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Military beefing up in Hawaii, no drug testing of welfare recipients, three quit charter school board in protest, gambling proposed on Hawaiian lands,…

27. January 2012

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Pohakuloa Training Area (c) 2012 All Hawaii News Hawaii’s military future could include another Navy cruiser and at least 1,000 more Marines if some forces are removed from Okinawa. Star-Advertiser Sen. Daniel Inouye said on Thursday that he expects “an increase of military personnel and assets” in the Pacific, including in Hawaii. Inouye’s remarks came after Defense Secretary Leon Panetta outlined his department’s budget plan for the next five years. Civil Beat. A host of bills before the State Legislature are dedicated to women veterans this year. KHON2. Once again, Hawaii state and county government agencies spent far more money lobbying in Washington D.C. than private companies did, according to 2011 U.S. Senate lobbyist disclosure reports. Hawaii Reporter. State Rep. Mele Carroll has reintroduced a bill that would allow gaming on Hawaiian homestead lands to provide a source of funds for the Department of Hawaiian Home Land’s developments and programs. Maui News. Two Maui law makers are introducing separate gaming measures in the state legislature this session. Maui Now. Spurred by a dramatic rise in computer-related crimes — including possibly affecting one of their own colleagues — lawmakers have introduced more than 30 measures in the Hawaii Legislature concerning cybercrime. Civil Beat. State lawmakers decided Thursday to leave online piracy legislation to Congress after hearing vehement opposition to a bill that called for keeping records of Hawaii users’ Internet activity. Associated Press. Internet privacy advocates, web entrepreneurs and business owners turned out in droves on Thursday to denounce a bill before the Hawaii Legislature that would require Internet service providers to keep a record of every website visited by subscribers for no less than two years. Civil Beat. Hawaii won’t be drug testing public assistance applicants and recipients any time soon. Associated Press. State politicians are running some old plays this week in an effort to convince the NFL that the Pro Bowl belongs in Hawaii. Pacific Business News. The Legislature is considering a statewide measure to have consumers pay for plastic and paper shopping bags. Hawaii Public Radio. Consumers Could Be Charged for Plastic and Paper Bags. Civil Beat. “Bag ban” could go state-wide & include paper. Hawaii News Now. Credit monitoring and fraud restoration services will be provided to about 98,000 University of Hawaii students, alumni, faculty, employees and others potentially affected by five data breaches that occurred from 2009 to 2011, under a settlement reached in a class-action lawsuit. Star-Advertiser. Federal data show cutting Hawaiian monk seals free from fishing nets, moving vulnerable pups away from preying sharks and other efforts to rescue the animals are significantly helping the endangered species. Associated Press. Oahu The city will agree to a new change order worth about $15 million to pay the company holding the contract to build the first segment of the rail line because of delays in the start of construction, according to officials with the Hono­lulu Authority for Rapid Transportation. Star-Advertiser. Inspectors from the Hawaii Department of Agriculture (HDOA ) have identified a snake killed on Wednesday near Honolulu airport as a bullsnake. Hawaii News Now. Longtime Hawaii television newsman Jack Kellner died Wednesday night in California. KITV4. Hawaii Three longtime members of the Charter School Review Panel — Chairman Carl Takamura, former Chairwoman Ruth Tschumy and Pualani Akaka — resigned Thursday to protest the state Board of Education’s reversal of the panel’s decisions on converting Laupahoehoe School to a charter school. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii County voters will once again get the opportunity to weigh in on a 2 percent land fund, now that Mayor Billy Kenoi has signed a bill putting it on the ballot. West Hawaii Today. Big Brother is watching — but he is supposed to be helping. West Hawaii Today. Some day, a new gym on the Hilo High School campus will give students, athletes and their fans the chance to enjoy games at home. Tribune-Herald. Oahu-based military units will convoy from Pohakuloa Training Area to Kawaihae Harbor on Saturday, Monday, Wednesday and Thursday between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. via Saddle Road, Mamalahoa Highway, Waikoloa Road, Queen Kaahumanu Highway and Akoni Pule corridor. Tribune-Herald. Maui Staffing levels at Maui’s only Veterans Affairs clinic are at 50 percent, resulting in long waits for veterans who need care, officials acknowledged Tuesday. Maui News. Maui Mayor Alan Arakawa expressed enthusiasm as the state Legislative session gets underway. Maui Now. Southerly winds are expected to prevail through today, and volcanic haze, or vog, should continue to hang in the air Friday and start to clear up Saturday, National Weather Service forecaster Vic DeJesus said Wednesday. Maui News. Kauai In 2011 Kauai’s beaches and surfbreaks were mostly clean, but some were definitely not. Garden Island. In response to the growing trend of crimes perpetrated against the elderly, Kaua‘i County Prosecuting Attorney Shaylene Iseri-Carvalho will be holding several senior fraud presentations across the island. Garden Island. The Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement has joined other national community advocates in an amicus (friend of the court) brief to be filed with the U.S. Supreme Court in support of the Affordable Care Act. Garden Island. Molokai Department of Land and Natural Resources is holding a community meeting regarding the security perimeter at the Kauanakakai Wharf to accommodate American Safari Cruises visits to Molokai. Molokai Dispatch.

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Military beefing up in Hawaii, no drug testing of welfare recipients, three quit charter school board in protest, gambling proposed on Hawaiian lands,…

27. January 2012

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Pohakuloa Training Area (c) 2012 All Hawaii News Hawaii’s military future could include another Navy cruiser and at least 1,000 more Marines if some forces are removed from Okinawa. Star-Advertiser Sen. Daniel Inouye said on Thursday that he expects “an increase of military personnel and assets” in the Pacific, including in Hawaii. Inouye’s remarks came after Defense Secretary Leon Panetta outlined his department’s budget plan for the next five years. Civil Beat. A host of bills before the State Legislature are dedicated to women veterans this year. KHON2. Once again, Hawaii state and county government agencies spent far more money lobbying in Washington D.C. than private companies did, according to 2011 U.S. Senate lobbyist disclosure reports. Hawaii Reporter. State Rep. Mele Carroll has reintroduced a bill that would allow gaming on Hawaiian homestead lands to provide a source of funds for the Department of Hawaiian Home Land’s developments and programs. Maui News. Two Maui law makers are introducing separate gaming measures in the state legislature this session. Maui Now. Spurred by a dramatic rise in computer-related crimes — including possibly affecting one of their own colleagues — lawmakers have introduced more than 30 measures in the Hawaii Legislature concerning cybercrime. Civil Beat. State lawmakers decided Thursday to leave online piracy legislation to Congress after hearing vehement opposition to a bill that called for keeping records of Hawaii users’ Internet activity. Associated Press. Internet privacy advocates, web entrepreneurs and business owners turned out in droves on Thursday to denounce a bill before the Hawaii Legislature that would require Internet service providers to keep a record of every website visited by subscribers for no less than two years. Civil Beat. Hawaii won’t be drug testing public assistance applicants and recipients any time soon. Associated Press. State politicians are running some old plays this week in an effort to convince the NFL that the Pro Bowl belongs in Hawaii. Pacific Business News. The Legislature is considering a statewide measure to have consumers pay for plastic and paper shopping bags. Hawaii Public Radio. Consumers Could Be Charged for Plastic and Paper Bags. Civil Beat. “Bag ban” could go state-wide & include paper. Hawaii News Now. Credit monitoring and fraud restoration services will be provided to about 98,000 University of Hawaii students, alumni, faculty, employees and others potentially affected by five data breaches that occurred from 2009 to 2011, under a settlement reached in a class-action lawsuit. Star-Advertiser. Federal data show cutting Hawaiian monk seals free from fishing nets, moving vulnerable pups away from preying sharks and other efforts to rescue the animals are significantly helping the endangered species. Associated Press. Oahu The city will agree to a new change order worth about $15 million to pay the company holding the contract to build the first segment of the rail line because of delays in the start of construction, according to officials with the Hono­lulu Authority for Rapid Transportation. Star-Advertiser. Inspectors from the Hawaii Department of Agriculture (HDOA ) have identified a snake killed on Wednesday near Honolulu airport as a bullsnake. Hawaii News Now. Longtime Hawaii television newsman Jack Kellner died Wednesday night in California. KITV4. Hawaii Three longtime members of the Charter School Review Panel — Chairman Carl Takamura, former Chairwoman Ruth Tschumy and Pualani Akaka — resigned Thursday to protest the state Board of Education’s reversal of the panel’s decisions on converting Laupahoehoe School to a charter school. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii County voters will once again get the opportunity to weigh in on a 2 percent land fund, now that Mayor Billy Kenoi has signed a bill putting it on the ballot. West Hawaii Today. Big Brother is watching — but he is supposed to be helping. West Hawaii Today. Some day, a new gym on the Hilo High School campus will give students, athletes and their fans the chance to enjoy games at home. Tribune-Herald. Oahu-based military units will convoy from Pohakuloa Training Area to Kawaihae Harbor on Saturday, Monday, Wednesday and Thursday between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. via Saddle Road, Mamalahoa Highway, Waikoloa Road, Queen Kaahumanu Highway and Akoni Pule corridor. Tribune-Herald. Maui Staffing levels at Maui’s only Veterans Affairs clinic are at 50 percent, resulting in long waits for veterans who need care, officials acknowledged Tuesday. Maui News. Maui Mayor Alan Arakawa expressed enthusiasm as the state Legislative session gets underway. Maui Now. Southerly winds are expected to prevail through today, and volcanic haze, or vog, should continue to hang in the air Friday and start to clear up Saturday, National Weather Service forecaster Vic DeJesus said Wednesday. Maui News. Kauai In 2011 Kauai’s beaches and surfbreaks were mostly clean, but some were definitely not. Garden Island. In response to the growing trend of crimes perpetrated against the elderly, Kaua‘i County Prosecuting Attorney Shaylene Iseri-Carvalho will be holding several senior fraud presentations across the island. Garden Island. The Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement has joined other national community advocates in an amicus (friend of the court) brief to be filed with the U.S. Supreme Court in support of the Affordable Care Act. Garden Island. Molokai Department of Land and Natural Resources is holding a community meeting regarding the security perimeter at the Kauanakakai Wharf to accommodate American Safari Cruises visits to Molokai. Molokai Dispatch.

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GOP Lingle almost triples fund-raising of closest rival Hirono, UH prof caught in x-rated escort sting, Education leaders detail plans, HGEA grumbles…

26. January 2012

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Former Hawaii Gov. Linda Lingle Former Gov. Linda Lingle, in a display of national fundraising prowess, has raised more than $1.7 million since she announced her Republican campaign for the U.S. Senate in October. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii may not be known for its Republicans, but the first fundraising figures out of former Hawaii Gov. Linda Lingle’s campaign for U.S. Senate shows that Republicans are committed to changing the balance of power in the aloha state. Civil Beat. Former Congressman Ed Case said in a statement that he raised “substantially less” money last quarter than U.S. Senate opponents Linda Lingle and Mazie Hirono. Civil Beat State education leaders sought to reassure lawmakers Wednesday about the future of Hawaii’s $75 million Race to the Top grant, saying they are making gains and plan to seek more clarity about the kind of progress federal authorities want to see in order to take the grant off “high-risk” status. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii Department of Education leaders described the state’s school district as a deteriorating house at a legislative briefing Wednesday, and their Race to the Top plan as the remodeling program for that house. Civil Beat. Hawaii’s public schools superintendent said Wednesday she hopes the state makes headway on adopting new teacher evaluations by the end of March, when U.S. Department of Education officials are scheduled to visit the islands for an update on the state’s progress with Race to the Top reforms. Associated Press. Taken For A Ride: Roberts Hawaii’s Very Own Race to the Top of School Bus Biz. Civil Beat. Hawaii Government Employees Association officials have told PBN they may file a complaint with the Hawaii Labor Relations Board because Gov. Neil Abercrombie’s administration has failed to advance talks regarding the favored nation clause of the union’s contract. Pacific Business News. The state appeals court has upheld the approval of a University of Hawaii-developed management plan for Mauna Kea. Tribune-Herald. The House Committee on Judiciary passed a measure (House Bill 127 House Draft 1) that would require hospitals and health care providers to provide information about emergency contraception to women who have been sexually assaulted, and to dispense the medication when requested. Hawaii Reporter. It’s difficult to tell how many people experience homelessness. Nevertheless a national count is done at this time every year attempting to measure how many people are without homes. Hawaii Public Radio. State roundup for Jan. 26. Associated Press. Oahu An x-rated local escort service called “The Volcano Girls” is being operated out of the Waikiki residence of University of Hawaii Professor Lawrence W. Boyd, Jr. Hawaii Reporter. http://www.hawaiireporter.com/university-of-hawaii-professor-tied-to-x-rated-escort-service/123 Food trucks and lunch wagons would have two hours to operate at one location on a street before being required to move, under a proposal in the City Council that aims to ease a law that made it difficult for some vendors to operate legally. Star-Advertiser. A bill that would allow lunch wagons and other street vendors to remain at a single location for two hours instead of fifteen minutes passed the first of three required readings Wednesday at the Honolulu City Council. KHON2. The principal at August Ahrens Elementary School, a second school administrator and a teacher have been placed on leave while the state Department of Education investigates an allegation of financial impropriety. Star-Advertiser. North Shore residents demand solution to ‘Turtle Beach’ traffic. Hawaii News Now. The city has spent more than $1.87 million and hired seven private law firms to handle legal work related to its rail project. Star-Advertiser. The State Department of Agriculture says road crews working on Nimitz Highway near Honolulu Airport killed a two foot snake Wednesday morning. Hawaii News Now. Hawaii The Hawaii Tourism Authority has approved spending more than $1 million this year for Big Island programs, sporting events and festivals. Tribune-Herald. After sitting fallow for the last 18 years, 718 acres of Hawaii County’s Paauilo lands are closer than ever to being returned to productive agriculture. Tribune-Herald. An illegal ferret was captured early Sunday morning in the parking lot of Coqui’s Hideaway Restaurant & Sports Bar in Hilo. Tribune-Herald. Maui Of the three options for repairing the main runway at Kahului Airport, the most expensive was overwhelmingly preferred at a standing-room-only public meeting Monday, because it would not require a temporary shutdown of Mainland flights. Maui News. Project challenges several layers thick. Maui News. The new Papapawahawa Bridge in East Maui opens this Friday, January 27, 2012, following eight months of construction. Maui Now. A $2.3 million project to replace Papahawahawa Bridge is nearly complete, the county Department of Public Works announced. Maui News. Maui County officials say they are in the process of closing a three-mile stretch of shoreline near Wailea-Makena after a shark sighting Wednesday afternoon. KITV4. Kauai How can the Garden Isle grow green jobs? Garden Island. Mayor Bernard Carvalho Jr. and other local leaders Wednesday greeted the first planeload of visitors from Shanghai as part of an effort to increase island visits from China. Garden Island.

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GOP Lingle almost triples fund-raising of closest rival Hirono, UH prof caught in x-rated escort sting, Education leaders detail plans, HGEA grumbles…

26. January 2012

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Former Hawaii Gov. Linda Lingle Former Gov. Linda Lingle, in a display of national fundraising prowess, has raised more than $1.7 million since she announced her Republican campaign for the U.S. Senate in October. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii may not be known for its Republicans, but the first fundraising figures out of former Hawaii Gov. Linda Lingle’s campaign for U.S. Senate shows that Republicans are committed to changing the balance of power in the aloha state. Civil Beat. Former Congressman Ed Case said in a statement that he raised “substantially less” money last quarter than U.S. Senate opponents Linda Lingle and Mazie Hirono. Civil Beat State education leaders sought to reassure lawmakers Wednesday about the future of Hawaii’s $75 million Race to the Top grant, saying they are making gains and plan to seek more clarity about the kind of progress federal authorities want to see in order to take the grant off “high-risk” status. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii Department of Education leaders described the state’s school district as a deteriorating house at a legislative briefing Wednesday, and their Race to the Top plan as the remodeling program for that house. Civil Beat. Hawaii’s public schools superintendent said Wednesday she hopes the state makes headway on adopting new teacher evaluations by the end of March, when U.S. Department of Education officials are scheduled to visit the islands for an update on the state’s progress with Race to the Top reforms. Associated Press. Taken For A Ride: Roberts Hawaii’s Very Own Race to the Top of School Bus Biz. Civil Beat. Hawaii Government Employees Association officials have told PBN they may file a complaint with the Hawaii Labor Relations Board because Gov. Neil Abercrombie’s administration has failed to advance talks regarding the favored nation clause of the union’s contract. Pacific Business News. The state appeals court has upheld the approval of a University of Hawaii-developed management plan for Mauna Kea. Tribune-Herald. The House Committee on Judiciary passed a measure (House Bill 127 House Draft 1) that would require hospitals and health care providers to provide information about emergency contraception to women who have been sexually assaulted, and to dispense the medication when requested. Hawaii Reporter. It’s difficult to tell how many people experience homelessness. Nevertheless a national count is done at this time every year attempting to measure how many people are without homes. Hawaii Public Radio. State roundup for Jan. 26. Associated Press. Oahu An x-rated local escort service called “The Volcano Girls” is being operated out of the Waikiki residence of University of Hawaii Professor Lawrence W. Boyd, Jr. Hawaii Reporter. http://www.hawaiireporter.com/university-of-hawaii-professor-tied-to-x-rated-escort-service/123 Food trucks and lunch wagons would have two hours to operate at one location on a street before being required to move, under a proposal in the City Council that aims to ease a law that made it difficult for some vendors to operate legally. Star-Advertiser. A bill that would allow lunch wagons and other street vendors to remain at a single location for two hours instead of fifteen minutes passed the first of three required readings Wednesday at the Honolulu City Council. KHON2. The principal at August Ahrens Elementary School, a second school administrator and a teacher have been placed on leave while the state Department of Education investigates an allegation of financial impropriety. Star-Advertiser. North Shore residents demand solution to ‘Turtle Beach’ traffic. Hawaii News Now. The city has spent more than $1.87 million and hired seven private law firms to handle legal work related to its rail project. Star-Advertiser. The State Department of Agriculture says road crews working on Nimitz Highway near Honolulu Airport killed a two foot snake Wednesday morning. Hawaii News Now. Hawaii The Hawaii Tourism Authority has approved spending more than $1 million this year for Big Island programs, sporting events and festivals. Tribune-Herald. After sitting fallow for the last 18 years, 718 acres of Hawaii County’s Paauilo lands are closer than ever to being returned to productive agriculture. Tribune-Herald. An illegal ferret was captured early Sunday morning in the parking lot of Coqui’s Hideaway Restaurant & Sports Bar in Hilo. Tribune-Herald. Maui Of the three options for repairing the main runway at Kahului Airport, the most expensive was overwhelmingly preferred at a standing-room-only public meeting Monday, because it would not require a temporary shutdown of Mainland flights. Maui News. Project challenges several layers thick. Maui News. The new Papapawahawa Bridge in East Maui opens this Friday, January 27, 2012, following eight months of construction. Maui Now. A $2.3 million project to replace Papahawahawa Bridge is nearly complete, the county Department of Public Works announced. Maui News. Maui County officials say they are in the process of closing a three-mile stretch of shoreline near Wailea-Makena after a shark sighting Wednesday afternoon. KITV4. Kauai How can the Garden Isle grow green jobs? Garden Island. Mayor Bernard Carvalho Jr. and other local leaders Wednesday greeted the first planeload of visitors from Shanghai as part of an effort to increase island visits from China. Garden Island.

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Top Maui, Lanai and Molokai Festivals

24. January 2012

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Top Maui, Lanai and Molokai Festivals

With some help from our friends at the Maui Visitor’s Bureau, we’re listing the top festivals and events for Maui Nui – Maui, Lanai and Molokai. As you can see, there are plenty of excellent celebrations and events throughout the year. JANUARY Hyundai Tournament of Champions PGA Tour champions from the previous year compete in this televised, season opening, golf tournament at Kapalua Resort’s stunning Plantation Course for a $5,600,000 purse. www.pgatour.com/hyundai This event is usually scheduled for the first full weekend in January after New Year’s Day. FEBRUARY Great Maui Whale Festival This celebration honoring humpback whales features special events and eco-activities all month, including The Great Whale Count, sponsored by the Pacific Whale Foundation. The Parade of Whales and Whale Day Celebration offer live entertainment, a craft fair and food booths at Kalama Park, Kīhei. www.mauiwhalefestival.org . In 2012, World Whale Day is scheduled for February 18. MARCH Haʻīkū Hoʻolaulea & Flower Festival This event celebrates rural life and benefits local youth education programs. Enjoy lei making demonstrations, a floral design contest, bake sale, arts and crafts show, farmers’ market, historical displays, games and live entertainment. In 2012, this event is slated for March 31. APRIL Celebration of the Arts This annual event pays tribute to the people, arts and traditions of Hawaiʻi, hosted by The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua. Enjoy hula performances, workshops in Hawaiian cultural topics and crafts. A Hawaiian lūʻau with traditional foods, music and hula highlight Easter weekend. www.celebrationofthearts.org 2012 dates TBA. Annual East Maui Taro Festival Hāna’s annual cultural event celebrates Hawaiʻi’s traditional food staple with an all-day festival featuring live music, hula, arts and crafts, Hawaiian games and food booths, plus a taro pancake breakfast. www.tarofestival.org In 2012, this event will be held April 21.

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Gov. Neil Abercrombie’s 2012 State of the State Address: “Investing Now for Hawai’i’s Future”

23. January 2012

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Gov. Neil Abercrombie’s 2012 State of the State Address:  “Investing Now for Hawai’i’s Future”

Hawaii House (c) 2012 All Hawaii News “Investing Now for Hawai’i’s Future” State of the State 2012 The Honorable Neil Abercrombie Governor, State of Hawai’i January 23, 2012 (as prepared) Mr. President, Mr. Speaker, former Governors, distinguished justices of the courts, mayors, representatives of our Congressional Delegation, members of the Hawai’i State Legislature, other elected officials, honored guests, family and friends.

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Top Oahu Festivals to Plan into Your Hawaii Vacation

23. January 2012

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Top Oahu Festivals to Plan into Your Hawaii Vacation

If you’re hankering to go to Oahu, but not sure when to go, perhaps you’d like to go during one of the many excellent festivals. To help you, I’ve created this handy dandy list of Oahu festivals – which mixes in input from the nice folks at the Oahu Visitor’s Bureau, plus my opinion. Honolulu Festival

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Bloggers could lose shield law protection, feds mull defense, energy programs, lawmakers warned about gifts again, Tesoro sale could rattle state gas…

11. January 2012

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Hawaii state Capitol (c) 2012 All Hawaii News A U-S House Armed Services panel was at the state capitol today to hear from defense-related businesses. Hawaii Public Radio. U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack toured Pearl Harbor on a visit Tuesday meant to highlight the Obama administration’s commitment to renewable energy. Associated Press. A Hawaii state judiciary committee is recommending that the Hawaii Legislature make permanent the state’s shield law that protects journalists from forced disclosure of sources and notes. Civil Beat. The Hawaii Legislature convenes next week and the state Ethics Commission is already warning legislators about ethical restrictions on gifts from lobbyists. Hawaii Reporter. The executive director of the State Ethics Commission issued two memos Monday to state legislators informing them that he was advising against accepting invitations to events hosted by lobbyists. Civil Beat. The pending sale of Tesoro Corp.’s Hawaii operations adds uncertainty to the island’s energy market and raises the possibility of increased prices for gasoline, electricity and jet fuel. Star-Advertiser. Renewable Energy Push Could Hurt Refineries. Civil Beat. Chevron Corp. wouldn’t say if it plans to put in a bid to buy Tesoro Corp., after the Texas-based refiner announced on Tuesday that it plans to sell its Hawaii operations. Pacific Business News. Joe Nathan, who helped write the nation’s first charter school law, urged Hawaii educators Tuesday to celebrate the expansion and successes of the charter movement even as they grapple with growing pains. Star-Advertiser. To address a “crisis” in backlogged elevator safety inspections, the state plans to increase inspection fees to hire new, better-paid inspectors from the private sector, state Labor and Industrial Relations Department Director Dwight Takamine said today. Hawaii Reporter. The owner of a South Korean oil tanker was sentenced in federal court in Honolulu Tuesday to pay more than $1 million for knowingly dumping oily waste in U.S. waters off Hawaii. Star-Advertiser. This year, lawmakers want to strengthen these provisions to help the victims of labor and sex trafficking. Hawaii Public Radio. State roundup for January 11. Associated Press. Oahu City officials said they will monitor the situation today on South King Street in the McCully-Moiliili area, following Tuesday’s daylong effort to clear sidewalks of homeless encampments. Star-Advertiser. Every day after work, Ernest Basamonte tries to walk fast past the homeless encampment on his way to catch the bus. KITV4. Trash Cans Overflowing at Diamond Head Lookout. Hawaii News Now. West Oahu City Councilman Tom Berg believes the island’s nightmarish traffic congestion could be drastically improved if a computer system allowed police to more easily identify drivers who actually belong on the road. KHON2. Hawaii Three West Hawaii legislators on Tuesday spelled out their priorities for the upcoming session — ranging from geothermal energy to school improvements. West Hawaii Today. A former Leeward Planning commissioner announced his candidacy for state House Tuesday. West Hawaii Today. West Hawaii’s four County Council districts are shaping up to have competitive races, with candidates beginning to come forward weeks before the Feb. 1 start of pulling papers for nominations. West Hawaii Today. Astronomers announced a small discovery that may have big implications for the number of planets orbiting other stars. Tribune-Herald. Maui Maui County Council members continued wrestling Monday with illegal vacation rentals, a problem made more difficult by limited county resources available for enforcement. Maui News. Public testimony will be taken on a bill that would change the way homes are taxed on agricultural property during meetings throughout Maui County this month. Maui News. Residents and visitors will have an opportunity to visit Haleakala National Park for free. Maui Now. Kauai The Kaua‘i County Council announced Tuesday that Interim County Clerk and former council services administrator Ricky Watanabe was selected for the position of county clerk. Garden Island. The Kauai County Council selected Rick Watanabe as the new county clerk, the county announced today. Star-Advertiser. The Kaua‘i Planning Commission Tuesday unanimously confirmed Jan Kimura, one of the commission’s more vocal members, as the commission’s chair for 2012. Garden Island . Kaua’i RSVP, an organization that’s part of the Agency on Elderly Affairs, announced today the kick-off of its cell phone and eyewear recycling campaign. Hawaii News Now. Molokai Maui County officials said Cooke Memorial Pool on Molokai be closed on Friday, January 13 and Saturday, January 14 for black algae maintenance. KITV4 .

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New quarter to feature volcano, Hawaii’s homeless chief resigns amid allegations, revenue forecast lowered, Honolulu Council seeks water authority,…

6. January 2012

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Kilauea Volcano caldera (c) 2012 All Hawaii News Hawaii Volcanoes National Park’s East Rift Zone will grace the face of an America the Beautiful Quarter to be released this summer. West Hawaii Today. Hawaii’s homeless coordinator, Marc Alexander, has resigned effective today, less than a year on the job and just days after the state acknowledged receiving an allegation that he had a sexual relationship with a woman while he was a priest. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii’s homeless coordinator resigned “to attend to personal matters” two days after he was asked to respond to allegations of sexual misconduct as a priest, according to an anti-religion activist. Civil Beat. Alexander made news in January, 2010 when he abruptly left the Catholic Church where he served as Vicar General of the Catholic Diocese of Honolulu to lead the effort to solve Hawaii’s homeless crisis. Hawaii News Now. The state Council on Revenues on Thursday scaled back its forecast for state revenue growth this fiscal year, which will reduce an anticipated surplus and require Gov. Neil Abercrombie to adjust his budget and financial plan. Star-Advertiser. Council On Revenues Downgrades Hawaii Forecast By 3 Percent. Civil Beat. The State Council on Revenues lowered its General Fund projection yesterday … 4 full percentage points less than what was forecast in September. Hawaii Public Radio. A bill aimed at curtailing the use of the Kona coffee name by coffee blenders will soon be introduced in the state Legislature. West Hawaii Today. Gas prices are rising again after 11 consecutive weeks of declines, according to the AAA Hawaii Weekend Gas Watch. Star-Advertiser. U.S. Military in Hawaii: ‘Bright Future Ahead’ Civil Beat. The confluence of China’s military rise, a shift in global trade to the region, a budget crunch and the end of the Iraq war underscore the importance of a U.S. military presence in Asia and the Pacific — but have not made the future any clearer for Hawaii-based military commands and the state’s sizable defense industry. Star-Advertiser. The big question on many people’s minds during The Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii ’s 11th Annual Military Partnership Conference Thursday was how the United States’ focus on the Pacific would impact the Aloha State given the uncertainties with new leadership in North Korea, China’s increasing military and economic might, and impending defense cuts. Pacific Business News. The state Office of Information Practices will

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Hawaii on Obama watch, feds pan early education plan, Young Bros. granted 16.6% rate hike, UH to pay student for peeping tom, Maui to ban booze at…

19. December 2011

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Hawaii on Obama watch, feds pan early education plan, Young Bros. granted 16.6% rate hike, UH to pay student for peeping tom, Maui to ban booze at…

Mother Marianne Cope at Father Damien’s funeral historical photo Pope Benedict XVI has approved seven new saints for the Catholic Church, including Hawaii’s Mother Marianne and a 17th-century Native American, Caterina Tekakwitha. Associated Press. First lady Michelle Obama and daughters Malia and Sasha seem to have been enjoying a respite from the television cameras since arriving at their Kailua vacation home on Saturday, according to area residents. Star-Advertiser. First Lady Michelle Obama and her daughters, Sasha and Malia, spent the night in Kailua, Oahu, on Saturday. Hawaii Reporter. First lady Michelle Obama and first daughters Malia and Sasha are on day two of their Hawaiian holiday vacation. KHON2 . Federal reviewers ranked Hawaii’s application for a competitive, $49 million federal grant to improve the state’s early-learning network last among 35 states vying for the money, calling elements of the plan “minimally implemented” and “low quality,” documents show. Star-Advertiser. Recently ratings by the federal government show how Hawaii hospitals compare with ones across the country and the grades could also lead to better quality care. KITV4. Hawaii’s big bond sale this month was great news for the state because of how much it will save in lower interest rates. But for the Hawaii State Department of Education, it was a routine event. Civil Beat. It’s been a month since the head of Hawaii’s largest union demanded to reopen labor talks with Gov. Neil Abercrombie’s chief negotiator, claiming another union got a better deal. Civil Beat. The University of Hawaii must pay about $31,000 to a former student who was showering at a UH dormitory four years ago when an intruder tried to take photos or a video of her with his cellphone, a state judge has ruled. Star-Advertiser. The Hawaii Public Utilities Commission on Friday approved a 16.58 percent rate increase for interisland shipping company Young Brothers Ltd. Pacific Business News. State Roundup for Dec. 18. Associated Press. Hawaii Soldiers Last Division To Exit Iraq. KITV4. There were many hugs and kisses at Wheeler Army Airfield Sunday night, as the families of about 50 soldiers from the 25th Infantry Division welcomed them home from their deployment to Iraq. Hawaii News Now. Oahu Residential electric bills on Oahu hit a record high in December for the third consecutive month, continuing a trend that has prompted a growing number of homeowners to install rooftop photovoltaic systems to cut their soaring power bills. Star-Advertiser. The Hawaii state Department of Agriculture will inspect a Kahuku farm where undocumented workers from Laos said they were sickened by exposure to toxic pesticides. Hawaii Reporter. The Council had approved to hear a bill in 2012 that would require grocers or wholesale food clubs to post signs or labels signifying that a food product included genetically engineered material. Hawaii Independent. Hawaii Hawaii County has begun an outside review of its property tax structure, the first step in ensuring fairness and perhaps bringing additional money to county coffers. West Hawaii Today. The Transportation Security Administration is hoping to prevent concerns that new body scanning machines it began using at Hilo International Airport are an invasion of privacy. Tribune-Herald. Organizers of the Laupahoehoe Community Public Charter School have been notified that they will not be allowed to launch next year. Tribune-Herald. Maui Maui County Council members voted 8-0 Friday to give initial approval for a ban on the consumption of alcohol at the new South Maui Community Park. Maui News. Xorin Balbes maintains that he renovated a historic landmark and created a self-awareness retreat, Lumeria Maui, while at least one opponent to reopening the Fred Baldwin Memorial Home said it looks more “like the Ritz.” Maui News. 28 families were selected to receive homestead leases in the Kula, Waiohuli Hikina and the Waiehu Kou communities. KHON2. Kauai The island’s only landfill may operate another 10 years before closing down for good. With the clock ticking — and after a few extensions and expansions — the county has yet to find a site for the next landfill. Garden Island. The Kaua‘i Police Department has a new deputy chief. Garden Island.

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