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Elvis 40th anniversary celebration coming to Hawaii, pay hike promised for Legislature, judges, top state execs; Democrats at odds over candidate’s…

4. April 2012

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Elvis 40th anniversary celebration coming to Hawaii, pay hike promised for Legislature, judges, top state execs; Democrats at odds over candidate’s…

© 1973, Elvis Presley Enterprises, Inc. and RCA Records. Elvis Presley Enterprises has announced a vacation package to Hawaii in conjunction with the 40th anniversary of his concert in the state in 1973. Associated Press. The surprising decision this weekend by Hawaii Democrats to reject Laura Thielen’s request to run in the party’s Aug. 11 primary for state Senate is causing many Democrats to question their own party. Civil Beat. State senators took steps Tuesday to revive a $500 million investment in state construction, the Senate’s signature idea to help with economic recovery that was in danger of failing this week because of House inaction. Star-Advertiser. The governor wants to fast-track state construction projects to stimulate the economy with a 500-million dollar legislative package.

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Hawaii Medal of Honor ceremony honors war dead, Honolulu Civil Beat editor heads to Washington Post, Legislature mulls state bank, mandatory sick…

29. March 2012

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Hawaii Medal of Honor ceremony honors war dead, Honolulu Civil Beat editor heads to Washington Post, Legislature mulls state bank, mandatory sick…

Hawaii Medal of Honor ceremony, courtesy House Majority Office Hundreds of people gathered at the State Capitol Wednesday to remember 24 servicemen with Hawaii ties who died during the past year in Iraq and Afghanistan. Hawaii News Now. The annual Hawaii Medal of Honor ceremony is more than just a time to recognize and honor fallen troops. It’s a time for friends, colleagues and loved ones of the dead to gather, console and connect with each other, to be reassured that those close to them will not be forgotten, and to be welcomed into the island ohana. Star-Advertiser. courtesy House Majority The families of two dozen fallen service members received the Hawaii Medal of Honor on Wednesday. It was a chance to thank them and their loved ones for protecting our country. KITV4. Abercrombie: Environmental Critics Are ‘Apocalyptic Naysayers’ Civil Beat. Large private sector employers without labor contracts would have to provide workers with up to five days a year in paid sick and safe leave under a bill approved Wednesday by the state Senate Judiciary and Labor Committee. Star-Advertiser. Should the State of Hawaii open up its own bank? Some lawmakers want to saying it will stimulate economic growth and development.

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Kona lava graffiti removed, raises for Honolulu officials, council, rate hike for health insurer HMSA, Kauai in top 10 for film locations, still no…

28. March 2012

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Kona lava (c) 2012 All Hawaii News Less white coral graffiti decorates the lava on the shoulders of Queen Kaahumanu Highway these days. West Hawaii Today. Families of fallen war heroes have been invited to a special joint session of the state Legislature on Wednesday. Associated Press. March is almost over and still no Republican candidate in the open 2nd Congressional District race. Civil Beat. Two good government advocacy groups are taking state Sen. Rosalyn Baker to task over her conduct of a confirmation hearing Friday. Civil Beat. Lawmakers question UH Manoa Chancellor’s necessity. KHON2. Hawaii Medical Service Association plans to raise health insurance premiums for roughly 84,000 small-business members by 3.8 percent after posting a more than eightfold profit to $43.8 million in 2011. Star-Advertiser. The State Department of Education is being put to the test.

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Kona lava graffiti removed, raises for Honolulu officials, council, rate hike for health insurer HMSA, Kauai in top 10 for film locations, still no…

28. March 2012

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Kona lava (c) 2012 All Hawaii News Less white coral graffiti decorates the lava on the shoulders of Queen Kaahumanu Highway these days. West Hawaii Today. Families of fallen war heroes have been invited to a special joint session of the state Legislature on Wednesday. Associated Press. March is almost over and still no Republican candidate in the open 2nd Congressional District race. Civil Beat. Two good government advocacy groups are taking state Sen. Rosalyn Baker to task over her conduct of a confirmation hearing Friday. Civil Beat. Lawmakers question UH Manoa Chancellor’s necessity. KHON2. Hawaii Medical Service Association plans to raise health insurance premiums for roughly 84,000 small-business members by 3.8 percent after posting a more than eightfold profit to $43.8 million in 2011. Star-Advertiser. The State Department of Education is being put to the test.

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Race to the Top focus of federal visit today, teacher pay analyzed, Honolulu Police Department loses records, rail transit foes respond, invasive ogo…

27. March 2012

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Hawaii schoolchildren (c) 2012 All Hawaii News A new report by an education policy think-tank echoes the U.S. Department of Education’s concern about progress by Hawaii schools on promised Race to the Top reforms. Associated Press. A four-person review team from the U.S. Department of Education is in Hawaii to meet with state education officials about progress island schools are making under the Race to the Top program. Hawaii News Now. The Hawaii Department of Education spends a wide range on salaries per pupil, depending on which school they attend, according to an analysis by Civil Beat. Civil Beat. The last two years at Hawaii’s Department of Education were marked by leadership turnover and pay cuts, even as the overall budget and student enrollment grew. Civil Beat. Bill would require paid leave for domestic violence victims. Star-Advertiser. March 27 — At the Ledge. Civil Beat. The state terminated three Medicaid physicians who were prescribing relatively high amounts of potent psychiatric and pain drugs, while two other providers are under investigation by federal agencies, according to information provided to a U.S. senator. Star-Advertiser. The Missile Defense Agency’s big Sea-Based X-Band Radar tracking ship sailed out of Pearl Harbor on Friday — about three weeks ahead of North Korea’s planned space launch. Star-Advertiser. Oahu Tens of thousands of Honolulu Police Department reports are missing from HPD’s computerized records system and the department has launched an investigation to figure out the scope of the problem. Hawaii News Now. Honolulu is one of the 10 markets identified as a “hot spot” when it comes for foreign investment in residential real estate. Pacific Business News. Waikiki Beach is under siege by a silent enemy. Invasive algae is taking over in the waters causing negative impacts to the environment. Hawaii News Now. It’s a battle for survival on the beach in Waikiki. The delicate ecosystem there is being destroyed by invasive algae. Which is why Monday’s cleanup was more than just a good deed. It’s a critical effort to save a dying species. KITV4. Despite Sewer Work, Storms Still Cause Spills. Civil Beat. Grading and other groundwork for a future subdivision in Nuuanu has generated three notices of violation this month that some neighbors say have come far too late. Star-Advertiser. Plaintiffs in the federal lawsuit aiming to stop construction of the city’s $5.3 billion elevated steel on steel rail system have a new secret weapon in the fight against the project – energetic and enthusiastic law students. Hawaii Reporter. Ben Cayetano responds to the Star-Advertiser’s criticism of his release of rail-related emails. Hawaii Independent. First Wounded Warrior Conference Held in Honolulu. Hawaii Public Radio. A professor at UH Manoa was part of movie director James Cameron’s deep sea submarine dive.

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Race to the Top focus of federal visit today, teacher pay analyzed, Honolulu Police Department loses records, rail transit foes respond, invasive ogo…

27. March 2012

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Hawaii schoolchildren (c) 2012 All Hawaii News A new report by an education policy think-tank echoes the U.S. Department of Education’s concern about progress by Hawaii schools on promised Race to the Top reforms. Associated Press. A four-person review team from the U.S. Department of Education is in Hawaii to meet with state education officials about progress island schools are making under the Race to the Top program. Hawaii News Now. The Hawaii Department of Education spends a wide range on salaries per pupil, depending on which school they attend, according to an analysis by Civil Beat. Civil Beat. The last two years at Hawaii’s Department of Education were marked by leadership turnover and pay cuts, even as the overall budget and student enrollment grew. Civil Beat. Bill would require paid leave for domestic violence victims. Star-Advertiser. March 27 — At the Ledge. Civil Beat. The state terminated three Medicaid physicians who were prescribing relatively high amounts of potent psychiatric and pain drugs, while two other providers are under investigation by federal agencies, according to information provided to a U.S. senator. Star-Advertiser. The Missile Defense Agency’s big Sea-Based X-Band Radar tracking ship sailed out of Pearl Harbor on Friday — about three weeks ahead of North Korea’s planned space launch. Star-Advertiser. Oahu Tens of thousands of Honolulu Police Department reports are missing from HPD’s computerized records system and the department has launched an investigation to figure out the scope of the problem. Hawaii News Now. Honolulu is one of the 10 markets identified as a “hot spot” when it comes for foreign investment in residential real estate. Pacific Business News. Waikiki Beach is under siege by a silent enemy. Invasive algae is taking over in the waters causing negative impacts to the environment. Hawaii News Now. It’s a battle for survival on the beach in Waikiki. The delicate ecosystem there is being destroyed by invasive algae. Which is why Monday’s cleanup was more than just a good deed. It’s a critical effort to save a dying species. KITV4. Despite Sewer Work, Storms Still Cause Spills. Civil Beat. Grading and other groundwork for a future subdivision in Nuuanu has generated three notices of violation this month that some neighbors say have come far too late. Star-Advertiser. Plaintiffs in the federal lawsuit aiming to stop construction of the city’s $5.3 billion elevated steel on steel rail system have a new secret weapon in the fight against the project – energetic and enthusiastic law students. Hawaii Reporter. Ben Cayetano responds to the Star-Advertiser’s criticism of his release of rail-related emails. Hawaii Independent. First Wounded Warrior Conference Held in Honolulu. Hawaii Public Radio. A professor at UH Manoa was part of movie director James Cameron’s deep sea submarine dive.

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Gas hits $5/gal on Kauai, green energy tax cuts face reduction, dengue-carrying mosquito breeding on Oahu, audit says Honolulu not collecting enough…

26. March 2012

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Gas hits $5/gal on Kauai, green energy tax cuts face reduction, dengue-carrying mosquito breeding on Oahu, audit says Honolulu not collecting enough…

Solar panels installed in Honolulu, courtesy photo High electricity bills, sunny weather and improved technology have made solar power an increasingly popular option in Hawaii. But tax credit for renewable energy faces reductions, curtailed caps.

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Gas hits $5/gal on Kauai, green energy tax cuts face reduction, dengue-carrying mosquito breeding on Oahu, audit says Honolulu not collecting enough…

26. March 2012

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Gas hits $5/gal on Kauai, green energy tax cuts face reduction, dengue-carrying mosquito breeding on Oahu, audit says Honolulu not collecting enough…

Solar panels installed in Honolulu, courtesy photo High electricity bills, sunny weather and improved technology have made solar power an increasingly popular option in Hawaii. But tax credit for renewable energy faces reductions, curtailed caps.

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Environmental exemption bill to be heard today, Maui seeks waste-to-energy plant, bid protest costs state $1.2M, cheaper to rent than buy in Honolulu,…

22. March 2012

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Ka’u coastline (c) 2012 All Hawaii News Environmentalists, clean energy advocates, the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, a few lawmakers are among those who vehemently oppose Senate Bill 755 — a measure to be heard Thursday that gives the governor and county mayors latitude in exempting state and county projects from regulatory review. Civil Beat. Environmental Bills Criticized by GOP lawmakers. Hawaii Public Radio. A “must-pass” priority of Gov. Neil Abercrombie’s administration this legislative session – transfer of $200 million worth of land to the Office of Hawaiian Affairs

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Hirono opens Honolulu campaign headquarters, Van Jones visiting Hawaii, Big Island senate races fill up, DHHL director Nahalea, Hokoluia CEO De Fries…

19. March 2012

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Hirono opens Honolulu campaign headquarters, Van Jones visiting Hawaii, Big Island senate races fill up, DHHL director Nahalea, Hokoluia CEO De Fries…

U.S. Senate candidate Mazie Hirono, courtesy photo Congresswoman and U.S. Democratic Senate candidate Mazie Hirono opened her new campaign headquarters Saturday. Hawaii News Now. Former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney will take nine Hawaii delegates and rival Rick Santorum five, according to the official results of Hawaii’s GOP caucus, released Saturday evening. Star-Advertiser. For years Hawaii state lawmakers have enjoyed lavish spreads at receptions hosted by groups with business before the legislature. No harm, no foul, right? Wrong. Civil Beat. Hawaii may have good laws when it comes to government transparency and accountability. But there’s a huge gap between what’s written on paper and the daily reality here. Civil Beat. A new survey indicates a sizable portion of public school teachers who voted against a proposed six-year contract that would have tied wages to performance did so because they did not feel they had enough information on the deal, not because they disagreed with its terms. Star-Advertiser. Albert “Alapaki” Nahalea will step down from his post as director of the Hawaii Department of Hawaiian Home Lands on May 15. Pacific Business News. Scientists at the Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command in Hawaii last year identified 69 service members missing from past wars, but they continue to try to unravel a Civil War mystery that’s nearly 150 years old. Star-Advertiser. Van Jones, the internationally acclaimed political organizer and thinker, is in Hawaii this week to kick-off the “Rebuild the Dream” campaign. Hawaii Independent. Seniors are invited to the state Capitol April 21 to celebrate Kupuna Power. Associated Press. State Roundup for March 18. Associated Press. Oahu At least eight shots were fired at Ben Cayetano mayoral campaign signs posted at Cycle City, just across the street from his campaign headquarters off Nimitz Highway. Hawaii Reporter. Honolulu police are investigating a shooting at a business near the airport where a mayoral candidate’s signs were posted. KITV4. Eight members of the city’s Landfill Site Selection Committee agreed Friday to add federal lands to a list of possible locations for Oahu’s next municipal landfill. KITV4. Hawaii Donald Ikeda. Lorraine Inouye. Kelly Greenwell. Bob Herkes. Gary Safarik. Josh Green. There are a lot of familiar names interested in taking that step up, or resuming that seat, in the state Senate this year. West Hawaii Today. The following people have pulled nomination papers as of last Thursday for their respective Hawaii County Council seat. Tribune-Herald. After 11 years as the public face of one of West Hawaii’s most litigated developments, John De Fries is headed back to private practice. West Hawaii Today. Maui A company planning to develop a geothermal energy project on the southwestern slope of Haleakala said it hopes to begin drilling exploratory wells as early as next year to determine whether there are sufficient geothermal resources at the site. Star-Advertiser. Renewable energy will be a big part of Maui Electric Co.’s future, with plenty of room for serious investors and partners, said outgoing President Ed Reinhardt. Maui News. Maui homeowners and photovoltaic system installers are expressing frustration at requirements that they pay for expensive “interconnection studies” before installing solar panels, with no guarantee that their project will be approved after the study is complete. Maui News. Former legislator Joe Bertram III will return to politics as a contender for the 11th House District seat he held for two terms. Maui News. Construction Recovery “Fails to Materialize” Maui Now. The state Department of Agriculture is sponsoring a public meeting on bees this week on Maui. Associated Press. Kauai The high cost of electricity is draining energy from the local economy. The problem is especially acute for Kaua‘i business owners, some of whom pay upward of $20,000 per month for electricity. Garden Island. Continued conversion to renewable energy to offset oil costs was the focus of the KIUC quarterly update. Garden Island. Molokai This week, filmmakers planned to shoot a pilot episode for TNT called “Drop Zone” in Molokai’s remote north shore valley of Wailau. But those plans were nixed after a meeting with local residents last week, who expressed concerns about lack of protocol in holding a community discussion of the project, and “commercialization” of the valley many consider sacred. Molokai Dispatch. Lanai Lana`i island has the lowest unemployment rate in Hawai’i at 3.9%. That’s a result of having only one major employer, Castle and Cooke, which owns 98% of the island. Hawaii Public Radio.

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