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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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Pubcon Hawaii Lands in Waikiki February 13-15

Wednesday, January 11, 2012

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Pubcon Hawaii Lands in Waikiki February 13-15

Aloha y’all, Andy here. Just a heads up for all of our Hawaii friends–which judging by the traffic to Go Visit Hawaii, there are thousands of you–Sheila and I will be back in Waikiki this coming February. In addition to our normal efforts to bring you the best, unbiased Hawaii travel advice , we’ve both been invited to speak at the upcoming Pubcon Paradise conference. If you’re involved in marketing, PR, or any part of Hawaii’s hospitality industry, you should definitely plan to attend! I’ve been involved with Pubcon for many, many years and can tell you that the content is some of the highest in the industry and you won’t be disappointed! Even if you don’t plan to attend, Sheila and I will be out and about in Waikiki and Honolulu, so if you’ll be around, drop us a comment. Pubcon Hawaii will be a blast, so hope to see you there! Register here . PS. For those making the trip from the mainland, don’t miss Go Visit Hawaii’s guide to all things Oahu ! © 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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Bag ban passes Big Island council, $75M in Race to the Top funds at risk, 14 Hawaii tax employees face criminal charges, Oahu top island getaway, more…

Thursday, December 22, 2011

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Following Maui and Kauai's lead, the Big Island on Wednesday became the third county to adopt a ban on merchants giving out plastic bags. That leaves Honolulu as the only Hawaii county without such a ban. Civil Beat. Hawaii County shoppers can expect free plastic shopping bags at the cash register for just one more year, following the passage Wednesday of a bill restricting their availability. West Hawaii Today. When it comes to protecting the environment, reducing litter and preserving landfill space, the County Council has left Mayor Billy Kenoi holding the bag. Tribune-Herald. An Education Department official on Wednesday admonished Hawaii for its "unsatisfactory" performance under a $75 million federal grant the state won last year in a high profile competition and said it was placing it under "high risk" status, meaning the state is in danger of losing the money if it doesn't make improvements. Associated Press. Citing "unsatisfactory performance" and concerns about whether future pledges can be met, the federal government has placed Hawaii's $75 million Race to the Top grant on "high-risk" status, which means the money may be lost if progress isn't made. Star-Advertiser. Middle-school boys and girls in some low-performing schools on Oahu and Hawaii island next fall will begin playing in small, after-school sports leagues as part of a larger effort to improve the lives of 3,700 students. Star-Advertiser. 14 employees of the State Tax Department are under investigation by the State Attorney General's office for possible criminal wrongdoing. KITV4. Hawaii's ethics rules sure seem to be resonating with lawmakers. Several turned away bottles of wine given as a holiday gift from a solar-energy company. Civil Beat. President Barack Obama will have to come up with an action plan to address the economic impact of Pacific migration in Hawaii and other states and U.S. territories. Star-Advertiser. State roundup for Dec. 22. Associated Press . Oahu Yahoo! News has named Oahu the top island getaway in the U.S. in the latest episode of Wanderlust, the travel series on Yahoo! News. KHON2. A new Kakaako booking and warrants building for the state Sheriff Division is proving to be more convenient for both deputies and the public. Star-Advertiser. The state sheriffs division has opened a new booking and warrants facility in Kakaako, a more convenient and less threatening location has resulted in more people turning themselves in there, according to public safety officials. KITV4. Just how popular is the camping permit window at the Wahiawa Satellite City Hall? Civil Beat. Hawaii Medical Center’s approximately 990 employees are getting some help from the Hawaii Department of Labor and Industrial Relations in navigating the unemployment rolls they soon will find themselves on when HMC shuts down its two Oahu hospitals in the next few weeks. Pacific Business News. Mordechai Orian, CEO of Global Horizons, who is facing charges relating to the alleged trafficking of farm workers from Thailand to America, was set to go to trial on February 7. Civil Beat. The following letter by John Bond of Save Ewa Field alleges potentially damaging construction being done at the historic Ewa Field, owned by the U.S. Navy and leased to developers. Hawaii Independent. Twenty-five thousand soldiers from Schofield's 25th Infantry Division headquarters served in the Iraq War. Hawaii News Now. Hawaii With more than a quarter of Big Island children not knowing where their next meal is coming from, the Hawaii County Council on Wednesday unanimously passed a nonbinding resolution asking the administration to give the Food Basket an emergency $500,000. West Hawaii Today. Hawaii County is making headway in its effort to make the much-needed Ka'u District Gym and Shelter a reality in Pahala. West Hawaii Today. Federal officials want to hear the public's comments on a wilderness review and legislative environmental impact statement for the Hawaiian and Pacific Islands National Wildlife Refuge Complex. West Hawaii Today. Maui A U.S. District Court jury has acquitted Maui County of liability in a civil suit brought by the family of a homeless man who died in the Lahaina lockup in 2008. Maui News. The Maui Fire Department will begin processing firecracker permits this week while public fireworks displays have been scheduled in South Maui, Hana and on Lanai. Maui News. Owners of a cruising yacht that Molokai protesters turned back earlier this month in Kaunakakai Harbor announced Tuesday that they reached an agreement with opposition and authorities to resume their Molokai tours, at least temporarily, next month. Maui News. Kauai If Kaua‘i County Council Chair Jay Furfaro is right, the administration could be facing a budgetary shortfall of $2.64 million. Garden Island. The County of Kaua‘i has released its Comprehensive Annual Financial Report for fiscal year 2011, which began July 1, 2010, and ended June 30, 2011. Garden Island. A blessing and groundbreaking for the next segment of Ke Ala Hele Makalae, the multi-use path, was held in Kapa‘a this morning at Gore Park near Samuel Mahelona Memorial Hospital. Garden Island.

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Bag ban passes Big Island council, $75M in Race to the Top funds at risk, 14 Hawaii tax employees face criminal charges, Oahu top island getaway, more…

Thursday, December 22, 2011

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Following Maui and Kauai's lead, the Big Island on Wednesday became the third county to adopt a ban on merchants giving out plastic bags. That leaves Honolulu as the only Hawaii county without such a ban. Civil Beat. Hawaii County shoppers can expect free plastic shopping bags at the cash register for just one more year, following the passage Wednesday of a bill restricting their availability. West Hawaii Today. When it comes to protecting the environment, reducing litter and preserving landfill space, the County Council has left Mayor Billy Kenoi holding the bag. Tribune-Herald. An Education Department official on Wednesday admonished Hawaii for its "unsatisfactory" performance under a $75 million federal grant the state won last year in a high profile competition and said it was placing it under "high risk" status, meaning the state is in danger of losing the money if it doesn't make improvements. Associated Press. Citing "unsatisfactory performance" and concerns about whether future pledges can be met, the federal government has placed Hawaii's $75 million Race to the Top grant on "high-risk" status, which means the money may be lost if progress isn't made. Star-Advertiser. Middle-school boys and girls in some low-performing schools on Oahu and Hawaii island next fall will begin playing in small, after-school sports leagues as part of a larger effort to improve the lives of 3,700 students. Star-Advertiser. 14 employees of the State Tax Department are under investigation by the State Attorney General's office for possible criminal wrongdoing. KITV4. Hawaii's ethics rules sure seem to be resonating with lawmakers. Several turned away bottles of wine given as a holiday gift from a solar-energy company. Civil Beat. President Barack Obama will have to come up with an action plan to address the economic impact of Pacific migration in Hawaii and other states and U.S. territories. Star-Advertiser. State roundup for Dec. 22. Associated Press . Oahu Yahoo! News has named Oahu the top island getaway in the U.S. in the latest episode of Wanderlust, the travel series on Yahoo! News. KHON2. A new Kakaako booking and warrants building for the state Sheriff Division is proving to be more convenient for both deputies and the public. Star-Advertiser. The state sheriffs division has opened a new booking and warrants facility in Kakaako, a more convenient and less threatening location has resulted in more people turning themselves in there, according to public safety officials. KITV4. Just how popular is the camping permit window at the Wahiawa Satellite City Hall? Civil Beat. Hawaii Medical Center’s approximately 990 employees are getting some help from the Hawaii Department of Labor and Industrial Relations in navigating the unemployment rolls they soon will find themselves on when HMC shuts down its two Oahu hospitals in the next few weeks. Pacific Business News. Mordechai Orian, CEO of Global Horizons, who is facing charges relating to the alleged trafficking of farm workers from Thailand to America, was set to go to trial on February 7. Civil Beat. The following letter by John Bond of Save Ewa Field alleges potentially damaging construction being done at the historic Ewa Field, owned by the U.S. Navy and leased to developers. Hawaii Independent. Twenty-five thousand soldiers from Schofield's 25th Infantry Division headquarters served in the Iraq War. Hawaii News Now. Hawaii With more than a quarter of Big Island children not knowing where their next meal is coming from, the Hawaii County Council on Wednesday unanimously passed a nonbinding resolution asking the administration to give the Food Basket an emergency $500,000. West Hawaii Today. Hawaii County is making headway in its effort to make the much-needed Ka'u District Gym and Shelter a reality in Pahala. West Hawaii Today. Federal officials want to hear the public's comments on a wilderness review and legislative environmental impact statement for the Hawaiian and Pacific Islands National Wildlife Refuge Complex. West Hawaii Today. Maui A U.S. District Court jury has acquitted Maui County of liability in a civil suit brought by the family of a homeless man who died in the Lahaina lockup in 2008. Maui News. The Maui Fire Department will begin processing firecracker permits this week while public fireworks displays have been scheduled in South Maui, Hana and on Lanai. Maui News. Owners of a cruising yacht that Molokai protesters turned back earlier this month in Kaunakakai Harbor announced Tuesday that they reached an agreement with opposition and authorities to resume their Molokai tours, at least temporarily, next month. Maui News. Kauai If Kaua‘i County Council Chair Jay Furfaro is right, the administration could be facing a budgetary shortfall of $2.64 million. Garden Island. The County of Kaua‘i has released its Comprehensive Annual Financial Report for fiscal year 2011, which began July 1, 2010, and ended June 30, 2011. Garden Island. A blessing and groundbreaking for the next segment of Ke Ala Hele Makalae, the multi-use path, was held in Kapa‘a this morning at Gore Park near Samuel Mahelona Memorial Hospital. Garden Island.

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Abercrombie to announce ’sensational’ news, plastic bag ban nearing for Hawaii Island, Honolulu faces 70% water rate hike, $1.4B rail contract inked,…

Tuesday, November 29, 2011

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Kahuku guided hike (c) 2011 All Hawaii News Hawaii Volcanoes National Park officials are debating how to develop its Kahuku Unit, more than seven years after it opened to the public. Tribune-Herald. Later this week, Gov. Abercrombie is scheduled to announce "sensational" news about the sale of a state bond issue and tell the public what it says about the state's financial condition and what work it might make possible. Civil Beat. After initially saying it couldn’t be done, the Hawaii State Judiciary has upgraded electronic access to state Circuit Court records. Hawaii Reporter. The list of candidates Gov. Neil Abercrombie released for the associate justice vacancy he filled with Sabrina McKenna's appointment includes three finalists for chief justice last year, who could be nominated again for an upcoming opening on the Supreme Court. Star-Advertiser. The state Reapportionment Commission should be ordered to redraw new political boundaries to more accurately reflect the total permanent resident population of the islands, Gov. Neil Abercrombie's office contends, a move that would shift a state Senate seat to Hawaii Island. Star-Advertiser. More than 3,000 volunteers are expected to help make 60,000 pages of Hawaiian language newspapers available to the world via the Internet on this Lā Kū‘oko‘a, Hawaiian Independence Day. Hawaii Independent. Hawaii's progress on Race to the Top education reforms and a timeline for implementing common core standards are on the state Board of Education's agenda this weekend. Associated Press. Officials with Schofield Barracks identified the soldier who died in an early morning roll-over crash Saturday as Spc. Phillip S. Bullins, 23, of Carthage, North Carolina. KITV4. Oahu The Honolulu Board of Water Supply on Monday unanimously approved a 70 percent increase in water rates through the next five fiscal years. Star-Advertiser. On Monday, Abercrombie riffed on a new idea, his boldest yet: a third city for Oahu, after Honolulu and Kapolei. Civil Beat. Ansaldo Honolulu JV signed a $1.4 billion contract with the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation for 80 rail cars on Monday. Star-Advertiser. The Honolulu Rail Transit contract for rail cars was signed late this afternoon … one day before the Project is challenged in Federal Court. Hawaii Public Radio. The City of Honolulu is shifting its towing contract. Hawaii News Now. Hawaii’s largest metropolitan area had 300 fewer businesses after the onset of the recession, according to a new analysis of data from the U.S. Census Bureau. Pacific Business News. The Traffic Violations Bureau in the Honolulu District Court at 1111 Alakea Street will no longer be open until 9:00 p.m. on Wednesday evenings. KHON2. Hawaii Having heard from communities around the island, the County Council is moving closer to deciding whether to prohibit businesses from giving plastic shopping bags to their customers. Tribune-Herald. State and county officials are OK with letting a Puako home owner keep a seawall that protects about 30 feet of personal property above the shoreline. West Hawaii Today. Maui Fortunately for Maui and the Hana community, there weren't many teaching jobs in Michigan for Mitzi Hasegawa. Maui News. Kauai Members of the Kapa‘a Middle School Choir and ‘Ukulele Band offered shoppers some holiday cheer on Sunday during its “Singing for Tips” fundraiser at the Walmart and Safeway stores. Garden Island. Molokai An American Safari Cruises vessel was able to dock at a Molokai harbor a day after protesters on small boats and surfboards blocked its previous attempt. Associated Press. A Molokai protester said a cruise ship that he and others stopped from entering into Kaunakakai Harbor on Saturday "snuck back in" on Sunday. Maui News. A group of protestors on small boats and surfboards physically blocked an American Safari Cruises’ (ASC) yacht, the Safari Explorer, from docking at Kaunakakai Wharf last Saturday morning. Molokai Dispatch.

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Attacking, defending new legislative maps, unemployment rates to rise, UH best paid, land agency director named, Hawaiian Telcom imposes contract,…

Tuesday, November 22, 2011

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Attacking, defending new legislative maps, unemployment rates to rise, UH best paid, land agency director named, Hawaiian Telcom imposes contract,…

The Hawaii Reapportionment Commission, in a three-page brief filed Friday with the state Supreme Court, defended its method of dividing the state into House and Senate districts. But Gov. Neil Abercrombie, also a defendant in the lawsuit, said in his reply brief Monday that the process was flawed and should be redone. West Hawaii Today. Legislators and state officials may increase unemployment taxes next year to the highest levels allowed under state law. Hawaii Reporter. Hawaii State Salaries 2012: Highest Paid at University of Hawaii. Civil Beat. Former Campbell Estate land manager Lloyd Haraguchi has been named executive director to head a new state agency with broad powers to develop state land. Star-Advertiser. Hawaiian Telcom said Monday it will impose on union members a contract the workers rejected last month. Star-Advertiser. At least 14 states have revamped their pension systems in the past five years to prevent employees from "spiking" their pay to pad retirement benefits. Civil Beat. A federal agent charged with murder in the shooting death of a man in a Hawaii McDonald's restaurant pleaded not guilty at his arraignment Monday. Associated Press. There’s an old saying, “It’s better to use a carrot than a stick” to persuade people to do things.

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Gov. Abercrombie picks Blake Oshiro as deputy, Oreos for APEC, 22 Hawaiian sovereignty members arrested at Iolani Palace, Kauai food bank director…

Tuesday, November 8, 2011

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Gov. Abercrombie picks Blake Oshiro as deputy, Oreos for APEC, 22 Hawaiian sovereignty members arrested at Iolani Palace, Kauai food bank director…

Gov. Abercrombie introduces Deputy Chief of Staff Blake Oshiro courtesy photo by Ricky Li State Rep. Blake Oshiro will join the Abercrombie administration as deputy chief of staff, giving up the legislative seat he has held for 11 years. Star-Advertiser. State Rep. Blake Oshiro, the majority leader for Democrats in the Hawaii House of Representatives, will be the new deputy chief of staff for Gov. Neil Abercrombie. Civil Beat. Gov. Neil Abercrombie on Monday named House Majority Leader Blake Oshiro as deputy chief of staff. Pacific Business News. Governor Neil Abercrombie has selected a young leader of the state Legislature, Rep. Blake Oshiro, to serve as his deputy chief of staff, saying Oshiro’s “legislative background and commitment to doing what’s right will help us move our agenda forward.” Hawaii Reporter. When the new legislative session convenes in January, state lawmakers will have to weigh the importance of school lunch -- and how much it should cost Hawaii families. Tribune-Herald. State law enforcement officers arrested 22 people Monday night after they refused to leave Iolani Palace grounds. Star-Advertiser. Several hours after they first occupied the Iolani Palace grounds, members of the Hawaiian Kingdom Government were arrested for trespassing Monday evening. Hawaii News Now. The day started with the news that a Native Hawaiian sovereignty group had locked the gates to Iolani Palace. Civil Beat. Hawaiian Telcom has filed a federal complaint against the union representing its employees for allegedly intimidating workers who might decide to cross the picket line in the event of a strike against the company. Star-Advertiser. Oahu APEC attendees were trickling into Honolulu yesterday and today, with a big surge of arrivals expected over the next two days. Hawaii Public Radio. State and city officials declared Honolulu ready for the biggest international event ever held in the islands but warned drivers that Monday's relatively light traffic might not continue for the rest of this week's Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit. Star-Advertiser. Because of a shipping problem, instead of Hawaiian Host chocolates, delegates arriving at the Honolulu International Airport for the 2011 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit are being offered packages of miniature Oreos. Civil Beat. A federal agent charged with killing a man inside a McDonald's restaurant in Waikiki was in Hawaii to help with security at this week's Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit, officials said Monday. Associated Press. Details of the violent conflict that took Kollin Elderts' life Saturday morning remained sketchy on the eve of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit, where Special Agent Christopher Deedy was to help provide security as leaders of 21 nations gather in Honolulu this week. Star-Advertiser. The state's leading technology companies will be on display at the Hawaii Convention Center for this week's APEC summit. KHON2. Eight members part of the Occupy Honolulu movement were arrested on the second night of demonstration at Thomas Square this weekend. Hawaii Independent. Hawaii Every month, most Hawaii County Council members receive enough gas money to send them around the circumference of the entire island more than 12 times. West Hawaii Today. A Puna blogger who says police assaulted him last month for shooting video of officers responding to a fight outside a Pahoa nightclub will not be prosecuted. Tribune-Herald. Hawaii County will have to take its case to stay arbitration proceedings to a higher court in its civil suit against Waikoloa affordable housing developer UniDev. West Hawaii Today. Maui Toxic and potentially carcinogenic chemicals found in a military landfill at the old Puunene airport site that is now used as a drag strip will be removed under a proposal by the Army Corps of Engineers. Maui News. Kauai Kaua‘i Independent Food Bank’s executive director left her 16-year post Monday. Garden Island . Molokai Legislators Tour Molokai, Talk Wind. Molokai Dispatch.

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Lawsuits threatened over Hawaii reapportionment, tax revenues up, Big Island councilwoman wants DUI vehicles confiscated, Abercrombie declares civil…

Wednesday, September 14, 2011

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checking reapportionment maps (c) 2011 All Hawaii News The state Reapportionment Commission was put on notice Tuesday it will get sued if it persists in including nonresident military and students in determining state legislative boundaries. West Hawaii Today. The state Reapportionment Commission can expect to be sued if its final plan for redrawing state political boundaries is based on a population count that includes nonresident population groups such as military members and their dependents. Star-Advertiser. Big Island residents slammed the state Reapportionment Commission on its boundary proposals and threatened legal action if commissioners deny the island a fourth seat in the state Senate. Tribune-Herald. Gov. Neil Abercrombie declared a civil defense emergency earlier this summer in a largely unpublicized move that gives the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers sweeping authority to bypass state laws to investigate and remove unexploded ordnance. Star-Advertiser. State lawmakers agree with Gov. Neil Abercrombie on the danger of discarded military explosives scattered across the islands, but many believe the governor should have been more transparent before using his emergency powers to assist with the cleanup. Star-Advertiser. State tax revenue collections grew last month, thanks in part to strengthening tourism numbers. KHON2. Dean Haskins, executive director of The Birther Summit, is in Honolulu to promote a $10,000 award for whomever can produce the actual edition of the Honolulu Advertiser or the Honolulu Star-Bulletin that reported Obama's Aug. 4, 1961, birth. Civil Beat. As a result of efforts to raise the bar for the level of the education available at Hawaii’s public schools, six more schools recently attained adequate yearly progress. Hawaii Independent. Nationally poverty numbers have increased, while the number of people living in poverty in Hawaii has dropped to 12.1% from 12.5% a year ago. KITV4. Hawaii is not considered a pedestrian's paradise. KITV4. Oahu The Honolulu Council Reapportionment Commission on Tuesday narrowed down its list of four potential district plans to the one it will take out to the community next month. Civil Beat. Superblocks with 40-story buildings linked by walkways suspended 45 feet above streets never materialized in Kakaako, but the vision of state planners nearly 30 years ago is about to get updated with more down-to-earth ideas. Star-Advertiser . Bombardier Transportation USA has lost its latest attempt to overturn its disqualification in the bidding war for a lucrative City and County of Honolulu rail contract. Pacific Business News. The Solar One project in Kalaeloa is meeting resistance. Hawaii Independent. The 3rd Annual Asia Pacific Clean Energy Summit started today. Hawaii Public Radio. A Honolulu police officer is dead and another is in the hospital following a traffic collision during a routine traffic stop on Farrington Highway near Ko Olina Tuesday night. Hawaii News Now. Hawaiian Airlines expects to offer daily nonstop flights between Honolulu and Fukuoka starting next year. Associated Press . Hawaii Intoxicated, unlicensed or fraudulent drivers would risk having their vehicles towed at their expense or even sold under a bill heading for County Council consideration. Tribune-Herald. Hawaii County is looking for a good spot to build a park in Puna, after being rebuffed by Hawaiian Paradise Park. Tribune-Herald. For years, millions of dollars have been invested, mostly in the form of human labor and chemicals, in an attempt to control super weeds, such as strawberry guava, clidemia hirta, miconia, kahili ginger and Australian tree fern. West Hawaii Today. Pot choppers took to the air over East Hawaii on Monday and Tuesday, a top state law enforcer said. Tribune-Herald. Maui Members of the Charter Commission agreed Monday to continue discussing proposals to establish single-member County Council districts - even as many commissioners said they were personally opposed to the idea. Maui News. The Maui County Council on Monday took up a bill on short-term rental properties in residential districts in depth for the first time in years and is looking at comprehensively examining, legalizing and streamlining the law in its Planning Committee. Maui News. Dozens of letters of support have been written to the state on behalf of embattled Maui housing project manager Lisa Faleafine by residents of the apartment complex she oversees. Hawaii Reporter. Kauai The state Department of Land and Natural Resources announced on Monday it will close the Na Pali Coast State Wilderness Park and Kalalau trail from Hanakapi‘ai to Kalalau Beach, starting Thursday in order to restore the Kalalau camping area after a busy summer season. Garden Island. A Wainiha Valley taro grower says she was alarmed when her taro patches suddenly and unexpectedly dried out last month. Garden Island.

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Inouye, Akaka support Hirono, Hawaii lawmakers to challenge monk seal plan, no drug testing of teachers, not ready for APEC, millions in no-bid…

Tuesday, September 13, 2011

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Inouye, Akaka support Hirono, Hawaii lawmakers to challenge monk seal plan, no drug testing of teachers, not ready for APEC, millions in no-bid…

U.S. Rep. Hirono with Sen. Dan Akaka in 2009, courtesy photo Endorsement? US Senators Inouye, Akaka Make Appearance at Hirono Fundraisers. Hawaii Reporter. Scores of small schools — those with transient populations and campuses in remote areas — would see their main source of funding reduced next school year by as much as 20 percent under a proposal before the Board of Education. Star-Advertiser. After years of legal wrangling, a conflict about random drug testing for teachers appears to be at an end. Star-Advertiser. State lawmakers will propose legislation challenging federal protections for monk seals if the National Atmospheric and Oceanic Administration doesn't scale back its proposals, according to state Rep. Sharon Har. Civil Beat. Oahu Waikiki street performers fear arrest. Hawaii News Now. Portions of two state projects to spruce up Oahu for President Barack Obama and other world leaders coming here for the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation meeting have hit snags and will not be completed by the start of the event in November. Star-Advertiser. Protests are in works for Hawaii APEC meeting. Civil Beat. A former U.S. service member was arrested in Hawaii after he sent emails from Thailand that threatened to kill Vice President Joe Biden, authorities said Monday. Associated Press. A judge has ruled more than 150 dogs and nearly 80 puppies currently in foster care should be forfeited to the Hawaiian Humane Society by owners of the breeding facility they were rescued from. KHON2. The North Shore community of La’ie is one of the most over-crowded neighborhoods on O’ahu. Hawaii Public Radio. The First Annual Lanikai Surf Festival takes place over the weekend of September 23-24 at Lanikai Park, featuring a wide variety of activities from surf films to a 2.4 stand up paddle race. Hawaii Independent. Hawaii Darren Rosario became the Big Island's 21st fire chief on Monday during a morning ceremony on the balcony of the Hawaii County Building in Hilo. Tribune-Herald. Over the past eight years, Hawaii County has awarded more than $3.3 million in no-bid contracts for disabled transportation services to a politically connected nonprofit. West Hawaii Today. Officials posted warning signs at Hilo Bay following a spill of 500 gallons of wastewater, the state Department of Health reported. Star-Advertiser. Campers are overstaying their welcome at Kiholo State Park Reserve, leaving behind trash and human waste, scorching the ground with fires and barbecues, damaging vegetation, and destroying archaeological sites, said state Department of Land and Natural Resources officials. West Hawaii Today. The state Department of Transportation will receive $10.6 million to refurbish a runway at the Hilo International Airport, Hawaii's congressional delegation announced Monday in a joint news release. Tribune-Herald. Maui Environmentalists and a long-time Makena advocate are concerned that there are no longer educational volunteers and only a sparse number of rangers to patrol the ecologically and geologically fragile Ahihi-Kinau Natural Area Reserve in Makena. Maui News. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will hold a meeting at 6:30 p.m. Thursday to discuss its investigation into 1940s-era unexploded ordnance that may be located in the Ahihi-Kinau Natural Area Reserve in Makena. Maui News. A federal judge has sentenced a former Maui police officer to a year-and-a-half in prison for stealing about $1,500 from a driver during a traffic stop and extorting sex from a woman who had been jailed. KITV4. Kauai Without much fanfare or discussion, the Kaua‘i County Council sent a message to the public last week: Do not drink, urinate or defecate in front of our new home. Garden Island. Hawaiian Electric Co. has contracted with Hawaii BioEnergy LLC to supply 10 million gallons of Kauai-grown biofuel annually to power its Kahe Generating Station in Leeward Oahu. Pacific Business News. Residents are being asked to provide input for a multi-use trail for the communities of Waimea and Kekaha. Garden Island.

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Hannemann ‘the one to beat,’ military expands Hawaii’s $62M remains identity lab, DOT seeks 50 engineers, Kauai taro gets boost, Honolulu surveillance…

Wednesday, August 31, 2011

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Mufi Hannemann (c) 2011 All Hawaii News Over the years, former Honolulu Mayor and newly announced congressional candidate Mufi Hannemann has developed the reputation of being a bully. Civil Beat. Gabbard's Six Unions Didn't Go for Mufi Last Time, Either. Civil Beat. Hawaii News Now political analyst Dan Boylan said Hannemann is the one to beat. Hawaii News Now. Former Honolulu Mayor Mufi Hannemann is seeking the Democratic nomination to replace outgoing U.S. Rep. Mazie Hirono he announced Tuesday. West Hawaii Today. Contract negotiators for the state made it clear to the teachers union in late April that if it didn't accept a labor savings deal, there would be big consequences, Board of Education member Jim Williams said Tuesday. Star-Advertiser. Sex, drugs, and education: An inside look at Hawaii’s schools. Hawaii Independent. The state Department of Health is again offering free flu vaccines to elementary and middle school students at more than 300 schools statewide. Associated Press. The State Department of Transportation is looking to hire fifty people. KHON2 . In a classic Catch-22, Hawaii law requires elevators to pass an annual inspection, but the state cannot perform the safety tests fast enough to meet demand. Tribune-Herald. Oahu By 2014 the Hawaii-based unit in charge of recovering and identifying remains of Americans listed as missing in action from the nation's wars will be working in a new facility that will increase efficiency and productivity, a military official said Tuesday. Star-Advertiser. Sen. Inouye Visits JPAC Groundbreaking Site. KITV4. Several West Oahu residents testified Tuesday night against a political redistricting proposal that would no longer place Makakilo, Kapolei and Ko Olina in the same congressional district. Star-Advertiser. The Honolulu City Council is being asked to approve a $1.4 million plan for Honolulu Police to use the traffic cameras to help with security during the economic summit in November. KITV4. Proposed surveillance cameras raise privacy concerns. KHON2. The Honolulu City Council is considering a measure that would set aside up to $75 million for artwork that would be incorporated in the $5.3 billion elevated rail transit system. Pacific Business News. The head of a new organization dedicated to preserving the Second Amendment has sued Honolulu Police Chief Louis Kealoha in federal court after Kealoha denied him in September 2010 a permit to carry and conceal a semiautomatic pistol. Star-Advertiser. A subsidiary of Honeywell International Inc. is building a refinery on Oahu that will convert algae and other biomass into high-quality gasoline, diesel and jet fuel. Associated Press. Honolulu lifeguards and fire fighters helped bring 315 people back to shore as of Tuesday afternoon as a 12-15 foot swell pounded the South Shore of Oahu. KHON2. Hawaii Approximately 50 soldiers from Hilo will deploy to Iraq on Wednesday. Hawaii News Now. If you have an injury that requires magnetic resonance imaging, you now have access to the best technology on the neighbor islands, Kona Community Hospital officials say. West Hawaii Today. The fight to launch a charter school in Laupahoehoe may not be over yet. Tribune-Herald. Maui Mayor Alan Arakawa said Monday that Maui County should create a new division to focus on sustainability issues, and that adding "sustainability" to the Department of Environmental Management was one of his top priorities for charter amendments. Maui News. Two Maui legislators are meeting with state officials this week for answers on why a state affordable housing project is 40 per cent empty. Hawaii Reporter. Kauai The Taro Security and Purity Task Force announced last week that it has been awarded a grant of $135,000 a year for two years from the Office of Hawaiian Affairs. Garden Island. In light of the recent hurricane that struck the East Coast, county officials on Tuesday urged residents and businesses who have not yet signed up for Connect CTY to do so. Garden Island.

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