Minimum wage, elections, recession preparation highlighted in opening day of Legislature, Ige names new DBEDT and Agriculture chiefs, federal shutdown could slow down Kealoha trial, lava recovery, Lihue post office to remain open, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Opening day of the Hawaii Legislature PC:Senate Majority

Lawmakers plan initiatives on minimum wage, elections in new session. Lobbyists, lawmakers and activists have been busy for weeks, but the Hawaii state Legislature officially opened Wednesday morning with chant, hula, prayers and song, and also some speeches that hinted at political tensions at the state Capitol. Star-Advertiser.

Lawmakers gathering for the first day of a new legislative session said Wednesday they will consider raising the state’s minimum wage. Associated Press.

Lawmakers convened Wednesday for the 30th Hawaii Legislature, with representatives from both sides of the aisle vowing to avoid the divisiveness that’s defined national politics. Hawaii News Now.

The 30th legislative session opened Wednesday and lawmakers say they're ready to prepare Hawaii for what lies ahead. Many are preparing for a recession and a minimum wage increase. KHON2.

State Senate president: The time is now to prepare for a recession in 2020. Hawaii News Now.

Saiki Examines Economic Divide in Opening Day Remarks. Maui Now.

Budget Hawk Sylvia Luke: ‘I Try To Know More Than Them’. The House Finance Committee chair can be fearsome in budget briefings. She’s also not afraid to dive deep into state money matters, like the $3 billion tucked away in special funds. Civil Beat.

Gov. Ige’s Administrative Director Is Now Also His Chief Of Staff. Ford Fuchigami will have dual roles in the governor’s office, and former Chief of Staff Mike McCartney has been picked to lead the Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism. Civil Beat.

Mike McCartney, who has served as Gov. David Ige’s chief of staff since 2014, will take over as the new director of the Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism. Star-Advertiser.

Hundreds are expected to gather at Iolani Palace on Thursday to commemorate 126 years since the overthrow of the Kingdom of Hawaii. The overthrow happened on Jan. 17, 1893. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu

Legal experts say all city leaders should be concerned if they had dealings with the growing number of people suspected of various crimes related to a widening public corruption investigation. They say even Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell should be worried. Hawaii News Now.

Federal Shutdown Claims New Victim: Katherine Kealoha’s Right To A Fair Trial. With her federally funded attorney not getting paid and other expenses on hold, Kealoha wants her trial postponed. Civil Beat.

Former deputy prosecutor Katherine Kealoha is asking the court to postpone her upcoming federal trial because of the federal government shutdown. Star-Advertiser.

Katherine Kealoha claims government shutdown is impinging on 'rights to a fair trial'. KHON2.

The partial government shutdown is shutting down Katherine Kealoha's right to a fair trial. Her federally funded lawyer, Cynthia Kagiwada, said she's not getting paid by the government meaning no money for attorneys, witnesses, paralegals, or investigators. KITV.

The $250,000 paid out to then police chief Louis Kealoha came from HPD's budget. KHON2.

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A “silent march” in support of federal employees who aren’t getting paid during the partial government shutdown is planned at Honolulu airport this morning, a union official said. Star-Advertiser.

Silent march planned at HNL airport to protest government shutdown. Hawaii News Now.

The four-story industrial building-turned-homeless hub in Iwilei has had 578 visits through Tuesday since opening on Jan. 8. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu’s new rest stop for the homeless is already proving its value. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii real estate investment firm Alexander & Baldwin Inc. has used some of the proceeds from selling its former Maui sugar plantation lands to buy two warehouse buildings in Kapolei. Star-Advertiser.

Alexander & Baldwin Inc. has purchased two industrial warehouse buildings in Kapolei for $40 million, the first acquisition financed by the Hawaii real estate investment trust’s $262 million sale of former sugar plantation land on Maui. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii Island

Thirty patients lined up Wednesday morning to await the opening of the first medical marijuana dispensary on the Big Island. Tribune-Herald.

As part of its recovery from the Kilauea eruption, Hawaii County is seeking more than half a billion dollars in federal disaster relief and economic aid. But state civil defense officials say some of the money is now being held up by the partial government shutdown in Washington, D.C. Hawaii News Now.

The county is suing a Hawi vacation rental ranch following more than two years of neighbor complaints over weddings, concerts and events being held there without a permit. West Hawaii Today.

Group buys 55 calves from Big Island Dairy in effort to find them forever homes. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Haleakala National Park rangers have issued a reminder to the public that they are enforcing all regulations during the lapse in appropriated funds. Maui Now.

New veterans center plans move forward on Molokai. Some say second center not needed, others say it will save trip to town. Maui News.

Kauai

Lihue Post Office will remain open after longtime efforts to consolidate operations. A historic post office on Kauai that the U.S. Postal Service slated to shut down will remain open, according to a USPS spokesman. Star-Advertiser.

The Lihue post office on Rice Street will be staying put. Duke Gonzales, spokesman for the United States Postal Service, confirmed the change in course on Wednesday. Garden Island.

The U.S. Postal Service will not relocate the Lihue Post Office. Initial plans to move the office from its Rice Street location to the Lihue Carrier Annex were met by opposition from the community. KITV.

Molokai

New veterans center plans move forward on Molokai. Some say second center not needed, others say it will save trip to town. Maui News.

Legislature begins 30th biennial session today, second rail audit just as scathing, Supreme Court hears Honolulu election dispute, public, press barred from Kauai boys soccer game, Pearl Harbor commander removed after ordering 10 prostitutes, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Iolani Palace ©2019 All Hawaii News

Iolani Palace State Monument will begin closing its doors at 6 p.m. starting Feb. 1, the Department of Land and Natural Resources announced today, citing nighttime vandalism and vagrancy. Star-Advertiser.

You’ll no longer be able to roam the grounds of Iolani Palace at night. Hawaii News Now.

As Hawaii Legislature begins, lawmakers to focus on minimum wage to disaster recovery. The 30th biennial Hawaii Legislature will begin Wednesday morning, with lawmakers from both sides of the aisle vowing to avoid the bitterness and divisiveness that has defined the federal government. Hawaii News Now.

The state Senate and House of Representatives are set to convene the 30th Biennial Hawaii State Legislature this morning at the state Capitol. Star-Advertiser.

The Hawaii State Legislature to open Wednesday. KITV.

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State auditor questions Honolulu rail spending on contract hires. The Honolulu rail project is spending more than $42,000 a month on contract hires including some who hold senior management positions within the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation, but the agency does not evaluate the performance of those non-city workers, according to a new report issued by the Hawaii State Auditor today. Star-Advertiser.

Audit: Heavy Reliance On Consultants Is Causing Problems For Honolulu Rail Project. “Consultants often manage consultants, who manage other consultants,” the state audit found, and HART doesn’t hold them accountable. Civil Beat.

Audit: Costly consultants hold key jobs in Honolulu rail agency. Associated Press.

State Auditor Releases Second Report on HART. This report highlights oversight and accountability issues within the agency, and HART's relationship with HDR Engineering Inc. Hawaii Public Radio.

High consultant salaries red-flagged in second part of HART audit. KHON2.

Full text: Audit of the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation: Report 2 is available here.

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Government shutdown triggers unprecedented early distribution of food stamps in Hawaii. Here’s another impact of the government shutdown: Tens of thousands of Hawaii residents will get their food stamp payments almost two weeks ahead of schedule. Hawaii News Now.

Education Officials Are Keeping Teacher Misconduct A Secret. Information on bad teachers, including details of misconduct and current status, is hard to get in Hawaii, despite a state law requiring its release. Civil Beat.

Navy removed Pearl Harbor sub commander for bringing 10 prostitutes to hotel, report says. Star-Advertiser.

Fight Against Climate Change Is ‘An All-Out, All-In War’. Keynote speaker at Hawaii Climate Conference cites importance of equitability in how we respond to the effects of a warming planet. Civil Beat.

Lunar eclipse set to light up the sky over the weekend. A total lunar eclipse and super moon will light up the sky on Sunday, January 20. The lunar eclipse will create a red glow, while the super moon will make it appear bigger and brighter. KHON2.

Commentary: The Incredible Shrinking Tulsi Gabbard. As the Hawaii congresswoman’s past catches up with her, public interest in her as a presidential contender plummets. Civil Beat.

Why the Supreme Court might make it easier for Hawaii to order wine online. If you enjoy exploring the many vintages and nuances of wine, pay attention: The U.S. Supreme Court is set to hear arguments Wednesday in a case that could bring the multibillion-dollar wine industry closer to your doorstep. Pacific Business News.

Oahu

Revote possible in City Council race. If the Hawaii Supreme Court chooses to side with City Council candidate Tommy Waters’ challenge of his 22-vote loss to Trevor Ozawa in November, voters of the East Honolulu district might need to vote again. Star-Advertiser.

In council race dispute, justices grill officials over handling of absentee ballots. State Supreme Court justices grilled elections officials Tuesday over how they handled absentee ballots as they considered a challenge to a narrow City Council win. Hawaii News Now.

Supreme Court questions process of mail-in ballot collection. Supreme Court Justices heard arguments Tuesday afternoon in a challenge over the East Honolulu District 4 council seat. KHON2.

Possible conflict of interest in Hawaii Supreme Court recount case. Hawaii's Supreme Court's considering a challenge to election day results in a close race for City Council. KITV4.

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$250K payout to Kealoha links city’s top civil attorney to corruption probe. Corporation Counsel Donna Leong negotiated the deal without getting approval from the city council. Hawaii News Now.

Target letter raises question on the source of money for police chief's payout. KHON2.

Honolulu’s inflation rate rose 1.9% in 2018. Honolulu inflation rose just 1.9 percent last year, its slowest pace since 2015, as a sharp gain in energy prices was largely offset by decreases in the cost of apparel, education and communication, and small increases in food and beverages as well as shelter. Star-Advertiser.

Residential towers planned for near Aloha Stadium. Future high-rises are envisioned near a rail station next to Aloha Stadium in Halawa, but one developer wants to build extra-tall and dense towers beyond where city planners have prescribed such development. Star-Advertiser.

The U.S. Department of Energy has awarded $1.3 million to the University of Hawaii at Manoa School of Ocean and Earth Science and Technology (SOEST) for a three-year wave-energy research project, the university announced Monday. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii Island

Hawaii County is considering building a temporary access road over lava-covered portions of Highway 132 to enable more Puna residents to return home. Tribune-Herald.

Some residents of eruption-ravaged Puna want the County of Hawaii to allow mobile homes on the island and in their district, but the new Director of Public Works does not appear to be in favor of the idea. Big Island Video News.

Legislators want Puna boat ramp study expedited. Lawmakers are working to fast-track a study to determine the best way to reopen a boat ramp in lower Puna. Tribune-Herald.

Warden called to court 6 times for flubs. Over the course of 12 months, the warden of Hawaii Community Correctional Center was ordered before a judge six times to show cause on erroneous releases and failed transports to Kona’s courthouses. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

An environmental impact statement is underway for the 200-room Windward Hotel proposed for a 5-acre site near Costco and the Kahului Airport. Maui News.

The REIT Way Hawaii Community Giving campaign, involving a group of real estate investment trusts, donated $100,000 to Na Hale O Maui community land trust on Monday to help build 12 homes in the Kahoma Residential Subdivision and reduce the cost to homeowners. Maui News.

Maui’s Lynn Araki-Regan was appointed first deputy at the state  Department of Transportation Administration.  The announcement was made on Monday by Governor David Ige and Department of Transportation Director Jade Butay. Maui Now.

Kauai

KIF boys soccer game closed to public, media. Because of an on-field altercation from a previous game, the upcoming varsity boys soccer match between Kapaa and Waimea high schools will be closed off to the public and media. Garden Island.

A presentation and panel discussion on a proposed North Shore shuttle service will be held from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Thursday at Ha Coffee Bar. Garden Island.

Hawaiian Airlines President and CEO Peter Ingram occasionally hears the stories from people looking back on days when it cost $25 to fly between the islands and coupons were available. Garden Island.

Honolulu Corporation Counsel Leong targeted in federal corruption probe, Legislature to probe Ige Cabinet appointees, Hawaii County to consider GET increase, fishing reopens off Maui, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Corruption scandal spills over into city hall as top attorney gets federal target letter. The U.S. Department of Justice has notified Honolulu’s top civil attorney that she’s a target in the federal corruption investigation that has already zeroed in on the city’s highest-ranking law enforcement officials. Hawaii News Now.

City Corporation Counsel Donna Leong, the city’s top civil attorney, went on paid leave effective today after receiving a target letter from the U.S. Department of Justice earlier this month, Mayor Kirk Caldwell announced Monday. Star-Advertiser.

Police Corruption Probe Snags City’s Top Lawyer. Honolulu Corporation Counsel Donna Leong is the latest top city official to be named a target in the ongoing Justice Department investigation. Civil Beat.

City's top attorney on paid leave after getting target letter. Two years ago, Leong played a role in the $250,000 payment to Chief Louis Kealoha that led to his retirement. KITV.

City's top attorney receives target letter from feds. KHON2.

Honolulu police Sgt. Daniel Sellers was not in on the alleged mailbox theft conspiracy and is not expected to testify in the upcoming federal criminal trial against retired Police Chief Louis Kealoha, Kealoha’s former deputy prosecutor wife and three other former members of the Honolulu Police Department’s elite Criminal Intelligence Unit, according to details contained in Sellers’ plea agreement. Star-Advertiser.

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Senators: Some Cabinet Nominees Won’t Make It. Some Hawaii senators say they aren’t inclined to confirm the governor’s choices for Department of Hawaiian Home Lands, Department of Budget and Finance and the Department of Public Safety. Civil Beat.

The former chief of the state Department of Land and Natural Resources said Monday that there’s no political will to deal with the consequences of sea-level rise brought about by climate change. Tribune-Herald.

Federal workers are turning to loans and food banks — and looking for new jobs. For some federal workers, growing uncertainty about the government shutdown has them contemplating a career change. Hawaii News Now.

Coast Guard Members Continue Public Safety Missions, About to Miss Paycheck. On Tuesday, Members of the U.S. Coast Guard will miss their first paycheck since the partial federal shutdown began in December. Hawaii Public Radio.

Student loan debt in Hawaii has doubled since 2008 but is increasing at a slower rate than the national average, according to a report from Experian Consumer Service. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

The eight certified members of the Honolulu City Council voted unanimously to make Councilwoman Ann Kobayashi their interim chairwoman as a challenge to Trevor Ozawa’s 22-vote election day victory over Tommy Waters remains unresolved. Star-Advertiser.

Rail delays to cost $160m more. The Honolulu rail authority has tentatively agreed to pay contractor Ansaldo Honolulu JV $160 million as compensation for years of construction delays on the 20-mile rail line. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu Will Pay Train Maker $160 Million To Cover Rail Delays. Rail officials said the settlement with Ansaldo covers a delay of more than 2,000 days. Civil Beat.

HART announces tentative settlement with contractor over costly delays. Ansaldo Honolulu had a $574 million contract to build the electrical system and facilities and maintenance buildings. Hawaii News Now.

Company owning Kakaako roads fined by state for failing to meet road safety standards. KHON2.

Hawaii Island

Armed with an opinion from the state attorney general, Mayor Harry Kim is asking the County Council to consider raising the general excise tax. West Hawaii Today.

Bonnie Irwin, the current provost and vice president for academic affairs at California State University Monterey Bay, was recommended for approval by the University of Hawaii Board of Regents as the University of Hawaii at Hilo’s next chancellor, it was announced Monday. Tribune-Herald.

Bonnie Irwin will take over as UH-Hilo chancellor on July 1, 2019, if the UH Board of Regents approves the recommendation at its January 31 meeting. Big Island Video News.

Officials seek innovative ways like community court as homeless solution. It’s one thing to have a site that can house and service dozens or even hundreds of homeless in West Hawaii. But it’s quite another to entice some of Kona’s most troubled residents to participate in the program. West Hawaii Today.

Eruption a factor in decrease of Big Isle home sales in 2018. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

The state Board of Land and Natural Resources voted Friday to reopen Bottomfish Restricted Areas off Hana and the Penguin Banks off Molokai/Lanai based on new data on bottom fish stocks in those areas. Maui News.

After 19 years of teaching students how to build cottages for kupuna and classrooms for their school, Rick Rutiz is stepping down as executive director of Ma Ka Hana Ka Ike.  Maui News.

HI SOUP, a community-project funding organization, is partnering with the Malamalama Maui Project to fund one of three community agriculture projects on Maui. The event will be held at Heritage Hall on Wednesday, Jan. 30, 2019 from 6 to 8 p.m. Maui Now.

Kauai

State park officials have set March 30 as the projected completion date for the total reconstruction of public facilities at Haena State Park. Garden Island.

The Hawaii Department of Transportation said Monday that Kaumualii Highway by the Hanapepe Bridge will be closed for one lane of alternating traffic from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. through Friday in preparation for bridge construction work. Garden Island.

Dog kills nene, triggers altercation. Garden Island.

With few GOP lawmakers, Hawaii Democrats create legislative factions, bills would require automatic recounts, looking back on false missile alert, lawsuit filed over Shark's Cove development, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii Capitol interior ©2019 All Hawaii News

Members of the progressive wing of the Hawaii Democratic Party will make a case this year for dramatic initiatives such as a $17 hourly minimum wage, legalization of recreational marijuana and single-payer health care, but it’s unclear whether their stodgier colleagues in the state Legislature will embrace those causes. Star-Advertiser.

At least three state senators are drafting bills that would require automatic recounts in close election races. Star-Advertiser.

Rep. Tulsi Gabbard said Friday she will run for president in 2020. CNN.

Hawaii Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard says she will run for president in 2020, ending months of speculation about whether the 37 year-old would join what is expected to be a crowded field of Democratic primary contenders in the race to unseat President Donald Trump. Star-Advertiser.

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One year after false missile alert, Hawaii residents recall 38 minutes of terror. Star-Advertiser.

One Year After False Missile Alert, What Has Changed? Hawaii Public Radio.

After an embarrassing error of sending a state into panic over a non-existent missile threat, state leaders came under intense criticism and scrutiny. Since that Jan. 13 morning, all ballistic missile alarms have been shelved. Hawaii News Now.

False missile alert anniversary shows changes made, more needs to be done. The Hawaii Emergency Management Agency is no longer practicing missile drills. Some want the military to take over, but that's still pending. So if a real missile is coming, HI-EMA will be sending that alert. KHON2.

For many people in Hawaii, the fear and confusion of Saturday, Jan. 13, 2018, is not something that can be easily forgotten. Many who received the ballistic missile alert message at 8:07 a.m., won't forget where they were or what they were doing. KHON2.

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Hawaii 2040: Climate Change Is Already Here. And We’re Running Out Of Time. Scientists predict the worst will hit in about 21 years. But Hawaii is already feeling the effects of a warming planet. Civil Beat.

Geologists and economists, experts in technology and natural resources, and people involved with climate change public policy and planning are all meeting together on Oahu today. Garden Island.

Judge blocks Trump birth control coverage rules in Hawaii and a dozen states. A U.S. judge in California today blocked Trump administration rules, which would allow more employers to opt out of providing women with no-cost birth control, from taking effect in 13 states and Washington, D.C. Associated Press.

Hawaiian Electric said last week it submitted contracts for seven “solar-plus-storage” projects to the Public Utilities Commission for review. The projects — three on Oahu, two on Maui and two on Hawaii island — are expected to add about 262 megawatts of solar energy with 1,048 megawatt-hours of storage. Star-Advertiser.

Jason Redulla, a 15-year veteran of the Department of Land and Natural Resources Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement and 27-year law enforcement officer, has been chosen as the agency’s new enforcement chief. Maui Now.


Airmen from FL relocate to Hawaii in wake of Hurricane Michael devastation. Airmen and F-22 Raptor fighters jets from Florida relocated to Joint Base Pearl Harbor Hickam this weekend. The crews from Tyndall Air Force Base joined the Hawaiian Raptors, led by the Hawaii Air National Guard. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu

In the latest step to resolve a contested Honolulu City Council race between incumbent Trevor Ozawa and former state Rep. Tommy Waters, the Hawaii Supreme Court has scheduled oral arguments for Tuesday afternoon. Civil Beat.

Honolulu Police Corruption: Another Cop Pleads Guilty. HPD Sgt. Daniel Sellers is the latest veteran officer to admit wrongdoing in the nearly 5-year-old federal corruption case. Civil Beat.

A lawsuit filed Friday in state court by the Save Sharks Cove Alliance and other groups seeks to stop an $18 million commercial development across from the popular sea-turtle viewing site that is already a traffic nightmare for North Shore residents. Star-Advertiser.

Lawsuit filed over potential development of Oahu’s Shark’s Cove. Hawaii News Now.

They don’t have to be starving, but artists with low incomes have an opportunity to soon move into an apartment building nearing completion in Kakaako with live/work lofts available at rents as low as $522 a month. Ola ka Ilima is designed for individuals or families with annual incomes between $24,510 for a single person and $86,760 for a family of seven, and preference will be given to artists. Star-Advertiser.

Here’s Another Busy Highway Where The Crosswalks Have Been Removed. In response to a pedestrian fatality in Aina Haina, government officials ordered changes that residents say has made the area more dangerous. Civil Beat.

Hawaii tourism industry keeps Pearl Harbor center open during government shutdown. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Should County Council members serve longer terms? The Charter Commission, by a bare 6-5 vote, on Friday advanced a proposed ballot amendment that would extend council terms from two to four years. West Hawaii Today.

Hawaii Island’s first medical marijuana dispensary may open as early as this week. Tribune-Herald.

A large-scale emergency homeless site in West Hawaii may be operational inside of four months, as Hawaii County has made the preliminary development of Village 9 off Kealakehe Parkway in Kona a high priority for the upcoming year. West Hawaii Today.

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park using recreation fees to offset shutdown. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park announced Sunday in a release that areas of the park will continue to be accessible to visitors. Tribune-Herald.

Despite eruption, dozens of projects filmed on Big Island in 2018. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Fireworks keep booming and so does the debate; solutions range from legalizing all to an all-out ban. Maui News.

Artificial reefs may be wave of the future. Newer designs could combat coastal erosion, build ecosystem. Maui News.

Kauai

Last year was a relatively good one for real estate on Kauai, but momentum slowed toward the end of the year, and Realtors on the island expressed differing opinions on how the housing market will fare this year. Garden Island.

The deepest channel in the main Hawaiian Islands lies between Oahu and Kauai, and though the chain’s oldest main island isn’t at the top of the list for offshore-drilling-related activities, activists are still supporting legislative opposition to new oil and gas programs. Garden Island.

State audit blasts Honolulu rail authority, Board of Education to re-vote on superintendent's contract, homeless coordinator defends progress, Hawaii's space defense plan, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Blistering audit blames political rush to construction for ballooning rail costs. The auditor documented $354 million in change orders related to Honolulu’s rail project. Hawaii News Now.

Audit: Honolulu Rail Agency Hid True Costs From Public View. The Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation did not even level with its own board of directors about ballooning expenses, a new report says. Civil Beat.

Premature contracts increased rail cost by $354M. Star-Advertiser.

State Auditor: HART Increased Rail Project Costs by 79.5 Percent. State Auditor, Les Kondo, says a review of records and staff interviews revealed that the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation or HART awarded contracts too early knowing the work could not be completed on time. Hawaii Public Radio.

A scathing audit of Honolulu's rail project says city officials are neglecting their responsibility on a project it says has a "fragile" financial plan and an "artificial" timeline. KHON2.

Audit of Honolulu rail says HART's lack of transparency 'undermines' ability to secure money. The audit of the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation (HART) found that the costs went from $5.122 billion in 2012 to $9.188 billion in 2018. KITV.

Hawaii auditor says premature contracts inflated rail costs. Officials prematurely awarded contracts for Honolulu’s commuter rail line a decade ago to minimize public criticism and show the project was moving along. But this practice dramatically swelled costs as plans changed, a new audit of the vastly over-budget project said Thursday. Associated Press.

Unrealistic deadlines and the release of contradictory information due to a desire to minimize public criticism have resulted in cost overruns and delays to Honolulu’s 20-mile rail project, according to an audit released by the Hawaii Office of the Auditor on Thursday. Pacific Business News.

Full text: Audit of the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation: Report 1 is available here.

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School Board To Revote On Superintendent’s Contract — This Time Publicly. Concerns were raised after the board voted in executive session to reward the state superintendent with an additional contract year. Civil Beat.

Homelessness Coordinator Touts Progress As Lawmakers Criticize Pace Of Work. Hawaii homelessness has decreased two years in a row, said Scott Morishige, but legislators contend the administration isn’t spending money fast enough. Civil Beat.

Hawaii completes modernization of state payroll system. Hawaii's state payroll system has finally moved into the 21st century, with Gov. David Ige announcing on Thursday that all state employees have successfully transitioned to a new system as part of a $17 million modernization project. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii’s tax revenue projection adjusted for slower growth. The reduction means the state might have $55 million less to spend than expected. Associated Press.

State legislators will have to work with a smaller budget than had been anticipated just two days ago. The Council on Revenues lowered its state general fund forecast by .8 percent Wednesday, retreating from a 5 percent growth projection in September to 4.2 percent. Garden Island.

State lawmaker to reintroduce bill to ban plastic straws, Styrofoam containers. Hawaii tried to ban plastic straws and Styrofoam containers, but failed, last year. Senator Mike Gabbard, who introduced the 2018 bill, plans to reintroduce the idea when the Legislature convenes this session. KITV.

Hawaii military plans for space defense race. The United States and other nations are now acting with haste to protect their space-based assets. That priority was highlighted at a Chamber of Commerce Hawaii Military Affairs Council annual meeting Thursday at the state Capitol. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaiian Airlines carried an all-time high of 11,840,178 passengers in 2018 amid a fleet expansion that helped generate a seventh straight year of record visitor arrivals to the state. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

The Honolulu Elections Division is standing by its policy of accepting mail-in ballots from the U.S. Postal Service after 6 p.m. on Election Day, despite a challenge by defeated City Council candidate Tommy Waters that argues those votes should not be counted. Star-Advertiser.

Scandal that’s ensnarled police, prosecutor’s office takes another turn: Investigating a drug trafficking ring. An officer’s anticipated guilty plea Friday in connection with a widening public corruption case against former Honolulu Police Chief Louis Kealoha and his wife will also take the case in an entirely new direction — one that ties Katherine Kealoha to a prescription drug trafficking ring. Hawaii News Now.

Trump’s Border Wall Could Imperil $345M Ala Wai Canal Flood Control Project. The president is considering declaring a national emergency and taking funds from Army Corps of Engineers projects. Associated Press.

State tours possible relocation site for the encampment at Waianae boat harbor. Oahu’s biggest homeless village could be moving to a piece of state land in Waianae. Hawaii News Now.

The H3 Freeway Kaneohe-bound will be closed between the Halawa Interchange and the Kaneohe Interchange for filming of Magnum P.I. KHON2.

Despite the news of its upper grades closing at the end of the school year, Saint Francis School alumni remain hopeful they might be able to save the 94-year-old institution. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

A circuit court judge ordered the county jail’s warden to court for a second time after a pretrial murder detainee who was previously erroneously released from custody wasn’t brought to court for a recent hearing. West Hawaii Today.

The probe into the mistaken release five months ago of an accused murderer is ongoing, but the Department of Public Safety says it has worked to modify and strengthen procedures to prevent a repeat of the flub. West Hawaii Today.

Officials share memories of old Hilo jailhouse. The impending demolition of the old Hilo County Jail brought together public safety officials and local dignitaries Thursday to share memories of the historic building. Tribune-Herald.

State and local officials attended an event at the Old Hilo Jail building off Waianuenue Avenue on Thursday, to share stories on the vacant structure before demolition begins in the coming weeks. Big Island Video News.

The state Department of Health has confirmed a new case of rat lungworm disease in an infant from Hawaii Island. Star-Advertiser.

Maui

$600K Contract for Haiku Roadwork Begins. Road resurfacing and other work has started on Peahi and Pauwela roads in Haiku, according to the Maui County Department of Public Works. Maui Now.

The gates at the Kealia Pond National Wildlife Refuge remain locked Wednesday morning. Signs posted say the refuge is closed due to “the lapse in federal appropriations.” Maui News.

The Napili Park Playground in West Maui is closed while crews complete repairs due to vandalism reported at the facility. Maui Now.

Kauai

Though the government shutdown is still ongoing, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has decided to return staff to wildlife refuges across the country to ensure access. Among them is Kilauea Point National Wildlife Refuge. Garden Island.