Astronomers evacuate Mauna Kea as police presence builds, Ige seeks new energy chief, Honolulu rail hazard could cost extra $10M, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

James Clerk Maxwell Telescope on Mauna Kea ©2019 All Hawaii News

All Observatory Staffers Evacuated As TMT Protest Continues. As hundreds of telescope opponents gather for a second day at the base of Mauna Kea, others descend on the office of Gov. David Ige. Civil Beat.

Mauna Kea Observatories Close, Personnel Withdrawn. The observatories at the summit of Mauna Kea are shutting down, and taking their personnel off the mountain, as the standoff over the planned Thirty Meter Telescope continues. Big Island Video News.

Maunakea Observatories Withdraws Personnel, Suspends Summit Activities. The Maunakea Observatories today announced the withdrawal of all personnel from their telescope facilities atop Maunakea on Hawaii Island amid safety concerns. Maui Now.

Observatory Personnel Withdraw From Mauna Kea. Big Island Now.

Scientists escorted off of Mauna Kea. Just around 4 p.m., a long caravan of vehicles packed with scientists were escorted off of Mauna Kea. They were being led by sheriffs. KHON2.

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Talks between TMT opponents, law enforcement to resume after another day of no arrests. The directors of existing telescopes atop the mountain have evacuated their employees over safety concerns. Hawaii News Now.

Mauna Kea negotiations are largely unsuccessful as protesters brace for police intervention. Two days into the announced construction of the Thirty Meter Telescope, foes held their ground without arrest and claimed victory once again. Star-Advertiser.

Latest On Protest Against TMT Construction on Mauna Kea. State officials estimated about 200 protesters gathered near the intersection of Daniel K. Inouye Highway and Mauna Kea Access Road on Tuesday, day two of the protests against the Thirty Meter Telescope construction. Hawaii Public Radio.

Kupuna stand firm; Deal for no arrests eases tension between TMT protesters, law enforcement. A tense standoff between Thirty Meter Telescope protesters and law enforcement ended with jubilation after officers assured they would make no arrests Tuesday afternoon. Tribune-Herald.

Two days of 'roller coasting,' and no arrests have been made. They waited hours then heard the news that because of safety concerns, they would not be taken into custody. KITV.

Mauna Kea Update – Day Two. Day two of the scheduled construction of the Thirty Meter Telescope began quiet, but ended with a dramatic truce with police. Big Island Video News.

Construction of TMT poses conflict for those who want science to progress but also respect culture. KHON2.

Former Gov. Abecrombie: TMT opponents are being hypocritical by blocking project. He says while opponents have the right to protest and are entitled to be treated respectfully under law, he says the TMT also has a right to be on Mauna Kea under law. Hawaii News Now.

TMT says it’s not responsible to reimburse law enforcement. State officials say it’s too early to estimate how much it could cost law enforcement agencies to provide protection and help pave the way for construction of the Thirty Meter Telescope as protesters attempt to block the project. Star-Advertiser.

TMT files response to opponents’ TRO petition. TMT International Observatory on Monday filed a response to an application by opponents of the Thirty Meter Telescope for a temporary restraining order to halt construction of the project. Tribune-Herald.

Scientists say possibilities of space observation from TMT would be out of this world. Dr. Adamson believes there is a deeper space the controversial Thirty Meter Telescope can discover. KITV.

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Gabbard Lags Behind Presidential Race Frontrunners In Fundraising. The Hawaii congresswoman raised less money in the second quarter of 2019 than she did in the first part of the year. Civil Beat.

Gabbard’s presidential campaign fundraising numbers show quarterly dip. Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard’s presidential campaign raised less than half the amount of money in the second quarter of this year as it did in the first, according to campaign finance records that were released earlier this week. Hawaii News Now.

Ige Seeking State Energy Chief. The state is taking job applications until the end of the month. Civil Beat.

State cultivating Hawaii's future farmers. Next month, another crop of Hawaii students will get a chance to experience running their own small farm, in the GoFarm Hawaii program. KITV.

Hawaii Struggles To Maintain Its Worn-Out Hiking Trails. “Honestly, we’re just trying to keep up with demand,” the state’s trails manager said. Civil Beat.

Humpback Whale Calls Heard In Mid-Ocean Basin. The results of the first leg of an autonomous humpback whale acoustic survey have been released. Maui Now.

Oahu

A hazardous discovery could cost the rail authority $10 million. Rail construction near the Daniel K. Inouye International Airport stalled for about five months back in December after contaminants found in solvents were found in the groundwater, the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation said. Hawaii News Now.

Reopening of Arizona Memorial moves closer. Twelve new synthetic straps are anchoring the USS Arizona Memorial’s boat landing dock in place, and a contractor has 30 days to adjust the tension, leaving the National Park Service optimistic that the reopening of the iconic memorial to walk-on traffic is getting closer. Star-Advertiser.

Mayor is in capital to talk climate change. Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell is scheduled to testify before a Senate Democrats’ Special Committee on the Climate Crisis in Washington, D.C., this morning. Star-Advertiser.

The Hawaii Department of Transportation is seeking public comment on a community noise variance application for a project to install pavement markings and milled rumble strips at various locations on Oahu. KHON2.

Nanakuli residents are fed up over proposed landfill expansion. Officials with the PVT Integrated Solid Waste Management Facility in Nanakuli say it needs to expand its landfill because its current location is close to filling up. Hawaii News Now.

Hitting The Road To Stem Summer Hunger. On the Waianae coast, the state DOE deploys a food truck to distribute free, freshly packaged meals to kids in need. Civil Beat.

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Historic Spalding House to be put up for sale. The Honolulu Museum of Art announced Tuesday that its board of trustees has decided to put the historic Spalding House in Makiki Heights up for sale. Star-Advertiser.

HoMA’s Spalding House to go on sale. KHON2.

A picturesque Makiki Heights home with ties to art is going up for sale. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

In-depth look at 2018 eruption’s economic impact part of county’s recovery efforts. As the Big Island continues recovering from the 2018 eruption of Kilauea volcano, the county Department of Research and Development selected the Institute for Sustainable Development to do an in-depth assessment of the eruption’s economic impacts and draft an economic recovery plan. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaii County issues surveys to help shape future eruption recovery efforts. Hawaii County officials are asking for public input on last year’s Kilauea eruption response so that they can better shape how recovery efforts for future eruptive events are handled. Hawaii News Now.

Officials looking to limit, avoid transfer station closures attributed to ‘staff shortages’. With the closures of three West Hawaii transfer stations Tuesday that sent residents to Waimea and Kailua-Kona to dispose of their rubbish because of staff shortages, local officials say they’d like to see some solutions. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Telescope protest draws county residents to protect Mauna Kea. Walter Ritte and Kaleikoa Kaeo, both from Maui County, chain themselves to cattle guard in roadway. Maui News.

Keopuolani Park Closed July 18-19 to Address Health and Safety. Maui Now.

Maui County is seeking public input on options for 50 Maui Lani lots that the county acquired through a settlement with a developer in 2011. Maui News.

Maui County condominium prices spike to decade high. The median sale price for Maui County condominiums spiked in June to $552,000, its highest mark in a decade. But inventory reaches all-time low. Maui News.

Kauai

In Tuesday’s early afternoon heat, kupuna and kanaka gathered at the intersection of Ahukini and Kapule Highway, known as the airport corner. The group was rallying support to stop construction of the Thirty Meter Telescope atop Mauna Kea, where hundreds are gathering in protest. Garden Island.

The Department of Parks and Recreation has implemented new rules for after-hours use of Weke Boat Ramp. Garden Island.

Confidential KPD records to be used in trial. Records related to an internal police investigation could be used to determine the credibility of officers set to testify in the upcoming trial of a man accused of killing a 19-year-old Kapaa woman in a hit-and-run accident two years ago. Garden Island.

Drama but no arrests on Mauna Kea as protesters chain themselves to access road, Gabbard misses Congressional votes as she campaigns for president, Honolulu Council chairman endorses Kahele, ethics board studies mistakes in Kealoha oversight, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Mauna Kea Thirty Meter Telescope press conference PC: Big Island Video News

Opponents remain at base of Mauna Kea, ready for day 2 of TMT protests. This comes after a day of hours-long standoffs and negotiations between authorities and Native Hawaiians and other activists who oppose the construction of the giant telescope. Hawaii News Now.

Activists stop construction on first day of Thirty Meter Telescope work. The opposition to the Thirty Meter Telescope declared victory Monday on what was to have been Day 1 for construction of the landmark $1.4 billion project near the summit of Hawaii’s tallest mountain. Star-Advertiser.

Late Standoff Shows How Tenuous A 1st-Day ‘Truce’ Was On Mauna Kea. No one was arrested Monday as hundreds of people protested construction of the Thirty Meter Telescope. Civil Beat.

There was a break in the action on the Mauna Kea Access Road in the early afternoon today, after Thirty Meter Telescope opponents who were chained to the cattle guard relinquished their position and were not arrested. Big Island Video News.

Protests continue as officials build gate to close off Mauna Kea Access Road. KHON2.

TMT Day 1: Protests end peacefully, no arrests made. Safety was the reason behind not arresting demonstrators, including kupuna and a handful who tied themselves to a cattle gate, blocking vehicle access to the mountain. KITV.

Latest Developments As TMT Construction Preparations Begin on Mauna Kea. Protesters and law enforcement expect to be back at Mauna Kea tomorrow after the anticipated arrests of protesters aiming to stop construction of the Thirty Meter Telescope did not materialize. Hawaii Public Radio.

Following a daylong standoff between police and Thirty Meter Telescope protesters, both sides appeared to agree late Monday to a truce until daybreak today. Tribune-Herald.

Inside the 'protectors' camp: Night spent with protesters shows community-run effort. West Hawaii Today.

Both sides of the TMT debate make their point known with rallies across the state. Mauna Kea isn’t the only place where members of the community voiced their opinion on what was set to be day one of TMT construction. Hawaii News Now.

Sign wavers and halau hula gathered at State Capitol to protest start of TMT construction. On Oahu, hundreds of people gathered at the State Capitol to voice their concerns over the start of construction of the Thirty Meter Telescope. KHON2.

100+ gathered at State Capitol to voice concerns against TMT. Some feel it's their duty to protect the mountain. KITV.

Local support for TMT has been strong for years. About three-fourths of local residents have said they support the telescope in Honolulu Star- Advertiser polls conducted in 2016 and 2018. The polling also suggested growing support among Native Hawaiians, with 72% of those polled saying they supported the project in 2018. Star-Advertiser.

TMT Equipment Going Up “Later This Week”, Supporters Rally. Early Monday evening, Thirty Meter Telescope supporters waved signs along the highway in Hilo, marking the observatory’s first scheduled day of construction on Mauna Kea. Big Island Video News.

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Tulsi Gabbard Has Missed Nearly A Quarter Of House Votes This Year. Those include votes on Friday to fund national defense, curb Trump on Iran and compensate 9/11 victims. Civil Beat.

Kai Kahele Gets Anderson’s Backing In Congressional Bid. The Honolulu City Council chairman has endorsed the state senator challenging Tulsi Gabbard. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Medical Cannabis Patients Can Get Card Extensions. Eligible patients will soon be able to renew their cards for up to two years, according to the Department of Health. Civil Beat.

Dramatic drop hits Hawaii macadamia nut crop. Production of mac nuts statewide fell to a dramatic 37-year low this past season, according to a federal report released last week. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Ethics Commission Set To Examine Its Role In Kealoha Corruption Case. The oversight board stopped its former executive director and investigator from pursuing ethics investigations into the city police chief and his prosecutor wife. Civil Beat.

Behind The Verdict In The Kealoha Trial: An Interview With The Jury Foreman. There was no smoking gun just a “mountain of evidence” that led to the conspiracy conviction of the former Honolulu police chief, his prosecutor wife and two police officers. Civil Beat.

Katherine Kealoha gets new taxpayer-funded attorney. A federal judge has appointed attorney Gary Singh to represent the former deputy prosecutor after her previous defense attorney, Cynthia Kagiwada, asked to be taken off the case, citing an “irretrievable breakdown” in their relationship. Hawaii News Now.

Katherine Kealoha has a new attorney. Attorney Earle Partington, who also represented Kealoha during the so called mailbox trial, says a judge has appointed Gary Singh to represent Kealoha in her next two trials. KHON2.

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About as quickly as they were knocked over, most of the 27 vandalized gravestones at Kawaiahao Church cemetery have been restored, in large part because of the goodwill of the community. Star-Advertiser.

Volunteers To Fix Vandalized Gravestones at Honolulu Church. Hawaii Public Radio.

Upcoming residential development in Mililani faces hefty fines over erosion concerns. The state Health Department is seeking to fine a Mililani developer $2,000, alleging they’re not taking appropriate erosion control precautions. Hawaii News Now.

Ala Moana Park improvements start next month. The city will begin repaving, reconstructing and re-striping the full, 1-mile stretch of Ala Moana Park Drive starting next month. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu man nabbed in child enticement sting used cameras hidden in toy cars. An Oahu man was being held without bail on Monday after investigators conducting a child enticement sting apparently discovered a number of cameras in his home that were hidden inside of toy cars.  Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Public recommends additional sites as potential locations for new boat ramp. Sacred Heart Church in Pahoa was packed Saturday for a discussion about a small boat ramp in lower Puna. Tribune-Herald.

Puna Fishermen Pack Pohoiki Boat Ramp Meeting. Puna families and fisherman filled the Sacred Hearts Church building in Pahoa on Saturday, to speak in favor of reestablishing a boat ramp in the area of Pohoiki, and against any consideration of developing a new boat ramp at Kaakepa to the south. Big Island Video News.

Maui

Input Sought on Options for 50 Lots at Maui Lani. Public input will be sought on various options for 50 Maui Lani lots acquired by the County of Maui through a settlement with a developer in 2011. Maui Now.

Fire crews patrol perimeters, douse flare-ups. Embers could smolder a week, officials say. Maui News.

Kauai

New Study Shows The Big Kauai Flood Took A Toll On Fish And Coral After All. Fisherman celebrated the abundance of fish flocking near the shore after the flood, but scientists say the damage left some species unhealthier. Civil Beat.

County’s opioid lawsuit in federal court. Kauai County may soon join a federal class action lawsuit seeking tens of billions of dollars on behalf of millions of people affected by the national opioid crisis. Garden Island.

Council meeting Wednesday. The Kauai County Council is scheduled to meet 8:30 a.m. Wednesday at the Historic County Building. Garden Island.

Wai Koa Plantation for sale. Joan Porter is selling Wai Koa Plantation, the legacy property that’s home to Stone Dam and the Wai Koa Loop Trail. Garden Island.

Hundreds attend vigil as Thirty Meter Telescope construction to commence today, arson investigation in Maui wildfires, security cameras going up in Oahu parks, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaiians chant, prepare on Mauna Kea ©2019 All Hawaii News

With TMT construction set to begin, protesters lie on ground to block potential vehicles. At least seven protesters were lying on the ground, chained to a cattle guard on Mauna Kea Access Road early Monday, just hours before construction was set to start on the controversial project. Hawaii News Now.

Hundreds of Thirty Meter Telescope opponents on Mauna Kea in attempt to block construction. State and local officials will try to close a road to the summit of Mauna Kea Monday morning to allow trucks carrying construction equipment to make their way to the top to begin construction of the Thirty Meter Telescope on land that some Native Hawaiians consider sacred. Associated Press.

Hundreds of Native Hawaiian activists encamped Sunday at the bottom of Mauna Kea were determined to stand their ground against the launching of construction of the Thirty Meter Telescope — unsure of how law enforcement would intervene or what the morning would bring. Star-Advertiser.

Mayor Kim Makes Surprise Visit To Puuhonua At Base Of Mauna Kea. Mayor Harry Kim made a surprise visit to Puu Huluhulu on Sunday, where he told the Thirty Meter Telescope opponents who have established a puuhonua at the location that he supports what they have done. Big Island Video News.

Hundreds gather for prayer vigil. A 12-hour prayer vigil Sunday drew hundreds opposed to the construction of the Thirty Meter Telescope on Maunakea to Pu‘u Huluhulu, across from the intersection of Saddle Road. Tribune-Herald.

Crowds gather on Maunakea prior to TMT project start. With less than 24 hours before the Maunakea summit access road was expected to close in anticipation of the start of construction on the Thirty Meter Telescope, hundreds gathered here over the weekend offering oli, mele and prayers as part of a peaceful yet determined demonstration at the base of Maunakea. West Hawaii Today.

Hundreds gather to protest TMT, construction begins Monday. Hundreds gathered at the base of Maunakea to peacefully protest the Thirty Meter Telescope, which is scheduled to begin construction Monday morning, July 15. KHON2.

Hundreds of TMT protestors gather at Maunakea. Hundreds of protestors are already gathered at the base of Maunakea on the eve of the start of telescope construction. KITV.

Anxiety, Rumors And Prayers Before TMT Construction Begins On Mauna Kea. Officials are committed to escorting construction vehicles for the Thirty Meter Telescope up the mountain Monday. Civil Beat.

Gov. Ige addresses concerns ahead of the start of TMT construction. Gov. David Ige held a news conference Sunday to address the mounting tensions over the start of construction of the Thirty Meter Telescope. Hawaii News Now.

Governor Attempts to Tamp Down Tensions As TMT Opponents Gather At Mauna Kea. Hawaii Gov. David Ige sought to quell rumors of a planned sweep to clear out protesters gathering at Mauna Kea as construction of the Thirty Meter Telescope on the mountain begins this week. Hawaii Public Radio.

Governor Ige Says No Sweeps Planned. “There is no sweep planned for 8 p.m. this evening,” Governor David Ige told media during a Sunday news conference on Oahu. “There’s no sweeps planned at this point.” Big Island Video News.

Full Video: Gov. Ige holds press conference day before TMT ground break. Hawaii Gov. David Ige held a press conference the day before the ground break of the Thirty Meter Telescope on Maunakea on Sunday. KHON2.

OHA demands TMT halt until Native Hawaiian concerns, safety issues resolved. Office of Hawaiian Affairs Chairwoman Colette Machado and OHA Trustee Dan Ahuna are demanding a halt to construction of the long-stalled Thirty Meter Telescope near the summit of Mauna Kea “to avoid harm to Native Hawaiians” and ensure public safety. Star-Advertiser.

OHA Chair Demands Governor Halt TMT Construction. The chairperson of the Office of Hawaiian Affairs has demanded a halt to construction of the Thirty Meter Telescope that is scheduled to start next week. Hawaii Public Radio.

The DOE’s Chief Financial Officer Is Leaving For UH. Amy Kunz’s appointment to the University of Hawaii system was tucked in a recent meeting agenda item from the UH Board of Regents. Civil Beat.

Court Rejects Feds’ Withholding Of Info In UH Biolab Inspection Report. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention heavily redacted a report that found safety infractions at the facility. Civil Beat.

Shawzy Cann is one of the 82 people with confirmed cases of rat lungworm disease from 2007 to 2017. A review of the cases was published last week in the American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

State agency to study transferring control of Kakaako to city. One day after Ige issued his veto Tuesday, board members of the Hawaii Community Development Authority overseeing Kakaako voted to spend up to $100,000 for a private consultant to produce a study on transferring the agency’s Kakaako responsibilities to another entity or entities, despite concerns that such a transfer would be premature and unwise. Star-Advertiser.

Council’s office move to Alii Place hits a snag. The Honolulu City Council’s plan to temporarily move into offices at the downtown Alii Place tower has hit a snag that likely will push the renovation of Council offices at Honolulu Hale into 2021. Star-Advertiser.

More improvements are coming to Ala Moana Beach Park. Up next: Repaving. Work to resurface the main road in Ala Moana Regional Park is scheduled to begin next month. Hawaii News Now.

To curb vandalism, nearly 200 security cameras will be installed in Oahu parks. The City and County of Honolulu plans to install nearly 200 more security cameras at its busiest parks under a partnership with the Hawaii Tourism Authority. Hawaii News Now.

Katherine Kealoha diagnosis raises questions about her city job. After a jury convicted former Deputy Prosecutor Katherine Kealoha of multiple felony counts, the lead federal prosecutor described her as a chronic malingerer, someone who feigned medical ailments to avoid accountability for her actions. Star-Advertiser.

University of Hawaii Officials 'Not Pleased' With West Oahu Land Transfer Mandate. A dispute is brewing over a parcel of land in West Oahu designated as the site of a new state film studio. Hawaii Public Radio.

Changing Habits Yields Health Benefits At MA’O Farms In Waianae. Early data from a UH study shows interns at the farm lowered their diabetes risk by altering eating habits and lifestyles —  with a ripple effect of health benefits for friends and families. Civil Beat.

Turtle Bay Resort offers community garden plots. The resort owner is offering 500-square-foot plots adjacent to its resort property as a community garden for employees, North Shore residents and neighborhood organizations including nonprofits and schools. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Zoning change would allow cinder quarry to expand. A cinder quarry south of Leilani Estates may be expanded in the next few years after a petition was filed by Kamehameha Schools last month. Tribune-Herald.

County plans project to install better performing streetlights around the island.  Tribune-Herald.

Waiaka Stream Bridge project gains traction. Sen. Lorraine Inouye said the state’s effort to replace the 87-year-old bridge, located near the intersection of Kohala Mountain and Kawaihae roads in Waimea, “is moving along except for … the stall of needing additional property.” Tribune-Herald.

Dairy wastewater lagoons in process of being removed. The removal of wastewater lagoons at Big Island Dairy is currently underway, the state Department of Health said Thursday. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Mayor Victorino Urges Vigilance: Wildfires Burn 9,200 Acres. Mayor Michael Victorino asked residents and visitors to exercise caution Sunday in the wake of wildfires that have kicked up clouds of dirt and ash from Upcountry Maui to Kaupo and South Maui. Maui Now.

Attention shifts to arson investigation as crews gain upper hand in Maui wildfires. Officials on Maui remained on high alert as a raging wildfire --believed to be the largest in the county’s history -- continued to burn out of control in Central Maui. Hawaii News Now.

Firefighting focus turns toward hot spots, flare-ups. Both blazes nearing containment, county says. Maui News.

Maui Fires Kick Up Dust, Ash As Mop-Up Continues. Maui residents and visitors were advised to drive carefully and stay indoors, if needed, as dust and ash from two brush fires lowered road visibility as well as air quality in parts of the island. Hawaii Public Radio.

Kauai

New police chief visits North Shore. Several North Shore residents were invited to meet and greet new Kauai Police Department Chief Todd Raybuck, as well as Lt. Todd Tanaka, acting North Shore captain, and Capt. Mark Begley, patrol captain for the entire island. Garden Island.

Housing market holding strong. The real estate market on Kauai remained relatively strong through the first half of 2019, but overall sales figures across the island are down from this time last year, and the market could be in for a substantial downturn, Realtors said. Garden Island.

Kahoolawe

Kahoolawe watershed rehabilitation project is bearing fruit. The formerly bare, red-dirt slopes of Hakioawa watershed on the northern slopes of Kahoolawe island are now festooned with green through the labors of the Kahoolawe Island Reserve Commission and 199 volunteers from around the state. Star-Advertiser.

USS Arizona Memorial repairs continue, Kealoha lawyer quits, 2020 census to be online, Maui residents return after wildfire, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

USS Arizona Memorial PC:NPS

Key progress made in Arizona Memorial access. A more than $2.1 million project to restore walk-on access to the USS Arizona Memorial is getting closer to completion, with a 105-foot floating concrete dock repositioned next to the memorial and a new anchoring system in place beneath it. Star-Advertiser.

New Pre-K Locations Announced After Expansion Bill Becomes Law. The 10 classrooms will be at the following schools: on Oahu, Aiea Elementary, Haleiwa Elementary, Nanaikapono Elementary, Waianae Elementary, Palolo Elementary and Waimanolo Elementary & Intermediate; on Big Island, Chiefess Kapiolani Elementary, Hilo Union Elementary and Honaunau Elementary; and on Maui, Pukalani Elementary. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Katherine Kealoha Loses One Attorney While A Second Seeks A Retrial. The former city prosecutor’s publicly funded defense lawyer was allowed to withdraw from the case on the same day her privately paid attorney made new claims. Civil Beat.

Kealoha attorneys seek new trial — and claim they’ve found Alison Lee Wong. Katherine Kealoha says her court-appointed attorney was ineffective, inexperienced and uncooperative during the trial. Hawaii News Now.

Katherine Kealoha appears in shackles. Deputy prosecutor- turned-felon Katherine Kea­loha shuffled into federal court Thursday wearing an off-white, short-sleeve prison jumpsuit, navy blue boat shoes and shackles around her ankles. Star-Advertiser.

Katherine Kealoha will get a new lawyer. Cynthia Kagiwada filed a motion to withdraw and the judge approved it Thursday. KHON2.

State backs affordable-housing towers. A state agency is inclined to provide $130 million for a developer to build two apartment towers near Aloha Stadium for low-income households despite contentious community meetings over much of the project earlier this year. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Astronomers express anxiety, excitement at TMT construction site atop Mauna Kea. The construction site for the Thirty Meter Telescope is on the mountain’s northern plateau, about 400 feet below the summit. Hawaii News Now.

Institute for Astronomy to continue managing telescope. The University of Hawaii’s Institute for Astronomy was awarded a contract by NASA to continue to manage its telescope on Maunakea. Tribune-Herald.

Cracking down on ag theft: New law provides counties with an enforcement officer. Legislation recently signed by Gov. David Ige aims to address agricultural theft and vandalism on Hawaii Island and Maui. Tribune-Herald.

Preparing for the 2020 census: People will be able to fill out their forms online for the first time. But challenges remain in making sure every person in every community, in every state, is counted accurately, Census Bureau representatives told the County Council earlier this week. West Hawaii Today.

Supreme Court to weigh in on police shooting accomplice case. Prosecutors are seeking relief from the Hawaii Supreme Court in the case of four of the seven defendants accused of aiding accused cop killer Justin Waiki. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Liquor panel finally approves rules changes. Maui County brewpubs will be able to serve their industry standard 16-ounce beers and provide multiple sample-size beers to customers, according to rule amendments approved Wednesday morning by the Maui County Liquor Commission. Maui News.

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Officials lift evacuation order but warn that fire is still ‘an active threat’. All evacuation orders triggered by a massive wildfire in Central Maui were lifted Thursday night, but the mayor of Maui County warned residents to remain on alert because the fire is still posing a threat. Hawaii News Now.

Evacuees allowed to return home after brush fire scorches 3,000 acres. KHON2.

All evacuees may return home, Maui County says. KITV.

UPDATE 10:20 P.M.: Motorists allowed back into Kihei amid fire; airport, Kuihelani Highway open. Shelter, road updates. Maui News.

Maui Brush Fire Forces Evacuations. The blaze was still uncontained Thursday evening, and two shelters had been opened. Civil Beat.

An enormous wildfire swept across 3,000 acres of mostly fallow former sugar cane fields Thursday, forcing thousands to evacuate, closing down highways, trapping some residents for hours and diverting flights from Kahului Airport to Honolulu. Star-Advertiser.

A brush fire that prompted evacuations and diverted some flights on the Hawaii island of Maui remained uncontained, officials said Thursday night. An evacuation notice was sent to the cellphones of residents in the town of Maalaea and in parts of Kihei, a Maui County official said. Hawaii Public Radio.

Kauai

Illegal Parking Fees Rise From $35 To $235 On Kauai’s North Shore. The steepened penalty is expected to deter problematic illegal parking near popular beaches, trailheads and attractions on Kauai’s secluded North Shore. Civil Beat.

State to raise fines for illegally-parked cars along parts of Kauai’s North Shore. Hawaii News Now.

The North Shore community showed up in force at the Waipa Foundation Center Wednesday evening to take part in an Office of Hawaiian Affairs public meeting. Garden Island.

The salt beds are flooded on Kauai’s Westside, thanks to a combination of king tides, high surf and blocked drainage. Garden Island.

Construction to start Monday on Thirty Meter Telescope, ACLU warns of 'sound cannon' use, Agribusiness Development Corp. charged with polluting Kauai waters, Hilton workers ratify contract, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Site of Thirty Meter Telescope ©2019 All Hawaii News

Construction of the long-stalled Thirty Meter Telescope will start near the summit of Mauna Kea Monday, Gov. David Ige announced Wednesday. At a news conference at the state Capitol, Ige and state officials announced that the road to the top of Hawaii’s tallest mountain will be closed starting Monday morning for a period of days as grading and other heavy equipment heads up to the construction site. Star-Advertiser.

Thirty Meter Telescope Construction Will Start Next Week. Opponents are still trying to stop the observatory from being built on Mauna Kea and the state is bracing for protests. Civil Beat.

TMT Construction Scheduled To Start Up Next Week. Hawaii Gov. David Ige and the Thirty Meter Telescope International Observatory announced Wednesday that construction of the telescope on Mauna Kea on Hawaii Island will begin next week. Hawaii Public Radio.

Work on Thirty Meter Telescope starts next week. Gov. David Ige announced Wednesday that construction of the Thirty Meter Telescope atop Maunakea will begin next week after nearly five years of delays. Tribune-Herald.

Thirty Meter Telescope Begins Construction On Mauna Kea, Week Of July 15. Big Island Video News.

Governor announces start date for Thirty Meter Telescope construction. With a years-long legal battle in the rear view mirror, construction of the controversial Thirty Meter Telescope atop Mauna Kea will begin Monday, authorities announced in a press conference Wednesday. Hawaii News Now.

Construction for the Thirty Meter Telescope to begin on July 15. KHON2.

TMT construction to begin next week, Gov. Ige says. Just last month, Governor Ige announced that a notice to proceed was issued to the University of Hawaii at Hilo for the TMT on Mauna Kea. KITV.

TMT Construction to Begin July 15; Expect Road Closures. Big Island Now.

Governor’s Office – Joint News Release – Thirty Meter Telescope set to start construction. Governor's Office.

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ACLU Threatens Lawsuit Over Possible LRAD Use On Mauna Kea. The non-profit American Civil Liberties Union sent a demand letter to state officials, expressing concerns over a recently acquired Long Range Acoustic Device. Big Island Video News.

BLNR chair: LRAD is not a weapon. Gov. David Ige said Wednesday concerns expressed in a Tuesday letter by the American Civil Liberties Union of Hawaii that a long-range acoustic device will be used as a “sound cannon” against Thirty Meter Telescope protesters on Maunakea is based on “a lot of misinformation on that equipment.” Tribune-Herald.

State says Weapons won’t be used against protesters on Mauna Kea, but agencies still preparing. The first effort to build the Thirty Meter Telescope in 2015 was met with mass protests that helped stall construction. This time the state plans to be much better prepared. Hawaii News Now.

Hunting to be halted at three Maunakea sites. Hunting in certain areas on Maunakea will be prohibited until mid-August in order to ensure security during the construction of the Thirty Meter Telescope. Tribune-Herald.

Oahu

City Prosecutor Job May Draw Crowded Field Of Candidates. In the wake of the Kealoha corruption imbroglio, the issue of integrity will dominate the 2020 campaign. Civil Beat.

As Bike, Car-Sharing Take Hold, Issues Arise About City Space Reserved For Them. The Honolulu City Council recently approved 160 designated parking stalls for car-sharing services, but some council members have raised questions about whether the city's policies on the reserved spots for ride-sharing operations are fair to companies and taxpayers. Hawaii Public Radio.

Company in fatal Mokuleia plane crash didn’t have permit for skydiving. The company whose skydiving plane crashed June 21 at Dillingham Airfield killing all 11 aboard, had a permit to conduct parachute rigging at the state airport, not skydiving operations. Star-Advertiser.

Army Shadow drone crashes in Waianae Range. In one of the first large military drone crashes in Hawaii, an Army RQ-7B Shadow aircraft out of Wheeler Army Airfield went down in the mountains behind the base Wednesday afternoon, causing a brush fire, the 25th Infantry Division said. Star-Advertiser.

Downed Army drone sparks a brush fire in mountains above Schofield Barracks. Hawaii News Now.

How Kailua Became A Tourist Town. Stunning beaches, Airbnbs and new developments transformed the town into a tourist hot spot — leaving some locals bemoaning a lost sense of community. Civil Beat.

Councilwoman presses for more lifeguard hours. Honolulu City Councilwoman Kymberly Pine wants Oahu lifeguards to stay on the beach longer — from dawn to dusk. Star-Advertiser.

Newly ratified union contracts now provide nearly 2,000 employees at Hilton Hawaiian Village with better wages and other benefits. Star-Advertiser.

Hotel workers ratify new contract for better wages, working conditions. Hawaii News Now.

Hotel workers at Hilton Hawaiian Village ratify new contract. KITV.

Hawaii Island

Council mulls zero-emission bus choices. There’s a lot of enthusiasm for zero-emission hydrogen-powered buses, but it’s a long road ahead before they become a staple of Hawaii County’s Hele-On fleet. West Hawaii Today.

Hilo landfill to stop accepting construction waste. Effective Aug. 1, the county will no longer accept construction and demolition debris or grading and grubbing materials at the South Hilo Sanitary Landfill, the Department of Environmental Management announced Wednesday. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Molokini tour boat limits, Manele harbor privatization vetoed. Maui News.

Mahi Pono kicks up some dirt. Mahi Pono purchased 41,000 acres of former sugar cane lands from Alexander & Baldwin in December. In May, the company announced the first crops to be planted include avocados, bell peppers, potatoes, papaya, guava, lilikoi, white pineapple, oranges, mandarin oranges, lemons, limes, coffee and macadamia nuts, as well as cover crops such as alfalfa. Maui News.

Water tank empty in Honokohau Valley. Customers in Honokohau Valley, West Maui are without water service while Department of Water Supply crews respond to a probable break in a 4-inch waterline that fills a water tank that serves the area. KHON2.

Kauai

Judge: Ocean illegally polluted. The state Agribusiness Development Corporation has been illegally polluting Kauai’s ocean waters since 2015, according to a Tuesday ruling by U.S. District Judge Derrick Watson. Garden Island.

Federal Judge Rules Toxic Water Discharged Off Kauai Is Illegal. A federal judge ruled Tuesday that the Hawaii Agribusiness Development Corp. violated the federal Clean Water Act and beached public trust by discharging millions of gallons of polluted water containing pesticides, heavy metals and other toxins into the ocean off of Kauai’s west side. Civil Beat.

Ige vetoes vacation rental and REIT taxes, asset forfeiture bill, 15 others. Foes file lawsuit against Thirty Meter Telescope bonds, NTSB releases skydiving crash report, plus more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Ige veto press conference screenshot

Ige vetoes REIT and vacation rental tax bills. Gov. David Ige on Tuesday vetoed bills that would have imposed the state’s corporate income tax on real estate investment trusts and required vacation rental platforms such as Airbnb and Expedia to collect taxes from operators of vacation rentals. Star-Advertiser.

Ige Vetoes Property Forfeiture Reform Bill, 17 Others. Big Island Video News.

Ige Vetoes Reform Of Hawaii’s Civil Asset Forfeiture Program. The governor also killed tax proposals approved by the Legislature for vacation rentals and real estate investment trusts. Civil Beat.

On deadline day, Gov. Ige announces list of vetoed bills from 2019 session. In a press conference at the State Capitol on Tuesday, Gov. David Ige revealed the list of 18 bills he has decided to veto this legislative session ― along with two he is allowing to become law without his signature. Hawaii News Now.

Governor Ige vetoes number of bills, including controversial vacation rental bill. KITV.

Ige vetoes asset forfeiture reform. State Rep. Joy San Buenaventura said Tuesday she’s “very disappointed” that Gov. David Ige vetoed a bill aimed at reforming the statute governing the seizure of an individual’s property by civil asset forfeiture. Tribune-Herald.

Governor Vetoes Reform Of Controversial Police Funding Program. Hawaii Public Radio.

Governor vetoes 18 bills. Gov. David Ige on Tuesday decided not to kill two bills on his veto list. Garden Island.

Marijuana To Be Decriminalized In Hawaii Come Jan. 1. The new law will make possession of 3 grams or less of pot punishable by a $130 fine. Civil Beat.

Marijuana decriminalized. Walking around with a small amount of weed won’t land you in jail anymore, as the state has decriminalized marijuana. KHON2.

Annual cap on tax credits for film, digital media industry to increase after Gov. Ige backs off on veto. Gov. David Ige allowed two bills that he initially intended to veto to become law today without his signature. Star-Advertiser.

Full list and rationale of bills vetoed by Gov. David Ige is found here.

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10 Million Visitors: Can Hawaii Survive Its Own Popularity? The impact of a growing army of tourists has government leaders and residents questioning how to better manage Hawaii’s largest industry. Civil Beat.

9 Charts That Show How Hawaii Tourism Is Changing. From soaring numbers of visitors to declining rounds of golf, a by-the-numbers look at how at the industry’s impacts have grown in Hawaii. Civil Beat.

‘We’re Not Scared’: Hawaii Confronts Next Wave Of Climate Change. Local emerging leaders and experts in their fields expound on the importance of bringing diverse minds to the table to develop solutions. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Push to impeach Kaneshiro remains strong despite judge’s petition dismissal. A Honolulu judge has dismissed a petition to impeach prosecutor Keith Kaneshiro. Hawaii News Now.

Honolulu Councilwoman Wants Increased Lifeguard Coverage. Kymberly Pine criticizes Mayor Kirk Caldwell’s administration for what she considers a lack of action to decrease drownings. Civil Beat.

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Preliminary Report: Skydiving Plane Twisted In The Air Before Crash. An NTSB report offers some early details about last month’s crash. Investigators could spend the next two years trying to determine what happened. Civil Beat.

Skydiving plane was upside down when it hit the ground, report finds. The skydiving plane that crashed June 21 at Dillingham Airfield, killing all 11 aboard, seemed to be fine as it taxied down the runway to take off, but at about 150 to 200 feet in the air, it began turning, then hit the ground nose first and burst into flames. Star-Advertiser.

In NTSB preliminary report, witness describes seeing a fireball after skydiving plane crash. Hawaii News Now.

Witness describes final moments of skydive plane in NTSB preliminary report. KHON2.

Feds: 2 Skydivers Joined Doomed Hawaii Flight At Last Minute. The National Transportation Safety Board says two skydivers made a last-minute decision to board the Hawaii plane that crashed and killed 11 people last month. Hawaii Public Radio.

Former pilot of Oahu Parachute Center believes mechanical issues and inadequate training are likely reasons for skydiving tragedy. Hawaii News Now.

Federal authorizations, legal challenges may have complicated state’s enforcement of cease-and-desist against skydive company. KHON2.

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Lawsuit cites police in deadly pedestrian crash. Two survivors of a deadly Kakaako crash that killed three say the police officer who was pursuing the driver of a speeding pickup truck that plowed into a group of pedestrians contributed to the tragedy by not using his flashing lights or siren. Star-Advertiser.

City Sued In Crash That Killed Three Pedestrians After Police Pursuit. Two people who were among the injured say an officer violated HPD policy. They are also suing the alleged drunken driver. Civil Beat.

Hawaii County

TMT foes go to court again over bond issue. In the latest legal maneuver aimed at subverting the Thirty Meter Telescope, foes of the $1.4 billion project are accusing the state of failing to require a construction security bond. Star-Advertiser.

Thirty Meter Telescope Opponents File New Lawsuit To Stop Project. This is the latest complaint against the planned observatory, which is on the cusp of breaking ground atop Mauna Kea. Civil Beat.

New lawsuit against TMT. Opponents of the Thirty Meter Telescope filed a lawsuit Monday seeking to halt the project on the grounds that the developers failed to post a security bond in accordance with the state’s 1977 Maunakea Plan. Tribune-Herald.

New Legal Challenge To TMT Takes Aim At Security Bond. Big Island Video News.

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Landowner agrees to cancel plans for condominium near Banyans surf spot. The developer behind a proposal for a five-story condominium near the Banyans surf spot has agreed to take that plan off the table. West Hawaii Today.

Bank of America, state in dispute over $150M loan. The Hawaii County Council on Tuesday joined Maui and Kauai in backing Gov. David Ige’s request that Bank of America return to the table to discuss a decades-old dispute over $150 million in home loans for Native Hawaiians. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

MPO pushes back Puunene Avenue expansion in draft. Maui News.

Working families land brand new ocean-view condominiums. 40-unit Kalama Kai project blessed in Kihei. Maui News.

Makani Kai Air Announces Maui to Kona Flights. Makani Kai Air announced it will launch service between Kailua-Kona and Maui starting on Aug. 1, 2019. Maui Now.


Kauai

Sludge spill. County officials on Tuesday morning discovered partially-treated sewage sludge that overflowed overnight from the Lihue Wastewater Treatment Plant to the drainage channel next to the facility. Garden Island.

Arborist reports finding strange insects on Kauai. An arborist has discovered some strange-looking ants on Kauai and though there’s some question about exactly what species they are, they’re most likely invasive. Garden Island.

Lanai

Test of stratospheric flying wing planned for Lanai. A joint venture between Japan’s SoftBank and unmanned aircraft systems developer AeroVironment plans to test-fly a 260-foot-long solar-powered flying wing on Lanai that one day could be part of a network of drones loitering in the stratosphere providing 5G cellphone coverage. Star-Advertiser.

Councilwoman balks at paying HART legal fees, skydiving company had been ordered grounded before fatal crash, county police to enforce state action on Maunakea, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Honouliuli station construction PC:HART

HART should pay its own legal fees, councilwoman says. Honolulu Councilwoman Heidi Tsuneyoshi says the agency tasked with building the $9.2 billion East Kapolei-to- Ala Moana Center rail line shouldn’t use additional city taxpayer money to hire a lawyer to deal with three federal subpoenas that are looking into wrongdoing at the agency. Star-Advertiser.

A Honolulu councilmember wants answers from rail officials about what she says is the use of $50,000 in taxpayer money for an outside attorney. Hawaii Public Radio.

Resolution introduced urging HART to pay its own outside legal counsel. A move by the Honolulu rail authority to have city tax payers pay for its legal fees isn’t sitting well with one council member. KHON2.

Resolution introduced ensuring HART pays for its own outside legal council. Council Member Heidi Tsuneyoshi introduced a resolution Friday urging HART to use the $3.7 million it has allocated for legal expenses to pay for counsel related to three federal grand jury subpoenas. KITV.

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State Sends Residents New Survey As It Assesses Foodborne Illnesses. People chosen randomly are being asked about their diets and where they purchase or grow their food. Civil Beat.

Abandoned tax licenses set to be purged. The state Department of Taxation announced July 1 that it has published a notice to revoke tax licenses due to abandonment. Maui News.

Oahu

Company was told to stop skydiving before fatal crash; now ordered to vacate.The company in charge of the airplane that crashed in Mokuleia last month, killing 11 people, had been ordered to stop its skydiving operation well before the fatal crash. KHON2.

Hawaii Governor Approves Funding For New Aloha Stadium. The new law allocates $20 million in general funds to improve the dstrict for public use. It also approves issuance of up to $180 million in revenue bonds and $150 million in general obligation bonds to build a new stadium. Hawaii Public Radio.

Ige signs into law bill that kicks off the redevelopment of Aloha Stadium. Governor David Ige signed into law Monday a bill that kicks off the process of redeveloping the 44-year-old Aloha Stadium into a mixed-use sports and entertainment district. Hawaii News Now.

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Petition for Kaneshiro’s impeachment dismissed. A setback Monday in state Circuit Court won’t discourage Oahu businessman Tracy Yoshimura from going back to the starting line in his quest to have Honolulu Prosecutor Keith Kaneshiro impeached, his attorney said Monday night. Star-Advertiser.

Judge dismisses petition to impeach City Prosecutor Kaneshiro. Oahu Businessman Tracy Yoshimura collected more than 500 signatures through his online petition, but a judge ruled the online signatures could not be verified. KITV.

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Council resolution demands agencies say how they’ll prevent more Kealoha-esque incidents. In the wake of the Kealoha corruption verdicts, one leading Honolulu councilman says he has grave concerns about the ability of city agencies to police their own employees ― and he’s demanding they prove they are capable of preventing corruption in their departments. Hawaii News Now.

'The world knows the truth;' Man framed by Kealohas speaks out for first time since historic verdict. Gerard Puana was set up in the famous 'mailbox' incident by Louis and Katherine Kealoha. Hawaii News Now.

A proposal to raise money for Hawaiian Home Lands turns ugly in Kapole. The Department of Hawaiian Home Lands wants to develop about 100 acres in Kalaeloa for a solar energy project. Hawaii News Now.

City’s bulky item pickup system has led to mounds of rubbish. As part of the pilot, which is slated to run through the end of January, the city has shifted single-family and multifamily residents from Foster Village to Hawaii Kai, including Waikiki, from monthly scheduled bulky item collection to an appointment-based program. Star-Advertiser.

Never-Ending Waikiki Sidewalk Project Hurts Businesses, Obstructs Tourists. Work that began a year ago is still disrupting the south end of the bustling district. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Island

Council committee hears concerns about police protecting TMT. Prayers, chants and tears — and an outburst or two — marked an afternoon of testimony Monday as more than 50 people shared their mana‘o about Maunakea and the impending construction of a massive telescope there. West Hawaii Today.

Council Questions County Involvement On Mauna Kea. Big Island Video News.

Residents push to preserve 70-acre parcel but landowner still plans to develop off Lako Street. West Hawaii Today.

Desk Duty For National Park Ranger After Hawaii Shooting. The Hawaii Volcanoes National Park law enforcement officer who shot the driver of stolen vehicle is on desk duty while local and federal agencies investigate. Associated Press.

Maui

Koieie Fishpond holds community workday. Efforts follow calls to restore historic pond. Maui News.

Ban on Commercial Permit Operators at Hanakaoo Becomes Law. Maui Now.

Kauai

State to explain water study results.The Department of Health is making a trip to Kauai to explain their recent findings regarding the water quality in the Maha‘ulepu and Waikomo watersheds. Garden Island.

Highway to close at Waipa Bridge. The Hawaii Department of Transportation issued a reminder Monday that the upcoming full weekend closure of Kuhio Highway at Waipa Bridge is scheduled to begin at 9 p.m. Friday and continue through 5 a.m. Monday. Garden Island.

No special session for veto overrides, police standards board falters, Blaisdell Center plans unveiled, Maui bans commercial activities at beach park, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii Capitol ©2019 All Hawaii News

Legislature Won’t Hold Special Session To Fight Possible Vetoes. Senate and House leaders had considered reconvening to try to enact some of the measures that Gov. David Ige says he’s likely to reject. The Hawaii Legislature will not convene a special session to override Gov. David Ige’s potential vetoes of bills after the Senate determined it didn’t have enough votes to overturn any of the governor’s decisions and legislative leaders couldn’t agree on which measures to try to save, according to memos circulated among lawmakers. Civil Beat.

No Special Session to Override Governor's Vetoes. Leaders in the state Senate and House of Representatives announced on Friday that lawmakers will not attempt to override any vetoes issued by Governor David Ige. Hawaii Public Radio.

State lawmakers won’t convene a special session to override governor’s vetoes. Governor Ige’s vetoes will stand after the House speaker decided not to hold a special session. Hawaii News Now.

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Agencies urge Gov. David Ige to veto civil asset forfeiture reform bill. Law enforcement officials said they’ve implemented key recommendations of a 2018 state audit of Hawaii’s civil asset forfeiture program as they urge Gov. David Ige to move forward in vetoing a bill aimed at reforming the program, which allows police to confiscate property believed to have been used in the commission of certain crimes such as drug offenses and gambling. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Ignores Deadline To Create New Standards For Cops. The Law Enforcement Standards Board has only met once. It was supposed to establish training and certification standards by July 1. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Provided ‘Inaccurate’ Data On Student Restraint And Seclusion. The state erroneously reported there were no such cases in 2015-16, the latest school year studied nationwide. Last school year, 66 Hawaii schools reported at least one restraint case. Civil Beat.

Medical cannabis raises issues in the workplace. Several of Dr. Clifton Otto’s medical cannabis patients are facing job termination or fear failing pre-employment drug screenings as Hawaii employers hold fast to zero-tolerance policies when testing workers for drugs. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii has highest gap between wages, rent required for a 2-bedroom. Hawaii’s rent is so high, it is inaccessible to the majority of residents working in the state’s largest occupations, according to the 2019 “Out of Reach” report by the National Low Income Housing Coalition, a Washington, D.C.-based advocacy group for affordable housing. Star-Advertiser.

Future uncertain for ‘golf ball’ radar ship. The Sea-Based X-Band Radar recently did yeoman duty in the Pacific watching for North Korean missiles and participating in testing as the Pentagon develops a web of new land-based radars and space-based sensors that are expected to make the seagoing vessel less necessary. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

City unveils what a $722M redevelopment of Blaisdell Center might look like. New renderings showing a dramatically redeveloped Neal S. Blaisdell Center are being released by city officials this month as they begin selecting a private partner for the $772 million project. Star-Advertiser.

HPD training videos show disgraced Kealohas lecturing officers about ethics. When Louis Kealoha was police chief, he made several training videos that all Honolulu Police Officers were forced to watch. Hawaii News Now.

Waikiki residents want to force owners to improve or sell long-vacant, blighted walk-up. According to public records, the 9,500-square-foot property is owned by Norman Nip, a small-business owner who was known for Nip’s Potato Chips Factory Inc., teacher Alvin Nip and their sister Donna Chang. Star-Advertiser.

New clinic for the homeless is in the works in Kaneohe. The new facility is a three year pilot project and will become Oahu's second outreach center. KITV.

Hawaii Island

Affordable housing challenges: Subsidized housing applications pile up, county closes wait-lists. Despite a waiting list of more than 2,000 applications — some going back nine years — Hawaii County hasn’t built any new affordable housing units since 2017. West Hawaii Today.

Council committee to get Maunakea update. Puna Councilman Matt Kanealii-Kleinfelder wants to know what’s going on atop Maunakea. West Hawaii Today.

Stakes are sky high for contentious telescope project. A lot has happened in the four years since construction of the landmark Thirty Meter Telescope was stopped in its tracks by protesters and ultimately the Hawaii Supreme Court. Star-Advertiser.

Petition Grows In Support Of Pohoiki Boat Ramp. Over a thousand people have signed a petition to the State of Hawaii asking that a boat ramp be located at Pohoiki, as opposed to an alternative ramp at Kaakepa. Big Island Video News.

Boat ramp meeting set for Saturday. A community meeting will be held Saturday to discuss a recent engineering study that recommended a new boat ramp be built in Puna. Tribune-Herald.

New police rigs ready to roll. New marked police SUVs are hitting Big Island streets, the first additions to the Hawaii  Police Department’s fleet in over a decade. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Ban on commercial activities at beach park becomes law. Businesses await word from county on a new location for operations. Maui News.

Visualizing Sea Level Rise on Maui: Sea Grant scientist Tara Owens explains how computer modeling helps prepare for climate change. Mauitime.

West Maui offshore mooring permits are deferred. BLNR asks for public engagement; decision affects five businesses. Maui News.

Surfing Goat Dairy for sale. Owners of a local brand that put Maui goats on the map have announced that they will be selling the successful Upcountry business, land, infrastructure, equipment and livestock. Maui News.

Kauai

Black Pot meeting on reopening set. A public meeting regarding the reopening of Black Pot Beach Park is set for Thursday, July 11, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at the Hanalei School cafeteria. Garden Island.

Volunteers exercise visitor education initiatives on the North Shore. Amidst one of the busiest holiday weekends of the year, a new resident organization on Kauai implemented visitor education initiatives to relieve the resurfacing pressures of tourism on the communities of Haena and Wainiha. Garden Island.

‘The hearts of the people care for the land’. It’s the first Saturday of the month at the Lawai International Center, a 32-acre sanctuary that hosts an extraordinary restoration project of 88 Buddhist shrines that were constructed in 1904 by workers at the nearby Koloa Sugar Company, the likeness of which exist on Kauai and Shikoku, Japan. Garden Island.