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

Flooded Maui road PC: Hawaii Department of Transportation

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Oahu

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

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

Hawaii Island

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

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

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

Maui

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

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

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

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

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

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

Kauai

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Oahu

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

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

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

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

Hawaii Island

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

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

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

Maui

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

VIDEO: Kahului Harbor experiencing extremely rainy conditions. KITV.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Kauai

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

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

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

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

Tropical Storm Olivia 5 a.m. Tuesday

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Oahu

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

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

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

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

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

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

Hawaii Island

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

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

Leilani Estates returnees assess lava damage. Star-Advertiser.

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

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

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

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

Maui

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

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

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

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

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

Kauai

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

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

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

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

Hurricane Olivia 4:30 a.m. Monday  NOAA

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Oahu

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Hawaii Island

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Maui

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Kauai

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

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

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

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

Vacation rentals on Kauai ©2018 All Hawaii News

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Oahu

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Hawaii Island

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

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

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

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

Maui

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

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

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

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

Kauai

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

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

Jaggar Museum, popular volcano overlook unlikely to reopen, groups sue to stop gut-and-replace bills, vacation rental bill draws fire in Honolulu, House leaders balk at special session for volcano, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Kilauea volcano overlook in better days ©2018 All Hawaii News

‘Highly unlikely’ Jaggar Museum will reopen. Hawaii Volcanoes National Park announced some of its exhibits will be displayed in Pahoa as it casts more doubt on Jaggar Museum reopening. Tribune-Herald.

Severely damaged Jaggar Museum may have to relocate. Hawaii Volcanoes National Park announced today that it plans to loan some items from Jaggar Museum to a proposed visitor center in downtown Pahoa, thanks to a partnership with a non-profit called the Mainstreet Pahoa Association. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park announced a partnership with Mainstreet Pahoa Association. There are ongoing discussions to loan exhibit features from Jaggar Museum to a proposed visitor center site in downtown Pahoa. KHON2.

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Groups sue to stop ‘gut and replace’ at Hawaii Legislature. Two government watchdog groups today sued Hawaii for enacting legislation without giving the public the proper chance to weigh in. Associated Press.

A judge is expected to rule Friday on a motion by Hawaii’s four counties to remove a question from November election ballots that would allow voters to amend the Hawaii Constitution and give the state authority to tax investment real estate to support public education. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii DOE Looks To Strengthen Its Student Discipline Code. The state was told in January its administrative law does not comply with federal anti-discrimination regulations. Civil Beat.

Hurricane Norman is forecast to pass about 200 miles northeast of the Hawaiian Islands on Thursday and Friday, forecasters say. The storm remains a major Category 3 hurricane, and is pushing up surf across the island chain. Hawaii News Now.

Royal Hawaiian Feather Cloak Feared Lost in Brazil Museum Fire. Officials estimate 90 percent of the museum’s 20 million artifacts burned in Sunday’s fire. Hawaii Public Radio.

Anthropologists with the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency have photographed and cataloged the skeletal remains that were in 55 boxes North Korea returned to the United States last month. Hawaii News Now.

French banking giant BNP Paribas, which at one time owned all of First Hawaiian Bank, plans to reduce its stake in the state’s largest financial institution to under 20 percent. Star-Advertiser.

Home sales and the median price of homes mostly rose on the Big Island and Kauai in August, according to local real estate agent trade association data released Wednesday by Hawaii Information Service. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Most of the nearly 50 people who testified on Mayor Kirk Caldwell’s proposed short-term vacation rental bill Wednesday found something to dislike about it. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu’s tourism and entertainment hub endures an epidemic of beach thefts, random spikes in violent crimes and an understaffed police force. Here’s what’s being done to counter crime in Waikiki. Hawaii Business.

Critics of Oahu's 'sit-lie' bans say they have new ammunition after the federal appeals court ruled laws meant to get homeless people off sidewalks may violate their rights. Hawaii News Now.

A first-of-its-kind homeless shelter geared towards young people has opened at the Kawailoa Youth and Family Wellness Center in Kailua. Hawaii News Now.

Mental capacity at core of Kawananakoa case. The Honolulu tax attorney who drafted Abigail Kawananakoa’s $215 million trust says the Campbell Estate heiress was always adamant about protecting the largest part of her estate for the Native Hawaiian community. Star-Advertiser.

The state won't be issuing any more vehicle permits for the public to access Kaena Point for the rest of 2018. That's because permits have already reached the annual cap. Hawaii News Now.

From now until November, you’ll find orange tape closing off three Honolulu parks in the Moiliili area. City crews say they’ll be giving Moiliili Community Park, The Old Stadium Park, and Crane Park a face-lift over the next two months. KITV.

Honolulu police raided an alleged gambling operation in McCully Wednesday evening. Hawaii News Now.

HCDA Considering Complete Restoration of 90 Year-Old Kakaako Building. Amid all the high-rise developments in Kakaako, one property owner has decided to turn the clock back 90 years. Hawaii Public Radio.

Company linked to Patagonia sportswear founder to restore 90-year-old Kakaako warehouse. Star-Advertiser.

Median home price on Oahu passes $800K to hit new record. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii Island

Hawaii County officials met House lawmakers at the state Capitol on Wednesday to urge them to convene a special session to provide another $17.4 million in state funding for the county’s “immediate needs” for recovery from the damage done by Kilauea Volcano lava. Star-Advertiser.

Crowd comes out to support Ruggles. West Hawaii Today.

A cone within a cone? USGS says fissure 8 has formed a new feature. Hawaii News Now.

Director Tanya N. Garfield of the U.S. Small Business Administration’s Disaster Field Operations Center-West announced that SBA has approved more than $30 million in federal disaster loans for Hawaii businesses and residents impacted by the Kilauea volcanic eruption and earthquakes. Maui Now.

Improvements to the drainage system on the Kuawa ball fields have been completed, and the long-awaited park is anticipated to open early next year, county Parks and Recreation officials said Tuesday. Tribune-Herald.

The University of Hawaii at Hilo has been ranked the most diverse four-year public university in the nation by The Chronicle of Higher Education. Tribune-Herald.

Condominium sales on the Big Island of Hawaii rose by more than 30 percent in August and the median price increased 10 percent, while sales and prices for single-family homes declined, according to statistics from Hawaii Information Service on behalf of Hawaii Island Realtors. Pacific Business News.

Maui

Tourism strategic plan is launched. Illegal vacation rentals to be discouraged; visitor safety, Hawaiian culture promoted. Maui News.

Rebuilding from ashes: volunteers gather to help fire cleanup. Simpli-Fresh Farm owners regroup after losing 70 percent of their farm. Maui News.

Workers at a Maui trucking company found a live skunk while unloading a container of ceramic tiles last week. Star-Advertiser.

Former Women Helping Women executive director, Stacey Moniz has been hired as the new executive director at The Maui Farm. Maui Now.

Kauai

Four months after the April flood that put the North Shore off-limits to visitors and most others, there was talk of a rejuvenation of marine life. More coral and more fish, thanks to there being almost no people in the water. Garden Island.

If you’re a user of Ke Ala Hele Makalae, and even if you’re not, Kauai Path wants you. Garden Island.

Home sales on Kauai rose by double-digits in August, and the median price of a single-family home on the Garden Isle rose by more than 15 percent, according to statistics from Hawaii Information Service on behalf of the Kauai Board of Realtors. The median price of a single-family home on Kauai last month was $716,500, an increase of 15.18 percent from $622,063 in August 2017. Pacific Business News.

Chronic absenteeism in Hawaii schools, Honolulu rents drop, constitutional questions emerge, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii classroom, courtesy Department of Education

A quarter of isle public schools have high rates of chronic absenteeism. More than one-fourth of public schools in Hawaii have high or "extreme" rates of chronic absenteeism, according to a new national report. Hawaii News Now.

Panel To Study Constitutional Convention Question Before Election. The citizens group will release a list of pros and cons just weeks before voters decide the issue in November. Civil Beat.

Large sums of cash help major candidates, but not necessarily those backed by super PACs. The winners of the Democratic and Republican party nominations for governor and lieutenant governor in last month’s primary election all outspent their opponents on their way to victory, with state Sen. Josh Green becoming the first lieutenant governor candidate in Hawaii to spend more than $1 million in the effort. Star-Advertiser.

Brett Kavanaugh No Friend Of Special Rights For Native Hawaiians. Trump’s Supreme Court nominee once called the Office of Hawaiian Affairs a “naked racial spoils system.” Civil Beat.

Norman strengthens to a major hurricane as it continues west toward Hawaii. Packing maximum sustained winds of 115 mph, Norman was about 480 miles east of Hilo and 670 miles east of Honolulu and heading west at 12 mph at 5 a.m. today, according to the Central Pacific Hurricane Center. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

An ongoing dispute over the use of state-owned beachfront land in Kahala is heading to the Board of Land and Natural Resources next week. Hawaii Public Radio.

Erosion at a Makaha shoreline is gobbling up the beach and threatening homes. Hawaii News Now.

Three city and county of Honolulu parks will close beginning Wednesday, September 5. Old Stadium Park, Moilili Community Park and Crane Community Park will shut down for two months. KHON2.

Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve will be closing an hour early starting Wednesday as it switches over to its winter schedule. Star-Advertiser.

Affordable units make up 20% of new Waikiki rental tower. The developer of a planned rental apartment tower in Waikiki has given the project a name and increased the length of time homes would be affordable to residents earning less than the median income. Star-Advertiser.

A new 455-unit development being built on Kuhio Avenue in Waikiki will offer 91 affordable rental units. KITV.

Can A Woman Who Lost Her Arm In A Lab Explosion Sue UH? The University of Hawaii Manoa contends the former postdoctoral fellow must seek relief through the workers’ compensation system. Civil Beat.

United Airlines catering workers in Honolulu and four other cities will vote on whether to unionize this month after gaining federal approval to hold the election. Civil Beat.

Remnants from Lane lengthen timeline for Kuhio Highway emergency repairs. Hawaii News Now.

Babysitter accused of child sex assault found dead in Laie. Star-Advertiser.

Waikiki Aquarium’s resident monk seal dies at 34. One of the Waikiki Aquarium’s two resident Hawaiian monk seals has died, aquarium officials announced this morning. Star-Advertiser.

Median rent for 2BR apartments in Honolulu drops 8%. Rents in Honolulu have declined over the past year by between 1 percent and 8 percent, respectively, according to two September market reports by Apartment List and Zumper. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii Island

Hawaii Island property owners could end up paying an extra $75 million annually if a constitutional amendment passes that would allow the state to carve off a piece of county property taxes for public education. West Hawaii Today.

Jaggar Museum Artifacts Being Moved to Pahoa. Mainstreet Pahoa Association’s Board of Directors reports that they are in discussions with Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, in cooperation with Mainstreet Pahoa Association, in allowing the contents of the world renowned Jaggar Museum in the park to be transferred to Pahoa and be housed for temporary exhibit in the newly renovated building next door to Kaleo’s Restaurant. Big Island Now.

Kilauea’s sulfur dioxide emissions drop to lowest level in 11 years. Between Kilauea summit, the lower East Rift Zone and Puu Oo, sulfur dioxide emission rates have dropped to less than 1,000 tons per day, the lowest since 2007. Tribune-Herald.

Lava access draws tourists, locals. Tourists and locals trickled into the gated MacKenzie State Recreation Area to get a closer look at the cooled aa lava flow during the recent lull in the spectacular lower East Rift Zone eruption. Star-Advertiser.

Input sought for proposed Maunakea rules. Residents will get a chance to weigh in later this month on proposed rules for public and commercial activities at Maunakea lands managed by the University of Hawaii. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

A statue of Queen Liliuokalani will be dedicated Friday morning a the Fairmont Kea Lani in Wailea. Maui News.

Hotel workers rally on Kaanapali Beach for higher wages, contract. Union members working to get a contract: About 200 marched in the Labor Day rally Monday. Maui News.

Professor will detail causes of stress to Maui’s reefs and ways to aid recovery. Maui News.

Seven Airlifted from Iao During Swift Water Rescue. Maui Now.

Young children among those rescued from Iao Valley State Park due to rising water. KHON2.


Kauai

Charter Amendment questions on the Nov. 6 ballot. Taking ownership of your government, means understanding the items upon which you are called upon to vote on. Garden Island.

With the Animal Balance sterilization project in full swing, teams of trappers are canvassing the Lihue and Kapaa areas for community cats. Garden Island.

Goose has been wintering on Kauai for 18 years. Garden Island.

Lanai

Lanai island continued posting double-digit increases in visitor arrivals and spending in July, a trend that has been ongoing at least since the beginning of this year, Hawai’i Tourism Authority monthly statistics show. Maui News.

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park to reopen, lava stirs in Fissure 8, FBI targets Honolulu city prosecutor, flooding not covered in hurricane insurance, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

A team including National Park Service Geomorphologist Eric Bilderback log earthquake damage and assess stability along Crater Rim Trail. NPS Photo/Jon Christensen

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park ‘can’t wait to welcome the world back’. The plan to reopen Hawaii Volcanoes National Park on Sept. 22 remains on schedule, with the park announcing several details of its scheduled reopening. Tribune-Herald.

Just when Kilauea's eruption seemed to be quieting down, new lava has covered the floor of the crater within the fissure 8 cone. Hawaii News Now.

Lava remains weakly active in the Fissure 8 cone in Leilani Estates, and continues to fill the deep crater, the USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory reported on Monday morning. Big Island Video News.

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Hawaii voters will have the opportunity in November to decide whether to revise the state Constitution for the first time in 40 years, but ongoing fears about what those changes might bring and the potential influence of money and special interests on the process continue to worry some. Star-Advertiser.

Brian Schatz Has Become A Big Shot In Campaign Fundraising. Hawaii’s senior senator isn’t on the ballot again until 2022, but he’s raised more than $2 million for fellow Senate Democrats in recent years. Civil Beat.

In Governor’s Race, Ige Has Huge Cash Advantage Over Tupola. The incumbent emerged from a bruising primary battle with more than $206,000 on hand. The Republican challenger has $11,700. Civil Beat.

Why The Hawaii Elections Office Doesn’t Do More To Encourage Voting. Federal voter-education dollars can’t be used to promote voting, and state elections officials say it’s not their job anyway. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Turns To Military In Search For More Teachers. The state received a $600,000 grant to help recruit current and former service members for new careers in island classrooms. Civil Beat.

Commentary: Be honest about schools tax before it goes on ballot. The four counties make a fair point in their lawsuit trying to stop a poorly written constitutional amendment that would allow the state to raid real property taxes purportedly to finance public education. Star-Advertiser.

United Airlines, the No. 1 airline flying to Hawaii, plans to invest $200 million in upgrades to Hawaii airports through 2027. Star-Advertiser.

F-22 alternative would save taxpayers money. When Hawaii Air National Guard F-22 Raptors fly out of Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam at $62,000 per hour on training missions, that effort is hampered by a multitude of inefficiencies, a recent government report said. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

City prosecutor appears to now be focus of federal corruption probe. In a sign that the federal grand jury at the center of a years-long corruption probe is once again focusing on Honolulu Prosecutor Keith Kaneshiro, multiple current and former employees of his office were called to testify last week. Hawaii News Now.

The Hawaii Supreme Court on Friday dismissed an election complaint against state Rep. Romy Cachola that alleged election fraud and vote tampering in the District 30 primary. Civil Beat.

Rape Reports Spike On The UH Manoa Campus. University of Hawaii officials said the increase in reports wasn’t surprising because of new federal policies and heightened awareness. Civil Beat.

Opponents of The Kahala Hotel &Resort’s use of the beach for commercial purposes are ramping up efforts to protect the public shoreline. Star-Advertiser.

Kakaako road owner violating new law, state agency says. A 4-month-old Hawaii law aimed at resolving a vexing issue over the use of private streets in Kakaako is being put into action. Star-Advertiser.

The construction boom in Kakaako now appears to have shifted to Ala Moana. The already busy area near the shopping center could be seeing as many as eight new high rises in the coming years. KHON2.

Petitioners want Haseko’s lagoon opened to ocean. It was planned as a boat marina. Then it became a recreational lagoon with no swimming allowed. Star-Advertiser.

City to remove sand plug at Maili Stream at Ulehawa Beach Park. The city will be removing the sand plug at the mouth of Maili stream at Ulehawa Beach Park on Tuesday. KHON2.

Instead of spending the Labor Day holiday picnicking at the beach, thousands of hotel employees picketed the streets of Waikiki on Monday demanding better wages. Hawaii News Now.

Researchers from the University of Hawaii at Manoa have received a grant to study a new species of limu found only in the Hawaiian archipelago’s deep and dimly lit waters. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

More than 9 million gallons of waste and storm water was released from three sewer pumps as rainfall from Hurricane Lane caused them to overflow. Tribune-Herald.

Insurance won’t cover Hurricane Lane flooding, homeowners told. Flood coverage generally must be purchased from the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s National Flood Insurance Program, and it can be pricey. Star-Advertiser.

Homeowners told hurricane insurance won’t cover flooding from Lane. Tribune-Herald.

Vacation rental bill: 16 tweaks recommended as bill heads to Planning Commission. Planning Director Michael Yee is asking the commissions to send a favorable recommendation on the bill with 16 suggestions for changes, some administrative in nature and some more substantive. West Hawaii Today.

Army training effects up for comment. A programmatic agreement that officials say will streamline and improve management of historic resources at two Army installations on the Big Island is up for public comment. West Hawaii Today.

Water bottling plant proposed. The proposed facility, located at the intersection of Piilani and Mililani Streets, will extract groundwater via 1,050-foot-deep wells and package such water for local distribution, according to a project assessment filed with the Hawaii County Planning Department. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Options mulled to reduce sediment flowing to reefs. Working to stem ocean runoff: West Maui residents favor natural alternatives over some man-made solutions. Maui News.

A candidate night hosted by the Haiku Community Association and Paia Town Association has been rescheduled to Wednesday, the association announced. Maui News.

County luxury hotels outperform rest in state. HTA reports average daily rate of $674.89 for luxury rooms in July. Maui News.

Volunteers are being sought for the 14th Annual Lahaina Town Clean Up to be held Saturday, Sept. 15, 2018. Maui Now.

Kauai

The County of Kauai, Office of the County Clerk, recently received a 2018 achievement award from the National Association of Counties “Engage, Educate and Enlighten the Community in the Legislative Process” Program. Garden Island.

Kauai United Way has secured $25,000 in federal funds for emergency food and shelter for our island, said Scott Giarman, executive director for the Kauai United Way. Garden Island.

Surfrider celebrates 34 years of service. In 2017 alone, volunteers with Surfrider Kauai retrieved enough litter from Kauai’s beaches to match the weight of two adult humpback whales. Garden Island.