Honolulu airport near bottom in satisfaction, Hirono in national spotlight, big jump in foreign homebuyers, first two war remains identified, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Honolulu International Airport ©2018 All Hawaii News

Honolulu's Daniel K. Inouye International Airport near bottom in satisfaction study. Pacific Business News.

Honolulu's Daniel K. Inouye International Airport, which is getting a face-lift as part of a statewide airports modernization program, ranks near the bottom among large airports in a satisfaction study of North America airports. Star-Advertiser.

Natural disasters nip at state’s economic growth, report says. Economic growth in Hawaii this year took a couple knocks from natural disasters but hasn’t been stopped, according to an academic report being released today. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii jobless rate in August holds at 2.1 percent. Hawaii’s labor market continues to be a source of strength for the state’s economy. Star-Advertiser.

Spending by foreign homebuyers in Hawaii rises 75% in first half of 2018. The bulk of the sales to Japanese buyers were on Oahu, while the majority of sales to buyers from Canada were on Maui. Pacific Business News.

Mazie Hirono Basks In Her Newfound Celebrity. The Hawaii senator is getting a lot of attention over her lead role in opposing Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh. Associated Press.

Ethics commission holds hearing on OHA Trustee Rowena Akana. The state ethics commission will hold a hearing on Friday regarding allegations OHA Trustee Rowena Akana violated rules by misspending money while receiving money she shouldn't have. KHON2.

Public school students make gains in English, stay steady in math. Hawaii public school students improved their English performance by four percentage points while math skills stayed flat on the 2018 Smarter Balanced Assessment, according to results presented Thursday to the Board of Education. Star-Advertiser.

Pentagon identifies first 2 Korean War remains recovered from North Korea. A 25th Infantry Division soldier and an Army medic whose dog tag was recovered are the first two Korean War identifications to be made from 55 sets of remains turned over to the United States by the North in July, officials said today. Star-Advertiser.

Salary Database Now Includes Hundreds Of Hawaii County Employees. With the inclusion of Big Island data first requested in July 2017, only Honolulu police officers are still missing. A judge’s ruling is pending on that. Civil Beat.

To save Hawaii’s disappearing cauliflower coral, biologists seek federal protections. The National Marine Fisheries Service announced Thursday that Hawaii’s cauliflower coral may be listed under the Endangered Species Act. Hawaii News Now.

Loss Of Mainland Market For Marlin Is One More Sign Dan Inouye Is Gone. For six years, Hawaii and other Pacific islands enjoyed an exemption that allowed them to sell billfish on the mainland. Congress and President Trump just revoked it. Civil Beat.

Gearing up for a resilient grid. Federal and state government officials along with Hawaii’s local utilities are confident that the Islands’ power grids are better equipped to deal with a large-scale natural disaster than the one in Puerto Rico was. However, vulnerabilities remain. Pacific Business News.

Oahu

GOP surrogates rally at UH event for Trump and right-wing ideas. The event, organized by the Hawaii Republican Party and Young Republicans on the University of Hawaii at Manoa campus, included a 45-minute talk and question-and-answer session at Kuykendall Hall that was attended by about 200 people. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu City Council Gearing Up to Clamp Down on Monster Homes and Illegal Vacation Rentals. Hawaii Public Radio.

More transparency ahead for reservoir evacuations. People on Oahu will soon have a much easier way to know if they live, work, or visit an area at risk from dams and breaches. KHON2.

The John A. Burns School of Medicine's mobile clinic has brought medical care to hundreds of homeless people across Oahu in the past twelve years. KITV.

Honolulu police bring aloha to #LipSyncChallenge. The Honolulu Police Department has finally joined the summer’s hottest public safety social media campaign, producing a slick video with officers dancing and performing from Waikiki to Chinatown. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu Police Department joins the nationwide lip sync battle. KITV.

A 43-year-old Halawa prison guard who was being investigated for first-degree sexual assault of a 28-year-old male inmate committed suicide six days after the alleged rape occurred. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

After a full morning of public testimony and discussion that went into Thursday afternoon, the Leeward Planning Commission voted to forward to the County Council a favorable recommendation on a vacation rental bill along with some suggestions for changes from the Planning Department and the commission itself. West Hawaii Today.

Destructive Kapoho Lava Flows Remembered At OHA Meeting. During the Office of Hawaiian Affairs meeting in Hilo on Thursday, the Board of Trustees heard directly from a beneficiary who lost her Kapoho home in June due to the eruption of Kilauea Volcano. Big Island Video News.

The University of Hawaii Board of Regents approved Thursday the appointments of six members of the community-based Maunakea Management Board. Tribune-Herald.

County, visitors bureau launch campaign to try to make tourists more respectful. During a press conference Thursday morning, Island of Hawaii Visitors Bureau Executive Director Ross Birch and county Managing Director Will Okabe presented the “Pono Pledge,” a public information campaign intended to build awareness for treating the island with respect. Tribune-Herald.

Lava evacuees offended by video of woman frolicking in 'mermaid pools' off Kapoho. Hawaii News Now.

Maui

The Kihei Community Association pinned down mayoral candidates Elle Cochran and Mike Victorino on Tuesday night on issues affecting South Maui, including upkeeping and updating the area’s infrastructure and obtaining more funding for the region from the county budget. Maui News.

The two candidates vying for the Maui County Council’s East Maui residency seat addressed questions Tuesday night on tourism, affordable housing, community plans and allowing the community to have more of a say to the Maui Planning Commission. Maui News.

State slapped with big fines over safety violations at Maui Community Correctional Center. The state has agreed to pay more than $22,000 for safety violations at the Maui Community Correctional Center. Hawaii News Now.

Draft plan aims at West Maui disaster preparedness. After flooding from tropical storms Lane and Olivia and the Aug. 24 wildfires that burned more than 2,000 acres from Maalaea to Kaanapali, the release of a draft West Maui all hazard plan comes as public attention is focused on how to prepare for and respond to emergencies. Maui News.

Flood recovery ongoing ‘off the grid’ in Honokohau Valley. Residents still without water a week after Olivia passed through. Maui News.

The Department of Water Supply is requesting customers in the West Maui area of Kahana, Napili and Honokowai to conserve water. As a result of Tropical Storm Olivia, the Honolua Ditch that provides surface water to the Mahinahina Water Treatment Facility is under maintenance and repair. Maui Now.

The unemployment rate on Maui Island was at 1.9% in August, down from the 2.1% rate in July and down from the 2.1% rate reported at the same time last year. Maui Now.

Heat index reached 106°F at noon at Kahului Airport on Maui today, according to the National Weather Service.  The actual temperature was 90°F, but it felt 16 degrees hotter because of the humidity, which is around 56%. Maui Now.

Kauai

Debate, North Shore-style. It was a political debate like no other. Garden Island.

Coming together for peace. Everyone was invited to create peaceful relationships Sunday when the Interfaith Roundtable of Kauai presented its International Day of Peace celebration at the Lydgate Beach Park main pavilion. Garden Island.

Commentary: Kauai feels the burden of overtourism. The new Kauai Tourism Strategic Plan has at its heart a stunning premise — that tourism has reached capacity on the island. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii timeshares popular, Honolulu panel rejects Caldwell's vacation rental bills, Coco Palms back on track, Kakaako business fights rail condemnation, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hyatt Regency Maui timeshares, courtesy photo

Hawaii timeshare occupancy increased 1.6 percentage points to 91.5 percent during the second quarter of 2018, about 11 percentage points higher than hotel occupancy during the same three-month period. Pacific Business News.

An April flood on Kauai and an erupting volcano during May and June on the Big Island didn’t seem to deter timeshare visitors to Hawaii, according to a state report released Wednesday. Star-Advertiser.

Timeshare properties in the Hawaiian Islands reported an average occupancy rate of 91.5 percent (plus 1.6 percentage points) in the second quarter of 2018, according to the Hawaii Timeshare Quarterly Report: April-June 2018, issued Wednesday by the Hawaii Tourism Authority. Garden Island.

Why Aren’t There More Women Judges In Hawaii? Despite calls for more women to seek judgeships, their numbers lag in applications and appointments. Civil Beat.

#BeingMicronesian in Hawaii Means Lots Of Online Hate. Even though the islands are made up of diverse languages and cultures, “Micronesians” has become a catch-all term in Hawaii for immigrants from Palau, the Marshall Islands and the Federated States of Micronesia who came here through treaties known as the Compacts of Free Association. Civil Beat.

Oahu

After more than eight hours of divided testimony spread across two days, the Honolulu Planning Commission voted unanimously Wednesday to reject Mayor Kirk Caldwell’s proposed short-term vacation rental bill. Star-Advertiser.

City Council advances a bill to let neighborhoods restrict parking. A bill that won tentative approval from the City Council Budget Committee on Wednesday would allow a group of neighbors to petition for a restricted parking zone. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu rail authority files condemnation suit against Kakaako business. But the company is fighting back, saying the rail authority is trying to force them to accept a low-ball offer for their land. Hawaii News Now.

Permanent home within reach for tenants of Waianae encampment. Leaders of one of the state's largest homeless encampments say they are getting ready to move. Hawaii News Now.

Candidates Vying to Represent Waikiki, Kakaako and Ala Moana at the State Legislature. Only one in three races for the Hawaii State Senate and House of Representatives are being contested by Republicans. Hawaii Public Radio.

The cost of a $3.2 million landslide mitigation project in Mililani is being placed on the backs of residents — many of whom don’t live near the two eroding hillsides in question. Civil Beat.

Shidler alumnus establishes $100,000 endowment for student leader. University of Hawaii at Manoa Shidler College of Business alumnus Christopher Helm and wife, Debra, have established a $100,000 endowment through the Helm Family Trust for the David Bess Leadership Award. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu airport considered one of the worst in the country. That's according to J.D. Power's annual North America Airport Satisfaction Study, released Wednesday. KHON2.

Canine team goes to work at Daniel K. Inouye International Airport. A dedicated team is working daily to make sure all passengers are screened for explosives and explosive materials at Daniel K. Inouye International Airport. Star-Advertiser.

TSA highlights working canines at airport security operations. KITV.

Honolulu police plan to increase enforcement on roadways in the wake of two separate pedestrian fatalities that occurred within minutes of one another Tuesday night. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

$35M Hurricane Lane hits council budget plans. Two Kona road projects and an express Kona-Hilo bus route face delays because of new expenses created by Hurricane Lane. West Hawaii Today.

The Hawaii County Council bill that would have required local government to be “accurate and factual” was taken off the table on Wednesday. Big Island Video News.

State looks for alternative boat ramp sites. The fate of the Pohoiki boat ramp is uncertain after the Kilauea volcano eruption in lower Puna. Tribune-Herald.

$96M Keahuolu Courthouse taking shape. The Keahuolu Courthouse is taking shape, but Kona’s first centralized judiciary complex remains about a year away from the gavel striking the block. West Hawaii Today.

Flood Insurance Meetings to Be Held in Hilo, Kona. Big Island Now.

A supervisor for BEI Hawaii in Hilo who suffered lung injuries as a result of a chlorine gas leak at the facility two years ago is suing the county and state for negligence, claiming response to the leak was inadequate. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Maui County Council members are asking for $3 million to help repair a road destroyed during Tropical Storm Lane's heavy rains. Hawaii News Now.

Residents are still unhappy with Piilani Promenade plans. Developer offers ‘snapshot’ of project at community meeting. Maui News.

A former Maui County Public Works Department supervisor was ordered to pay a $1,500 fine after he pleaded no contest to a misdemeanor theft charge involving a subordinate employee’s unrecorded vacation time. Maui News.

Maui seems to be getting a handle on its homeless population, but finding affordable rentals is still the main problem, whether you’re on the street yet or not.  A recent study concluded Maui will need 14,000 more housing units by 2025. Hawaii Public Radio.

A week after Olivia, West Maui is still cleaning up — and assessing the damage. Hawaii News Now.

Kauai

Developers: Coco Palms project back on track. Developer Tyler Greene said Wednesday that with legal disputes behind them, the project to rebuild the Coco Palms Resort is moving forward with an estimated completion date of late next year. Garden Island.

County calls for DOE audit. The proposed constitutional amendment that would add a surcharge on investment real property to fund public education in Hawaii if approved by voters Nov. 6 would have dire consequences, say Maui County leaders. Garden Island.

Kauai dentist sentenced for insurance fraud. State Circuit Judge Kathleen Watanabe sentenced Dr. Terry Allen to a four-year term of deferral and ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $20,878.86 to Hawaii Medical Services Association. KHON2.

Sharing resources for health. Students descended on Kauai War Memorial Convention Hall for the county’s annual Health and Wellness Fair. More than 40 vendors provided information and premium giveaways to guests. Garden Island.

Long lines, limited parking expected as Hawaii Volcanoes National Park reopens Saturday, 15% of Hawaii young men not registered with Selective Service, Hawaii County scales down special session emergency fund request, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Map of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park reopening plan

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is on track to open Saturday at 10 a.m., with free admission on that day, the National Park Service said today. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park preps for reopening. While Hawaii Volcanoes National Park reopens Saturday, visitors might find it hard to park. Tribune-Herald.

The reopening of areas in the park, which go into effect by 10:00 a.m. on September 22, are listed in a new map published by the National Park Service. Big Island Video News.

This Saturday will mark a new beginning for Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. More than 130 days since explosions, ash plumes and earthquakes forced it to close, the park is set to reopen. KITV.

HVNP Reopening, Expect Limited Parking & Long Lines. Big Island Now.

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State Department of Education Proposes Increases For Executive-Level Salaries. The proposed raises would be at slightly lower percentages than DOE employees represented by unions. Overall, the executive-level increases would shift the salary range for complex area superintendents to $135,000-$170,000 from $125,000-$163,589. Pay for the seven assistant superintendents would increase to $145,000-$175,000 from $143,023-$167,353. The annual salary for the deputy superintendent — who is second in command to the school superintendent — would increase to a range of $155,000-$180,000 from $143,023-$167,353. Civil Beat.

Hawaii income stats climb, but so does the cost of living. Hawaii household and family incomes rose again last year to remain among the highest in the nation, according to the latest information from the U.S. Census Bureau. Star-Advertiser.

Fifteen percent of Hawaii’s young men aren't registered with the U.S. Selective Service System, which means they might not be eligible for major federal benefits. Hawaii News Now.

Innovative New Program Plugs Some Holes In Mental Health Care System. A new network of providers and social workers is teaming up to get mental health patients the treatment they need. Civil Beat.

Chairman’s Death Comes At Crucial Time For Pacific Fishery Council. Edwin Ebisui was among the leaders pushing the Trump administration to reopen restricted waters to commercial fishing. Civil Beat.

Several Hawaii banks are enacting financial assistance programs for customers impacted by the heavy rains and flooding brought on by Tropical Storm Olivia last week. Pacific Business News.

Hawaiian Tax-Free Trust named Cathy Luke and Randy Perreira to its board in anticipation of the retirement of current trustees Richard Humphreys and Russell Okata. Pacific Business News.

Oahu

Rail transit: Town-bound tension piles up. Some business operators and residents who attended a Monday night briefing on the arrival of rail construction in the Kalihi-­to-Ala Moana region left feeling anxious about the future. Star-Advertiser.

Water utility offers breaks for affordable housing builders. The Honolulu Board of Water Supply has agreed to offer those who build affordable housing units on Oahu a break on BWS charges in an effort to spur construction. Star-Advertiser.

New proposal could pave the way for more restricted parking zones in Honolulu. It would require residents living in the area to have a placard proving they live there. The bill specifically mentions areas near universities and hospitals. KHON2.

Two new projects geared at pedestrians are heading to the Waikiki and Ala Moana areas. Recently revived plans to build a pedestrian and bicycle bridge over the Ala Wai Canal, linking Waikiki to McCully, are moving forward. KHON2.

Waimanalo residents concerned about pollution of Kaupo Beach. A homeless encampment tucked away downhill on the makai side of Kalanianaole Highway is causing some in the Waimanalo community to push for action. KITV.

Waikiki Shell officially named after concert promoter Tom Moffatt. A special renaming ceremony was held Sunday at the venue, where the beloved local personality and concert promoter known simply as "Uncle Tom" put on a host of big shows. Hawaii News Now.

Koko Nuts Koalition: We Will Help Repair Koko Head Trail. The City and County of Honolulu is considering ways to develop partnerships to refurbish and maintain the iconic Koko Head Trail. Hawaii Public Radio.

A rental housing tower in downtown Kapolei for seniors with low incomes is set to start construction after several years of planning. Star-Advertiser.

Two Oahu neighborhoods with single-family home median prices below the record islandwide median of $810,000 saw increases in sales of more than 25 percent in August, according to a report by the Honolulu Board of Realtors. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii Island

Based on feedback from lawmakers, county scales down lava recovery wish list. A decision on a whether there will be a special session of the state Legislature to consider disaster relief funding appropriation, especially for Puna communities impacted by lava from Kilauea volcano’s lower East Rift Zone eruption, needs to be made soon. Tribune-Herald.

The group of Hawaii Island residents standing post at the entrance to Mauna Kea Access Road are on the verge of being kicked out. KITV.

Beneficiaries spoke out about the problems plaguing the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands during a community meeting held Monday night in Keaukaha. Big Island Video News.

Pohoiki Boat Ramp Could Be Used Again. The Hawaii Department of Land and Resources reports that a damage assessment of the formerly popular Pohoiki Boat Ramp area, along the lower Puna coast, shows no damage to the ramp itself. However, an estimated 14,000 cubic yards of black sand, deposited during the recent East Rift Zone eruption, completely rings and blocks the entrance to the small boat ramp. Big Island Now.

The Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources has produced a video update on two, transformed Puna beach parks following the eruption of Kilauea. Big Island Video News.

A village of tiny homes — built by the community — welcomes first lava evacuees. Several Puna families who have spent months living in an eruption evacuee shelter moved into places of their own on Tuesday. Hawaii News Now.

Pahoa shelter closes leaving legacy of help, complaints. Pahoa’s emergency evacuation center opened in a hurry at 4:15 p.m. May 3 and over the next 136 days offered a lifeline to people forced from their homes by the Kilauea eruption. Star-Advertiser.

Maui

Council to discuss call for audit of DOE. Resolution part of opposition to proposed school property tax ballot amendment. Maui News.

Last ex-officer in bribery scheme sentenced. Unlike other defendants, Ahuna does not receive jail time. Maui News.

The US Department of Health and Human Services will award $1,000,000 in federal funding to Maui Family Support Services to support the Quality Care for Hawaiian Keiki Project. Maui Now.

Why your television isn't getting a signal on Maui. We're told a special fiber cable that provides OTA transmission to Maui is no longer functioning. The line feeds all of the broadcasters transmitters on Maui.  KHON2.

Masons add another course of cinderblocks to the South Maui Community Park Recreation Center earlier this month. The 34,000-square-foot facility is scheduled to be finished by the end of next March. Maui News.

Maui County currently has a shortage of 141 doctors, up slightly from the 139 in 2017, according to a recent Hawaii physician workforce survey by the University of Hawaii. Maui News.

A Brown Water Advisory has been issued for waters from Waihee to Kahului in Central Maui and Honokohau to the Honua Kai property in West Maui. Maui Now.

Old Makena Hotel coming down piece by piece. Maui News.

Kauai

Teachers’ union stands behind amendment. In November’s general election, voters will consider a constitutional amendment that would give the Legislature the authority to establish a surcharge on investment real property to support public education. Garden Island.

A meeting of County of Kauai committees is set for 8:30 a.m. today. Garden Island.

Kauai is gearing up to build the next double-hulled voyaging canoe on Hawaii and now the organization heading up the project has five acres in Kalihiwai to do it. Garden Island.

Rail work approaches Ala Moana, Katherine Kealoha resigns as deputy prosecutor, ethics complaint filed against Caldwell, Japan Airlines' Kona stop successful, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Aerial view of construction near the North Nimitz Highway to H1 Interstate merge, April 2018. PC: Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transit

Rail construction begins between Middle Street and Ala Moana Center. Rail disruptions will be moving deeper into the city as crews start a four-year, $400-million project to relocate utility lines in the city center section. Hawaii News Now.

Middle Street-to-Ala Moana phase of rail project moving ahead. The roughly 100 people attending tonight’s Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation meeting heard the message loud and clear from rail officials and their contractors: “We’re coming.” Star-Advertiser.

Teachers’ proposal would require hefty hike in property taxes. The union representing Hawaii’s public school teachers is arguing that a state tax on second homes valued at more than $1 million could bring in $200 million to $400 million in new revenue for public schools that could be used to raise teacher salaries, enhance classrooms, support special education and maybe even fund public preschools. Star-Advertiser.

Innovative New Program Plugs Some Holes In Mental Health Care System. A new network of providers and social workers is teaming up to get mental health patients the treatment they need. Civil Beat.

The Hawaii Interagency Council on Homelessness conducted its quarterly meeting today and provided updated plans. Hawaii Public Radio.

The state is warning consumers of a social media scheme in which the scammers are posing as Stephen Levins, executive director of the Hawaii Office of Consumer Protection. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Katherine Kealoha Resigns From Honolulu Prosecutor’s Office. She and her husband, former Police Chief Louis Kealoha, face their first trial on bank fraud charges in November. Civil Beat.

Katherine Kealoha resigns as deputy prosecutor. She and her husband, former Honolulu Police Chief Louis Kealoha, are fighting federal charges in what could become one of the biggest public corruption trials in state history. Star-Advertiser.

Ex-police chief's deputy prosecutor wife resigns as corruption trial nears. Hawaii News Now.

Katherine Kealoha resigned as deputy prosecutor with the City and County of Honolulu Monday. KHON2.

Katherine Kealoha resigns as Honolulu Deputy Prosecutor. KITV.

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Resident files complaint against mayor over education tax lobbying. A Makakilo resident filed a complaint with the city Ethics Commission alleging that Mayor Kirk Caldwell overstepped his authority by asking chairmen of the city’s 33 neighborhood boards to put discussion on a controversial constitutional amendment on their agendas, offering his opposition on the issue and then suggesting that they invite a political action committee to speak on it. Star-Advertiser.

The American Civil Liberties Union of Hawaii said a recent federal court decision could spell trouble for two bills before the Honolulu City Council that make it illegal to obstruct or “lodge” on sidewalks and other public property, as well as existing ordinances that target the homeless. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii high school students tapped to fill medical assistant shortage. Hawaii Pacific Health has teamed up with Kapiolani Community College and five public high schools to launch an innovative program to train students as medical assistants during their senior year. Star-Advertiser.

The number of luxury homes on Oahu selling for $1.5 million and above rose 15 percent last month compared to the same month last year, although the median price of those homes declined by 8 percent, according to an analysis by Coldwell Banker Pacific Properties. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii Island

In its first year of service between Tokyo and Kailua-Kona, Japan Airlines’ daily flights were responsible for injecting $73.49 million in visitor spending into the Big Island, generating $8.58 million in state tax revenue, according to the Hawaii Tourism Authority. Pacific Business News.

Salary Commission still irked at charter amendment oversight. How involved should the public be in determining government salaries? West Hawaii Today.

The Hawaii County Salary Commission met in the Hilo Council Chambers on Monday to consider proposals for adjustments to future salaries of county executives and elected officials. Big Island Video News.

Closing of Pahoa lava shelter a bittersweet moment for volunteers, staff. Tribune-Herald.

Shelter that housed hundreds of eruption evacuees closes after four months. KHON2.

The process of reopening Highway 137 to Pohoiki began Monday after county officials and private contractors visited the lava-covered roadway. Tribune-Herald.

Lava upsurge dies down; naming the fissure heats up. A state board has received its first application recommending a name and expects a second application soon as part of a process that will involve Hawaiian elders, competing proposals and possibly a public meeting in Puna to determine what to call the roughly 100-foot-tall cinder cone that began as one of 24 cracks in the ground emitting lava and at times spouted magma more than 200 feet high. Star-Advertiser.

Overuse of the historic Waipio Valley and an effort to sell much of the land have created an uncertain future for the hearty people who live, work and play here. Civil Beat.

Maui

Former Maui police officer gets probation for his role in bribery scheme. Walter Ahuna was sentenced Monday to three years probation with six months of home confinement. Ahuna is accused of helping two other former police officers, Anthony Maldonado and Chase Keliipaakaua, in their effort to get a victim to withdraw his complaint. KHON2.

Haleakala National Park will begin accepting applications for guided astronomy and hiking tour Commercial Use Authorizations, valid for up to two years. Maui Now.

Kauai

Andria Tupola, Republican candidate for governor of Hawaii, is on Kauai for a two-day campaign swing. Garden Island.

Kauai flush with films. “We started out this year with Disney’s ‘Jungle Cruise’ and we’re getting ready to start with the ‘Fast and the Furious’ offshoot — ‘Hobbs and Shaw,’” said Randy Francisco, Kauai film commissioner. “So with 2018, we’ll have these two bookend blockbusters.” Garden Island.

Farms and farmers may get government help, doctor shortage looms, residents buy sex online, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii farmers market ©2018 All Hawaii News

More than 45,000 acres on Oahu should be designated as important agricultural lands and required to stay that way in perpetuity under a new plan submitted by Mayor Kirk Caldwell to the Honolulu City Council. Star-Advertiser.

Lawmakers seek federal aid to help local farmers in wake of natural disasters. Hawaii’s congressional delegation is urging the U.S. Department of Agriculture to provide financial assistance to Hawaii farmers affected by the Kilauea Volcano eruption on Hawaii island, flooding from heavy rains in April and Hurricane/Tropical Storm Lane last month. Star-Advertiser.

The Hawaii Congressional Delegation is urging the U.S. Department of Agriculture to provide direct assistance to Hawaii farmers affected by recent natural disasters. Big Island Video News.

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Hawaii facing doctor shortage. Hawaii lost 51 full-time doctors from 2017 to 2018, the first loss since 2014 when 92 left the workforce, according to the latest physician workforce survey by the University of Hawaii. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii’s Mental Health Care Crisis. The lack of psychiatrists is a particular problem for people who rely on the state’s public health insurance for low-income residents. Civil Beat.

Hawaii residents dominate in buying sex online, study says. A new study that shines a light on a hidden corner of Hawaii’s illicit sex trade estimates that 1 in 11 adult males here buys sex online. Star-Advertiser.

The state Department of Transportation says pedestrian fatalities have increased by 84 percent from the same time last year. Associated Press.

The state’s film industry is on pace for a record year. Film and television production in Hawaii could generate in excess of $400 million this year, topping the record mark set in 2010. Star-Advertiser.

UH Wants $600 Million In 2019 To Modernize Its Crumbling Campuses. And that’s just the beginning. The university has a six-year, $1.6 billion plan in the works. Civil Beat.

St. Francis Medical Center Tries To Stop $80M Settlement For Abuse Victims. The center employed the psychiatrist accused of sexually abusing dozens of students at Kamehameha Schools, which reached the settlement with victims. Civil Beat.

Are Hawaii Residents Experiencing Disaster Fatigue? It has been a stressful year for residents of Hawaii. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaiian Airlines announced late Thursday night that it will be the only carrier to offer nonstop flights between Honolulu and Boston when it begins the service in April. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

The board of the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation is nearing a pivotal decision on whether to solicit new partners in the development, operation and maintenance of the city’s 20-mile rail line, a proposal that could eventually involve billions of taxpayer dollars. Star-Advertiser.

The owner of Hawaiian Memorial Park has filed a new draft environmental impact study in a bid to add 30,000 more burial sites to the Kaneohe cemetery nearly a decade after a similar effort was rejected by a state commission. Star-Advertiser.

Estate formerly owned by King Kamehameha III up for auction. The four-bedroom, three-bathroom house sits on two acres of land off Nuuanu Pali Drive. KHON2.

UH Manoa gets $1M for microbe research in Waimea Valley. With $1 million from the W.M. Keck Foundation, which funds pioneering research, the UH faculty members will map the microbial communities that underpin the valley’s varied ecosystems and explore how they function. Star-Advertiser.

University of Hawaii Manoa professor H. Annamalai is leading a project to improve weather forecasts for US-affiliated Pacific Islands like the state of Hawaii. Maui Now.

Hundreds of volunteers helped Malama the Aina at a cleanup Sunday morning at Ala Moana Beach Park. Volunteers removed trash, plastics, and other debris from the beach and park areas and enjoyed music, snacks, and giveaways.  KITV.

Launch of Hawaii Five-0, Magnum P.I. celebrated by adoring fans in Waikiki. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

The National Park Service has produced a new map prior to the reopening of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park on National Public Lands Day on September 22. Big Island Video News.

With Hawaii Volcanoes National Park on track to reopen later this month, Volcano businesses are cautiously optimistic about a return to pre-eruption visitors. Tribune-Herald.

The recent purchase of the “Great Crack Property” in Ka'u by the National Park Service concludes a plan 50 years in the making. Tribune-Herald.

Some vacation rental condos, by a quirk of zoning, are being swept up into a vacation rental bill while those just across Alii Drive are not, an issue that has a crowd ready to speak out at the Leeward Planning Commission meeting. West Hawaii Today.

Roadblocks to relicensing push some drivers to illegal behavior. A bureaucratic barrier, a lack of adequate state statutes and the sluggish pace at which county Departments of Motor Vehicles process road tests have created a glitch in the driver’s re-licensing process that’s incentivizing thousands of Hawaii residents to break the law every year. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Maui County will float a $109 million general obligation bond to refund outstanding bonds and loans and to refund the county general fund about $45 million for money already spent on new projects, according to an announcement. Maui News.

Mayor Alan Arakawa announced that three major bond rating agencies awarded Maui County the highest bond ratings in the state last week. Maui Now.

The state Campaign Spending Commission levied a $2,700 fine Wednesday on Maui County Council Member Alika Atay, his campaign and its treasurer for violating Hawaii campaign finance laws, commission General Counsel Gary Kam reported. Maui News.

One in 10 Maui County residents lives below the poverty line, which is lower than the national poverty rate of 12.3 percent for 2017, according to data released Thursday by the U.S. Census Bureau. Maui News.

Kauai

Controversial sister city? Last Monday, Sara Duterte, the mayor of Davao, a city on Mindanao Island in the Philippines, was on Kauai signing a sister-city partnership with Mayor Bernard Carvalho Jr. She’s the daughter of Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte, whose administration has been criticized by Amnesty International and other groups for committing multiple human rights violations. Garden Island.

Shearwaters in the skies. Lights will go on this week for Friday night football on Kauai, marking the season’s first football game within the endangered Newell’s shearwater fledgling season. Garden Island.

Governor, Honolulu mayor attend climate conference, National park expands by almost 2k acres, Nuuanu reservoir drained to prevent overflow, Maui mops up following Olivia, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Gov. David Ige at climate conference, courtesy photo

Gov. David Ige and Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell are attending the Global Climate Action Summit in San Francisco this week. Star-Advertiser.

What New Census Data Says — And Doesn’t Say — About Hawaii. Incomes are slightly higher but housing costs are still among the worst in the nation. Civil Beat.

A contested case hearing over alleged ethics violations has been scheduled next month for Office of Hawaiian Affairs trustee Rowena Akana, who is accused of breaking the state’s gifts law, gifts reporting law and fair-treatment law. Star-Advertiser.

Following Campaign Cash In Hawaii Just Got Easier. A new digital tool lets users see a massive amount of data with just a few mouse clicks — no Excel experience necessary. Civil Beat.

When voters cast their ballots in November, one of the issues they’ll be deciding on is a Constitutional Amendment that would establish a surcharge on investment real property. Garden Island.

Hawaiian Airlines’ Boeing 767 fleet will retire by the beginning of next year, about a quarter earlier than originally expected. Pacific Business News.

Oahu

Honolulu Board of Water Supply officials said Thursday afternoon that there was no danger of Nuuanu Reservoir No. 1 failing and said they notified the public about the possibility of evacuations downstream that morning in an abundance of caution to keep the community informed. Star-Advertiser.

Board of Water drains Nuuanu Reservoir after storm raises water levels. Hawaii News Now.

Heavy rain from Tropical Storm Olivia filled Nuuanu Reservoir #1 to dangerous levels Thursday. KHON2.

Many Nuuanu residents were in a state of panic Thursday morning after being alerted a dam was approaching dangerous levels that could trigger evacuations. KITV.

Crews from the Honolulu Board of Water Supply and the Honolulu Fire Department on Thursday managed to lower the water levels at the Nuuanu reservoir No. 1 after they had come within a foot and a half of the dam's spillway. Pacific Business News.

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The state Health Department may have issued an islandwide brown-water advisory due to Tropical Storm Olivia, but plenty of tourists were still splashing in the waters fronting major hotels in Waikiki on Thursday afternoon. Star-Advertiser.

Idaho Court Ruling May Impact Honolulu Homeless Bill. On Wednesday the Honolulu City Council voted unanimously to advance two bills that could have a major impact on the city’s homelessness policy. Hawaii Public Radio.

Council Rejects Big Bus Fare Hikes For Seniors And The Disabled. Taxpayers will continue to subsidize public transportation at a higher level than called for in city guidelines. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Island

The National Park Service has acquired a 1,952-acre oceanfront property in Ka'u from a Florida real estate developer. The $1.95 million purchase by the park service of the “Great Crack Property” from Joseph Gillespie III is the last piece of a settlement between First Citizens Bank of Raleigh, N.C., and Hilo businessman Ken Fujiyama and his Ken Direction Corp. to settle the bank’s foreclosure claim concerning a defaulted mortgage on the then-Naniloa Volcanoes Resort. Tribune-Herald.

A pay-as-you-throw bag-tag rubbish program could be revisited after it was rejected first in 2009 and again in 2015. West Hawaii Today.

Damage to county facilities from the flooding late last month caused by torrential downpours from Hurricane Lane totaled about $20 million, said Managing Director Wil Okabe on Thursday. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

State and county officials Thursday got a bird’s-eye view of the parts of Maui County hardest-hit by Tropical Storm Olivia. Star-Advertiser.

West Maui takes stock a day after homes, cars washed away. A day after Tropical Storm Olivia pummeled Maui with torrential rains and strong winds, residents are still trying to assess all the damage. Hawaii News Now.

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

‘The water just started washing things away,’ resident says. Maui News.

Post Storm Recap: Maui County Resumes Services. Maui Now.

A road in Haiku collapsed when rain from the outer bands of Hurricane Lane hit the Valley Isle weeks ago. Rain from Tropical Storm Olivia hasn't helped the situation. Hawaii News Now.

Kauai

A Koloa business owner is concerned that clogged culverts near Weliweli Road caused some of the flooding in the area, and has been trying to get the County of Kauai to remedy the problem. Garden Island.

The 22nd annual Coconut Festival has been canceled due to lack of funds. Instead, the Kapaa Business Association, which regularly hosts the event, is partnering with the Kauai Veterans Council to bring the Nov. 3 Veterans Day Parade back to Kapaa. Garden Island.

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.