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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…

Thursday, January 26, 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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Hawaii Legislature ponders invasive species, bed bugs in state Kapolei building, lawmakers seek delay in unemployment insurance, Native Hawaiians have…

Friday, January 13, 2012

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Iolani Palace (c) 2012 All Hawaii News Native Hawaiians who believe they are citizens of the Hawaiian Kingdom — not the United States — nonetheless spent Thursday in an American court defending themselves against charges they trespassed on the grounds of their rightful seat of government, Iolani Palace. Civil Beat. The state Reapportionment Commission plans to meet Jan. 20 to begin redrawing political boundaries, following a Hawaii Supreme Court ruling last week that invalidated new maps approved by the nine-member panel in October. Star-Advertiser. Wary of undermining economic recovery, state House lawmakers want to forestall a scheduled increase this year in the unemployment insurance tax rate that would force businesses to pay $180 to $650 more for every employee. Star-Advertiser. Teacher Agreement Better Than 'Last, Best and Final'? Too Soon To Say. Civil Beat. Reptiles and other invasive species invaded the capitol today as part of a legislative briefing on environmental concerns. KHON2. The biggest threat to the state’s economy, natural environment and the health of island residents, according to state lawmakers, comes from destructive plants and pests originating elsewhere. Hawaii Public Radio. A wildlife revival around the Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands is giving scientists a glimpse of what the main Hawaiian Islands looked like thousands of years ago -- and researchers said Thursday they hope the environmental renaissance of sorts will spur similar endeavors around the world. Star-Advertiser. State building hit by bed bug problem. KHON2. State roundup for January 13. Associated Press. Oahu Former acting Mayor Kirk Caldwell, looking to reclaim the post permanently, wasted little time in criticizing the incumbent, characterizing Mayor Peter Carlisle's first year in office as little more than photo opportunities and traveling with a singular focus on pushing the rail transit project at any cost. Star-Advertiser. Caldwell's First Promise: Soap In Bus Stop Bathroom. Civil Beat. Former Hawaii Gov. Ben Cayetano is considering a run for Honolulu mayor at age 72 for one main reason: to stop the rail project. Civil Beat. Gov. Neil Abercrombie has released $2 million in general obligation bond funds for the planning, design and construction of a flood alleviation project for Oahu's Waianae Coast. KITV4. Up to 100 truckloads per day of used asphalt has been dumped at the site of a proposed cemetery in Hawaii Kai in the past several weeks, resurrecting environmental concerns about what is being stockpiled on the property. Star-Advertiser. Kaneohe Pier Declared Unsafe. Officials Condemn Portion Of Main Access Pier To Coconut Island. KITV4 . Great white shark spotted off Oahu. Hawaii News Now. Hawaii The year 2011 ended on a soggy note in East Hawaii, but that was not enough to keep most of the Big Island from recording another year of below-average rainfall. Tribune-Herald. North Hawaii Community Hospital has received $680,000 to improve its health information technology, joining a national health care industry trend to improve information technology. West Hawaii Today. Maui Hawaiian Airlines is adding flights at Kahului Airport for both interisland and Mainland destinations, creating a "Maui hub" to improve connections. Maui News. One of the leading Democratic candidates vying to replace retiring U.S. Sen. Daniel Akaka decided to brown bag it to work Wednesday in Wailuku. Maui News . A state-authorized motorcycle safety program will now be available on Maui with the opening of Hawaii’s newest motorcycle safety training site in Kahului. Maui Now. An ordinance to prohibit alcohol consumption at the new South Maui Community Park in Kihei went into effect this week. KHON2. Kauai The County of Kaua‘i ended Fiscal Year 2011 on June 30 with a budget surplus of $57.26 million, according to the Comprehensive Annual Financial Report released Dec. 15. Garden Island. Amanda Barretto has filed suit against a Kaua‘i elementary school and the state Department of Education in 5th Circuit Court on behalf of her 7-year-old child. Garden Island. The mayor recognized Kamehameha Schools’ third-grade students in the

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Hawaii Legislature ponders invasive species, bed bugs in state Kapolei building, lawmakers seek delay in unemployment insurance, Native Hawaiians have…

Friday, January 13, 2012

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Iolani Palace (c) 2012 All Hawaii News Native Hawaiians who believe they are citizens of the Hawaiian Kingdom — not the United States — nonetheless spent Thursday in an American court defending themselves against charges they trespassed on the grounds of their rightful seat of government, Iolani Palace. Civil Beat. The state Reapportionment Commission plans to meet Jan. 20 to begin redrawing political boundaries, following a Hawaii Supreme Court ruling last week that invalidated new maps approved by the nine-member panel in October. Star-Advertiser. Wary of undermining economic recovery, state House lawmakers want to forestall a scheduled increase this year in the unemployment insurance tax rate that would force businesses to pay $180 to $650 more for every employee. Star-Advertiser. Teacher Agreement Better Than 'Last, Best and Final'? Too Soon To Say. Civil Beat. Reptiles and other invasive species invaded the capitol today as part of a legislative briefing on environmental concerns. KHON2. The biggest threat to the state’s economy, natural environment and the health of island residents, according to state lawmakers, comes from destructive plants and pests originating elsewhere. Hawaii Public Radio. A wildlife revival around the Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands is giving scientists a glimpse of what the main Hawaiian Islands looked like thousands of years ago -- and researchers said Thursday they hope the environmental renaissance of sorts will spur similar endeavors around the world. Star-Advertiser. State building hit by bed bug problem. KHON2. State roundup for January 13. Associated Press. Oahu Former acting Mayor Kirk Caldwell, looking to reclaim the post permanently, wasted little time in criticizing the incumbent, characterizing Mayor Peter Carlisle's first year in office as little more than photo opportunities and traveling with a singular focus on pushing the rail transit project at any cost. Star-Advertiser. Caldwell's First Promise: Soap In Bus Stop Bathroom. Civil Beat. Former Hawaii Gov. Ben Cayetano is considering a run for Honolulu mayor at age 72 for one main reason: to stop the rail project. Civil Beat. Gov. Neil Abercrombie has released $2 million in general obligation bond funds for the planning, design and construction of a flood alleviation project for Oahu's Waianae Coast. KITV4. Up to 100 truckloads per day of used asphalt has been dumped at the site of a proposed cemetery in Hawaii Kai in the past several weeks, resurrecting environmental concerns about what is being stockpiled on the property. Star-Advertiser. Kaneohe Pier Declared Unsafe. Officials Condemn Portion Of Main Access Pier To Coconut Island. KITV4 . Great white shark spotted off Oahu. Hawaii News Now. Hawaii The year 2011 ended on a soggy note in East Hawaii, but that was not enough to keep most of the Big Island from recording another year of below-average rainfall. Tribune-Herald. North Hawaii Community Hospital has received $680,000 to improve its health information technology, joining a national health care industry trend to improve information technology. West Hawaii Today. Maui Hawaiian Airlines is adding flights at Kahului Airport for both interisland and Mainland destinations, creating a "Maui hub" to improve connections. Maui News. One of the leading Democratic candidates vying to replace retiring U.S. Sen. Daniel Akaka decided to brown bag it to work Wednesday in Wailuku. Maui News . A state-authorized motorcycle safety program will now be available on Maui with the opening of Hawaii’s newest motorcycle safety training site in Kahului. Maui Now. An ordinance to prohibit alcohol consumption at the new South Maui Community Park in Kihei went into effect this week. KHON2. Kauai The County of Kaua‘i ended Fiscal Year 2011 on June 30 with a budget surplus of $57.26 million, according to the Comprehensive Annual Financial Report released Dec. 15. Garden Island. Amanda Barretto has filed suit against a Kaua‘i elementary school and the state Department of Education in 5th Circuit Court on behalf of her 7-year-old child. Garden Island. The mayor recognized Kamehameha Schools’ third-grade students in the

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Cutting free school bus rides could save Hawaii millions, Waikiki Beach to get more sand, HECO wants to install free solar panels, computer glitch…

Wednesday, January 4, 2012

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Mufi Hannemann (c) 2012 All Hawaii News Former Honolulu Mayor Mufi Hannemann stands out as the most socially conservative Democrat in the race for Hawaii's 2nd Congressional District, according to questionnaires that he and four other candidates filled out for Civil Beat. Civil Beat. Civil Beat Poll: Half of Hawaii Voters Say Delegation Works For Donors. Civil Beat. Former State House Representative Tom Okamura returns to the state legislature, filling the post left vacant by Blake Oshiro. Maui Now. A new state report aimed at considering ways to reduce student transportation costs estimates eliminating free school bus service for about 20,000 low-income students would save up to $18 million a year, while cutting service to most Oahu general-education students would save about $15 million. Star-Advertiser. Eliminating school bus service on Oahu is the quickest and most effective way to reduce Hawaii's student transportation costs, school district officials say. Civil Beat. Computer problems caused a backup at the marriage licensing office at the Health Department Tuesday, on what was the first day couples could receive their official civil union license. KITV4. Citing privacy interests, the University of Hawaii won’t disclose the salary of new head football coach Norm Chow, other than to say that it’s somewhere between $392,142 and $935,544 per year. Hawaii Reporter. Hawaii recognized 13 same-sex couples as having legal civil unions as of Tuesday, and an additional 69 couples have applied for civil union licenses to have similar ceremonies performed within 30 days, the state Health Department said. Star-Advertiser. A task force representing mortgage lenders and borrowers is recommending changes to a state law enacted last year that effectively cut the number of foreclosures in half. Star-Advertiser. Hawaiian Electric Co. has asked the Hawaii Public Utilities Commission to approve a three-year program that would allow electric utilities to fund the installation of solar water heating systems for their residential customers, and recoup the costs from savings generating by the systems. Pacific Business News. Land Deal Could Be 'Economic Engine' For Native Hawaiians. Civil Beat. The extended comment period for changes proposed by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration on critical habitat for the Hawaiian monk seal expires Friday. Garden Island. The Occupy Wall Street Movement Across the Hawaiian Islands. Hawaii Public Radio. State roundup for January 4. Associated Press. Oahu The long-awaited project to resupply Waikiki Beach with sand will take place over the next three months, but state officials say the disruption to beachgoers should be minimal. Star-Advertiser. Surf's Up! City Workers Prepare For Big Waves. KITV4. Tom Berg, the often outspoken and at times controversial West Oahu councilman, announced his plans for reelection Tuesday. KHON2. Leeward Oahu councilman Tom Berg has hired a woman who just quit another city job because of an ethics investigation against her. KITV4. Pacific Resources Partnership and the organization Faith Action for Community Equity yesterday asked to join in the court case over Honolulu's rail transit project, filing a motion in federal court in an effort to support the rail project. Star-Advertiser. Airport runway repairs to create noise for nearby residents. Hawaii News Now. Hawaii Council Chairman Dominic Yagong has turned up the heat on Mayor Billy Kenoi's plans to operate a Hilo garbage sort station, accusing Kenoi of kowtowing to public-sector unions rather than looking out for the taxpayers' best interest. West Hawaii Today. No federal money will be available for the Thirty Meter Telescope or its main competitor in this decade, the head of the astronomy division at the National Science Foundation told an influential science blog. Tribune-Herald. The Big Island -- as well as the rest of the nation and much of the world -- will continue to struggle economically in 2012, economists say. Tribune-Herald. Maui Massachusetts-based A123 Systems for the second time in a month announced plans to provide its advanced nanophosphate lithium ion batteries to help stabilize Maui's power grid as fluctuating clean energy sources - and expensive renewable energy experiments and projects - become more common. Maui News. A gay Oklahoma City couple is happy to be on Maui and among the first couples to be joined in a civil union after a state law allowing such unions went into effect Sunday. Maui News. Kauai The Department of Land and Natural Resources Division of Forestry and Wildlife is planning to restore 105 acres of wetlands on Mana Plain Forest Reserve. Garden Island.

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Honolulu least affordable city, director named to troubled housing agency, Hawaiian Homes waiting list spans four decades, changes proposed for super…

Thursday, December 15, 2011

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Honolulu high rises (c) 2011 All Hawaii News Honolulu is the least affordable city for renters nationwide, with only 8 percent of middle-class jobs paying enough to afford a two-bedroom apartment. Star-Advertiser. Political committees in Hawaii that can raise and spend unlimited amounts of campaign money could be required to name the candidates their expenditures are targeting or supporting in the upcoming elections. Civil Beat. Candidates running for the Hawaii Legislature last year raked in nearly $5 million in total contributions — and spent just as much, according to figures from the Hawaii Campaign Spending Commission. Civil Beat. Supporters of Hawaii’s ignition interlock law are hailing the first year of the program as a huge success. KHON2. During the last session lawmakers hung their hats on a strategy that they hoped would help generate additional tax dollars without having to adopt an explicit tax increase like an increase in the general excise tax rate or an increase in personal income tax rates. Hawaii Reporter. Former Gov. John Waihee III received a standing ovation after his 2011 State of the Office of Hawaiian Affairs keynote address, in which he stressed self-governance. Star-Advertiser. "I stand here in front of you asking all of you to lay your weapons down. Lay your spears down and embrace with aloha," OHA chairperson Colette Machado said. Hawaii News Now. Hakim Ouansafi, chairman of the Muslim Association of Hawaii and a longtime executive in the hotel industry here, has been selected as the newest head of the state’s public housing agency. Hawaii Reporter. A study published in the Hawaii Medical Journal this month links certain eye irritation symptoms, such as inflamed bumps on the inside of the eyelid and clear mucous discharge, to chronic exposure to vog, or volcanic fog, and its findings might be key in diagnosing and treating the condition. Star-Advertiser. Civil Unions will be legal for same gender couples starting early next year. Meanwhile, Mental Health America of Hawai’i hosted a seminar today to ask how well this community is being treated and what should be done in the future. Hawaii Public Radio. Hawaiian Telcom union workers have rejected the company's latest offer, according to a message on the IBEW Local Union 1357 website. KITV4. State roundup for Dec. 15. Associated Press. Oahu The state agency charged with developing the waterfront around the historic Aloha Tower heard from tenants of the financially struggling retail complex. KITV4. Whenever there's heavy rain, the Ala Wai Boat Harbor gets storm runoff debris. But according to residents who live on boats moored in the harbor, Tuesday's downpour left a more debris than they've ever seen. Hawaii News Now. A subsidiary of Marriott International has filed a federal lawsuit against Aqua Hotels and Resorts Inc. alleging the Honolulu-based hotel operator secretly met with the owner of the former Waikiki Edition hotel to plan a hostile takeover of the hotel’s management. Pacific Business News. Two more Honolulu police personnel have been charged with insurance fraud by the state Attorney General’s office. Hawaii Reporter. First Lady Michelle Obama and her two daughters will be in Hawaii by the end of the week. KHON2. Hawaii Maxine Kaha'ulelio came prepared to meet with the chairman of the Hawaiian Homes Commission. Tribune Herald. Navy aircraft are scheduled to conduct live-fire training on Monday and Tuesday at Pohakuloa Training Area. Tribune-Herald. State and federal court cases regarding the future of the Mamalahoa bypass were settled late Tuesday, but county officials and attorneys remained mum on the details. West Hawaii Today. The federal government is giving Hawaii another $13.5 million for Saddle Road. West Hawaii Today. Maui The Pacific Cancer Institute of Maui is undertaking a nearly $7 million expansion and renovation project, primarily to accommodate a new, $3 million machine for radiation surgery and therapy. Maui News. A move to amend and perhaps sunset the Show Me the Water ordinance stalled in a Maui County Council committee on a 3-3 vote Tuesday. Maui News. With a supporter agreeing to match donations through the end of the year, Women Helping Women is wishing for a surge in holiday giving to keep its domestic violence shelter open. Maui News. Kauai Gov. Neil Abercrombie and Schools Superintendent Kathryn Matayoshi today announced that the state Department of Education is working to significantly reduce the cost of school operations and, as a first step, has awarded a Power Purchase Agreement contract to install photovoltaic systems at 15 Kauai schools. Hawaii Independent. Grove Farm has told its Koloa Camp tenants it’s time to move out and make way for progress. Garden Island. Kaua‘i plans to offer tours of Garden Isle waste disposal and recycling facilities next year. Garden Island.

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Just sayin’ : Gov. Abercrombie’s tippy canoe

Sunday, October 9, 2011

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Just sayin’ : Gov. Abercrombie’s tippy canoe

“Politics is poetry, but governing is prose,” former New York Gov. Mario Cuomo once said. For Hawaii Gov. Neil Abercrombie, this sentiment never rang more true than this past week, when four of his top staffers slipped over the side of his beloved canoe of state. Abercrombie, a firebrand in Congress and on the campaign trail, ran aground against the unbending reef of the old-style Democratic political machine, backed by the solid union presence that defines Hawaii. First to go were Chief of Staff Amy Asselbaye and Deputy Chief of Staff Andrew Aoki, purportedly to spend more time with their families -- pretty much the same families they had during more than a decade of serving Abercrombie in Congress and later coordinating a slam-dunk campaign against political heavyweight and former Honolulu Mayor Mufi Hannemann. Next went Abercrombie’s public face: Communications Director Josh Levinson and Deputy Communications Director Laurie Au. The four departures were the most public of Abercrombie’s 11-month tenure. But they weren’t the first. Dr. Neal Palafox resigned his nomination to become Department of Health director in January, after being asked to resign for reasons the administration kept private. Next went Hawaiian Home Lands Deputy Director Bobby Hall, who resigned in May, a couple months after his appointment. In September, Human Resources Development Director Sunshine Topping left, also citing family reasons. Vice director of Hawaii State Civil Defense, Ed Teixeira, resigned last week, citing unspecified “changes” he didn't agree with. Abercrombie won praise for bringing in a young government team – most in their early 40s -- to spearhead his New Day pledge. In a column titled, “Youth movement's fresh legs to carry Abercrombie's agenda,” longtime political wag David Shapiro noted, “It's to Abercrombie's credit that he seems committed to opening the door to a new generation and giving more seats at the table to those who will have to live with the decisions made today.” But that youthful outlook didn’t sit well with many of the old-line Democrats. And the lack of experience transforming Abercrombie the firebrand Congressman into Abercrombie the solid, stable governor made matters worse. “Several sources said Asselbaye and Aoki appeared devoted to Abercrombie's policy agenda and had the right instincts about insulating the governor from his older allies. But the young advisers did not have the gravitas or the relationships with influential Democrats and business and labor leaders outside the state Capitol to effectively contain the governor's impulses,” reported Honolulu Star-Advertiser’s Derrick DePledge. “The job of controlling Abercrombie fell to Asselbaye. But she had never run an executive office before, and her skills did not lend themselves to the kind of back-room back-slapping required to govern,” said Honolulu Civil Beat’s Chad Blair. Granted, there have been better times to be a chief executive officer. The national and international economic slumps have devastated tourism, the primary economic engine. People are cranky and looking for targets for their displeasure. “The truth is that the canoe, which is our beloved Hawaii, could capsize,” said a prescient Abercrombie in his January State of the State address . “We re in that unnerving moment when we could all huli.” But it’s not too late. Abercrombie has served less than a year of his four-year term. He can pull his leadership back together, re-ignite that dream, deploy that charisma that has taken him so far. Perhaps there’s a bit of bending that can be undertaken by both sides. Maybe it’s time the old guards loosen some of that stranglehold and help Hawaii move into that New Day. “Let us right our canoe,” Abercrombie said in his address, “Let us act in a pono way and begin our journey back to the heart of our island home with humble hearts and above all, with aloha for each other.” Just sayin’.

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Hawaii Civil Defense chief quits in protest, Honolulu preps for APEC, still clearing homeless, state seeks inventory of land, natives, Hawaii County…

Wednesday, October 5, 2011

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Hawaii Civil Defense chief quits in protest, Honolulu preps for APEC, still clearing homeless, state seeks inventory of land, natives, Hawaii County…

Mauna Kea telescopes courtesy photo This is the first time that a Nobel Prize has been awarded for astronomy on Mauna Kea. Associated Press. Sen. Daniel Inouye confirmed to Civil Beat Tuesday that he hopes that Rep. Mazie Hirono will defeat former Congressman Ed Case in the Democratic primary for U.S. Senate next year. Civil Beat. Ed Teixeira, who served as state Civil Defense Division vice director for 12 years through seven federally declared major disasters and under three governors, said a proposed organizational change and complaints about his management style are the basis for his sudden resignation Tuesday. Star-Advertiser. The Vice Director of Hawaii State Civil Defense abruptly resigned Tuesday morning. KITV4. The state will put on hold a statewide review of schools for possible consolidation while the Board of Education studies the best way to determine whether a campus should be considered for closure. Star-Advertiser. What was supposed to be a routine revote on Hawaii's graduation policy Tuesday turned into a showdown between school board members and the Department of Education. Civil Beat. As part of the latest efforts to fight bullying, a series of student-produced public service announcements promoting safe schools will be hitting the airwaves. Hawaii Independent. Hawaii prisoners are growing 25 percent of the produce consumed at the state’s seven prisons. Civil Beat. State Sen. Donovan Dela Cruz isn't surprised that the state of Hawaii does not have an accurate inventory of lands in the public trust. Tribune-Herald. A new $6 million round of venture capital funding will provide a major push in the campaign to develop commercial applications for research being done at the University of Hawaii. Star-Advertiser. Oahu The Honolulu City Council is set to decide on whether to install surveillance cameras across Oahu for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit. Associated Press. State officials spent $180,000 in manpower and an additional $20,000 in disposal fees to clear 90 homeless people and more than 60 truckloads of their belongings from the H-1 freeway viaduct in August through September. Star-Advertiser. The city cleared out a homeless camp in Haleiwa on Monday, a move they say will only force them to another area where they'll likely be more visible. KHON2. If Honolulu City councilmembers approve turning over the city traffic cameras to Police to help with APEC security, city officials are planning to use other tools to get information out about traffic tie-ups. KITV4. Boaters at the Ala Wai harbor have some big decisions to make in the next few weeks. Hawaii News Now. The dismissal of criminal charges against topless protestors Jamie and Tess Meier shows the need for improved police training in advance of expected protests at the APEC conference next month, the ACLU said today. Hawaii Reporter. Professional Training Hawaii LLC was issued a notice of violation and order from the state Department of Health for multiple violations of Hawaii’s asbestos training and certification regulations. Pacific Business News. The Army's study of live-fire training effects on marine life harvested for food near Makua Valley "was a meaningful evaluation" except for two ways, a federal judge in Honolulu ruled. Associated Press. The non-profit Kanu-Hawaii conducted its Eat Local Challenge last month. Nearly 600 people signed up to choose island grown over imported food …even if it costs more. Hawaii Public Radio. Hawaii A resolution seeking a pilot vote-by-mail program for Hawaii County advanced in a County Council committee Tuesday over the objections of a minority worried it would limit voter choices. West Hawaii Today. Having already banned transgenic taro, smoking in parks and texting while driving, the County Council now has deer in its headlights. Tribune-Herald. Drought conditions in most of West Hawaii are likely to continue, a hydrologist at the National Weather Service said. West Hawaii Today. Maui With the nisei veterans of World War II slowly passing into history, those who care about them have focused their efforts on honoring their legacy and chronicling their fight for their country and Japanese-Americans everywhere so that future generations will remember their "go for broke" heroism and their impact on the nation and the world. Maui News. Kauai Last year former Kaua‘i County Council Chair Kaipo Asing, finishing his last term as a council member after 28 years of public service, noted that some real estate developers are clever in the ways they find loopholes in laws. Garden Island. Tuesday was a time of thanks and aloha at the site of the former Kekaha Sugar Mill. Garden Island.

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Hawaii political maps finalized, GOP fallout, budget cuts for HHSC, Honolulu tax hike mulled, Maui shoppers adjust to plastic bag ban, Kauai seabird…

Tuesday, September 27, 2011

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Hawaii political maps finalized, GOP fallout, budget cuts for HHSC, Honolulu tax hike mulled, Maui shoppers adjust to plastic bag ban, Kauai seabird…

Hawaii GOP chair Jonah Kaauwai courtesy photo Jonah Kaauwai, the embattled chair of the Hawaii Republican Party, has stepped down. Civil Beat. Hawaii GOP In Dire Financial Need. Civil Beat. Hawaii County groups that say their island deserves a fourth seat in the state Senate are challenging the constitutionality of new maps for the state's political boundaries approved Monday by the state Reapportionment Commission. Star-Advertiser. Redistricting Panel Deals One Senator Bad Hand. Civil Beat. The State Reapportionment Commission voted on its final redistricting plans today. Hawaii Public Radio. The state attorney general's office now says three children died of abuse in Hawaii's Child Welfare Services system in the past decade — not one, as legislators were told last week — and some child advocates were stunned Monday to learn that deaths in state custody are not reported in Hawaii's Child Death Review. Star-Advertiser. China's outbound travel market to the U.S. could grow to 5 million visitors in 2015 from less than 1 million last year if visa restrictions are loosened and more direct flights are added. Star-Advertiser. Filling the tourist hole: Industry buffs look to big spenders from far away. Hawaii Independent. Data from PV study isn't surprising, but still important. Pacific Business News. Oahu It's a controversial idea - raising the state’s general excise tax in order to create better commuting options for Oahu residents. KHON2. The Honolulu City Council is expected to take action on a controversial video monitoring proposal leading up to the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation conference in November. Hawaii News Now . USPS rally to be held at state capitol Tuesday. Hawaii News Now. Honolulu District staff teamed up with the City and County of Honolulu Storm Water Quality Branch, State Department of Health’s Wastewater Branch and Clean Water Branch, Punahou School Mamiya Science Center, U.S. Department of Agriculture, the Hawaii Nature Center and more than 100 Anuenue School students Sept. 22 as part of Oahu’s annual World Water Monitoring Day activities in the Makiki watershed. Hawaii Reporter. Honolulu residents brace for the first round of traffic slowdowns from the rail transit project. KITV4. Hawaii Kona Community Hospital must cut about $1.1 million from its budget this year, after the governor's office ordered Hawaii Health Systems Corp. to cut payroll costs by 5 percent. West Hawaii Today. Opponents of the Thirty Meter Telescope rested their case on Monday after a three-hour hearing that featured a lengthy cross-examination of Kealoha Pisciotta. Tribune-Herald. Overwhelmingly negative comments from Big Island residents were "inadvertently omitted" from a recently published Kahuku Village draft environmental impact statement. West Hawaii Today. By the end of August, Hilo Harbor had welcomed about 9,000 more cruise ship passengers to East Hawaii than it had at the same time last year. Tribune-Herald. In preparation for its upcoming deployment, the 25th Combat Aviation Brigade (CAB) recently conducted a Culminating Training Event (CTE).

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Civil unions coming to Hawaii, new taxes boost revenue forecast, state tops nation in teen suicide attempts, new BOE flexes muscle, Kauai food bank…

Wednesday, September 7, 2011

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Honolulu gay rights rally (c) All Hawaii News The state Department of Health expects to issue the first licenses for civil unions by Dec. 3, with the expressed, written understanding that the authorizations would not take effect until Jan. 1. Star-Advertiser . The State Council on Revenues raised its projections today for General Fund tax collections this year. Hawaii Public Radio. Hawaii's economy is expected to grow slowly, despite the overall dreary financial outlook from economists. KITV4 . At a Tuesday meeting Hawaii’s Council on Revenues projected substantial growth to the state's general fund for the next several years, but much of that is due to tax increases passed by state lawmakers, not a strengthening economy. KHON2. Hawaii high school students had the highest self-reported prevalence of seriously considering suicide, making a plan and attempting suicide in the nation. They also had the third highest rate of being sad or hopeless. West Hawaii Today. Hawaii health officials are sponsoring events statewide to coincide with National Suicide Prevention Week. Associated Press. The public will have the chance to voice their opinion on the possible closure of several Hawaii post offices starting Thursday. Hawaii News Now. The question of whether the media should be able to live blog from a federal court trial in Hawaii is again up for debate. Civil Beat. State health officials responded more quickly to the swine flu and SARS viruses because of techniques and equipment developed after the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, but modern-day priorities mean they are less focused on monitoring Hawaii’s milk supply and tracking diseases such as tuberculosis. Honolulu Advertiser. A group of retired military leaders who drew attention last year with its claim that overweight children are a threat to national security, are now targeting Hawaii's obesity rates. Associated Press. Hawaii's Board of Education members promised culture change during their confirmation hearings earlier this year, and barely more than four months later, it's clear that they're already bringing it. Civil Beat. Students get reprimanded for turning in an incomplete report and today so did the Department of Education. Hawaii News Now. Home sales on Hawaii island and Kauai rose or remained unchanged in August compared with a year earlier while prices mostly declined, according to the latest report from Hawaii Information Service. Star-Advertiser. Against a backdrop of local slowing and deteriorating conditions in the U.S. and global economy, Hawaii will see only modest growth in 2012. Hawaii Reporter. Seven species of Native Hawaiian bees will be placed on the endangered species list. KHON2. Oahu The city began notifying groups early on this year that permits for events in November could be rejected because of the security surrounding the upcoming economic summit. KITV4. The Board of Education wants a better study before taking a possible elementary school closure to a public hearing. KHON2. The state Board of Education wants more information on the impacts of closing Likelike Elementary in Kalihi before the cost-saving proposal is taken to the community. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii The Big Island's fastest-growing district has experienced a double-digit drop in crime. Tribune-Herald. The instances of murder, rape and robbery in West Hawaii increased last year compared to 2009. West Hawaii Today. Land preservation proponents today will begin the long process of trying to get a 2 percent land fund amendment on the ballot -- again. West Hawaii Today. State Department of Land and Natural Resources staff is recommending approval of a month's worth of high-altitude helicopter training on the slopes of Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa for Army pilots and crews deploying to Afghanistan in January. Star-Advertiser . Maui Maui has been getting a whole bunch of direct nonstop flights that will go a long way toward helping carry the economic momentum the Valley Isle has been seeing for much of the last year. Pacific Business News. This summer, seven high school students experienced what it is like to be a doctor as they made rounds with physicians at the hospital, witnessed surgeries and even dealt with dying patients. Maui News . The National Marine Fisheries Service has scheduled hearings this month in Kaunakakai and Kihei to gather public input on a draft programmatic environmental impact statement for its plans to help the recovery of the endangered Hawaiian monk seal. Maui News. Fire officials say arson is the cause of a fire that broke out at the Maui Drug Court Office Tuesday morning. KHON2. Kauai In recent weeks, Kaua‘i Independent Food Bank in Lihu‘e has been fending off a flurry of accusations made by an O‘ahu food bank official. A central allegation is that KIFB charges a steep service fee while Hawai‘i Food Bank does not. Garden Island. County prosecutors are concerned that marijuana legalization advocates may influence state legislative decisions because those advocates are well organized and more active than their opponents. Garden Island.

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Honolulu homeless sweep continues, Maui affordable housing in shambles, school test results released, Hilo religious marijuana trial delayed by jury…

Tuesday, August 23, 2011

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Aloha Festival parade (c) 2011 All Hawaii News Hawaii’s oldest and largest cultural festival, the annual Aloha Festivals , starts Sept. 1 and runs through the entire month — and continues to be among the biggest tourism draws for Waikiki every year. Pacific Business News. The Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation meeting in November will require more than one-thousand volunteers to assist guests during their stay in Honolulu. Hawaii Public Radio . Homeless Sweep Under Freeway Uncovers Elaborate Structures. KITV4. Chief U.S. District Judge Susan Oki Mollway granted a request Monday by federal prosecutors to suspend $48,000 in restitution payments by a man who pleaded guilty to a felony charge related to Aloun Farms bringing in 44 Thai nationals to work at the Kapolei-based agricultural business. Star-Advertiser. The Hawaii Department of Education released the school-by-school assessment results Monday morning. Civil Beat. Of the five West Hawaii public schools that made adequate yearly progress, only two -- Innovations Public Charter School and Honaunau Elementary -- met No Child Left Behind reading and mathematics proficiency standards. West Hawaii Today. A much-delayed lawsuit concerning the Hawaii public school system’s treatment of two autistic girls in the mid-1990’s is set to go to trial in October and could cost the state “millions of dollars” in damages for each of the girls, according to public records. Hawaii Reporter. An independent investigative committee evaluating conditions at Hawaii's juvenile detention home find shortcomings. Civil Beat. A former Hilo health clinic will become a 30-bed home for young adults with mental disorders under a land-use request pending before Hawaii County. Tribune-Herald. A new front has been opened in the fight to keep Honolulu from awarding a $1.4 billion rail contract. Civil Beat. The Board of Water Supply has postponed a vote on a plan to raise water rates 70 percent by 2015. KHON2. The majority of testimony at a public hearing Monday was in opposition to a Board of Water Supply proposal to increase water rates by 70% over the next five years. Hawaii News Now. The owners of Turtle Bay Resort are advancing a new expansion plan for the North Shore property that represents a scaled-back version of a previous owner's plan. Star-Advertiser. Forty per cent of the units at the state’s Honokowai Kauhale affordable housing project on Maui – 71 of 184 apartments - have been vacant for extended periods of time ranging from months to more than five years, according to interviews and property records. Hawaii Reporter. The Days Inn-branded Maui Oceanfront Inn, home of Sarento's on the Beach, could be the latest Hawaii hotel to hit the auction block as part of a bankruptcy reorganization. Star-Advertiser. A marijuana trial got off to a rocky start Monday after prospective jurors were handed fliers featuring the face of jailed pot activist Roger Christie. Tribune-Herald. If there's a heaven, Lionel "Buddy" Azevedo is on his way there to make sure it's built right. West Hawaii Today. Kauai Mayor Bernard Carvalho Jr. has proposed another sister-city relationship with a foreign municipality. Garden Island. Presidential candidate Newt Gingrich spoke about his core values to about 150 applauding TEA Party of Maui members Saturday during a brief campaign tour of Hawaii. Maui News. Actors wanted for ‘A Jive Bomber’s Christmas’ at Kumu Kahua Theatre. Hawaii Independent.

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