2018 Elections: 20% Turnover in House?
The hidden story of the third Thanksgiving: 1623--giving thanks for freedom
Supporting Our Troops This Holiday Season
Grassroot: Things to be Thankful for This Year
New Claims by State in Airport Hangar Lawsuit
DBEDT: 9.5M Tourists Expected in 2018
Two Years Later--DLNR Still Finding Homeless Drug Addicts on Na Pali Coast
HGEA, UPW Members Selling Fake IDs to Lunatics at State Hospital?
HNN: During a massive search of rooms at Hawaii State Hospital prompted by the escape of a psychopathic killer, a patient was caught with a fake drivers license, sources tell Hawaii News Now….
The fake ID found during a recent search apparently belonged to a man who was committed to the State Hospital after being acquitted of murder, sources say. That patient has been transferred to a high security unit.
Sources say the incident raises fears that someone is selling fake IDs to patients….
(What? Overtime scams aren’t enough money for HGEA and UPW members?)
read … Shakedown in wake of killer's escape turns up contraband at state hospital
Enviros Turn on Their Own—Demand Shutdown of Tour Boat Activities
MN: West Maui shoreline protection and Native Hawaiian groups are challenging commercial use permits issued by the state to tour boat operators for anchorage off Kaanapali Beach and are seeking a preliminary injunction to halt activities related to the permits until environmental assessments are performed.
Na Papa’i Wawae ‘Ula’ula, the West Maui Preservation Association and West Maui waterman Randy Draper filed the lawsuit Tuesday in Environmental Court of the 2nd Circuit against the Department of Land and Natural Resources over the current permitting system for operators of personal watercraft and parasailing, (anti-aquarium) snorkeling and (anti-Superferry) whalewatch tours off Kaanapali Beach.
A recent check found 25 permits for ocean-based operations at the so-called “Kaanapali Anchorage” directly offshore from Kaanapali Beach, plaintiffs’ attorney Lance Collins said Wednesday evening.
Plaintiffs argue that the environmental impacts of the tour boat operations have not been reviewed. At the very least, an environmental assessment is required before issuing permits for uses off Kaanapali Beach, the lawsuit says…..
Among their specific concerns, plaintiffs say “it is nearly impossible” (really?) for the dozens of permitted boats that anchor at Kaanapali to use the overcrowded single pump-out station at Lahaina Harbor 5 miles away.
(That’s not evidence. That is a supposition. But don’t worry. In the courts of the eco-religion, the high priests don’t need evidence.)
“Under the recent aquarium fish decision by the Hawaii Supreme Court, it is not clear on what basis the DLNR has the authority to allow the regular dumping of human waste into the waters off West Maui without any kind of environmental review,” said Sharyn Matin, president of the West Maui Preservation Association (or something)….
read … Lawsuit calls for study of tour boat operations off Kaanapali
Tweekers Living in Junk cars to be Cleared out of Kakaako
HNN: Over the past year, the shoulder of Coral Street between Ala Moana Boulevard and the University of Hawaii School of Medicine has disappeared under a growing encampment made up of tarps, tents and at least 14 junk cars….
The process of notifying campers of the sweep will begin this week. On Wednesday afternoon, outreach workers were on site handing out food and offering illegal campers a new place to stay.
Marc Alexander, of the mayor's Office of Housing, said there don't appear to be any children living in the area.
The city said it's expecting to wrap up the project by Jan. 8.
read … A Kakaako encampment of cars is set to disappear
Help the Homeless by Giving to Those Who Accept Shelter
SA: …Here’s a rather large example: There is the creation of community that soon will be underway at Kahauiki Village, the permanent community being built for the homeless on land near Sand Island, using prefabricated units once housing the survivors of Japan’s disastrous tsunami in 2011.
The contributions of business leaders, paying for construction and offering jobs to the residents, are immense and gratifying. But it is the new residents themselves who will build the community. Their mutual support will help provide the dignity and pride that can put lives back on track.
There are stories of hopefulness replacing homelessness, of the successes logged by the Housing First program, of changes for families who find respite and guidance in havens set up by the city, the state, nonprofits and the faith community….
read … A season to give thanks, and more
Maui police officer busted for stealing on the job
HNN: Officer Sonnie Waiohu Jr. has been charged with fourth-degree theft, a petty misdemeanor, after he allegedly stole merchandise from Minit Stop in Lahaina in August….
read … Another One
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