DOE fumbles education impact fees, HECO seeks greenhouse gas cap changes, cop pleads guilty for role in forcing man to lick urinal, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii school ©2019 All Hawaii News

Audit: Over a decade, DOE has collected just $5M in school impact fees. Over a decade ago, the state Education Department was given the authority to set up developer fees in areas where significant residential growth is expected. Hawaii News Now.

Public safety trainer a ‘no show’ at hearing to question her qualifications. The controversial head of training for more than a thousand state deputy sheriffs and adult correctional officers did not show up Wednesday for a hearing to defend her qualifications. Hawaii News Now.

Court Affirms Ethics Panel Ruling On Rowena Akana. The former OHA trustee was penalized for multiple ethical violations. Civil Beat.

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HECO wants to modify greenhouse gas caps. Hawaiian Electric Co. wants to combine the annual greenhouse emissions caps for 13 power plants in Hawaii, a move some believe would allow Hawaii’s lone coal-fired power plant to increase greenhouse gas emissions. Star-Advertiser.

Report: Climate Change Is Hurting Oceans — And Us — More Than Expected. The first ocean-specific report by a prestigious international panel underscores the urgency of taking action now to reduce carbon emissions and limit global warming. Civil Beat.

Time is running out for Hawaii's share of federal disaster mitigation funds. Now is the chance for residents to alert emergency planners of potential problems in their communities. KITV.

This Facebook Campaign Is Teaching Tourists How To Behave In Hawaii. Officials believe visitors will follow local customs if they simply understand them. Civil Beat.

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Kaiser Permanente reaches tentative contract covering 85,000 workers. Kaiser Permanente said Wednesday it reached a tentative agreement on a new four-year contract with unions for 85,000 of the health care giant’s workers, averting a potential strike planned for next month. West Hawaii Today.

Kaiser, nurses OK tentative contract. Kaiser Permanente has reached a tentative agreement on a national, four-year contract with the union representing nearly 1,000 Hawaii nurses. Star-Advertiser.

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Young Brothers propose rate increase; what this could mean for consumers. Young Brothers, one of the state’s largest shipping companies, is asking regulators to allow it to raise its revenue by $27 million, a rate of 34 percent overall rate increase. KHON2.

AG Fights Proposed Changes to SNAP Food Assistance Program. Hawaiʻi Attorney General Clare Connors joined a coalition of 24 Attorneys General in opposing proposed changes to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program or SNAP. Maui Now.

Oahu

Co-defendant: Officer accused of forcing homeless man to lick urinal has done it before. A Honolulu police officer who’s accused of forcing a homeless man to lick a public urinal to avoid arrest had done it before, according to a former Honolulu officer who pleaded guilty in federal court Wednesday to trying to cover up the alleged 2018 incident. Hawaii News Now.

Ex-Cop Pleads Guilty To Role In Forcing Man To Lick Urinal. Another Honolulu police officer has pleaded not guilty in the case. Civil Beat.

HPD officer agrees to testify against fellow officer in urinal licking case. One of the HPD officers accused in the case of a man forced to lick a public restroom urinal has agreed to testify against the other officer. KHON2.

Homeless man forced to lick urinal: Former HPD officer pleads guilty for failing to report incident. Reginald Ramones John Rabago were indicted back in April for depriving a man of his civil rights. KITV.

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Honolulu Is Slashing Crosswalks As It Touts Pedestrian Friendly Policies. The city has plans to remove 45 crosswalks deemed unsafe instead of making them safer. But pedestrians can still legally cross at those spots. Civil Beat.

Ala Moana seeks 400-foot height limit. The new majority owner of Ala Moana Center wants to take the state’s largest shopping mall to a higher level. Star-Advertiser.

Kealoha Corruption Probe Is Why Honolulu Is Paying A Mainland Law Firm To Fight The Feds. Federal agents seized a “very broad” set of emails in connection with an investigation that is now before a grand jury, according to Honolulu City Council member Ron Menor. Civil Beat.

Keep The Change: Honolulu Won’t Try To Recover Almost $100,000 It Overpaid Workers. Despite a state law that says governments “shall” recover overpayments, Human Resources Director Carolee Kubo says it’s too late and, besides, the city made the mistake. Civil Beat.

A majority of Hawaii voters polled believe homelessness has gotten worse. A majority of registered Hawaii voters across all islands believe homelessness has gotten “worse” over the last year — but they’re split on whether homeless sweeps are “worthwhile,” according to the Honolulu Star- Advertiser’s Hawaii Poll. Star-Advertiser.

Caldwell feeling confident of financing toward rail. Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell is adamant that the city’s financial picture is in good shape and that warnings raised by opponents that the now $9.2 billion East Kapolei-to-Ala Moana Center rail project will drive the city into bankruptcy are unfounded. Star-Advertiser.

City's Share Of $772M Blaisdell Redevelopment Cost Still Unclear. The city is planning a major $772 million redevelopment of the landmark Neal S. Blaisdell Center in partnership with the private sector but the city's share of the cost remains unclear. Hawaii Public Radio.

North Shore 'Overcapacity' Says Honolulu Council Member. Honolulu City Council Member Heidi Tsuneyoshi made the assessment on Tuesday at a hearing covering North Shore issues. Hawaii Public Radio.

Crews left with 5 tons of garbage (and counting) after Diamond Head sweep. Crews worked through the rain Wednesday morning to start clearing a massive homeless camp that had taken over a large part of the beach below Diamond Head. Hawaii News Now.

Build the Track LLC holds press conference to announce vision for new motorsports facility. Build the Track LLC held a press conference earlier today to discuss their vision for the future of Hawaii motorsports, including the possibility of a new race facility on Oahu. KHON2.

Hawaii Island

Puna nonprofit contracted to help those recovering from 2018 eruption with still unmet needs. Neighborhood Place of Puna was awarded a case management contract to help individuals and families recovering from the 2018 eruption of Kilauea volcano address still unmet needs. Tribune-Herald.

Largest Cruise Ship Ever To Make Kailua-Kona Port Call Anchors Sunday. The average cruise ship that calls on Kona typically has 2,500 passengers. But this one will have 4,000. Big Island Video News.

Kailua-Kona to welcome largest cruise ship to ever make a port call in the bay. The Department of Land and Natural Resources announced today that the largest cruise ship to ever make a port call to Kailua-Kona will anchor in Kailua Bay on Sunday. Star-Advertiser.

Public servant, medical miracle and island treasure Virginia Isbell remembered. Virginia Isbell, a former politician, public servant and pillar of the Kona community, died Sept. 19 on Oahu. She was 87. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Family, Friends Mourn Loss of Danny Mateo, Longtime Maui Councilmember and Former County Clerk. Longtime Maui County Councilmember from Molokai and recently retired County Clerk, Danny Mateo, died Tuesday in the company of family members. Maui Now.

Supreme Court’s appeal of injection well case in murky waters on Maui. Members of the Maui County Council majority and their attorneys insist it is over. Mayor Michael Victorino and attorneys with the county’s Department of the Corporation Counsel say otherwise. Star-Advertiser.

Hui files complaint over water levels from Waihee River. State hydrologist says stream flows are being met. Maui News.

Kauai

Malama Pono opens new clinic. Malama Pono Health Services is hosting a grand opening of its new clinic from 3 to 5:30 p.m. today. Garden Island.

Annual Kauai County vehicle and equipment auction begins. County officials today announced that its annual vehicle and equipment auction begins Wednesday, Sept. 25. KHON2.

Ige's approval rating tanks in poll as more voters oppose Thirty Meter Telescope on Mauna Kea, flag flap at Keaau high school, Honolulu council seeks corruption audit, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaiian cultural practitioners on Mauna Kea ©2019 All Hawaii News

Public support for TMT drops sharply, according to a new Honolulu Star-Advertiser poll. Public support for the Thirty Meter Telescope has declined sharply after more than two months of peaceful but determined protests on Mauna Kea, and most voters now oppose the idea of using force to reopen Mauna Kea Access Road to allow construction to move forward, according to a new Honolulu Star- Advertiser poll. Star-Advertiser.

Ige’s job approval rating tanks amid TMT debacle. Gov. David Ige’s job approval rating has sunk to a new low amid the ongoing standoff over the Thirty Meter Telescope on Mauna Kea, though Hawaii voters have an even lower opinion of the Legislature. Star-Advertiser.

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Tulsi Gabbard Earns Spot In October Debate. The Hawaii congresswoman will be back on the stage after missing the September debate. Civil Beat.

Audit: DOE misses millions in revenue. State auditors found that the Hawaii Department of Education has failed to collect millions of dollars in fees over the past decade and has no written policies or procedures in place to implement the process necessary to do so in the future. Garden Island.

Frustration, Desperation As Teachers Convene To Discuss Pay Issues. Consultants hired by the Hawaii Department of Education are meeting with educators around the state, seeking ways to improve compensation. On the first night they heard from many barely hanging on. Hawaii Public Radio.

Oahu

Police commissioner calls out city council during talk on public corruption scandal. Honolulu city council members want an audit done of local law enforcement agencies including the Honolulu Police Department, prosecuting attorney’s office and the ethics commission. Hawaii News Now.

Honolulu officer charged with failure to report in urinal licking case. A Honolulu police officer has been charged with covering up for another officer in a case that involved forcing a homeless man to lick a public urinal. Hawaii News Now.

FBI raid of city records tied to Kealoha case, lawyers say. Members of a Honolulu City Council committee were told Tuesday that a raid of city computer servers earlier this year involved emails apparently tied to the federal corruption case that centered around former Police Chief Louis Kealoha and his wife, former Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Katherine Kealoha. Star-Advertiser.

Another Candidate Running For Manahan’s Council Seat. Jacob Aki is currently chief of staff to the Senate majority leader. Civil Beat.

Councilmembers question affordability of $773 million Blaisdell makeover. County lawmakers pressed for answers today on whether the city can afford to take on a $773 million redevelopment of Honolulu’s Neal S. Blaisdell Center. KHON2.


How much of the Blaisdell’s redevelopment will taxpayers pay for? The city isn’t sure. The city say plans for the projected $772 million redevelopment of the aging Blaisdell Center are moving along, and officials are working to secure a public private partnership for the project. Hawaii News Now.

Rent high? Don't blame short term rentals said expert. Oahu's shortage and higher costs of housing have been blamed on illegal short term rentals, but expects said that is not the case. KITV.

Chinatown Neighborhood Board Chair wants city to pack yellow bag rule. The Downtown-Chinatown rule for businesses to use new thick yellow trash bags isn’t popular among some in the community. KHON2.

Slopes of Diamond Head cleared of squatters in 2-week-long sweep.  After months of complaints, squatters are being forced off of the Diamond Head State Monument. Hawaii News Now.

Group elaborates on ideas to fix Koko Crater Trail. A non-profit group revealed its $100,00 plan to temporarily fix the dilapidated Koko Crater Trail. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Keaau High causes social media backlash after telling students not to wear flags as clothing. Officials at Keaau High School caused a stir online Monday after telling students not to wear Hawaiian Kingdom or Hawaii state flags on campus. Tribune-Herald.

Honua Ola gets go-ahead to drill deeper. The state Department of Health granted approval to Honua Ola Bioenergy, formerly known as Hu Honua Bioenergy, to drill three underground injection control wells to 800 feet at its power plant under construction at Pepeekeo. Tribune-Herald.

Is Aina Lea finally ready to be built? A South Kohala developer says it is moving forward with the Town of Aina Lea, while the county is reminding the company that all requirements must be met should the long-delayed project actually want to get off the ground. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Molina Addresses ‘Crisis-Level’ Affordable Housing Need. Councilmember Michael J. Molina has a new plan that might expand affordable housing opportunities for Maui families. Maui Now.

2 Dolphins Euthanized After Stranding On Maui Beach. There was another mass stranding in the same area less than a month ago. Civil Beat.


Two More Stranded Whales Euthanized Near Maui Beach. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration scientists euthanized two pygmy killer whales Tuesday after the mammals stranded themselves on Sugar Beach in Kihei, Maui. Hawaii Public Radio.

Two whales in separate pod euthanized after Sugar Beach stranding. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration confirmed that two pygmy killer whales stranded at Kihei’s Sugar Beach on Tuesday morning had to be euthanized based on their health. Maui News.

Two Stranded Whales Euthanized, Second Stranding Incident in Recent Weeks. Maui Now.

Wildlife officials euthanize 2 whales that were stranded on Maui beach. Hawaii News Now.

NOAA Fisheries responds to stranded pygmy killer whales near Sugar Beach. NOAA Fisheries responded to two pygmy killer whales (a member of the oceanic dolphin family) stranded on shore near Sugar Beach, Maui on Tuesday. KITV.

ABC Stores to build distribution center in Maui Lani Village. Owner purchases 40,000-square-foot lot for about $2M. Maui News.

A&B seeks 30-year water lease. It would allow EMI to divert water from East Maui streams. Maui News.

Kauai

Mayor heads delegation to Japan. A contingent from Kauai led by Mayor Derek S.K. Kawakami is headed on a good-will mission to Japan. Garden Island.

Council to meet today. Among the agenda items, it will consider a resolution to accept a public access easement to Kauapea Beach. Garden Island.

Thousands dropped from state Medicaid rolls, AG won't prosecute sheriff who killed homeless man at Capitol, Menor ponders mayoral bid, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Coral reef off the Big Island ©2019 All Hawaii News

Pacific heat wave threatens Hawaii’s iconic coral reefs. At the edge of an ancient lava flow where jagged black rocks meet the Pacific, small off-the-grid homes overlook the calm blue waters of Papa Bay on Hawaii’s Big Island — no tourists or hotels in sight. Here, one of the islands’ most abundant and vibrant coral reefs thrives just below the surface. Associated Press.

Record heat: People swelter, reefs suffer. A major marine heat wave is responsible for a triple-digit number of record high heat days in Hawaii this summer, according to the National Weather Service. Tribune-Herald.

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Thousands Dropped From Hawaii’s Medicaid Coverage After Data Review. Real-time data collection and a better economy could be behind a significant drop in Medicaid health insurance enrollment, but some health workers are concerned. Civil Beat.

Why No One Knows How Many Green Energy Jobs Exist In Hawaii. Hawaii’s shift to renewable energy was meant to trigger an explosion of new jobs, but officials aren’t closely tracking employment in the sector. Civil Beat.

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How much should teachers in Hawaii get paid? And how much is enough to keep them around? Hawaii's Department of Education hosted its first listening sessions Monday night: one at 4pm and then at 6pm. KITV.

WalletHub: Hawaii Teacher Salary Goes Least Furthest In US. The state has the lowest teacher salary when adjusted for cost of living, according to the personal finance website. Civil Beat.

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Attorney General won’t prosecute sheriff behind deadly state Capitol shooting. The Attorney General’s office has decided not to criminally prosecute a state sheriff who shot and killed a man at the state Capitol. Hawaii News Now.

AG Won’t Press Charges Against Deputy Sheriff In Capitol Shooting. The state Attorney General’s office found insufficient evidence to press charges over the February shooting of a homeless man. Civil Beat.

State Attorney General calls for background checks on ammunition purchases. Hawaii Attorney General Clare Connors joined 20 other Attorneys General Monday urging Congress to support a gun control measure. Hawaii News Now.

Increased use of air conditioning drives up demand for electricity, resulting in higher bills. Hawaiian Electric, which provides electricity to Oahu, Maui County and Hawaii island, said Monday that the uptick in demand, in turn, has been showing up in the form of higher bills, even for those who have private rooftop solar systems. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

State, tourism agencies fund effort to reduce chronic Waikiki homelessness. The Institute for Human Services has kicked off a program to reduce the chronically homeless population in Waikiki, the epicenter of the state’s tourism economy. Star-Advertiser.

Ron Menor Raising Cash For Possible Mayoral Bid. The Honolulu City Council member calls the fundraiser exploratory. Civil Beat.

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Caldwell Defends the State of Honolulu's Finances In Face of Rail Costs. Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell sought to reassure the public on Monday that the city has enough money to cover the operational costs of the controversial rail project. Hawaii Public Radio.

FTA Won’t Confirm ‘High Praise’ For HART. The Honolulu rail agency says its federal partners are “extremely impressed” with how the project’s going, but the feds will only point to key steps that still need to happen. Civil Beat.

High-ranking DLNR officer stripped of police powers after crash reveals misconduct. A high-ranking Department of Land and Natural Resources officer has been relieved of his police duties pending an investigation into a recent crash involving his state patrol car. Hawaii News Now.

Mysteries Surround Pay For Top Staffers At Prominent Honolulu Rehab. Why did Sand Island Treatment Center report much higher salaries in its tax returns than in bids for state contracts? The rehab won’t say. Civil Beat.

Anticipated renewal of construction prompts rally in Waimanalo. Opponents of stalled plans to build new park facilities in Waimanalo rallied Monday morning at Sherwood Forest in anticipation that construction at the site soon would resume. Star-Advertiser.

Waimanalo Sports Field Protest Flares Again. Inspired by the Mauna Kea protests, residents opposed to the beach park project say they plan to block construction equipment. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Island

Council approves funds for Waiakea Stream flood channel repairs. The Hawaii County Council approved $1 million in funding toward a project to repair damage to the Waiakea Stream flood channel caused by Hurricane Lane last year. Tribune-Herald.

An update on the Thirty Meter Telescope project was recently posted to the Canadian Astronomical Society website, providing a glimpse of how Canadian astronomers involved in the observatory view the ongoing standoff on Mauna Kea. The CATAC chair says "there is effectively an indefinite moratorium on construction" and that the "only path to TMT construction in Hawai’i is through negotiation". Big Island Video News.

Puakea Ranch draft EA finds no impact. A Hawi property that has been the subject of more than $100,000 worth of fines and a lawsuit by Hawaii County has applied for a special permit from the county to host events such as weddings and to increase vacation rental occupancy. West Hawaii Today.

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Hilo veterans home hit by scabies outbreak. Visitors to the Yukio Okutsu State Veterans Home in Hilo are being limited as the facility works to address an outbreak of scabies. Tribune-Herald.

A scabies outbreak has been reported at a veterans home on Hawaii Island. Now the Hilo facility is taking action to prevent it from spreading. Hawaii News Now.

Yukio Okutsu State Veterans Home in Hilo experiences scabies outbreak. According to Avalon Healthcare which manages Yukio Okutsu State Veterans Home, the home has experienced an outbreak of scabies and is currently working to 'mitigate' the outbreak. KITV.

Maui

Waikapu Country Town gets long-awaited approval. Now, developer says, the real work begins. In 2004, when he first bought 2,000 acres in Waikapu that included the Maui Tropical Plantation, affordable housing developer Mike Atherton envisioned an entire community of homes and services that would bring back the Waikapu town of old. Maui News.

EMI Submits Draft EIS for 30-Year Water Lease to Mahi Pono. The DEIS is for a long-term, 30-year, water lease which would allow a continued supply of water through the EMI system to Mahi Pono’s farm lands in Central Maui and other water users served by EMI including approximately 35,000 upcountry Maui residents served by the Maui County water system. Maui Now.

Kauai

Hale Opio plans to focus on mindfulness programs, continue outreach. Since 1975, Hale Opio has helped more than 10,000 island youth and families. Garden Island.

Kauai makes CNN's list of Top 10 most beautiful islands. Spin the globe, pick a spot and odds are good you'll alight on the color blue: 71% of the Earth's surface is covered with water. KITV.

Residents unhappy with state officials in poll, Ellison plans $340M Lanai project, Taniguchi dies, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii Capitol ©2019 All Hawaii News

Most Hawaii residents say state elected officials don’t care about them. A majority of Hawaii residents say the state is moving in the wrong direction and expressed little confidence in the state’s elected officials, a new Honolulu Star-Advertiser poll shows. Star-Advertiser.

Money the state budgeted for educational composting programs is given to an engineering company. Over the summer, eight public school principals wrote cover letters for what they thought was an application for grants to run their school composting programs. Star-Advertiser.

Tour operators start ban on full-face snorkel masks. The Pride of Maui, a company that offers snorkel tours and cruises, has recently announced it will no longer allow the use of full-face snorkel masks on its catamarans due to safety concerns. Star-Advertiser.

Is This The New Normal? Hawaii Wrestles With Record Heat. Climatologists are frustrated by the lack of action in response to manmade global warming, but there are some simple solutions that could provide relief. Civil Beat.

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University professor apologizes for making ‘inappropriate’ remarks. A University of Hawaii professor apologized Sunday for comments about the quality of education at Kamehameha Schools that he made during a symposium on the Thirty Meter Telescope. Star-Advertiser.

UH professor behind controversial comments against Kamehameha schools apologizes. The UH professor at the center of controversial comments against Kamehameha Schools has issued an apology. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu

Council won’t pay for HART employees’ lawyers. Rail authority employees who have been subpoenaed as part of an ongoing federal criminal investigation into Honolulu’s train project will each have to hire their own lawyer if they think they need one, according to Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation Executive Director Andrew Robbins. Star-Advertiser.

City lawyers admit Council passed erroneous bill. A Honolulu City Council measure approving more money for a controversial and mysterious city contract with a California-based law firm contains erroneous information, a situation that could force Council members to redo their vote. Star-Advertiser.

DHHL Offers 37 Kapolei Homes To Native Hawaiian Beneficiaries. In an effort to reduce a long wait list for homestead lots, the state Department of Hawaiian Home Lands offered 37 "turn-key" homes in Kapolei to native Hawaiian beneficiaries, the agency announced Saturday. Hawaii Public Radio.

Developer seeks record $35M for planned Kapiolani penthouse. The developer of the planned Mandarin Oriental Hotel and Residences tower announced Thursday that it intends to offer a penthouse for $35 million among 99 residential units that start at $3.5 million. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

KTA CEO Barry Taniguchi dead at 72. “The Taniguchi family would like share that Barry K. Taniguchi passed away Friday at The Queen’s Medical Center on Oahu, due to medical complications,” his family said in a statement to the Tribune-Herald earlier today. Tribune-Herald.

Chairman and C.E.O. of KTA Super Stores Barry Taniguchi dies. According to the company, the 72-year-old died of cardiac arrest Friday night. Hawaii News Now.

Remembering Barry Taniguchi. A generational community staple has passed away. KHON2.

Hawaii Leaders Issue Statements On Death Of Barry Taniguchi. Big Island Video News.


CEO of KTA Super Stores Dies. Barry K. Taniguchi, board chairman and CEO of KTA Super Stores, died Friday, Sept. 20, 2019, at The Queen’s Medical Center on Oahu as a result of medical complications. Big Island Video News.

KTA Superstores CEO, Barry Taniguchi, dies. Many are mourning the loss of a major community leader. Barry Taniguchi, the CEO and board chair of KTA Super Stores. KITV.

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County receives extension for Highway 132 work. The Hawaii County Department of Public Works has received a three-month extension from the Federal Highway Administration to complete reconstruction of Highway 132 in lower Puna, although the department anticipates work will be finished well before the new deadline. Tribune-Herald.

PGV officials discuss ongoing facility repairs at meeting. Puna Geothermal Venture is continuing its work toward recovery, plant officials said during a community meeting Wednesday afternoon in Pahoa. Tribune-Herald.

Big Island wind farm allowed ‘incidental take’ of 3 endangered species. Pakini Nui Wind Farm operator Tawhiri Power LLC’s request for incidental take of three endangered species has been been approved by state and federal officials. West Hawaii Today.

DHHL lets delinquent lease swell to $242,000. The state Department of Hawaiian Home Lands for years allowed a Big Island man to make sporadic lease payments on a parcel in Hilo, with the past due amount eventually growing to six figures. Star-Advertiser.

‘Standing up for our rights’: 28 of those arrested at TMT protest plead not guilty. Twenty-eight of the 38 people arrested on Mauna Kea during the first week of the Thirty Meter Telescope protest in July made their first appearances in court Friday. Hawaii News Now.

Maui

Maui Council Approves Water Pollution Settlement But Mayor May Have Final Word. The Maui County Council voted 5-4 on Friday to settle a Clean Water Act lawsuit headed to the U.S. Supreme Court. But a last-minute revelation from county attorneys has set up a showdown between councilmembers and Mayor Michael Victorino. Hawaii Public Radio.

Stranded Whales Suffered From Lung Abnormalities. All five of the pygmy killer whales that died after stranding themselves on Sugar Beach last month had abnormal lungs and lymph nodes, according to a report from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Maui Now.

NOAA: Whales that stranded themselves on Maui appeared to have infections. The pygmy killer whales that stranded themselves on Maui last month had some degree of lung abnormalities and enlarged lymph nodes, NOAA researchers said. Hawaii News Now.

Program improves Maui area’s security and maintenance. Like many places in Hawaii, Maui has seen a growing number of vagrants, the mentally ill, substance abusers and homeless on the streets, and nowhere is the problem more apparent than Wailuku town. Star-Advertiser.

Maui judge, lawyer among finalists for Circuit judgeship. Second Circuit Deputy Chief Judge Kelsey Kawano and Wailuku attorney Lance Collins are among four nominees for a vacancy on the 2nd Circuit Court bench. Maui News.

Kihei Beach Cleanup Clears Over Hundred Pounds of Trash. Hawaiian Paddle Sports organized the effort for International Coastal Cleanup Day, an annual world-wide effort that rallies nearly 12 million volunteers to remove over 220 million pounds of trash from waterways and beaches. Maui Now.

Kauai

Thousands in federal funds set aside for Kauai’s Veterans Cemetery. Kauai’s Veterans Cemetery in Hanapepe will be getting thousands of dollars in federal funding for an expansion. Hawaii Senator Brian Schatz announced the funding Saturday. He said the cemetery will get nearly $310,000. Hawaii News Now.

Thousands in federal funds set aside for Kauai’s Veterans Cemetery. Kauai’s Veterans Cemetery in Hanapepe will be getting thousands of dollars in federal funding for an expansion. Hawaii News Now.

Lanai

Larry Ellison plans 30-year, $340 million project for Lanai. The billionaire who owns nearly all of Lanai is moving forward with another piece of a broad plan to diversify the economy on the island where luxury tourism reigns. Star-Advertiser.

OHA records subpoenaed over TMT Thirty Meter Telescope, tourism expected to drop with vacation rental crackdown, new HART board chairman selected, Kealoha sentencing delayed, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Protest sign at Mauna Kea ©2019 All Hawaii News

Subpoena issued to learn how OHA is helping protesters. The state Attorney General’s Office has slapped a subpoena on the state Office of Hawaiian Affairs demanding detailed infor­mation about support that OHA has provided to the Thirty Meter Telescope opponents who are blocking Mauna Kea Access Road, the Honolulu Star-Advertiser has learned. Star-Advertiser.

Mayor Kim Previews Path Forward On Mauna Kea. The Hawaii County Mayor testified before the Office of Hawaiian Affairs Board of Trustees during a meeting held Thursday morning. Big Island Video News.

Hawaii Mayor Kim says his plan includes building TMT, but that is a nonstarter for protesters. Hawaii County Mayor Harry Kim confirmed Thursday that his long-awaited blueprint for the future of Mauna Kea will include a plan to build the Thirty Meter Telescope near the summit, but the TMT opponents said that is still unacceptable to them. Star-Advertiser.

OHA trustees meet with protesters, offer support. Three trustees of the Office of Hawaiian Affairs met with protesters at Maunakea Access Road Thursday in support of their opposition to the Thirty Meter Telescope. Tribune-Herald.

Kaleikoa Kaʻeo, one of the leaders in the movement opposing the Thirty Meter Telescope on Mauna Kea, gave passionate testimony at Thursday's Office of Hawaiian Affairs meeting. Big Island Video News.

TMT enforcement effort nets 547 citations, 11 arrests. Officers assigned to the Thirty Meter Telescope protester blockade and encampment on Maunakea Access Road issued 547 traffic citations and arrested 11 suspects in the week between Sept. 12-18, police said Thursday. Tribune-Herald.

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Hawaii economy approaching standstill, report finds. Brace yourselves, Hawaii residents. The state economy is expected to slow to a near “standstill” for the next three years, according to a new University of Hawaii analysis. Star-Advertiser.

Pay Increase Approved For Hawaii School Officials. The salary adjustments impact three leadership tiers below the top-level superintendent and will help with recruitment challenges, according to the DOE. Civil Beat.

Kaiser Permanente study reveals healthy Hawaiians still at higher risk of developing diabetes. Kaiser's study found even at a normal weight, Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders have a rate of diabetes three times higher than Caucasians. KITV.

Why The Growing Demand For AC Threatens Hawaii’s Renewable Energy Goals. Far more residents now have air conditioning to deal with a warming climate.Civil Beat.


Oahu

Federal Judge Postpones Sentencing Of The Kealohas For Two Weeks. The couple will now be sentenced on Oct. 31. Civil Beat.

Kealoha Conspiracy Sentencing Re-Scheduled For Halloween. Associated Press.

Sentencing for Kealohas delayed until Halloween. District Chief Judge J. Michael Seabright agreed Thursday to delay the sentencing of Katherine and Louis Kealoha for their conspiracy and obstruction convictions while settlement talks continue related to the couple’s upcoming trial on bank fraud charges and a later drug-related trial involving Katherine Kealoha and her brother. Star-Advertiser.

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HPD: No one will be disciplined after emergency sirens were mistakenly set off. Honolulu’s police chief says no one will disciplined after an employee participating in a training exercise at the main station Wednesday accidentally set off emergency sirens on Oahu, sending people scrambling for information on what was going on. Hawaii News Now.

Faster corrections and training changes called for after latest false emergency scare. Figure out how to tell the public immediately that there is no danger after false alarms. That’s what the mayor and lawmakers want from anyone able to trigger emergency sirens and alerts. KHON2.

Economists: Airbnb Crackdown Will Likely Cause Big Drop In Oahu Tourism. The expected decline could cost the island more than $30 million per month in direct spending, based on state tourism data. Civil Beat.

Caldwell: Delay Of Dillingham Rail Plan Reaching ‘Crisis’ Level. Rail officials admit progress on a utility relocation plan has been too slow. Civil Beat.

Caldwell voices frustration over rail’s utility relocation. Honolulu rail officials are now wrestling with what they’ve said all along is the most difficult part of the $9.2 billion, East Kapolei-to-Ala Moana mass transit project: the relocation of a multitude of utility lines along the congested and key commuting corridor known as Dillingham before actual rail construction begins. Star-Advertiser.

HART Gets Its First New Board Chair In About Three Years. Toby Martyn joined HART as a state appointee. Now, he’s the agency’s board chairman. Civil Beat.

Manahan’s Chief Of Staff Running For City Council Seat. Radiant Cordero wants to represent the greater Kalihi area at Honolulu Hale. Civil Beat.

City Unsure of Trees Already Planted To Reach Its 100,000 Goal. Despite having an ambitious goal to plant 100,000 trees by 2025, the city has been unable to keep count of exactly how many have already been planted. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii Island

Committee signs off on Mass Transit multi-year contract request. Finance Committee members on Tuesday gave favorable recommendation to Mass Transit Administrator Brenda Carreira’s request to fast-track approval for a multi-year contract for Hele-On bus service with no financial information attached. West Hawaii Today.

Council mulls electric buses. Members of the Hawaii County Council met with a representative of an electric bus manufacturer Tuesday to discuss the possibility of converting the county’s bus fleet to electric vehicles. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Mayor: Injection well settlement could cost county $800 million. Supporters of ending suit call this ‘Chicken-Little’ predictions. Maui News.

An ethics complaint has been filed against Maui County Council member Tamara Paltin, alleging that she should not be voting on the Lahaina Wastewater Reclamation Facility injection wells case – because she was once on the board of one of the plaintiff organizations which originally filed the lawsuit. Maui Now.

Maui siren was not supposed to be triggered by Honolulu Police. KHON2.

DOE seeks input on teacher compensation Wednesday. Two meetings to discuss changes to the teacher compensation system, staged by the state Department of Education, will be held on Maui from 4 to 5:30 p.m. and 6 to 7:30 p.m. Wednesday at the Baldwin Auditorium. Maui News.

Kauai

Judge rules for Water Department. Kia‘i Wai O Wai‘ale‘ale is well on its way to losing its lawsuit against the county Department of Water, but a lawyer representing the water-rights organization said the legal battle over a proposed 18-inch water main in the Wailua watershed has broader implications, and believes the case will ultimately be settled in the Hawaii Supreme Court. Garden Island.

HTA rolls out campaign to educate visitors. Sharing the dos and don’ts with visitors for their time in the Hawaiian Islands is the goal of a campaign launched through a partnership between the Hawaii Tourism Authority and the Hawaii Visitors and Convention Bureau. Garden Island.

Lawsuit aims to stop Ala Wai project, emergency sirens accidentally activated, lava-damaged geothermal plant to reopen this year, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Canoeing on the Ala Wai ©2019 All Hawaii News

Group sues to halt Ala Wai project. The city and state have signed an agreement outlining a funding plan and path forward for working with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to establish flood control measures along the Ala Wai Watershed, but the $345 million project now faces a new challenge from a lawsuit filed Wednesday. Star-Advertiser.

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Honolulu police training exercise led to false emergency warning sirens on Oahu, Maui. A Honolulu police training exercise “mistakenly activated” emergency warning sirens at 5:05 p.m. Wednesday on Oahu and Maui. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Authorities Say Emergency Sirens On Oahu, Maui Were A False Alarm. Hawaii officials say the blaring of emergency sirens in parts of Oahu and Maui Wednesday afternoon was caused by an accidental activation during a Honolulu police training exercise. Hawaii Public Radio.

Emergency sirens islandwide accidentally set off during police training exercise. Emergency sirens were accidentally set off islandwide on Wednesday, sending residents from Waikiki to Waianae scrambling to figure out what was happening. Hawaii News Now.

Emergency warning sirens accidentally activated.  Another false alarm sounded Wednesday, Sept. 18, as emergency warning sirens were mistakenly set off, this time by the Honolulu Police Department. KHON2.

Emergency Sirens Mistakenly Activated on Oahu and in Kahului. Due to an error during a Honolulu Police Department training exercise, emergency sirens were mistakenly activated on Oahu. Maui Now.

'I apologize' HPD Chief Ballard says after emergency sirens mistakenly sounded. As soon as the mistake was identified, HPD says they notified the media and the state. KITV.

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Neighbor Island Schools Could Get More Money Next Year. The funds would help offset the added costs of operating a school outside the urban hub of Oahu, such as gas and mileage to cover travel for athletic events and field trips. Civil Beat.

DOE Shuts Down Its Long-Running Alternative Diploma Program. The”C-Base program,” which was a pathway to a community school diploma for non-traditional students, is being replaced by a program that focuses on work readiness. Civil Beat.

Hawaii hotels see healthy gains in August. Hawaii’s hotel industry posted healthy year-over-year gains in August, but that was due in part to weaker hotel performance in August 2018 because of Hurricane Lane. Star-Advertiser.

With Sea Level Rise, The Fate of Hawaii’s Most Vulnerable Roads Is Uncertain. Climate change is already taking a toll on coastal highways. Some of those roads may eventually be abandoned to the rising seas, a top official warns. Civil Beat.

Bottomfish Survey Underway Across Hawaii. Researchers from the Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center and local cooperative research fisheries have conducted the bottomfish survey in Hawaii every year since 2016. Big Island Now.

Oahu

Anti-Caldwell PAC’s Inaccurate Reporting Leads To $15,000 Fine. The Hawaii Campaign Spending Commission investigated the PAC for vast discrepancies between its campaign reports and bank records.Civil Beat.

New questions raised over dozens of costly change orders for the rail project. An audiotaped interview of a top city purchasing official is raising new questions about more than $100 million in change orders paid for by the rail project and city taxpayers. Hawaii News Now.

New ‘courtesy’ building inspections could speed up commercial projects. Frustrated building industry officials are hopeful a bill signed into law by Mayor Kirk Caldwell Wednesday will speed up home construction on Oahu. Star-Advertiser.

New law is aimed at streamlining building permit process. A measure signed into law Wednesday is aimed at streamlining permitting for commercial construction projects. Hawaii News Now.

City Slaps UH With $35 Million Sewer Bill After Failing To Charge Them For 7 Years. The Department of Environmental Services never got the word UH West Oahu should be billed, and now is working with the university to come up with an accurate estimate for the retroactive sewer charges. Civil Beat.

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Katherine Kealoha gets first jail visit from husband Louis. Katherine Kealoha got a visit at the Federal Detention Center Wednesday from her husband Louis Kealoha. KHON2.

Kealohas granted face-to-face meeting at federal detention center. Katherine and Louis Kealoha ― and their lawyers ― will meet at the Honolulu federal detention center for the first time since she was locked up. Hawaii News Now.

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Honolulu Zoo applies for accreditation approval. Honolulu Zoo officials this month submitted an application for accreditation to the Association of Zoos and Aquariums and hope to win approval by April, some four years after the facility was stripped of its association status. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu Zoo reopens Malay sun bear exhibit. In a press conference this morning, Mayor Kirk Caldwell and Honolulu Zoo director Linda Santos announced the reopening of the Malay sun bear exhibit. KHON2.

Hawaii Island

Big Island Prosecutor Won’t Handle TMT Arrests Because Of Son’s Job. Mitch Roth, whose son works at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, has sent the cases to the Hawaii attorney general’s office to avoid a conflict of interest. Associated Press.

Prosecutor son's job prompts turning over telescope arrests. Roth says he doesn't believe it's a conflict, but he asked for opinions from the state Office of Disciplinary Counsel and the county's ethics board. KITV.

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Puna Geothermal On Track To Reopen In 2019. Hawaii’s only geothermal power plant is still on track to resume operations before the end of the year. Puna Geothermal Venture has been shuttered since the 2018 Kilauea volcanic eruption. Hawaii Public Radio.

Council OKs interim lava recovery plan. An interim strategy to guide the county’s recovery from the 2018 Kilauea eruption was formally adopted during Wednesday’s meeting of the Hawaii County Council. Tribune-Herald.

Kilauea Risk Assessment Published, As Council Adopts Recovery Strategy. The long awaited risk assessment was published on the same day the Hawaii County Council adopted the Kilauea Interim Recovery Strategy. Big Island Video News.

Broader abandoned vehicle rule drives forward. A bill that would fix county law to permit the Department of Environmental Management to remove abandoned vehicles from state and federal property is moving forward. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Kahele: Long-term water permits on the horizon. Senator’s letter on county water agenda. For months, county water users Upcountry have been caught up in the shifting tides of the state Legislature, a lawsuit, a longtime contested case and the decision-making of private companies. Maui News.

Kauai

Climate rally on Friday at KCC. A “Global Climate Strike” is set for 1 p.m. Friday at Kauai Community College.  Garden Island.

Robert Weist is one of the original investors in the Koloa Rum Company. Wednesday morning, he smiled with pride as he took part in a groundbreaking and blessing ceremony at its new site in Koloa. Garden Island.

Hawaii trying to reduce food packaging, small public schools could close under DOE plan, Oahu gambling crackdown, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Polystyrene take-out in Hawaii ©2019 All Hawaii News

Bans, Trade-Ins and Take-Homes: Ideas For Reducing Food Packaging in Hawaii. The movement to reduce single-use plastics in Hawaii is moving beyond straws, but current health codes restrict personal containers from being used at take-out restaurants. Civil Beat.

Trump policy could have far-reaching effects on Hawaii’s immigrant population. Immigrants living in Hawaii legally could be denied future visas and permanent residency if they rely on government assistance such as food stamps and Medicaid under a Trump administration rule that is set to take effect Oct. 15. Star-Advertiser.

Small public schools risk closure if minimum headcount is adopted. Drawing a line at a headcount that schools must stay above to stay open is a concept that’s been developing all this year within a D.O.E. committee. KHON2.

Are wind farms in Hawaii hurting or helping the native BAT population? The state and federal government recently approved a request from a wind farm on Maui to increase the number of endangered Hawaiian Hoary Bats its allowed to accidentally kill. KITV.

Oahu

Feds, Honolulu police announce major crackdown on illegal gambling on Oahu. U.S. Attorney Kenji Price announced this morning the filing of criminal charges against 15 people, the seizures of 60 illegal gambling machines, homes in Waipahu and Pearl City and cash from bank accounts he said are connected to illegal gambling. Star-Advertiser.

Federal And Local Law Enforcement Crack Down On Suspected Oahu Gambling Homes. Federal officials announced charges against 15 defendants who authorities say were involved in illegal gambling operations on the island, some run in residential homes on Oahu. Hawaii Public Radio.

Law enforcement has a message for game room operators: ‘We’re coming for you’. Multiple law enforcement agencies announced a statewide crackdown on illegal game rooms Tuesday, and said at least 15 people have already been charged. Hawaii News Now.

Feds Step Up Enforcement Of Illegal Gambling In Hawaii. Officials say asset forfeiture will be a key strategy in stopping and deterring the spread of illicit gambling houses. Civil Beat.

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Honolulu Will Pay For ‘Confidential’ Criminal Defense Work For Years. Taxpayers are on the hook for as much as $700 an hour to block some records from being seen by federal investigators. Civil Beat.

Moiliili resident threatens to sue city over sidewalks blocked by homeless camps. Along Isenberg Street, walkways often resemble an obstacle course. Hawaii News Now.

Impact of Oahu’s Vacation Rental Crackdown. The law permits only 1,715 new bed-and-breakfasts — where the owner-occupant is present — and prohibits whole-home rentals. Hawaii Business.

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Volunteers map out hottest Oahu neighborhoods for NOAA campaign. With the help of volunteers, Honolulu’s Office of Climate Change, Sustainability, and Resiliency said it has successfully completed Oahu’s first Community Heat Mapping Campaign. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu Completes Heat Mapping Campaign. Volunteers mapped Oahu “hot spots” as climate change heats up. Civil Beat.

These strange tools will help shape cooling initiatives on Oahu. On Aug. 31, some 28 volunteers drove specific routes throughout Oahu three times that day — the same day Honolulu hit 95 degrees. Hawaii News Now.

Volunteers map ‘hot spots’ around Oahu. The Office of Climate Change, Sustainability, and Resiliency (Resilience Office) has completed Oahu’s first Community Heat Mapping Campaign. KHON2.

Honolulu’s Poorly Timed Traffic Signals Aren’t Very Smart. The city aims to start installing technology that can detect traffic congestion on some of Oahu’s more than 820 lights next year. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Island

Committee hears ideas for the future of county waste management programs. Methane-powered buses were among several ideas bandied about Tuesday during a County Council committee meeting to discuss the county’s waste management programs. Tribune-Herald.

Harry Kim Now The Highest-Paid Neighbor Island Mayor. Maui County has the most employees, but Hawaii County has generally caught up in the salaries paid to top executives. Civil Beat.

United Nations Indigenous Issues Expert Pens Letter To Governor About Mauna Kea. The letter by Tarcila Rivera Zea calls for "a participative dialogue between the State of Hawaii and Kanaka Maoli Protectors to seek a peaceful resolution to the tension on Mauna Kea." Big Island Video News.

TMT Opponents Allege Police Misconduct, Harassment. The kiaʻi claim the police are conducting public and covert harassment at the base of Mauna Kea as the Thirty Meter Telescope standoff continues. Big Island Video News.

Maui

Mahi Pono plants citrus trees. The company that purchased more than 40,000 acres of old sugar fields from Alexander & Baldwin in December began planting potatoes last month. Maui News.

Multiple efforts are scheduled for ‘International Coastal Cleanup Day’. Maui organizations are holding cleanups around the island as part of “International Coastal Cleanup Day” on Sept. 21. Maui News.

Kauai

Realtors focus on housing ‘crisis’. Traffic has nothing to do with housing, said Paul Brewbaker, principal economist of TZ Economics. Garden Island.

Meeting targets natural resources. The East and West Kauai Soil and Water Conservation Districts are holding an important Local Work Group meeting for Kauai agricultural producers representing crops and livestock, private forest land owners, and other professionals representing agricultural and conservation interests. Garden Island.

Electric vehicles near 10K mark, Capitol threat resolved, feds offer Kealohas plea deals, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Electric vehicle powered by solar on Henk Rogers' Hawaii energy farm ©2019 All Hawaii News

Passenger electric vehicle registrations nearing 10,000 milestone in Hawaii. Hawaii is inching closer to reaching a milestone with 10,000 passenger electric vehicles registered in the state. To be precise, the state is just short of the milestone by 95, according to the state Department of Business, Economic Development & Tourism’s monthly energy trends report. Star-Advertiser.

Will Hawaii Lead The Renewables Revolution? Hawaii has positioned itself as a pioneer in the quest to move toward a fossil-free future. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Health Department gets additional $4M to combat opioid crisis. The state Health Department announced Monday that it has received an additional $4 million in federal grant funds to address and prevent the opioid crisis in Hawaii. Star-Advertiser.

Sheriff’s Office: No Threat To Hawaii State Capitol. The Honolulu Police Department located an Arizona man who apparently encouraged a mass shooting in a social media post. Civil Beat.

Hawaii State Hospital now under new leadership. There’s a new head of the Hawaii state hospital. Doctor Run Heidelberg took over for William May as the facility’s administrator on Tuesday. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu

Cost for monthly housing in Honolulu not hurt by illegal vacation rentals, study finds. Illegal vacation rentals may have marred the fabric of residential neighborhoods around Oahu, but a new study concludes that they haven’t inflated primary rental housing rates. Star-Advertiser.

Louis and Katherine Kealoha offered plea deals from federal prosecutors. Federal prosecutors have made offers to Louis and Katherine Kealoha to avoid their upcoming trials. Hawaii News Now.

Whistleblower suspects Kealoha’s investigation into Board of Water Supply was a sham. New questions are being raised about an apparent investigation headed up by disgraced ex-deputy Prosecutor Katherine Kealoha into the Board of Water Supply, and a whistleblower involved in the probe now believes it was all a sham. Hawaii News Now.

Neighborhood board sends letter to FAA, requesting tour helicopter ban over Kailua. The Kailua Neighborhood Board has passed a resolution asking for a federal ban of all tour helicopters over the beach community, and has sent a formal letter to the Federal Aviation Administration outlining details of that request. Star-Advertiser.

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New Bags Required Of Chinatown Merchants To Combat Trash. Chinatown merchants are now required to use city-mandated yellow bags to dispose of their curbside trash, otherwise it won't be picked up by city trash collectors. Hawaii Public Radio.

Bright yellow garbage bags are the city’s solution to Chinatown’s trash problem. The city has started handing out big, bright yellow garbage bags to businesses in Chinatown to try and tackle the community's chronic trash problem. Hawaii News Now.

Chinatown businesses urged to use city-issued yellow trash bags. In an effort to keep trash off the streets of Chinatown, the city is re-emphasizing its new policy. KHON2.

New trash bag aimed at reducing illegal dumping, rummaging in Chinatown. A revised ordinance also makes it illegal to open garbage bags that have been put out for collection -- a tool for environmental inspectors to fine violators up to $2,500. KITV.

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Where A Developer Sees Houses, Enchanted Lake Residents See A Wetland To Protect. Residents adamantly oppose a housing development in Kaelepulu, an area that was once a fishery. Civil Beat.

It’ll take a bit longer to remove toxic soil buried beneath Kalihi street. Work to remove toxic soil buried beneath Factory Street in Kalihi is being pushed back a few weeks -- just as alarming new details are coming out about the lead contamination under the asphalt. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Investigation into claims of retaliation in DLNR’s boating division comes up empty. Department of Land and Natural Resources chair, Suzanne Case, told Hawaii News Now she asked investigators from the attorney general's office to help her agency look into corruption and retaliation complaints. Hawaii News Now.

Office of Hawaiian Affairs Trustees To Visit Mauna Kea, Ka'u and Hilo. The Office of Hawaiian Affairs will hold a community meeting in Pahala on Wednesday evening. The next day they will meet in Hilo and visit Pu'uhuluhulu. Big Island Video News.

Second accomplice sentenced in fatal officer shooting. A second accomplice was sentenced Monday in Circuit Court for her role in aiding and abetting cop killer Justin Waiki. West Hawaii Today.

Big Island program gives hope to dwindling Hawaii fish populations. Generations of community leaders and Kupuna of Kaupulehu on the west side of Hawaii Island converged to devise a plan to replenish their coral reef fish, creating the Kaupulehu Marine Reserve. KHON2.

Maui

Maui County Hosting Community Meetings To Help Craft Next Budget. Community meetings throughout Maui County are being held to help Mayor Michael Victorino and his administration craft its first budget that will cover fiscal year 2020-2021. Hawaii Public Radio.

“What’s up in Ha‘iku?” Subject of Ha’iku Community Association Meeting. The meeting will feature updates on local infrastructure and community projects from county officials and local community members. Maui Now.

Kauai

Tensions rise over parking at Hanalei Bay Resort. When Ian Jung, the lawyer representing the Association of Apartment Owners of Hanalei Bay Resort pulled the microphone away from Jimit Mehta mid-sentence, it became clear that what they were discussing — the number of parking spaces at HBR — was a heated issue. Garden Island.

Fire chief search continues. Nearly a year and a half into the search for a new fire chief, the Kauai County Fire Commission is essentially starting again from scratch. Garden Island.