Poll shows Tulsi in trouble, Caldwell raising money for gubernatorial bid, first humpback of the season spotted, Sherwood on hold after artifact found, Mauna Kea police price tag rises, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Tulsi Gabbard, Kai Kahele

Poll: Gabbard’s Constituents Want Her To End Presidential Campaign. The Hawaii congresswoman might be in trouble, too, if she decides to run for re-election to keep her House seat. Civil Beat.

Caldwell Schedules Campaign Fundraiser For Governor’s Race. It’s the first time the Honolulu mayor has officially sought cash for a run for Hawaii’s top job. Civil Beat.

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Humpback whale spotted off Kauai a month ahead of official start of whale season. Whale season in Hawaii doesn’t officially start for another month, but the first humpback sighting has already been reported. Hawaii News Now.

Humpback whale season begins with first apparent sighting off Kauai. It’s official. Humpback whale season in Hawaii is here, with the first sighting of one off the northwest coast of Kauai. Star-Advertiser.

First Humpback of Season Sighted Off Kaua‘i. It’s officially whale season again in Hawai‘i. Big Island Now.

First whale spotted. Tuesday started out as just another day on the water for Holo Holo Charter captains Aaron Pearlman and Casey Heaton, but they got quite a surprise when they reached the waters offshore of Ke‘e Beach. Garden Island.

Humpback Sighting Marks Start of Whale Season. Captains aboard a tour boat off the coast of Kauaʻi may have spotted the first humpback whale of the season. Maui Now.

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Record Heat Thrusts Hawaii Corals Into ‘New Era’ Of Bleaching. The reefs have never had to endure such conditions. Marine scientists remain optimistic but warn that time is running out for society to step up. Civil Beat.

Hawaiian Airlines flight attendants strike vote count planned for November. Hawaiian Airlines flight attendants are gearing up for a strike vote. The workers say they’ve been fighting for almost three years for a new contract. KHON2.

Oahu

Caldwell halts work at Sherwood. The city will halt further work on its contentious improvements project at Waimanalo Bay Beach Park until it hears back from the State Historic Preservation Division and the Oahu Island Burial Council about an object that was found at the site over the weekend, Mayor Kirk Caldwell said Tuesday. Star-Advertiser.

Mayor Caldwell Hits Pause On Controversial Waimanalo Park Project. State historic preservation officials are taking another look at what Native Hawaiians say is a historic and sacred site that was torn up to build a ball field. Civil Beat.

Waimanalo park redevelopment on hold as authorities investigate possible artifact. A controversial Waimanalo park redevelopment project is on hold as government agencies investigate a possible stone artifact found at the site. Hawaii News Now.

Construction paused at Sherwoods during artifact investigation. Mayor Kirk Caldwell has paused construction of Waimanalo Bay Beach Park or Sherwoods. KHON2.

Controversial Sherwood Forest redevelopment project on hold. Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell made the decision on Tuesday after a possible artifact was found at the construction site on Monday. KITV.

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Attorneys Who Requested Honolulu Rail Subpoenas No Longer At DOJ. It’s not clear how the departures have impacted the federal probe that’s ensnared the rail project, if at all. Civil Beat.

Texas buyer sues seller of illegal vacation rental. A Texas man who bought a home in Portlock earlier this year for $2.3 million as an investment is suing the seller and broker for not disclosing that he cannot legally rent out the property for periods shorter than 30 days. Star-Advertiser.

United Nations climate study daunting for Hawaii, but City planning is ahead of the research. The City and County of Honolulu was warned of this in June of 2018 by the Climate Change Commission, whose similar figures noted that a sea-level rise of 3.2 feet would displace 13,300 Honolulu residents and cause $12.9 billion dollars in structure and land loss locally. KHON2.

Chinatown Board To Take Up Yellow Trash Bag Mandate After Complaints. Some Chinatown merchants are not happy with the new garbage bag mandate that requires their trash be disposed of in city-required yellow bags for pickup by city trash collectors. Hawaii Public Radio.

Soaring electric bills raise alarm at Kapilina Beach Homes. Many residents of Kapilina Beach Homes in Ewa Beach were recently shocked to receive huge electrical bills — some $1,000 or more — that are significantly higher than earlier, sizzling summer power costs. Star-Advertiser.

53,000 streetlights on Oahu converted to bright, energy-efficient LEDs. The streets of Oahu are a little bit brighter thanks to the city’s partnership with Johnson Controls. Hawaii News Now.

Switching to LEDs nets city a big rebate. The city on Tuesday received a $1.9 million rebate check from the ratepayer­-funded Hawai’i Energy program for converting more than 53,000 city streetlights across Oahu to more energy-­efficient light emitting diode (LED) technology. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

TMT response costing Hawaii County $50K daily. Hawaii County police have spent nearly $4.2 million on overtime, fringe benefits and other costs so far in connection with 11 weeks of protests against the Thirty Meter Telescope, members of the Hawaii County Council were told Tuesday. Star-Advertiser.

Update on TMT standoff-related expenses raises reimbursement questions. The ongoing standoff at Maunakea Access Road has now cost Hawaii County more than $4 million, but the county might be on the hook for more. Tribune-Herald.

Anti-TMT forces step up their campaign off the mountain. Sensing new momentum for the cause, opponents of the Thirty Meter Telescope have turned up their outreach campaign this week to rally against the $1.4 billion project and push for Native Hawaiian rights. Star-Advertiser.

Protesters: Kim’s proposal is dead on arrival. Leaders of the ongoing protest against the Thirty Meter Telescope said they are not satisfied with Mayor Harry Kim’s proposal for Maunakea. Tribune-Herald.

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Hawaii County’s 2-Bin recycling program will no longer accept paper, plastics. Starting mid-October, paper and plastics will no longer be accepted for recycling at transfer stations on the Big Island. Hawaii News Now.

Council sees climate as emergency. At the urging of some 50 testifiers, a County Council panel Tuesday advanced a resolution committing to implement a “just, equitable, countywide emergency climate mobilization effort.” West Hawaii Today.

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$95.8M Keahuolu Courthouse dedicated. Scores of people, including legislators, dignitaries and current and retired judges and employees, gathered Tuesday to bless and celebrate the opening of the 140,000-square-foot Keahuolu Courthouse, which began operations Sept. 3. West Hawaii Today.

West Hawai‘i Dedicates New Kona Courthouse. Hundreds of people gathered Tuesday morning outside the new Kona courthouse to celebrate its completion and join in dedicating the newly-finished project to the service of justice. Big Island Now.

Multi-million dollar courthouse opens in West Hawaii. Leaders held a blessing Tuesday for the new Keahuolu Courthouse in Kona. Hawaii News Now.

Retired Judge Ronald Ibarra Tells Old Kona Courthouse Stories. After his speech, Ibarra was surprised by the naming the of Self-Help Center in the new courthouse in his honor. Big Island Video News.

Maui

Woman shares inappropriate images she says Maui officer at center of misconduct case sent her. Maui County prosecutors say the Maui police officer in the center of a misconduct and abuse of power case is facing a federal probe. Hawaii News Now.

Mahi Pono replaces HC&S on water application. Contested case on stream diversions drawing to an end. Maui News.

Study: Maui, Molokai coastal roads among those most vulnerable. 10 highways in county make UH erosion list. Maui News.

Off-road Vehicle Damages Silverswords and Trail at Haleakala Summit. On the morning of Saturday, Sept. 28, 2019, Haleakala  National Park law enforcement rangers observed tire tracks leaving the paved road at Haleakala’s summit. Maui Now.

Kauai

County fires deputy attorney. A deputy county attorney was fired earlier this month and says she may sue the county for retaliation and workplace discrimination. Garden Island.

Hawaii’s and Kauai’s birthrates declining. Kauai is following the national trend with birthrates dipping over the past decade in the midst of a statewide trend of declining resident population, too. Garden Island.

Kim releases Mauna Kea plan, more housing options on Hawaiian Home Lands, Oahu jail project stalls, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Telescopes on Mauna Kea ©2019 All Hawaii News

Kim reveals Mauna Kea plan, which includes TMT. Hawaii County Mayor Harry Kim officially released his long-awaited plan for resolving the controversy surrounding Mauna Kea on Monday, distributing a pamphlet that asserts that the site designated for the Thirty Meter Telescope will become the last area of the mountain that is ever developed for a telescope. Star-Advertiser.

Big Island Mayor Calls For Restructuring Management On Mauna Kea. Harry Kim’s plan for resolving the TMT standoff makes few new promises, but offers Native Hawaiians a larger voice in determining the future of the mountain. Civil Beat.

Kim Releases 'Maunakea Booklet' Calling For Core Group To Move Forward. Hawaii County Mayor Harry Kim issued his long-awaited proposal Monday to resolve the protest against the Thirty Meter Telescope on Mauna Kea, calling for a "core group" as a next step to provide future direction. Hawaii Public Radio.

Mayor unveils Maunakea document that includes policy ‘pledges’ from state officials. Mayor Harry Kim released a proposal Monday for Maunakea that includes pledges from Gov. David Ige and other officials promising to improve Native Hawaiian relations. Tribune-Herald.

Kim Offers ‘Way Forward’ in Maunakea Booklet. On Monday, Mayor Harry Kim released a nine-page PDF that he’s calling his Maunakea Booklet. Big Island Now.

Hawaii County Mayor releases vision for Mauna Kea moving forward. After months of zero construction activity on Mauna Kea, because protestors continue to illegally block access, Mayor Harry Kim has released a booklet on the government’s next move. KHON2.

'The Heart of Aloha': Mayor Kim releases booklet in hopes of moving forward on Mauna Kea. The hope was to bring together the people of Hawaii to find and create a way to move forward 'in a good way.' KITV.

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New DHHL rules allow more housing options. Gov. David Ige on Monday signed new administrative rules that allow the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands to develop multifamily, rental and kupuna housing on trust property, providing a new tool that Ige and the state agency say eventually will help address a huge backlog of Native Hawaiians waiting for homestead leases. Star-Advertiser.

Ige OKs Rentals, Multi-Family Units On DHHL Land. The governor says the rules will help ease Hawaii’s affordable housing crisis. Civil Beat.

New DHHL Rules Allow Rentals, More Options. Gov. David Ige today signed new administrative rules for planned communities, multi-family complexes and rental housing within the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands. Big Island Now.

Hawaiian Homes is Expanding its Housing Options. A new set of rules will allow the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands to offer multi-family units, kūpuna homes, and rental housing options. Maui Now.

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Clare Connors: Hawaii’s Attorney General Is ‘Answering The Call’. She was on the verge of being a federal judge, but stalled in the Senate. Now she’s Hawaii’s top law enforcement officer.  Civil Beat.

Hawaii Is Already Seeing the Consequences of Falling Birthrates. The latest data show that number of babies are being born in Hawaii has been declining for a decade. That follows a national trend of falling birthrates. Hawaii Public Radio.

Teachers Weary Of Pay That Makes It Tough To Stay In The Classroom — Or Hawaii. During a series of DOE “listening sessions,” many teachers drew a connection between salaries and classroom conditions and Hawaii’s teacher shortage. Civil Beat.

Even Free Tuition Isn’t Enough To Attract People To This Hawaii Teacher Program. A three-year-old initiative to train highly qualified teachers in Hawaii isn’t seeing a high number of applications, despite a push to recruit new candidates. Civil Beat.

Controversial Aloha Poke plans on mainland expansion. he Chicago-based Aloha Poke restaurant chain — which infuriated Hawaiians and Hawaii residents last year by trademarking the terms “Aloha” and “Poke” and threatening other businesses also using those terms in their names — plans to expand to 100 restaurants across the mainland within three years. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Ala Wai Project Undergoes Changes, State Reiterates Funding Support. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers says it will modify designs for a controversial flood control project on Oahu. The public will have a chance to further hear about the Ala Wai Flood Control Project on Tuesday. Hawaii Public Radio.

New Oahu Jail Project Is Stalling Out Over Lack Of Cash, Community Support. OCCC has a five-year master plan, but it’s unclear when the five-year period starts or ends, and nobody wants to pay for it. Civil Beat.

Newly Released Minutes Reveal How Louis Kealoha Got His $250K Buyout. The Honolulu Police Commission recently released minutes from secret meetings where commissioners and city attorneys hashed out a lucrative retirement deal for the former police chief. Civil Beat.

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‘Artifact’ discovered at Sherwood Forest construction site. An investigation by State Historic Preservation Division employees at Sherwood Forest began Monday as arguments continued over the validity of a construction project and its worth to the community. Star-Advertiser.

Historic artifact discovered at Sherwood Forest park project. A find of a historic artifact was reportedly discovered at a city park project in Waimanalo. KITV.

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Senate Panel Approves $16.7M For East-West Center. Sen. Brian Schatz says the institution continues to play “an increasingly important role” in national security and regional cooperation. Civil Beat.

Lt. Gov. rejects sweeps, pitches idea for master-planned communities for homeless. The Lt. Governor says possible locations are being looked at in Waianae, Waimanalo (across from the beach park) and in the urban core (off Middle Street). Hawaii News Now.

Discrimination lawsuit over dorm-style housing for families filed. The U.S. Justice Department Monday sued a student housing company for discrimination against children and families. Hawaii Student Suites Inc. offers dorm-style housing in several buildings in Honolulu. Hawaii News Now.

Neighborhood Commission chief resigns. The head of the agency that oversees Oahu’s neighborhood board system is stepping down to take a job with the city rail authority. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Hawaii Farmers Still Need Unique Assistance After Kilauea Eruption, USDA Urged. The Hawaii Congressional Delegation again write to Secretary Of Agriculture Perdue asking for needed relief for Puna farmers. Big Island Video News.

Following more dump closures, officials looking for new ways to bring on staff. Staff shortages continue in the county Department of Environmental Management, this time prompting the closure Monday of two transfer stations and a green waste site in West Hawaii. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Maui Sees Rise in Visitor Spending and Arrivals. Tourists on Maui spent a total of $404.8 million last month, a 14 percent increase from the same time last year. Maui Now.

Tourism spending, arrivals spike on Lanai. Maui County leads hotel performance. Maui News.

Rare birds on Maui to be relocated in hopes of saving the species. There’s an ambitious plan to save one of Hawaii’s most endangered birds. Conservation groups will trans-locate the Kiwikiu, or Maui Parrotbill, to a restored forest in October. Hawaii News Now.

Kauai

State approves Ho‘opi‘i permit. The state Board of Land and Natural Resources voted Friday to continue a permit that allows public access to Kauai’s Ho‘opi‘i Falls. Garden Island.

Threats close 2 schools. Threats of violence forced two schools on the island to close early on Monday, as law enforcement officials investigated reports of text messages about plans to “bomb every single building” on the Waimea High School Campus and “shoot every student and teacher” at Kauai High School. Garden Island.

When the U.S. Department of Agriculture comes out with administrative rules governing the cultivation of hemp, expect Hawaii to submit a state plan, said Micah Munekata, legislative coordinator, state Department of Agriculture. “We’re trying our best to move as fast as we can at the state level,” Munekata said to about 40 people at the Lihue Business Association meeting Thursday at Duke’s Canoe Club at the Kauai Marriott Resort &Beach Club. Garden Island.

Repairs coming to Diamond Head summit, Waimanalo park opponents file lawsuit, feds pan Honolulu rail property purchases, Mauna Kea telescope decommissioning delayed, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Visitors crowd Diamond Head summit ©2019 All Hawaii News

State to demolish crumbling tower at Diamond Head State Monument. A year ago, the state Land Department started getting reports of the crumbling tower. Hawaii News Now.

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Opponents of Sherwood Forest construction threaten further legal action at rally in Waimanalo. An attorney for a group that opposes the city’s plan to develop a portion of Waimanalo Bay Beach Park said today he plans further legal action, including filing for an injunction to stop the project and for relief to get it returned to its pre-construction condition. Star-Advertiser.

Waimanalo Park Opponents Are Settling In For A Long Fight. Protesters returned to the site just two days after being arrested by police for blocking access to the area. Civil Beat.

More than a hundred turn out to support lawsuit to stop controversial park development in Waimanalo. Protesters lined the entrance to Waimanalo Bay Beach Park, also known as “Sherwood Forest,” Saturday morning. Hawaii News Now.

Protectors at Sherwoods in Waimanalo file federal lawsuit against the City. Those opposed to construction of a new playing field at Waimanalo Bay Beach Park, also known as Sherwoods, have filed a lawsuit against the City to stop the project. KHON2.

Protester arrested in Sherwood Forest confrontation says Mayor's plan is not compromise. Pilialoha Callahan says the fight over Sherwood Forest isn't over. KITV.

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Duane ‘Dog’ Chapman says he was diagnosed with pulmonary embolism. Duane “Dog the Bounty Hunter” Chapman has announced he was diagnosed with a pulmonary embolism earlier this month, and is undergoing treatment. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu

Mayor Caldwell’s approval ratings drop to all-time low. Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell’s approval numbers continue to slip to new lows as he approaches his final year in office — probably not exactly what a guy who is expected to run for governor in 2020 would want to see. Star-Advertiser.

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HART overpaid some property owners and shortchanged others. The Honolulu rail authority apparently shortchanged 16 tenants or property owners who were relocated to make way for the city’s 20-mile rail line, and made overpayments or ineligible payments to 28 other property owners, according to an intensive federal review of Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation relocation records. Star-Advertiser.

Feds Say Honolulu Rail’s Relocation Payments Are A Mess And Must Be Redone. HART first self-reported its “potential problems” last year. A new federal report shows just how bad those violations actually were. Civil Beat.

FTA: Honolulu rail project botched program to relocate homes, businesses. The federal government says the city’s $9 billion rail project botched its program to relocate homes and businesses along the route. Hawaii News Now.

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Kapiolani Boulevard is becoming a magnet for new hotel projects. No one is redrawing the edge of Waikiki, but a growing number of planned hotel projects on Kapiolani Boulevard promise to stretch the primary urban zone for vacation accommodations on Oahu. Star-Advertiser.

OCCC guard, deputy sheriff will not be prosecuted in fatal shootings. The state Department of Public Safety had zero fatal shootings in the past 10 years until Feb. 18, when a deputy sheriff shot in the back a small, disabled, homeless man who had been drinking beer at the state Capitol rotunda. Star-Advertiser.

Power bills topping $1,000 draw ire of residents at gated West Oahu community. Residents in a gated Ewa Beach community are demanding answers after they were hit with shockingly high electricity bills this month. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Board votes to leave UH-Hilo observatory in place — for now. The University of Hawaii’s Maunakea Management Board on Friday voted against decommissioning the former site of an educational telescope on Maunakea until there is a firm plan to reinstall the telescope elsewhere in Hawaii. Tribune-Herald.

Mauna Kea Board Fails To Advance Hoku Kea Telescope Decommissioning. The board did not approve a Notice of Intent to Decommission the small, educational telescope on Mauna Kea, although the TMT permit requires it to come down. Big Island Video News.

Mauna Kea CSO Decommissioning Update. The CSO Decommissioning Phase 1 Environmental Site Assessment, and Hazardous Materials Report, have been approved by the Mauna Kea Management Board. Big Island Video News.

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Barry Taniguchi: ‘He had a tremendous amount of love and aloha for the community’. Since the passing of Barry Taniguchi on Sept. 20, plaudits for the late chairman and CEO of KTA Super Stores and condolences to his family have poured in from leaders of Hawaii’s business, government, health care, education and nonprofit sectors. Tribune-Herald.

Tour companies in Kona try to curb use of full-face snorkel mask. As concerns rise about the safety of full-face snorkel masks, more and more Hawaii Island tour companies are following the example of their island neighbors by banning the use of the masks on their boats. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Kahului Airport Ranked “Dead Last” in US for Traveler Satisfaction. Kahului Airport has the lowest satisfaction rating compared to similar-sized airports nationwide. That's according to a study from global marketing company J.D. Power, which ranked Kahului Airport last on a list of 16 “medium” airports throughout the country. Maui Now.

Pineapple perseveres on small farms on the Valley Isle.  It’s easy to see Hawaii’s connection to pineapple farming at Maui’s main airport, where plush toys, picture frames, candy and other items made in the oblong fruit’s image are for sale along with three-packs of the real thing for $29.95. Star-Advertiser.

Maui Emergency Management Agency Accidentally Calls County Residents. The Maui Emergency Management Agency accidentally called thousands of county residents from a (999) 999-9999 number shortly before 9 a.m. today. Hawaii Public Radio.

S. Maui families deal with flooded homes, debris. Families in a Maui Meadows neighborhood were dealing Saturday with the aftermath of a localized storm that dumped 1 to 2 inches of rain per hour over the area a day before, leaving homes flooded and debris in yards and on streets. Maui News.

Kauai

Maverick: ‘We want to be good neighbors’. Maverick Helicopters wants to spell out its side of a controversy surrounding aerial tours it started last year out of a small airstrip adjacent to the salt beds in Hanapepe. Garden Island.

Caldwell kills Waimanalo sports complex plan after 28 protesters arrested, executive pleads guilty to bribing Schofield managers, OHA paid $39k to help Thirty Meter Telescope opponents, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Waimanalo Beach PC:Drums600 via Wikipedia

Caldwell Tweets: 'We Are Not Building Sports Complex In Waimanalo'. In the wake of the arrest of 28 protesters Thursday blocking access to Waimanalo Bay Beach Park that officials wanted to redevelop, Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell tweeted the city won't build a sports complex planned in the Sherwood Forest area. Associated Press.

Mayor Kirk Caldwell defends plans for Sherwood Forest in Waimanalo after police arrest of 28 protesters. Mayor Kirk Caldwell said today that he respects First Amendment rights after 28 demonstrators were arrested at Waimanalo Beach Park, but he accused the protestors of blocking other community members from accessing the park. Star-Advertiser.

Protesters blocking police and a construction vehicle at the Waimanalo forest cited concerns about culture and overdevelopment issues. More than two dozen protesters blocking police and construction equipment for a contentious renovation project at Waimanalo Bay Beach Park were arrested Thursday morning after a two-hour peaceful standoff on the access road to the park. Star-Advertiser.

Police Arrest 28 Protesters Blocking Construction At Waimanalo Park. The protesters sang and chanted as they passively resisted the officers.  Civil Beat.

City pledges to press forward with controversial Waimanalo park project despite arrests. Officers arrested 28 people Thursday who were blocking construction equipment and crews from accessing a Waimanalo park, where a controversial $32 million redevelopment project is underway. Hawaii News Now.

HPD arrests 28 Sherwood Forest protestors in Waimanalo. Twenty-eight protestors were arrested at the entrance to Waimanalo Bay Beach Park on Thursday, Sept. 26 amid the Sherwood Forest protest. KHON2.

Over 2 dozen arrested after demonstrators block construction crews from accessing Sherwood Forest. Demonstrators were out in Waimanalo protesting Thursday morning. KITV.

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Hawaii saw more visitor arrivals and tourism spending in August than last year. Total visitor arrivals and spending rose again statewide in August, which was only the third month both categories have been up since November. Star-Advertiser.

165 Duty Free Hawaii employees will be laid off. DFS Hawaii began the process of cutting down their workforce by deciding on Thursday, Sept. 26, to lay off 165 employees, according to the company. KHON2.

DFS Hawaii laying off 165 workers amid international visitor market declines. DFS Hawaii, which has operated in Hawaii since 1962 and employs 660 people, began taking steps to reduce a quarter of its workforce today in one of the biggest layoffs of the state’s softer tourism cycle. Star-Advertiser.

DFS Hawaii lays off 165 amid decline in tourism from Asia. Retailer DFS Hawaii laid off 165 employees Thursday from three of its Hawaii locations, citing losses due to a softening international travel market. Hawaii News Now.

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Some Principals Can Still Earn More Than Top DOE Officials. Civil Beat’s public employee salary database now includes 22,395 employees of the Hawaii Department of Education. Civil Beat.

Ige Picks Environmental Director To Lead Energy Office. As chief executive officer of the Hawaii State Energy Office, Scott Glenn will play an important role in achieving the state’s renewable energy goals. Civil Beat.

Ige Taps Glenn to lead State Energy Office. Big Island Now.

Oahu

Executive pleads guilty to bribing Schofield managers in exchange for contracts. John Winslett admitted giving thousands of dollars in goods, weapons and a vehicle to the managers of the Schofield firing range in return for about $19 million in contracts to improve and maintain the range.  Hawaii News Now.

City Council Bill To Increase Trespass Fines Headed To Public Hearing. A Honolulu City Council committee approved a public hearing for a bill that will increase fines for people who illegally enter watershed areas. Hawaii Public Radio.

Oahu Windfarm Seeking Increase In Authorized Bat Deaths. Kawailoa Wind, LLC, has been operating five miles north of Haleiwa since 2012. The company is asking regulators to increase the number of endangered species it can legally kill by its presence. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hefty Property Fine? Honolulu Will Happily Settle For 10%. City officials say they’re less interested in raising money than in getting property owners to comply, so are willing to take much less when the violation is corrected. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Island

Office Of Hawaiian Affairs Has Spent $39K To Support Activists On Mauna Kea. The state Attorney General’s office has subpoenaed the information on OHA’s support for demonstrators against the Thirty Meter Telescope. Civil Beat.

Police Are Giving TMT Opponents Space For Negotiations, AG Says. A new poll shows "most voters now oppose the idea of using force to reopen Mauna Kea Access Road to allow construction to move forward". Big Island Video News.

Speakers talk food access, self-reliance at summit. More than a hundred Big Island farmers, gardeners, officials and more gathered in Hilo Thursday for the second annual Hawaii Island Community Food Summit. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Pulama Lanai proposing 200-acre industrial park. LUC to review project's environmental assessment. Maui News.

Bail money returned to Maui officer accused of abuse of power, misconduct. The Maui Police Department charged Officer Brandon Saffeels with hindering prosecution and tampering with a witness, but the Maui Prosecutor’s Office declined charges. Hawaii News Now.

Maui teachers say pay not enough with the cost of living. Housing an issue, some work two jobs. Maui News.

Kauai

‘The Hanapepe Massacre Mystery’. A new documentary by Kauai native, former journalist and Emmy Award-winning documentary filmmaker Stephanie J. Castillo will launch Saturday with a video shoot of researchers searching for the Hanapepe site where 16 Filipino sugarcane workers were believed to have been buried in an unmarked grave in 1924. Garden Island.

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.