RIMPAC war games start this week, Sierra Club endorses Ige, vaping cannabis coming, $44M bonds for Honolulu rail, volcano just won't stop, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson departs San Diego in preparation for the ship’s participation in the Rim of the Pacific Exercise 2018. PC: Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Z.A. Landers

Rim of the Pacific, or RIMPAC, the world's largest maritime exercise coming to Hawaii, along with participants from 26 nations. The world's largest international maritime exercise kicks off this week, and large vessels will be sailing to Oahu as soon as Monday. Hawaii News Now.

The Sierra Club of Hawaii on Sunday endorsed Gov. David Ige for a second term during a sign- waving event at the state Capitol. Star-Advertiser.

The Sierra Club of Hawaii announced Sunday their endorsement of Governor David Ige for a second term. KHON2.

The Sierra Club of Hawaii announced it's endorsing Governor David Ige for re-election. KITV.
Marijuana dispensaries are preparing to sell cannabis oil cartridges starting next week so that patients can legally take the drug through vaping. Star-Advertiser.

Commentary: Campaign violations dim Kaniela Ing’s once-bright future. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Caldwell Wants To Sell $44 Million In City Bonds For Rail. The Honolulu mayor said there’s a tight time line to gain council approval and start funneling city money to the project’s construction. Civil Beat.

A $1 billion radar to track what are expected to be increasingly complex ballistic and hypersonic missile threats to Hawaii may be positioned high on Kaena Point, prompting questions about its visual impact and access to hiking trails. Star-Advertiser.

Retired General’s New Mission: Prepare Central Oahu For Disaster. Braden Sakai thinks it’s time for Mililani to catch up with other communities that have emergency plans. Civil Beat.

Department of Parks requests to hire temporary grounds keepers to help maintain city parks. KHON2.

A proposal for two more 400-foot-tall buildings next to the Pacific Guardian Tower at Kapiolani Boulevard and Keeaumoku Street is the latest project in the area to seek approval from the Honolulu City Council to build higher than currently allowed. Star-Advertiser.

Civil War guns spark Hawaii classroom conflict. Mililani Middle School teacher Garret Ogata likes to make history feel real, so when he covers the American Civil War, he shares relics dating from that conflict: letters penned by soldiers on the battlefield, photographs, even antique firearms. Star-Advertiser.

‘Slap On The Wrist’ For The Diamond Head Hawker. Park officials said the small fine is still a good step because it means prosecutors are taking illegal park activities seriously. Civil Beat.

Providing homeless people with rides to shelters played a key role in a new effort that got 56 people from Waikiki to Chinatown off of the streets between April 4 and June 13. Star-Advertiser.

Special court helps direct homeless to services rather than jail or fines. Honolulu’s 18-month-old Community Outreach Court — aimed at low-level, nonviolent offenses committed by homeless people — doesn’t have the feel of a typical criminal proceeding. Star-Advertiser.

Why This Highway Plan Is The ‘Holy Grail’ Of Bicycle Safety Projects. Some residents question whether the benefit of wider shoulders between Mililani and Waipio outweighs the loss of a traffic lane. Civil Beat.

Law Enforcement’s Struggle To Help Honolulu’s Mentally Ill. Even with assistance from police psychologists, some emotionally disturbed residents keep officers returning again and again. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Island

There were two collapse explosions at Kilauea’s summit this weekend that released high energy but very little ash, according to the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory. Star-Advertiser.

No end in sight: Explosions, eruptions continue rattling the Big Island. Hawaii News Now.

Lava has blocked road access to favorite shoreline sites. Star-Advertiser.

State parks chief: ‘Pele is in control now’. Lava Tree State Monument and MacKenzie State Recreation Area “are closed and will likely remain so for a very long time,” the state parks chief said Sunday. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaii Eruption – The Tourism Tumult. When 2018 began, Hawaii Island's visitor industry was projecting big numbers. But then in May, everything changed. Big Island Video News.

With lava flows imploding the county budget, there’s a lot to worry about back home. But that hasn’t kept six of the nine County Council members from taking a few days off for the annual Hawaii State Association of Counties conference, held Thursday through Saturday in Waikiki. West Hawaii Today.

Commentary: State leaders should be devising plans now to help volcano-affected businesses recover. Star-Advertiser.

Construction of a permanent federal inspection station at Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport at Keahole is expected to get underway next spring — and for substantially less than anticipated. West Hawaii Today.

Officials to discuss elevated risk cesspools pose, gather community feedback. West Hawaii Today.

An agreement between government agencies and a Hawaii private school system aims to protect and aid the recovery of 32 endangered plant and animal species on the Big Island. Hawaii News Now.

Maui

Maui Panel Discusses Quality of Life Issues Ahead of 2018 Election. Maui Now.

A new senior center and living and rehabilitation facilities could be in the works at the Kahului Community Center Park. Maui News.

Kahului Airport work in progress. Maui News.

Hearings on Young Brothers rate hikes set. The Public Utilities Commission will be holding public meetings next month on Maui, Molokai and Lanai to gather public testimony as it considers its final decision. Maui News.

Six Maui County companies received a share of $930,680 in grants awarded through the Hawaii Technology Development Corp. Manufacturing Assistance Program. Maui News.

Kauai

CCK to host election forums. The Community Coalition Kauai, in co-sponsorship with the Hawaii Alliance for Progressive Action, announces its series of candidate forums that will start Thursday. Garden Island.

Kekaha resident and retired Army Ranger Harold Vidinha is running for Kauai County Council because he said people discuss problems among themselves, but nothing ever happens to bring forth change. Garden Island.

Kauai is expected to approach 70 percent renewable generation by the end of 2019 after receiving approval this week from the state Public Utilities Commission for development of a 19.3-megawatt solar facility along with a 70 megawatt-hour battery energy storage system. Star-Advertiser.

An estimated $6.5 million in Capital Improvement Project funding was authorized by the Hawaii Legislature for fiscal year 2019, including three critical projects on Kauai that will protect approximately 4,000 acres of priority watersheds through fencing. Maui Now.

The Hawaii Technology Development Corporation recently awarded $930,680 in Manufacturing Assistance Program grant funds to 29 Hawaii- based manufacturing companies. Garden Island.

Hawaii Supreme Court hears Thirty Meter Telescope case, Kilauea volcano simmers, teachers quitting at 'alarming' rate, Caldwell to decide budget and rail costs today, Hawaii County to reconsider GET, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Telescopes atop Mauna Kea ©2018 All Hawaii News

Once again the fate of the stalled Thirty Meter Telescope rests with the state Supreme Court following oral arguments on Thursday. Star-Advertiser.

Supreme Court Hears New Arguments Over Thirty Meter Telescope. Opponents say a state appeals judge had a conflict of interest when she granted a permit for the project. Associated Press.

After a three-year legal battle, the fate of the Thirty Meter Telescope will now be decided by the Hawaii Supreme Court. Hawaii News Now.

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Online tax law could open state to challenge. A U.S. Supreme Court ruling Thursday that online retailers can be required to collect sales taxes in states where they don’t have a physical presence appears to be a boon for Hawaii’s tax coffers under a bill Gov. David Ige signed into law last week stipulating that online businesses with significant sales are subject to Hawaii’s general excise tax. Star-Advertiser.

The U.S. Supreme Court has ruled that states can levy sales taxes on purchases made through out-of-state online retailers, dealing a blow to Wayfair Inc. and other companies that have fought taxation. Pacific Business News.

Many on-line purchases will now be taxed after recent Supreme Court ruling. KHON2.

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Hawaii Farm to School program receives $100,000 of federal funding. KITV.

All 8 Lieutenant Governor Candidates Together for the First Time. The 5 Democrats and 3 Republicans running for Lieutenant Governor appeared together for the first time. Hawaii Public Radio.

Campaign Cash: A Tale Of Two Bert Kobayashis. Two longtime Honolulu political donors with the same name are going different directions in the Hawaii governor’s race. Civil Beat.

How Low Is Hawaii Voter Turnout? In the 2016 general election, turnout estimates ranged from 43 percent to 58 percent — depending on what formula is used. Civil Beat.

The number of teachers quitting their jobs in Hawaii’s public schools and leaving the state has shot up by 84 percent since 2010, and fewer local graduates are entering the profession, worsening the teacher shortage. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii's high cost of living is spurring Hawaii teachers to quit their jobs at an alarming rate. Hawaii News Now.

Ongoing teacher shortage sparks debate. KHON2.

More students will get assistance with education costs after legislation expanding the Hawaii Promise scholarship program was signed by Gov. David Ige earlier this month. Tribune-Herald.

An 800-pound chunk from the USS Arizona battleship that sank during the Japanese bombing of Pearl Harbor is heading to Texas for display at a war memorial. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

The recently completed $375 million Kaneohe-Kailua Wastewater Conveyance and Treatment Facilities project, which features the state’s first gravity-fed underground sewage tunnel, is expected to lower energy costs, reduce the risk for overflows during storms, offer odor relief for Aikahi area residents and possibly provide more sewage capacity for the area. Star-Advertiser.

A three-year, $375 million project to build a gravity sewer tunnel and make other infrastructure upgrades in Windward Oahu was officially wrapped up Thursday. Hawaii News Now.

Mayor Caldwell to render decision on city and HART budget bills. KHON2.

Mayor Kirk Caldwell said a bill he submitted Thursday to the Honolulu City Council will “level the playing field” for ride-hailing companies and traditional taxicab companies. Star-Advertiser.

Child sex crimes, prostitution alleged at Hawaii home for naked parties. Hawaii News Now.

Marks Garage, the reliable Pauahi Street parking oasis and epicenter of the downtown arts scene, has been sold to a mainland real estate investment trust for more than $20 million. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

It ain’t over till it’s over. Baseball great Yogi Berra’s famous quote could well apply to the general excise tax hike in Hawaii County, which is coming back in a special June 29 County Council meeting, just one day shy of the state-imposed deadline to pass it. West Hawaii Today.

As the reality of the county’s budget crisis sank in Thursday, Mayor Harry Kim held an emergency Cabinet meeting seeking $5 million in cuts, and the Salary Commission voted to postpone discussion of a new round of top officials’ raises until August. West Hawaii Today.

Mauna Loa alert level lowered. Tribune-Herald.

Mauna Loa Alert Level Downgraded. Hawaii Island's massive volcano goes from an "advisory" to "normal" volcano alert level, and the aviation notice from "yellow" to "green". Big Island Video News.

After keeping many people on edge, the U.S. Geological Survey has dropped the alert level at Mauna Loa from “Advisory” to “Normal”. Big Island Video News.

An increasing number of Hawaii residents and tourists have been so determined to see flowing lava from the ground on Hawaii island that they have been risking fines and potentially jail by sneaking into restricted zones. Star-Advertiser.

The Hawaii Department of Transportation has brought a Puna traffic resource back online, and is planning to create a new, alternative path around Highway 130. Big Island Video News.

Volunteers warm lava evacuees' hearts — by filling their stomachs. Hawaii News Now.

'We probably will not ever return.' Park official reflects on Kilauea's past, present, and future. KHON2.

Guardsman reflects on time spent in eruption zone. Tribune-Herald.

Free medical care available this weekend for Big Isle residents. Star-Advertiser.

Maui

One more meeting left to consider charter changes. Council panel loses quorum; July 2 last meeting to review proposed amendments. Maui News.

Wailea, Maui is a Top Emerging Summer Travel Destination. Maui Now.

Starting Sunday, July 1, the Maui Bus will begin a new Waihee Villager route #8 and will change service on Kula Villager route #39. Maui Now.

Kauai

While China put the kibosh on accepting plastic waste from other countries, Kauai Recycles drop bins have nearly doubled in the past fiscal year. Garden Island.

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park forever changed, Ing fined $15k for campaign violations, Ige signs bike, boats, vehicle bills into law, landmark decisions restores Maui streams, patient with Legionnaires' disease dies, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

During the helicopter overflight on June 18, crews captured this image of the growing Halemaumau crater viewed to the southeast. With Hawaii Volcano Observatory and Jagger Museum sitting on the caldera rim (right side, middle where the road bends to the left) it is easier to comprehend the scale of subsidence at the summit. The estimated total volume loss is about 260 million cubic meters as of June 15 PC:USGS

National Park Service staff moved its collection of artifacts and exhibit features from Jaggar Museum at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park on Tuesday due to all of the dramatic changes taking place at the summit of Kilauea. Star-Advertiser.

The Hawaii Campaign Spending Commission fined Hawaii Rep. Kaniela Ing more than $15,000 today for filing 23 false reports detailing his campaign contributions and expenditures dating back to 2011, using campaign funds to cover personal expenses and other violations of Hawaii campaign spending laws. Star-Advertiser.

State Rep. Kaniela Ing will have to pay more than $15,000 for violating the state's campaign finance law. In a hearing Wednesday, the Campaign Spending Commission determined the Congressional District 1 candidate committed 32 violations. KHON2.

Commission approves $15K fine against Kaniela Ing for campaign spending violations. Hawaii News Now.

Here’s The Spending That Got OHA Incumbents In Trouble. A state audit said Office of Hawaiian Affairs trustees used their $22,200 per year personal allowances for questionable purposes. Civil Beat.

Officials from all four Hawaii counties will meet today through Saturday for the annual conference of the Hawaii State Association of Counties at the Sheraton Waikiki and the Royal Hawaiian Hotel. Garden Island.

Boat owners required to register vessels under new law. Governor David Ige signed HB 2596 (Act 48) into law, which requires certain vessel owners to apply for certificates of title within 20 days of becoming an owner, or establishing Hawaii as the state of principal use for the vessel. KHON2.

Governor David Ige signed HB 2215 (Act 46) into law, which requires drivers to allow at least three feet of separation between the driver's vehicle and the bicycle when passing or overtaking the bicyclist. KHON2.

Drivers beware: New law sets wide buffer zone for cars passing bikes. Hawaii News Now.

Gov. David Ige will sign a bill today that invests $500,000 into computer science education in public schools and creates opportunities for students to learn STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) skills. Tribune-Herald.

Governor David Ige signs a bill into law to rid public roads of abandoned vehicles. HB 2442, (Act 47), requires counties to take into custody any abandoned vehicle on a public roadway within 10 business days. KHON2.

In an effort to improve Hawaii’s public roads, Gov. David Ige signed a bill Wednesday that requires counties to remove abandoned vehicles within 10 days of their abandonment. Tribune-Herald.

Remains of U.S. service members missing from fighting in North Korea soon may be headed to Hawaii for testing and identification as part of early steps following the historic June 12 summit between President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. Star-Advertiser.

UH Scientist Reports Promising Development In Alzheimer’s Research. His discovery is leading to ongoing efforts to produce a drug that could reverse the effects of the disease. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Patient with Legionnaires’ disease dies. Health officials are scrambling to find the sources of bacteria that caused four cases of Legionnaires’ disease over the past month and resulted in one death in Honolulu. Star-Advertiser.

Patient with Legionnaires' disease dies, others may have been infected at hospital. KHON2.

A patient died from Legionnaires' Disease on Oahu. KITV.

Here’s A New Twist In The Honolulu Corruption Case. Recently unsealed court documents point to a questionable link between a suspect in a drug case and the Honolulu prosecutor’s office. Civil Beat.

The U.S. Military is considering Kuaokala Ridge near the U.S. Air Force Kaena Point Satellite Tracking Station or one of two sites at the U.S. Army's Kahuku Training area for its new Homeland Defense Radar - sensory radar designed to detect and classify radars. KITV.

Community Hears Proposals for New Missile Defense Radar. Hawaii Public Radio.

Heeia Kea Small Boat Harbor receives a $38,000 security camera from NBCUniversal. Star-Advertiser.

Heads up, hikers! The popular Lanikai Pillbox trail will be closed for 2 months. Hawaii News Now.

Simon Treacy, president of the Howard Hughes Corporation in Hawaii, announced the appointment of three industry veterans to new leadership roles at Ward Village, a 60-acre master-planned community in Honolulu. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

More than 1,000 Big Isle residents affected by Kilauea eruption register with FEMA. Star-Advertiser.

Eruption shows no signs of slowing. Preliminary estimates show it has produced about 145 million cubic meters of lava — more than the last two eruptions in the area. Tribune-Herald.

Lava 'bergs,' rapids and flows part of a bizarre new normal on the Big Island. Hawaii News Now.

Things aren't getting any easier for the thousands of Big Island residents who have been displaced by eruptions and lava flows in lower Puna. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii County officials continue to look for a safe way for the public to see firsthand the 2,000-degree river of lava racing 8 miles to the sea — a lava “viewing platform” that Gov. David Ige hopes would boost Hawaii island tourism. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park to host free events amid eruptions, ash falls. Hawaii News Now.

Eruption Digest For June 20: More Vog Meetings, Citations, and Support. Big Island Video News.

About $1 million has been redirected within the Hawaii Police Department to cover overtime hours piling up as lava continues to flow in Puna. West Hawaii Today.

Lava’s ravages take a toll on residents’ mental health. Star-Advertiser.

While government is still talking about how to house people displaced by the eruption, a Big Island church has already broken ground on a new village for evacuees. Hawaii News Now.

Department of Health advises West Hawaii residents build clean air rooms inside homes. West Hawaii Today.

Hawaii's Supreme Court is scheduled to hear oral arguments in an appeal of a decision to grant a construction permit for a giant telescope planned for the state's tallest mountain. Associated Press.

The Hawaii County Council is considering a bill that would change the ethics code to state that officers and employees of the county government "shall be truthful." Big Island Video News.

Nearly $2 million will be coming to the Natural Energy Laboratory of Hawaii Authority as part of a U.S. Department of Energy program funding efforts to improve desalination technologies using solar power. West Hawaii Today.

The U.S. Department of Energy will award over $1.9 million in federal funding to the Natural Energy Laboratory of Hawaii Authority to test the viability of solar-thermal desalination on a commercial scale. Pacific Business News.

Maui

Landmark decision restores flow in 10 Maui streams after more than a century. A landmark decision was made Wednesday in the largest water rights case in the state. KHON2.

State Issues Decision on East Maui Interim Instream Flow Standards. Maui Now.

Taro growers, practitioners elated with E. Maui water rights decision. ­17 streams restored by commission to full, near-full flows for farming, habitat. Maui News.

On July 1st, a new law goes into effect in Maui County that makes it illegal to smoke or vape in vehicles with children under the age of 18 present. Maui Now.

Fire Chief Jeff Murray is retiring at the end of the month, ending more than 29 years with the department, including the last decade as chief. Maui News.

Kauai

Kauai watersheds are getting a boost thanks to $6.5 million in Capital Improvement Project funding from the Legislature. Garden Island.

Stream diversions are the topic for a meeting tonight at the Kauai Community College Performing Arts Center as the Commission on Water Resource Management meets with the public in a Wailua watershed fact gathering mission. Garden Island.

Starting today, the County of Kauai Transportation Agency will be operating two electric bus demonstrations on the Kekaha and Hanalei mainline routes free of charge. Garden Island.

RIMPAC battle lines forming. Garden Island.

Special legislative session mulled for volcano response, no new tax to bail out Puna, Honolulu mayor vetoes ride-share caps, Pearl Harbor survivor gets sendoff, Kauai coral recovering, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Lava fountains reach 200 feet in this June 19 photo PC:USGS

The new normal: Vigorous eruptions just keep going on the Big Island. Hawaii News Now.

A special session of the state Legislature to help lava-ravaged Puna is being mulled for mid-August, as Hawaii County works with local legislators to put a plan together. West Hawaii Today.

Saving Hawaii’s GOP: A Tough Job For 3 Candidates For Governor. A west Oahu lawmaker, a perennial candidate and a former education official are vying to become just the third Republican governor since statehood. Civil Beat.

Ohio-based telecommunications company Cincinnati Bell said on Tuesday that it received the final regulatory approval for its $650 million acquisition of Hawaiian Telcom. Pacific Business News.

Hawaiian Telcom on Tuesday cleared its final regulatory approval for its pending $650 million sale to Cincinnati Bell. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Mayor Kirk Caldwell today vetoed a controversial bill that would make Honolulu the first city in the United States to cap how much Uber, Lyft and other ride-hailing drivers can charge during peak periods. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell vetoed a bill Tuesday that aims to limit how much Uber, Lyft and other ride-hailing companies can charge customers when demand surges. Civil Beat.

Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell has decided to veto a bill that would have limited surge pricing for ride-hailing or transportation network companies such as Uber and Lyft, a move that the two companies said would have made their business models unworkable. Pacific Business News.

Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell vetoed Tuesday a bill to regulate private transportation companies like Uber and Lyft. KHON2.

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Military officials address residents' concerns over location of missile radar. The thought of a new military installation next to the Kaena Point Satellite Tracking Station is prompting some concerns on Oahu's North Shore. Hawaii News Now.

New Kakaako affordable-housing rules set. A state agency regulating development in Kakaako last week finished four years of work to improve the future supply of affordable housing in the area filled with luxury condominium towers. Star-Advertiser.

Mililani was especially popular for homebuyers last month, and in the past year the sales for single-family homes in the area increased by 87 percent. Hawaii News Now.

Rents for single-family homes in urban Honolulu declined in March, compared to the year before, making Hawaii’s largest city the only market among 20 metropolitan areas to see a year-over-year decline, according to a report by CoreLogic. Pacific Business News.

The Honolulu Fire Department introduced a new member of the department today — an arson dog named Kukui. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu fire investigators have a new tool at their disposal when investigating arson and other suspicious fires in the form of a highly-trained arson dog. Hawaii News Now.

Seven vandal-resistant surveillance cameras are now in service at Waialae Beach Park in Kahala in an effort to curb illegal activity. KITV.

Four cases of Legionella infection have recently been treated at Queen’s Medical Center. Star-Advertiser.

Pearl Harbor Survivor Who Worked To Identify Remains Leaves Hawaii. He was a young sailor at the time of the attack. Now 97, he’s moving from the islands to Boise, Idaho. Associated Press.

Pearl Harbor survivor Ray Emory gets special Navy sendoff. Star-Advertiser.

A Wisconsin sailor who died at Pearl Harbor will be laid to rest more than 75 years after his death. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Council kills GET: Administration looking for $5M in cuts. 4-5 vote kills plan to plug a $5 million volcano-blasted hole in the budget by instituting a temporary quarter-percent general excise tax surcharge. West Hawaii Today.

Council Rejects Tax Hike To Replace Revenue Lost To Eruption. The increase would’ve generated about $25 million a year. Instead, the 5-4 vote means service cuts are likely. Civil Beat.

A bill that would have raised the general excise tax on Hawaii island has died. KHON2.

Public lava viewing area far-off; officials still in ‘emergency mode’.A close-up view of the lower Puna eruption is currently reserved for the bold and those willing to risk a citation. Tribune-Herald.

The emergency response to the ongoing Kilauea eruption that has destroyed at least 577 homes and displaced several thousand Puna residents so far has racked up more than $5.8 million in unanticipated costs for state and county agencies. Star-Advertiser.

Volcano Watch: Colorful plumes — can we see volcanic gases? Tribune-Herald.

Lava output far outpaces previous eruptions. Hawaiian Volcano Observatory deputy scientist-in-charge Steve Brantley, speaking at a community meeting Tuesday night at the Pahoa High & Intermediate School cafeteria, said the current lower East Rift Zone eruption has put forth an estimated 145 million cubic meters of lava over 47 days. Star-Advertiser.

New Tools Benefit Geologists in Lava Flow Study. The eruption at Kilauea continues to send ash plumes into the sky and push lava into the ocean. While that has destroyed hundreds of homes and forced scores of people into shelters, it is also providing an unprecedented opportunity for scientific research. Hawaii Public Radio.

The ongoing eruption of the Kilauea volcano is not causing crystals to rain from the sky despite reports of residents finding little green gems in the area. Associated Press.

With fissures releasing sulfur dioxide, volcanoes producing vog, and ocean lava flows creating laze, adjusting to a life of toxic gases is something many Puna residents have had to do since eruptions began. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii County Civil Defense said that 817 people have so far registered for federal assistance amid the ongoing eruption of Kilauea volcano on Hawaii's Big Island. Pacific Business News.

Free medical clinic opens at Keaau High School. Over nine days the Tropic Care health clinics will be offered by the Oahu-based 1984th U.S. Army Hospital, offering medical health screening, school sports physical exams, dental services, eye exams, hearing screenings, nutritional consultation, veteran services and prescription eyeglasses. Star-Advertiser.

Tropic Care 2018 offering free health care services through the end of the month. Tribune-Herald.

Trial postponed until next year for marijuana activist. Jury selection was to begin Monday in the trial of longtime marijuana activist Mike Ruggles, accused by authorities of operating an unlicensed medical cannabis dispensary at his Fern Acres home. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Councilors seek update on two county projects with Anaergia. Concerns expressed over proposal changes, deadline extensions. Maui News.

The Lahaina Restoration Foundation is seeking the public’s help in finding information about a hit-and-run accident that resulted in damage to the exterior wall of the Old Lahaina Prison. Maui Now.

In an effort now to deepen their work, a halau is establishing a cultural center and joining in a larger effort to create a regenerative community on Maui. Hawaii Public Radio.

DLNR, residents partner to clean up large ball of fishing nets on Molokai. On Molokai, a clean up has begun of a large ball of nets in Halawa Valley. KHON2.

Kauai

The revised cost estimate for the emergency flood repairs on Kuhio Highway on the North Shore and the upgrade of three bridges is $80 million, according to a Tuesday press release. Garden Island.

Incumbent Mason Chock, 47, of Wailua, has filed for reelection to the Kauai County Council. Garden Island.

There are bright spots in the world’s coral reefs, places where corals are thriving even though scientists say we’ve lost half the world’s reefs in the last three decades. The coral in Anini Bay and at Waipa on Kauai are examples of rebounding reefs according to the scientists and underwater enthusiasts that visit the reef. Garden Island.

Active Kilauea volcano puts on a show, state and local lawmakers react to ongoing lava crisis; Mayor Kim hospitalized with 6th heart attack; feral cat feces killing monk seals; Kauai group fights RIMPAC, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

More Kilauea volcano fissures become active. Star-Advertiser.

While fissure 8 continues to steadily produce lava from Kilauea volcano, three other fissures are displaying weak signs of activity. Tribune-Herald.

Scientists monitoring renewed fissure activity. Hawaiian Volcano Observatory scientists say while the continually fountaining vent known as Fissure 8 continues to be very active with channelized flow entering the ocean at Kapoho Bay, lava is now oozing from three other fissures that are being monitored and described as “weakly active.” Star-Advertiser.

Scientists answered questions about the ongoing slumping at the summit of Kilauea volcano, as well as the size of the growing lava delta at Kapoho, during a media conference call Monday. Big Island Video News.

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Legislature keeps grip on Judiciary’s purse strings. Funding rejections have fueled speculation that legislators are still smarting over court decisions that some believe have undermined the separation of powers between the legislative and judicial branches of government. Star-Advertiser.

State speeds up hiring process for much-needed social worker positions in new pilot program. The state's Child Welfare Services branch has struggled to fill 46 vacant spots. KHON2.

Ad Watch: Ige And Hanabusa On What Makes Them Different. The incumbent Hawaii governor boasts of delivering on a promise to put AC in classrooms, while the challenger touts her leadership chops. Civil Beat.

Gov. David Ige announced that he has signed a second supplementary proclamation for Kauai County and the City and County of Honolulu, which suffered heavy losses and damage during severe rain and flooding in April. Big Island Now.

HCF awards $1.5 million to career program. The Hawaii Community Foundation’s Career Connected Learning grants aim to prepare Hawaii’s students for the workforce of the future. Garden Island.

Hawaiian Telcom has informed its shareholders that the company’s $650 million sale to Cincinnati Bell could be completed as early as Saturday. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Military eyes sites on Oahu for high-powered radar to defend against missile threats. Hawaii News Now.

The city’s first homeless “navigation center” has taken in 616 people from the streets in three years of operation on Sand Island, and the state Board of Land and Natural Resources has extended a sweetheart lease of $1 a year for another four years, Gov. David Ige and Mayor Kirk Caldwell announced Monday. Star-Advertiser.

Is Honolulu Hale Making City Staffers Sick? City Council Chairman Ernie Martin thinks so — and wants to relocate the legislative branch out of the 90-year-old building. Civil Beat.

Greater protections, more funding sought for Honouliuli Internment Camp site. A bill before Congress would designate Honouliuli Internment Camp on Oahu a national historic site, giving it greater protections — and funding. Hawaii News Now.

UH-West Oahu students unearth history at Honouliuli. Star-Advertiser.

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A disease spread by cat feces killed three female Hawaiian monk seals on Oahu in May, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration announced Monday. Star-Advertiser.

Monk seal monitors are keeping a sharp eye on The Garden Island’s Hawaiian monk seal population after scientists confirmed toxoplasmosis as the cause of death for three Oahu seals in early May. Garden Island.

State officials are now blaming toxoplasmosis, a parasite carried in cat feces, for the deaths of three critically endangered Hawaiian monk seals on Oahu. Hawaii News Now.

Three Hawaiian monk seals found dead on Oahu last month were caused by a disease called toxoplasmosis. It's a disease that's spread through cat feces. KHON2.

State doesn't follow through on threats to impound Lanikai boats. The owners of boats and canoes stored on Lanikai Beach got a temporary reprieve Monday. Hawaii News Now.

The Daniel K Inouye International Airport now has free and unlimited wifi, among a host of other digital upgrades, transportation officials announced on Monday. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Mayor Harry Kim has been hospitalized after suffering a heart attack Saturday, his second since April. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaii County Mayor Harry Kim was resting and recuperating in the hospital today, following another heart attack over the weekend. Big Island Video News.

Hawaii County Council members plan to take up a resolution today urging the state Legislature to convene a special session to address the impacts of the ongoing lava flow in Lower Puna where hundreds of homes, businesses and farms have been destroyed and about 2,000 people have been forced to evacuate. Star-Advertiser.

After hearing pleas from short-term vacation rental operators in Puna and elsewhere asking the county put a vacation rental bill aside until Puna and the county recover from its ongoing lava emergency, the County Council Planning Committee postponed action Monday until July 10. West Hawaii Today.

How And Where Should We Rebuild After Kilauea Eruption? Hawaii Public Radio.

Now that Kilauea Volcano has destroyed hundreds of homes in Puna, some are asking how people were able to purchase and insure homes in such a known high-risk area. Hawaii Public Radio.

Thousands of displaced residents are assessing their next steps as lava is steadily pumping from four fissures in lower Puna where destructive flows have destroyed hundreds of homes. Hawaii News Now.

County Council set to take final vote on tax increase today. West Hawaii Today.

For National Guard, lava disaster presents real-world mission. Star-Advertiser.

Since it opened four days ago, hundreds of lava evacuees have turned to the FEMA Disaster Recovery Center for help. Hawaii News Now.

Big Island farmers brave lava, toxic fumes to harvest crops. Big Island farmers lucky enough to still have viable crops are braving hazardous conditions to harvest what they can. Hawaii News Now.

Maui

A bill aimed at more enforcement of bed-and-breakfast operations got some of its teeth removed Friday when Maui County Council members amended it to give operators a 30-day grace period to renew their county permits. Maui News.

Faith Action for Community Equity (FACE) Maui will host an Affordable Housing Mayoral Forum on June 28, 2018 from 6 to 8 p.m. at Valley Isle Fellowship Church located at 1033 Waiale Road in Wailuku. Maui Now.

Three new physicians are joining Kaiser Permanente on Maui. Maui News.

Maui College Aims for 100% Solar Power. The first container-load of solar panels are set to arrive at the Maui College campus in Kahului later this summer. Hawaii Public Radio.

Kauai

The world’s largest international maritime exercise is coming back to Hawaii next week, with 26 countries set to participate in the 2018 Rim of the Pacific Exercise. Those who oppose the exercise are gathering to form another iteration of the Oceans4Peace coalition, which works to educate the public on RIMPAC impacts they find concerning. Garden Island.

Why The Beef Industry Is Rapidly Expanding On The Garden Island. The Hawaii market develops a taste for meat born, raised and slaughtered in the islands, and these ranchers are happy to serve it up. Civil Beat.

Hanalei Colony Resort officials announced on Monday that it plans on remaining closed until further notice as Kauai residents continue recovering from historic floods. Hawaii News Now.

Kilauea volcano hits Hawaii farmers hard, state Supreme Court to hear Thirty Meter Telescope case Thursday, Honolulu's 'monster house' builder back in business, Maui council members OK'd to run, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Flowers at farmers market ©2018 All Hawaii News

Flower growers seek help as lava flow continues. For more than 20 years, Hawaiian Tropicals Direct grew numerous varieties of orchids on 10 acres in Kapoho, but as of June 3, the entire property and the owner’s home were ravaged by lava. Star-Advertiser.

The ongoing eruption on Kilauea’s lower East Rift Zone has displaced a few thousand people and altered the landscape. For farmers and ranchers in the area, it’s also taken away their livelihood. Tribune-Herald.

Starting January, volunteer health professors can get tax credit for training future doctors, nurses, and pharmacists. KITV.

Conference offers glimpses into Hawaii’s clean energy future.  report called “Transcending Oil” says that 12 years into the future we can get 84 percent of our electricity from renewable sources. Star-Advertiser.

Should Hawaii Hotels Help Their Workers Buy Homes? Hawaii has record visitor spending but many hotel employees still can’t afford to buy homes. Civil Beat.

Oahu

The city’s Department of Planning and Permitting is again under scrutiny, this time for having given approvals to a contractor tied to 17 projects — some of them “monster homes” — despite licensing issues the company had with the state. Star-Advertiser.

Delays have big impact on Oahu domestic violence cases. The crowded dockets are especially evident on Oahu, particularly with misdemeanors and temporary restraining orders in domestic disputes. Star-Advertiser.

Justice Delayed Part 2: More infractions, more gridlock. Star-Advertiser.

Kawananakoa dispute puts estate’s horse farms at risk. Many know her as a descendent of Hawaiian royalty, a philanthropist and an activist known for freely giving to Native Hawaiian causes and institutions. Fewer know Abigail Kawananakoa as a champion racehorse breeder and owner. Star-Advertiser.

She’s Back! Hawaii’s Most Notorious Candidate Returns. Along with her friend “Jesus,” Angela Kaaihue is now vying for Andria Tupola’s Leeward Oahu seat. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Island

The saga of the Thirty Meter Telescope will return to the state Supreme Court this week as oral arguments are held for the project’s land use permit. Tribune-Herald.

The Hawaii Supreme Court will hear arguments on whether to approve a building permit for a telescope on Mauna Kea, the grand volcano on Hawaii island. Associated Press.

The public will have two opportunities to weigh in on a proposed quarter-percent increase to the general excise tax before the County Council takes its final vote Tuesday. West Hawaii Today.

Kilauea eruption, management dominate gubernatorial forum in Kona. West Hawaii Today.

The response to the ongoing eruption of Kilauea Volcano and the future of astronomy on Mauna Kea were some of the topics discussed by the four top candidates for Hawaii governor, during a public forum in Kona Friday evening. Big Island Video News.

A moderated Gubernatorial and Lieutenant Governor Candidate Forum was held on Friday at the Kealakehe High School Cafeteria, presented by the Kona-Kohala Chamber of Commerce and Community Forums. Big Island Video News.

Three federal emergency response teams have been deployed to Puna to help those affected by the eruption. Hawaii News Now.

AmeriCorps has deployed three teams of members to Hilo to join assistance efforts for survivors of the recent Kilauea volcanic eruption. Star-Advertiser.

The eruption along Kilauea volcano’s lower East Rift Zone that started May 3 continued with fissure No. 8 continuing its vigorous production of lava late Sunday, according to Hawaii County Civil Defense. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaii island residents warned of fallout following Kilauea ash eruption. Star-Advertiser.

New numbers from Hawaii County Civil Defense officials says that at least 533 homes have been destroyed in the ongoing eruptions in lower Puna. Hawaii News Now.

The state Public Utilities Commission, acting at the request of Gov. David Ige, has met with the Hawaiian Electric Cos. and the nonprofit Hawaii Energy to develop a series of rapid-response actions to address the loss of renewable generation from the Puna Geothermal Venture power plant due to the lava flow on Hawaii island. Star-Advertiser.

Hundreds of displaced Puna residents visited a Disaster Recovery Center on Friday at Keaau High School to apply for assistance with rebuilding their lives. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaii’s Last Hippie Holdouts May Not Survive The Eruption. The lava is doing a number on counterculture havens, and it’s hard to imagine some of these “Punatics” fitting in anywhere else. Civil Beat.

With new courthouse, prosecutor offices coming, public defenders still looking for place to go. West Hawaii Today.

Cyanotech Corp, which produces nutrition and health products from microalgae on Hawaii island, posted a wider loss in its fiscal fourth quarter as several events curtailed its spirulina production. Star-Advertiser.

Maui

Council veterans allowed to run. Deputy county clerk deems ‘consecutive’ as deciding term in law. Maui News.

County settles ex-film commissioner suit. Payout was nearly $157,000 in legal fees and settlement. Maui News.

Parks department unveils options for county pools. Repairs, more lifeguards, new relocated pools are envisioned. Maui News.

An open forum on the county Department of Liquor Control will be held this month as part of a performance audit of the department, according to an announcement from Maui County Council Chairman Mike White. Maui News.

The public is advised to stay out of the coastal waters north of Mala Boat Ramp in West Maui due to a wastewater spill originating from the Lahaina Wastewater Pump Station. Maui Now.

Kauai

Kauai County is launching a new effort to help quickly rebuild homes in the wake of April's historic floods. Hawaii News Now.

The Office of the County Clerk, Elections Division is initiating enhanced absentee mail voting services for registered voters of the North Shore directly impacted by the April flooding. Garden Island.

Narrowing the field of candidates. The crowded field in this year’s local elections might warrant asking for anyone who is NOT running for County Council to raise his or her hand. Garden Island.

Two rat-sniffing dogs found three areas last week where rats could still be living on Lehua island in the latest operation to rid the seabird sanctuary of invasive rodents, the state Department of Land and Natural Resources said. Star-Advertiser.

Two rat-sniffing dogs recently wrapped-up work at Lehua island. KHON2.

Two Border Terriers spent most of last week crisscrossing the rugged, hot, wind-swept terrain of tiny Lehua Island. Garden Island.

Trump approves federal assistance for lava-struck homeowners, AG mismanaged asset seizure program, Honolulu ethics audit quashed by city, state settles special ed lawsuit, Hana pier to come down, scientists debunk gems from volcano stories, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Lava enters sea, June 14 PC:USGS

President Donald Trump approved on Thursday Gov. David Ige’s request for federal individual assistance programs to aid residents affected by the Kilauea eruption, just one day after the request was made. Tribune-Herald.

President Donald Trump has approved Hawaii’s request for individual assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency for Big Island residents whose homes have been lost or damaged due to the ongoing Kilauea Volcano eruptions. Star-Advertiser.

President Donald Trump approved Hawaii Gov. David Ige’s request for individual assistance for Hawaii County residents and businesses who lost homes and property in the ongoing eruption of the island's Kilauea volcano that began on May 3. Pacific Business News.

President Trump Approves Hawaii County Individual Assistance Request. Big Island Video News.

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The state agreed to pay $10.25 million to settle a federal lawsuit brought by the Hawaii Disability Rights Center and the parents and legal guardians of special-needs students whose public education was cut off at age 20 instead of 22 by a 2010 state law. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Will Pay $10.25 Million To Settle Special Education Lawsuit. The state violated federal law by denying services to disabled students before they reached the age of 22. Civil Beat.

There is a major payout from the Department of Education to settle a class-action lawsuit. There are 495 students who are part of the class action lawsuit. KHON2.

Auditor: Hawaii AG Mismanaged Asset Seizure Program. The AG failed to account for forfeited property and didn’t spend $2 million for drug prevention programs as required by law, the report found. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Gets $3.2 Million To Thwart Election Hacking. Russian hacking in 2016 prompted Congress to bolster state elections security with new funding. Civil Beat.

Hawaii will receive a portion of the federal Commerce, Science, and Justice Appropriations Bill, which the Senate Appropriations Committee passed on Thursday. Pacific Business News.

The Hawaii Tourism Authority has issued request for proposals to offer funding support to cultural and community organizations in 2019. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii’s unemployment rate is holding at its all-time low of 2 percent. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaiian Airlines and Japan Airlines, two major carriers serving the Hawaii market, are seeking to create a joint venture, which they say would provide consumers with lower fares, increased capacity and more choices. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaiian Airlines has possible joint venture with Japan Airlines. KHON2.

Three months after launching the first phase of their comprehensive partnership, Hawaiian Airlines and Japan Airlines have filed an application for antitrust immunity to create a joint venture. Pacific Business News.

Nearly 700 attendees are at VERGE-Hawaii, the Asia-Pacific Clean Energy Summit in Waikiki this week. One of the topics discussed was sustainable tourism. Hawaii Public Radio.

Oahu

Ethics Commission Audit Quashed On Advice Of City’s Lawyer. The Honolulu auditor was concerned its results might be “discoverable” in a lawsuit filed by Louis and Katherine Kealoha. Civil Beat.

Allegations surface of equipment misuse for profit by DLNR employees. Hawaii News Now.

Court reports mixed on Kawananakoa. The special master hired to advise the judge is recommending that Kawananakoa, 92, be declared mentally capable of changing or revoking her trust and also of removing and replacing the trustee. Star-Advertiser.

Stores mandated to charge 15-cents per plastic, paper bag. KHON2.

Power outage kept Ewa Beach community in the dark for more than 30 hours. KHON2.

Crafting a king: City commissioned statue of Kamehameha III to be completed ahead of La Hoihoi Ea. KITV.

Hawaii Island

Homeowners, renters, business owners and nonprofits that suffered losses in Hawaii island’s volcanic eruption that began May 3 can now start applying for federal monetary aid. Star-Advertiser.

The County of Hawaii announces that residents who suffered damage or losses from the recent Kilauea volcanic eruption and earthquakes, can now register for disaster assistance with the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Big Island Now.

The Hawaii Department of Health announced Thursday plans to install 10 new ambient air quality monitoring stations across Hawaii Island. West Hawaii Today.

Ashfall lowers air quality for residents of Ocean View. Star-Advertiser.

3 pm Eruption Update – Chemical Analysis, UH Says No Falling Gems. Big Island Video News.

Green gems raining from the sky at Kilauea? Well ... not exactly. Hawaii News Now.

DLNR provides emergency cinder resource vital for tropical floral businesses on Big Island. West Hawaii Today.

Survivors of past Hawaii lava recall despair and opportunity. Associated Press.

Now that a finding of no significant environmental impact has been published for a new resources management plan for South Point, the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands is ready to take up a project residents have requested for three decades — as soon as it finds the money. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

The new head of the Office of Council Services for Maui County is Maria Zielinski, who resigned abruptly in December as director of the state Department of Taxation. Maui News.

Removal of the deteriorating Hana pier, which has been in the works since 2016, may not take place until 2021, according to the project’s final environmental impact statement. Maui News.

Energy office to hold meetings on utility ownership. Maui News.

Kauai

Kauai residents rebuilding after the flood eligible for expedited permits. On Friday, Mayor Bernard Carvalho plans to sign an emergency ordinance to speed up the permitting process for impacted residents to rebuild over the next 60 days. Hawaii News Now.

Unemployment rate rises on Kauai. The unemployment rate for May on Kauai was 2.1 percent, up from 1.8 percent in April, but down from 2.5 percent in May 2017. Garden Island.

Molokai

A former manager of a defunct credit union on the island of Molokai has been sentenced to seven years in prison for embezzling more than $1 million with another employee. Associated Press.

Federal officials are investigating after a monk seal was found dead under suspicious circumstances on Molokai. Maui News.