Crackdown on Honolulu vacation rentals, Gabbard sues Google, TMT protest simmers, rail fares discussed, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell screenshot from video

Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell warns of crackdown on illegal vacation rentals. The city has sent out approximately 5,000 “courtesy” letters to owners and operators of illegal vacation rentals, warning them to cease advertising or risk paying hefty fines starting Aug. 1. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu Sends Warning Letters To 5,000 Owners Of Suspected Illegal Rentals. More aggressive enforcement of laws against unpermitted short-term rentals begins Aug. 1, but some potential violators are hearing from the city now. Civil Beat.

City sends warning letters to 5,000 owners of suspected illegal vacation rentals. The city has mailed out letters to 5,000 property owners who are suspected of running illegal vacation rentals. Hawaii News Now.




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Gabbard sues Google for $50 million. Hawaii Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard is suing Google alleging that the tech giant harmed her bid for the presidency and infringed on her free speech when it briefly suspended her campaign’s advertising account after the first Democratic primary debate in June. Star-Advertiser.


Gabbard sues Google for $50M, claiming ‘interference’ in her presidential bid. Hawaii Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard is suing Google, claiming the internet behemoth suspended her Google Ads account in the hours immediately after the first Democratic presidential debate last month in a deliberate act of “election interference.” Hawaii News Now.

Rep. Tulsi Gabbard’s campaign sues Google. Representative Tulsi Gabbard is going after Google. Her presidential campaign has sued the tech giant. KHON2.

Tulsi Gabbard, the most searched candidate during debate, sues Google. Representative Tulsi Gabbard's presidential campaign sued Google on Thursday after the company suspended the candidate's Google Ads account following last month's Democratic presidential debate. KITV.

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A new law that took effect July 1 is providing for tougher penalties for DUI offenders. Tribune-Herald.

Ige Veto Means Some Eligible Patients Still Can’t Get Medical Cannabis Legally. The bill to allow interisland transport of the medicine would have been especially helpful for patients on Molokai and Lanai, which have no dispensaries. Civil Beat.

State Aims To Reduce Unnecessary ER Visits By Empowering Paramedics. Hawaii is creating a community paramedicine program that officials hope will mean fewer ambulance trips to hospitals. Civil Beat.

Six weeks after Kaiser Permanente filed suit against The Queen’s Health Systems after the latter informed the former it would begin billing Kaiser members for the balance of emergency services it provides, Queen’s has yet to file a response in court. West Hawaii Today.

Oahu

City Kick-Starts Public Discussion On Future Rail Fares. Commissioners will consider whether the fares should be a flat rate or distance-based, as well as how much the interim service should cost. Civil Beat.

Honolulu Rate Commission wants your input on future rates for the rail once it begins operations. The Honolulu Rate Commission is requesting input and testimony from the public on the future policies and rates for the Honolulu Rail Transit Project once the system begins operations. KITV.

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About 100 to 150 supporters of the Thirty Meter Telescope project rallied in front of the Capitol during the evening rush hour Thursday.  Associated Press.

TMT supporters rally at the Capitol. Organizers of the two-hour rally in Honolulu said they wanted to show the world Hawaii appreciates astronomy, that its edu­ca­tional and economic benefits are welcomed and that Hawaiian culture and science can coexist on Hawaii’s tallest mountain. Star-Advertiser.

HPD chief faces council over Mauna Kea deployment; police-powers suit in legal ping-pong. Honolulu’s police chief told lawmakers today, public safety on Oahu was never compromised during their absence. KHON2.

Hawaii

‘We are not willing to negotiate,’ Thirty Meter Telescope opposition leader vows. A key leader of the effort to stop construction of the Thirty Meter Telescope says it is clear that neither the state nor Hawaii County Mayor Harry Kim has the power to stop the project. Star-Advertiser.

TMT opponents say no deal; Kim’s office says offer not made. Opponents of the Thirty Meter Telescope rejected an offer by mayor Harry Kim Thursday that would temporarily suspend construction efforts — a proposal that Kim’s office later said was never made. Tribune-Herald.

Despite talk of negotiation, both sides make clear there’s little middle ground in TMT conflict. The Thirty Meter Telescope insisted Thursday that it has no plans to pull out from building at Mauna Kea. Hours earlier, activists protesting at the base of the summit reiterated their demand: They’ll take down the human barricade only if TMT leaves. Hawaii News Now.

TMT Talks: Kim Clarifies Role, Gabbard Sends Ige Letter, OHA Votes. Big Island Video News.

Day 11 of TMT: Hawaii County mayor acts as bridge between Kiai and TMT construction. KHON2.

OHA Board Calls on Governor to Rescind Emergency Proclamation for Mauna Kea. On Thursday, July 25, 2019, the OHA Board approved a resolution that both calls for the governor to rescind the proclamation, as well as authorizes the OHA administration to advocate for the rights, safety and well-being of Native Hawaiian protectors and provide related-assistance as appropriate, according to an OHA press release. Big Island Now.

OHA approves resolution to advocate for health, safety of protectors. All nine trustees unanimously voted Thursday to approve a resolution that supports a proclamation retraction and allows OHA to advocate for the health and well being of demonstrators. KITV.

Hawaii Island Mayor Clarifies Role in TMT Dispute. Hawaii County Mayor Harry Kim says “he has no authority to intervene or make any kind of deal regarding TMT.” Instead, Kim says his role is “to work with all sides to find a better way forward for everyone concerned.” Hawaii Public Radio.

Dozens of TMT supporters turn out for rally. Tribune-Herald.

Governor Ige’s official website now has a form that you can fill out to let him know whether you support the TMT project or not on Mauna Kea. As of Wednesday afternoon, we’re told that his office has received more than 14,000 responses. KHON2.

Hawaii Enters Next Phase Of Eruption Recovery, FEMA Talks Set. There are a number of upcoming initiatives and public meetings scheduled in regards to the 2018 Kilauea volcano eruption recovery effort. Big Island Video News.

Maui

Offshore Sand Sought to Mitigate Erosion at Kahana Bay. A 157-page Environmental Impact Statement Preparation Notice has been filed to address erosion mitigation at Kahana Beach in west Maui. Maui Now.

Maui Adds New Traffic Safety Initiatives As Death Toll Increases. The Maui Department of Public Works is trying to decrease the county’s traffic-related death toll through various safety initiatives. Hawaii Public Radio.

MPD officers return to Maui after being called to Mauna Kea. Officers assisted Hawaii County police with safety, road congestion. Maui News.

Summit brings new solutions for landlords. Annual event dispels myths about housing subsidies; offers tips to solve issues between landlords and tenants. Maui News.

Kauai

100 come to meeting on EIS for Kealia Mauka subdivision. The Land Use Commission held a packed meeting in the Moikeha Building conference room Thursday where 38 public testimonies were taken and over 100 people attended. Garden Island.

Hawaii Life acquires Kauai real estate brokerage. Hawaii Life Real Estate Brokers has acquired Kauai real estate agency Hanalei Country Brokers, giving the growing firm an office in the place where it began. Pacific Business News.

Kim looks to broker peace on Mauna Kea, County Council seeks TMT moratorium, Honolulu mulls local union preferences in contracts, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii County Mayor Harry Kim ©2019 All Hawaii News

Big Island Mayor Thinks He Can Find A Way Through The Divisions On Mauna Kea. Hawaii’s governor put Mayor Harry Kim in charge of negotiating with activists blocking construction of the Thirty Meter Telescope on Mauna Kea. Civil Beat.

With lines drawn, Kim to begin process of seeking common ground over Maunakea. Mayor Harry Kim said Wednesday that he hopes to meet with Hawaiian community leaders, including those leading the protests at Maunakea, before the end of the week. Tribune-Herald.

Mayor Kim Talks Mauna Kea, New Way Forward. Big Island Now.

Governor’s decision to step back from TMT conflict gets mixed reviews. Gov. David Ige’s decision to hand over negotiations with protesters on Mauna Kea to Big Island Mayor Harry Kim is getting mixed reviews. Hawaii News Now.

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Actor Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson made a surprise visit to Mauna Kea on Wednesday afternoon to add some star power to the protests against the Thirty Meter Telescope, and a surge of people submitting comments about TMT on the governor’s website caused the site to crash. Star-Advertiser.

‘The Rock’ visits Hawaii protesters as envoy prepares talks. Hollywood actor Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson visited protesters blocking construction of a giant telescope on Wednesday as the Hawaii governor’s envoy to Native Hawaiian leaders prepared to start talks to find a way out of the impasse. Associated Press.

At Mauna Kea, ‘The Rock’ calls for ‘leadership with empathy’ to resolve TMT conflict. Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson got a massive welcome Wednesday during a visit to the TMT protest at the base of Mauna Kea, during which he met with Hawaiian elders and called for “leadership with empathy” to find a peaceful resolution to the conflict. Hawaii News Now.

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Day 10 TMT standoff: Astronomers on Mauna Kea share their beliefs on science and culture. KHON2.

Supporters say the loss of the telescope could severely harm the state’s future investments in science and business ventures. Star-Advertiser.

Telescope employees find future uncertain as protest blocks access to Mauna Kea. The Thirty Meter Telescope protest at the base of Mauna Kea has had a direct impact on scientific operations at the mountain. Hawaii News Now.

Makeshift ‘university’ established at protesters’ camp. As protesters wait at the base of the Maunakea Access Road each day, a network of volunteers works to ensure their needs are met. Tribune-Herald.

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New Congressional Pacific Islands Caucus Formed. Rep. Ed Case says the Indo-Pacific region is the future. Civil Beat.

Bill To Restore Health Care For COFA Citizens Reintroduced. Hawaii’s U.S. senators are backing Medicaid coverage for Micronesians. Civil Beat.

Workers at three hotels have filed a class action lawsuit against the hotels’ owner and operator Diamond Resorts alleging wage theft. The lawsuit covers past and current employees of the Modern Honolulu, Kaanapali Beach Club on Maui and the Point at Poipu on Kauai. KHON2.

Oahu

Oahu supporters of the Thirty Meter Telescope will be holding their first major demonstration in favor of the $1.4 billion project today at 4:30 p.m. at the state Capitol. Star-Advertiser.

Labor Unions Favored For City Construction Projects Under Proposed Bill. Local construction unions will get preference in large city projects under a bill making its way through Honolulu City Council. Hawaii Public Radio.

Squeezing Along Narrow Sidewalks And Racing Crosswalk Timers In Waikiki. A volunteer initiative, Waikiki Safe Walk, is documenting pedestrian hazards and eyesores in a campaign to make the tourism hub easier to walk. Civil Beat.

City hopes to purchase eyesore along Pearl Harbor Historic Trail and create neighborhood park. On Wednesday, the city council budget committee passed a resolution that would create funding to purchase about half an acre along the Pearl Harbor Historic Trail and transform it into a neighborhood park. Hawaii News Now.

Funding boosts efforts to reduce Chinatown homelessness. A combination of state funding and matching donations resulted in checks on Wednesday totalling more than $105,000 to two organizations working to address homelessness in Chinatown. Star-Advertiser.

More than $100,000 in grant money was given today for non-profits servicing the homeless population in Chinatown. KITV.

Oahu may get a race track. It’s something the island hasn’t had for more than a decade. Local motor-sports enthusiasts turned out in force at the Kapolei Neighborhood Board meeting tonight to voice their support. KHON2.

Ward developer opts for 1 larger tower over previous 2-condo plan. A plan for two luxury condominium towers has become a plan for one at Ward Village in Kakaako. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Council asks for moratorium on the mauna. Testimony ranged from poetic to pragmatic to piqued. But all speakers were passionate and tears flowed on both sides of the dais Wednesday as the County Council passed a nonbinding resolution backing state Sen. Kai Kahele’s call for a 60-day moratorium on construction of the Thirty Meter Telescope on Maunakea. West Hawaii Today.

Majority of Hawaii County Council votes in favor of TMT moratorium. Dozens of people testified from across the Big Island Wednesday, both in support of and against the telescope. KITV.

Councilman Tim Richards Statement In Support Of TMT. Big Island Video News.

Wahine On Front Line Support TMT Moratorium. Big Island Video News.

Maui

County moves to take wells from exploratory to full production. Final environmental assessment for groundwater source project released. Maui News.

Maui beaches lead state in spinal injuries. Makena had most in state with 40 from 2009 to 2017. Maui News.

Maui beaches have Hawaii’s highest number of spinal injuriesA state trauma registry lists Maui as the location of the highest number of spinal injuries occurring at Hawaii’s beaches. Associated Press.

Kauai

KIUC says power outages are done. No more rolling blackouts are expected, but mechanical issues persist at multiple Kauai Island Utility Cooperative facilities, and residents are still being asked to conserve electricity. Garden Island.

Gov. Ige meets with TMT opponents, taps Kim to lead negotiations, court allows one kumu hula access to Mauna Kea, TRO rejected, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Mauna Kea protest overview ©2019 All Hawaii News

Gov. David Ige meets TMT opponents on Mauna Kea and taps Harry Kim to lead negotiations. After a weeklong standoff, Gov. David Ige on Tuesday asked Hawaii County Mayor Harry Kim to “coordinate” state and county efforts to resolve the impasse over the Thirty Meter Telescope. Star-Advertiser.

Ige Asks Hawaii County Mayor To Take Over TMT Talks. The governor finally visits the mountain on Day 9 of massive protests against the Thirty Meter Telescope construction. Civil Beat.

Gov. David Ige on Tuesday evening met with Thirty Meter Telescope opponents near the Maunakea Access Road shortly after announcing that Mayor Harry Kim would take over efforts to negotiate a peaceful resolution with demonstrators who have blocked the road for nine days. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaii Governor Asks Mayor Kim To Lead Protester Talks. Hawaii Gov. David Ige acknowledged Tuesday that the ongoing protest against the Thirty Meter Telescope planned on the state's highest mountain is also about addressing the treatment of Native Hawaiians going back more than a century. Associated Press.

Governor David Ige Visits Mauna Kea Encampment. On Day 9 of the standoff on Mauna Kea, Governor David Ige visited the opponents of the Thirty Meter Telescope project for the first time. Big Island Video News.

Governor embraced by protesters, kupuna during first visit to TMT protest at Mauna Kea. The governor received a remarkably warm welcome - with lei, chants and embraces - Tuesday in his first visit to the TMT protest at the base of Mauna Kea. Hawaii News Now.

Governor Ige meets with kiai and kupuna at Mauna Kea. Governor Ige arrived on Mauna Kea at about 5:30 p.m. Tuesday. KHON2.

Ige makes first visit with kupuna and leaders on Mauna Kea. Governor Ige, as well as Mayor Harry Kim from Hawaii County, arrived on the scene and were greeted with aloha. KITV.



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Court rulings mixed for Mauna Kea protesters. A state court Tuesday granted a Hawaii island kumu hula’s request to temporarily overturn Gov. David Ige’s emergency proclamation restricting public access to Mauna Kea. Meanwhile a Hawaii island judge denied a request by Neves and six other anti-Thirty Meter Telescope petitioners to temporarily halt construction of the $1.4 billion project. Star-Advertiser.


Judge denies TRO to stop TMT construction. Opponents and supporters of the construction of the Thirty Meter Telescope overflowed a Hilo courtroom Tuesday for a hearing on a petition for a temporary restraining order that would prohibit further construction activities on Maunakea unless TMT posts a performance bond of at least $1.4 billion, the project’s estimated price tag. Tribune-Herald.

Kumu hula granted temporary suspension of Ige's emergency proclamation. A state court granted only one person temporary suspension of the governor's emergency proclamation. KITV.

DLNR releases names of those arrested on Maunakea. The state Department of Land and Natural Resources on Tuesday released the names of 38 people it said were arrested July 17 for obstructing the Maunakea Access Road during protests of the Thirty Meter Telescope. Tribune-Herald.

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Observatory Crew Denied Access By Activists To Mauna Kea. Technicians bound for the Gemini Observatory were stopped by activists from entering Mauna Kea Access Road Tuesday morning, according to Maunakea Observatories, which represents the telescopes currently on the mountain. Hawaii Public Radio.

Incident Raises Mauna Kea Observatory Access Concerns. The cooling system for the Gemini Observatory on Mauna Kea has become unstable, but specialized technicians were unable to make it to the summit on Tuesday to it shut down “in order to prevent damage to the instruments and the cooling circuit itself,” the Maunakea Observatories says. Big Island Video News.

Dozens Of Astronomy Projects Are On Hold At Empty Observatories. Authorities and opponents of the Thirty Meter Telescope can’t agree on who should be allowed up the Mauna Kea Access Road. Civil Beat.

Amid mass protests, TMT supporter says telescope is being done ‘the right way’. As hundreds of opponents gather at Mauna Kea, supporters of the Thirty Meter Telescope are waiting for it to be built. Hawaii News Now.

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Homegrown Logistics Network Supports TMT Protests. A complex network of donations is keeping anti-TMT demonstrators well supplied with food, cold weather clothing, medical supplies, and even sanitation services. Hawaii Public Radio.

Mauna Kea Day 9 – Court Cases And Common Ground. Governor David Ige is handing things off to Mayor Harry Kim, as decisions come down in two court cases. Big Island Video News.

Day 9: Gov. Ige Hands Operations Over to Mayor Kim. Gov. David Ige has taken himself off the front lines, naming Hawaii County Mayor Harry Kim lead negotiator in the standoff with protesters over construction of the Thirty Meter Telescope on Mauna Kea, which has now stretched into its ninth day. Big Island Now.




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Education Institute of Hawaii sues to get public schools’ budget data. The Education Institute of Hawaii is suing schools Superintendent Christina Kishimoto and the Department of Education for failing to hand over all the budget data it is seeking. Star-Advertiser.


Hawaii’s Shrinking Schools Raise Questions About Student Transfer Program. DOE data shows the popularity of “geographic exceptions” that let students transfer out of their local schools is surging. Civil Beat.

Whale study may show possible link between Hawaii and Mexico. New robotic device used for humpback research, tracking. Maui News.

Oahu

Caldwell officials and Council again clash on Ala Moana park plans. Ala Moana Regional Park regulars and Honolulu City Council members Tuesday again clashed with officials from Mayor Kirk Caldwell’s administration over plans for a major makeover at “the People’s Park.” Star-Advertiser.

Ala Moana Playground Opponents: ‘We’re Being Steamrolled’. Council members want the city to seek more public input on a project that is deeply unpopular among many residents. Civil Beat.

Waikiki councilman calls on city to suspend bulky item pilot in tourist district. Waikiki’s newly elected councilman says illegal dumping has spiked dramatically since the city changed the way it collects oversized opala. Hawaii News Now.

Pine Postpones Action On Studying Oahu Tourism Impact. A Honolulu City Council bill seeks policy solutions for growing visitor counts. Civil Beat.

Old Ward Warehouse location to include more green open space. Howard Hughes announced the re-design of the old Ward Warehouse location on Ala Moana Boulevard on Tuesday. KHON2.

Hawaii Island

FEMA sending specialists to Big Island to help resolve eruption relief issues. Victims of the 2018 Kilauea eruption who were told to return federal disaster relief funds will have a chance to meet with specialists next month in an effort to resolve the matter. Tribune-Herald.

Council committee advances changes to Kona CDP. Despite concerns from about a dozen testifiers that changes to Kona’s community development plan would make it harder to hold developers accountable for their promises, a County Council panel Tuesday advanced a measure making a host of amendments. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Kihei doctor pleads guilty to fraud. Owner of South Maui Clinic arraigned on charges in federal court. Maui News.

Mahi Pono’s Ag Park Applications Open for Community Farming. Mahi Pono, LLC, today announced that applications are now available for Hawaii residents and small local businesses interested in applying for a two-, five- or 10-acre parcels at its agriculture park. Maui Now.

Kauai

A massive march to support protesters of the Thirty Meter Telescope at Mauna Kea is planned for Sunday in Lihue. More than 1,000 people are expected. Garden Island.

Some Residents Are Waylaying Tourists On The North Shore. Ever since the most distant stretch of the Kuhio Highway reopened, a group has been detaining nonlocal vehicles and passing out inaccurate parking information. Civil Beat.

Black Pot is back. Black Pot Beach Park welcomed hundreds of visitors at its reopening on Monday. Garden Island.

Mauna Kea access fight moves to the courts, Honolulu police sent home, Lt. Gov. visits camp, Thirty Meter Telescope backers speak out, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Mauna Kea roadblock/checkpoint ©2019 All Hawaii News

Judges challenge both sides in dispute over Mauna Kea emergency declaration. The Native Hawaiian Legal Corporation and state attorney general faced off Monday over whether the governor’s emergency declaration for Mauna Kea was an overreaction that is illegally blocking those who want to practice traditional worship on the mountain. Hawaii News Now.

Judges Ponder Whether To Halt Ige’s Mauna Kea Emergency Proclamation. A ruling is expected Tuesday after a hearing into whether the order violates the rights of a Native Hawaiian cultural practitione. Civil Beat.

Court hears challenge to emergency proclamation. A state judge says he hopes to have, by the end of today, a decision on a Big Island kumu hula’s challenge to Gov. David Ige’s emergency proclamation restricting public access to Mauna Kea. Star-Advertiser.

Court weighs suspending Mauna Kea emergency proclamation; Honolulu police recalled to Oahu. Dozens of Honolulu police officers are heading back to Oahu after a week among the law enforcement ranks keeping an eye on demonstrators at Mauna Kea. The department faces questions about how they got deployed and who is paying the bills. KHON2.

Judges hear arguments on lawsuit against Ige's emergency proclamation. The Native Hawaiian Legal Corporation is suing Governor David Ige. KITV.

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Lt. Gov. Josh Green Visits Mauna Kea Kupuna. Three days after Governor David Ige was on Hawaii Island but opted not to visit the Mauna Kea encampment, Lt. Gov. Green makes the trip. Big Island Video News.

Lieutenant Governor Visits Mauna Kea Protesters. State officials estimated the crowd on Monday stood at 1,500 people at the site of the protest against the planned Thirty Meter Telescope. There were no arrests. Hawaii Public Radio.

Lt. Gov. Josh Green visited Mauna Kea Monday morning. He explains, that he is not on Hawaii Island to make a political stance but to make sure the health and safety of the kiai are okay. KHON2.

Green says issue has become more than just TMT, will speak with Ige to de-escalate confrontation. After meeting with protesters Monday at the Maunakea Access Road, Lt. Gov. Josh Green said he would advise Gov. David Ige to de-escalate the confrontation on the mountain. Tribune-Herald.

After visiting protest at Mauna Kea, LG says TMT should ‘move on’ if brokered deal can’t be found. After a lengthy visit Monday with TMT protesters blocking access to Mauna Kea’s summit, Lt. Gov. Josh Green said the controversial telescope project might have to “move on” if an agreement with its opponents can’t be reached. Hawaii News Now.

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Can The Thirty Meter Telescope Survive Growing Opposition? Gov. David Ige’s cabinet members spent most of Monday in meetings to discuss the future of the project planned for Mauna Kea. Civil Beat.

Day 8: State Stands By Assertions of Drug, Alcohol Use on Mauna Kea. Big Island Now.

Support for protesters stretches across the islands. Protesters who want to halt construction of the Thirty Meter Telescope continue to gain momentum for their cause, with statements Monday from public officials, shows of support from around the country and a nod from Hawaii businesses shutting their doors in solidarity. Star-Advertiser.

Pressure grows on backers of TMT. As the protest over the Thirty Meter Telescope rages on, an increasing number of activists are targeting the largest funder of the next- generation telescope, the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation of Palo Alto, California. Star-Advertiser.

TMT says telescope will not be built near historical burial on Mauna Kea. As tensions continue over the construction of TMT, the International Observatory affirms it will not be on or near historical features. KITV.

TMT spokesperson says Mauna Kea remains as 'preferred site' for telescope. A TMT spokesperson says they remain hopeful both sides can move forward 'with mutual respect.' KITV.

Native Hawaiian TMT supporter feels the time is now to speak up. As protests statewide continue, supporters of TMT are speaking up for the project, while officials say they’re trying to get a handle on misinformation. Those who favor the project have long said they are in the “silent majority”. Hawaii News Now.

Amid mass protests, TMT supporter says telescope is being done ‘the right way’. As hundreds of opponents gather at Mauna Kea, supporters of the Thirty Meter Telescope (TMT) are waiting for it to be built. Hawaii News Now.

DHHL not receiving compensation for housing TMT equipment. Bulldozers were loaded on lowboy trailers in order for TMT construction to continue. KITV.

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Hawaii students’ data may have been exposed through college planning website. Data on Hawaii public school students, including names, birth dates and addresses, that was maintained by a private vendor on a career planning portal may have been exposed to unauthorized users, officials announced Monday. Star-Advertiser.

Personal information for 70,000 Hawaii students potentially compromised. Personal information for as many as 70,000 public school students may have been compromised after a University of Hawaii vendor charged with overseeing a college and career planning website detected “suspicious” unauthorized access to one of its servers. Hawaii News Now.

Up to 70,000 student records potentially exposed. Graduation Alliance, a vendor contracted by the University of Hawaii for Hawaii P-20 Partnerships of Education, reported the potential exposure, UH announced Monday. Tribune-Herald.

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Unsafe water was found last year at 41% of Hawaii beaches. A new water pollution report, “Safe for Swimming? Water Quality at Our Beaches,” scheduled for release today by the national nonprofit Environment America Research & Policy Center, says an estimated 57 million people get sick from recreational waterborne illnesses each year. According to the Environment America report, 90 of 218 beach sites sampled in Hawaii, or 41%, were potentially unsafe for swimming for at least one day in 2018. Star-Advertiser.

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Hawaii Office of Consumer Protection announces settlement with Equifax regarding 2017 data breach. KHON2.

Hawaii to receive $1 million from Equifax over massive data breach. The state of Hawaii will receive one million dollars as the result of a large, multi-state settlement with Equifax Inc., one of the largest consumer reporting agencies in the world, regarding a major data breach in 2017. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Gets $1 Million In Equifax Data Breach Settlement. The credit reporting agency will also pay other states as it pledges to strengthen its security program. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Caldwell signs a bill to lease dedicated city parking spaces to car-share firms. Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell on Monday signed a bill dedicating up to 80 on-street and 80 off-street parking stalls for lease to car-share companies. Star-Advertiser.

Mayor signs bill reserving public parking stalls for car-sharing vehicles. Mayor Kirk Caldwell signed a bill that would reserve some public parking stalls for car-sharing vehicles only. KHON2.

Honolulu Officials Are Trying to Fix Problems With Bulky Item Pickup Program. The city Department of Environmental Services is fine-tuning its bulky item pickup pilot program following complaints islandwide that mounds of trash have been collecting on the streets. Hawaii Public Radio.

City To Spend $1 Million On Koko Crater Stairs. The money will be used mostly for planning long-term repairs, but at least $100,000 will pay for immediate work. Civil Beat.

HART Has A New Board Member: Ford Fuchigami. Fuchigami previously served on the local board overseeing rail when he was the state’s DOT director. Civil Beat.

Community meeting seeks public input on Lake Wilson. The public is invited to a community meeting to discuss future plans for the Wahiawa Freshwater State Recreation Area, including Lake Wilson. KHON2.

Hawaii Island

TMT construction moratorium on Wednesday council agenda. The County Council on Wednesday is scheduled to decide whether to hear a last-minute resolution supporting a 60-day moratorium on Thirty Meter Telescope construction on Maunakea. West Hawaii Today.

Tourism businesses take stand. A West Hawaii business canceled its luau show Monday after organizers of the demonstration on Maunakea called on the visitor industry to suspend operations to show support for the protectors. West Hawaii Today.

Land Board To Vote On Puueo Cemetery Damage Fine. The BLNR will consider a settlement of enforcement action against the Edwin C. Olson Trust No.2 for damage that occurred during land altering activities without a permit in 2016. Big Island Video News.

Councilwoman to introduce resolution urging cooperation on Puna boat ramp. Puna Councilwoman Ashley Kierkiewicz said Monday she plans to introduce this week a resolution urging the state Department of Land and Natural Resources Division of Boating and Ocean Recreation to form a working group with the county, community members and fishing community to plan and develop a boat ramp for Puna. Tribune-Herald.

County Council To Weigh In On New Puna Boat Ramp. The County Council will consider Resolution 218-19 during its full meeting at the West Hawaii Civic Center on Wednesday, July 24. Big Island Video News.

Maui

Standing for Mauna Kea on Maui. Maui residents line Hana Highway in protest of the Thirty Meter Telescope on Sunday morning. The demonstration stretched for about a mile from the intersection of Haleakala and Hana highways to just before Hookele Street. Maui News.

Tourism Related Businesses Taking “Peaceful Stand” for Maunakea. The Old Lahaina Luaau in West Maui will suspend its luaau experience today as a “peaceful stand” in support of employees who support the protection of Maunakea. Maui Now.

Early designs unveiled for Kahului transit hub. Project in process of getting its permit. Maui News.

Lawsuit Challenges Hawaii’s Termination Of Youth Mental Health Services At 18. The suit filed in federal court alleges a young woman received minimal care when her case was turned over to Hawaii’s adult mental health division, leading to the deterioration of her condition. Civil Beat.

Parents of a Maui woman with a mental illness file suit against the state. A lawsuit by the parents of a severely mentally ill Maui girl alleges that the state improperly terminated her mental health services two years ago. Hawaii News Now.

Kauai

Councilmembers call for Ige to reverse Mauna Kea proclamation. Two members of the Kauai County Council have joined a growing list of elected officials from across the state, urging Gov. David Ige to rescind an emergency declaration he issued last week giving law enforcement more power to remove Native Hawaiian rights activists protesting the construction of a giant telescope on Mauna Kea. Garden Island.

Cable blamed for outage. Islandwide power outages that started Sunday afternoon were caused by a frayed cable in the main generator at a Kauai Island Utility Cooperative facility. Garden Island.

The Kauai Island Utility Cooperative said a cable failure at the largest unit in KIUC’s generation fleet caused Sunday’s islandwide power outage. Hawaii News Now.

Lights out? No big deal. Sunday’s islandwide power outage had little impact on most businesses. Garden Island.

Mauna Kea protest grows as savvy activists enter second week, telescope opponents march in Waikiki, charter proposal would end Honolulu transit authority, islandwide power outage hits Kauai, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

New arrivals tent at Mauna Kea protest camp ©2019 All Hawaii News

Mauna Kea activists demonstrate savvy in organization, nonviolent protest tactics. The fast-moving events that unfolded last week show the Thirty Meter Telescope protests cannot be dismissed as a bump in the road. Star-Advertiser.

Dispatch from Mauna Kea: The line in the sand. It's not all Woodstockian bliss as a group of more than a thousand Native Hawaiians and their supporters prepare for what seems inevitable conflict over a plan to build a giant telescope on the flank of Mauna Kea. All Hawaii News.


Latest Developments On Mauna Kea TMT Protest. About 2,000 people gathered Sunday near the intersection of Daniel K. Inouye Highway and Mauna Kea Access Road, state officials estimated. Hawaii Public Radio.

Mauna Kea Day 7 – Crowd Swells Into The Thousands. The mountain remains closed under a controversial emergency proclamation, although personnel now have improved access to and from Hale Pohaku. Big Island Video News.

Concert and lectures headline Day 7 of Mauna Kea occupation. Mauna Kea turned partly into an outdoor classroom and concert venue Sunday as professors gave lectures and award-winning musicians played for Thirty Meter Telescope opponents whose numbers swelled by 600 to an estimated 2,000 people. Star-Advertiser.

Medics on Mauna Kea treat hypothermia, sunburn, dehydration. A mobile medical clinic treats demonstrators affected by the weather and the protests. KITV.

Day Seven at Mauna Kea, more bodies join the cause. Since the base of Mauna Kea has gotten more congested, organizers have policed themselves to stay clear of oncoming traffic. KHON2.

Day 7 of Mauna Kea/ TMT protests finds activists bracing for state's next move. Demonstrators gird for a showdown with the state on Monday, as they anticipate government's next move. KITV.


Mauna Kea Day 6 – Mayor Kim Visits. The number of people at the encampment below the Mauna Kea Access Road has swelled over the weekend. Big Island Video News.

Hawaii County mayor Harry Kim meets with TMT opponents. A day after Gov. David Ige claimed TMT protest organizers have not been able to maintain order, Hawaii county mayor Harry Kim visited operations at Mauna Kea. Hawaii News Now.

TMT spokesman: Mauna Kea remains preferred site, no plans to back out. A spokesperson for the Thirty Meter Telescope spoke exclusively with Hawaii News Now Sunday saying project executives have no immediate plans to withdraw from constructing the $1.4 billion telescope atop Mauna Kea. Hawaii News Now.

TMT still wants to build on Mauna Kea, despite protests. Thirty Meter Telescope officials say they still want to build at Mauna Kea. KITV.

A Look At The Science Of The Thirty Meter Telescope. The proposed observatory that is generating mass protests on Mauna Kea seeks to focus on the big unknowns of the universe. Associated Press.


Saturday, Gov. Ige left Hawaii Island without meeting directly with opponents at Mauna Kea. Ige’s decision to not visit Puu Huluhulu and meet directly with opponents isn’t sitting well with those who say his allegations of drugs use, alcohol consumption and rowdy crowds at the site were completely false. Hawaii News Now.

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Hawaii Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard steps up effort to qualify for fall primary debate. Hawaii Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard needs to attract about 30,000 more unique donors to her presidential bid to fulfill one of two criteria for making it into the Democratic primary debates in September, an event that’s expected to significantly winnow the crowded field of presidential contenders. Star-Advertiser.


It’s Biden Vs. Harris — And Gabbard — In CNN Debate’s 2nd Night. Sanders will face Warren and Buttigieg in the first round of the DNC forum, which is in Detroit. Civil Beat.

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This Hawaii Entrepreneur Wants To Build The Moon’s First ‘Airport’. Henk Rogers, an early backer of pushing Hawaii toward using 100% renewable energy, has a new idea: use a crew of construction-worker robots to build an underground moon base. Civil Beat.

Higher Per-Capita Distribution of Pain Pills On Neighbor Islands. A database highlights which manufacturers, distributors and pharmacies distributed the most prescription pain pills in the islands from 2006 to 2012. Civil Beat.

A recent study co-authored by a John A. Burns School of Medicine researcher at the University of Hawaii at Manoa highlights why new laws regarding price negotiation between government entities and pharmaceutical companies may be necessary to provide affordable healthcare to the segment of the nation’s elderly population dealing with heart problems. Big Island Now.

Oahu

Hundreds of Thirty Meter Telescope opponents protest in Waikiki. Hundreds of protesters marched along Kalauaka Avenue Sunday morning in opposition to the construction of the Thirty Meter Telescope at Mauna Kea on Hawaii Island. Star-Advertiser.

Large anti-TMT march makes is way through Hawaii’s heart of tourism: Waikiki. Hundreds of people turned Waikiki’s sidewalks into a river of red t-shirts and Hawaiian flags Sunday to rally against construction of the Thirty Meter Telescope. Hawaii News Now.

It was one of the biggest demonstrations seen so far, close to 2000 kiai, who call themselves the protectors of Mauna Kea, marched two miles on Sunday from Fort DeRussy to the Honolulu zoo. KHON2.

Thousands march through Waikiki against TMT. Another day of demonstrations on Mauna Kea also saw rallies of support coming from Oahu. KITV.

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Charter amendment proposal would dissolve HART. City Council Chairman Ikaika Anderson wants voters to abolish the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation and transfer oversight of the island’s troubled rail construction project to an agency that answers directly to the mayor. Star-Advertiser.

Proposal Would Give Honolulu Voters Chance To End HART. The proposal, which rail leaders say comes from Honolulu City Council Chairman Ikaika Anderson, would place the city transportation department in charge of the remaining construction. Civil Beat.

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Sweeping Local-Hire Bill Draws Pushback From Nonunion Builders. City Councilman Joey Manahan says the purpose of the legislation is to make sure that union labor is used on any public works project worth over $250,000. Civil Beat.

Farrington Highway Is A Lifeline — And A Big Hazard — For Leeward Residents. The poorly designed highway presents lots of risks to pedestrians — too few crosswalks and sidewalks, narrow shoulders, no medians and speeding cars. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Island

Building permits drop as vacation rental applications snarl process. The county’s new vacation rental registration laws are stimulating almost as many questions as applications, as property owners struggle to meet county requirements ahead of a Sept. 28 deadline. West Hawaii Today.

Administrators eye tweaks to pharmacy college. Enrollment at the University of Hawaii at Hilo’s Daniel K. Inouye College of Pharmacy is expected to decline this fall, university officials say. Tribune-Herald.

New UH-Hilo chancellor makes student success a top priority. Three weeks on the job and University of Hawaii at Hilo’s Chancellor Bonnie Irwin is wasting no time in her new role. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Maui water board to study buying water diversion system. The governing authority for Maui’s water utility plans to study the feasibility of buying and maintaining an irrigation system that diverts stream water from east Maui and delivers it other parts of the island. Associated Press.

Committee to Meet in Lahaina to Discuss Affordable Rentals. Maui County Council’s Affordable Housing Committee will hold a district meeting in Lahaina on Wednesday, July 24 beginning at 6 p.m. at the West Maui Senior Center, located at 788 Pauoa Street in Lahaina. Maui Now.

MECO reports highest energy demand in decade amid heat wave. Fans, air conditioning, low wind may contribute. Maui News.

Kauai

Kauai’s power is restored after an island-wide outage. At around 2:30 p.m. Sunday afternoon, July 21, the Kauai Island Utility Cooperative reported an island-wide outage after the main generating unit at the Kapaia Power Station experienced a fault. KHON2.

Fault at Kauai power station causes islandwide blackout. The Kauai Island Utility Cooperative said Sunday there was an islandwide power outage at approximately 2:30 p.m., when the main generating unit at its Kapaia Power Station had a problem. Star-Advertiser.

Kauai's Power Company Says Largest Generating Unit Inoperable. An islandwide outage on Kauaii 's has knocked out the power cooperative's largest generating unit and rolling blackouts could be implemented, the utility said Sunday. Hawaii Public Radio.

Islandwide power outage strikes Kauai. Traffic lights turned off Sunday around 1:15 p.m. as an islandwide power outage struck Kauai. Garden Island.

5G Action Kauai holds second meeting. The group will hold a demonstration and rally at the corner of Kapule Highway and Ahukini Road on July 27, starting at 11:45 a.m., as part of a national day of action against 5G. Garden Island.

No human waste at Kauai beaches, study finds, but community groups disagree. The state contracted the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory to use its unique DNA sequencing technology to track the source of the high bacteria counts in the area, which have consistently prompted warning signs to go up at Mahaulepu Beach and Waiopili Stream. Star-Advertiser.

Dispatch from Mauna Kea: The line in the sand

MAUNA KEA—Upside-down Hawaii flags snap in the stiff breeze as the mournful notes of a conch shell are echoed by long blasts from the horns of semi trucks rolling by.

Blankets and sleeping bags are draped over the wildlife fences, drying from the night fog in the bright sun that daylight brings to the clear mountain air.
 
 Friends fall into each others’ arms in hugs and strangers are greeted with a smile and “aloha.” Laughing children run and play, occasionally colliding with adults’ legs. Colorful tents are staked around the camp or attached to cars and pickup trucks parked on the lava along the roadside.




  People chatter, take selfies, meander around the campsite, climb the adjoining Puu Huluhulu (very hairy hill) and cross busy Saddle Road back and forth between the base camp and the roadblock/checkpoint that protesters have installed across Mauna Kea access road.

There’s food everywhere, from hot bentos served in the main tent, to wandering helpers offering fresh coconut, bananas, watermelon. There’s plenty of water, plenty of portable toilets, plenty of sunscreen.  Plenty of the yellow, red and green Kanaka Maoli flags, plenty of aloha.

But it’s not all Woodstockian bliss as a group of more than a thousand Native Hawaiians and their supporters prepare for what seems inevitable conflict over a plan to build a giant telescope on the flank of Mauna Kea.

The Thirty Meter Telescope, an effort by an international consortium, would join 13 other telescopes that have dotted Mauna Kea beginning in the 1970s. The mountain is considered one of the premier sites for stargazing in the world.


Already there have been arrests. Thirty-four kupuna, or elders, were hauled off by police last week after they refused to move from the roadblock.

 Some Native Hawaiians believe the mountain is sacred.

 They’ve fought the permits for the $1.4 billion telescope for a decade, but a state Supreme Court ruling has cleared the way for construction.

   Opponents – who prefer the term “protectors” to “protesters”--have filed new lawsuits and are seeking a temporary restraining order until their new arguments can be heard.


This is no slap-dash undertaking.


There’s a coordinated effort, a clear division of duties. There is a medic tent, marketing and fundraising functions, supply officers, official spokespeople for the cause, legal observers, traffic control, security guards and checkpoint/roadblock officials.


Some security guards’ faces are hidden behind kerchiefs; others wear black ski masks. A car is stopped at a checkpoint. "I don't know you," says a kupuna, standing at the checkpoint with a masked security guard behind him.



A “Kanaka Uber” function shuttles people to and from the Hilo and Koa airports, with a sign posted at the New Arrivals tent. A couple of newcomers reminisce about the old days of protesting with the Rev. Al Sharpton.

Opponents point to a long history of others disrespecting the host culture, beginning with the overthrow of the Hawaiian Monarchy in 1893, annexation to the United States, the dividing of Hawaiian Kingdom lands and continuing through the 1959 statehood proclamation.

Missionaries tried to force Hawaiians away from their animistic religious beliefs, the native tongue was forbidden in schools and native cultural and gathering rights were steadily eroded under private land ownership.

Among the public in this social media age, people are taking sides and lines are drawn in the sand.

Polls have shown a majority in the state, even among the Native Hawaiians, support the telescope as a way to advance science and employ islanders who too often have to leave the state to make a living. But few of the supporters are speaking out as tension builds.

The likelihood of compromise wanes with each passing day, as the opponents solidify their position and reinforcements arrive from around the globe. The state has sent more police officers, although only a few were on site Saturday.

Politicians have jumped on the issue, some taking the opponents’ side outright, while others call for a moratorium to allow a cooling off period and give everyone time to Ho'oponopono, the Hawaiian practice of reconciliation and forgiveness.

On Saturday, a festive atmosphere of community gathering still prevailed. But simmering beneath, there’s a growing tension that everything could change in the coming weeks.

Ige's Mauna Kea emergency proclamation spurs lawsuit, more protests, tour guides hit hard by shutdown, Kealoha linked to rail delays, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Mauna Kea protest scene PC:DLNR

Ige Sued Over Mauna Kea Emergency Proclamation. The complaint says the TMT protest does not justify the governor granting broad powers to control mountain access. Civil Beat.

TMT protesters brace for more law enforcement action at Mauna Kea. Opponents of the Thirty Meter Telescope were concerned that law enforcement officers would move in to Mauna Kea early Friday, but there had been no indication from authorities so far that a larger presence was on the mountain yet. Hawaii News Now.

An emergency proclamation signed by Gov. David Ige means that no one will be allowed on Mauna Kea, including cultural practitioners, and National Guard troops will join other law enforcement officers in dealing with protesters attempting to stop construction of a telescope at the mountain’s summit, state officials said Thursday. Star-Advertiser.

Emergency proclamation closes Maunakea to the public; TMT opponents continue protest. Maunakea has been closed to the public entirely as one of the first actions under the emergency proclamation signed by Gov. David Ige Wednesday. Tribune-Herald.

Kupuna Decry Governor’s Emergency Proclamation. The kupuna holding the front lane in opposition to the Thirty Meter Telescope, many of whom were arrested the day before, held a news conference Thursday. Big Island Video News.

Protesters Condemn Governor’s Emergency Proclamation at Maunakea. A group of protesters led by kupuna held a press conference this morning, in which they condemned the governor’s Emergency Proclamation that was issued on Wednesday afternoon. Maui Now.

Arrested kupuna return to Mauna Kea upset with Ige's emergency proclamation. Earlier the access road was open to those traveling on foot, but it is now completely closed off.  KITV.

Another Day Of Waiting For Protesters, Authorities At Mauna Kea. Hundreds of Thirty Meter Telescope opponents maintain their vigil as authorities say all access to the mountain is now restricted. Civil Beat.

Latest Developments On TMT Protests At Mauna Kea. A group of elders and protest leaders called on partners in the international collaboration that is building the Thirty Meter Telescope to stop the construction. Hawaii Public Radio.

TMT Standoff, Day 4: State Clarifies Proclamation; No Arrests Today. At its peak, there were an estimated 600 people in the area and around the intersection of the Daniel K. Inouye Highway (formerly known as Saddle Road) and Mauna Kea Access Road. Big Island Now.

Quieter day at Mauna Kea after 34 arrests Wednesday afternoon. It is now day four of the standoff and there is no word on what will happen to demonstrators that are currently at the base of Mauna Kea. KHON2.

In wake of arrests, TMT protesters pledge to stand their ground. A day after 34 were arrested for blocking the access road to the summit of Mauna Kea, leaders of a growing TMT protest say they’re not going anywhere and claimed the governor’s emergency proclamation for the mountain is an “abuse of power.” Hawaii News Now.

UH president addresses ‘heartbreaking’ TMT arrests, calls for his resignation. University of Hawaii President David Lassner said Wednesday was one of the most challenging days in his six-year tenure as the head of the university system. Hawaii News Now.

Ed Case and Mazie Hirono respond to TMT. KHON2.

State Sen. Kahele says he’ll seek TMT moratorium. State Sen. Kai Kahele said this afternoon he will ask Gov. David Ige today “for a moratorium on the construction of (Thirty Meter Telescope) for the next 60 days.” Tribune-Herald.

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Hawaii Funds Women's Health Services To Address Trump Rule On Abortion Services. Hawaii officials say they are prepared to maintain women’s health services in the state as the Trump administration orders taxpayer-funded family planning clinics to stop both referring patients for abortion services and discussing the topic with them. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii jobless rate remains steady at 2.8%. The seasonally adjusted measure held at 2.8% in June for the fourth month in a row while the state’s labor force continued to shrink, according to data released Thursday by the state Department of Labor and Industrial Relations. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Thirty Meter Telescope protesters block H-1 traffic for second day. A coordinated effort presumably by Thirty Meter Telescope protesters blocked traffic on Hawaii’s busiest freeway this afternoon for the second day in a row. Star-Advertiser.

HPD calls TMT protest on H-1 Freeway ‘foolish and dangerous’. Pop-up TMT protests are happening statewide, including on Oahu roadways. On Thursday, protesters took to the H-1 Freeway westbound for a second day, creating a slow-rolling convoy near the Ward Avenue overpass. Hawaii News Now.

Federal investigators probe Katherine Kealoha’s role in costly rail project delay. Katherine Kealoha who’s now behind bars awaiting sentencing in one of the biggest public corruption cases in Hawaii history played a role in one of the first, major and costly delays of the Honolulu rail project. Hawaii News Now.

Contingency fund to cover contamination, HART says. The board of the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation on Thursday approved paying a contractor up to $10 million to deal with contaminated groundwater found in December in an aquifer about 30 feet below a rail work site at Daniel K. Inouye International Airport. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu Rail Will Spend Nearly $40 Million More On Change Order Fixes. Despite the cost increases, the 20-mile, 21-station transit line is holding steady to HART’s latest, $8.14 billion construction budget, officials say. Civil Beat.

Katherine Kealoha’s attorney seeks delays in trials. Kealoha and her husband, retired Police Chief Louis Kealoha, face an Oct. 21 trial on bank fraud and identity theft, but that date is expected to be pushed back. Star-Advertiser.

Next Kealoha Trials May Get Pushed Back As New Attorney Gets Up To Speed. Katherine Kealoha’s attorney wants to delay a bank fraud until next year. That could also set back her drug trafficking trial, too. Civil Beat.

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Board of Water Supply proposes to remove Haiku Stairs. The owners of Haiku Stairs, also known as “Stairway to Heaven,” made yet another pitch at the Kaneohe Neighborhood Board meeting Thursday evening to remove the nearly 4,000 steps above Heeia. Hawaii News Now.

BWS presents draft of Haiku Stairs environmental impact statement to Kaneohe community. A recent environmental study listed several options including taking the stairs down, or handing it over to the city to manage and open to the public. KITV.

What could be the future of Haiku Stairs in Kaneohe? KHON2.

Kailua Residents Long For Past, Worry About Future. The community is grappling with a number of issues as it grows from a small town to an overcrowded tourist destination. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Island

Tour guides feeling the pinch of Maunakea closure. The closure of Maunakea and uncertainty about the status of Saddle Road is having a direct impact on the island’s tour guides — primarily mom and pop operations that rely on stargazing and astronomy tours to make their living. West Hawaii Today.

Mauna Kea Tour Companies Are Out Of Luck For Now. Businesses that take visitors up the mountain are stymied. And even if the protests end, Thirty Meter Telescope construction will be disruptive. Civil Beat.

Grant helps grow bikeshare program. The nonprofit organization AARP recently awarded Peoples Advocacy for Trails Hawaii, PATH, a grant to extend its bikeshare program. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Interview with Peter Martin: Developer talks about his start, challenges building affordable homes. His opponents outline issues with him; developer’s West Maui projects up for vote at council Friday. Maui News.

Kauai

Mayor: Raves welcome, not rants. When Mayor Derek S.K. Kawakami was asked how the business community could help him and the county be successful, he didn’t hesitate with a simple, lighthearted answer. Garden Island.

Kalalau Trail work scheduled. Friends of Kalalau Trail is inviting volunteers to work on the Kalalau Trail on Saturday. Garden Island.