Foreign investment soars, owners to face fines for fake service animals, homeless qualify for Medicaid housing, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Honolulu ©2018 All Hawaii News

Amid already hot housing market, foreign investment in Hawaii properties soars. Decades after the collapse of the Japanese investment bubble, foreign investment in Hawaii is making a big comeback. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii to roll out database to track school repair backlog. The Hawaii Department of Education is rolling out an online database to track the estimated $868 million backlog of repair and maintenance projects in the public school system. Associated Press.

Homeless people in Hawaii who are enrolled in Med-QUEST, the state’s Medicaid program, will have access to housing support services starting Jan. 1 that were previously offered to only a handful. Civil Beat.

As Ed Case prepares to be sworn into the U.S. House of Representatives in January, he’s been hiring key staff and gearing up for what he hopes will be major reforms in Congress. Star-Advertiser.

Claiming an ordinary dog to be a service animal will soon be illegal in Hawaii. Thanks to a law passed in July, the new year will add “misrepresentation of a service animal” to the state’s list of offenses punishable by a civil penalty. Tribune-Herald.

Circus and carnivals in Hawaii can’t bring lions, tigers or bears in for the show thanks to updated state rules signed by Gov. David Ige, and the head of the Hawaii Board of Agriculture says it’s been a long time coming. Garden Island.

Hawaii’s economy remained relatively strong through the year, with continued job growth, increasing wages and tax revenues that exceeded government projections in 2018, according to an annual financial report released last week by the Department of Accounting and General Services. Garden Island.

IMAGES OF 2018: A Year Of Alarms, Elections, Lava And A Notable Passing. The mother of all false alerts preceded very real disasters that flooded Kauai with rainwater and the Big Island with lava. Then came the threat of Hurricane Lane. Civil Beat.

Oahu

State Hospital overtime raises safety concerns. Big paychecks for overtime, also leads to big concerns about safety at the Hawaii State Hospital. KITV.

State and county officials, social service agencies and law enforcement are working together to address the highest per capita rate of homelessness in the country, but more needs to be done, according to the regional coordinator for the U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness. Star-Advertiser.

'It’s paradise’: Crowds head to the beach, trails for a sunny Christmas Day in Hawaii. A sunny Christmas Day sent throngs of merry-makers to Oahu beaches and parks Tuesday, where first responders were out in full force, too. Hawaii News Now.

Nearly 5 years after a huge fuel leak at the Red Hill Bulk Storage Facility, a forum will be held so people can get answers about preventing future leaks while protecting our water supply. KITV.

No flood, tsunami, earthquake or hurricane — not even retirement or a near-fatal heart attack — can keep Danny Tengan from readying East Honolulu residents for disaster. Star-Advertiser.

Water service will be temporarily suspended for four hours this morning at Magic Island, also known as Aina Moana, for a shower improvement project. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii officially down to one refinery. In line with the findings of the Hawaii Refinery Task Force's interim report from November 2013, one of the state's two refineries has, as predicted, officially ceased its refining operations before the year 2020. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii Island

Embattled dairy intentionally discharges 800,000 gallons of sewage into Big Island waters. Hawaii News Now.

Big Island Dairy Discharges More Wastewater Amid Heavy Rains. Hawaii health officials say the diary, which was fined for spilling nearly 8 million gallons of wastewater this summer, is pumping out nearly 800,000 gallons in the latest incident. Civil Beat.

The owners of Big Island Dairy illegally discharged Monday roughly 600,000 gallons of sewage that contaminated coastal waters through Kaohaoha Gulch. Star-Advertiser.

Water within Kaohaoha Gulch was contaminated with animal waste due to an overflowing retention pond at the dairy facility caused by heavy rainfall, health officials say. Big Island Video News.

Waimea residents and others will get a chance next month to weigh in on which of two air service providers they’d rather see offer subsidized flights out of the Waimea-Kohala Airport. West Hawaii Today.

The reins of the Big Island’s fourth-largest private landowner quietly changed hands last week. The new president of W.H. Shipman Ltd. is Margaret “Peggy” Farias, previously the chief financial officer and treasurer of the Keaau-based company. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Timeshare resorts report occupancy rate of 91.8% in Q3. Maui News.

Chief: Officers’ actions ‘justified’ in shooting. Suspect, who was shot to death, drew a handgun, he said. Maui News.

New video of Sunday’s deadly officer-involved shooting in Wailuku was released at a press conference today at the Wailuku Police Station. The 23 second encounter at the Kaohu Street, South Market Street intersection, came following a chase that ensued for approximately 12 minutes. Maui Now.

Maui Electric is proposing to assume ownership and operation of the existing electric vehicle fast-charging network established on Maui through the JUMPSmartMaui demonstration project. Maui Now.

Maui Electric Co. on Friday proposed to assume ownership and operation of the JUMPSmartMaui electric vehicle fast-charging network on the Valley Isle. Pacific Business News.

Kauai

The last several miles of road along Kauai’s North Shore remain closed to the public since the April flood. Local residents are limited to commute along one lane of the highway and only during scheduled convoy times. Hawaii Public Radio.

More than 100 threatened and endangered seabirds have fledged from the Nihoku restoration site within the Kilauea Point National Wildlife Refuge in the past four years. Garden Island.

Hawaii Supreme Court overturns public records exemption, feral cat feeding at harbors banned, Honolulu rail meets federal deadline, Maui Styrofoam ban to begin, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Feral cat feeding in Hawaii ©2018 All Hawaii News

 Gov. David Ige has approved new rules for the state’s small boat harbors that prohibit camping and the feeding of feral cats at the harbors. Star-Advertiser.

The backlog of repair and maintenance projects at Hawaii’s public schools is an estimated $868 million, roughly three times worse than what legislators were told in January. Star-Advertiser.

For the first time since statehood in 1959, Hawaii’s population declined for two consecutive years with fewer births, more deaths and a greater number of residents moving to the mainland. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii and Japan have signed a memorandum of cooperation for a reciprocal partial exemption of driver’s license exam requirements. Star-Advertiser.

Former President Barack Obama back in Hawaii. When Barack Obama was President of the United States, it was an annual tradition to spend the holidays in Hawaii. It looks like that tradition is continuing. KHON2.

Oahu

Hawaii Supreme Court Overturns 30 Years Of Government Secrecy. The ruling says that the city of Honolulu — as well as many other government agencies — have withheld public records for decades using an excuse that doesn’t exist in state law. Civil Beat.

In win for transparency, state Supreme Court overturns restrictions on public records. Hawaii News Now.

Gov. David Ige is pushing forward on plans to relocate Oahu’s overcrowded jail in Kalihi to Halawa Valley, inserting $5 million into his proposed budget for fiscal year 2020 for studying financing options for the facility, which is estimated to cost about $525 million. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu Meets Federal Demands On Rail Project. City and rail officials satisfied federal requirements that they spend $44 million in local funds on the project, pursue a public-private partnership and update their financial recovery plan. Civil Beat.

The Federal Transit Administration said all requirements have been met in order for it to proceed with a review of the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation’s revised recovery plan on Thursday. Pacific Business News.

Partners In Care — the group organizing January’s six-day census of Oahu’s homeless — needs hygiene products and volunteers in every community. Star-Advertiser.

Christmas Eve homeless sweep upsets civil liberties groups. The city gears up for a Christmas Eve homeless sweep in Waikiki. Before dawn, crews will enforce the Sidewalk Nuisance Ordinance and the Stored Property Ordinance, and civil liberties groups are upset at the timing. KITV.

Coast Guard welcomes Cutter Kimball, the first of its kind to call Hawaii home. Hawaii News Now.

A Hawaii historian is looking to preserve an old Quonset hut on Oahu that was possibly part of a segregated encampment for black laborers and enlisted men during World War II. Star-Advertiser.

Aulani lauded for embracing Native Hawaiian language. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

The Big Squeeze: an analysis of tax and fee increases island residents are expected to pay. West Hawaii Today.

The Big Squeeze, Part 1: Five county taxes and fees are increasing. West Hawaii Today.

The Big Squeeze: Part 2, the state. West Hawaii Today.

The Big Squeeze: Part 3, utilities. West Hawaii Today.

Lava rock could lay foundation for basalt industry. The Big Island produced a lot of new lava rock this year, and some of it could be the raw material for a new local industry, according to a report commissioned by a state agency. Star-Advertiser.

The bikeshare program in Kailua Village is doubling from three to six bike stations, thanks to action Wednesday by the County Council. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Plate lunches soon will need a new plate. New law bans foam takeout containers starting Dec. 31. Maui News.

Old post office for bus hub land exchange is approved. Final council meeting of term: Lease pact involves old Wailuku Post Office. Maui News.

Officer Involved Shooting in Wailuku Under Investigation. Maui Now.

Kauai

The Kauai Island Utility Cooperative Nominating Committee has selected three candidates for its Board of Directors election on March 23, all of them incumbents: Calvin Murashige, Jan TenBruggencate and Peter Yukimura. Garden Island.

Kauai forestry experts have been operating at elevated levels on Kauai since a more virulent form of rapid ohia death was found on the island for the first time last week. Star-Advertiser.

Surfrider grades beaches, Oahu getting major military projects, Alexander & Baldwin sells 41k acres of Maui sugar land, Big Island residents oppose vaccinations, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Girl playing on Waikiki beach ©2018 All Hawaii News

Hawaii received a C-plus in the Surfrider Foundation’s annual State of the Beach Report Card, which grades 30 U.S. states and the territory of Puerto Rico on policies that address climate change, shoreline erosion and extreme weather. Star-Advertiser.

The Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources has joined forces with various marine and animal protection organizations to make it easier for people to report illegal aquarium collecting activity across the state. Big Island Video News.

Hawaii-based marine and animal protection organizations have joined forces with the Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources to make it easier for people to report illegal aquarium collecting activity across the state. Garden Island.

NOAA’s Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary reminds the public that humpback whale season in Hawaii is underway. Maui Now.

U.S. Commission on Civil Rights now supports federal recognition of Native Hawaiians. In a major reversal, the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights is supporting federal recognition of Native Hawaiians. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Pentagon awards contract for powerful missile radar defense system on Oahu.  The Missile Defense Agency has awarded Lockheed Martin a $585 million contract to design and build a powerful ballistic missile radar defense system on Oahu. Hawaii News Now.

New $680M Coast Guard cutter arriving in Honolulu. The first of two new $680 million Coast Guard cutters is expected to arrive in Honolulu Saturday, officials said. Star-Advertiser.

Police Chief: Sharing Information With Kaneshiro Not In City’s ‘Best Interest’. Mayor’s office is “seriously considering” Susan Ballard’s request that the prosecuting attorney be excluded from public safety meetings because of reports he’s under investigation. Civil Beat.

Here’s the email the police chief sent to the city about Honolulu’s prosecutor. Hawaii News Now.

Citing what it said were the lowest fees in conferences it competes in, the University of Hawaii athletic department began laying the ground work for raising the mandatory athletic fee it charges students. Star-Advertiser.

String of major storms proved fatal blow to popular Nalo Farms. Repeated bouts of severe weather has lead to the closure of Nalo Farms. Hawaii News Now.

Nalo Farms closes business after being impacted by April's heavy rains. A well-known Waimanalo farm impacted by last April's heavy rains is now shut down for good. KITV.

Hawaii Island

Public testifiers spoke out in opposition to immunization and examination requirements for school attendance in Hawaii. Big Island Video News.

It's a Big Island power plant, but now an Oahu County political party is getting involved. Thursday night, the Oahu County Committee on Legislative Priorities is holding a public event to talk about Hu Honua Bioenergy power plant. KITV.

A crew is working to remove a derelict boat that’s been sitting on the makai side of Queen Kaahumanu Highway, south of Kua Bay, for more than a month. West Hawaii Today.

Charter Commission chairman to speak in Honokaa. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

A&B sells all of its farm holdings for $262 million. Alexander & Baldwin, which grew sugar cane on Maui for 150 years and ceased operations in 2016, is leaving agriculture behind on the island, announcing the sale of its 41,000 acres of farm land for $262 million to a farming venture between a California investment group and Canada’s Public Sector Pension Investment Board. Maui News.

New Era of Ag on Maui: A&B Sells 41,000 Acres to Mahi Pono. Alexander & Baldwin today announced an agreement that will launch a new era of agriculture on Maui.  According to company executives, the agreement provides for the sale of the former Hawaiian Commercial & Sugar Company lands to Mahi Pono LLC for purposes of cultivating a variety of food and energy crops, ensuring the continued agricultural use of these lands, the preservation of green, open space in Central Maui, and a consistent and long-term source of revenue for the local economy. Maui Now.

A&B sells 41,000 acres of former Maui sugar lands. Alexander & Baldwin has sold about 41,000 acres of former Hawaiian Commercial & Sugar Company lands on Maui as part of a $262 million deal aimed at boosting local food production. Hawaii News Now.

Former HC&S land on Maui sold for $262 million. KHON2.

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The Maui County Planning Department will hold a public hearing on proposed revisions to the Department’s Administrative Rules for the Agricultural District. Maui Now.

MPD seeks recruits to fill more than 40 vacant positions. Some police officers have been reassigned to work patrol shifts, and some promotions are being delayed, as police continue recruiting officers to fill more than 40 vacant positions. Maui News.

Kauai

Community-Focused Rebuilding on Kauai's North Shore. A new community-driven initiative on Kauai's North Shore aims to ensure residents have a say in rebuilding their coast after the massive flooding earlier this year. Hawaii Public Radio.

Kauai woman pleads guilty to stealing almost $365K from US government. Hawaii News Now.

Federal recognition for Native Hawaiians advances, Senate panel quizzes University of Hawaii, Oahu hotel occupancy falls following strike, bioenergy plant fined for discharge, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Native Hawaiians guarding the Hokulea ©2018 All Hawaii News

Civil Rights Panel Backs Federal Recognition For Native Hawaiians. The U.S. Commission on Civil Rights reversed its 12-year-old opposition, and now supports providing Native Hawaiians similar status to Native American tribes. Civil Beat.

Senators Put UH Finances Under A Microscope. A proposal backed by Gov. David Ige to expand a community college scholarship program to four-year schools is met with skepticism. Civil Beat.

An internal audit has given the University of Hawaii a clean bill of health when it comes to its financial management of the Mauna Kea Science Reserve. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Interagency Council on Homelessness Legislative Priorities: $218M. The Homelessness Coalition of state, county, faith-based and social services organizations is setting its priorities for the upcoming legislative session. Hawaii Public Radio.

Green: Reclassifying drug treatment as ‘primary care’ could help more addicts into recovery. Hawaii News Now.

Delays, Denials, Wasted Tax Dollars: DOE’s Troubled Treatment Of Injured Workers. A Civil Beat investigation found frequent shortcomings with how Hawaii’s education department handles workers’ comp claims. Civil Beat.

The Hidden Cost of Shipping Your Holiday Package. The Jones Act governs maritime shipping within the domestic United States. In essence, it says that any shipment from one U.S. port to another, it is required to come on a ship built in the United States, owned and operated by an American company, and crewed by American citizens or residents. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii received a C-plus in the Surfrider Foundation’s annual State of the Beach Report Card, which grades 30 U.S. states and the territory of Puerto Rico on policies that address climate change, shoreline erosion and extreme weather. Star-Advertiser.

The Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources has joined forces with various marine and animal protection organizations to make it easier for people to report illegal aquarium collecting activity across the state. Big Island Video News.

Hawaii-based marine and animal protection organizations have joined forces with the Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources to make it easier for people to report illegal aquarium collecting activity across the state. Garden Island.

NOAA’s Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary reminds the public that humpback whale season in Hawaii is underway. Maui Now.

Oahu

In surprising candor, Honolulu Police Chief Susan Ballard is expressing concern about the city prosecutor’s potential impact on criminal cases and his attendance at public safety meetings while he faces a federal investigation. Hawaii News Now.

November was not kind to Oahu hotels, with occupancy falling below 80 percent for the first time since March 2017. It didn’t help that workers at four of Waikiki’s major beachfront hotels owned by Kyo-ya Hotels &Resorts and operated by Marriott were involved in a 51-day strike. Star-Advertiser.

A single street in Kalihi has become a dumping ground for abandoned vehicles. Hawaii News Now.

Yoga Gains A Place Behind Bars In Hawaii. Louisa DiGrazia won a $35,000 grant from the Legislature to expand yoga classes throughout Oahu’s correctional facilities. Civil Beat.

HPD wants to issue smartphones to all officers. The smartphone could become an official crime fighting tool for HPD. Police Chief Susan Ballard is pushing the idea to help officers do their jobs more efficiently and safely. KHON2.

HPD officer hit with more domestic abuse charges while out on bail. A Honolulu police officer awaiting trial on multiple counts of domestic abuse was back in state court Monday on more charges. Star-Advertiser.

The Missile Defense Agency has awarded a $585 million contract to Lockheed Martin to design, develop and deliver its Homeland Defense Radar-Hawaii. Maui Now.

Hawaii Island

Relief for Puna, cesspool conversion and more neighbor island participation in state government are among an inventory of priorities for five Hawaii Island legislators who briefed the Hawaii Island Chamber of Commerce at a breakfast meeting Wednesday. West Hawaii Today.

The state Department of Health’s Clean Water Branch is fining Hu Honua Bioenergy $25,000 for discharging industrial wastewater into the ocean Nov. 9 at the biomass power plant under construction in Pepeekeo. According to the DOH, the discharge was intentional and violates state law. Tribune-Herald.

The state Department of Health fined Hu Honua Bioenergy, a renewable energy firm, $25,000 for illegally discharging wastewater last month at its Pepeekeo facility. Star-Advertiser.

Health Officials Cite Hu Honua For Illegal Wastewater Discharge. Big Island Video News.

The Hawaii County Department of Water Supply is proposing to roll back its power cost charge come the beginning of February. West Hawaii Today.

Luquin ‘very close’ to opening new Pahoa restaurant. After a year of delays, a popular Pahoa restaurant will finally open its new location in 2019 after being destroyed last year. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Progress has reportedly been made in Alexander & Baldwin’s attempt to find farming use for the company’s thousands of acres on Maui that were formerly planted in sugarcane. Maui Now.

With some residents noticing an increase in illegal fireworks being set off earlier this year, a community event will be held Saturday to collect donations to help animals distressed by fireworks. Maui News.

Molokai plan wins council approval. Isle residents concerned with zoning guidelines. Molokai residents are “generally very happy” to finally have an updated community plan after 17 years, but they’re concerned about new zoning guidelines that leave “the door wide open” to development that could be opposed by the community. Maui News.

Kauai

Three Department of Land and Natural Resources employees on Kauai have been disciplined for ethics violations. Joseph Borden, the district manager for the Division of Boating and Ocean Recreation was forced to resign last week due to falsifying government documents to favor a private contractor, forcing employees to lie on equipment disposal records, and  improperly accepting gifts from contractors. Two other employees, harbor agents Manuel Andrade and Kathy Rosare were fined $2,000 and $1,200 for using State resources for personal business. KITV.

The Kauai district manager for the Department of Natural Resources’ boating division resigned last week after an investigation revealed he falsified documents in order to award dozens of government contracts to businesses run by his friend, according to documents released Tuesday by the Hawaii State Ethics Commission. Garden Island.

Molokai

Molokai plan wins council approval. Isle residents concerned with zoning guidelines. Molokai residents are “generally very happy” to finally have an updated community plan after 17 years, but they’re concerned about new zoning guidelines that leave “the door wide open” to development that could be opposed by the community. Maui News.

Cesspool mandate looms, Kauai DOBOR manager fined, resigns after no-bid contracts, Honolulu prosecutor impeachment filed in court, grumbling about state Senate assignments, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Oahu aerial view ©2018 All Hawaii News

Hawaii homes with cesspools must be upgraded by 2050. But, a State Environmental Council Committee is calling for more scientific evidence to drive this mandate. Hawaii Public Radio.

Some Grumbling Over Senate Committee Posts. A few senators are upset about their assignments and say traditions are not being followed, but President Ron Kouchi says any complaints are baseless. Civil Beat.

State Education Board Plans To Lobby Legislature Directly. The BOE wants to help field questions about the byzantine inner workings of the budget for public schools. Civil Beat.

Delays, Denials, Wasted Tax Dollars: DOE’s Troubled Treatment Of Injured Workers. A Civil Beat investigation found frequent shortcomings with how Hawaii’s education department handles workers’ comp claims. Civil Beat.

Thousands of Hawaii teens admit to injecting illegal drugs — and help for these users is hard to find. Hawaii News Now.

VA Secretary Visits Hawaii, Maps Out Plan for Modernization. Hawaii Public Radio.

Used to bucking establishment, Tulsi Gabbard eyes White House run. Associated Press.

Oahu

A petition to impeach Honolulu Prosecutor Keith Kaneshiro has been submitted to Circuit Court, and could ultimately lead to a judge being asked to weigh in. Hawaii News Now.

Honolulu businessman Tracy Yoshimura filed an impeachment petition against Honolulu Prosecuting Attorney Keith Kaneshiro in state Circuit Court on Tuesday. Star-Advertiser.

Petition Filed With Court To Impeach Prosecutor Kaneshiro. A total of 864 signatures were submitted, and at least 500 must be verified before the process can move forward. Civil Beat.

Petition to impeach embattled city prosecutor filed in state court. Hawaii News Now.

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Sea Life Park being investigated by Labor Department after receiving $130K in fines. The state Department of Labor & Industrial Relations said it is investigating safety violations at Sea Life Park Hawaii. Star-Advertiser.

The state is investigating Sea Life Park for alleged safety violations. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu real property values this year soared 6.8 percent to their highest on record — $275.46 billion — the city said Tuesday. Star-Advertiser.

The military contractor whose vintage fighter jet crashed at sea and sank off Kewalo Basin a week ago has been working with local salvage company Parker Marine and might consult with Navy divers in an effort to recover the plane, the Coast Guard said. Star-Advertiser.

Results from a survey by Alexander & Baldwin Inc. showed that Kailua residents are most concerned about traffic, crowds and tourism, and support keeping Pali Lanes, the longtime bowling alley which became a touchstone of controversy between the community and the real estate company. Star-Advertiser.

Police on Oahu receive numerous reports of illegal fireworks. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaiian Electric adds 4th solar-plus-storage project on Oahu. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii Island

Personnel changes in county Public Works, Planning. The county announced Tuesday that Public Works Director Allan Simeon, who was appointed in April, will step down from that job on Jan. 31. He will remain an engineer with the department. Tribune-Herald.

One Hawaii County department director is stepping down and a previous director is returning as a deputy. Big Island Video News.

The two top officials at Hawaii County’s Department of Water Supply received pay raises Tuesday after a performance evaluation by the Water Board during its last meeting of the calendar year. West Hawaii Today.

A wrongful death lawsuit against a former Hawaii County police officer is moving forward with a trial scheduled in federal court in June. The family is suing former officer Jody Buddemeyer, Hawaii County and the Hawaii Police Department for the wrongful death of husband and father, Jeffrey Surnow, 69, of Michigan, after he was fatally struck by the former officer while riding a bicycle on Waikoloa Road on March 1, 2015. West Hawaii Today.

Hawaii Innocence Project letter asks state AG to ‘take action’ against retired judge. The Hawaii Innocence Project is accusing a retired Seattle judge of interfering with its attempt to exonerate a man convicted of the Christmas Eve 1991 abduction, rape and murder of Dana Ireland. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Settlement reached over alleged gender discrimination within the Maui Police Department. Maui County and a former police captain reached a settlement Tuesday over an alleged gender discrimination case. Hawaii News Now.

Ige’s proposed budget contains funds for county. Millions set for school and hospital subsidies, harbor improvements. Maui News.

Band director no longer at Baldwin. Rodrigues was on paid leave pending an investigation of sexual misconduct. Maui News.

Final payments made in queen’s celebration grant. Nearly $37,000 of $100,000 returned to the general fund. Maui News.

Kauai

The Kauai district manager of the state Division of Boating and Ocean Recreation resigned last week to resolve allegations that he falsified records to award 42 state contracts worth tens of thousands of dollars to one contractor without competitive bidding, according a settlement with the state Ethics Commission. Star-Advertiser.

Six bills are scheduled for public hearing at the Kauai County Council meeting Wednesday, giving taxpayers the chance to voice their opinions on proposals related to affordable housing, sewage system infrastructure repair, fire department staffing and a new helicopter hangar in Kilauea. Garden Island.

The Kauai Police Department may be getting new a DNA analysis system. Garden Island.

Ige proposes 7.2% budget increase, Honolulu prosecutor refuses to step down, Hawaii homelessness drops in new report, Lingle speaks to Maui vets, Kauai water diversion approved, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Gov. David Ige presents budget, courtesy Governor's Office

Gov. David Ige is taking a cautious approach to the state’s biannual budget, holding back on about $100 million in proposed spending next year in case general fund growth is lower than expected. Star-Advertiser.

Governor Ige Submits "Conservative" Budget Request to Legislature. The Governor submitted his executive budget request to the state legislature today as required by law. Hawaii Public Radio.

Governor David Ige released his state budget proposal for the next two fiscal years. In it, more than $400 million toward public education. KITV.

State says budget proposal more conservative. Governor David Ige says he's taking a more conservative approach to the budget. He says the state may get about $150 to $180 million less in revenue in the current fiscal year than projected. KHON2.

Ige seeks two-year $31B budget. Gov. David Ige’s requested budget for the next two years includes an increase in the state’s disaster fund as well as increased staff to manage the lingering effects of 2018’s natural disasters. Tribune-Herald.

Ige proposes major expansion of ‘free college’ program for low-income students. Under a proposed budget to be presented to the state Legislature, Gov. David Ige would expand the Hawaii Promise program to all four-year colleges in the UH system with $19 million in funding over fiscal years 2020 and 2021. Hawaii News Now.

Girls’ locker rooms in governor’s budget, but advocates say more needs to be done.  Gov. David Ige unveiled a budget proposal Monday that includes $400 million over the next two years for school improvements, including the building of facilities for girls athletics. Hawaii News Now.

Ige takes 'cautious approach' with executive budget proposal. Gov. David Ige revealed his administration’s executive budget proposal for Fiscal Biennium 2019-21, which includes a total operating budget of $15.47 billion for financial year 2020 and $15.7 billion for financial year 2021. Pacific Business News.

Sylvia Luke Wants To Change The Way The State Spends Money. Agencies should have to justify every penny they ask for, says the House Finance Committee chair. Civil Beat.

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U.S. Senate introduced a bill to ensure future alerts are more effective. Senators unanimously passed the Reliable Emergency Alert Distribution Improvement or READI Act. KITV.

A new report that looks at homelessness in America in 2017 underscores the progress Hawaii has made in the last two years, when the state’s overall homeless rate has consecutively dropped 9 percent. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii homeless rates among highest. A federal report released Monday said Hawaii has a higher number of homeless people per capita than any other state except New York. Garden Island.

Schatz wants pesticide banned near schools. The Prohibit Chlorpyrifos Poisoning Students Act would take Hawaii’s state ban to the national level, according to U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz. Star-Advertiser.

Huge Barrier For Trapping Plastic Waste In The Pacific Isn’t Working. Changes are planned for the effort to sweep up the giant patch of trash between Hawaii and California. Associated Press.

Oahu

For the first time Monday, embattled city Prosecutor Keith Kaneshiro responded to growing calls to step aside, saying that he was elected for four years and that his office is being run effectively. Hawaii News Now.

Drive to Impeach Honolulu Prosecutor Will Test City’s Vague Law. Keith Kaneshiro said Monday he had no plans to step aside after reportedly receiving a target letter from federal investigators. Civil Beat.

Pressure mounts on city's top prosecutor to step aside while he's under investigation. A probe to reexamine cases handled by the prosecutor's office is one some of the city's defense lawyers say they're on a mission to do. KITV.

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Doug Chin, former lieutenant governor and attorney general, joins downtown law firm. Star-Advertiser.

Major Donation Buoys Hopes for Relocating Waianae Homeless Village. A homeless community on Oahu’s leeward coast is one step closer to finding homes. The group received a $150,000 donation to help fund a plan to transition the residents of Pu'uhonua o Waianae to permanent housing. Hawaii Public Radio.

Queen’s sees results with innovative program that helps house medically-fragile homeless patients. Every month, up to 600 homeless people are admitted into the emergency room at the Queen’s Medical Center. Many of them are repeat patients. Hawaii News Now.

Dozens of rare Hawaiian snails were released into the wild after being born and raised at the Honolulu Zoo. KHON2.

Troon takes over golf course management at Hawaii's Turtle Bay Resort. Troon has taken over management of the two golf courses at Turtle Bay Resort on the North Shore of Oahu, including an 18-hole course designed by PGA legend Arnold Palmer and Ed Seay, which is consistently ranked as one of the top courses in Hawaii. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii Island

SHOPO says Hawaii Island Police need body cameras, department agrees; though funding an issue. Hawaii Island Police remains the only department without.  KHON2.

No Aloha At These Rough And Tumble Neighborhood Meetings. Community associations around Hawaii County are charged with tasks such as maintaining roads in substandard subdivisions, and no one oversees them. Civil Beat.

Repairs to Honokaa gym floor underway but another delay possible. Years after flooring in the Honokaa Armory was damaged, repairs are underway, although the work could still face more delays. Tribune-Herald.

Released Hawaiian Crow Found Dead In Forest. The critically endangered Alala, one of only a handful recently released into the wild, was found under a tree root on December 6. Big Island Video News.

Premier Restoration Hawaii opened its first facility on the Big Island, an expansion that includes a planned investment of close to $500,000 in new equipment and human resources over the next three months. Pacific Business News.

Maui

You aren’t born a leader, says Lingle, you become one. Former governor charts her path to politics for nisei veterans series. Maui News.

Opportunity Zones, tax incentives could aid redevelopment. Maui County zones have been set up that offer tax incentives to encourage investments in those lower income areas as part of a federal program. Maui News.

Kauai

Kauai Island Utility Cooperative gets permit renewed for water diversion. The State Board of Land and Natural Resources approved Monday a staff recommendation for the holdover of a revocable permit for water use at the Blue Hole diversion, allowing Kauai Island Utility Cooperative to continue to operate two hydroelectric facilities which contribute 1.5 megawatts of energy to the island’s renewable portfolio. Star-Advertiser.

Mayor-Elect Victorino Announces 13 More Appointments. Mayor-elect Mike Victorino announced today a new appointment as director for the county Department of Finance, 10 deputy directors, the new administration’s budget director and the director of the Mayor’s Office of Economic Development. Maui Now.

No plans to fix Morgan Ponds. The seawall separating Morgan’s Ponds from the ocean at Lydgate Beach Park is still damaged, about eight months after debris from April floods put a hole in the rock wall. Garden Island.

The Kauai Medical Clinic in Kapaa got a lot bigger to be able to provide more primary care opportunities for residents in the Eastside, Monday. Garden Island.

Assisted dying law kicks in Jan. 1, Honolulu rail costs climb, legislators pan Ige homeless plan, audit clears Mauna Kea management, Hanabusa, Gabbard look to future, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii dawn ©2018 All Hawaii News

Preparing For Hawaii’s New Medical Aid In Dying Law. The state estimates around 40 people will use the new law to seek medical assistance to end their lives next year. Civil Beat.

Health care industry prepares for ‘Our Care, Our Choice Act’ New law that takes effect Jan. 1 will allow terminal patients to end their lives. Maui News.

University of Hawaii economists are forecasting that the state’s expansion has more room to run, but their outlook for the Asia-Pacific region is less rosy in the wake of the U.S.-Chinese trade war and a weakening global environment. Star-Advertiser.

Ige Releases $17.3 Million For ‘Ohana Zones’ On Oahu And Big Island. Counties and nonprofits will use the money to build permanent housing for the homeless and create more shelter space. Civil Beat.

Legislators pan governor’s $17M plan for homeless ‘ohana zones’. Just ahead of a deadline, the governor on Friday announced plans to spend millions of dollars on so-called “ohana zones” for Oahu and Big Island homeless residents. But legislators who set aside $30 million for the special zones say the governor isn’t doing enough. Hawaii News Now.

Timeshare visitors to Hawaii decreased in the third quarter, and occupancy was flat, according to the Hawaii Timeshare Quarterly Report released Friday by the Hawaii Tourism Authority. Star-Advertiser.

Tulsi Gabbard’s birthplace could create political fodder in national campaign. Gabbard needed only one of her parents to be a U.S. citizen to gain automatic citizenship. But the question, if she’s to run for president, is not whether she is a citizen, but whether she’s a “natural-­born citizen,” the definition of which is a matter of legal debate. Star-Advertiser.

Hanabusa reflects on time in Congress, talks future in politics. During both of Congresswoman Colleen Hanabusa’s stints in the U.S. House of Representatives, Democrats have been the minority party. As she wraps up her time in Washington, there’s one key lesson learned: relationships matter. KITV.

Seven of the 76 confirmed cases of large whale entanglements documented along U.S. coasts in 2017 were in Hawaii waters, and all seven involved humpback whales, according to a recent report released by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration as whale season in the state gets underway. Star-Advertiser.

Study: Chuukese Patients In Hawaii Often Face Discrimination. Micronesian patients face language and cultural barriers when seeking medical care, and are far less likely to have insurance coverage. Civil Beat.

Hawaii cuts price for state's affordable housing portfolio by $40M. Pacific Business News.

Oahu

Oahu voters resoundingly rejected a proposed charter amendment that would have made it easier for the Honolulu rail authority to conduct its business, and one member of the rail board says the election loss was a sign that there is “no public trust in our organization.” Star-Advertiser.

The Cost Of Honolulu Rail’s Westside Stations Keeps Going Up. HART had boasted of savings from its decision to build the nine stations three at a time. But those savings have disappeared. Civil Beat.

Civil Beat Law Center Files To Unseal Secret Kealoha Court Documents. Even if the documents refer to Katherine Kealoha’s medical condition, other information should be made public, the center says. Civil Beat.

Defense attorneys question cases prosecuted by deputies facing federal corruption probe. The attorney for convicted murderer Dae Han Moon sent a letter to the Honolulu Prosecutor’s Office on Friday, requesting information about the federal public corruption investigation that has widened to include the prosecutor’s office. Hawaii News Now.

HECO customers see big spike on their bills. Some residential electric customers on Oahu got sticker shock when they opened their power bills over the last few months. A few even claim their bills doubled or tripled between October and December. Hawaii News Now.

An owner of a Canadian thrill-ride company wants to build an aerial tramway and a zip line in the hills above Waialua as part of an “agribusiness” on land zoned for agriculture. Star-Advertiser.

Affordable Home/Studio Rentals. For Artists. In Kaka'ako. Wha?! Hawaii Public Radio.

Hanauma Bay reopens after bacteria levels in the water return to normal levels. KHON2.

Kamehameha Schools plans to build a community learning center in Nanakuli next year, with educational programs focused on teens and young adults. Star-Advertiser.

Two Windward churches that began hosting monthly fairs this year to attract homeless people in their communities have seen dramatically different results, underscoring the complexities of addressing island homelessness. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

A financial audit to be presented to the University of Hawaii Board of Regents found no irregularities in how the various entities involved in use and management of Maunakea lands account for their revenue and expenses. Tribune-Herald.

A proposed ballot measure reducing the county land fund from a minimum of 2 percent of property tax revenues to a minimum of 1 percent was advanced Friday by the Charter Commission, over objections from fund supporters. West Hawaii Today.

HELCO Proposes Rate Increase Of 3.4%. The power utility says grid modernization, storm resilience, and renewable energy work are driving costs up. Big Island Video News.

HPM could be first to take advantage of redevelopment bill. Tribune-Herald.

HI-SEAS 2.0: Mauna Loa dome to get re-purposed for moon simulations. A small dome on the slopes of Mauna Loa used for the past five years as a NASA-funded Mars simulation is being given a new mission. Tribune-Herald.

Group offers $10,000 for Ireland case DNA testing. A retired judge and his group has offered $10,000 to the Office of the Prosecuting Attorney to have genetic genealogical research performed on DNA left on a key piece of evidence in the Dana Ireland murder case. Tribune-Herald.

Round the clock security ends at HOPE Services campus in Kona. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Two hotly debated bills for a community plan amendment and parking lot project at the north end of Keawakapu Beach have passed the first of two readings, and now the measures are en route to a public hearing before final action by the Maui County Council. Maui News.

A county-state land exchange paving the way for Maui County to build a new bus hub near Sears in Kahului passed on first reading Thursday. Maui News.

Kauai

Kauai Mayor Derek Kawakami reflects on first two weeks in office. It's been 2 weeks since Derek Kawakami took on the role of Mayor of Kauai. Kawakami succeed Mayor Bernard Carvalho, who reached his term limit. KHON2.

The county is seeking volunteers to assist with an annual count of the area’s homeless population in January. Garden Island.

Mauna Kea Trask, who served as county attorney from December 2014 to November 2018, has joined a new firm on Kauai. Garden Island.

Hawaii's coral reefs in fair condition, time capsule found at state Capitol, Honolulu chief deputy prosecutor takes leave in federal probe, Southwest Airlines coming to Hawaii, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Cauliflower coral ©2018 All Hawaii News

Report: Hawaii’s coral reefs in ‘fair’ condition, face serious threats. Looking at coral reefs near the Main Hawaiian Islands as well as the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands, the report found that climate conditions — temperature stress and ocean acidification — are some of the biggest factors contributing to the health of the coral reef. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii’s commercial fishing industry is fetching high values for its catches even though the overall volume is relatively low compared with other states. The industry in Hawaii generated $867 million in sales in 2016 and added nearly 10,000 jobs. Star-Advertiser.

2018 Tax Return Preparation Will Be Complicated and Might Cost More. The Federal Tax Cuts and Jobs Act will go into effect for the 2018 tax year.  It includes some of the most sweeping changes in 30 years.  But, Certified Public Accountant Reg Baker, says the Hawaii Legislature did not adopt the Federal tax code. Hawaii Public Radio.

New VA Secretary: We will do more to help Hawaii’s military veterans. New U.S. Veterans Affairs Secretary Robert Wilkie met with Hawaii’s VA leaders Thursday, passing along assurances that he believes he can revamp the department that cares for America’s military veterans. Hawaii News Now.

Lawyer: State Hospital escapee may have gotten fake IDs, cash during off-campus trips. Randall Saito may have gotten the fake IDs and thousands in cash he used to escape the State Hospital last year and flee to California from a nearby rehabilitation facility. Hawaii News Now.

Dam evacuation zone information and maps now available online. After a scare earlier this year, the state has unveiled a new website that allows you to easily find out whether your home is in a dam evacuation zone. KHON2.

Time capsule recovered from State Capitol building. To prepare for the 50th anniversary of the Hawaii State Capitol in March 2019, a task force and state archivist dug up a piece of history on Wednesday, Dec. 12. KHON2.

Flight attendants picket at Honolulu airport amid United Airlines staffing cuts. Flight attendants worldwide are standing together in solidarity to protest the decision by United Airlines management to initiate staffing cuts. Hawaii News Now.

United Airlines flight attendants protest staff and service cuts at Honolulu airport. The flight attendants are asking management to increase staffing and stop planned staffing and service cuts. Star-Advertiser.

United Airlines flight attendants take a stand against job and service cuts. Nation-wide protest for United Airlines flight attendants. KITV.

Fighter jet that crashed offshore to be salvaged as investigation continues. A 47-year-old civilian pilot who sustained serious injuries after his fighter jet crashed into waters off Honolulu underwent surgery Thursday, but remains in good spirits. Hawaii News Now.

Despite recent crash, military says air combat training exercises are crucial. A Hawaii lawmaker stressed the importance of military training exercises. KITV.

Southwest Airlines Co. is confident about prospects for its coming service to Hawaii, despite declining fares to the islands and a rival’s report of weak demand. Bloomberg News.

Oahu

Second-in-command at city Prosecutor’s Office steps aside amid widening federal probe. Hawaii News Now.

Honolulu Prosecutor Keith Kaneshiro’s deputy takes leave. One of Honolulu Prosecutor Keith Kaneshiro’s top deputies who has been linked to a federal investigation of government corruption is taking a leave of absence effective immediately, according to a statement sent by his attorney today. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu’s Chief Deputy Prosecutor Taking Leave Amid Federal Corruption Probe. Chasid Sapolu was identified as a “subject” last week in the widening investigation into local law enforcement. Civil Beat.

High-ranking prosecutor takes leave of absence amid federal investigation. KHON2.

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The Cost Of Honolulu Rail’s Westside Stations Keeps Going Up. HART had boasted of savings from its decision to build the nine stations three at a time. But those savings have disappeared. Civil Beat.

City introduces new proposal for separated walkway near a Kalihi elementary school. An effort is in the works to make the trip to school safer for kids going to Fern Elementary in Kalihi, by making a new separated walkway. KHON2.

Deadline Looms for Waikiki Natatorium Draft EIS. The deadline for the long awaited Draft Environmental Impact Statement is December 24th, Christmas Eve. Hawaii Public Radio.

High levels of bacteria found at Hanauma Bay. The state Department of Health has issued a high bacteria advisory today for Hanauma Bay. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Big Island dairy that spilled millions of gallons of raw sewage faces big fines. The state is seeking $91,000 in fines against embattled Big Island Dairy for massive wastewater spills this spring. Hawaii News Now.

Linda McMahon, the head of the United States Small Business Administration, talked about the eruption of Kilauea Volcano during her keynote address at the 2018 Winter Meeting of the Western Governors’ Association on Thursday. Big Island Video News.

What’s next for Kilauea? Volcano might enter into lull, research article says. Tribune-Herald.

Henk Rogers, the Dutch-born entrepreneur who founded the Blue Planet Foundation (and who brought the Tetris video game to the U.S. in the '80s) pressed governors from around the western United States to adopt aggressive renewable energy mandates in their states. Big Island Video News.

Retired Washington judge pushes controversial theory on who killed Dana Ireland. A retired judge with a controversial theory about one of Hawaii’s most notorious murders is still pressing forward, despite rejection by prosecutors and defense attorneys. Hawaii News Now.

Maui

26 pages of liquor rule changes OK’d. The Maui County Liquor Control Commission approved another round of rule changes Wednesday — this time received favorably — that assist nonprofits holding special events and restaurant owners with liquor licenses. Maui News.

Extension OK’d for old Maui Lu project. Developer given to 2027 for timeshare development. Maui News.

Construction of Wailea hotel to start in February. Construction of a new 110-room boutique hotel on Maui is scheduled to begin in February, completing the full build-out of hotels in the Wailea Resort master plan, which dates back to 1987. Star-Advertiser.

Kauai

The Kauai Island Utility Cooperative is closing out the year with nearly 45 percent of its fuel needs being met from renewable sources following 12 months of productivity from a Tesla solar- plus-storage facility. Star-Advertiser.

Clean your boots. Rapid Ohia Death was on the table at the Kauai County Council committee meetings on Wednesday as part of ongoing outreach to educate people in Hawaii about the fungus targeting the native trees. Garden Island.

Wash Off Those Invasive Species After A Hike Or Backcountry Drive. A few precautions can prevent the spread of undesirable plants and critters, ecotourism operators are told. But the advice applies to everyone. Civil Beat.

Psychiatric hospital employees cleared in killer's escape, state shorted in federal funds, CIO stepping down, pilot rescued in military 'Sentry Aloha' crash, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii road construction ©2018 All Hawaii News

Hawaii only state shut out of federal DOT grants. The federal Department of Transportation will disburse some $1.5 billion to fund 91 infrastructure projects around the country — none in Hawaii. Star-Advertiser.

State information chief Todd Nacapuy resigning at year’s end.  Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii’s Chief Information Officer Is Stepping Down. The state’s top technology official, Todd Nacapuy, was appointed by Gov. David Ige in 2014. Civil Beat.

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Hawaii State Hospital workers cleared in killer’s escape. The Hawaii State Hospital employees who were put on paid leave and suspected of possibly helping dangerous psychiatric patient Randall Saito make an infamous escape to Maui and California using cash and fake identifi­cation have been cleared and face no discipline, state officials announced Wednesday. Star-Advertiser.

State Hospital Employees Won’t Be Disciplined For Patient’s Escape. Attorney General Russell Suzuki said no employee aided Randall Saito in the killer’s 2017 escape, but that hospital security was lax. Civil Beat.

State Hospital Staff Cleared of Wrongdoing in Randall Saito 2017 Escape. Hawaii Public Radio.

No state employees disciplined after investigation into admitted killer’s escape. Hawaii News Now.

State concludes no Hawaii State Hospital employee responsible for Randall Saito's escape. KHON2.

AG investigation concludes Hawaii State Hospital staff did not assist escapee Randall Saito. The AG and the Hawaii Department of Health held a press conference Wednesday to discuss the closure of investigation of Randall Saito’s escape from Hawaii State Hospital. KITV.

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Pilot rescued after small military training plane crashes off Oahu. Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam officials said in a statement that the jet was being operated by a civilian contractor flying in conjunction with the Hawaii Air National Guard’s “Sentry Aloha” exercises, which are scheduled through Dec. 19. Star-Advertiser.

Military exercises to resume as officials investigate cause of offshore fighter jet crash. Multiple agencies will meet Thursday morning to determine who will handle the investigation and salvage efforts following a fighter jet crash off Honolulu that seriously injured a pilot. Hawaii News Now.

Pilot Survives After Plane Crashes Into Ocean Near Honolulu Airport. The pilot was a civilian contractor for the Hawaii Air National Guard taking part in an exercise called Sentry Aloha. Associated Press.

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Hawaiian Airlines to offer cheaper seat option starting in 2019. Starting 2019, a fourth tier will be added: the addition of Main Cabin Basic. It's a bare-bones version: no ticket changes or standby; seats are assigned after check-in, and though you can earn HawaiianMiles, travelers who choose this option will not be eligible for bonus miles. KHON2.

The owners and officers of a Japanese-flagged fishing vessel were charged Tuesday with smuggling and trafficking 962 shark fins into and out of Hawaii. Star-Advertiser.

Ag tech and resource management offer opportunities for Hawaii-Israel collaboration. When it comes to agricultural technology and resource management, Hawaii is finding a partner in collaboration nearly halfway around the world. West Hawaii Today.

Oahu

Honolulu Police Corruption Probe Now Includes Katherine Kealoha’s Brother. A federal grand jury continues to expand its investigation, now delving into prescription pain medications that were seized during a 2015 drug raid. Civil Beat.

Prosecutor Keith Kaneshiro is free to disclose that he is a target of a federal investigation into government corruption and owes it to the people who elected him to do so, several criminal defense attorneys told the Honolulu Star-Advertiser Wednesday. Star-Advertiser.

Experts: Kaneshiro Can Talk About Federal Investigation If He Wants To. There’s no rule that prohibits Honolulu’s elected prosecutor from telling the public whether he is the target of a Justice Department probe. Star-Advertiser.

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Private Guards Help Keep The Homeless From Camping In Parks. Calling it a success, Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell is extending a program in which the guards shuttle between nine parks. Civil Beat.

First of its kind renewable gas facility opens on Oahu. The purpose is to turn sewage into energy and hopefully eliminate the need for nearly 15,000 barrels of oil per year. KITV.

Opening of Hawaii’s first Daiso in Pearl City draws hundreds. The 5,000-square-foot Japanese discount store at the Pearl City Shopping Center is the first of three or four planned on Oahu by HouseMart, the parent company of Ben Franklin Crafts and Ace Hardware, which has an exclusive licensing agreement to open Daiso stores in Hawaii. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

The county Board of Ethics is trying to add teeth to what has historically been a paper tiger, more than a decade after the County Council gave it authority to fine public officials who violate the ethics code. West Hawaii Today.

A Kalapana woman is headed to jail for failing to complete court-ordered community service stemming from a 2017 case of vandalism atop Maunakea. West Hawaii Today.

It’s not often that Hawaii Island gets to hear directly from top United States Cabinet officials when major legislation gets a vote in Washington D.C., but that’s what happened on Wednesday as Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue took questions on the passage of the 2019 Farm Bill. Big Island Video News.

Progress continues on the new Puna Kai shopping center in Pahoa, which is set to open next fall, months after original plans intended. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Central Maui’s inland sand in decline. Off-island exports have fallen since 2006, report says. Nearly 2 million tons of sand have been removed from Central Maui since 2006, leaving it either depleted or very soon to be depleted and unable to replenish the island’s beaches that need some 158,000 tons of sand, according to a new study released Tuesday on sand availability in the county. Maui News.

Council takes no action after day of public testimony.  Nearly 50 people testified before the Maui County Council on Tuesday during a meeting that featured a packed agenda, including more funding for the Wailuku civic complex and bills to construct a parking lot in Kihei and relating to sand mining. Maui News.

Planning panel rejects Paia Inn permit, again. The Maui Planning Commission voted once more to deny a hearing officer’s report and special use permit for the Paia Inn, a decision that Paia Inn attorney Terry Revere said was expected to be appealed in circuit court. Maui News.

A Zipline company in Haiku and the County of Maui have reached an agreement to end a dispute over permits and subsequent notices of violation. Maui Now.

County agrees to allow zipline to continue. Haiku neighbors plan to file suit to block operation. Maui News.

Kauai

Erosion sets back beach, road work. An ongoing million-dollar project to fix Weke Road and the surrounding Black Pot Beach Park area is already starting to erode now that the winter’s big swells have arrived. Garden Island.

County officials are reminding the public that the solid waste staging area located at Kepuhi Point is open on Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Garden Island.