Hawaii losing one of its two dairy farms, Caldwell vetoes condo bill, hotel occupancy down, Big Island vacation rental bill passes, Maui affordable housing breaks ground, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Big Island Dairy, Facebook page photo

Big Island Dairy owners confirmed Tuesday that they will discontinue dairy and milk processing operations at the Ookala facility for financial reasons. Tribune-Herald.

One of two of the state's only dairies is closing. Big Island Dairy has announced it's ending operations in February next year. KHON2.

Embattled Big Island Dairy Farm Plans To Shut Down. A lawsuit filed last year alleged repeated spills and runoff of cattle manure, cattle urine and other waste from Big Island Dairy violated federal laws. Civil Beat.

Big Island Dairy will discontinue its operation of raw milk production and milk processing operations at its farm on the Hamakua Coast. Big Island Video News.

Embattled Big Island dairy farm plans to cease operations, lay off employees. An embattled Big Island dairy farm plans to cease operations in the new year and lay off its 24 employees. Hawaii News Now.

Those concerned about opening a dairy in the Mahaulepu valley started celebrating Tuesday after Big Island Dairy owners announced they’ll be shutting down operations on Hawaii Island. Garden Island.

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Occupancy rates at Hawaii hotels decline. According to the Hawaii Tourism Authority on average hotels statewide reported decreased occupancy in October compared to the year before. KHON2.

The Hawaii Tourism Authority said Tuesday that hotels statewide had a drop in occupancy last month, the fifth month in a row of declines. Occupancy fell to 76.4 percent, a drop of 2.4 percentage points from October 2017. Star-Advertiser.

Sex-Sting Vigilantes Are Trying to Bust ‘Predators’ In Hawaii. But concerns are being raised by police and others about the type of tactics used by groups like Hawaii Predator Hunters Facebook Group. Civil Beat.

Despite reports of a Christmas tree shortage on the mainland, it appears Hawaii will see plenty of trees this year. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii will receive more than $400,000 in federal funding from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to curb harmful pollution from diesel vehicles in the state. Pacific Business News.

Oahu

Mayor cites safety in condo bill veto. Mayor Kirk Caldwell on Tuesday vetoed a bill that would have provided condo owners an extra two years to comply with requirements of a fire safety law enacted in the wake of the fatal Marco Polo fire in 2017. Star-Advertiser.

Mayor vetoes fire sprinkler bill 'for the safety of our citizens'. The new bill requires high-rises to do a sprinkler system evaluation within five years instead of three, and then be fitted with sprinklers within eight years instead of six. KHON2.

Honolulu Mayor vetoes bill offering fire safety evaluation extension. Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell vetoed a bill that would have extended the deadline for high rises to get a fire safety inspection. KITV.

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Native Hawaiians claim voter suppression at Leeward Oahu polling sites during general election. After a massive effort by several Native Hawaiian organizations to get out the vote for the general election, advocates are accusing state elections officials of stymieing their efforts. Hawaii News Now.

Councilman Ikaika Anderson raised eyebrows — but received no official admonishment — for using lewd descriptions at a recent council meeting to criticize a lack of action on homelessness. Hawaii News Now.

The driver of the trolley that struck and killed an elderly pedestrian in Kakaako on Thursday had a blood alcohol concentration of more than twice the legal threshold for drunken driving, according to Honolulu police reports. Star-Advertiser.

Local Christmas Tree Farm Prepares For The Season. If it’s anything the Christmas holiday season teaches us, its patience! Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii Island

After two years, seven bill drafts and a lot of community input, Hawaii County will soon join the other three counties regulating short-term vacation rentals. The County Council on Tuesday passed Bill 108 on a 6-1 vote, setting in motion the next step in the process: formulation of rules by the county Planning Department. West Hawaii Today.

Mayor Kim to undergo surgery Friday. Hawaii County Mayor Harry Kim will undergo surgery on Friday at Straub Medical Center in Honolulu to clear a blockage in an artery in his lower extremities, his office said today in a written statement. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaii County Mayor Harry Kim will undergo surgery on Friday, but that didn’t stop him from testifying in Hilo today. Big Island Video News.

Mayor Harry Kim to undergo surgery to clear blockage in artery. KHON2.

County to get $10 million for lava recovery. Hawaii County will receive a $10 million grant from the state to help it kick-start recovery efforts in Puna following the Kilauea eruption. Tribune-Herald.

Telescope Foes Ask Hawaii High Court To Reconsider Ruling. Opponents want the Hawaii Supreme Court to reverse an earlier 4-1 vote clearing the way for the $1.4 billion Mauna Kea project. Associated Press.

Big Island bees stung by natural disasters. Natural disasters stung Big Island bee colonies and harmed honey production and hives. KITV.

Maui

Maui’s Newest Affordable Housing Complex Breaks Ground. Catholic Charities Housing Development Corporation broke ground this morning on the first phase of Kahului Lani, a senior affordable rental housing development bordered by Kane, Vevau and School streets in Kahului. Maui Now.

Maui County Prosecutor John D. Kim announced the death of deputy prosecuting attorney Richard Minatoya on Sunday. Maui News.

Kahului 2070: Maui's Metropolitan/TOD Plan. Kahului 2070 is Maui County’s long-range concept plan for transit oriented development. Hawaii Public Radio.

School has been in session here for months at the Hanalei Colony Resort, where hotel rooms serve as classrooms for about two dozen students. But the satellite campus could close down come next month. KITV.

The second Maui Cannabis Conference will be held Jan. 5 and 6 at the Royal Lahaina Resort. Maui News.

Kauai

On A Now Empty Beach, Signs Of Nature’s Comeback. Kee Beach, once nearly loved to death by tourists, is now a place of solitude after last spring’s punishing storms cut it off from the rest of the island. Civil Beat.

Contrary to the recommendations by health officials, Earl Kashiwagi of Esaki’s Produce said the romaine lettuce being brought in by the biggest produce wholesaler on the island is pretty safe to eat. Garden Island.

Kauai a leader in hotel report. Hawaii hotels statewide reported no growth in revenue per available room (RevPAR), modest growth in average daily rate (ADR) and decreased occupancy in October. Garden Island.

Ige, lawmakers face awkward reunion, Honolulu unveils homeless hygiene center, illegal Maui vacation rentals face $20k fine, Bill Gates' toilet could eliminate cesspool problems, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Gov. David Ige with Sen. Mazie Hirono, Mayor Harry Kim ©2018 All Hawaii News

Did Hawaii Lawmakers Poison Their Relationship With Gov. Ige? Top legislative leaders, in a rare move, opposed fellow Democrat David Ige and raised money for his opponent in the primary. Civil Beat.

Leaders dismiss warnings. Staff at the Department of Land and Natural Resources in 2012 and 2013 warned top managers within the Land Division that its month-to-month property rental program needed major fixes. Star-Advertiser.

Hirono Files Suit Against Trump Over Appointment of Acting AG. The Hawaii senator joined two Senate Democrats in the action, which argues Matthew Whitaker’s appointment is unconstitutional. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Leaders Push to Double Food Production by 2020. Leaders hope big agriculture investment from Costco and tech moguls will boost the islands’ food self-sufficiency, but farmers are wary. U.S. News.

Bill Gates wants to bring a new kind of technology to Hawaii: The reinvented toilet. Hawaii environmental leaders say billionaire Bill Gates wants to help Hawaii in its quest to eliminate cesspools. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii hotel workers slated to remain on strike through Thanksgiving. Some 2,700 Hawaii hotel workers are expected to remain on strike through the Thanksgiving holiday. Hawaii News Now.

Kyo-ya says Local 5 workers union rejects highest wage offer nationwide. Kyo-ya Hotels and Resorts said Monday that the Unite Here Local 5 Union has rejected its latest offer, “which would have been the largest increase in compensation for any of the striking markets nationwide.” Pacific Business News.

Oahu

The city Monday announced it will open a shower and toilet hygiene center on the ground floor of its latest facility to address homelessness — a building in Iwilei that will offer more services than anywhere else in the country, according to Councilman Joey Manahan. Star-Advertiser.

Construction underway in Iwilei for largest hygiene center in the nation. The center, which will serve Honolulu’s homeless population, will be on the first floor of a four-story building in Kuwili Street and will have showers, laundry services, kennels, a mail service and even a bed bug-zapping machine. Hawaii News Now.

The City and County of Honolulu unveiled what it calls the biggest homeless hygiene center in the nation today. Hawaii Public Radio.

City unveils rest stop center for homeless. KHON2.

City shows off Iwilei hygiene center. Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell showcased a city facility aimed at getting homeless residents off the streets. KITV.

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The Liliha Public Library will be closed for major renovations starting Saturday, November 24, 2018. KITV

Kakaako Roads Worsen As Ownership Battle Continues. There are roads across the state that are in limbo because no one can agree who owns them. A  drawn-out legal battle over disputed roads in Kakaako has taken a turn and has some questioning why it's taken so long to resolve. Hawaii Public Radio.

New $20.4M visitor center to be built at Punchbowl. A multi-million dollar visitor center is in the works at the Punchbowl National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific. Hawaii News Now.

New $20M visitor center planned for Punchbowl Memorial. The National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific at Punchbowl will receive $20.4 million for the construction of a visitor center, according to U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz, D-Hawaii, the lead Democrat on the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Military Construction and Veterans Affairs. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii Island

Sewer fee hikes advanced. Should the burden of keeping the oceans clean fall primarily on those connected to a sewer system? That was the question Monday, before a County Council panel unanimously advanced a bill almost doubling sewer fees over the next three years. West Hawaii Today.

A resolution to temporarily close one of only two roads into Leilani Estates failed to pass a County Council committee Monday after dozens of Leilani residents voiced support for and opposition to the bill. Tribune-Herald.

A judge denied a motion to dismiss a claim brought against Lloyd’s of London by an elderly Puna couple who allege their insurer acted 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.

‘Punatics’ Look To Start Rebuilding After The Lava Damage. Hawaii County officials are fast-tracking the permitting of new package homes or repairs of ones damaged during Kilauea eruption. Civil Beat.

Mobile hygiene unit arrives on Big Island. Project Vision Hawaii unveiled its Hawaii Island-dedicated mobile shower unit, HiEhiE, purchased with donations raised during the Puna lava eruption. The event took place at Mooheau Bandstand in Downtown Hilo. KHON2.

Civil Beat Law Center to be Honored at luncheon. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Draft form of bill to penalize illegal short-term rentals under discussion. Operators want to make sure measure is not going to unfairly penalize permit holders. On Nov. 6, voters approved a County Charter amendment that would increase the fine for illegal operators from $1,000 to $20,000 initially and $10,000 every day of violation after that. Maui News.

The End Of An Era For Elle Cochran. Longtime Maui councilwoman plans to stay involved in local issues — and do a lot surfing. Civil Beat.

Input Sought on Maui Long Range Transportation Plan. Maui Now.

Forum to focus on climate change, energy resilience. Maui Electric Co. will host a free community forum titled “Energy Resilience on Maui” Nov. 29 at the Cameron Center Auditorium in Wailuku. Maui News.

Kauai

Detour taking toll. For seven months, residents on Kauai’s North Shore have been using a one-mile-long, pitted detour from Kuhio Highway to Kahiliholo Road to get in and out of their homes. Garden Island.

DLNR land policies scrutinized, PUC chair Iwase retiring, new homeless camp for Waianae, lawsuit over Leilani access, Molokai plan advances, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Pololu Valley lookout ©2018 All Hawaii News

Booming market, idle lands. Hard up for cash, the state Department of Land and Natural Resources nearly a decade ago identified 14 mostly vacant properties as having the best potential among its inventory of idled lands to start generating badly needed funds for park maintenance. Star-Advertiser.

Examples raising questions about DLNR’s oversight of state land. The state Department of Land and Natural Resources has a poor track record of leasing idled lands on several islands that it described nearly a decade ago as having the best revenue-generating potential. Star-Advertiser.

Lease extensions stir controversy. When a ground lease expires, the buildings or other improvements on the land typically become the property of the landowner. Star-Advertiser.

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New Shipping Rules May Drive Up Hawaii’s Power Bills. But experts say there is a silver lining: higher fuel prices will make renewable energy sources in Hawaii even more competitive. Civil Beat.

Hawaii PUC Chair Iwase to retire in late December. Hawaii Public Utilities Commission Chair Randall Iwase is retiring from public office in late December to spend more time with his family. Pacific Business News.

Commentary: Lt. Gov. needs a real job or save us the big salary. If Lt. Gov.-elect Josh Green wants to make a difference, he should convene a working group to conceive a real job description for the office, with meaningful constitutional responsibilities independent from the governor, and sell it to the Legislature and voters as a constitutional amendment. Star-Advertiser.

$1 Million Grant Keeps ‘Super Coral’ Research Alive. Scientists will continue the work of the late Ruth Gates to develop corals that are more resistant to the effects of climate change and create reefs that provide natural coastal protection. Civil Beat.

The Hawaii hotel workers strike, now at day 42, is likely to continue for at least another eight days. Star-Advertiser.

Conference spotlights Hawaii’s budding hemp industry. Hawaii has eight farms growing industrial hemp under a state-regulated project exploring the viability of the versatile plant as a commercial crop, and an upcoming conference aims to expand and share knowledge on the subject. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

New location discussed for Waianae homeless. Discussions are under- way to move the 270-person homeless encampment next to the Waianae Small Boat Harbor to unspecified, privately owned land farther mauka, and to erect wooden “tiny homes” for its residents. Star-Advertiser.

City Council Takes On Building Permit Backlog. The Honolulu City Council has given final approval to a bill that aims to streamline the process for getting a building permit. Hawaii Public Radio.

All aboard: HART invites public to explore rail cars. HART hopes to begin operations and welcome passengers aboard by Dec. 2020. Hawaii News Now.

Pearl Harbor shipyard changes planned to meet submarine need. The Navy says it wants to spend $5 billion over 20 years to improve Pearl Harbor shipyard’s aged infrastructure and to accommodate an expected increase in Virginia-class attack submarine work. Star-Advertiser.

City asks windward Oahu residents to weigh in on plans for aging bridge. Waiahole Stream bridge is 96 years old. Hawaii News Now.

The Battle Over the Waikiki Natatorium Continues. A new round over what to do about the Waikiki Natatorium has been touched off with a new alternative for a swim basin replacing the crumbling walls with a fiberglass mess. Former war veterans weighed in on the controversy over the weekend on veterans day...against the backdrop of the war memorial and ceremonies held there. Hawaii Public Radio.

Police, abuse victims call for stronger court system to end domestic violence. The state auditor found, over a four year period there were more than 7,000 arrests by Honolulu police for misdemeanor and felony domestic violence. KITV.

First-time buyers crowd seminars on The Central tower near Ala Moana. Technically, they’re not for sale yet, but condominiums in a planned tower next to Ala Moana Center are in high demand, and potential buyers are facing long odds in getting one of the designated affordable units. Star-Advertiser.

Dockless bikeshare rolls into Honolulu, but smooth ride not guaranteed. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Lax oversight by DLNR allows businesses to use state land for free at a Kona harbor. The Department of Land and Natural Resources for years has allowed fishing charters, a submarine tour operation and other private businesses at a public boat harbor on Hawaii island to use state land without paying rent, a Honolulu Star-Advertiser investigation has found. Star-Advertiser.

Judge calls inspections at Pohakuloa training area ‘grossly inadequate’. The spotty inspection record came to light as a result of a lawsuit Native Hawaiian cultural practitioners Clarence “Ku” Ching and Mary Maxine Kahaulelio filed against DLNR in 2014, alleging the department and its governing board breached their trust duties by failing to enforce the Pohakuloa lease. Star-Advertiser.

‘Local boy’ wants PTA to be a good steward. Self-proclaimed “local boy” Lt. Col. Loreto V. Borce Jr., commander at U.S. Army Garrison Pohakuloa Training Area, hit the ground running when he took over PTA in late May, with goals of readiness, workforce and community. West Hawaii Today.

Puna Councilwoman Eileen O’Hara has introduced a resolution urging Hawaii County to grant temporary control of Leilani Avenue to the Leilani Estates Community Association. Tribune-Herald.

Leilani Estates homeowners are asking the federal courts to order Hawaii County officials to maintain the security checkpoint that keeps out nonresidents, and to order the Federal Emergency Management Agency to continue paying for it. Star-Advertiser.

Native Hawaiians concerned DHHL housing development dragging. The Department of Hawaiian Homelands issued a request for proposal in February of 2016 to develop 163 single-family lots across two sections of the Villages of Laiopua Hawaiian home lands properties. West Hawaii Today.

The state Department of Health will hold a series of public hearings next month on the Big Island to discuss proposed changes to the state’s immunization requirements for school attendance. Tribune-Herald.

Funding for next step in Kealakehe Regional Park up for council vote this week. West Hawaii Today.

Updated county website in the works. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

The 324-unit Wailuku apartment project planned across from Longs Drugs in Kehalani advanced Thursday as the Maui County Council approved a resolution and a bill to pave its way. Maui News.

The state Department of Health will hold public hearings next month in Maui County to get community input on proposed amendments to state requirements for health examinations and immunizations for school attendance in Hawaii. Maui News.

In recent years, West Maui community members have been organizing to protect their shorelines. From 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Dec. 7, the broad umbrella group Na Papai Wawae Ulaula and the West Maui Preservation Association, along with other sponsoring organizations, will host a one-day symposium, “Disappearing Shorelines and Managed Retreat: A Conversation,” at Wai Ola Church. Maui News.


Kauai

Free meals for Thanksgiving. Garden Island.

The Blood Bank of Hawaii announced its schedule of upcoming blood drives, calling on Kauai residents to give “the ultimate gift this holiday season.” Garden Island.

Molokai

Updated Molokai island plan closer to final approval. New plan calls for maintaining Molokai’s rural character, farming. Maui News.

State auditor slams Health Department's oversight of care homes, security guards to patrol Honolulu parks, state tells Hawaiians to take down Mauna Kea access structure, Maui panel recommends $40M bond, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

The Hawaiian Islands, seen from GOES-17 at 6:30 a.m. EST, on Nov. 13, 2018. PC:NOAA/CIRA

The GOES-17 Advanced Baseline Imager has sent its first images from the satellite's new vantage point over the Pacific Ocean. NOAA.

State auditor finds licensing of care homes problematic. An inordinate number of Hawaii’s nearly 500 adult residential care homes were operating in 2017 either with no license or with “hastily issued” permits — and sometimes without even being inspected, according to a scathing audit of the agency charged with ensuring health and safety standards. Star-Advertiser.

Audit: Licensing Process For Adult Care Homes Is Seriously Flawed. The state agency overseeing adult care homes says it is improving its practices and there is no risk to the health or safety of the patients. Civil Beat.

A new audit has found major problems within the agency that licenses Hawaii's care homes. It says the office of health care assurance was renewing licenses for care homes even though there were deficiencies found. KHON2.

The Office of the State Auditor released an audit of the Hawaii Department of Health’s Office of Health Care Assurance today, identifying areas for improvement to ensure the health, safety, and welfare of residents in adult residential care homes. Maui Now.

Scathing audit says office charged with licensing care homes failing to ensure health, safety of patients. The state Office of Health Care Assurance is required by law to oversee the health, safety and welfare of care home residents by licensing and inspecting care homes and holding them to standards. Hawaii News Now.

Read full audit on adult care homes here.

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Harm Reduction Hawaii: Change State Laws for Sex Workers. Community advocates and sex workers in Hawai’i are mobilizing to be heard at the State Legislature next session. Hawaii Public Radio.

Back In Washington Ed Case Gets Ready For ‘A Wild Ride’. The congressman will join one of the most diverse freshman classes in U.S. House history, one that must decide if Nancy Pelosi will still lead them. Civil Beat.

UH Regents Approve New Leadership Organization. The recombining of the University of Hawaii system president with the Manoa chancellor is among other bureaucratic shifts coming to UH. Civil Beat.

A ‘time bomb’ waiting to happen: New figures highlight critical shortage of special ed teachers. Teachers sound alarms over worsening shortage. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii’s teacher shortage has reached “crisis proportions,” according to Hawaii State Teachers Association President Corey Rosenlee, who appeared before the Board of Education Thursday to address the state’s ongoing struggles to retain qualified educators. Garden Island.

Isle jobless rate edges up to 2.3%. Hawaii’s unemployment rate rose in October for the second straight month to a 16-month high of 2.3 percent as the labor force slightly contracted. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

HART to pay $13 million for rail claims. In what is being praised as a significant milestone for the troubled Honolulu rail project, the rail authority has reached an agreement that will finally allow it to close out major contracts with the company that built the first half of the elevated rail guideway. Star-Advertiser.

HART Approves Rail’s Recovery Plan – Again. The move is intended to free up more than $700 million withheld by the project’s federal partners. Civil Beat.

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City hires 24/7 security guards to curtail homeless in 9 Honolulu parks. Pairs of unarmed, private security guards Thursday began rotating among nine city parks around the clock to clamp down on illegal homeless activity. Star-Advertiser.

City to implement new security program to patrol Honolulu parks 24/7. The one-month pilot project will cost the city $44K. Hawaii News Now.

Security guards coming to nine Honolulu parks. KHON2.

Honolulu Rolls Out Ankle Bracelet To Monitor Drunken Drivers. Repeat drunken drivers in Honolulu can soon be made to wear a SCRAM CAM anklet that detects alcohol consumption through a wearer’s sweat and notifies the courts. Civil Beat.

The Prosecutors Office unveiled a new tool aimed at cracking down on habitual drunk drivers. These alcohol monitors can detect alcohol through sweat. KHON2.

Honblue hopes to fill void after Hagadone Hawaii closes. Printing company Honblue hopes to take over as many clients and employees as it can from Hagadone Hawaii, which announced last week it will stop commercial printing operations. KITV.

Exotic bengal cats confiscated in Honolulu. A pair of exotic animals got confiscated at the Daniel K. Inouye International Airport in Honolulu in September. KHON2.

Hawaii Island

State tells group to take down structure at Mauna Kea access road. They say they are Native Hawaiian beneficiaries looking after the aina. But the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands says they are trespassing and that their unauthorized structure next to the Maunakea Access Road has to go. Tribune-Herald.

A Hawaii Island peace activist is raising concerns about an apparent U.S. Navy plan to expand non-invasive, or no live fire, training activities into the Mauna Kea Recreation Area along Saddle Road. Big Island Video News.

Ha steps down as cannabis dispensary CEO. The CEO of Lau Ola LLC, one of only two Big Island medical cannabis dispensaries, announced his retirement Wednesday, before the dispensary has brought any product to market. Tribune-Herald.

Former Big Island farmer and medical marijuana advocate Richard Ha, CEO of Lau Ola, is resigning today, two weeks after the state gave the startup the green light to begin growing pakalolo. Star-Advertiser.

Effective Monday, Richard Ha, the head of Big Island medical cannabis company Lau Ola is retiring. KITV.

Little Fire Ants Discovered in Hawaii Volanoes National Park. Park officials announced today they have discovered the presence of the invasive ants in the popular Steam Vents area and Mauna Ulu parking lot. Hawaii Public Radio.

Little fire ants invade Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Tribune-Herald.

Unwanted visitors: Little fire ants discovered at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. The invasive species is hazardous to the health of humans, native ecosystems. Hawaii News Now.

The Puna Community Development Plan Action Committee met in Pahoa on Wednesday evening, and eruption recovery was on the agenda. Big Island Video News.

Weather, water hit Cyanotech hard. Limited access to fresh water, inclement weather and a volcanic eruption has resulted in growing pains for Cyanotech Corp., forcing the company to post a loss for a third consecutive quarter. West Hawaii Today.

Estate in Hawaii's Kukio to be auctioned as part of China portfolio by Concierge Auctions. An estate in the Kukio Golf and Beach Club on Hawaii’s Big Island will be sold at auction online and in a live auction in Hong Kong next month as part of a portfolio of 18 luxury homes around the world marketed by Concierge Auctions to buyers in China and across the globe. Pacific Business News.

Maui

Panel recommends approval of $40M bond for project. Some council members say additional funding for Wailuku Civic Center plan is ‘premature’. Maui News.

Seabury Hall trims new headmaster list down to three. Maui News.

Updated Molokai Island plan to get public hearing Friday. Maui News.

Kauai

County officials with the Mayor’s Office, Office of Economic Development, as well as representatives from Kauai Community College and Hawaiian cultural practitioners are visiting Kauai’s sister city in Portugal for the first time. Garden Island.

Nearly 100 people gathered Thursday to learn about the rapid rise in popularity of e-cigarettes among Kauai teenagers, a trend affecting communities nationwide, recently described by the Food and Drug Administration as having reached “epidemic proportions.” Garden Island.

State budget surplus shrinks, Honolulu wants to fast-track building permits, new skyscraper to be the tallest, raucous hearing over new bioenergy plant, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii capitol ©2018 All Hawaii News

Hawaii’s budget surplus shrinks to $750M. The state general treasury ended the last fiscal year with a $750 million surplus, meaning the state government has a respectable budget cushion but not as large as it was in the previous three years. Star-Advertiser.

Some of Hawaii’s biggest commercial real estate owners have established a new charitable campaign to bolster affordable housing in the state. A group of 13 real estate investment trusts, all based outside the state, have committed giving a combined $455,000 in the first year of a minimum 3-year campaign. Star-Advertiser.

Schools, other departments rewriting continuity plans after year of disasters. KHON2.

Oahu

Honolulu council passes bill to expedite residential building permits. The Honolulu City Council passed a bill Wednesday to require the city to issue building permits for one- and two-family homes with 60 days of filing an application, despite a warning from the head of the city's permitting department that the bill could exacerbate construction delays. Pacific Business News.

Council OKs expedited building permit approval process. A plan to speed up the processing of building permits for one- and two-family houses won final approval from the Honolulu City Council Wednesday despite continuing objections from the head of the agency tasked with reviewing the applications. Star-Advertiser.

Over Mayor Kirk Caldwell’s objection the Honolulu council approved a new law that fast-tracks some building permits. Hawaii News Now.

Honolulu City Council passes housing measures. Honolulu City Council hammered out several housing measures Wednesday, speeding up the permitting process and cracking down on illegal monster homes. KITV.

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The twin-tower Sky Ala Moana, a condo-hotel project on Kapiolani Boulevard, won approval from the Honolulu City Council Wednesday. The Council decision will let the developer build the towers higher than current rules allow. Star-Advertiser.

The Honolulu City Council today approved a conceptual plan for the tallest high-rise project in the urban core. The Skyline Ala Moana will have two 400 foot tall towers on the Mauka side of Kapiolani Boulevard. Hawaii Public Radio.

Striking Unite Here Local 5 hotel workers head back to the bargaining table today with added momentum from taking their picket to Marriott’s Hawaii headquarters.Wednesday morning about 1,000 strikers and supporters attired in red formed a line through Waikiki as they marched from the Westin Moana Surfrider, where workers now have been striking for 39 days, to Marriott’s offices at 2155 Kalakaua Ave. Star-Advertiser.

Portlock Road beach access resolution passes. It’s been a 21-year-long fight for Ann Marie Kirk and many other community members and beachgoers to secure public access to a small, sandy beach at the end of a lane off Portlock Road and a surf break known as “Seconds.” Star-Advertiser.

Kailua neighbors vent concerns over Tutu Bert’s respite for ill homeless. Neighbors fear safety could be compromised. Hawaii News Now.

10 Family Members, 4 Bedrooms And ‘A Dream To Have Your Own Place’. Living with multiple generations is a way of life in Hawaii that Jowenna Ellazar embraces. But like many others, she has few options in a city where the medium home price hovers around $800,000. Civil Beat.

Living On $70,000 In Kaneohe. In HI-Priced, a new email newsletter that’s part of our ongoing “Living Hawaii” series, we’re asking local people how they make ends meet in the Aloha State. Civil Beat.

Endangered Birds Get Their Home Back...From the Dogs. A de facto dog beach Joint Base Pearl Harbor Hickam is right up against a coastal marsh that is home to endangered native Hawaiian birds. Hawaii Public Radio.

Honolulu-based Ulupono Initiative is losing one of its founding stewards after General Partner Kyle Datta announced he is retiring from his position at the impact investment firm. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii Island

Foes, supporters turn out for contentious meeting about Hu Honua project. Citing concerns over air and water pollution, opponents of the Hu Honua Bioenergy power plant being built along the coast near Pepeekeo asked during a hearing Wednesday that an environmental impact statement be done before the project is complete. Tribune-Herald.

Tough questions and passionate outbursts punctuated a public presentation held in Hilo Wednesday about the Hu Honua Bioenergy project planned for Pepeekeo. Big Island Video News.

The Department of Health held a public meeting on the nearly completed Hu Honua Bioenergy Plant in Pepeekeo, on the Big Island Wednesday. KITV.

Community talks concerns over new Waikoloa Village solar project. Representatives of AES Distributed Energy convened the first public meeting Tuesday night on a proposed solar-plus-storage project planned for an area roughly two miles southeast of Waikoloa Village. West Hawaii Today.

The Hawaii County Board of Ethics pondered its role on Tuesday in Hilo, part of an ongoing exercise to revamp its rules of practice and procedure. Big Island Video News.

3rd chancellor finalist visits UH-Hilo. Terisa Riley, one of four finalists vying to be the school’s top administrator, met with community members and university employees during a public forum. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

A Maui County Council Committee deferred action Tuesday on outgoing Mayor Alan Arakawa’s proposal to acquire Wailuku Water Co.’s ditch system and 8,764 acres of its West Maui Mountains watershed lands for $9.5 million. Maui News.

Wailea hotel project advances. Hotel Ike, with four stories and 110 rooms, would be on 3-acre lot. Maui News.

Applications are now being accepted through the end of this year for Boards, Councils, Commissions and Committees in Maui County due to expiring terms and vacancies. Applications are also accepted year-round to fill vacancies due to resignations. Maui Now.

Kauai

Although students are improving scholastically in many areas and teenage drug and alcohol abuse continues to decline, a number of mental and physical health concerns plague Kauai’s youth, according to a report issued Tuesday by the Kauai Planning &Action Alliance. Garden Island.

Hawaii retirement home balks at assisted suicide, Hawaii legislative leadership to stay the same, more teachers flee the state, Honolulu bus fares and Hawaii Island sewer fees, to rise, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hanauma Bay ©2018 All Hawaii News

Are people loving Hanauma Bay to death? A new study is trying to answer that question. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Legislature: Leadership Will Stay The Same Despite New Faces. The House and Senate plan to install new judiciary chairs but keep the current heads of each chamber and their respective money committees. Civil Beat.

A Hawaii retirement home says residents in its independent living wing may take advantage of the state’s new medically assisted suicide law if they wish. But Kahala Nui told residents this week that those in its assisted living and nursing center may not do so. Associated Press.

Kahala Nui retirement community has sent a clarification to its independent-living residents saying that they can indeed take advantage of a new law allowing the terminally ill to obtain medication to end their life. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii’s largest public pension fund began its new fiscal year with a solid 2.5 percent first-quarter return that put it on an early pace to exceed its annual investment target. Star-Advertiser.

It’s not just that Hawaii can’t hire enough teachers. Schools also can’t convince them to stay. In 2013, Hawaii schools hired 907 teachers. Five years later, just 467 of them remained in Hawaii public school classrooms. Hawaii News Now.

More immunizations and changes to health exams could be required for school. The list of required immunizations for school-aged children may be getting a little bit longer. The Department of Health said they haven't revised the examination requirements and vaccination list since 2001. KHON2.

Naval Special Warfare plans to triple the amount of small-unit intermediate and advanced training conducted by SEALs and other special operations forces on nonfederal lands in Hawaii, with overall training expanding from Oahu and Hawaii island to Kauai, Maui, Molokai and Lanai. Star-Advertiser.

U.S. Naval Special Warfare Command has proposed tripling the number of training events allowed on non-federal lands in Hawaii for Navy SEALs and other special operations forces. Associated Press.

After focusing on homelessness and affordable housing last year, BIA-Hawaii is tackling building permits, financing and other issues affecting the state’s housing shortage at the organization’s annual housing summit this week. Pacific Business News.

Oahu

Bus Fares Will Likely Increase For The Second Year In A Row. Seniors and other adults would see the largest fare jumps, but Handi-Van fares would rise only slightly. Civil Beat.

Homeless continue to skirt Kakaako sweeps despite agreement intended to end cat-and-mouse game. Despite countless sweeps, park closures and even an agreement to let the city take action on both city and state property, homeless encampments continue to spring up in Kakaako. Hawaii News Now.

The Department of Transportation is updating the Oahu Bike Plan and they are hosting a community meeting at the Blaisdell Wednesday night from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. in the Hawaii Suites. KITV.

Tariffs, Technological Change Led to Hagadone Hawaii Layoffs. The announcement that Hagadone Commercial Printing will layoff 92 workers and close its Hawaii printing operations is still rippling through the community. Hawaii Public Radio.

Kokua Market needs some kokua. The natural foods store and cooperative in Moiliili is seeking help after suffering financial difficulties in recent months largely attributed to disruptions from a new neighboring property owner. Star-Advertiser.

A new analysis prepared by the Maui-based Pacific Disaster Center estimates how much wreckage Lane would have caused if it had hit Oahu’s southern shore as a Category 1 hurricane instead of breaking apart hours before landfall. The impact, it found, would have been devastating to many Honolulu homeowners. Civil Beat.

With the spotlight on Aloha Stadium, improvements considered for aging facility. With several high-profile entertainers heading to Aloha Stadium next month, plans for the future of the aging facility are slowly coming together, according to stadium officials. Hawaii News Now.

Cardax Inc.’s revenue jumped 71 percent in the third quarter as sales of its new anti-inflammatory product remained strong in Hawaii and accelerated in California, Nevada and New York. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

County to stop recycling certain types of plastic rubbish starting Dec. 1. The Hawaii County Department of Environmental Management announced that, because of changes to global recycling markets, the county no longer can accept No. 5 plastics, plastic grocery bags or any type of clamshell-shaped plastic products in the mixed recyclable bins at the county’s transfer stations. Tribune-Herald.

Closure of Hilo landfill to commence next year. Hawaii County recently advertised the bid process for the closure contract, with bids set to open in late January. The project is estimated to cost about $20 million. Tribune-Herald.

Sewer fees will almost double during the next three years if the County Council agrees with a rate plan submitted by the Department of Environmental Management. West Hawaii Today.


Wood Burning Power Plant May Generate Sustainable Energy, But Environmental Concerns Remain. The State Department of Health is holding a public hearing in Hilo on Wednesday regarding the future of a new power plant. Hawaii Public Radio.

Maui

Two Maui schools that were forced to close Tuesday due to a water main break will be back open Wednesday. Hawaii News Now.

Hoapili Hale Closed Due to Wailuku Water Main Break. Supreme Court Chief Justice Mark E. Recktenwald issued an order extending deadlines on the court matters that are affected. Maui Now.

Maui County offices at the One Main Plaza are closed along with the rest of the offices in the building due to a watermain break on Central Avenue today. Maui Now.

Haleakala National Park needs volunteers for invasive plant removal. Haleakala National Park and the Pacific Whale Foundation are recruiting local volunteers for Waele ma Haleakala twice-monthly invasive plant removal project. KHON2.

A home on nearly a half acre of beachfront land in Makena on Maui has gone on the market for just under $30 million, the second-highest listing this year on the Valley Isle. Pacific Business News.

Kauai

How The Island’s ‘Hyde Park’ Became A Magnet For Protests. Demonstrations like the March for Science and the Women’s March sometimes attract more than 500 participants at a grassy spot outside the airport. Civil Beat.

Two of the 10 large capacity cesspools targeted for closure by the Environmental Protection Agency are located in Koloa, and both have been fined and ordered to switch over to a wastewater treatment plant. Garden Island.

Starwood Capital Group’s purchase of the St. Regis Princeville Resort and the Makai Golf Club for $225 million is expected to close this week, leading to a renovation and rebranding of what was Hawaii’s only St. Regis property. Pacific Business News.

Water stations for state parks, Ferris wheel for Waikiki, money for lava relief, military training planned, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Diamond Head state park ©2018 All Hawaii News

Water filling stations will be installed at 15 parks in Hawaii in an effort to reduce single-use plastic water bottles, according to state officials. Star-Advertiser.

ConAm Public Education Funding: 70% of Voters Still Said "No". The Hawai’i Supreme Court invalidated the Constitutional Amendment question for public education funding on the Nov 6th General Election ballot.  But, 85 percent of voters made choices, anyway. Hawaii Public Radio.

Protections For Transgender Kids Still Spotty Inside Schools. It’s been three years since the Hawaii Department of Education issued guidance around transgender student protections. Civil Beat.

Commentary: Putting aside election bad blood won’t be easy for Ige, legislative leaders. The Legislature and the governor may be run by Democrats, but these are Democrats who neither think alike nor support each other’s positions. And there is still no love lost between Ige and the Legislature. Star-Advertiser.

City, state making adjustments to be ready for disaster recovery. It has been the year of the disaster for every county across the state, and now the hard work of picking up the pieces continues. KHON2.

Hawaiian Airlines hikes checked bag fees, matching mainland carriers. The change applies to the airline’s mainland flights. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu

Ferris wheel in Waikiki? Some resident say ‘it’s a totally stupid idea’. A Canadian company is floating plans to built a Ferris wheel and motion theater at the Ala Wai Harbor. Hawaii News Now.

Defeat of HART charter amendment could result in added delays and costs. The chairman of the board overseeing the city’s rail construction project said Oahu voters’ decision to reject a proposed amendment to the Honolulu City Charter might cause additional delays and costs for the $8 billion-plus project now scheduled to open in late 2025. Star-Advertiser.

Commentary: Tom Yamachika: Why The City Flipped On Rail Funding. Officials realized that not using city money for the project was unrealistic from the beginning. Civil Beat.

Waianae polling places ran out of same day registration forms. In past elections, Waianae has had one of the state's lowest voter turnout rates. KITV.

Thousands vie for units in new property near Ala Moana Center priced below market. About 1,000 people lined up on Monday to get a first look at developer SamKoo’s newest condominium project: The Central Ala Moana. Hawaii News Now.

Ala Moana affordable housing units up for sale. The Central Ala Moana will be 43 stories with 513 units -- about 60% of them deemed 'affordable' studio and one to three bedrooms. KITV.

Council might delay condo fire safety rules. After the July 2017 fire at the Marco Polo condominium killed four people, there was a call to have older condos retrofitted with fire sprinklers. Star-Advertiser.

U.K. man challenges Hawaii’s stun gun ban. Andrew Namiki Roberts is an Oahu photographer who wants to be able to protect himself as he carries his equipment to photo locations around the islands. His weapon of choice: a Taser stun gun. Star-Advertiser.

State senator says Aloha Stadium needs new facility. Senator Wakai tells us that Aloha Stadium in its current state is safe, but it's costing millions each year to maintain the structural integrity. Aloha Stadium officials ask for $20 million a year for the upkeep, but Senator Wakai says legislators give the bare minimum of about $7 to $8 million. KHON2.

Biki hits a milestone in one month with expansion on the horizon. A total of 100,954 Biki rides were taken last month, which shows a major increase in ridership compared to one year ago. Hawaii News Now.

As it marked a milestone in October, Honolulu’s bikeshare operator, Biki, also announced it would be expanding by about 30 more stations and 300 more bikes by the end of the year, thanks to federal funding. Star-Advertiser.

Can Setting Out Tables, Painting Street Murals Transform Honolulu’s Neighborhoods? A new Honolulu program encourages residents to create do-it-yourself “pop-up” urban design projects to make their communities safer and more walkable. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Island

Gov. David Ige will introduce a bill next year to help kick-start the recovery effort in Lower Puna in the wake of this year’s Kilauea lava flow, but that measure will be a more modest package of assistance than Hawaii County officials have been seeking. Star-Advertiser.

There could soon be marine life of a different sort off the West Hawaii coast, as military units prepare to train by air, land and sea next year. West Hawaii Today.

Disappointing Harvest Squeezes Big Island Coffee Farmers. Coffee farmers on the Kona Coast are seeing harvests with as much as a 40% reduction in crop yields. Hawaii Public Radio.

An application for a Use Permit to allow a Kurtistown church to build a 3,040 square-foot community outreach center on land mauka of Highway 11 got the OK from the Windward Planning Commission last week in Hilo. Big Island Video News.

Hawaiian monk seal Manuiwa appears to have dislodged a hook that had been spotted in her lip last week. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

A solar farm proposed for an area between Kula and Wailea will be discussed Wednesday during a meeting of the Kula Community Association. Maui News.

The October median price of a single-family home in Maui County came within $6,000 of the $780,000 record set in May 2005 and tied in July 2006, the dizzying heights reached before the real estate bubble burst nationally in 2008. Maui News.

Kauai

Kauai is flushing out more bacteria through rivers and streams than it has in the last decade, according to test results from the island’s Surfrider Blue Water Task Force. Garden Island.

The United States military is working on increasing training by air, land and sea in 2019 and Kauai is on the list for places where training would occur. On Kauai, training would occur in nearshore waters, bays and harbors, with naval forces as well as Army, Air Force, and U.S. Marine Corps special ops forces. Garden Island.

A conference to raise awareness about the vaping epidemic in Kauai sold out nearly a week before the event, which is scheduled for Thursday morning at Kauai Community College. Garden Island.

Veterans Day commemorated on all the Hawaiian Islands, GOP lost by widest margin since statehood, Bruno Mars donates 24k Thanksgiving dinners, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Veterans Day parade in Hilo, Hawaii ©2018 All Hawaii News

Veterans Day: what's open and closed. Monday is a federal, state and county holiday and those respective offices will be closed. KHON2.

Veterans Day event honors armistice of World War I. Sunday is Veterans Day, and its also the 100th anniversary of the end of The Great War. KITV.

Remembering Hawaii's Role in The Great War. Hawaii Public Radio.

HIFF film "Voices Behind Barbed Wire" details Japanese-American internment in Hawaii. A movie made in Hawaii screens at the Hawaii International Film Festival on Monday. "Voices Behind Barbed Wire" explores the personal stories of Japanese-Americans living in Hawaii interned at Sand Island and Honouliuli on Oahu, and on the mainland. KITV.

Navy’s only drone submarine hunter arrives at Pearl Harbor. A 132-foot robot warship that arrived at Pearl Harbor for testing as a submarine hunter is “creating a new paradigm for Navy surface forces,” the U.S. Pacific Fleet said. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii GOP lost by largest margin since statehood. When Republican state Rep. Andria Tupola lost to Gov. David Ige by nearly 29 percentage points in last week’s general election, it was the most dramatic drubbing in a gubernatorial race in state history. Star-Advertiser.

160,000 Pounds Of Marine Trash From Papahanaumokuakea. NOAA displayed tons of plastic and other debris collected in the remote Northwest Hawaii Islands, where the trash threatens wildlife and coral. Civil Beat.

UH scientists doubt space object has alien origins. When the first space object from beyond our solar system was discovered from Hawaii last year, there was a lot of playful speculation about whether it was an alien spacecraft. Star-Advertiser.

On the day of his final concert in the islands, Bruno Mars announced that he will provide 24,000 Thanksgiving meals to Hawaii families in need. Hawaii News Now.

Superstar Bruno Mars ends his historic “24K Magic World Tour” Sunday night in his hometown of Honolulu, and will provide meals to 24,000 Hawaii residents in need during the Thanksgiving holiday. KITV.

Bruno Mars donates 24K Thanksgiving meals to Salvation Army. He may have wrapped up his 24K Magic World Tour shows in Hawaii on Sunday, but Bruno Mars performed a different kind of 24K magic that will last beyond his final show at Aloha Stadium. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Mayor Kirk Caldwell’s plan to address large-scale houses — as well as two alternate proposals — will be aired by the full Honolulu City Council for the first time at its meeting Wednesday. Star-Advertiser.

State grants Kahala resort continued use of public beach. A decision by the state Board of Land and Natural Resources could mean that the Kahala Hotel &Resort can now legally use more of the public lands adjacent to its property for commercial purposes. Star-Advertiser.

About 2,000 gallons of wastewater spilled into a storm drain that drains into the ocean today at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, a Navy Facilities Hawaii spokeswoman said. Star-Advertiser.

Navy officials reported Sunday a large wastewater spill adjacent to the Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard facilities on base. The Navy says the spill was reported around 7:10 a.m. near Bravo Pier 13. Hawaii News Now.

Nanakuli charter school once hailed as educational leader in upheaval amid financial woes. For years, Ka Waihona o ka Naauao in Nanakuli has been dedicated to academic excellence and Hawaiian culture for its 600 students. Hawaii News Now.

The developer of Ward Village in Kakaako took the tiniest of steps recently to reach a major milestone: declaring its first “sold out” condominium tower. Star-Advertiser.

A major Hawaii printer is closing its commercial printing business and laying off 93 people in part because of tariffs the U.S. slapped on imports of Chinese paper. Associated Press.

Hagadone Hawaii to shutter commercial printing operations, lay off 93 workers. The printing press, which is owned by Idaho-based The Hagadone Corporation, cited rising costs due to increased import tariffs and the shift of local commercial print jobs and publications to the Mainland as the primary reasons. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii Island

A proposal under consideration for the 2020 ballot would cut the county open space land fund by half and allow the County Council to suspend the fund in emergencies or when too much money accumulates. West Hawaii Today.

The state Department of Health will hold a public informational meeting and hearing Wednesday on the Hu Honua Bioenergy plant being built at Pepeekeo. Janice Okubo, a DOH spokeswoman, said public meetings aren’t required for the applications, and are being held in response to a high amount of public interest. Tribune-Herald.

Makeshift checkpoint erected near beach park. Wayson Ioane was tired of people driving into the area near Lehia Beach Park at the end of Kalanianaole Avenue to take drugs. Tribune-Herald.

The number of Big Island middle and high school students who report using drugs and alcohol is higher than state averages, according to new statistics from the 2017 Hawaii Youth Risk Behaviors Hawaii School Health Survey. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaiian Ethos can’t confirm opening date, sets sneak peek of Kona dispensary for December. After substantial delays, Hawaiian Ethos has begun growing medicinal cannabis for distribution from its Kona location. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Wahine power breaks up the old boys club. In a historic first, women take the majority of the next Maui County Council. Maui News.

Money matters. Candidates reflect on the green that oils political campaigns. Maui News.

Maui’s home prices approach record high. The median price of single-family homes jumped 15.8 percent to a near-record $774,223 from $668,675 in the year-earlier month, according to new data from the Realtors Association of Maui. Star-Advertiser.

Gas prices on Maui have been rising. According to the AAA Hawaii Weekend Gas Watch. AAA Hawaii reported that the average gas price in Kahului on Thursday was $4.21. Maui Now.

Kauai

The first phase of construction for the Lihue Town Core Mobility and Revitalization project will begin Tuesday and work will continue on weekdays from 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., according to the Department of Public Works and Kiewit Infrastructure West Co. Garden Island.

‘New era in agriculture’. Agriculture is more than digging a hole in the ground and planting something, said Judith Rivera, Corteva Agriscience Hawaii research lead Friday at the dedication and blessing of a new lab building in Kekaha.Garden Island.

Kauai oceanfront estate sets new record for Hawaii residential properties with $46M sales price. The sale of a 15-acre oceanfront estate with a 10,000-square-foot home above Secret Beach on the North Shore of Kauai has closed for $46.1 million, the highest price for a Hawaii residential property so far in 2018, and a new all-time record for a residential property in Hawaii. Pacific Business News.