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Abercrombie, NFL skirmish over Pro Bowl, Hawaii lawmakers tackle minimum wage, open meetings, political commmittees, pension fund, GOP seeks candidate…

25. January 2012

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Abercrombie, NFL skirmish over Pro Bowl, Hawaii lawmakers tackle minimum wage, open meetings, political commmittees, pension fund, GOP seeks candidate…

Hawaiian monk seal, NOAA courtesy photo A proposal to expand federal protections for the endangered Hawaiian monk seal is facing major push back from the state. Civil Beat. A bill moving through the state Legislature could increase Hawaii’s minimum wage for the first time since 2007, but opinions are mixed as to whether elevating the wage floor would help or hinder Hawaii’s economic recovery. Associated Press. Gov. Neil Abercrombie compared Pro Bowl negotiations to having a gun held to the state’s head by the NFL, but later said, “We would like to continue to have (the game) and we’re going to do everything we can to make sure that comes about in a fashion that will make everybody very, very happy.” Star-Advertiser. NFL flags Hawaii governor’s Pro Bowl comments . Pacific Business News. Governor Neil Abercrombie made a surprise visit to the NFL’s Pro Bowl kickoff news conference to speak glowingly about the relationship between Hawaii and the NFL, after criticizing NFL owners earlier in the day. KITV4. Hawaii political committees that can raise and spend unlimited amounts of campaign money would be required to disclose the candidates their expenditures are attacking or supporting under a proposal moving through the Legislature. Civil Beat. Hawaii lawmakers are entertaining amendments to the state Sunshine Law to allow board members to attend public meetings, community events and professional association conferences without violating the open meetings law. Associated Press. Lawmakers will be briefed on the state of the Race to the Top program on Wednesday. Hawaii News Now. Hawaii Electric Co., and its subsidiaries on Maui and the Big Island, would no longer be allowed to generate electricity if they wished to sell it under a proposed bill from Rep. Denny Coffman. West Hawaii Today. A Hollywood hit is shining the spotlight on Hawaii’s film industry. “The Descendants,” which was shot in Hawaii, has captured five Oscar nominations. Lawmakers hope to cash in on the movie’s success by attracting new productions to the islands. Hawaii News Now. A recent report shows that Hawaii’s public pension fund ranked at the bottom among comparable funds for its investment returns over the past decade. Civil Beat. The state Department of Human Services says it has introduced a new food stamps benefits processing system to address an applications backlog. Associated Press. House Speaker Calvin Say and Senate President Shan Tsutsui said yesterday they are opposed to tax increases even though the State Council on Revenue lowered its state revenue projects by $130 million. Hawaii Reporter. Hawaii GOP Still Looking For CD2 Candidate. Civil Beat. Obama’s Blueprint for Energy, Defense Could Mean Jobs in Hawaii. Civil Beat. State roundup for Jan. 25. Associated Press. Oahu The City Council might consider reforms of some property tax exemptions, but reducing or eliminating the standard exemption for Oahu’s 144,000 homeowners would be a tough sell to the public in an election year, the Council’s budget chairwoman says. Star-Advertiser. The Honolulu City Council Budget Committee conducted a special public hearing yesterday on a controversial recommendation by an Advisory Commission to repeal nearly all of the property tax exemptions for O’ahu owners. Hawaii Public Radio. Gambling proponents are eyeing the convention center as a possible venue to allow gaming in the state. KITV4. Honolulu Mayor Peter Carlisle likely will seek Honolulu City Council approval for a “contingency plan” to raise additional funding for the Honolulu rail project if that becomes necessary. Star-Advertiser. The Honolulu Zoo is under fire over the entrance fee it charges students on school field trips. KHON2. Hawaii A group of Kona coffee growers hopes legislators pass a bill that would require businesses to more thoroughly describe the contents of coffee sold in Hawaii — a change that critics claim would increase the price. Star-Advertiser. American Motorists Insurance Co. will pay $12.5 million to Hawaii County as part of a proposed settlement agreement a series of lawsuits regarding the stalled Hokulia development. West Hawaii Today. The jobs are coming back, but so are the job-seekers. Tribune-Herald. Farmers, agricultural experts and educators gathered Tuesday in Hilo to help map the future of Hawaii’s agricultural industry and attract workers needed to run it. Tribune-Herald. The Hawaii Board of Education cleared the way Tuesday for the Laupahoehoe charter school to open its doors in July.

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Hawaii Legislature opens to budget challenge, Hawaii County mayor signs bag ban bill, prison reforms could save money, OT killing pension plan,…

18. January 2012

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Hawaii Capitol (c) 2012 All Hawaii News The state Legislature plans a low-key opening day today while lawmakers look ahead to serious issues facing them during the 2012 session, such as economic recovery plans, job growth and funding for medical services. Associated Press. State lawmakers will open a new session of the state Legislature this morning with brief speeches and little other fanfare, as they take a no-frills approach given the state’s uncertain economic recovery. Star-Advertiser. This time last year, lawmakers and the Abercrombie administration were scrambling for ways to shore up a nearly $850 million deficit that eventually swelled to $1.3 billion. Civil Beat. Members of the Senate Majority Caucus unveiled their priorities today for the 2012 Legislative Session. Maui Now. The board that oversees Hawaii’s retirement system for state and county workers is unanimously backing a proposal to limit the amount of overtime and other nonbase pay used to calculate pensions for all employees, not just future hires. Star-Advertiser. A proposal to reform overtime rules for Hawaii public pensions didn’t get any blowback Tuesday. Civil Beat. Trustees of the Office of Hawaiian Affairs saw their paychecks go up at the start of the current fiscal year — their third consecutive annual raise. Civil Beat. The state could save more than $108 million over six years and eliminate the need to send prisoners to the mainland, according to an independent study that seeks to make Hawaii’s criminal justice system more efficient. Star-Advertiser. A national non-partisan research and policy analysis group completed a 7-month study of Hawai’i’s Criminal Justice System today. Hawaii Public Radio. Proposed changes to Hawaii’s criminal justice system that would speed the release of numerous accused and convicted criminals from jails and prisons were outlined today at the state Capitol. Hawaii Reporter. The Army will keep its force level about the same in Asia and the Pacific as the service looks to make cuts elsewhere, the chief of staff of the Army said. Star-Advertiser. The Hawaii Reapportionment Commission and the chief elections officer filed a motion for reconsideration on January 13, asking the Hawaii Supreme Court to review its January 6 ruling, which said the commission’s redistricting plan is “constitutionally invalid.” Hawaii Reporter. The Hawaii State Teachers Association has vowed to withdraw its labor case against the state if teachers ratify a collective bargaining agreement reached earlier this month. Civil Beat. As teachers prepare to vote Thursday on a proposed six-year contract, some are troubled about the deal, which includes a move in July 2013 to a performance-based compensation system that rewards “effective” teachers with raises. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii’s public school teachers are doing some math to figure out if their six-year tentative agreement adds up to a better deal than the state’s imposed contract. Hawaii News Now. The head of Hawaii’s public schools is hopeful a new contract with teachers will be enough to remove Hawaii off the “high risk” list for Race for The Top grant money. KITV4. On Thursday afternoon, Hawaii’s public school teachers will head to polling sites across the state to vote on a new contract. KHON2. The University of Hawaii wants an extra $15 million from the Legislature, in part for exceeding most of its performance goals. Civil Beat. State roundup for January 18. Associated Press. Oahu An Oahu boat harbor damaged by the tsunami spawned by the March 11 earthquake in Japan will be getting more than $1.4 million in repairs. KHON2. The Hawaii Community Development Authority is moving ahead on a long-stalled retail and residential high rise planned for the corner of Kapiolani Boulevard and Ward Avenue. Pacific Business News. Honolulu Zoo took the No. 10 spot at In Defense of Animals’ 2011 list of the “10 Worst Zoos for Elephants” on Monday. KITV4. Hawaii Hawaii County on Tuesday became the third county in the state to ban plastic bags at the retail checkout, when Mayor Billy Kenoi signed a bill putting the process into motion. West Hawaii Today. Hawaii County has joined its two Neighbor Island counterparts in outlawing businesses’ long-standing practice of providing free plastic shopping bags at the checkout line. Tribune-Herald. Alternative building materials, such as structural bamboo, rammed earth and straw bales, have found a place in the international building code and the building codes of Hawaii and many other states. West Hawaii Today. The Hawaii Board of Education has given itself one week to issue a decision concerning the disagreement between Laupahoehoe Community Public Charter School and its state oversight panel, which has said it intends to delay the opening of the school. Tribune-Herald. A $5 million to $10 million roadway project on Kaiminani Drive could get under way by the second half of this year, the project’s manager said. West Hawaii Today. Maui More than two dozen Hana residents reacted with enthusiasm and hope in helping shape an income initiative aimed at improving the economic well-being of Native Hawaiians in the area. Maui Now. Lindsey says she’s set to be sworn in for OHA vacancy. Maui News. Isle couple sue lender, cite unfair, deceptive practices. Maui News. Kauai One of Hawai‘i’s more cherished landmarks, Coco Palms Resort in Wailua, has gone from hero to villain in the last 20 years. Garden Island. PAHIO Development announced Tuesday that asbestos mitigation activities will begin this month at Lihu‘e Sugar Mill, to be followed by the mill’s demolition, tentatively scheduled Feb. 20. Garden Island. Molokai The U.S. Coast Guard has established a temporary security zone for when an American Safari Cruises tour returns to Molokai this weekend. Associated Press.

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Hawaii Vacation Deals & News: January 11, 2012

11. January 2012

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Hawaii Vacation Deals & News: January 11, 2012

* Outrigger Resorts is offering deals up to 65% off with the promotional code DREAM. Outrigger hotels and condos are located on all the major islands. * Aston Hotels and Resorts is offering a third night free deal. You can double the deal to pay for four nights and get two nights free. Choose from any of the hotel or condo properties listed on this page from all the major islands.

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Hawaii Vacation Deals & News: November 16, 2011

16. November 2011

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Hawaii Vacation Deals & News: November 16, 2011

Aloha again from Hawaii’s Big Island. I hope you’ll enjoy this photo of last night’s sunset while reading these brief news and deal items. *

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Hawaiian sovereignty activists occupy Iolani Palace grounds, Kauai grapples with landfill, Hawaii County struggles with building code, Molokai doesn’t…

3. November 2011

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Iolani Palace (c) 2011 All Hawaii News A group of about 20 Hawaiian sovereignty activists belonging to the group Hawaiian Kingdom Government issued a 50-page statement Wednesday demanding that the Friends of ‘Iolani Palace vacate the grounds. Star-Advertiser. Federal prosecutors were dealt another major setback on Wednesday after a federal magistrate denied their request for a nine-month continuance in what government officials have called the largest human trafficking case in U.S. history. Civil Beat. Obama to Hold Fundraiser in Honolulu After APEC. Civil Beat. Patricia M. Loui has been confirmed for a place on the board of the Export-Import Bank of the United States, Sen. Daniel Akaka’s office said Wednesday. Pacific Business News. Hawaii DOE Superintendent’s Lesson — Keep Your Head in the Sand. Civil Beat. One of the fastest-growing visitor markets for Hawaii is South Korea. The Hawaii Tourism Authority says both arrivals and spending by South Koreans have been climbing steadily over the past several years. Hawaii Public Radio. Hawaiian Telcom IBEW union says it is waiting for a strike approval from the international office and it would be holding a meeting with the strike captains. Hawaii News Now. Oahu The pregnant Honolulu woman arrested with her husband for shoplifting two sandwiches at a downtown Safeway says she blames the store manager for allowing a mistake to escalate into an incident that sparked national attention. Civil Beat. The news about the arrest of Nicole Leszczynski, 28, and her husband Marcin, 33, in the Safeway store on Beretania Street in Honolulu continues to make national and international news ranging from the Washington Post to the London Daily Mail – and it has even caught the attention of Steven Colbert. Hawaii Reporter. Law enforcement sources told KITV 4 News they are concerned a former Honolulu police officer who failed to show up for sentencing in a sexual assault case last week may have fled to his native Morocco, while his lawyer fears his client may be dead. KITV4. Police announced new details Wednesday on park restrictions tied to next week’s Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation meetings as some Waikiki residents made plans to leave the island and others stocked up on provisions to hunker down during APEC. Star-Advertiser. The City Council quickly disposed of a proposal for another public vote on the rail transit project Wednesday. Star-Advertiser. Oahu residents whose building permits were held up because their homes were determined to be too far from the nearest fire hydrant are applauding a decision by the Board of Water Supply to relax the policy after consulting with the Hono­lulu Fire Department. Star-Advertiser. On a given day, roughly 30,000 vehicles travel along Kahekili Highway and for drivers on the Windward side of Oahu it’s a common complaint that traffic on this stretch can cause quite a back-up. KHON2. Disgraceful and Dangerous, those two words are used a lot to describe our playgrounds and, it’s easy to see why. Hawaii News Now. From the North Shore to East Oahu, many playgrounds have become a “black eye” for the city and concern for parents. Hawaii News Now. Hawaii In a climate so gentle that some residents have only screens on windows to catch the trade winds, many are wondering why the county wants to force them to install double-paned glass windows and double-walled construction when building or remodeling their homes. West Hawaii Today. Two proposals to boost Hawaii County’s emergency cash reserves and another to design a Waimea transit hub received unanimous support from a County Council committee Tuesday. Tribune-Herald. A showdown is brewing between the state’s Charter School Review Panel and the interim board for the Laupahoehoe Community Public Charter School. Tribune-Herald. The head of the Department of Land and Natural Resources and three state senators want to hear the public’s concerns at a series of upcoming meetings around the Big Island. Tribune-Herald. Maui The East Maui Animal Refuge is seeking help from the public, as it works toward regaining permits to take in wildlife. Maui News. Maui County will be in the mix of things during next week’s Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Leader’s Week meetings in Honolulu, with a booth at the Hawaii Convention Center and Mayor Alan Arakawa invited to a variety of exclusive venues, said county Economic Development Coordinator Teena Rasmussen. Maui News. Kauai With the Kekaha Landfill set to close permanently by December 2020 and without a fully functional recycling network or processing plant, the county is still struggling to site a new landfill. Garden Island. More than 2,000 plants are scheduled to be given away at the Arbor Day Plant Give-away, Saturday from 9 a.m. behind the K-mart store at the Kukui Grove Center. Garden Island. Molokai As American Safari Cruises’ yacht docked on its first trip to Molokai last Sunday morning, protesters greeted it with requests to leave local waters. Molokai Dispatch.

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Hawaii Vacation Deals & News: October 5, 2011

5. October 2011

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Hawaii Vacation Deals & News: October 5, 2011

Here’s a fresh rainbow of news and deals from the islands of Aloha. *

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Hawaii Vacation Deals & News: September 21, 2011

21. September 2011

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Hawaii Vacation Deals & News: September 21, 2011

Couple of quick deals to tell you about today: *

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Hawaii unemployment rate up, second Abercrombie Cabinet member resigns, Japanese message in bottle reaches Kauai, homeless camps airlifted off Diamond…

16. September 2011

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Hawaii unemployment rate up, second Abercrombie Cabinet member resigns, Japanese message in bottle reaches Kauai, homeless camps airlifted off Diamond…

Hapuna Beach (c) 2011 All Hawaii News A hand grenade found Sept. 2 and a 57 mm Japanese mortar round discovered Thursday at Hapuna Beach State Recreation Area on Hawaii Island have been detonated by the Army Corps of Engineers as an ordnance cleanup continues there, officials said. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii’s unemployment rate rose to a seasonally adjusted 6.2 percent in August in yet another sign that raises questions about the strength of the state’s economic recovery. Star-Advertiser. Gov. Neil Abercrombie’s Human Resources director, Sunshine Topping, will leave her post Friday. Civil Beat. Gov. Neil Abercrombie has appointed Barbara Krieg as interim director of the state Department of Human Resources Development after director Sunshine Topping resigned. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii’s latest graduation policy proposal that reverses a recommendation to reduce social studies requirements also goes against promises made in the state’s Race to the Top. Civil Beat. Russians Help Hawaii Hunt for Japanese Tsunami Debris. Hawaii Reporter. Oahu The Asia Pacific Clean Energy Summit and Expo ended today in Honolulu. Some policy makers and planners asked why not use more volcanic heat to generate electricity in Hawai’i. Hawaii Public Radio. They came by land and by air and in the end, more than 50 homeless campsites were torn down and removed along Diamond Head Crater. KHON2. The state has ordered evacuation of 28 Niu Valley houses this weekend when two boulders — one of which weighs 7 to 10 tons and is likely to come loose — will be removed from a ridge above the structures. Star-Advertiser. The University of Hawaii is considering raising tuition and on Friday the public will have the chance to weigh in. Hawaii News Now. Lane closures related to nighttime soil sampling work for the Honolulu Rail Transit Project will begin Monday, September 19, the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation (HART) announced today. Hawaii Independent. Former Kaneohe Marine Awarded Medal Of Honor. KITV4. The U.S. Department of Education on Thursday named three Oahu schools to the 2011 National Blue Ribbon Schools list. KITV4. It’s a decades old debate of how to go about growth while maintaining the north shore’s unique environment and community. KHON2 . Hawaii A spat involving Safeway and Hawaii coffee growers is still brewing, even after the supermarket giant agreed to change labeling on its Kona blend coffee. Associated Press. In a modern take on the great land rushes of the 19th century, Hawaii County is preparing to issue agricultural leases for Paauilo lands that have sat idle since 1994. Tribune-Herald. Kona Blue Water Farms Inc. will soon be no more. The company that marketed its farmed amberjacks as Kona Kampachi is dissolving. West Hawaii Today. Only two members of the public showed up Thursday evening to a hearing in Hilo by the state Department of Health’s Clean Air Branch on proposed new restrictions to open burning. Tribune-Herald. With supply lagging, a slow economy, high gas prices and used car prices rising, some local automobile dealers said sales may continue to creep ahead or fall behind last year’s numbers, but no one can be certain in a volatile market. West Hawaii Today. Maui Maui Land & Pineapple Co. presented formal requests to Maui County Council members Wednesday for the entitlements the company needs to build the Pulelehua housing development in Mahinahina. Maui News. There’s been a lot of belt-tightening across the state in recent months, but nothing like what happened on Maui. Pacific Business News. State officials are completing a report with recommendations for the East Maui Animal Refuge to obtain a wildlife rehabilitation permit in the wake of an inspection and the federal seizure of 17 birds from the Haiku facility last month. Maui News. Kauai County ends fiscal year with 160 jobs open. Garden Island. A sailor participating in a beach cleanup in Hawaii found a message in bottle that had been dropped in the ocean more than five years ago by a Japanese school girl. Star-Advertiser. An unexpected treasure was found underneath the sizzling sun on the beaches of the Pacific Missile Range Facility Thursday, discovered by Navy Petty Officer Jon Moore during Ocean Conservancy’s International Coastal Cleanup Day. Garden Island.

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Hawaii Vacation Deals & News: Sept 7, 2011

7. September 2011

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Hawaii Vacation Deals & News: Sept 7, 2011

Hamoa Beach near Hana in Maui You may have thought we were napping in the Hawaii news and deals department , but we were actually spending 11 days in Maui. Well, truth be known, we did catch a catnap at beautiful Hamoa Beach one afternoon. Other than that, we were on-the-go, exploring Maui most of the time. So, we’ve got some news and deals catching up to do with today’s post. * From TravelZoo, check out this Hawaii deal — $795 for a three-night stay at the gorgeous Four Seasons Resort Lanai at Manele Bay. That works out to only $265 per night to stay at a luxury Hawaii resort and you can extend the deal for a six-night stay at the same rate. On top of that outstanding rate, you also get to choose between one round of golf or a 50-minute massage per stay. Bonus! This resort is definitely one of our favorites. See my review of Four Seasons Lanai at Manele Bay . Andy and I will probably snag this deal for ourselves. * Another excellent TravelZoo, the Kauai Marriott Resort is offering $199 rate for stays between September 17, 2011 and January 17, 2012 with Christmas and New Years blackout dates. We love staying at this Kauai Marriott . See this link for the deal details. *  Dinner and a show for $25 ? That’s a deal and you’ll find it at Oahu’s Polynesian Cultural Center. You get free dinner at the newly renovated Gateway Restaurant when you purchase a $25 ticket to see Ha: Breath of Life night show. (See my review of Ha: Breath of Life .)  Along with the physical renovation of the Gateway Restaurant structure, the menu has also been improved with a brand new “Island Feast” menu including dishes such as sushi, sweet potato salad, mahimahi with teriyaki sauce, Fijian chicken curry, roast beef, Maori potato top, Samoan fa’alifu (with coconut cream) staples, and supoesi — papaya-tapioca dessert, to name just a few of the items. * While we were on Maui, we popped into the Makena Beach & Golf Resort to check it out. We even got a peek at their newly “beautified” rooms , which look great! They’re offering some fantastic deals at the moment, including a “Room & Ride” package that starts at $199 per night including a partial ocean view room and compact rental car. * Honua Kai Resort in the Kaanapali area of Maui is offering a fall special for stays between now and December 22, 2011, with blackout dates of November 18-27. The deal knocks off 50% plus you get a 5th night free on all studio, one bedroom and two bedroom suites. See this link for more information. * Outrigger is offering Hawaii vacation sweepstakes, ‘ Be Here Hawaii’ . Two grand-prize winners will receive roundtrip flights for two on Hawaiian Airlines plus a six-night stay at  an Outrigger-managed hotel or condo of their preference on Kauai orHawaii Island. This online contest runs from September 6  to October 4, 2011. * Hapuna Beach Prince Hotel is giving away a two-night stay to a lucky facebook fan. To enter to win,  follow this link and the instructions. * The Mouse family, Mickey and Minnie, have just opened their new home in Hawaii at Oahu’s Aulani Disney Resort & Spa . See KHON’s video and article on opening day . We’ve been invited to the official grand opening and are in the process of making plans to attend this big event. We can’t want to check it out and tell you all about it! © Go Visit Hawaii – Republication of this entire post is prohibited without prior permission. Using extracts of less than 100 words are permitted with full attribution and link back to GoVisitHawaii.com .

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Japan gives Hawaii GMO papaya industry big boost, state tops nation for workplace meth, radiation worries at Kaneohe Bay, Big island power plant…

2. September 2011

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Hilo farmers market (c) 2011 All Hawaii News The Japanese government has approved the commercial import of genetically modified papayas from Hawaii. Tribune-Herald. Japanese consumers will likely be seeing genetically modified papayas on their grocery shelves beginning in December. West Hawaii Today. There was no tsunami warning issued for Hawaii following a large earthquake that hit near Alaska Friday morning. Hawaii News Now. Hawaii’s economic recovery is turning out to be weaker than previously thought, leaving the state in a vulnerable position as the U.S. and global economies continue to slow, according to a forecast released by a group of University of Hawaii economists. Star-Advertiser. Hawai’i was a beneficiary of Congressional Earmarks for decades …receiving 200-to-300 million dollars a year in dedicated federal funding. Hawaii Public Radio. A new study shows Hawaii leads the nation for methamphetamine use in the workforce. Associated Press. Hawaii ranks 29th worst for the condition of its roads in rural areas and 16th worst for the condition of its bridges. Hawaii Reporter. A bipartisan showing of Maui political leaders appealed to members of the Hawaii Reapportionment Commission on Wednesday to give greater representation to the Neighbor Islands as the panel draws election maps. Maui News. The Public Land Development Corporation and its Public Lands Optimization Plan, despite the unfortunate acronym of PLOP, seems to be embraced by State officials who are looking to generate revenue through the commercial development of public lands in Hawaii through public-private partnerships. Hawaii Independent. One Hawaii lawmaker learned the hard way how far you can go in using your public office for private business when state Ethics Commission Executive Director Les Kondo put a stop to an email fundraiser. Civil Beat. Federal officials are asking the community to actively participate in a plan that could shape the efforts to save the highly endangered Hawaiian monk seal, whose estimated population of 1,300 to 1,400 keeps declining about 4.5 percent a year. Garden Island. Oahu Former state Sen. Robert “Bobby” Bunda has been tapped to fill the 10th seat on the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation’s board of directors . Star-Advertiser . Honolulu Seawater Air Conditioning months away from breaking ground. KHON2. Local environmentalist Carroll Cox is raising concerns about the lack of public notification of what the Marine Corps revealed Thursday was a “low level” radiation release in the March crash of a CH-53D Sea Stallion helicopter on the Kaneohe Bay sandbar that killed a crewmember and injured three others. Star-Advertiser. Nearly one year after Honolulu Mayor Peter Carlisle was elected, he says he’s proudest of getting the city’s finances in order. And he has big dreams for a billion-dollar rainy day fund to ensure the city’s financial future. Civil Beat. Waikiki Hotel Employees Claim Threats, Intimidation. KITV4. Hawaii Safeway has agreed to change the label on packages of Kona coffee blend sold in mainland stores in response to concerns from Hawaii farmers that it didn’t provide information about what percentage of the famous bean it contains. Associated Press. The company planning to open a wood-burning power plant in Pepeekeo has received a key permit that incorporates the federal government’s request for tougher emission limits. Tribune-Herald. Almost half of the Big Island’s children were exposed to alcohol, tobacco and illicit drug use while in the womb, researchers report. West Hawaii Today. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers on Thursday told the state Department of Land and Natural Resources to quit working on the Poihiki boat ramp until it gets a permit. West Hawaii Today. Maui The nonprofit East Maui Animal Refuge is hoping to regain federal and state permits to accept sick, injured and orphaned wildlife, after its federal wildlife rehabilitation permit was suspended Monday when agents seized 17 birds from the Haiku facility, said Executive Director Sylvan Schwab. Maui News. The Maui County Office of Economic Development has announced that it has purchased ten booths at the Philadelphia International Flower Show, held from March 4 to 11. Hawaii Independent. Kauai Despite losing the most during the recession, Kauai is showing the strongest job growth among Hawaii’s Neighbor Island counties, according to a forecast by economist Leroy Laney. Pacific Business News . Recipients of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program and Electronic Benefits Transfer programs will be able to shop at four farmers markets and sunshine markets, starting this weekend. Garden Island. The military says an interceptor missile failed to shoot down its intended target during a test off the Hawaiian island of Kauai. Associated Press.

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