Hawaii Election Central: Hawaii retains deep blue hue, but sends a Republican to state Senate, Ige easily wins re-election as governor, new mayors for Maui and Kauai, final vote counts, election news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Gov. David Ige and Lt. Gov. Josh Green ©2018 All Hawaii News

Final election results from the state Office of Elections is here.

Gov. David Ige easily clinched another term as governor Tuesday night, finishing the race with a six-figure vote advantage over his Republican opponent, state Rep. Andria Tupola. Star-Advertiser.

Gov. David Ige has won his bid for re-election, fighting off a general election challenge from Republican state Rep. Andria Tupola. Hawaii News Now.

Ige Cruises To Re-Election As Governor. Incumbent Gov. David Ige and his running mate, Josh Green, easily defeated GOP challengers Andria Tupola and Marissa Kerns in Hawaii’s gubernatorial election. Civil Beat.

Gov. David Ige on Tuesday won re-election to a second term after defeating Republican state Rep. Andria Tupola as the Democratic Party continued to dominate Hawaii politics. Associated Press.

Democratic Governor of Hawaii David Ige has been reelected, alongside the next Lieutenant Governor, Josh Green, following Tuesday night’s general election victory. Big Island Video News.

Gov. David Ige wins re-election, Josh Green to serve as lieutenant governor. KHON2.

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U.S. Sen. Mazie Hirono and U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard easily won re-election Tuesday, and former U.S. Rep. Ed Case also is headed back to Congress, ensuring an all-Democratic delegation for the islands once again. Star-Advertiser.

Case cruises to victory in race for Congress; Hirono, Gabbard easily win re-election bids. After beating out a crowded field of Democrats in the primary election, former U.S. Rep. Ed Case easily clinched his congressional bid Tuesday night. Hawaii News Now.

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Hawaii Democrats maintain their dominance but GOP picks up a state Senate seat. Republican Kurt Fevella beat Democratic rival Matt LoPresti late Tuesday night to fill the open Senate seat representing Ewa and Ewa Beach, giving the Republican Party a surprise turnaround in what was otherwise an evening of Democratic sweeps. Star-Advertiser.

Democrats Keep Their Tight Lock On The Legislature. Republicans, who currently hold only five House seats and no Senate seats, appear poised to grab one Senate seat. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Republicans retain 5 seats in state House. The seat that represents portions of Mililani went to a Republican newcomer. Hawaii News Now.

Two of the three Hawaii teachers who jumped into politics this year are headed from the classroom to the state House. Star-Advertiser.

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Longtime OHA Trustee Akana Loses Re-Election Bid. Rowena Akana has served on the Office of Hawaiian Affairs Board of Trustees for more than two decades but recently came under fire for alleged misspending. Civil Beat.

Longest-running OHA trustee, facing charges of ethics violations, fails in re-election bid. Hawaii News Now.


Waihee, Lindsey, Akaka win OHA races. Two members of the Office of Hawaiian Affairs board of trustees will keep their positions with a new face coming to represent the island of Oahu. West Hawaii Today.

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Hawaii voters say ‘no’ to constitutional convention. Hawaii overwhelmingly voted down a proposed constitutional convention Tuesday. Hawaii News Now.

A proposal to convene a state constitutional convention was soundly defeated Tuesday night. Tuesday’s balloting showed continued resistance to a ConCon, with over 70 percent voting “no” or leaving the question blank, which counted as a “no” vote. Star-Advertiser.

ConCon Is Gone Gone — Voters Reject State Constitutional Convention. It was a once-a-decade chance for the public to go over the heads of the Legislature, but the measure was opposed by public employee unions. Civil Beat.

Hawaii voters find short lines, few problems at general election polling sites. Hawaii News Now.

Democratic Party of Hawaii says the work begins now, after election victories. KITV.

Oahu

Ozawa Edges Waters In Tight Race For Honolulu City Council Seat. Councilman Trevor Ozawa received 22 more votes than challenger Tommy Waters in a contest that went down to the wire. Civil Beat.

Honolulu City Councilman Trevor Ozawa pulled off a 22-vote victory over former state Rep. Tommy Waters to win reelection to the Council District 4 (East Honolulu) seat, according to a final summary report issued by the state Office of Elections at 4:11 a.m. today. Star-Advertiser.

Councilman Trevor Ozawa edges over Tommy Waters for city council seat. KHON2.

One of the hottest races this general election is for the City Council seat that represents east Honolulu — and it’s proving to be a really tight race. Hawaii News Now.

Voters Shooting Down HART Board Charter Amendment. The proposal would have made it easier for the board overseeing the Honolulu rail project to take action. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Island

Rebecca Villegas will be the new face of Kona on the County Council. With all four precincts reporting Tuesday night, Villegas had 2,920 votes, or 56.6 percent, overpowering Kelly Drysdale for the seat vacated by Dru Kanuha. West Hawaii Today.

Rebecca Villegas will be taking a seat on the Hawaii County Council, after defeating runoff opponent Kelly Drysdale in Tuesday night’s general election. Big Island Video News.

Facing slim competition from challengers, Hawaii Democrats appeared poised to handily win all Big Island House seats Tuesday night. Tribune-Herald.

New names assume state office in West Hawaii. Dru Kanuha, three-time District 7 county councilman, made the leap to the state Senate, capturing the District 3 seat vacated by Hawaii’s newly elected Lieutenant Governor, Josh Green. David Tarnas, who served two terms in the state House of Representatives from 1994-98, will assume the District 7 House seat after a hard fought primary rematch against eight-time incumbent, Cindy Evans, and a victory in the general over Republican Tom Belekanich by a total of 6,424 votes to 1,932 votes. West Hawaii Today.

County charter amendments pass. Hawaii Island residents voted Tuesday for more oversight over raises for county officials. Another charter amendment requiring ballot initiatives that would change the charter to be accompanied with a fiscal impact statement also passed with 81 percent in favor. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Mike Victorino defeats Elle Cochran to become Maui County's next mayor. KHON2.

In the Maui mayor's race, County Council veteran Mike Victorino led Elle Cochran 54.1 percent to 43.3 percent. Civil Beat.

In a closely watched proposal to toughen penalties for operating illegal short-term vacation rentals, Maui voters were strongly favoring a measure to increase penalties for operating unpermitted short-term vacation rentals. Civil Beat.

Voter Turnout Down, Maui at 52%. In Maui County total turnout was 50,475 or 52.2% of the 96,721 registered voters. This included 23,093 or 23.9% who turned out at the polls, and 27,382 or 28.3% who cast absentee ballots. Maui Now.

Kauai

Derek Kawakami ready to work as Kauai County's new mayor. Kauai will be seeing a lot of changes and Tuesday night will be the deciding factor. KHON2.

In the race for Kauai mayor, former state Rep. Derek Kawakami led County Council Chairman Mel Rapozo 65.1 percent to 30.9 percent. Civil Beat.

Rapozo falls short in mayoral race. Garden Island.

County overwhelmingly votes to keep term limits. Here is how Kauai voted on seven ballot questions. Garden Island.

Outgoing Kauai Mayor Carvalho Jr. discusses his next move. KHON2.

It's Election Day! No vote, no grumble. Here's what candidates and committees have been up to going down the home stretch, plus everything you need to know about voting in all the Hawaiian Islands

U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz at Democratic Party rally in Hilo ©2018 All Hawaii News

Lack of hot races suggests turnout might lag. This is one of the most exciting and suspenseful midterm elections in years on the mainland, but a lack of hotly contested local races suggests voter turnout could remain low in Hawaii today. Star-Advertiser.

Early Voting Is Way Up Nationwide, But Not In Hawaii. There’s a lot of drama on the mainland with control of Congress up for grabs. Hawaii’s races hold less suspense. Civil Beat.

Hawaii General Election: 180K Votes Already Cast. Hawaii Public Radio.

Despite easier registration rules, early voting figures remain low. Hawaii’s voter turnout is the lowest in the nation. Hawaii News Now.

Democrats from across the state gathered at Mooheau bandstand Monday evening for their traditional pre-election Grand Rally, where several hundred of the party faithful ate chili, enjoyed entertainment and heard speeches from federal, state and local candidates. West Hawaii Today.

Hawaii’s GOP focusing on conservative-leaning districts in battle against blue wave. There are only five elected Republicans in the state. Hawaii News Now.

Advocates rally to push Native Hawaiian voters to the polls. ‘They say Hawaiians don’t vote. We want to prove them wrong.’ Hawaii News Now.

Candidates for Hawaii’s top elected office are focusing on a persistent problem that has only gotten worse: the high cost of housing on the islands. Associated Press.

A coalition of powerful unions, business interests, environmentalists and others has raised $740,000 in its effort to defeat this year’s ballot measure asking voters whether they want to convene a state constitutional convention, according to the latest campaign spending reports filed Monday. Star-Advertiser.

High-Profile PR Firm Is Getting Involved In Hawaii Politics. A company that made a big splash by hiring away public officials has aided the campaigns of the teachers union, an OHA candidate and a Maui super PAC. Civil Beat.

Here’s what you need to know for Tuesday’s Midterm Election. Hawaii Public Radio.

Are you a first-time voter? Here’s all you need to know for Election Day. Polls open statewide Tuesday at 7 a.m. and close at 6 p.m. Hawaii News Now.

Reminders, tips to know before you vote in Tuesday's general election. KHON2.

Election Day Hawaii Information. If you're headed to the polls here are some things you need to know. KITV.

Ride-hailing companies Uber and Lyft both said they will offer discounted rides to the polls in Hawaii on Election Day. Star-Advertiser.

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Some Progress Made on Strike Negotiations. Leaders of the hotel workers union Unite Here! Local 5 met with management of five hotels owned by Kyo-Ya over the weekend to try and bring an end to a four week worker strike. Hawaii Public Radio.

Matson’s earnings surge on tax cuts. Matson Inc. operated on a fairly even keel in the third quarter balancing higher revenue and expenses, but the Honolulu company benefited from lower taxes to boost its profit 22 percent. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Short-term bonds to help fund rail. Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell said Monday that his administration will use proceeds from the sale of short-term commercial paper to supply the city’s beleaguered $8 billion-plus rail project with $44 million to show “skin in the game” being required by federal transit officials and the state Legislature. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu To Take Out Short-Term Loan Of $44 Million To Keep Rail Going. This marks the first time that city property tax revenue will be used for the project. Civil Beat.

Mayor Caldwell reveals preferred funding mechanism to secure $44M for Honolulu's rail project. Pacific Business News.

Here’s how the city plans to pay $44M for the rail project. ‘We’re probably taking the safest route, the least painful route.’ Hawaii News Now.

Honolulu unveils latest rail plans. Beginning in January, homeowners on O'ahu will start paying for rail through property taxes. KITV.

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Council committee hobbles sidewalk-clearing bills. Honolulu City Council members are doubling down on their insistence that Mayor Kirk Caldwell submit more detailed reports on how he’s tackling homelessness before they’ll allow him to implement two new sidewalk-clearance laws. Star-Advertiser.

Victim Advocates Withdraw From Partnership with Honolulu Police. The Domestic Violence Action Center will return $400,000 in grants because HPD didn’t use its services when responding to domestic violence calls. Civil Beat.

There's a big increase in crime due to 15 cents bag fee on Oahu, says Retail Merchants of Hawaii. KHON2.

Honolulu will be under increasing risk of flooding and other damaging storm impacts as climate change shifts the historical pattern of hurricane tracks and raises the ocean level to make the islands more vulnerable, according to a study led by researchers at the University of Hawaii at Manoa. Star-Advertiser.

Sales dip, but Oahu home prices rise 4%, Locations report says. Home prices on Oahu rose by 4 percent over the 12-month period that ended Oct. 31, while sales of single-family homes declined by 3 percent, and condominium sales declined by 1 percent, according to a report by Honolulu real estate firm Locations. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii Island

Thurston Lava Tube likely to remain closed until 2019. While much of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park has reopened since its historic closure earlier this year, some parts likely will remain closed until at least next year. Tribune-Herald.

Improvements planned for rodeo arena in Honokaa. Honokaa Rodeo Arena will close from Nov. 14-Jan. 14 so improvements to the facility can be made. Tribune-Herald.

Humpbacks arrive fashionably early off Kohala Coast. West Hawaii Today.

The median price of a condominium on Hawaii’s Big Island rose by more than 26 percent last month despite fewer sales, compared to a year ago, while both sales and prices declined for single-family homes, according to statistics provided by Hawaii Information Service on behalf of Hawaii Island Realtors. Pacific Business News.

Maui

Polls will open starting at 7 a.m. Tuesday as voters statewide cast their final ballots for county, state and congressional races. Maui News.

Spending report: Victorino paid D.C.-based media consultant $50K. Cochran’s largest expenditure was just under $3,000 during same period in Maui County mayoral race. Maui News.

Commentary: Win for public’s right to know. The Maui News won an important court battle Thursday when the three psychiatrist/psychologist reports were released by 2nd Circuit Judge Peter Cahill in the Ashley Wellman case. Maui News.

Maui visitor numbers slowed but still up in wake of Olivia. Vistor spending in September also up but only 2nd time this year with less than $400 million. Maui News.

The Kula Forest Reserve, Waipoli access road, Kahikinui Forest Reserve – Papaanui Tract, and Polipoli Spring State Recreation Area reopened on Friday following completion of a two-month project for road repairs, road safety improvements, and fuel mitigation work. Maui Now.

Kauai

An islandwide power outage that struck early Monday afternoon affected all 25,800 Kauai Island Utility Cooperative members. Garden Island.

Kauai Island Utility Cooperative said it has been able to restore power to all of its 25,800 members on the Garden Isle after a trip at its Kapaia Power Station caused an islandwide power outage. Pacific Business News.

Crews from the Department of Public Works finished laying a new sewer pipe at Kuhio Highway and Leho Drive Sunday night and began demobilizing as they wrapped up a days-long effort to repair and clean up a sewage spill and get traffic back to normal. Garden Island.

Single-family home prices on Kauai rise as sales drop. The median price of a single-family home on Kauai rose 6 percent last month, compared to a year ago, as the median price of a condominium dropped 13 percent and sales for both categories dropped, according to statistics from Hawaii Information Service on behalf of the Kauai Board of Realtors. Pacific Business News

Feds consider delisting Io Hawaiian hawk as endangered species, Honolulu rail contractor seeks $200M for delays, filmmaker sues state over Christian chiefess, Maui wind turbines test property tax law, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Io, a Hawaiian hawk, at Panaewa zoo ©2018 All Hawaii News

US Fish and Wildlife Service Seeking Public Comments on Proposal to Remove Io From Endangered Species List. The US Fish and Wildlife Service is reopening the public comment period on the Aug. 6, 2008, proposed rule to remove the Hawaiian hawk, or Io (Buteo solitarius), from the List of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife under the Endangered Species Act. Maui Now.

With just days left, election officials are ready to go ... but are voters? On Saturday, officials tested ballot counting systems on the Senate floor of the State Capitol. The system will be used at counting centers in all 4 counties. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii’s Big Donors Pump Millions Into Mainland Political Campaigns. Most of that cash — about $7 million for the midterm elections — went to Democrats, according to federal records. Civil Beat.

Backlogged rape test kits yield scores of possible leads. A major effort by law enforcement to test more than 1,500 rape kits that for years sat unprocessed in storage facilities statewide has resulted in DNA matches with more than 120 potential suspects in a national offender database. Star-Advertiser.

Filmmaker Sues Hawaii: My Film Is ‘Not The History They Want Told’. Tim Chey alleges the state film office withheld tax grants for his movie “Islands” because it’s about the Christian conversion of a Hawaiian chiefess. Civil Beat.

Hawaii bankruptcy filings were unchanged in October from the year-earlier period following an upward trend that had seen the number of cases rise in seven of the previous nine months. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Ansaldo seeking $200M over rail delays. The contractor tasked with building the rail cars and installing the driverless operating system for the Honolulu rail line is seeking about $200 million in damages from the city for costs associated with delays in development of the project. Star-Advertiser.

City council delays start date for laws targeting homeless. On Monday, Honolulu City Council members will debate delaying the enforcement of new city laws because they say they want more information about the services and solutions available for people. KITV.

The dangers pedestrians and drivers pose when they meet on the roadways. If the alarming number of pedestrian deaths on Oahu this year has made people more wary when crossing the street, you wouldn’t know it by observing busy traffic spots in Honolulu. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu Roads Ranked 5th Worst in Nation. Hawaii Public Radio.

Honolulu selected as winning city in the Bloomberg American Cities Climate Challenge. Honolulu is one of 20 cities total to be awarded resources and technical support to help achieve their ambitious climate goals under Bloomberg American Cities Climate Challenge. KITV.

Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell joins picket as hotel strike persists. Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell joined Unite Here Local 5 hotel workers on the picket lines in Waikiki Saturday, the 27th day of what has become the union’s longest-running hotel strike in nearly three decades. Star-Advertiser.

The company that built nearly an entire two-story, two-family house in Kapahulu without a valid building permit — and then later while under a stop-work order — finally got its permit from the city last month and is now undergoing inspections by the city’s Department of Planning and Permitting. Star-Advertiser.

The Marine Mammal Research Program at the Hawaii Institute of Marine Biology is shifting its research focus under new director Lars Bejder to include the impacts of climate change, human activities and prey availability on whales and dolphins. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu’s only flour mill fading away. Hawaiian Flour Mills, a landmark of multihued 160-foot grain silos and corrugated steel buildings off Nimitz Highway for more than half a century, is slowly being dismantled to make way for a new era of commerce on Honolulu’s waterfront. Star-Advertiser.

Centuries old fishpond in Haleiwa could provide fish for community soon. Behind the busy streets of Haleiwa town, sits a 12 acre fishpond that provides a small glimpse of old Hawaii. KHON2.

Hawaii Island

Another step forward for vacation rental bill. Vacation rental operators will have a few extra months to get their paperwork together, now that the County Council moved the effective date for a bill regulating their use to April 1. West Hawaii Today.

The Hawaii County Council on Friday voted to advance Bill 108 to second reading, after another long day of testimony and discussion. Big Island Video News.

Program to curb homeless trespassing. A new initiative by the Hilo Downtown Improvement Association hopes to alleviate downtown businesses’ homeless burden and make them safer for shoppers and workers alike. Tribune-Herald.

A Hilo judge will decide whether certain defendants will be dismissed from a lawsuit filed by an elderly Leilani Estates couple who allege their insurer is acting in bad faith by not approving the claim they made after losing their home during the eruption of Kilauea volcano earlier this year. Tribune-Herald.

Estimate for wastewater treatment plant doubles. The price tag of a wastewater treatment plant proposed for Naalehu has increased to $40.5 million. Tribune-Herald.

County Council District 7: Drysdale vs. Villegas. There’s just one County Council seat remaining to be filled, and with Election Day less than a week away, two political neophytes are battling to the end to fill it. West Hawaii Today.

State initiates aquaculture accelerator program, investment fund at NELHA. The state announced Thursday a concrete plan to import big ideas, and potentially big dollars, to West Hawaii through the vehicle of the global aquaculture industry. West Hawaii Today.

‘Growing food and growing farmers’. This year marked the ninth annual Aina Fest, which supports HIP Agriculture, an organization focused on the education and practice of conscious agriculture. West Hawaii Today.

Solar project slated for Waikoloa Village, contractor announces community meeting. AES Distributed Energy won the bid for the project and will convene a community meeting from 5:30-7:30 p.m., Nov. 13. West Hawaii Today.

Chancellor candidate forums kick off. Kristin Croyle, the first of four recently announced finalists for chancellor to visit the University of Hawaii at Hilo, met with faculty, staff and community members during a public forum Friday morning. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

County awaits appeal of timeshare tax ruling. Losing lawsuit could mean paying $34 million in tax refunds, hurt bond and credit ratings. Maui News.

Maui Affordable Housing, Transportation Legislation Passes Out of Committee. The bill proposes an expedited review process for county permits for qualifying 100% residential workforce housing projects. Maui Now.

It’s Real Property Because We Said So! A case of wind turbines on Maui, taxes, the courts and the county. Civil Beat.

The status of Maui’s streams, estuaries and native freshwater species will be the subject of a free, public presentation by State of Hawaii Department Land and Natural Resources Division of Aquatic Resources Aquatic Biologist Skippy Hau at the Maui Nui Marine Resource Council meeting on Wednesday, Nov. 7. Maui Now.

This past September, 5.9 percent more visitors came to Maui compared to September of last year, according to preliminary statistics that the Hawaii Tourism Authority released on Tuesday. Visitor spending on Maui remained the same to a year ago at $334.4 million. Maui Now.

A “perfect storm of erosion” has swallowed up much of West Maui’s beaches over the past three years due to El Nino conditions, record-high sea levels and sustained waves from the north, according to one coastal engineer working on projects along the shoreline. Maui News.

Kauai

Election-day voter registration available. Tuesday is Election Day, and not only will voters elect a new mayor of Kauai, they’ll also decide who of the 14 County Council candidates have earned a seat at the table. Garden Island.

Honeycreepers’ numbers dwindling, and so are their songs. A scientific study that examined the historical recordings of three native honeycreeper species in the forests of Kauai over the past 40 years found a dip in the complexity and variety of songs by two of the species. Star-Advertiser.

Lihue company cited by state Department of Health, fined $6K. Esaki Surveying and Mapping Inc. in Lihue was cited for not submitting their annual fee and semi-annual monitoring reports. Garden Island.

ACLU challenges retirement home's medically assisted death ban, design flaws may delay Honolulu rail, purring crickets on Molokai, Leilani residents just want to go home, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii sunrise ©2018 All Hawaii News

The American Civil Liberties Union is accusing a Kahala retirement community of illegal religious discrimination by warning its residents that they cannot take advantage of a new “morally repugnant” law that allows the terminally ill to obtain medication to end their life. Star-Advertiser.

ACLU Challenges Retirement Home’s Ban On Medical Aid In Dying. A state law allowing certain terminally ill people to end their lives takes effect in January, but residents at Kahala Nui were told it doesn’t apply to them. Associated Press.

Senior living community faces discrimination claims involving new ‘death with dignity’ law. ACLU Hawaii is calling out one of Oahu’s biggest senior living communities for telling its residents they won’t be able to use the state’s new law allowing medically assisted suicide. Hawaii News Now.

ACLU accusing retirement home of discrimination. The local chapter of the non-profit sent a "demand letter" to Kahala Nui to stop engaging in "illegal and discriminatory housing practices". KITV.

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Data show fewer homeless vets in isles. Hawaii outperformed most West Coast states and the nation overall — percentage-wise — in getting homeless veterans off the street this year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Star-Advertiser.

The state Health Department wants to expand its immunization program for school-age students. Currently, the Health Department requires all schoolchildren to be immunized by six types of vaccines. Under the proposed new rules, it wants to add three more types of vaccinations. Hawaii News Now.

Health officials to conduct survey to better understand foodborne illnesses. The Hawaii Department of Health is rolling out a statewide survey to learn more about food habits of Hawaii residents and visitors, and find out if there are any behaviors associated with possible risks for foodborne illnesses, including rat lungworm disease. KHON2.

Report: DOE Has Mostly Fixed Flaws In Its Bus Transportation System. A 2012 state audit had faulted the department for allowing costs to skyrocket as competitive bidding for contracts ceased. Civil Beat.

Attorney General Russell Suzuki announced today the establishment of the Electronic Smoking Device Retailer Registration Unit within the Department of the Attorney General. Maui Now.

A Unite Here Local 5 hotel workers strike marked its 25th day Thursday, making it the union’s longest-running hotel strike in nearly three decades. Star-Advertiser.

“Extra” utility poles going away under $45M Hawaiian Telcom, HECO deal. In a move that will eliminate 14,000 unsightly poles, Hawaiian Telcom agreed to let Hawaiian Electric Cos. have sole ownership of about 120,000 utility poles on Oahu, Hawaii island, Maui, Molokai and Lanai. Star-Advertiser.

Neighbor Island Elections Remain Competitive Ahead of Election Day. Both Maui and Kauai have open races for county mayor and several contested seats on the County Council. Hawaii Public Radio.

Oahu

Design Flaws May Delay Rail’s Interim Opening Set For 2020. “Major challenges” with station canopies could stall the planned December 2020 launch of interim service for Oahu’s rail line, project leaders revealed Thursday. Civil Beat.

Caldwell signs bill allowing city funds for rail construction. Mayor Kirk Caldwell broke precedent Thursday, signing a bill that will provide $44 million in city general funds to pay a share of the $8 billion-plus, East Kapolei-to-Ala Moana rail line. Star-Advertiser.

Mayor Caldwell signs 'historic' bill allowing $44M in city funds to go to rail. Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell signed Bill 42 into law on Thursday, the legislation earmarks $44 million from the city’s general fund to be used for the construction of the 20-mile rail project. Pacific Business News.

Honolulu mayor signs bill to use city money to fund rail. For the first time, city funds will be used to help pay for the rail. KHON2.

City will be using its own general fund to help pay for rail. Mayor Kirk Caldwell made it official Thursday by signing Bill 42. KITV.

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‘Bad blood’ drives City Council rematch for east Honolulu seat. The race could shift the balance of power on the council. One of the few general election races that is too close to predict is the east Honolulu rematch between incumbent City Councilman Trevor Ozawa and challenger Tommy Waters. Hawaii News Now.

Police Commission: Why Is It So Hard To Get A Permit To Carry A Gun In This City? In the wake of a federal court decision challenging Hawaii’s restrictive gun laws, the commission wants a deeper look at HPD’s process for denying gun carry applications. Civil Beat.

Short Term Rental Restrictions Approved by Planning Commission. The Honolulu Planning Commission has unanimously approved a proposal from Mayor Kirk Caldwell to regulate short term rentals on Oahu.  Hawaii Public Radio.

Navy seeks to reassure water is safe from tanks at Red Hill. Navy officials worked to reassure members of a task force and the public Thursday that they are taking every precaution to ensure that 18 massive underground fuel tanks at Red Hill near Pearl Harbor won’t contaminate Oahu’s drinking water supply. Star-Advertiser.

Navy points finger of Red Hill fuel on human error, community uneasy over future problems. A back-and-forth discussion over the Navy’s Red Hill fuel facility is approaching its 5th year. KITV.

Kaiser Permanente to develop $60 million facility in Kapolei. Kaiser Permanente is investing in expanding care options for residents of West Oahu with the development of a $60 million medical office in Kapolei. KHON2.

Kaiser to build medical office building on Kapolei land bought in 2012. Kaiser Permanente plans to build a $60 million medical office in Kapolei on a five-acre parcel the health care organization bought nearly seven years ago. Pacific Business News.

The Hawaii Tourism Authority is close to finalizing a contract with the Los Angeles Rams for a preseason game to be held on Oahu next year. The game, to take place at Aloha Stadium, would be the first NFL preseason game in Hawaii in more than 40 years. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii Island

Too busy to spend money: County crises boosted budget savings. Hawaii County departments were so busy with natural disasters this year, they didn’t get a chance to spend all their budgets. West Hawaii Today.

Council advances Puna roads resolution. A room full of people displaced by the eruption in lower Puna had one request for Hawaii County on Thursday — help them get home. Tribune-Herald.

Many in Leilani Estates hope the county will keep providing 24/7 security. What do you do when your neighborhood is on the verge of becoming a tourist attraction? KITV.

Telescope Officials Maintain Alternative Site in Spain Even As Hawaii Court Gives Go-Ahead. The Thirty Meter Telescope may have been given the go-ahead by the Hawaii Supreme Court. But there’s still a lot that needs to happen before construction can take place on Mauna Kea. Hawaii Public Radio.

Curious residents gathered Thursday at Hilo International Airport to look at four Hawaii Air National Guard fighter jets conducting training exercises on the Big Island. Tribune-Herald.

The Hawaii Air National Guard will be operating and repositioning four F-22 Raptors at the Hilo International Airport from Nov. 1 to Nov. 3. Big Island Video News.

Maui

Shoreline repair solutions sought. Residents oppose seawalls; other options considered for Lower Honoapiilani Road. Maui News.

Proposed Maui Solar-Plus-Storage Project Meeting. AES will host a community meeting on Thursday, Nov. 15, to share information and gather community feedback on a proposed solar-plus-storage project near Waikapu, Maui. Maui Now.

Maui Electric Company, in partnership with the County of Maui’s Department of Public Works, will begin installing approximately 4,800 new energy-saving fixtures for county-funded streetlights in November. Maui Now.

Kauai

County Council candidate: KipuKai Kualii. One thing is clear about KipuKai Kualii: He does not let disappointing defeats keep him from trying again. Garden Island.

Students take over county council. Kauai Council Chair Mel Rapozo said most of the students were unaware they could testify at the Council meetings Thursday when nearly two dozen students at the Kapaa High School American Problems class assumed various roles during the mock council meeting at the historic County Building. Garden Island.

Molokai
Scientists studying crickets on Molokai stumbled across a pretty incredible discovery recently, which they detailed in a new journal article. The upshot: Some crickets on the island are now purring. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Supreme Court allows prostitutes' johns to wipe record, Maui spent taxpayer money opposing ConAm, Kona coffee yield down, electric rates to go up, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Matson ship off Honolulu © 2018 All Hawaii News

Ships vying for fuel oil expected to boost Hawaii electric bills. Hawaii, which already struggles with the nation’s highest electric bills, could see them jump by as much as 20 percent in just two years thanks to new regulations on fuel use in oceangoing ships. Bloomberg News Service.

State Supreme Court rules those who solicit prostitutes can wipe record. Under current state law, prostitutes and those who solicit prostitutes are punished differently. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Ballot Issues Draw $2.7 Million In Campaign Spending. Most of that money won’t end up influencing voters since the measure to raise taxes to fund public schools was thrown out by the state Supreme Court. Civil Beat.

Hawaii high school students reported fewer physical fights but more suicide attempts than their U.S. peers, while bullying rates approached the national average, according to data to be presented to the school board today. Star-Advertiser.

UH Wants $40 Million To Help Students Lower Their Tuition Costs. The university is asking legislators for money to expand the Hawaii Promise program to the Manoa, Hilo and West Oahu four-year campuses. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Medical Service Association is notifying some members currently enrolled in older health plans that they will be moved to coverage compliant with the federal Affordable Care Act as of Jan. 1. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Planning panel endorses Caldwell’s new plan on vacation rentals. The Honolulu Planning Commission on Wednesday gave its thumbs-up to the latest version of Mayor Kirk Caldwell’s omnibus short-term vacation rental bill, adding its own suggestions for the City Council, which will make a final decision on the proposal. Star-Advertiser.

BWS balks at study that says sizable leak of Red Hill fuel tank wouldn’t harm water supply. The Navy says critics are misreading the research. The Honolulu Board of Water Supply and environmentalists are protesting a study that suggests a fuel leak in a huge Navy tank farm buried in Red Hill might not harm the island water supply. Hawaii News Now.

Why The State Wants To Build This Ala Moana High-Rise Above A Shelter. Unlike the luxury condo towers rising nearby, all 200 units in the complex would be affordable housing. It’s considered a model for future use of state-owned land. Civil Beat.

State considers Leeward Oahu property as site for homeless ‘ohana zone,' but not everyone is on board. After a decade of helping hundreds of families, a Leeward Oahu homeless shelter closed its doors permanently Wednesday. Hawaii News Now.

Houseless Encampment Leaders Want Seat at the Decision-Making Table. Leaders from 3 homeless encampments came together at the Honolulu Museum of Art to discuss their futures. Hawaii Public Radio.

New bikeshare program in Honolulu looks like competition for Biki. Riders can rent a bike for $3.50 for 30 minutes. Hawaii News Now.

In response to community outrage, Kamehameha Schools has suspended plans to remove geese and ducks from a property it owns in Enchanted Lake. Hawaii News Now.

Sewage spills into Manoa Stream from overflow on St. Louis Heights Dr. More than 12,500 gallons of raw sewage spilled into Manoa Stream from a overflow on St. Louis Heights Drive. KHON2.

Kailua sinkhole may take months to repair. A portion of Kanapuu Drive near the Kahako Street intersection remained closed, as well as adjacent sidewalks, as crews Wednesday inspected the sinkhole on the shoulder of the road. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Opponents of the Thirty Meter Telescope say they plan to meet Monday to discuss their legal options in the wake of Tuesday’s Hawaii Supreme Court ruling that gives the green light for construction of the $1.4 billion project. Star-Advertiser.

The Hawaii Supreme Court decision to allow the controversial TMT project is still reverberating across the community. We hear reactions from the University of Hawaii President David Lassner, Big Island businessman and supporter Richard Ha, and Thirty Meter Telescope opponent Kealoha Pisciotta. Hawaii Public Radio.

Expectations delivered Wednesday by both Hawaii County and the "Thirty Meter Telescope" project. KITV.

The geologists who monitor Hawaii’s volcanoes can still count themselves among those displaced by the recent Kilauea eruption. Tribune-Herald.

The issue of what comes next for the beleaguered residents of Leilani Estates continues to divide a community worried about the possibility of busloads of tourists pouring in to gawk at Kilauea volcano’s most productive and famous outlet — fissure 8. Star-Advertiser.

Kulani Correctional Facility superintendent pleads not guilty to theft. A state prison superintendent charged with theft pled not guilty to third degree theft on Wednesday. Jerry Crivello is accused of stealing gates. KHON2.

Yield and profits down, prices up after coffee season cut short. Coffee season ended abruptly, some two months earlier than usual, for West Hawaii farmers. West Hawaii Today.

Lau Ola cleared to grow marijuana. A second marijuana dispensary on the Big Island was authorized by the state Department of Health to grow and sell cannabis products. Tribune-Herald.

Project explores viability of using canines to hunt for harmful tree fungus. Cobra was trained to detect a fungus that causes rapid ohia death. Tribune-Herald.

Bubba Gump to close. Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. on Alii Drive will cease operations in December “due to lease expiration,” company senior vice president and chief operating officer Jim Dufault said Wednesday. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Panel: Council’s ConAm flyer is campaign spending. County funds used to send what some see as an ad opposing a ‘vague’ ballot measure. The Campaign Spending Commission is asking the Maui County Council to register as a ballot issue committee for allocating $50,000 on a “public education” flyer addressing a state constitutional amendment. Maui News.

Looking to students as the future, mayoral candidates Elle Cochran and Mike Victorino offered their thoughts on increasing job, housing and recreational opportunities for Maui’s youth during a debate held at King Kekaulike High School on Tuesday night. Maui News.

Molokai candidates for council offer contrast. Maui County Council Member Stacy Helm Crivello faces a familiar opponent, Keani Rawlins-Fernandez, in the general election race for the council’s Molokai residency seat. Maui News.

Kauai

Armed with sample ballots, notebooks and questions, about 60 people crowded into Ha Coffee Tuesday night to learn more about what they’ll be voting on Nov. 6. Garden Island.

County Council candidate: Arryl Kaneshiro. Growing up on Kauai with strong family support and the support of teachers and coaches has given County Councilman Arryl Kaneshiro, 37, the ability to make tough decisions. Garden Island.

A blessing was held on Tuesday at the Kapaa bus stop near the Bryan J. Baptiste Sports Complex to mark construction of the fourth phase of the islandwide bus stop passenger shelter project. Garden Island.

The blue color surrounding the construction at Hanalei Pier and Black Pot Beach Park area is hydro-mulch, put on the ground to grow grass, according to county officials. Garden Island.

Hawaii Supreme Court approves Thirty Meter Telescope, with links to concurring, dissenting opinions, property taxes to bail out Honolulu rail, vacation rentals outpace hotels in occupancy increases, what a newsy day! Plus more state and local government and political news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Tourists view telescopes atop Mauna Kea ©2018 All Hawaii News

Read full Hawaii Supreme Court opinion on Thirty Meter Telescope on Mauna Kea here.

Justice Wilson dissents, notice here.

Justices Pollack and Wilson concurring in part, dissenting in part opinion can be read here.

Supreme Court Approves Thirty Meter Telescope. The ruling says the state Board of Land and Natural Resources properly granted a conservation district permit for Mauna Kea. Civil Beat.

After facing years of setbacks from protests and legal challenges, the Thirty Meter Telescope cleared its last major hurdle Tuesday before the Hawaii Supreme Court. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaii Supreme Court rules in favor of Thirty Meter Telescope. The Hawaii Supreme Court on Tuesday ruled in favor of the state Board of Land and Natural Resources' decision to issue a conservation district use permit for construction of the Thirty Meter Telescope on the Big Island’s Mauna Kea. Pacific Business News.

The Hawaii Supreme Court has ruled in favor the Thirty Meter Telescope permit, paving the way for the $1.4 billion observatory to build on Mauna Kea. Big Island Video News.

After years of legal wrangling and protests, the Thirty Meter Telescope got a green light Tuesday from the state Supreme Court. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Supreme Court issues ruling allowing TMT to be built on Mauna Kea. The Hawaii Supreme Court has affirmed the state Board of Land and Natural Resources’ decision to issue a Conservation District Use Permit for construction of the Thirty Meter Telescope on Mauna Kea. KHON2.

The Thirty Meter Telescope may be headed for another Mauna Kea showdown after the state Supreme Court ruled in favor of the $1.4 billion project Tuesday. Star-Advertiser.

State and county officials led by Lt. Gov. Doug Chin have done extensive planning in recent years to prepare for the possibility of widespread protests in connection with the construction of the Thirty Meter Telescope, and at least some of those plans may involve the use of Hawaii National Guard equipment, according to sources familiar with the preparations. Star-Advertiser.

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Tupola says she told Kerns of debate; Kerns denies it. Republican candidate for lieutenant governor Marissa Kerns said she didn’t attend a televised debate on Monday night because her running mate, Republican gubernatorial candidate Andria Tupola, deliberately failed to inform her that she had been invited. Star-Advertiser.

Republican candidate for lieutenant governor accuses running mate of ‘sabotaging’ campaign. The war of words comes just seven days before the general election. Hawaii News Now.

Candidate claims she wasn't invited to final TV debate. At the KITV 4 gubernatorial debate, we invited Republican and democratic candidates for governor and Lt. Governor, but not all of them showed up. KITV.

Ige Has Raised And Spent Three Times As Much Campaign Cash As Tupola. The Democrat incumbent is financially dominating his Republican challenger in the Hawaii governor race. Civil Beat.

Unions spend heavily against ConCon. Preserve Our Hawaii, a powerful coalition funded heavily by local unions, has spent more than $600,000 in recent weeks on advertising urging residents to vote “no” in the general election on whether to hold a state constitutional convention, campaign spending reports show. Star-Advertiser.

What A New Hawaii ConCon Might Look Like. The Hawaiian renaissance ensured the 1978 constitutional convention would enshrine indigenous rights. A lot has changed since then. Civil Beat.

Akaka, Kiaaina share unique connection as they compete for OHA’s Oahu seat. Both candidates have a close connection to late Senator Daniel Akaka. Hawaii News Now.

The use of vacation rental homes by visitors from Hawaii’s main tourism markets rose in September as hotel use declined, according to data released Tuesday by the Hawaii Tourism Authority. Pacific Business News.

Will Kiosks and Robots Replace Hotel Workers? Striking hotel workers in Hawaii and elsewhere, fearful of losing jobs, want a seat at the table as management rolls out disruptive technology. Civil Beat.

Hawaii’s visitor industry realized statewide growth in visitor arrivals and spending despite September decreases on the Big Island. Star-Advertiser.

New Guidelines for Rat Lungworm Disease. Two doctors from the UH medical Scholl’s department of Tropical Medicine. Doctors Vernon Ansdell and Gerald Murphy will showcase efforts to deal with Rat Lungworm Disease on a national stage. Hawaii Public Radio.

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Remembering Marine Biology Giant Ruth Gates. Ruth Gates lost her battle with brain cancer last week. She was the director of the Hawaii Institute of Biology and was a champion of coral reefs. Hawaii Public Radio.

Pioneering coral reef scientist Ruth Gates, who dedicated much of her career to saving the world’s fragile and deteriorating underwater reef ecosystems, has died. She was 56. Associated Press.

Ruth Gates, trailblazer in coral reef research, died October 25 after being diagnosed with brain cancer in May, but Hawaii officials and environmentalists say her legacy will live on. Garden Island.

Oahu

Council commits city funds to pay $44M for rail project. The Honolulu City Council on Tuesday approved a measure that allowed, for the first time, money from the city’s general fund to be used to finance the rail. Star-Advertiser.

Rail moves over its latest hurdle as City Council passes key funding bill. The Honolulu City Council voted 7-2 Tuesday to approve a key rail funding bill, in a move to appease demands by the federal government. Hawaii News Now.

Public input sought for Ward Village elevated walkways over main streets. Ward Village’s developer is seeking public input on the design of elevated walkways that would connect a central plaza in the neighborhood to a planned rail station, Ala Moana Beach Park and future condominium towers. Star-Advertiser.

Trace levels of a chemical detected in west Oahu water well. The water remains safe to drink. The Waipahu Wells IV found trace levels of 1,2-Dibromo-3-chloropropane (DBCP), which is a soil fumigant and nematicide used in pineapple farming, in the water. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Council Finalists Talk About Homelessness And Housing. Rebecca Villegas and Kelly Drysdale are facing off to represent a district where many workers cannot afford to live. Civil Beat.

County urged to reopen Hwy 132. Puna Councilwoman Eileen O’Hara will introduce a resolution during a County Council meeting Thursday, urging the county to reopen Highway 132 and develop additional alternative routes. Tribune-Herald.

Kilauea Volcano is not erupting, however Mayor Harry Kim has nevertheless signed a Fifth Supplementary Emergency Proclamation, extending the state of emergency until December 29. Big Island Video News.

Big Island residents will be able to view four U.S. Air Force fighter jets Thursday and Friday as the Hawaii Air National Guard conducts training exercises. Tribune-Herald.

The Kona Historical Society on Monday announced a new addition to its Kona Coffee Living History Farm in Captain Cook, a 9-month-old Nightingale by the name of Shizu. West Hawaii Today.

Big Island tourism arrivals, spending dropped 14% in September. Pacific Business News.

Maui

Flights to the mainland, hotel rooms, thousands of dollars worth of meals, rental cars and Uber and Lyft rides are among the hundreds of expenses that state Rep. Kaniela Ing failed to report on his campaign spending reports over the years, according to updated reports he filed over the weekend with the Hawaii Campaign Spending Commission. Star-Advertiser.

Sugimura, Starbuck face off for council seat from Upcountry. On Nov. 6, Maui County Council Member Yuki Lei Sugimura will defend her Upcountry residency seat against first-time candidate Hannibal Starbuck. Maui News.

A former Maui police captain will have to register as a sex offender after groping a female sergeant while on the job last year. Hawaii News Now.

Stephen Orikasa, the former Maui Police captain accused of sexually assaulting a fellow officer was sentenced to one year probation Tuesday.   He must also pay $810 in fines and was ordered to complete the Hawaii Sex Offender Treatment Program. KITV.

The County of Maui Department of Planning invites the public to review technical resource papers and provide input for the update of the West Maui Community Plan. Maui Now.

West Maui Community Plan technical resource papers, focusing on issues such as housing, water and wastewater, are available for public review and input, the county Department of Planning said. Maui News.

Kauai

County Council candidate: Norma Doctor Sparks. Norma Doctor Sparks has spent a lifetime in public service and she wants to continue down that path, which is why she’s running for Kauai County Council. Garden Island.

Kauai Island Utility Cooperative inks energy pact. A Kauai renewable energy project combining solar and pumped storage hydro technology has moved one step further toward completion with the execution of a contract for design, engineering and construction on the facility. Garden Island.

If you use Ke Ala Hele Makalae, Kauai Path wants to hear from you. The nonprofit is conducting an online survey to try and learn what for, how often, and why people use the path by the ocean. Garden Island.

Final gubernatorial debate before Election Day, long-shot challengers seek to unseat Hirono, Gabbard, coral researcher Gates dies, vacation rentals, rape kits, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Screenshot: gubernatorial debate highlights. KITV.

Gubernatorial debate highlights. KITV.

Republican state Rep. Andria Tupola pledged to do more to cope with Hawaii’s crime problem if she is elected governor, while Gov. David Ige used a televised hourlong debate Monday night to stress his record of accomplishment in areas such as building housing and coping with homelessness. Star-Advertiser.

Ige, Tupola Spar In Final Debate Before Election Day. The candidates field questions about housing, sea level rise, President Trump and their own running mates for lieutenant governor. Civil Beat.

Here’s how the gubernatorial candidates stand on some of the biggest issues facing Hawaii. Hawaii News Now.

Gov. David Ige has spent nearly $359,000 on his general election campaign against Republican Andria Tupola so far, and has spent more than $2.88 million on his overall re-election effort, according to his latest report with the state Campaign Spending Commission. Star-Advertiser.

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U.S. Sen. Mazie Hirono explains fiery dialogue while Congressional challenger seeks change. Republican challenger and political newcomer Ron Curtis wants a less divisive Washington and even avoids directly criticizing Hirono. Hawaii News Now.

Coffee with a Candidate: Republican candidate for U.S. Senate Ron Curtis. Curtis describes himself as a common sense, moderate, reform Republican. Hawaii News Now.

A Vegas Crooner Faces Long Odds In Quest To Unseat Tulsi Gabbard. Maui Republican Brian Evans switched parties to run against the congresswoman. He says she’s more interested in running for president than serving her district. Civil Beat.

The price of paradise: Hawaii ranks highest in the nation for utility costs. Hawaii News Now.

This week Germany technology takes the spotlight at the University of Hawaii. Denis Salle of the honorary General Counsel is a spark plug behind a conference taking place tomorrow. He has brought together green energy experts from Germany to share their experience and to see how they can help Hawaii reach its energy goals by 2045. Hawaii Public Radio.

RIP Ruth Gates: The World Loses A Top Coral Scientist And ‘Indomitable Spirit’. The University of Hawaii researcher was working on creative ways to preserve the ocean’s dwindling reefs in the face of climate change. She never lost hope. Civil Beat.

Researcher was leading advocate for protecting corals. Ruth Gates, the University of Hawaii-Manoa marine biologist who was a prominent voice in the fight to save the world’s coral reefs, died Thursday following a bout with brain cancer. Star-Advertiser.

Critical shortage of doctors prompting range of solutions. The neighbor islands and parts of rural Oahu are suffering a critical doctor shortage. Whether it's older doctors retiring sooner, or young doctors driven out of Hawaii by high costs or lured by mainland incentives, it's been an uphill battle finding a cure for a physician workforce that's way too small. KHON2.

Hawaii Biotech is going to receive 38 million dollars in federal funding in order to develop a drug to treat anthrax. The money is coming from the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases to begin pre-clinical studies of a drug for the treatment. KITV.

Hawaii Biotech received a five-year $38.5 million contract from the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases to develop an anti-toxin drug for anthrax in humans on Monday. Pacific Business News.

Oahu

Mayor Kirk Caldwell on Wednesday will try for a third time to obtain from the Honolulu Planning Commission a favorable recommendation for a draft omnibus bill addressing all things related to short-term vacation rentals, this time with a version that places more stringent limits on the number of bed-and-breakfast establishments and transient vacation units that would be allowed. Star-Advertiser.

Borrowing costs for rail have increased by $42 million, a report states. The cost of borrowing money to finance the Honolulu rail project is climbing despite the injection of nearly $1.2 billion in additional cash from last year’s controversial statewide hotel room tax increase, according to new financial data for the project. Star-Advertiser.

USS Arizona Memorial to be closed on Dec. 7. Survivors of the 1941 Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor will not be allowed to visit the USS Arizona Memorial this Dec. 7 due to its dock repair project. Star-Advertiser.

USS Arizona Memorial dock expected to be completed by March 2019. The National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day on December 7th, will have long passed. KITV.

State House District 40 includes Ewa, Ewa Beach, Ewa Gentry and Iroquois Point in West O’ahu.  Incumbent, Bob McDermott, is one of 4 Republicans in the 51-member House of Representatives. Hawaii Public Radio.

Exclusive behind the scenes look inside HPD's 911 call center. The Honolulu Police Department's Communications Division is the largest Public Safety Answering Point in the state. KHON2.

Lawmakers, state agencies host reverse job fair for persons with developmental disabilities. State Legislators and government agencies will host the "Empowering All Abilities" Job Fair on Oct. 30 at the State Capitol, a reverse job fair for persons with developmental disabilities. KHON2.


Hawaii Island

Mayor Harry Kim announced Monday that the Leilani Estates checkpoint will remain active for at least another month. The checkpoint, which prevents anyone but authorized residents access to Leilani Estates, was scheduled to be removed by the end of October, but will instead continue to operate until the end of November. Tribune-Herald.

Under pressure, Hawaii County officials look to grant lava access. A checkpoint blocking public access to Leilani Estates will remain in place for at least another month while officials search for ways to give visitors a safe and legal way to see the lava field and 300-foot cinder cone left behind from Kilauea Volcano’s most active hot spot, Mayor Harry Kim told the Honolulu Star- Advertiser on Monday. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii County, the birthplace of an actress’ initiative devoted to DNA testing of rape kits, is getting a federal grant to bring in experts to clear out its rape kit backlog. West Hawaii Today.

The state is giving the green light to the last of eight dispensaries to begin growing pakalolo. Lau Ola, run by Big Island farmer Richard Ha, received approval from the Health Department, more than a year after medical marijuana sales started on Maui and Oahu. Star-Advertiser.

Kealakehe Intermediate School’s Mathieu Williams named Hawaii Teacher of the Year. The seven-year educator was named the Hawaii State Teacher of the Year Saturday night in Honolulu for his innovative teaching style that demands passion, curiosity and community building from his students. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Farming convention Upcountry digs into improved soil health. Speakers emphasize strengthening the soil through natural means. Maui News.

Safeway will celebrate the re-grand opening of its newly remodeled store in Lahaina Cannery Mall on Wednesday, Oct. 31. Maui Now.

Maui Health System has appointed Kerry Pitcher the new Administrator of Kula Hospital and Lanai Community Hospital. Maui Now.

Kauai

County Council candidate: Shaylene Iseri. Making Kauai a better place to live and work is why Anahola resident Shaylene Iseri is once again running for Kauai County Council. Garden Island.

Treatment Healing Center moving along. Life’s Choices coordinator Theresa Koki, Mayor Bernard Carvalho Jr. and several county dignitaries visited the site recently to watch the Adolescent Treatment and Healing Center receive its concrete pour for the facility’s foundation. Garden Island.