Low fares, fast ticket sellouts mark Southwest's entry into Hawaii, Legislature nears halfway point, trash pickup fees mulled in Honolulu, medical marijuana mainly used for pain, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Southwest Airlines in Honolulu Feb 5, 2019 courtesy photo

Southwest’s low fares ramp up interisland competition. Star-Advertiser.

Southwest Selling Tickets For Hawaii Routes. Hawaii Public Radio.

“Hawaii, here we come!” declared Monday’s news release, announcing that tickets for Southwest Airlines service for the Hawaiian Islands are now on sale. Big Island Video News.

Southwest Airlines began ticket sales for Hawaii destinations on March 4, 2019. The newly-released flight schedule includes California to Hawai‘i, as well as interisland routes. One-way flights from Oahu to Maui were posted as low as $28. Big Island Now.

Southwest selling tickets to/from Hawaii, selling out fast. Southwest Airlines ticket sales and flight schedules are out and selling out. The airline says more services and special offers will be available in the coming weeks. KHON2.

Some travelers excited about $29 one-way Southwest Airlines ticket to neighbor islands. The long awaited airline's arrival is here, and now, you can officially book Southwest flights to and from Hawaii. KITV.

Price Comparison: Southwest Airlines Hawaii Ticket Prices vs. Competitors. Maui Now.

Southwest tickets to Hawaii are now on sale. Pacific Business News.

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Hawaii Expected To Join Other States To Block Trump Abortion Rule. Hawaii Public Radio.

This week marks the half-way point of the 2019 legislative session. This session has already seen every single marijuana bill introduced in the Senate die. KITV.

A controversial ban on single-use plastics is up for a vote at the state capitol. As the zero waste movement catches on, a key vote is set for Tuesday on a proposal to ban single-use plastics that are common in the food and beverage industry. Hawaii News Now.

Medical Marijuana is being used to treat a common problem in Hawaii. The state Health Department, which administers the medical cannabis registry program, said there were 24,070 valid registered medical cannabis users in Hawaii as of Jan. 31. The vast majority -- 20,426 -- said they were using the drug for “severe pain.” Hawaii News Now.

Legislature Considers Sex Abuse Investigation Of Catholic Church. The Hawaii House and Senate are also voting on separate proposals to eliminate the statute of limitations for child sex abuse claims. Civil Beat.

Ban fizzles; bill now addresses proliferation of illegal fireworks. A bill that would have banned nearly all consumer use of fireworks has gone up in smoke. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaii Prisons: ‘You Can’t Have A System Policing Itself’. A bill to establish an independent commission to oversee the state’s jails and prisons clears the House and heads to the Senate. Civil Beat.

Hawaii State Hospital administrator departing in May. The state Health Department announced today that William May, Hawaii State Hospital administrator, is leaving his post in early May. A national search is underway to find May’s successor. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

New proposal seeks to charge Oahu residents for trash pick up. Honolulu is the only county where residents don't have to pay for trash pick up. That may change with a new proposal in the city council. KHON2.

Killing of escaped OCCC inmate draws scrutiny. The Department of Public Safety director failed to explain why DPS personnel placed a wounded inmate, shot Friday on a Kalihi street by a corrections officer, into a van and returned him to jail rather than render aid and wait for an ambulance. Star-Advertiser.

Annual homeless census’ leader resigns. Just a week after releasing early data on Oahu’s annual homeless census, the head of the organization that oversees the island’s annual Point in Time Count abruptly resigned, cryptically citing “undermining behaviors.” Star-Advertiser.

HPD chief says ‘temporary refuge areas’ could help Oahu’s homeless problem. With new data showing the number of people living on the streets of Oahu at a 10-year high, Honolulu police chief Susan Ballard is speaking out, offering new solutions aimed at helping the island’s homeless. Hawaii News Now.

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Trial postponed for Kealoha’s treatment. Former Deputy Prosecutor Katherine Kealoha has gotten another trial delayed for medical reasons. This time it is to undergo treatment for an undisclosed cancer. Star-Advertiser.

Kealohas’ Trial Delayed Until May For Medical Reasons. The successful effort by Katherine Kealoha attorney to move the trial back to May was the latest in a series of attempts to delay the legal proceedings. Civil Beat.

Katherine Kealoha's request to delay trial granted. KHON2.


The Honolulu City Council is poised to take a vote on whether to approve footing the legal bill for the impeachment petition for City Prosecutor Keith Kaneshiro. Hawaii Public Radio.

HART board and City Council hold off on forensic rail audit. The board tasked with building Oahu’s $9.2 billion rail project voted Thursday to tell the Honolulu City Council to ask off on initiating a forensic audit of the agency until after a federal investigation into the project is settled. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Southwest Airlines’ first flight to the Big Island is set to touch down in May at Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport at Keahole. West Hawaii Today.

The Kona Community Aquatic Center has closed indefinitely. The facility shut down Friday after one of the sand filters stopped operating. West Hawaii Today.

Costco corrects DOH food temperature violation. West Hawaii Today.

The landlord of a property in Hakalau was found to have discriminated against a caretaker based on her gender identity, the Hawaii Civil Rights Commission decided. West Hawaii Today.

Three Kona coffee farmers have sued the world’s biggest retailers and several coffee suppliers for allegedly flooding the market with fake Kona coffee. Tribune News Service.

Maui

Barnes &Noble makes its Kahului home permanent. One-year event, cafe coming soon. Maui News.

Kauai

County to talk bus shelters, potholes. The County Council will host a public hearing on March 13 at 1:30 p.m. in the council chambers to amend the capital budget for the fiscal year July 1 through June 30. Garden Island.

Breathing room for TVRs. Dozens of transient vacation rentals that operate legally in the Wainiha-Haena area closed to the public since last April’s disastrous storms got a one-year reprieve on Monday that will permit them to go back into business when Kuhio Highway reopens — projected for later this year. Garden Island.

Super Golden Week, Southwest ticket sales are encouraging signs for Hawaii tourism, Honolulu, Hawaii county mayors up budgets, aquarium industry scrutinized, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Waikiki tourism fun ©2019 All Hawaii News

Major tour companies and legacy air carriers for Hawaii’s Japan tourism market are reporting double-digit gains for this year’s “Super Golden Week,” a 10-day period of consecutive national holidays. Star-Advertiser.

After much anticipation, Southwest begins selling tickets for Hawaii flights. The low-cost carrier on Monday began selling tickets for Hawaii flights, with first flights — between Oakland and Honolulu — on March 17. Hawaii News Now.

Here’s What’s Not Passing The Hawaii Legislature This Year. On Tuesday the Hawaii Legislature is set to act on hundreds of bills as lawmakers near the halfway mark of the 2019 session. Civil Beat.

Gut And Replace Resurfaces At Hawaii Legislature. The Senate Ways and Means Committee altered the contents of several bills with little public notice, including one that would raise taxes and another that affects Big Island disaster relief. Civil Beat.

The state Senate Ways and Means Committee gutted and replaced at least two bills on Friday, including one affecting disaster relief for Hawaii County and another relating to a helicopter tax credit. Tribune-Herald.

A bill that would shine a brighter light on county police misconduct across the state is making its way through the state Legislature. House Bill 285, if enacted into law, would require Hawaii’s four county police chiefs to disclose in annual reports to the state Legislature the identity of an officer upon an officer’s suspension or discharge from a county police department. Tribune-Herald.

A bill passing through the state Legislature may spell the end for plastic bottles, styrofoam food containers and more across the state. Senate Bill 522 sets a lofty goal to ban the sale, use or distribution of plastic beverage bottles, utensils, stirring sticks, straws and polystyrene foam containers anywhere in the state by 2023. Tribune-Herald.

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Timeline of the battle over Hawaii reef fish. Environmental and industry advocates have been battling for years over whether the state should end the commercial collection of aquarium fish from Hawaii reefs. The fight led to a court decision that banned the use of fine-mesh nets — the main tool of fish collectors — until an environmental review is completed. Star-Advertiser.

Yellow tang project holds promise for Hawaii’s popular, iconic fish. Star-Advertiser.

The way fish are handled stirs debate in aquarium trade. The belief by some that fish do experience pain contributes to the debate over whether the state should end Hawaii’s aquarium trade. Star-Advertiser.

Fishing village wants more DLNR enforcement on aquarium trade. Star-Advertiser.

Aquarium trade still triggers fierce debate, even dividing a fishing village. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Higher tax rates are in store for owners of Oahu resort/hotel and higher-end resident “investment” properties, but the tax rate would stay the same for those who live in their own home, according to the budget plan for the coming fiscal year unveiled Friday by Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell. Star-Advertiser.

Mayor Kirk Caldwell rolled out his $2.83-billion operating budget proposal today for Fiscal Year 2020, which begins July 1st.  He said real property and motor vehicle taxes are expected to bring in 120-million more but other taxes must go up to fund his spending plan. Hawaii Public Radio.

If you own a hotel, an investment home or a trash can, the mayor wants to charge you more. Hawaii News Now.

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Losing A Beachfront Home Isn’t Just A Rich Person’s Problem. As the sea level rise exacerbates coastal erosion, many longtime middle-class residents are struggling to protect their properties. Civil Beat.

A Palolo hillside neighborhood is shifting, leading to structural problems. Some residents say the only thing they can do is evacuate once their homes fall apart, even after continuous complaints to the city. KITV.

‘Deplorable’ hotel puts leasehold in jeopardy. Run-down. Terrible. Total dump. Those are guest descriptions of the Hawaiian Ebbtide Hotel.  Star-Advertiser.

A state lawmaker says he's had questions about the Public Safety Department's policies even before the recent fatal shootings by state sheriffs, that includes the OCCC inmate shot and killed after escaping Friday. KHON2.

Judge seeks more information on Kealoha’s cancer claim, trial delay request. Federal Judge John Michael Seabright will decide if the trial should be pushed back. On Friday, he said he’d need more information on Kealoha’s health and has set a hearing for Monday so Kealoha’s doctor can elaborate. Hawaii News Now.

Katherine Kealoha Says She Needs Cancer Treatment, Wants Trial Delayed. The defense lawyer for the former city prosecutor says in new court filings that Kealoha must seek immediate treatment. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Island

Kim proposes 10.7% budget hike, 35 new police positions. Thirty-five new police personnel, including 10 officers each for Ka‘u and Puna, nine new sergeants and six dispatchers, along with body cameras and computer upgrades, play center stage in a $573.5 million budget proposed Friday by Mayor Harry Kim. West Hawaii Today.

Mayor Harry Kim has submitted the first draft of his proposed operating budget for Fiscal Year 2019-20, proposing a 10.7 percent increase compared to last year. Big Island Video News.

Council pushes open Sunshine Law with secret budget meeting, discussions off agenda. A behind-the-scenes workshop and attempts to get commitments from colleagues on an item not on the agenda are two ways the County Council pushed the limits of the state Sunshine Law in recent weeks, as an especially tight county budget hangs in the balance. West Hawaii Today.

Proposed rules for vacation rentals received a frosty reception Friday evening during a public hearing in Hilo. Tribune-Herald.

Testifiers Speak Out On Short Term Vacation Rental Rules. Big Island Video News.

Bill would give BI second water specialist. Water quality monitoring on Hawaii Island will get a boost under a bill that passed the state House of Representatives on Thursday. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

The County Council member who upset former Mayor Alan Arakawa in the bid for the Kahului residency seat is proving just as unpredictable in her new job. Freshman Council Member Tasha Kam has emerged as the swing vote in the first major test the new council has faced this term — the vetting of Mayor Michael Victorino’s 11 director nominees. Maui News.

Six Historic Bridges on Hana Highway Identified as High Priority. The Department of Transportation, in partnership with the Federal Highway Administration, holds the first in a series of public meetings to discuss a project to improve six of the historic bridges along the Hana Highway (Route 360) located between Huelo and Hana town in east Maui. Maui Now.

MECO says customers will not pay for unused power from solar farms. Credits from construction delays will offset costs in 2018. Maui News.

Maui Electric Co. produced 38 percent of power used in 2018 through renewable sources, up from 34 percent in 2017, the utility’s parent company, Hawaiian Electric Cos., said Tuesday. Maui News.

Kauai

Hope for endangered seabirds. During the four-day annual meeting of the Pacific Seabird Group last week at the Aqua Kauai Beach Hotel near Lihue, 10 researchers detailed the results of programs aimed at reducing the deaths of endangered and threatened native Hawaiian seabirds. Garden Island.

Ha Coffee Bar is hosting a climate-change conversation 5:30 to 7 p.m. Thursday, featuring Victoria Keener speaking on how Kauai is adapting to predicted impacts of climate change. Garden Island.

Visitors up, spending down in the nation's happiest state, education tax advances, FBI says Kealoha used drugs with suspects, whistle-blower alleges rail authority misused change orders, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hula dancers in Hawaii ©2019 All Hawaii News

January sees more visitors and less spending. Hawaii’s tourism industry started 2019 with its deepest monthly drop in visitor spending in more than three years. Star-Advertiser.

As Tourism Begins To Stall, So Does Hawaii’s Economy. Hawaii’s economic growth is beginning to stall, reflecting softening visitor arrivals and spending as the U.S. economy loses steam. Civil Beat.

Visitor spending in Hawaii down for January compared to 2018. KITV.

Hawaii crowned ‘happiest state’ for seventh consecutive year. Hawaii’s “well-being score” for 2018 was 64.6, Gallup announced Wednesday. Hawaii News Now.

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A proposal currently with the state senate would drastically increase funding for Hawaii’s public schools. SB 1474 would raise the state’s general excise tax, or GET, by 0.5%. Civil Beat.

Lt. Gov. Josh Green estimates that two months into his new job, he spends 70 percent of his time focused on finding big and small ways to get more homeless people off the street. Star-Advertiser.

Lawmakers Propose Fixes For A Broken Psychiatric Care Law. Several proposals would make it easier for families and caregivers to get court orders authorizing long-term intensive treatment and medication for the severely mentally ill. Civil Beat.

Senate Bill Could Extend Leases On Public Land. Senate Bill 1251 would authorize the land board to extend leases "upon approval of a proposed development agreement to make substantial improvements to the existing improvements." Big Island Video News.

The House of Representatives passed 127 bills on third reading Thursday, Feb. 28, 2019, moving them to the Senate for their consideration. Big Island Now.

Tulsi Gabbard’s Financial Disclosures Leave Out Ties To Koch-Funded Think Tank. The Hawaii congresswoman, who’s running as a Democrat for president, sits on a foreign policy advisory council for the Catholic University of America. Civil Beat.

Staunchly liberal Hawaii in no rush to legalize marijuana. Associated Press.

A majority of Hawaii residents did not panic during the false missile alert, but instead wanted more information. That's according to a study from the University of Georgia, analyzing how residents reacted to the false alarm. Hawaii Public Radio.

A staggering increase in pedestrian fatalities is happening -- and Hawaii is leading the nation -- not the kind of top ranking the Aloha State wants to have. Hawaii's pedestrian deaths increased by 18-hundred percent from the first six months of 2017 to the first six months of last year. KHON2.

The rate of shark attacks in Hawaii has been trending upward in recent years, but the risk of getting bitten by one of the feared ocean predators in isle waters remains extremely low: roughly 5-in-1 million, according to new research that examined 55 years of shark attack data from around the globe. Star-Advertiser.

Heavy snow on Maui. Historic floods on Kauai. Hawaii weather is getting weird. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu

The FBI says former Deputy Prosecutor Katherine Kealoha “participated in recreational cocaine use” with her brother and others involved with them in a drug distribution conspiracy. Star-Advertiser.

Federal authorities: Katherine Kealoha used cocaine while she was deputy city prosecutor. Katherine Kealoha used cocaine while serving in the city Prosecutor’s Office, where she oversaw the career criminal unit, newly-filed court documents allege. Hawaii News Now.

FBI: Katherine Kealoha used drugs with those she investigated. KHON2.

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Whistleblower Lawsuit: HART Mishandled More Than 100 Change Orders. The lawsuit’s allegations echo problems flagged by the city auditor. Meanwhile, federal investigators have demanded HART provide its change order records. Civil Beat.

Whistleblower lawsuit alleges $20M in rail project change order abuses. Hawaii News Now.
http://www.hawaiinewsnow.com/2019/03/01/whistleblower-lawsuit-alleges-m-change-order-abuses-honolulu-rail-project/

The HART Board said no Thursday to a request by a Honolulu City Councilmember for an independent audit of rail. KITV.

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As Oahu’s unsheltered homeless population grows, mayor vows to stick to sweeps. Despite a years-long effort to push Oahu’s homeless population into shelters, the number of people living on the streets of Honolulu is the highest it’s been in at least a decade. Hawaii News Now.

Mayor “pleasantly surprised” by latest preliminary Point in Time numbers. Caldwell agrees more resources are needed but getting help for those in need is just as important. KITV.

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Falls of Clyde receives no qualified bids. There were no qualified bids for the historic ship Falls of Clyde. Star-Advertiser.

The saga of the four-masted Falls of Clyde at Honolulu Harbor is nearing a new chapter. On Thursday, the state announced that an auction of the 140-year-old ship didn’t drum up any qualified bidders. Hawaii News Now.

No takers for Falls of Clyde. KHON2.

More DUI cases are relying on body cams because the videos provide what police reports cannot: The bigger picture of the scene during the arrest. But the videos aren’t just helping the prosecution. Hawaii News Now.

City reports it's getting better at taking abandoned vehicles off Oahu roads. KHON2.

Hawaii Island

Ormat Technologies, the owner of Puna Geothermal Venture, plans to bring the 38-megawatt power plant online by the end of the year. The state’s only geothermal power plant, and a major renewable power producer for Hawaii Island, shut down last year during the Kilauea eruption. Tribune-Herald.

Public weighs in on short-term rentals. A standing room only crowd fills council chambers for public testimony regarding draft rules for bill 108, the vacation rental bill, Thursday evening at the West Hawaii Civic Center. West Hawaii Today.

Big Island residents will have the opportunity next week to weigh in on double-digit increases in fees at small boat harbors and other facilities. West Hawaii Today.

Unlikely Wranglers Oversee An Unusual Roundup. When a dairy farm cuts back operations the cows have to find new homes. Civil Beat.

Maui

Keep water flowing, East Mauians tell Senate panel. Senators hold meeting on bills that affect Mahi Pono. Maui News.

Grand Wailea planning 224 room expansion. The Grand Wailea Resort hopes to add 224 guest room units, expand its parking structure from three to five levels and renovate and expand its swimming pool and restaurant facilities, according to a Maui County Urban Design Review Board agenda and renderings submitted to the board by the resort. Maui News.

Alexander & Baldwin realized a profit of $162 million from its sale of 41,000 acres of Maui agricultural land and expects to see a boost in income as it reinvests the money in commercial properties, A&B said Wednesday in its 2018 earnings report. Maui News.

Kauai

Mayor: Time for action on Coco Palms. Saying he is “frustrated” by a lack of progress in the reconstruction of the former Coco Palms resort in Wailua, Mayor Derek S.K. Kawakami said Thursday that “we have to remind the developers that there comes a time when they have to fish or cut bait.” Garden Island.

A new boardwalk and freshly paved parking lot are waiting for visitors to Haena State Park, but it technically won’t be open until repair work on Kuhio Highway is done. Garden Island.

12% more homeless on Oahu streets, former governors back Kahele over Gabbard, Southwest preps for Hawaii routes, state doesn't know how many vaccinated, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Homeless in Honolulu ©2019 All Hawaii News

The number of homeless living on Oahu streets jumped 12 percent in the past year while the overall number, including those living in shelters, dropped by 4 percent. Star-Advertiser.

Unsheltered homeless population up 12% on Oahu from last year. Despite a number of city efforts to push people living on the streets to shelters, the number of unsheltered homeless people on Oahu is up 12 percent from a year ago. Hawaii News Now.

Fewer homeless on Oahu. There are fewer homeless on Oahu. But efforts to get them into shelters are falling short. KHON2.

Partners In Care provides 2019 Oahu Point in Time Count fact sheet. KITV.

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Former Govs. Neil Abercrombie and John Waihee are throwing their support behind state Sen. Kai Kahele in his bid for the congressional seat occupied by U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard, an indication that Kahele — while a relative newcomer to politics — could prove a formidable candidate in next year’s race. Star-Advertiser.

How Many Kids In Hawaii Have Been Vaccinated? The State Doesn’t Know. The state Department of Health says a high percentage of schools haven’t reported the number of kindergarten students who’ve received vaccination waivers. Civil Beat.

On Tuesday, the Senate Ways and Means Committee passed Senate Bill 1368 that would create a collective bargaining unit for graduate assistants. Civil Beat.

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Southwest Airlines received Federal Aviation Administration approval Wednesday to begin making long, over-water flights to Hawaii. The carrier said Wednesday it would publish its schedule in the “coming days.” Star-Advertiser.

Southwest Gets FAA Approval For Flights Between Hawaii And California. The Dallas-based airline plans to fly to four islands from the mainland, with the option  of adding inter-island flights later. Associated Press.

Southwest Airlines plans to announce its inaugural flights to Hawaii when it publishes its schedule in the coming days after the Federal Aviation Administration gave the airline approval to run flights between California and the islands. West Hawaii Today.

Southwest Gains FAA Authorization for Hawaii Flights. Maui Now.

Southwest Airlines has decisions to make and announcements to prepare, after finally winning federal regulatory permission to run revenue service to Hawaii. Hawaii News Now.

Ticket sales for Southwest Airlines should be announced in the coming days. That's because the FAA has finally approved the company to serve Hawaii. KHON2.

Oahu

New crime-fighting plan rolled out for Waikiki amid cries to beef up security. Flanked by Waikiki stakeholders and members of Hawaii’s visitor industry, Mayor Kirk Caldwell and Honolulu Police Maj. Dagan Tsuchida this morning unveiled a new Waikiki crime-fighting plan. Star-Advertiser.

40 More Security Cameras To Be Installed in Waikiki Area. Government and private business partners announced stepped up security efforts in Waikiki - the state's major economic engine. Hawaii Public Radio.

Forty new security cameras. A greater police presence. And removals of benches and walls where criminal elements are known to gather. Those are among the public safety strategies the city is taking ― with the help of a number of private groups ― as part of a bid to address rising crime in Waikiki. Hawaii News Now.

More cameras are being put up in Waikiki in an effort to curb crime. It's just one of the things the city is doing to make the area safer for locals and visitors alike. KHON2.

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A dismissed 2015 DUI is among the ways Kealoha allegedly helped her friends. The federal investigation into public corruption at some of Honolulu’s highest levels includes traffic court favors for friends of ex-deputy Prosecutor Katherine Kealoha. Hawaii News Now.

Protest outside HPD Headquarters after three officer-involved shootings. KITV.

City council resolution for forensic HART audit deferred. The chair made the recommendation to give HART a chance to discuss the resolution at Thursday's board meeting, and also give them a chance to respond. KHON2.

Feds cite multiple Oahu restaurants for not paying overtime, violating child labor laws. Star-Advertiser.

U.S. Dept. of Labor finds overtime, minimum wage, and child labor violations at Oahu malls. KHON2.

Already hit by rail, Waipahu businesses are dreading another city project. In order to prepare Waipahu for rail, the city has several construction projects planned to revitalize the old plantation town. Hawaii News Now.

The National Institutes of Health Centers of Biomedical Research Excellence awarded researchers at the University of Hawaii at Manoa a $10.4 million grant to create an interactive center for environmental microbiomes and human health. Maui Now.

A 20-year-old Marine infantryman at Kaneohe Bay is being investigated for “derogatory online” comments tied to a slew of neo-Nazi Twitter posts, officials said. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Some Ka'u residents face hefty bills for mandated sewer connections. While the projects will eliminate sources of groundwater pollution, they also are leaving affected residents wondering how they are going to pay for it. Tribune-Herald.

County mulls potential users of recycled water. At some point in 2020, the Department of Environmental Management will have to find somewhere to put the 1.8 million gallons of recycled water (R1 water) its Kealakehe Wastewater Treatment Plant will pump out every day. West Hawaii Today.

Erosion undermines Alii Drive in Kailua Village. County crews are working to address erosion issues on Alii Drive across from Bongo Ben’s Island Cafe in Kailua Village. West Hawaii Today.

In an effort to restore the Waimea River's natural discharge into the ocean, crews plan to remove 15,000 cubic yards of sand from the existing river mouth and restore its natural depth. DLNR is hosting a public information meeting on Wednesday March 6, 2019, to provide a brief overview of the planned construction activities. KHON2.

Maui

Maui County Council leadership expressed surprise and displeasure with Mayor Michael Victorino’s move to appoint three directors whom the council had rejected days ago to temporarily lead the departments. Maui News.

A metals and electronics recycling event in Hana has been set for Thursday through Saturday for East Maui residents. Maui News.

Kauai

Abandoned cars were on the table at Wednesday’s Kauai County Council Parks and Recreation/Transportation Committee meeting, with councilmembers voicing concerns about the high number of banged-up vehicles appearing along roadsides, in county parks and on beaches. Garden Island.

Project may extend landfill. The Kekaha Landfill, which is Kauai’s only landfill and was built in 1953, is projected to reach its capacity by 2026. Garden Island.

The Kauai Republican Party County Convention will be held Saturday, March 23, from 3 to 5 p.m. at Lihue Missionary Church on Rice Street. Garden Island.

Surfrider removes tons of trash from beaches. From cleaning beaches and marine debris education to publishing scientific papers, Kauai’s Surfrider chapter was busy in 2018. Garden Island.

Hawaii's best beaches, plastic ban advances, USS Arizona reopening delayed, Maui mayor hires rejected department heads, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Waikiki beach ©2019 All Hawaii News

Seven locations in Hawaii are among the top 25 beaches in the United States, according to TripAdvisor’s 2019 Travelers’ Choice Awards, but Florida put 10 on the list and claimed the No. 1 spot. Star-Advertiser.

Seven Hawaii beaches named 'Best in the U.S.' Travel website TripAdvisor came out with it's 2019 Travelers' Choice Awards for beaches. KITV.

On Tuesday, the Senate Ways and Means committee passed SB522, which calls for an outright ban of single-use plastic products including plastic food packaging, single-use beverage containers like plastic water and juice bottles, and utensils. Hawaii News Now.

Lawmakers discuss aggressive new proposal on banning plastic usage. There's an aggressive bill moving through the Senate that bans the use and sale of plastics. We're talking about plastic bottles, utensils, and straws to name a few. KHON2.

Key to coping with climate change lies in Hawaii’s past, study finds. As climate change promises to alter our world in the coming decades, a new study suggests that Hawaii would be wise to look to traditional Native Hawaiian agriculture to help cope with an uncertain future. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaiian Electric Cos. nearing 30% renewable energy. Hawaiian Electric Cos. said it is on track to achieving its next renewable- energy milestone despite the loss of Hawaii island’s geothermal resource for most of 2018 following the Kilauea volcanic eruption. Star-Advertiser.

A Bank of Hawaii Corp. board of directors committee has approved a $2 million cash incentive award for Chairman, President and CEO Peter Ho, along with a 3 percent increase in his base salary, following a 19 percent increase in the bank’s profits last year. Pacific Business News.

Oahu

Walk-on access to the USS Arizona Memorial won’t be restored by the end of March, as previously announced by the National Park Service, and it may be many more months before access resumes, officials said. Star-Advertiser.

Repairs to USS Arizona Memorial dock to take longer than expected. Repairs to the dock at the USS Arizona Memorial won’t be completed by next month as originally hoped, and it’s unclear when the dock will be safe to use again. Hawaii News Now.

The USS Arizona will not reopen in March. KITV.

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State Will Take Over Some City Prosecutor Cases. Defense attorneys want authorities to expand their review of Katherine Kealoha’s involvement to other cases. Civil Beat.

Turning the Blaisdell into a federal courthouse for the Kealoha trial. The Blaisdell Center is set to host an event unlike any other held there before. Jury selection for Louis and Katherine Kealoha's trial will likely take place at the Blaisdell in March. KHON2.

Bill to fund Ala Wai flood control advances. The Senate Committee on Ways and Means passed a bill Tuesday with amendments to allocate funds for a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers plan to lessen flood risks at the Ala Wai Canal. Star-Advertiser.

Extension of Kaena Point Natural Area Reserve. An irreplaceable coastline on Oahu's northwestern shore is now protected forever. KHON2.

Beach goers protest new ‘No Parking’ signs at popular east Oahu surf spot. “No Parking” signs appeared in the area between Sandy Beach Park and Makapuu last week – and since then – more than 30 vehicles have been ticketed. Hawaii News Now.

How effective is the city's park protection plan? Paying to play in city parks...whether of not they use the recreation areas, residents foot the bill. KITV.

An elementary school teacher found guilty of stealing more than $30,000 in lunch money, has been sentenced to four years probation. KHON2.

Hawaii Island

Water rates are expected to go up 5 percent this year in a $55.7 million Department of Water Supply budget that got a preliminary nod Tuesday from the Water Board. West Hawaii Today.

Bills aim to give neighbors more power to battle albizias. Two bills in the state Legislature seek to allow property owners to remove potentially dangerous albizia trees on adjacent properties. Tribune-Herald.

West Hawaii Community Veterans Center Draft EA Published. The $12 million facility planned for state land in Kailua-Kona will provide space to meet community needs, a document states. Big Island Video News.

To address noise complaints, tour helicopter company offers a compromise. Safari Helicopters sent a letter to elected officials and community leaders announcing that it would halt Sunday flights on Hawaii Island during a trial period that started on Feb. 17. Hawaii News Now.

Drivers might face significant delays along the Hamakua Coast this week as several construction projects reduce Highway 19 traffic to one lane only at multiple points. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Mayor names 3 rejected directors on interim basis. Victorino says charter allows temporary appointments, though Goode lacks end date. Maui News.

Council Chair Seeks Legal Opinion on Interim Director Appointments. Maui Now.

Emergency Proclamation Extended to Maui County For Roadwork. The state has extended an emergency proclamation to cover Maui County so that funds can be used to restore parts of Honoapiilani Highway affected by landslides in the recent heavy rains. Hawaii Public Radio.

State Disaster Declaration Extended to Maui County. Maui Now.

Haleakala Ranch is applying for a permit to aid the recovery of the endangered nene on more than 3,000 acres of ranchland. Maui News.

Proposed fees and rules for use of Hawaii’s small-boat harbors — including a nearly threefold hike in catwalk mooring fees at Lahaina Small Boat Harbor — offshore moorings, landings and wharfs will be the subject of a public hearing from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. March 6 at the Velma McWayne Santos Community Center in Wailuku. Maui News.

Kauai

Over 140 community members from the private, nonprofit, and government sectors gathered at the county’s inaugural Housing Summit on Friday at the Kauai Veterans Center. Garden Island.

Gates to the newly-improved Kauai Raceway Park will open to the island’s drag racers and fans, Saturday hosted by the Garden Isle Racing Association, and Napa PS&D Kauai. Garden Island.

Here’s A Place That Got Pounded With 519 Inches Of Rain Last Year. The island’s highest point received monumental precipitation in 2018, and it wasn’t even ground zero for the rain bomb that caused April flooding. Civil Beat.

Lanai

1500 lb Net Mass, Plastic Trash Removed on Lanai. A mass of plastic trash and tangled fishing nets weighing between 1500 and 2000 pounds and measuring about 30 feet in length was removed from a remote coastline on Lanai. Maui Now.

Coral may be adapting to warmer seas, 3rd federal subpoena for Honolulu rail, milk production may be doomed, voting behind bars, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Divers study coral damage in Hawaii ©2019 All Hawaii News

A team of researchers from the University of Hawaii at Manoa School of Ocean and Earth Science and Technology and the Bernice Pauahi Bishop Museum conducted a study of coral resiliency that showed some corals are better able to tolerate heat than similar corals tested in the 1970s. But scientists say it will not be fast enough to fight off rising sea temperatures. University of Hawaii.

Fresh Hawaii milk production may be doomed after dairy industry missteps. The state Department of Agriculture and University of Hawaii have supported efforts to help reverse the decline. But the recent developments aren’t encouraging. Star-Advertiser.

Rural Schools Take A Big Hit In Hawaii’s Funding Formula. Hawaii’s system was meant to make school funding more equitable. But in places like Hana and Molokai, it’s meant cutting teachers and class offerings. Civil Beat.

‘Hawaii Saves’ retirement fund moves forward with opposition from insurers. A proposal to create a Hawaii retirement savings program for local businesses is moving forward in the state Senate. Hawaii News Now.

Bringing The Right To Vote Behind Bars. Supporters, including the Department of Public Safety, are backing legislation that would make Hawaii one of a handful of states that allow inmates to cast a ballot. Civil Beat.

Bills would establish statewide regulations for ‘transportation network companies’ — including Uber and Lyft. Tribune-Herald.

Bills To Help Sexual Misconduct Victims Speak Out Also Could Keep Them Silent. Lawmakers are considering measures to block non-disclosure agreements related to sexual misconduct. Civil Beat.

1 in 15 Hawaii high schools students have attempted suicide according to the Hawaii State Teachers Association, which is supporting a bill to prevent suicide. The bill would have public school employees trained on what to look out for and how to help kids contemplating killing themselves. KITV.

Hawaii Gas files motion for solar water heater ruling. Hawaii Gas has filed a motion to intervene in a suit against a state agency alleging that it was wrongfully allowing “wholesale exemptions” from a solar water heater mandate for tens of thousands of gas water heaters. Star-Advertiser.

Hotel Occupancy Dips in January, But Vacation Rentals May Not Be To Blame. Hawaii Public Radio.

Oahu

Third HART subpoena seeks minutes of closed meetings. Federal investigators want the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation to turn over minutes for its board’s meetings as part of its criminal investigation into the $9.2 billion project. Star-Advertiser.

Feds Demand Records Of HART Board’s Closed-Door Meetings. The latest subpoena requires HART to provide unredacted minutes of its board’s executive sessions, but HART questions whether it can fully comply. Civil Beat.

HART Receives Third Federal Supoena Seeking Board Minutes. Hawaii Public Radio.

Honolulu rail authorities confirmed Monday that they had received a third subpoena in connection with a federal criminal investigation into the state’s largest public works project. Hawaii News Now.

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The Honolulu Prosecutor’s office has now kicked two high profile cases to another agency -- because of potential conflicts due to the federal investigation. Both cases were handled by former deputy prosecutor Katherine Kealoha, the one time head of the career criminal unit -- who is now facing dozens of federal charges. Hawaii News Now.

The Navy has provided federal and state regulators with the results of testing at its Red Hill fuel facility near Pearl Harbor that was conducted to assess corrosion at 18 underground fuel tanks that sit just 100 feet above a major aquifer that supplies drinking water to urban Honolulu. Star-Advertiser.

Replacement to crumbling dock in East Honolulu deemed unsafe, too. Nearly two months after officials with the Department of Land and Natural Resources condemned a popular loading dock in East Oahu because it was unsafe, the structure collapsed into the ocean. Hawaii News Now.

The proposed expansion of Adventist Health Castle, formerly Castle Medical Center, at Hawaii Pacific University’s Hawaii Loa campus is projected to cost $438 million, according to a draft environmental impact statement. Star-Advertiser.

New hair salon seeks liquor license. Full-service hair salon Style Loft Hair Studio hopes to add alcohol to its offerings, according to public documents. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii Island

A draft environmental assessment and anticipated finding of no significant impact has been published for a family agricultural community proposed in Waikoloa. Nakahili is an agricultural community planned for land mauka of Waikoloa Village, and will have affordable apartments and farm dwellings. Big Island Video News.

Lava tour operator hit with another lawsuit. A second group of mainland residents who were aboard a lava tour boat last July when a “lava bomb” tore through the boat’s roof is suing the tour company and the boat’s captain. Tribune-Herald.

DOH issues water contamination advisory after overflow at dairy. The state Department of Health on Sunday issued a water contamination advisory, warning the public to stay out of the waters in Kaohaoha Gulch and the coastal waters fronting it near Ookala because of animal waste contamination. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Hawaii Medical Service Association held a grand opening of its 4,200-square-foot “one-stop shop” center in the Puunene Shopping Center. Maui News.

The state Department of Transportation lifted its access restriction for travel on the main road through rugged northwest Maui on Sunday near noon but will reinstate the access limitations beginning Tuesday. Maui News.

Sierra Club honorees saved land and water. Lifetime achievement awards handed out to four Mauians. Maui News.

Kauai

The Kauai Police Department is short staffed. Patrol officers frequently work 17-hour shifts and fill in on their days off, only to staff a marginally adequate number of positions. Garden Island.

About 200 volunteers removed more than 4,000 pounds of plastics, nets and other marine debris from Kauai’s East Side shores on Saturday through a cleanup hosted by B-RAD Foundation and Surfrider Kauai Chapter. Garden Island.

Hiker rescue reimbursement bill advancing through Legislature, Ige not worried about federal rail funds, 'lava bomb' tour boat victim sues, Maui development fight, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hiker on Kilauea volcano ©2019 All Hawaii News

A bill that would require public safety agencies to seek reimbursement from hikers who are rescued while trespassing on public trails is making its way through the state Legislature. Star-Advertiser.

More security could be coming to the state Capitol, but how will that affect access? Hawaii News Now.

Legislators are considering a bill to require licensing or accreditation of all private schools in Hawaii because of fears unlicensed operations may be falling short of basic safety and other standards. Star-Advertiser.

Be Audited Or Die: New Budget Process Cracks Down On State Agency. The Hawaii Agribusiness Development Corp. manages about 3,300 acres of land and infrastructure acquired with $71.4 million in taxpayer money. Civil Beat.

Film industry leaders worry tax credit limit will turn away potential filmmakers. KITV.

Tobacco tax clears final Senate committee. After a decision by the state Senate Committee on Ways and Means Thursday, a new tobacco tax is one reading shy of heading to the House of Representatives for consideration. West Hawaii Today.

Statewide hotel occupancy dropped to its lowest January level in four years, as every major Hawaii isle began the year with fewer occupied hotel rooms. Star-Advertiser.

Study: Moving Ourselves Away From The Shoreline Is Hard But Doable. A new report sheds light on some of the critical factors for the state to consider when implementing a managed retreat strategy. Civil Beat.

Amazon spreading its wings in Hawaii. The online retail giant established a package receiving and distribution facility at the Daniel K. Inouye International Airport nearly a year ago after deciding to fly its own cargo planes to Honolulu from Riverside, Calif. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Ige Doesn’t Think HART’s Federal Funding Is Threatened. For now, Hawaii’s governor expects the funding will go forward despite an investigation into the rail project and the state’s recent lawsuit against the Trump administration. Civil Beat.

Lifeguards will be at Hanauma Bay longer. Starting Sunday, the popular Hanauma Bay extended its lifeguard hours. It's a pilot program that will be evaluated in a year. KHON2.

City making changes to prevent drownings at Hanauma Bay. KITV.

Retailers who pay top dollar to rent space in one of the nation’s premium shopping districts have joined Waikiki residents in pushing for a city ordinance to limit the number of street closure permits issued for Kalakaua Avenue. Star-Advertiser.

Former sex worker speaks out claiming police officers pressured her to perform sexual acts. This woman claims at least five Honolulu police officers pressured her to perform sexual acts. KITV.

Protesters tell Alexander & Baldwin: ‘Don’t be a deadbeat dad’. Dozens protested at Alexander & Baldwin Inc.'s downtown headquarters Friday, saying A&B and other companies like them are not paying their fair share of taxes. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu libraries start lending ukulele as interest grows. As interest in the ukulele soars across the country, the Aloha State is starting to make the perky little instrument available free to use through its public libraries. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

The first sewer fee hike in 17 years squeaked through the County Council on a 5-4 vote this week, but only after it was amended to spread the cost over five years instead of the three requested by the administration. West Hawaii Today.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency could end up spending $177 million on the Kilauea eruption. Tribune-Herald.

The family of an Illinois woman seriously injured last July when a “lava bomb” tore through the roof of a tour boat off Kapoho is suing the tour company and its owner in state court. Tribune-Herald.

A Hilo fire rescue specialist who was transferred to a Kailua-Kona fire station is claiming Fire Chief Darren Rosario retaliated against him after he filed an internal complaint of harassment and workplace violence about two coworkers. West Hawaii Today.

For the first time since Big Island legislators began seeking lifeguards for Kua Bay in 2013, a measure to secure life-saving personnel for the site was heard and passed by the Senate Committee on Ways and Means. West Hawaii Today.

A resolution urging the county administration to increase funding to add more police officers in Puna is expected to appear on the Hawaii County Council’s Public Safety Committee agenda on March 12 in Hilo. Tribune-Herald.

Business owners in the town of Volcano are worried a new law regulating short-term vacation rentals on the Big Island will impact their village. Big Island Video News.

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park hopes to reopen one of its prime attractions, the Thurston Lava Tube, this year after improving traffic congestion issues in the park. Tribune-Herald.

The Kamuela Vacuum Cooling Plant is in line for a face-lift. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

A Maui resident has sued the state, Maui County and a developer to stop construction of a housing subdivision after learning that at least 182 Native Hawaiian burials have been disturbed by the project. Star-Advertiser.

The Maui County Council on Friday approved eight nominees to respective department directorships, and rejected three appointees. Maui Now.

$257,000 Launiupoko Parking Lot Repaving Project Begins Monday. Maui Now.

Maui’s 12 sites logged nearly 100 whales in a 15-minute time period and 774 whales total during The Great Whale Count by Pacific Whale Foundation on Saturday, the second of three monthly counts, according to the foundation. Maui News.

Kauai

In five years Kauai has seen the number of beach goers more than double, yet the number of rescues and drownings over that same period has decreased, according to the Kauai Lifeguard Association. Garden Island.

Species are springing to life on Kauai’s South Shore that haven’t been seen in more than 200 years, and it’s wetland rehabilitation that’s making it happen. Garden Island.

Public hearings set for harbor fee hikes, Ige named to defense council, another subpoena for Honolulu rail authority, pay increases planned for Maui mayor and council, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Ala Wai harbor ©2019 All Hawaii News

People who use any of Hawaii’s small boat harbors, offshore moorings, landings or wharfs will have a chance to comment on new proposed fees and rules at a series of five public hearings to be held around the state in early March. KHON2.

White House Picks Hawaii Governor Ige For Council. Governor David Ige has been appointed co-chair of the Council of Governors, a defense-related body consisting of five Democrats and five Republicans. Big Island Video News.

A yearlong operation to crack down on the diversion of pharmaceutical drugs in California, Nevada and Hawaii has resulted in 41 doctors having their licenses or U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration registrations to prescribe controlled substances taken away and the seizure of $3.1 million. Five  of the 41 licenses or registrations taken away were from Hawaii medical professionals. The Hawaii operation also resulted in the execution of five search warrants and seven arrests. Star-Advertiser.

Seven arrested, five search warrants served in year-long federal drug operation. US Attorney for Hawaii Kenji Price warns the public that while the federal operation may officially be ending, his office will still be vigilantly prosecuting medical workers who break the law. KITV.

Legislation to negotiate for the acquisition of the Federal Detention Center is moving rapidly through the Legislature, but the idea still faces big obstacles. Civil Beat.

US Supreme Court Ruling Boosts Hawaii Effort To Limit Property Forfeiture. Hawaii’s policy for seizing property has long been criticized because it can affect people who are only suspected in crimes, sometimes not even charged. Civil Beat.

Hawaii attorney Isaac Moriwake was recently named the new managing attorney for Earthjustice’s Mid-Pacific office in Honolulu, succeeding Paul Achitoff, who recently retired. Maui Now.

Hawaii ocean cargo transportation firm Matson Inc. increased its revenue last year but earned less profit because of a huge tax benefit the year before. Matson on Thursday reported earning $109 million last year on $2.2 billion of revenue. That compared with a $232 million profit on $2 billion of revenue a year earlier. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

The Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation has been served with a new grand jury subpoena seeking information about payments made to tenants and property owners who were relocated to make way for the $9.2 billion Honolulu rail project. Star-Advertiser.

Feds Are Investigating HART’s Relocation Payments. The criminal probe widens as the Honolulu rail agency is served with its second subpoena, this time seeking records concerning payments to property owners along the rail route. Civil Beat.

HART Second Federal Subpoena Covers Relocation Move. A federal investigator is expected to visit Honolulu next month as part of a developing grand jury probe into the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation, the agency charged with building the city's rail project. Hawaii Public Radio.

Another HART subpoena, targeting overpayments to move out of rail's way. HART has received a second subpoena, this time from the federal Department of Transportation OIG, collecting documents for a grand jury looking into relocation payments and real estate acquisition management, for people and companies that had to move out of rail's right of way. KHON2.

'Hold on to your pocketbooks!' says city council chair after second subpoena to HART. The head of the city council says this second subpoena further erodes public confidence on the rail project and could cost taxpayers even more money. KHON2.

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Embattled city prosecutor was denied access to officer-involved shooting scene. Embattled city Prosecutor Keith Kaneshiro was denied his usual crime scene access in Mililani on Wednesday night after HPD officers shot and killed a 26-year old man. Hawaii News Now.

Katherine Kealoha Says She’s Mentally Unfit To Stand Trial But The Judge Disagrees. Newly unsealed court records show how the former city prosecutor and her attorney tried to have her declared mentally incompetent. Civil Beat.

Some 400 potential jurors will be called for first of 3 trials against the Kealohas. A federal judge on Thursday rejected Louis and Katherine Kealoha’s effort to have fraud, conspiracy and obstruction charges against them thrown out. Hawaii News Now.

Two Honolulu Police Shootings In Less Than A Day, One Of Them Fatal. The fatal shooting involved a man who attempted to ram an officer with his truck in Mililani, police said. Hours later, officers shot a suspect in Waikele. Civil Beat.

The closure of Pali Highway due to multiple landslides is affecting foot traffic for some Kailua businesses, but mostly it’s an inconvenience for those who live and work in the area. Star-Advertiser.

A Virginia-class attack submarine, one of the most valuable Navy warships in the era of “great power” competition with China and Russia, served as a platform for the U.S. Pacific Fleet Submarine Force’s change of command Thursday at Pearl Harbor. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Hilo landfill closer to closure. The state Department of Health is seeking public comment on a draft permit for closure of the Hilo landfill. Tribune-Herald.

Sometime in 2019, the South Hilo Sanitary Landfill will close. And that will only be the beginning, says the Hawaii County Environmental Management director. Big Island Video News.

The County Council passed Bill 12 on final reading on February 20, appropriating $170,355 in private donations into a 2018 lava disaster relief account, earmarked for specific projects in Puna. Big Island Video News.

Opportunity Zones: A federal program designed to boost investment in low-income communities could unlock a windfall for businesses in some of the nation’s poorest regions, but without much oversight written into the law, it’ll take those communities’ residents, stakeholders and policymakers working together and with investors to make it work. West Hawaii Today.

A preliminary map released this week by the U.S. Geological Survey shows the thickness of lava flows from Kilauea volcano’s most recent eruption. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Pay hikes for mayor, council on agenda. The county Salary Commission will be meeting at 8:30 a.m. Friday to discuss possible salary adjustments for the mayor and County Council. Maui News.

The Maui Salary Commission plans to discuss and take possible action on salary increases for Maui County Council members and the Mayor during a special meeting set for 8:30 a.m. Friday in the Mayor’s Conference Room. Maui Now.

After once being proposed as a “megamall” in north Kihei and undergoing many revisions thereafter, the embattled Piilani Promenade project may revert back to its original form — as a commercial and light industrial subdivision. Maui News.

Kauai

Managing mangrove. Makaloa is now growing in a wetland behind the pavilion at Niumalu Beach Park, a slender reed that’s traditionally been used for basket- and mat-weaving. Garden Island.