Kaiser sues Queen's in contract dispute, Honolulu no sanctuary city, OHA trustees must pay back misused money, water buffaloes on Kauai, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Honolulu cityscape ©2019 All Hawaii News

Study: Average Honolulu resident would have to save for 40 years to afford a home. Urban Honolulu tied with San Francisco for the second-longest length of time a prospective homeowner would have to save up. Los Angeles was in the top spot -- at 43 years. Hawaii News Now.

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Kaiser sues Queen’s over billing. Kaiser Foundation Health Plan Inc. filed a federal lawsuit Wednesday against The Queen’s Health Systems, after the hospital provider said it intended to directly bill Kaiser members who receive emergency medical services at its facilities as of May 31. Star-Advertiser.

Kaiser Permanente Sues Queen's Health System In Contract Dispute. Kaiser Permanente Hawaii has sued the Queen's Health System in federal court after it said the parties failed to reach agreement over a hospital provider contract that expired last month. Hawaii Public Radio.

Kaiser files lawsuit against Queen’s following contract expiration at end of May. Kaiser Permanente on Wednesday filed a lawsuit against The Queen’s Health Systems after Queen’s told the health plan it will be billing Kaiser members for the balance of any emergency services it provides that aren’t reimbursed. West Hawaii Today.

Kaiser Permanente files lawsuit against Queen's Health System to protect patients from 'unfair billing practices'. According to Kaiser Permanente, it has filed a lawsuit in federal court against Queen’s Health System to "protect their patients from unfair billing practices." KITV.

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Ethics Commission forces several OHA trustees to pay back thousands. The state Ethics Commission has ordered several members of the Office of Hawaiian Affairs Board of Trustees to pay back thousands of dollars in travel and meal expenses. Hawaii News Now.

As Hawaii Looks to Build Tech Industry, Attention Turns To Esports. Hawaii has long sought to diversify its economy and build up its tech industry. One area gaining ground at local colleges is the competitive video gaming known as esports. Hawaii Public Radio.

Push To Increase College Financial Aid Applications May Be Paying Off. Education officials hope this results in more graduating seniors enrolling in college this year, especially those from low-income families. Civil Beat.

This Texas Lawyer Flies Marshallese Women Through Hawaii For Black Market Adoptions. In texts and emails with adoptive parents, Dallas lawyer Jody Hall openly flouts laws restricting Marshallese adoptions in the U.S. Civil Beat.

The State Department of Defense put out a warning about a scam involving the late Hawaii U.S. Representative Mark Takai. A person is sending text messages to people using his photo. He claims to be Sergeant Philip Lee Alexander Junior, a soldier in the Army stationed in Syria. KITV.

Oahu

Bill to make Honolulu sanctuary city dies. Honolulu City Councilwoman Ann Kobayashi, who co-authored Bill 31, said there are no plans to move the bill beyond the approval it received on first reading June 5. Star-Advertiser.

Power Outage At Honolulu Airport Causes Travel Delays. For about an hour, security checkpoints at Terminal 1 were not operational and there was no electricity at the gates. Civil Beat.

Faulty transmission line blamed for power outage at Honolulu’s airport. A power outage shut down a large portion of Honolulu’s airport Wednesday morning, but it’s now back to business as usual. Hawaii News Now.

Charges dismissed against ousted principal. A state judge has permanently dismissed felony theft charges against the ousted director of the now-defunct Halau Lokahi Public Charter School because the state took too long to take the case to trial. Star-Advertiser.

‘An ongoing problem’: Kailua residents worry a stretch of road is too dangerous for pedestrians. Two people have been hit by cars in two days on the same road in Kailua. Hawaii News Now.

Injured man, 5 others cited for trespassing after rockfall at Sacred Falls. State conservation officers on Tuesday afternoon cited an injured Honolulu man, along with five others, for trespassing at Sacred Falls State Park following a rockfall incident. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Garbage diversion is the goal: Solid Waste Advisory Committee wraps up draft report. The newest crop of trash-talkers advocates the carrot, not the stick. West Hawaii Today.

Man indicted in crash that killed HFD veteran. A Kona grand jury met June 10 and indicted Christopher Raymond Helmlinger, 21, of Waimea, on charges of manslaughter and second-degree negligent homicide in connection with the May 22 multiple-car crash that took the life of David Mahon, a 49-year-old Kailua-Kona resident who had a lengthy career with the fire department. West Hawaii Today.

HMC adds cardiologist. Hilo Medical Center’s cardiac program has expanded once again, with the addition of a second interventional cardiologist. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Council budget in fact $43M more than mayor’s. Budget Chairwoman Keani Rawlins-Fernandez comments at news conference incorrect. Maui News.

On Hawaiian Kingdom, Maui County Goes Where Hawaii County Would Not. On May 15, Dr. Keanu Sai, a political science professor at the University of Hawaii, made a presentation to the Maui County Council regarding the status of Hawaii as an occupied nation State under international law. Big Island Video News.

Snake hitchhikes to Maui in Virginia visitor’s backpack. Maui police and state officials caught a small, juvenile snake that slithered out of a visitor’s backpack Monday night at a vacation rental in Pukalani. Star-Advertiser.

Stowaway Snake Found Slithering from Backpack of Maui Visitor. A small juvenile snake was captured after it was seen slithering out of a newly arrived visitor’s backpack Monday night at a Maui vacation rental in Pukalani. Maui Now.

Kauai

Rules ready when highway reopens. It’s going to be different for Kauai residents trying to get to Kee Beach for sunset or take a weekend hike to Hanakapiai. Garden Island.

Hanalei Initiative to launch North Shore Shuttle. It will begin running with the reopening of Kuhio Highway to the general public. Garden Island.

Kauai climbs ‘The Hill’. Kauai’s contingent sent to this week’s “Hawaii on the Hill” in Washington, D.C., was on a mission of aloha. Garden Island.

Water buffaloes arrive on a Kauai farm. Kauai farmer Don Heacock has four new additions taking up residence on his 25-acre farm — water buffaloes from Arkansas that he considers a dream come true. Star-Advertiser.

Hot, hot, hot! Record temperatures, warming seas. Plus, news on Honolulu rail, OHA, U.S. Conference of Mayors, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii sunrise ©2019 All Hawaii News

Hawaii wilts under sweltering temps and there’s little relief in sight. Forecasters say the state has broken or tied 35 heat records since mid-May. The reason: Warmer sea surface temperatures and weak tradewinds. Hawaii News Now.

Blistering heat keeps setting records for Honolulu and Kahului. More record high temperatures have been set in early June, including 92 degrees on June 10 in Honolulu that broke the record set in 1982, according to weather officials. Star-Advertiser.

No end in sight to the sunshine and light trade showers for the islands. High pressure north of the islands will keep light to moderate trades in place through the remainder of the work week, with showers favoring windward and mauka areas, mainly at night and through the early morning hours. KHON2.

The world’s oceans will likely lose about one-sixth of their fish and other marine life by the end of the century if climate change continues on its current path, according to a new study. Associated Press.

Molokai, Kauai Groups Recognized For Restoring Sustainable Fisheries. This is the first time the prestigious Equator Prize has been awarded to indigenous communities in the United States. Civil Beat.

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Deaths in Hawaii from suicide, alcohol and drugs have spiked over the past 12 years. Deaths from suicide, alcohol and drugs have climbed substantially over the past 12 years in Hawaii, though the state tops the nation for overall health care, a new study shows. Star-Advertiser.

The Problem With Hawaiian Homestead Land? Much Of It Can’t Be Developed. Some senators question why the agency charged with providing homes for Native Hawaiian beneficiaries must also manage so much land where building can’t occur. Civil Beat.

Homestead Leaders Applaud OHA for Housing Program Investment. The Office of Hawaiian Affairs awarded a 2-year grant of $484,114 to the nonprofit, Homestead Community Development Corporation also known as the Homestead Housing Authority. Maui Now.

OHA trustee in trouble for alleged disloyalty. The Office of Hawaiian Affairs’ Board of Trustees has a code of conduct policy that requires trustees to publicly support a board decision even though he or she might disagree with it personally. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Honolulu is prepping for a national gathering of mayors. But who’s footing the bill?  The U.S. Conference of Mayors will be held on Oahu later this month. It’s expected to cost the city about $5 million to put on. Hawaii News Now.

Caldwell and Anderson optimistic after FTA meeting about rail funding. Following a meeting with federal transit officials Tuesday in Washington, D.C., Mayor Kirk Caldwell and City Council Chairman Ikaika Anderson said they’re optimistic that a recovery plan for the city’s over-budget $9.2 billion rail project will be approved. Star-Advertiser.

Some council members concerned with cost of Blaisdell renovations. After gathering input and ideas for years, the Final Environmental Assessment for the Blaisdell Center Master Plan is out. However, will construction be put on the back burner because of rail? KHON2.

City-funded domestic violence shelter that was barely used is slated to close down. The decision came after the City Council rejected a funding request for the facility, a pet project for embattled city Prosecutor Keith Kaneshiro, who has since gone on leave amid a federal investigation. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Residents Wary Of Subdivision After Bulldozers Damage Cemetery. They say some burial sites may remain undiscovered in the 1920s-era plantation graveyard near where a residential development is proposed. Civil Beat.

Complaint served to ‘two main individuals’ involved with problem homeless commune in Hilo. A lot located between Ponahawai and Mamo streets behind Agasa Furniture and Music Store near Hilo Farmers Market has become a fenced-off community of tents and other temporary structures, in defiance of multiple orders by county agencies to clear the lot. Tribune-Herald.

Injured hiker rescued on Maunakea. A 68-year-old grandfather from Arizona who suffered a broken thighbone while hiking off a Maunakea trail below the W.M. Keck Observatory was rescued Monday night. Tribune-Herald.

Man With Broken Leg Rescued From Mauna Kea Summit. Rescue crews located the injured man - said to be in his 60's, with an apparent femur fracture - approximately 1 mile from the nearest trail at the 12,500 foot elevation. Big Island Video News.

Charges dropped against former Hilo doctor accused of drug trafficking. Federal prosecutors are dropping all 40 charges against a Hilo doctor accused of ordering fake opioid prescriptions. Court-appointed doctors say Dr. Ernest Bade is not mentally competent to stand trial. Hawaii News Now.

Maui

Victorino issues line-item vetoes to council budget. Mayor displeased spending not kept in check, requests more information. Maui News.

Hotel official: Time to ‘diversify tourism’. Hannemann says there is no other industry offering as many jobs. Maui News.

Warm oceans, no trades lead to heat wave on Maui. There have been 16 record-breaking days since May 16. Maui News.

Kauai

County attorneys push courts on TVR issue. County attorneys are taking increasingly aggressive legal action against the owners of short-term vacation rental properties who failed to renew annual permits on time. Garden Island.

A wedding at an off-limits area on Kauai’s North Shore is now under investigation. On Kauai, as the county continues to recover from last year's historic flooding, it has opened an investigation after an apparent wedding ceremony was held illegally at a popular North Shore beach park. Hawaii News Now.

Lobbyist spending #fail at Legislature, Slom to seek old Senate seat, Kaneshiro loses bid to drop impeachment case, Big Island councilwoman violated ethics code, Maui mayor vetoes parts of budget, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Today is King Kamehameha Day, a state holiday. King Kamehameha statue lei draping, file photo ©2019 All Hawaii News

Spending Big On Lobbying Didn’t Guarantee Success At Legislature. Opponents of taxes on real estate trusts and vacation rentals couldn’t kill the bills last session, while a retirement savings program was rejected despite AARP support. Civil Beat.

Ige Extends Emergency Declaration on Homelessness. Governor David Ige issued a third supplementary emergency proclamation that extends the disaster emergency relief period for homelessness across the state. Maui Now.

Sam Slom Wants To Be A State Senator Again. He is challenging incumbent Stanley Chang in 2020 for the Hawaii Legislature seat. Civil Beat.

A controversial Hawaiian scholar comes under fire amid calls for an investigation. The state Office of Consumer Protection has made a criminal referral for controversial Hawaiian scholar David Keanu Sai, saying he has committed a felony. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu

Judge denies request to drop petition to impeach Honolulu Prosecutor Keith Kaneshiro. Honolulu Prosecutor Keith Kaneshiro’s request to have an impeachment petition against him thrown out on procedural grounds was denied Monday. Star-Advertiser.

Judge Refuses To Dismiss Kaneshiro Impeachment Case. The Honolulu prosecutor, who is on paid leave after receiving a target letter in a federal criminal investigation, tried to get the case thrown out on procedural grounds. Civil Beat.

Judge Declines To Throw Out City Prosecutor Impeachment Petition. A state judge on Monday dismissed a motion that aimed to toss out an impeachment petition against Honolulu City Prosecutor Keith Kaneshiro. Hawaii Public Radio.

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City Council Considers Measure To Make Honolulu A ‘Sanctuary City’. A proposal would prevent police from honoring U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement detainment and information requests in many cases. Civil Beat.

Tensions run high as Waimanalo residents spar over Sherwoods development. At a community meeting Monday night, there were tears, flaring tempers and police as the community argued over the development. The Waimanalo neighborhood board passed a resolution Monday night urging the city to stop the construction of a new athletic field immediately. Hawaii News Now.

Nanakuli residents at wits’ end over volatile homeless camp on federal property. Illegal campers in Nanakuli have once again taken over a piece of land owned by the federal government. Hawaii News Now.

Court for homeless defendants moves to Kaneohe. The idea is to help clear minor offenses from an overbooked court calendar and, perhaps more important, connect the “participants” to social service agencies that staff each court session helping the participants find jobs, get back their IDs and a whole array of services including housing. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Puna Councilwoman Ashley Kierkiewicz violated the county ethics code when she didn’t disclose a potential conflict of interest in a bill being considered by the County Council, the Board of Ethics ruled unanimously Monday. West Hawaii Today.

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Relocating Hawaii Island’s Pohoiki Boat Ramp cheaper than rebuilding, state says. Engineers have recommended that building a new boat ramp, rather than excavating a new channel through the black-sand beach, is a less costly alternative for Pohoiki Bay in Lower Puna, state officials said today. Star-Advertiser.

DLNR: New Boat Ramp For Puna Costly, ‘Challenging’. The Pohoiki Small Boat Ramp was closed after the 2018 Kilauea eruption. Civil Beat.

Engineers recommend new boat ramp for lower Puna. More than a year after Pohoiki boat ramp closed because of the Kilauea eruption in lower Puna, engineers have recommended that rather than reopen the existing ramp, a new boat ramp be built. Tribune-Herald.

New Boat Ramp For Puna Recommended At Malama Flats, Not Pohoiki. The Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources says engineers have identified an alternative location for a boat ramp in Puna, following the 2018 eruption of Kilauea that blocked the Pohoiki boat ramp with a new black sand beach. Big Island Video News.

Engineers recommend new boat ramp vs. re-opening Pohoiki. Representatives from Sea Engineering Inc. are saying that installing a new boat ramp is a better option. KITV.

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Queen’s Health Systems, Kaiser agreement expires. The Queen’s Health Systems hospitals are no longer considered participating providers within Kaiser Permanente’s network after an agreement between Kaiser and The Queen’s Medical Center expired toward the end of last month. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Mayor Victorino Uses Line-item Veto to Strike a Dozen Provisions. Mayor Michael Victorino line-item vetoed the Maui County Council’s fiscal 2020 budget on Monday, providing a measured reduction of what he called the “council’s record-high $823.47 million spending proposal.” Maui Now.

State recruiting guards from other islands to help Maui jail. Staffing levels at the Maui Community Correctional Center have grown so bad that the state is trying to fly in guards from other islands to help out with shifts, according to a June 4 internal memo from Nolan Espinda, director of the state Department of Public Safety. Star-Advertiser.

Bottle by bottle, an upcycled zero-waste facility takes shape. Research station aims to help farmers move toward regenerative practices. Maui News.

Spitting Caterpillars From Asia Are The Latest Threat To Native Insects On Maui. People are urged to be on the lookout for the newcomer to Hawaii, which adds to the problems already hindering the rarely seen Kamehameha butterfly and host plants. Civil Beat.

Kauai

Kauai heads for the ‘Hill’. The vibes are great for the sixth annual Hawaii on the Hill. Garden Island.

Vacation rentals changing Hawaii economy, empty Kakaako condos, fighting beach erosion, Molokai policeman arrested on drug charges, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Waikiki beach ©2019 All Hawaii News

Hawaii allocates $13M to keep Waikiki Beach from disappearing. The economic impact to Hawaii of Waikiki Beach was recently estimated at $2.2 billion a year, but the crumbling Royal Hawaiian groin and other man-made structures are all that is keeping the state’s most visited beach from being swept away. Star-Advertiser.

HTA: Visitors In Vacation Homes Spend Less. Hawaii Tourism Authority data might seem merely to quantify the obvious, but the data could explain a trend that concerns local economists. Civil Beat.

Vacation rental guests contributing less to tourism economy. Guests staying at vacation rentals in Hawaii aren’t exactly big spenders. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaiian Air fixes tech glitch that grounded some flights on Saturday. The airlines says it's a software problem that interrupted reception of the Global Positioning Satellite system. KITV.

Oahu

Vacation rental giants look to temper Council bills. Representatives for two of the world’s largest operators of web platforms that broker vacation rentals voiced disappointment at a Honolulu City Council committee’s decision Friday to advance two bills they said will cause thousands of job cuts in Hawaii and severely hurt the visitor industry. Star-Advertiser.

Kakaako’s Empty Condos: ‘At Night, It’s A Ghost Town Down Here'. Merchants say they leased new space in Ward Village expecting to benefit from the proximity of hordes of condo-dwellers. Now they wonder where they are. Civil Beat.

Kakaako homeless group wants state to provide land for a 'safe place'. A group of homeless residents in Kakaako are working towards finding state land to live on permanently.  KITV.

Honolulu Rail Officials Hand-Deliver Recovery Plan To Feds. The trip to San Francisco was made in hopes that the Federal Transit Administration will start releasing more money for the project. Civil Beat.

Scientists hopeful for endangered orangeblack Hawaiian damselfly. Today only one population of the colorful native aquatic insect remains on Oahu. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

21 charter amendments heading to 2020 ballot. West Hawaii Today.

DLNR bounces wells application back to PGV. Applications for two new geothermal wells have been reviewed and returned to Puna Geothermal Venture with comments, the state Department of Land and Natural Resources confirmed this week. Tribune-Herald.

Hu Honua Delays Compound While Waiting For Court Judgement. The bioenergy company says the continued employment of its workers are placed at risk as it awaits the Hawaii Supreme Court Judgement that will reopen the PUC docket. Big Island Video News.

New possibilities for Alii corridor. More than a decade after an effort to develop Alii Parkway stalled, a subcommittee under the Kona Community Development Plan action committee is taking a new look at a possible future for the project. West Hawaii Today.

Legacy still on watch list. Legacy Hilo Rehabilitation and Nursing Center has shown improvement since being named a special focus facility nearly two years ago, according to a list of such facilities provided by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services that was updated in May. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Problems at Baby Beach. Effort to halt erosion, block access to some wrongdoers backfires. Maui News.

Celebrity couple’s request highlights Maui’s housing woes. A celebrity couple’s request to convert their Hawaii home into a short-term rental is landing them in the middle of a housing debate on the island of Maui. Star-Advertiser.

Maui police are reporting that they have arrested one of their long-time police officers on suspicion of multiple drug-related offenses. Star-Advertiser.

MPD officer on Molokai arrested on drug-related charges. Daniel Imakyure is a 10-year veteran of the department. Maui News.

Kauai

Haena, Wainiha communities prepare to welcome visitors after a year of seclusion. Kuhio Highway on Kauai's North Shore has been closed since April 2018 after devastating flooding caused millions of dollars in damage to the Wainiha and Haena area. KHON2.

A Kapaa man is questioning the county’s actions in the delayed reopening of Black Pot Beach Park in Hanalei. Garden Island.

Trespassing bride and groom. Just as the sun was rising on the first day in June, a wedding planner allegedly held a private and pretty ceremony at Hanalei’s Black Pot Beach Park. Garden Island.

Molokai

Maui police are reporting that they have arrested one of their long-time police officers on suspicion of multiple drug-related offenses. Star-Advertiser.

MPD officer on Molokai arrested on drug-related charges. Daniel Imakyure is a 10-year veteran of the department. Maui News.

Crabbe stepping down from Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Kealoha trial day 11, Ige extends disaster relief as Haena State Park reopens, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Office of Hawaiian Affairs CEO Kamanaopono Crabbe PC:OHA

Crabbe stepping down as OHA’s chief executive officer. Office of Hawaiian Affairs CEO Kamanaopono Crabbe, who survived political upheaval and controversy over seven years, announced Thursday he will be stepping down from his post at the end of the month. Star-Advertiser.

Office Of Hawaiian Affairs CEO Crabbe To Leave Post. After more than seven years on the job, his resignation takes effect June 30. Civil Beat.

OHA CEO's Contract Not Renewed, Leaves At End Of Month. Office of Hawaiian Affairs CEO Kamanaopono Crabbe is stepping down at the end of the month. Hawaii Public Radio.

OHA CEO Kamanaopono Crabbe Stepping Down. A joint statement was issued today from Office of Hawaiian Affairs chair Colette Machado and the outgoing Kamanaopono Crabbe. Big Island Video News.

Office of Hawaiian Affairs CEO announces he’s leaving agency. Hawaii News Now.

OHA CEO Kamanaopono Crabbe Announces He Will Resign. Maui Now.

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After 6-month deployment, USS Hawaii returns to Pearl Harbor. The USS Hawaii fast-attack submarine returned to Pearl Harbor on Thursday after a six-month deployment. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaiian Airlines passenger counts drop; carrier charts course toward greater efficiency. Hawaiian carried 1,006,639 passengers — a four-tenths of a percentage drop compared with 1,o11,175 passengers in May 2018. However, Hawaiian’s load factor— or percentage of seats filled — increased by 1.4 percentage points to 87.3%. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Director: When We Got Close The Kealohas Fought Back. Chuck Totto testifies about how he was retaliated against for investigating the Kealohas long before they came to the attention of federal prosecutors. Civil Beat.

Forged signatures allegedly found in trust documents of Katherine Kealoha’s uncle. Star-Advertiser.

Expert testifies signatures on key documents in Kealoha case were likely forged. A handwriting expert testified Thursday in the so-called “mailbox trial” that at least two financial documents that appeared to be signed by Katherine Kealoha’s uncle were likely forged, but the expert couldn’t determine who forged them. Hawaii News Now.

Lawyer Tries To Distance Ex-Honolulu Police Chief From Wife's Money Feud. The lawyer representing Honolulu's ex-police chief in a corruption trial is trying to show jurors his client wasn't involved in his wife's family financial dispute that U.S. prosecutors say led the couple to frame a relative. Associated Press.

KEALOHA TRIAL: Handwriting analyst testified about Kealoha and Puana signatures. KHON2.

Kealoha Corruption Trial Day 11: Gerard Puana questioning continues, handwriting and ethics experts take the stand. KITV.

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Vacation rental bills would hurt Hawaii economy, industry advocates warn. Vacation rental operators are warning the Honolulu City Council that two bills it is considering could not only put them out of business, but deliver a severe blow to Oahu’s tourism industry. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu one step closer to cracking down on vacation rentals. Vacation rental operators and their supporters gathered outside City Hall on Thursday. KHON2.

Canopy cracks may delay rail construction timeline. The scheduled December 2020 opening of the Honolulu rail line’s first segment may be pushed back because of the discovery in late April of cracks found in several prefabricated steel structures that were to be used at West Oahu rail stations. Star-Advertiser.

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Jury rules in favor of Honolulu police in case of man who died after officers used stun gun. A federal jury today found that Honolulu police officers did not use excessive force against Sheldon Haleck, who died after being pepper sprayed and shot with a Taser stun gun multiple times on South King Street in front of Iolani Palace. Star-Advertiser.

Jury: No Excessive Force In Sheldon Haleck’s Death. He died hours after police officers used a Taser and pepper spray on him while responding to a disorderly conduct call. Civil Beat.

Jury finds 3 officers didn’t use excessive force during 2015 arrest that left man dead. Hawaii News Now.

Family of man who died after confrontation with HPD unsuccessful in civil suit. The jury has sided with three Honolulu Police Officers in a civil lawsuit alleging excessive force. KHON2.

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City Council to deny funding increase for little-used domestic abuse safe house. Honolulu’s acting Prosecuting Attorney is trying to decide what to do with a Makiki "safe house” for domestic violence witnesses that was a pet project of embattled prosecutor Keith Kaneshiro before he became a target in an ongoing federal corruption investigation. Hawaii News Now.

City-operated safe house for abuse victims to shut down. After nearly three years, an apartment complex for sex trafficking and domestic abuse victims is shutting down. KHON2.

For second night in a row, police crack down on more illegal homeless camps in Honolulu. On Thursday night, police conducted enforcement efforts at Aala Park, Old Stadium Park and Crane Community Park — three parks known for their large homeless populations. Hawaii News Now.

Experts: Lack of drug treatment to blame for surge in homeless dying on streets. Experts in addiction say a severe shortage of drug treatment beds is directly related to the growing number of people dying on the streets. Hawaii News Now.

Some Community Leaders In Kailua Want To Break Up With Honolulu. Neighborhood board members are angry about the city’s failure to control the spread of vacation rentals, tourism and monster homes. Civil Beat.

Some want parts of Windward Oahu to break away from the City and County of Honolulu. Critics say splitting the counties could bring infrastructure problems. KITV.

Hawaii Island

Council takes hands-on approach: Legislative body wants more power over spending. Hawaii County Council members plan to spread a lot of aloha around their districts, even as the county nears the limits of its borrowing power. West Hawaii Today.

Work to restore lava-covered potion of Highway 132 begins Monday. Construction is set to start on restoring lava-covered portions of Highway 132, an approximately 3.2-mile stretch. Tribune-Herald.

Judge to mull ‘unprecedented’ public case. A judge is weighing whether to open or close his courtroom for a motion to dismiss a drug case. West Hawaii Today.

HHSC responds to Kohala Hospital making list of troubled nursing homes. A report released this month by two U.S. senators identified Kohala Hospital among a list of candidates for a program that puts increased scrutiny on nursing homes with a poor record of providing quality care. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Council’s Budget Transmitted to Mayor, Affordable Housing Highlighted. The Maui Council’s $823 million budget is about $43 million less than the Mayor’s version and features the expansion of housing opportunities for residents. Maui Now.

A&B Sugar Museum Director Roslyn Lightfoot to retire. She guided staff through mill’s 2016 closure. Lightfoot has led the Alexander & Baldwin Sugar Museum, an independent nonprofit, for nearly a decade. Maui News.

Kauai

Ige Extends Kauai Disaster Funds At Park Reopening. Governor David Ige extends disaster relief funds for flood-ravaged Kauai at celebration for the reopening of Haena State Park. Civil Beat.

Haena State Park reopens. At the reopening of Haena State Park Wednesday, Gov. David Ige signed a bill introduced by state Rep. Nadine K. Nakamura to extend disaster relief funds for areas affected by the 2018 floods. Garden Island.

Foreclosure lawsuit filed against Coco Palms. A Utah-based corporation is taking legal action against the real estate developers who defaulted on a loan to restore the former Coco Palms resort. Garden Island.

Family Dispute Over Kuleana Land on Kauai Back in Court. In a lawsuit filed in state circuit court, one faction of the Rapozo family is alleging the other committed fraud and deceit leading up to the forced land auction.  Hawaii Public Radio.

Honolulu homeless dying in the streets, telemedicine for abortion, Honolulu and Hawaii councils pass budgets, Kealoha uncle denies stealing mailbox, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Honolulu homeless man sleeps along the Ala Wai ©2019 All Hawaii News

A ‘startling’ number of homeless are dying on Oahu streets, new numbers show. Exactly 373 in five years. That’s the amount of homeless people who have died on Oahu from 2014 through 2018, according to Honolulu’s Medical Examiner. Hawaii News Now.

373 homeless people died on Oahu from 2014-2018. The combination of drugs, alcohol, poor health, lack of hygiene and medical attention mean Oahu’s homeless population has an average lifespan potentially decades shorter than the population in general. Star-Advertiser.

Over 5 Years, 373 Oahu Homeless People Died. Honolulu’s mayor says the new statistics show the need to help vulnerable populations. Civil Beat.

Honolulu Medical Examiner Warns Homeless Dying Early. Living on Oahu's street leads to early death, the Honolulu medical examiner said Wednesday in releasing a report analyzing the deaths of 373 homeless people over a five-year period. Hawaii Public Radio.

See where Oahu's homeless residents are dying. KITV.

Hawaii Doctors Turn To Telemedicine As Number of Abortion Providers Dwindles. Hawaii was the first state to recognize a woman’s right to terminate her pregnancy, but women in rural Hawaii who wish to exercise that right face plenty of hurdles. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Council OKs tax hikes for hotels, other properties. Owners of hotels, resorts and most higher-end residential properties will need to pay more in taxes under a budget plan approved by the Honolulu City Council on Wednesday. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu City Council Approves Hotel Real Property Tax Hike, Budget Increases. The Honolulu City Council on Wednesday approved increases in property taxes for hotels/resorts and residential condos and houses over $1 million not used as primary residences -- all to help cover a $12.8 billion operating budget for the next fiscal year. Hawaii Public Radio.

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City Council OKs Court Challenge Over Louis Kealoha Legal Fees. The council wants to overturn the Police Commission’s decision to pay for the former police chief’s defense in a public corruption trial. Civil Beat.

Katherine Kealoha’s uncle describes his deteriorating relationship with niece. Gerard Puana was convinced that a team of Honolulu police officers was following him — to a party in Kailua, to Manoa Marketplace, and constantly driving around his house. Star-Advertiser.

'We Were The Best Of Friends': Gerard Puana Testifies In Kealoha Trial. The man allegedly framed in a mailbox theft that’s turned into a massive corruption case talks about the ups and downs of his relationship with his niece, Katherine Kealoha. Civil Beat.

Uncle Denies Theft In Kealohas' Corruption Trial. U.S. prosecutors say framing Puana was key to a conspiracy by ex-Honolulu chief Louis Kealoha and his wife Katherine Kealoha, a former deputy city prosecutor. Hawaii Public Radio.

‘Absolutely not’: Relative who Kealohas alleged stole their mailbox tells jurors he’s innocent. Hawaii News Now.

KEALOHA TRIAL: More cross-examination is expected Thursday, June 6. KHON2.

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'More ghetto’: Maili residents turn out to protest 52-unit affordable housing project. Maili residents who opposed an affordable housing project in their neighborhood turned out in force at the City Council on Wednesday. Hawaii News Now.

Kakaako street dispute headed for hearing. A state board decided Wednesday to retain a legal expert to officiate a dispute over poor pavement conditions and parking restrictions on several privately owned streets in Kakaako. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Council passes expanded budget. The County Council on Wednesday added $1.6 million and two more positions to the 93 new positions in Mayor Harry Kim’s $583.9 million spending plan, while moving money around in other accounts to give the legislative body more oversight. West Hawaii Today.

Foes blast Maunakea rules. More than 100 people showed up Tuesday evening at Waiakea Elementary School for a public hearing on a revised draft of administrative rules regulating public and commercial activities on Maunakea. Tribune-Herald.

The Department of Parks and Recreation announces the Pahoa Community Aquatic Center is now open 7 days a week, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Big Island Video News.

Maui

Panel backs commercial activity ban at Hanakao'o. Canoe clubs say beach last place for them in West Maui. Maui News.

United Airlines CEO on Maui: Terminal Upgrades and Infrastructure Challenges. United Airlines CEO, Oscar Munoz visited with Maui employees on Wednesday, as part of a Hawaii visit that includes stops at major airports across the state. Maui Now.

Fundraising halfway there for Lahaina Fourth of July. LahainaTown Action Committee has “special and exciting” ideas for the annual Fourth of July fireworks and is about halfway to its fundraising goal of $50,000 with about a month left to go. Maui News.

Kauai

Kauai condo prices doubled in May. Homebuyers last month shelled out much more money for condominiums on Kauai - so much that it caused the median sale price for such homes to more than double, according to a report released Wednesday. Star-Advertiser.

Black Pot opening delayed. County officials are now hoping to reopen the park at the end of June. Garden Island.

State, EPA agree on pesticide use, court approves Zuckerberg land sale, Katherine Kealoha's grandmother testifies, tourism industry opposes Honolulu tax, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Kauai taro fields ©2019 All Hawaii News

HDOA, EPA reach resolution about impact of chemicals. Tuesday, Earthjustice announced an informal resolution agreement between the two agencies, one that forces the state Department of Agriculture to start implementing restricted-use pesticide reporting, annual public disclosure of the reports, maps that indicate buffer zones around schools and public notice of the prohibition of chlorpyrifos use. Garden Island.

State, EPA reach agreement on how to implement law aimed at regulating pesticide use. The Environmental Protection Agency has reached an agreement with the state Department of Agriculture on how to implement Act 45, which was signed by the governor last year. Hawaii News Now.

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To help solve Hawaii’s housing crisis, some leaders are looking to Singapore. An affordable housing delegation from Hawaii -- made up of lawmakers, state and city housing officials, developers, architects, entrepreneurs, and community advocates -- traveled to Singapore last month to learn how the island nation overcame a major housing crisis and now touts one of the highest home ownership rates in the world. Hawaii News Now.

Federal Fisheries Council Has A Long History Of Secrecy. Wespac has for years resisted releasing information, fighting public records requests, lawsuits and even congressional inquiries. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Katherine Kealoha’s grandmother gives tearful testimony. Florence M. Puana, a 99-year-old great-great-great-grandmother with an eighth-grade education, testified in a videotaped deposition aired Tuesday that she trusted her attorney/granddaughter, Katherine Kea­loha, to manage a reverse mortgage on Puana’s home only to discover that $23,976.69 of the money went to a lavish breakfast for then-Police Chief Louis Kealoha at the Sheraton Waikiki. Star-Advertiser.

She Says She Was Betrayed By Her Granddaughter, Katherine Kealoha. Jurors watch the video testimony of Florence Puana, 99, in the public corruption trial of the Kealohas and three police officers. Civil Beat.

She said to trust her’: Kealoha’s 99-year-old grandma tells her story to jury. In an emotional, hours-long video deposition played for jurors Tuesday, Katherine Kealoha’s 99-year-old grandmother talked about how she trusted her granddaughter -- and how devastated she was to learn “she wasn’t the person I thought I knew.” Hawaii News Now.

KEALOHA TRIAL: Jurors watched video testimony of Florence Puana, Katherine Kealoha's grandmother. KHON2.

Katherine Kealoha's grandmother says that she 'didn't know' about a joint checking account. Florence Puana did not have a card, nor a checkbook for the bank account. KITV.

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Hawaii Tourism Industry Opposes Proposed Property Tax Increase, Say It's Paying For Rail. Members of the Hawai‘i Lodging and Tourism Association, opposing Mayor Kirk Caldwell’s proposal to raise real property taxes for hotels and resorts, say they're being made to bear the burden of the $9 billion rail system. Hawaii Public Radio.

Last ditch effort afoot to quash proposed property tax hike for hotels. Leaders from the hotel industry gathered on the lawn of the Royal Hawaiian Hotel on Tuesday in a last ditch bid to block an increase in their property taxes. Hawaii News Now.

Leaks detected in deck of Honolulu rail line. The concrete deck of the elevated Honolulu rail line has cracks in a “handful” of areas that have been allowing rain to leak into the hollow interior of the structure, according to the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii's homeless: Dying on the streets. For many homeless residents, death is just part of life on the streets. KITV.

Project To Help Homeless Imperiled By Major Donor’s Bankruptcy. A local philanthropic organization formed to reduce homelessness may never get on its feet following a recent bankruptcy case involving its first major donor, a one-time violent criminal turned entrepreneur. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Island

Raises for firefighters. With more than 30 black-shirted firefighters crowding into council chambers and watching them closely, three County Council members switched their votes Tuesday to give unanimous support to their raises. West Hawaii Today.

State wants case involving cop closed off. Prosecutors are looking to have a felony drug case thrown out at the request of the police chief because a key witness is a sworn police officer under internal investigation. West Hawaii Today.

Disaster bill packed with aid for Big Island, including funds for HVNP, HVO, farmers and more. The long-delayed $19.1 billion disaster relief bill passed by the U.S. House of Representatives on Monday contains some “sorely needed” funds for Hawaii Island and other parts of the state struggling to recover from natural disasters. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Carlos, Alexa PenaVega caught up in Maui’s vacation rental housing debate. Acting couple seeking short-term rental permit for Kihei home. Maui News.

A popular Maui beach is the subject of a turf war between paddlers, businesses. A county council committee considered a measure that would ban commercial activities at Lahaina’s Hanakao’o Beach Park, otherwise known as Canoe Beach. Hawaii News Now.

New invasive caterpillar threatens rare native plants on Maui. State officials are warning of a new, invasive insect destructive to mamaki plants – the Ramie caterpillar — which has been detected on Maui. Star-Advertiser.

Construction down on Maui since rental car facility finished. Most still employed but no more large jobs in pipeline. Maui News.

Kauai

Land auction involving Facebook CEO gets court’s OK. A retired University of Hawaii professor Tuesday bid nearly $2.2 million to wrest 2 acres of land on Kauai from a few hundred family members in a forced court auction initiated partly by Facebook’s billionaire CEO Mark Zuckerberg. Star-Advertiser.

Andrade buys all four kuleana. Carlos Andrade, a retired history professor and partial heir to several small land parcels on Mark Zuckerberg’s North Shore estate, outbid a group of his distant relatives during a court hearing on Tuesday, purchasing all four of the contested lots for just over $2 million. Garden Island.

Former Las Vegas Captain Adapts To New World As Kauai Police Chief. Todd Raybuck commanded one of nine patrol divisions packed into a single city. Civil Beat.

Taxes on rich pull Hawaii economy up, state sues Big Pharma, nursing homes investigated, missile testing ramps up on Kauai, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Downtown Honolulu commercial center ©2019 All Hawaii News

Economists: Higher Revenue Estimates Do Not Signal Economic Growth In Hawaii. Experts attribute unexpected 4.7% revenue boost to increased income tax rate for higher-income earners. Civil Beat.

WalletHub: Hawaii Has 4th Worst State Economy. Washington state leads the nation while Alaska is dead last, says a new report. Civil Beat.

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Hawaii joins 40-plus states suing OxyContin maker over opioid epidemic. Hawaii filed suit today against Purdue Pharma, the manufacturer of OxyContin, for its role in fueling the opioid epidemic. Star-Advertiser.

Opioid Makers, Distributors Sued By Hawaii AG. The legal action comes as a “necessary part” of the state’s response to a rise in opioid overdoses. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Among Latest States Suing Opioid Maker Purdue Pharma. Associated Press.

Hawaii Attorney General files suit against opioid manufacturers. State Attorney General Clare Connors joined other states in filing suit against numerous opioid manufacturing companies. Hawaii News Now.

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Hawaii's worst performing nursing homes revealed. A half dozen Hawaii care centers have made the list of worst performing nursing homes in the state. KITV.

Hawaii Nursing Homes On List of Troubled Operations Released By Senators. The federal government for years has kept under wraps the names of hundreds of nursing homes around the country found by inspectors to have serious ongoing health, safety or sanitary problems. Associated Press.

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Years-long investigation into allegations of corruption at Boating Division drags on. New emails shed light on a years-long investigation into allegations of corruption and retaliation at the state’s Boating Division. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii sees record number of public schools serving free summer meals. Seventy-one schools across the state are serving meals through its summer food service program called Seamless Summer Option. Star-Advertiser.

Pancreatic cancer risks are greater for Hawaiians, Japanese Americans. Native Hawaiians and Japanese Americans face greater risks of pancreatic cancer, according to a recent study by the University of Southern California, the University of Hawaii and others. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Prosecution’s line of questioning leaves judge in Kealoha corruption trial peeved. There were fireworks from the bench Monday in the public corruption trial against the Kealohas as a line of questioning from the prosecution upset the judge. Hawaii News Now.

KEALOHA TRIAL: Prosecutors plan to show video testimony of Katherine Kealoha's grandma Tuesday. Prosecutors plan to show the video testimony of Florence Puana, the mother of Gerard Puana during Tuesday's proceedings. KHON2.

Kealoha Trial: ‘I Thought It Was Uncle Gerry Right Off The Bat’. Prosecutors try to use police officers’ prior grand jury testimony against them in the criminal trial over an alleged frame job. Civil Beat.

Katherine Kealoha tied to fictional notary. Federal prosecutors Monday linked Katherine Kealoha to an imaginary notary public who wrote a letter of support to state officials for Kealoha to successfully become director of the state Office of Environmental Quality in 2008. Star-Advertiser.

HPD Eyes Unconventional Recruits To Fill Officer Shortage. The Honolulu Police Department is currently short 260 officers, or about 10 percent of its total force. Hawaii Public Radio.

City offers appointments 6 months out for driver’s license renewals. You can now make an appointment to renew your driver’s license on Oahu up to six months in advance. Hawaii News Now.

A homeless camp tucked away in Kalihi is cleared. Squatters who built a village in the middle of a Kalihi Valley neighborhood are now gone, but signs of their presence remain. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Beer money. A proposed settlement agreement in the lawsuit against the owner of Kona Brewing Co. could mean partial refunds for anybody who’s purchased packs of its bottled or canned beers in the last few years. West Hawaii Today.

‘Styrofoam’ ban advances. Polystyrene foam food containers will remain banned under a bill advanced Monday by a County Council panel, but locally nonrecyclable alternatives will be allowed when the law goes into effect July 1. West Hawaii Today.

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Proposed rules for Mauna Kea management isn’t sitting well with some. Dozens of people filled the Manoa Elementary School cafeteria to share their thoughts on the University of Hawaii’s proposed rules for Mauna Kea. Hawaii News Now.

TMT opponents upset over rules UH is proposing for Mauna Kea. Opponents of the Thirty Meter Telescope were outraged that rules the University of Hawaii is proposing for Mauna Kea governing public and commercial activity would exempt the university and hurt Native Hawaiians. Star-Advertiser.

Emotional testimony at a public hearing on proposed new rules atop Mauna Kea. KITV.

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USGS plans volcano mapping flyovers. A low-flying helicopter will be documenting changes to Puna’s landscape from last year’s eruption of Kilauea volcano. Tribune-Herald.

Kilauea Volcano Lidar Survey Set For June 13 through June 30. Big Island Video News.

Testifier Alleging Police Brutality Storms Out Of Council Meeting. Monday’s council committee meeting was called into recess when things took an emotional turn during a discussion on a proposed whistle blower program. Big Island Video News.

Maui

County moves to relocate bus hub. Lease for island’s busiest transit hub at mall expires in January. Maui News.

The County of Maui, Department of Public Works will lead a Shoreline Cleanup Event in celebration of World Ocean’s Day from 9 to 11 a.m. on Saturday, June 8, 2019 at Pa'ia Bay. Maui Now.

Visitors to Maui in April logged more days on-island as compared to a year ago, but they were spending less money per day and overall, according to data released Thursday by the Hawaii Tourism Authority. Maui News.

Kauai

Kauai Plays A Growing Role Testing Technology For Tomorrow’s Nuclear Weapons. With little fanfare, experimental missiles are being launched at the Kauai Test Facility to test technologies being considered for future weapons programs. Civil Beat.

Change would allow for property liens. The Planning Committee is scheduled to meet at 8:30 a.m. Wednesday at the Historic County Building, followed by a meeting of the Committee of the Whole. Garden Island.

Sunscreen's link to coral decline, money a factor in vacation rental bill, homeless problems in Hilo, Kahului and Waikiki, vehicle dumping on Maui, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Cauliflower coral in Hawaii ©2019 All Hawaii News

How Scientists Discovered the Link Between Sunscreen and Coral Reef Death. It’s now commonly known that many chemicals commonly found in sunscreen are harmful to coral reefs. But that link wasn’t established until 2015 and many challenges to mitigating the negative effects remain. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii climate modeling company expects less risk this hurricane season. The Central Pacific Hurricane Center predicted an above-normal tropical cyclone activity this hurricane season; however, a Hawaii- based climate forecasting and risk management company anticipates a below- normal season. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaiian Electric’s Ambitious Plan To Quit Using Coal Is A ‘Moon Mission’. To replace a coal plant set to close in 2022, HECO is seeking private developers to build  new wave of renewable energy generation and storage facilities around the islands. Civil Beat.

Money may determine fate of vacation rental measure. The measure, Senate Bill 1292, would generate an estimated $46 million in extra tax collections next year, and key lawmakers said they need that cash to pay the bills. Star-Advertiser.

Conflicts, Lax Oversight Shroud This Secretive Fisheries Fund. A federal fisheries oversight council has stymied inquiries by congressmen, journalists and others over the past few years. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Council panel discusses sliding fee scale for vacation rentals. Vacation rentals in areas that command the most bookings would be hit with higher permit fees under a proposal being considered by one City Council member as a way to address the proliferation of illegal units on Oahu. Star-Advertiser.

City, state moves ahead with seawater air-conditioning project. A really, really big plastic straw for sucking up sea water several miles off Kakaako might be ready for deployment next year as part of a system to air-condition 40 or so buildings mostly downtown. Star-Advertiser.

City begins bulky trash collection through appointment-based pilot program. In a bid to rein in ballooning costs for handling trash, the city is moving Urban Honolulu’s bulky item pickup to an appointment-based system starting Monday. Hawaii News Now.

Developer helping produce accessory dwelling units. When the city allowed construction of small rental units on single-family house lots in 2015 to help ease Oahu’s housing crunch, homeowners were expected to build these accessory dwelling units. Star-Advertiser.

Waikiki pavilions might be converted to deter homeless. The city pavilions in Kuhio Beach park on Kalakaua Avenue were built so local residents and tourists could pause awhile to bask in the beauty of Waikiki’s sandy shores and aquamarine waters. Star-Advertiser.

Business owners say months-long Pali Highway closure is seriously hurting sales. The thoroughfare has been shut down since the rockfalls in February and its packing a major punch to local businesses. Hawaii News Now.

Veterans meet with congressman to discuss issues facing their community. Congressman Ed Case sat down with local military veterans this weekend to learn more about the issues they experienced after their service. Hawaii News Now.

Marine biologist worried about coral health on Oahu's North Shore. Marine biologist Terry Lilley claims bad coral health correlates with erosion. Millions of people visit Hanauma Bay in East Honolulu every year but one marine biologist says those outer reefs are healthier than the ones on Oahu's North Shore where fewer people swim. KITV.

Hawaii Island

Growing the budget: Final council reading Wednesday. The County Council has already added $1.1 million to Mayor Harry Kim’s record-setting $573.5 million operating budget. On Wednesday, council members are poised to add even more. West Hawaii Today.

Firefighter raises, bonuses questioned. A pay plan for firefighters that includes raises as well as bonuses and other perks could be on shaky ground, with Mayor Harry Kim opposed and the County Council offering only tepid support. West Hawaii Today.

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Homeless get the boot from Mooheau; guards stationed at two locations. The deep cleaning was a reaction to the steadily worsening conditions at the park. Homeless communities lingering at the park led to increasingly unsanitary conditions, with trash and human waste accumulating throughout the park. Tribune-Herald.

Homeless Cleared As Mooheau Park Gets A Cleaning. Big Island Video News.

Hawaii County closes Hilo park favored by homeless, citing cleaning and safety. Associated Press.

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Proponents of new gun law say it will help police, protect owners; others say it’s obtrusive. Hawaii County’s police chief said a recently enacted law — requiring gun owners to report a lost, stolen or destroyed firearm to county police within 24 hours of discovery of the loss — shouldn’t have been necessary. Tribune-Herald.

PGV eyes new wells. The state Department of Land and Natural Resources is reviewing applications for two new geothermal wells at Puna Geothermal Venture. Tribune-Herald.

Proposed rules to manage Mauna Kea stir worry in the Native Hawaiian community. The University of Hawaii is asking for public feedback on its latest draft rules to improve management of Mauna Kea. Hawaii News Now.

Council seeks to tweak polystyrene law. Bill 74 removes the requirement that alternative containers to polystyrene must be recyclable under the county’s recycling program. Instead, the new law will simply require them to be recyclable. West Hawaii Today.

Interior Secretary: Firm Decision On Volcano Observatory Location Months Away. A final decision on where the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory will be located remains months away, U.S. Interior Secretary David Bernhardt said last week during a visit to the Big Island. Hawaii Public Radio.

Kona Village Rezone Gets PONC Site Visit. Neighbors opposed to a planned 450 unit development in Kailua-Kona are reaching out to a Hawaii County commission in the hopes of keeping it in open space. Big Island Video News.

Maui

Maui police plan for isle homeless aims to divert instead of arrest. Pilot is modeled after successful Seattle program. Maui News.

Kahului’s homeless crisis gets an unflattering comparison: It’s starting to look like Honolulu’s. It’s a scene that’s relatively new for Maui: Homeless campsites popping up along the roadside in Kahului. Hawaii News Now.

Dumping of cars on Maui on rise; illegal sites cropping up. County trying to deal with issue of disposal cost. The illegal dumping of cars along Maui’s highways has grown by at least three times in six years, and the county official who handles their removal attributes some of the increase to the cost of disposal. Maui News.

Vehicle disposal program aims to reduce car dumping on Maui. A county in Hawaii has established a free vehicle disposal program in response to car dumping. Associated Press.

Kauai

Next stop — growing ridership. The Kauai Bus ridership for fiscal year 2019 has nearly eclipsed 2018’s total of 760,415 total passengers. Garden Island.

County conducting fair market rent survey. Residents recently received a letter from the Kauai County Housing Agency, requesting them to fill out a 20-question survey in order for the agency to obtain data on what Kauai families are actually paying for rent. Garden Island.