment to help schools and teachers, voters appear worried about how the ballot question is constructed. Asked how they would vote on the so-called “ConAm” question, 53 percent said they would oppose it compared to just 35 percent who would vote in favor. Civil Beat.

Parents will join teachers at dozens of public schools across the state on Tuesday morning to rally in support of a proposed constitutional amendment regarding education. The proposed constitutional amendment, set to go before voters on Nov. 6, reads: “Shall the legislature be authorized to establish, as provided by law, a surcharge on investment real property to be used to support public education?” Hawaii News Now.

Governor David Ige and state Representative Andria Tupola square off in first televised debate. KHON2.

Ige, Tupola spar in debate that includes running mates. Andria Tupola criticized Democratic Gov. David Ige for not doing enough to increase affordable housing, cool classrooms, make the state’s roads safer, reduce the waiting list for Hawaiian homelands and reduce homelessness, during a one-hour gubernatorial debate Monday. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii's Debate: Lieutenant governor candidates closing statements. KHON2.

Voting in the 2018 general election has begun now that the county clerks on three islands sent out tens of thousands of absentee mail-in ballots during the past week. Star-Advertiser.

Hirono Rakes In The Campaign Cash Following Kavanaugh Hearing. While the Hawaii senator doesn’t face much of a challenge in November, her campaign is raising and spending money like she does. Civil Beat.

CD-1: Democrat Ed Case on the Campaign Trail. Two veteran politicians are vying for the Congressional District One seat to represent urban Honolulu. Hawaii Public Radio.

Strike leaves some guests grumbling. So far, there’s no end in sight for the strike, which began Oct. 8 when negotiations between Unite Here Local 5 and Kyo-ya Hotels &Resorts, which owns the Marriott-managed Sheraton Waikiki, The Royal Hawaiian, Westin Moana Surfrider, Sheraton Princess Kaiulani and Sheraton Maui, reached an impasse. Star-Advertiser.

No Talks Scheduled Yet in Hotel Strike. Here in Hawaii, 2,700 workers are on the picket lines outside five hotels managed by Marriott and owned by Kyo-Ya. Hawaii Public Radio.

Sears has filed for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy Protection Monday and announced 142 stores across the country are closing, however none of the six stores in Hawaii are on that list. KITV.

While Sears’ bankruptcy filing won’t have an immediate effect on its four Hawaii stores, the potential closing of the four mall anchors would open up nearly 500,000 square feet of vacancy and have a dramatic effect on retail vacancy rates in parts of Oahu, Maui and the Big Island. Pacific Business News.

Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen died Oct. 15 in Seattle from complications of non-Hodgkin lymphoma. He was 65 years old. Pacific Business News.

Oahu

City Mistakenly OK’d Permit For Site With Native Hawaiian Remains. A residential development is on hold while a developer devises a plan for the iwi — 12 years after the state warned the city of their possible presence. Civil Beat.

Lawsuit accuses Head Start operator of inflating enrollment with ‘ghost children’. The whistleblower alleges Head Start pre-K program defrauded the federal government of over $100M. Hawaii News Now.

Construction is set to start on a condominium tower in Kakaako that will begin to fill in the middle of the Ward Village community planned largely on old retail and warehouse property. Star-Advertiser.

A Hawaiian blessing ceremony held today in Kakaako for the groundbreaking of Ward Village's newest high-rise tower, Aalii. KITV.

Giant pothole blamed for sidelining 9 vehicles in Zipper lane. The state Transportation Department said Freeway Service Patrol crews helped nine drivers with tire damage after running over the pothole. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Charter Commission eyes PONC fund: Committee recommends cutting back property taxes going to land preservation. West Hawaii Today.

After widespread testimony against proposed administrative rules for Mauna Kea, changes are being considered by the University of Hawaii. Big Island Video News.

After nearly a decade in the making, new adult day center in Hilo is dedicated. The long-awaited Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Adult Day Center was dedicated Monday, nearly a decade after plans for such a facility were first discussed. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Strikers at Sheraton Maui Issued Trespass Citations. The three employees were passing out leaflets to guests in the hotel’s porte corchere, informing them of the strike which impacts their hotel and four other hotels in Hawaii. Maui Now.

Hotel employee on strike detained for trespassing. Last week, three people on strike over contract negotiations wanted to hand out fliers to guests staying at the Sheraton Maui hotel in Lahaina. They were detained for trespassing. KITV.

Maalaea condo groups working on wastewater alternatives. Health Department citations issued for three condominium complexes. Maui News.

Maui Police: 5 Unclaimed Remains at Forensic Facility. Department officials said they hope to get in touch with family members of the deceased. Maui Now.

Maui woman killed while sunbathing at popular beach park. A woman was killed while sunbathing early Sunday evening at Hookipa Beach Park on Maui's north shore. KHON2.

Hookipa Sunbather Dies After Being Run Over by Truck. Maui Now.

Kauai

Gov. David Ige signed a fourth supplementary proclamation extending the emergency relief period for the Kauai floods that occurred in April 2018. Garden Island.

A Kauai hula dancer has filed a lawsuit against a restaurant and hotel, stating she was retaliated against on the basis of her sex and for reporting sexual harassment and the failure to protect her from sexual harassment. Garden Island

No special session for volcano recovery, monster houses on Oahu, vacation rentals in Hawaii County, ending term limits for Kauai, cesspools on Maui, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Kilauea Fissure 8, Sept. 6, 2018, USGS photo

House: No Special Session For Kilauea Recovery. The State Legislature will take up the issue of funding recovery efforts during the regular legislative session beginning in January 2019. Tribune-Herald.

Prospects for special legislative session for disaster recovery funds for Puna dwindling. Mayor Harry Kim continued to hold out hope Friday for a last-minute special session of the state Legislature to approve disaster recovery funding for Puna, even as lawmakers say that window has closed. Tribune-Herald.

Lawmaker: ‘A more solid plan’ needed before convening special session on disaster funding. Some were hoping a special session would be held to address immediate needs. Hawaii News Now.

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Here’s How The Top Contenders For Governor Shake Out On Key Issues. Gov. David Ige and state Rep. Andria Tupola both oppose using LNG to produce electricity. But their differences shine through on other topics. Civil Beat.

4 former governors weigh in on controversial constitutional amendment. In the commercial spot paid for by the Affordable Hawaii Coalition, former governors George Ariyoshi, John Waihe’e, Ben Cayetano and Neil Abercrombie appear in a conference call-like setting, all stating their opposition to the proposal. Hawaii News Now.

With the election less than a month away, Hawaii voters will be deciding on a constitutional amendment that would add a surcharge on investment property to help fund public education. Garden Island.

Voters to decide on Hawaii Constitutional Convention. The last ConCon was in 1978, and there wer 102 delegates. Each delegate was chosen by voters. KHON2.

Strike-related dampening of visitor numbers could cross into 2019. Some 2,700 Marriott hotel workers in Hawaii spent a sixth day on strike Saturday, seeking higher wages and better benefits while exacerbating challenges to the state’s visitor industry, which already has had to deal with floods, a volcanic eruption and hurricanes. Star-Advertiser.

Cooperation to Fight Competition in the Air. Seven months into a comprehensive partnership, Hawaiian Airlines and Japan Airlines have already deepened their connection in key ways. Hawaii Public Radio.

How technology is transforming Hawaii agriculture. Hawaii’s farmers, large and small, will have to embrace technology if they want to compete with one another, as well as the global market. That was the general consensus of a recent panel on precision agriculture, hosted by the Hawaii Business Roundtable and the University of Hawaii on Thursday. Pacific Business News.

Oahu

‘Monster houses’ bill is criticized as not addressing the cause of the problem. The draft of a bill designed to crack down on Oahu’s illegal large-scale houses, or so-called monster homes, is already drawing fire — and it hasn’t even gotten its first public hearing. Star-Advertiser.

We May Finally Get To See Honolulu Police Salary Information. A judge’s rejection of a police union challenge clears the way for the release of names and pay levels for hundreds of officers. Civil Beat.

Experts: Lack Of Mental Health Treatment Among The Culprits In Police Shootings. Six armed suspects have been shot and killed by Honolulu police in recent weeks. Four appear to have suffered from mental health problems. Civil Beat.

Rivals compete for Ewa Beach Senate seat. Matt LoPresti and Kurt Fevella are old Ewa Beach political adversaries whose rivalry is so intense that they have, at different times, called the police on one another. Star-Advertiser.

Race for Mililani House seat pits veteran against rookie. In state House District 36 that covers Mililani Mauka and part of Mililani, a Republican is squaring off against a Democrat to replace a Democrat who won the seat as a Republican. Star-Advertiser.

The commander of American Veterans Hawaii said he will somehow remove 28 enormous concrete pilings — many nearly 60 feet long — that he had trucked in without permission to the former Marine Corps Air Station Ewa, a Dec. 7, 1941, battlefield that’s on the National Register of Historic Places. Star-Advertiser.

Nonprofit aids startups finding green solutions in energy, transportation. Start-up companies offering battery-operated airplanes, a video-based monitoring system to verify how fish are caught and new ways to install, track and store solar technology are among Elemental Excelerator’s newest cohort for 2019. Star-Advertiser.

Noise from Local 5 strike impacting businesses, guests. For a week now, the peace in Waikiki has been disrupted. The chants, drums, and bells can get loud, affecting neighboring businesses. KHON2.

Second tower adds 245 units to Ritz-Carlton hotel property. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Revised vacation rental bill comes back to Council. The fifth version of a bill regulating short-term vacation rentals will be considered by the County Council Planning Committee on Tuesday, taking into account recommendations from the Leeward and Windward planning commissions and the Planning Department. West Hawaii Today.

A number of recommendations are being made to alter the charter sections dealing with Hawaii County's Public Access, Open Space, and Natural Resources Preservation Fund. Big Island Video News.

Water Supply Dismantling Proposal Opposed. Speakers testified during a Charter Commission meeting against creating a new Department of Water Sustainability. Big Island Video News.

Only one firm shows interest in former Uncle Billy’s site; Study needed before state can proceed with redevelopment. Tribune-Herald.

Kamehameha Schools is seeking a new operator to harvest a portion of 10,000 acres of forest on the Hamakua Coast and will issue a request for proposal today. Tribune-Herald.

Jury finds former Hawaii Island officer guilty of third-degree negligent homicide. Jody Buddemeyer was on trial accused of hitting and killing cyclist Jeffrey Surnow while driving a police car on Waikoloa Road in Kohala more than three years ago. Hawaii News Now.

HPA didn’t stop adult-student affair, report says. A female supervisor at the Hawaii Preparatory Academy boy’s dormitory on the Big Island was having sex with a male student and officials didn’t do anything to stop her even though they knew or should have known it was happening, according to an independent investigation commissioned by the school. Star-Advertiser.

Maui

Maalaea condo groups working on wastewater alternatives. Health Department citations issued for three condominium complexes. Maui News.

Solar project proposed for Ulupalakua Ranch land. Innergex plans Oct. 30 meeting for public comment. Maui News.

UH study: Maui more susceptible to erosion from rising sea levels. Erosion, wave run-up models show greater risk. Maui News.

The Maui County Department of Planning will close all of its offices on Friday, Oct. 19, 2018, to conduct staff training. Maui Now.

Kauai

Council Members Want To End Term Limits — On Themselves. The chief proponent of the ballot measure is Councilman Ross Kagawa. If it fails, he could be term-limited out in 2020. Civil Beat.

Two County Councilmen vying for the mayor’s seat for Kauai County are promising to tackle scarce affordable housing and traffic congestion, which are among the main concerns of isle residents. Star-Advertiser.

As communities across the mainland report disarray in recycling programs after China stopped accepting items in January, people on Kauai said they haven’t seen much of a change. Garden Island.

Lab rejects 20% of medical marijuana, Caldwell signs homeless sidewalk encampment ban, feds seize Kealoha home, Kauai beach smoking ban, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Medical marijuana sign in Hilo © 2018 All Hawaii News

Lab: More than 20 percent of Hawaii medical marijuana products rejected for sale. The state requires rigorous testing of medical marijuana. Hawaii News Now.

A diverse and powerful coalition made up of unions, businesses and environmentalists are working together to urge residents to vote ‘no’ in the general election on whether to hold a state constitutional convention.  Star-Advertiser.

Can A Moderate Like Ed Case Still Thrive In Washington? The Hawaii Democrat is likely headed back to Congress. But his centrist views are definitely out of style in a U.S. Capitol split by partisanship. Civil Beat.

The Office of Hawaiian Affairs Board of Trustees suspended personal allowances for members last year. But the Board is contemplating taking action to resolve this matter. Hawaii Public Radio.

In what could prove a lasting black eye, visitors staying at five hotels where workers are on strike are taking to social media to complain about what they thought would be their dream Hawaii vacations. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii's unemployment rates are low, but businesses are suffering. KHON2.

The Greenpeace’s Arctic Sunrise arrived in Honolulu on Thursday morning as part of a global campaign to raise awareness about plastic pollution. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Federal authorities have seized the Hawaii Kai home of Honolulu’s former police chief and his wife, a former deputy city prosecutor. Hawaii News Now.

Today was the deadline for retired Honolulu Police Chief Louis Kealoha and his former deputy prosecutor wife Katherine Kealoha to move out of their Hawaii Kai home to allow the government to sell it. Star-Advertiser.

Kealohas ordered to move out of Hawaii Kai home. KHON2.

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The city’s updated, 95-page action plan for tackling homelessness unveiled by Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell on Thursday calls for launching public safety initiatives and providing more health care services for the unsheltered. Star-Advertiser.

The mayor signed two bills into law Thursday that ban the homeless from sleeping or living on public sidewalks, but neither take effect right away. Hawaii News Now.

Two bills aimed at cracking down on homeless encampments are now law. KHON2.

Honolulu has two new laws to stop the homeless from blocking sidewalks. Enforcement is the issue. KITV.

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Most Of Oahu’s Shelters Are A Long Way From Hurricane Ready. The state is assessing the conditions of shelters and retrofitting some, but the work is expensive and slow. Civil Beat.

Par Hawaii broke ground Thursday on a $27 million distillate hydrotreater that will produce clean, ultra-low sulfur diesel and enable the Kapolei- based refinery to produce more jet fuel — two products that are in high demand in the state. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii's sole remaining refinery, Par Hawaii, on Thursday broke ground on a new production module that will enable the company to increase its output of clean-burning jet fuel and ultra-low sulfur diesel. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii Island

Big Island Dairy officials say steps are being taken to reduce the possibility of future wastewater discharges at the Ookala facility. Tribune-Herald.

A plan to make 766 acres of land in Honomu available for a Subsistence Agricultural Homestead Community by the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands is examined in a draft environmental assessment, or EA. Big Island Video News.

Former officer testifies in his defense. A former Hawaii Police officer accused of fatally striking a cyclist testified in 3rd Circuit Court he didn’t remember the moment the collision occurred the morning of March 1, 2015. West Hawaii Today.

Only a quarter of lava evacuees have found permanent housing. As many as 10 percent of affected households are believed to have left the state. Hawaii News Now.

Why A New Beach Created By Lava May Doom A Popular Boat Ramp. Pohoiki was home to a ramp heavily used by fishermen. Now officials must decide whether to restore it or preserve a black sand beach. Civil Beat.

Five months after the 6.9 earthquake occurred during the eruption of Kilauea, smaller-magnitude earthquakes in the same area are still occurring. Big Island Video News.

Maui

The Arakawa administration on Wednesday transmitted a request for funding and approval to Maui County Council members in order to purchase 8,764 acres of land and easements owned by Wailuku Water Company in the West Maui watershed. Maui Now.

Watershed lands purchase submitted to council. Arakawa pushing $9.5 million buy from Wailuku Water. Maui News.

About two dozen Maui residents asked the state Commission on Water Resource Management during a public fact-gathering meeting Tuesday night to release more water to Kahoma Stream, which could be “one of the most thriving freshwater ecosystems” on the island. Maui News.

Workshops on Effective Lobbying Comes to Maui Oct. 15-18. Several “How-To” workshops will be held on Maui to educate the public on effective lobbying at the legislature. Maui Now.

Maui Journalist Documents The Early Days of Activism.  Journalist Gary Kubota has covered news in the islands for  40 decades. Hawaii Public Radio.

The Trump administration’s $250 billion tariffs on goods exported by China is being felt on Maui, where Ceramic Tile Plus & EY Design, a supplier of tiles, countertops and cabinets, is expecting to see a 45 percent increase next month in the price of quartz countertops. Pacific Business News.

The sale in September of an oceanfront unit at the Montage Residences Kapalua Bay on Maui last month for nearly $9 million was the highest-priced condominium sale recorded on Maui in September, and the highest price for a condo in Kapalua Resort so far this year. Pacific Business News.

Kauai

Former female employees of the Kauai Marriott Resort &Beach Club in Lihue have filed a lawsuit in Fifth Circuit Court against the hotel conglomerate, alleging a fellow employee recorded them using the bathroom and changing clothes in the female locker room. Garden Island.

Poipu Beach Park is now a designated, tobacco-free facility. The Coalition for a Tobacco-Free Hawaii and community partners worked with Mayor Bernard Carvalho Jr. and county Parks and Recreation Director Lenny Rapozo to prohibit tobacco use, including electronic smoking devices, in the park. Garden Island.

On Thursday, Oct. 11, Mayor Bernard P. Carvalho Jr. and community partners announced that Poipu Beach Park is now a designated, tobacco-free facility. KHON2.

Poipu Beach Park saying bye bye to butts, now tobacco-free. The park is completely tobacco-free, including e-cigarettes. KITV.

The Hammers N’ Ales fundraiser for the Kauai Habitat for Humanity is 2 to 6 p.m. Saturday at the Poipu Beach Athletic Club. Garden Island.

$200M for Ala Wai improvements, Abercrombie yes, Hanabusa no on constitutional convention, new landfill for Kauai, renewable energy takes a hit, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Ala Wai ©2018 All Hawaii News

Senate OKs over $200M for canal improvements. The U.S. Senate voted 99- 1 to pass legislation Wednesday that includes more than $212 million in federal funding to improve the Ala Wai Canal. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii could receive $200 million to improve Ala Wai Canal. The Ala Wai canal might get a major facelift -- $212 million worth. KITV.

Abercrombie, Hanabusa disagree on constitutional convention. Hawaii voters will decide in November’s general election whether to hold a convention to overhaul Hawaii’s current state constitution. Hawaii News Now.

Andria Tupola: ‘I’m Going To Take Over This Government’. The energetic Republican candidate for Hawaii governor won’t be abandoning the party or coming home crying anytime soon. Civil Beat.

1st Congressional Dist. nominees grilled, one relates to Kavanaugh claims. KITV.

Gun control advocates to lead key committees. State Sen. Karl Rhoads is expected to take over as chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee and state Rep. Chris Lee is expected to become head of the House Judiciary Committee in a leadership shuffle at the Legislature that could shape the debate on gun control in Hawaii in the years ahead. Star-Advertiser.

Pal Of Ige Or Not, Keith Hiraoka Is A Good Choice For Appeals Court. Some feel the governor was playing politics when he nominated his former campaign manager to a judgeship for the second time. Civil Beat.

No talks scheduled in hotel strike. Marriott hotel workers in Hawaii continued pounding drums and hollering chants as they entered day three of 24/7 picketing without an offer of new bargaining dates from Kyo-ya Hotels &Resorts. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Honolulu Police Department’s Professional Standards detectives arrested an HPD lieutenant today for alleged tax violations.  Star-Advertiser.

A Honolulu police lieutenant was arrested charged with multiple tax violations. Eric Yiu was charged on Oct. 8, 2018 with violating six counts of filing false and fraudulent tax returns for tax years 2011-2016. KHON2.

Honolulu City Council Chairman Ernie Martin announced this week that an investigative team has been formed to look into an allegation that Councilman Trevor Ozawa verbally harassed another Councilman’s aide for supporting his political rival. Star-Advertiser.

City may have to repay $8M, HUD warns. A local U.S. housing official warned Mayor Kirk Caldwell Wednesday that the city could be forced to repay nearly $8 million for failing to find commercial tenants for the Chinatown Gateway Plaza building on Nuuanu and Hotel streets. Star-Advertiser.

Do the right thing’: Discovery of more remains at construction site spurs emotional testimony. Bone fragments have been temporarily reburied in plastic boxes. An archaeologist hired by Kawaiahao Church says 36 additional human remains have been found at the construction site for its multi-purpose center. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Public High Schools Redesigned for Innovation Future. The 4th annual Future Focus Conference on technologies and innovation is underway in Honolulu. Hawaii Public Radio.

New and improved ZipMobile set to launch on Zipper Lane duties next month. Gov. David Ige got behind the wheel of a brand new bright- yellow $1.95 million ZipMobile on Wednesday and immediately said he wanted to drive it. Star-Advertiser.

Community Cure: Waimanalo's Hawaiian Medicine Garden. Community medicine gardens may be just what the doctor ordered. Hawaii Public Radio.

How the Marriott strike has affected businesses in Waikiki properties. Disgruntled hotel guests and room cancellations may take a toll on the five Marriott properties that have workers on strike, as well as on the businesses that lease out spaces in these hotels. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii Island

A powerful trio: Energy officials update plans at chamber function. Hawaii Island’s renewable energy portfolio took a hit from a series of natural disasters this year, losing both geothermal and hydroelectric power sources. West Hawaii Today.

Helicopter noise panel to meet. A new committee that aims to address noise created by tour helicopters will meet for the first time today. Tribune-Herald.

Neil Gyotoku, Hawaii County’s administrator of the Office of Housing and Community Development, has rescinded his resignation in a letter to Mayor Harry Kim.  Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii County is seeking applicants to fill vacancies on various boards and commissions. Members of most of these panels serve for staggered terms of five years on a voluntary basis. Tribune-Herald.

Puna health clinic teams up with Ka'u Hospital. Puna Community Medical Center in Pahoa became a division of Ka'u Hospital earlier this month in an effort to improve medical services in the area. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

FEMA Public Assistance Applicants Invited to Maui Briefing. The Maui briefing will take place on Monday, Oct. 15, from 9 to 11 a.m. at the Maui County Emergency Operations Center in the basement level of the County Building. Maui Now.

2 more large-scale solar projects for Maui in contract talks. Maui News.

Median sales prices for single-family homes and condominiums jumped in double-digit increases in September — up 16 percent to $754,248 for homes and up 18.2 percent to $501,000 for condos — both compared with the same month last year, according to statistics released last week by the Realtors Association of Maui. Maui News.

Maui condo market is hot in 2018, as YTD sales, prices rise by double digits. Maui is having a banner year for condominium sales so far in 2018, with year-to-date sales rising by more than 20 percent and the median price increasing by more than 10 percent through the first three quarters, compared to the same time period last year. Pacific Business News.

Kauai

Mayor accepts Final EIS for new landfill. Mayor Bernard Carvalho Jr. on Wednesday accepted the County of Kauai Department of Public Works Final Environmental Impact Statement for the new municipal solid waste landfill to be located on Maalo Road in Lihue. Garden Island.

A Rising Tide Of Abandoned Cars On The Garden Isle. Rusting hulks have become a common sight at otherwise scenic beach parks. The county is on pace to remove 1,300 vehicles this year. Star-Advertiser.

Muslim woman finally gets driver's license wearing hijab, big solar farms coming to state, cooling the Capitol with seawater, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Laycie Tobosa wearing hijab, ACLU courtesy photo

ACLU warns Hawaii officials after Muslim woman told to remove hijab for driver’s license photo. Laycie Tobosa spent months convincing drivers’ license officials in Hilo that she was not required to remove her traditional Muslim head scarf — or hijab — to pose for a photo for her new driver’s license, which she eventually received. Star-Advertiser.

ACLU: Woman denied full driver’s license after refusing to expose ears for photo. Big Island officials said it’s already changed its policy on the issue. Hawaii News Now.

Muslim Woman Claims License Renewal Discrimination. ACLU asks Hawaii County officials to respond with a plan for correcting “constitutional violations” after dispute over headscarf. Associated Press.

The ACLU of Hawaii sent letters to all four counties after a Muslim woman in Hilo struggled to get her driver's license, because she was wearing a hijab, or head scarf, to take her photo. KHON2.

ACLU objects to county’s treatment of Muslim woman. The American Civil Liberties Union of Hawaii wants Hawaii County to show it no longer follows policies regarding driver’s license pictures it says violates the First Amendment. Tribune-Herald.

A Muslim woman who says she endured an “18-week bureaucratic mess” to acquire a full driver’s license at the Hawaii County Department of Motor Vehicles has gotten the backing of the ACLU of Hawaii, prompting a response from County officials. Big Island Video News.

Hawaii County granted driver’s license to Muslim woman. No financial damages or compensation are sought. KITV4.

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Hawaiian Electric plans record boost in renewable energy. The Hawaiian Electric Companies are in contract negotiations with developers for seven solar-plus-­storage projects that would result in the largest infusion of renewable energy in state history and would accelerate the clean energy transition for Oahu, Maui and Hawaii island. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaiian Electric selects 7 solar-plus-storage projects for a combined 260 MW of renewable energy. Honolulu-based utility Hawaiian Electric said on Tuesday it has selected seven solar-plus-storage projects for the largest infusion of renewable energy in state history. Pacific Business News.

Can social media significantly influence the upcoming General Election? Some digital media experts say what you see online most likely won't translate at the polls. KITV.

UH Faculty Weigh in on Property Tax Amendment. A heated debate is taking place around the state over whether or not we should amend the state constitution. One proposal would give the state legislature the power to tax investment property to fund public education. Hawaii Public Radio.

Unions representing sheet metal workers, flight attendants and public service employees took steps Tuesday to support the 2,700 Marriott hotel workers in Hawaii who were on their second day of a strike for higher wages and better benefits. Star-Advertiser.

Local 5 strike could impact many more hotels. Day two of picketing at major hotels in Waikiki and Maui, but striking Local 5 workers aren't the only ones without contracts. KITV.

Dangers of drugged driving focus of MADD conference. Mothers Against Drunk Driving Hawaii is turning its attention to the problem of drugged driving among youth from 16 to their 20s. Star-Advertiser.

What Hawaii Can Learn From Puerto Rico’s Devastation. The U.S. territory still hasn’t recovered from Maria. Hawaii officials hope better coordination and a more resilient electric grid will help avoid a similar fate. Civil Beat.

Native Hawaiian Convention to wrap up in Waikiki Wednesday. The Native Hawaiian Convention in Waikiki held a forum for candidates for the Office of Hawaiian Affairs' board of trustees Tuesday. Hawaii News Now.


Oahu

Has Kakaako Gotten Too Fancy Even For IBM? The company will soon depart its landmark namesake building to make way for developer offices and model condos. Civil Beat.

Solar permits issued on Oahu fell 31%. Solar permits issued on Oahu plunged 31 percent in September to leave the nine-month total even with the year-earlier period. Star-Advertiser.

$53 Million needed for repairs at Hawaii Convention Center. Hawaii Convention Center is facing up to $53 million in repairs, and state legislators may help out. KITV4.

Hawaii finalizes deal to use chilled seawater to cool state office buildings in Honolulu. The state of Hawaii has finalized an agreement with Honolulu Seawater Air Conditioning to cool seven state office buildings and the state Capital through the use of chilled ocean water starting in 2021. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii Island

Salary Commission considers, but holds off voting, on latest round of increases. Much smaller raises are being considered for top county officials next year, following last year’s eye-popping double-digit hikes. West Hawaii Today.

No charges in stolen police drug case; deputy chief calls investigation ‘thorough’. West Hawaii Today.

Utility-scale solar farms could be coming to Hawaii Island. Hawaiian Electric announced Tuesday that it selected companies to build two solar projects on the island that would have a combined capacity of 60 megawatts. Tribune-Herald.

His farm is buried under lava, but he can’t find relief from payments on his state agricultural loan. ‘The promises from the politicians don’t seem to be materializing.’ Hawaii News Now.

Pahoa merchants struggle to make ends meet following lava disaster. Nearly two months after the apparent pause in volcanic activity in lower Puna, Pahoa businesses are struggling to stay afloat. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

The Office of Hawaiian Affairs will host orientation sessions on Maui, Molokai and Lanai over the next two weeks for its new $500,000 pilot grants program, which will offer smaller, one-year funding awards for projects that benefit the Native Hawaiian community. Maui Now.

Second Circuit Chief Judge Joseph Cardoza was recognized as the 2018 Jurist of the Year at a recent state Judiciary awards ceremony. Maui News.

The Kaanapali Beach Hotel on Maui was named the No. 1 Top Hotel in Hawaii by readers of Condé Nast Traveler in the publication’s 31st annual Readers’ Choice Awards. Maui Now.

Kauai

The Department of Public Works and Kiewit Infrastructure West Co. will hold an open house and presentation on the Lihue Town Core Revitalization project on Thursday, Oct. 18, from 6 to 8 p.m., at the Wilcox Elementary School Cafeteria. Garden Island.

There was a luau Monday night and the delegation from Candon City spent time with Mayor Bernard Carvalho Jr., Tuesday following the signing of the Friendship City Relationship agreement. Garden Island.