Entries for December 2009

Chest Pains: Limbaugh Hospitalized in Serious Condition at Queen's

Karl Rove to appear at Hawaii GOP event

Lingle aide, BOE, DOE meet on furloughs, no decision made

Hawaii elections office staffer Scott Nago selected as interim chief

ML&P viability in doubt

Kaiser rates to go up 10.7 percent for groups

Arbitrator's decision may affect UH pay cut

Salary cuts anger UHH faculty

Report: Ag tax exemptions abused

Hanabusa: "Ed Case not forgiven, should bow out"

ADV: Lingle should break be blamed for impasse in union talks

SB: Furlough plan achievable

Furlough talks to resume, but no special session planned

SLOM: No More Hawaii Islam Days

SB gives free ad space to Mufi: We all need to do our part to solve the (homelessness) problem

Mayor Hannemann's Achilles Heel

Tactics weighed for rat fight

Emergency funds needed for preschool  (by childhood policy 'consultant')

OLD NEWS: Nearly $1B in state funds tied up in illiquid investment

Kaloko payouts to be revealed

Roadblock continues despite 7 arrests in Laie land dispute

Future uncertain for two Mauna Kea telescopes

The realities of recession are relative on the Kona Coast

Heightened Security Detail Costs for Speaker Pelosi and President Obama Will Fall on Local Taxpayers

Maui: Ahi supply should be enough to satisfy sashimi lovers’ appetite

Ocean View well may take longer

Gas pains: Does Big Island have a Propane shortage?

ADV: Hawaii fireworks sales still hot in recession

Health care bill denies freedom of choice

Saluting American Valor: Wounded soldier provides cover fire for pinned-down troops

Lingle: HSTA/DoE furlough plan "not credible"

Pelosi enjoys privacy at Hualalai after Palin is hounded off Maui

Visitor arrivals drop 1.4%, spending down 2.2%

University of Hawaii will reduce faculty pay by 6.7 percent

County officials who rely on TAT funds likely to fight to keep share 

Time to Contact Gov. Linda Lingle with Your Thoughts About Oahu's Multi-Billion Dollar Rail Project

Maui News Polls Obamacare

HTH: "Good riddance to 2009, a lost year."  (Obamanomics: Year One)

Proposed changes to state fishing rules spur protests  (no PASH rights here, eh?)

Continuing the quest for affordable, sustainable housing

Business leader has green on his mind (after child is brainwashed, he becomes trash picker, police spy for the regime)

Maui Land counting on its shareholders

Kauai: Council committee to vet solid waste management plan

ADV: Tighter controls needed for travel safety

Legislative Report: Convert HHSC to non-profit, dump civil service (full text)

Kalapa: Waiting for taxpayers to take the hit

Census shows Island exodus (over 100/week)

ADV: Partnerships can power survival strategy (huh?)

Hawaii smokers cutting back in response to higher tobacco taxes

SB: Chinatown rats lead state to hold classes

Kauai: New breed of homeless might need help getting some help

Kauai: Slom to speak at GOP Women’s Club event

SB: Seal the health care deal

SB: UH faculty doesn't grasp reality (just noticing this?)

Commission to pick interim election chief

Grooming a new guard at New Hope

2 Groups Protest At Obama Compound

Courting China

ADV: Ocean cable key to attaining energy goals (how to save wind energy from environmentalist assault)

Hawaii's welfare numbers rising for first time in decade

Hawaii's counties rattled by plan to cut them out of hotel room tax

Budget Cuts still being blamed for rats in Chinatown

Maui Jail: Lingle forces Tsutsui to back down

Growing foreclosure rate a drag on Maui neighborhoods

Maui B&B system is taking off; 33 permits gain backing

Ocean noise pollution turns up with greenhouse gas emissions

HTH urges Christmas donations to the Gramscian Entity

Jumped by passengers while lighting fuse: Islamist fails to blow up Detroit-bound flight Christmas Day

Rep. Mazie Hirono on Obamacare: ‘We’re not there yet’

Chief of Hawaii Health Systems retiring (Inspiration for Obamacare)

SB: Compromise critical in Maui water dispute (OHA Water grab)

Isle bankruptcies highest in 4 years

Access to computers gives homeless hope to stay on street (The Homelessness Industry at work) 

$500,000 warrant issued in drunken-driving case (extradited from NV, then allowed to fly back?)

Lanakila senior center in Kalihi needs donations to stay open

Obamas visit troops at Hawaii base's Christmas chow-down

Sermon at Ancient Christian Site Highlights Christmas for the 130th Engineer Brigade

Not Fooled: Hawaii parents waiting on details of plan to reduce furlough days

Hawaii's growth rate has stayed low because 10 people leave Hawaii every day

"Hope" for future is best gift of all (Obama mentioned only as a tourist attraction)

Kulani plan is outlined

Nonprofit status seen as cure for ailing state hospital system (Driskill retiring?)

SB: Seniors and hospitals win big in reform bill (yes this is a "news" story)

FINAL HARVEST: Sun sets on ML&P cultivation of pineapple

Drug trial of HPD officer postponed ("negotiations")

Djou elected to chair search panel for new city auditor

Salary rules limit potential new prosecutor, deputies

KHON not fazed by cable-Fox flap

After a year of destruction, Obama and family return to Hawaii

Lawmakers, Governor await details on tentative agreement to reduce furlough days

ADV: Hawaiian rights in bill must be negotiated (rejects new version Akaka Bill)

Musubigate: HRPT rent dispute fight will continue

Hoku completes stock sale to Chinese investor (Your ACT 215/221 tax dollars at work)

Maui News Polls State TAT grab (blames Calvin Say's Legislative proposal on Lingle)

Isle lawmakers mull TAT plan

Kenoi defends hiring; claims 77 positions removed (and wants to keep TAT so he can hire more)

Hawaii County tries third approach to provide homes for low-income residents (after losing $40M on failed project)

Extend council terms? Voters will decide, again

Defense bill benefits Inouye, Akaka, Abercrombie contributors

Hawaii teachers' furlough deal unlikely by Lingle deadline

(Yawn) Democrat Lawmakers blast DBEDT, director on behalf of HGEA (Wash, rinse, repeat)

Honolulu councilman's memo proposes (to fight TAT takeaway by highlighting) cuts to city services

Loss would be tremendous blow, says Maui Co. budget director

(HTH) Lingle: Use hotel tax for budget

Costly Micronesian benefits may be covered

Professors union says ready to fight UH on contract

More Than a Decade After Condemnation, Hawaii Department of Transportation Still Owns Homes on Ancient Hawaiian Fish Pond

Bob Jones: No Special Election Need to Replace Abercrombie in Hawaii's First Congressional District

Hawaii County Housing Agency: We're not trying to hide anything

Obama says Hawaiian vacation will wait until after Senate passes health care bill

Brace yourself, America, this is going to sting a bit  (Advertiser finally explains details of Obamacare)

Obama keeps bond with Hawaii strong

Lingle submits plan to close $1.23B Budget shortfall

'Last, best' union offer at UH calls for 6.7% cut

Arakaki: Emotion not good basis to support assisted suicide

Hifo, Hirai to step down

Count us in for census power and money

Planning begins for Hawaii undersea cable system

Official says ban won't hurt 'ahi stock

CoFA Medical Care:  Public's view sought

Oahu Mayor Breaks Ground on H-Power Expansion Project

Oahu's 'opala piling up on dock

HTA approves strategic plan 'to put more heads on beds'

Plan calls for zero growth at Turtle Bay resort

Former Del Monte Hawaii workers begin buying Poamoho Camp homes

City must refocus on enforcing rental law 

One down, two to go: Obamacare passes first cloture vote 60-40

Akaka Bill: More than 73% of Hawaiians not "Qualified" for membership in Akaka Tribe

No special election? Disgrace, hypocrisy in local politics (and journalism)

Democrat Advertiser: 'Rift' between Hawaii lawmakers is politically based, not personal (Article dictated by John Buckstead)

Budget cuts blamed for rats in Chinatown: State operating in 'crisis management' mode, official says

Omidyar giving can help with recovery continuing Abercrombie takeover of Inouye's Democratic Party

University of Hawaii stimulus grants' benefits questioned

Kalapa: Wake-Up Call Needed

Kauai Residents grapple with affordable housing ‘realities’

DoE/HSTA hacks threaten to lay off 2,500 and chop after-school programs if furloughs are eliminated

SB: Akaka Bill needs airing (demands public hearings)

Thousands of island residents will collect important census info

Interisland shipping monopoly

Hawaii County Council violated Sunshine statute (consequences zero)

Book by Obama's late mom released

5-girl robotics team shines

KGI: Coco Palms a monstrosity

Police promotion rigging Lawsuit was the costliest in Hawaii County history

Maui News poll 51% reject Tavares reelection

Governor reaffirms opposition to new version Akaka Bill

Burris: Akaka Bill mystery

ADV Watson decides to become OHA flack for Akaka Bill

Hawaii Public Student Enrollment Projected to Plummet

Case again considers run for Senate--claims Dems forgive him calling Akaka a feeble-minded fringe leftist

Shapiro: Inouye's a lock, but his coattails are not (Must Read)

Fear of failure: Hanabusa to block funding for Special Election?

Hawaii jobless dips to 7%, but real growth not likely till '11

Hawaiian Air, pilots agree to 5-year deal

Maui: Petition circulating to save Hawaii’s school bus system

Honolulu Symphony files for bankruptcy, plans to downsize

Unescorted travel request denied for murderous lunatic

Presidential visit disrupting tour chopper service

SB: Leftist Neal Milner lays down the Template for ignoring Republican candidates

KITV VIDEO: Akaka Bill not moving as smoothly as planned

ADV: Congress, state need unity on Akaka bill

ADV: Trish Kehaulani Watson--The Akaka Bill

Hawaii revenue drop expected to add another $40M to deficit

Companies want school buses to run

Commission defers decision on East Maui streams

Contractor Profit Grows under Hawaii’s 'Green' Initiative While Energy Costs to Consumers Rise

Hawaii -- 46th most efficient state-owned highway system

Proposed Kalaheo landfill site questioned

Koke‘e admission charge plan might be short-lived

No surge in cruise ships

Some neighbors irked by Hilo developments

SB: Killing bill doesn't resolve B&B issue

Construction starts on housing project for Waianae homeless

Harassment: Pine agrees to pay fine over campaign sign photos

Harassment: Palin shortens Maui vacation after fuss over 'McCain' visor

Ahmed Ahmed battles bias with humor

Federal money may fund election

Papers decide to start covering Akaka Bill Hearings:

HSTA continues to sabotage talks Negotiations break down between state and Hawaii teachers union

LHS boarding program on list of potential budget cuts

SB: Reminder for union leaders (we can take you down anytime we decide to investigate)

Paniolo Cable, Sandwich Isle Communications seen as bankruptcy possibilities

Pasha interisle shipping bid dealt blow on behalf of Young Bros continued monopoly 

ADV: Caregiving network under critical strain

Hawaii bed-and-breakfast bill rejected

Water needs split community (OHA Water grab)

Hawaiians Sovereignty Activists are told telescope moving ahead--time to cash in is NOW

Maui's Mayor Tavares seeks second term

Yagong wants off ad hoc finance committee

Hawaii County affordable housing rules may get radical makeover

Akaka Bill Hearings under way: Proposed changes came from Akaka's office, CNHA

ADV: Hawaii governor opposes Akaka bill revisions (Abercrombie: Bennett's "concerns are real") 

SB: Lingle fights Akaka Bill changes

Live Webcast: House Natural Resources Committee hearings on the Akaka Bill

Zogby: Majority of Hawaii voters against Akaka Bill

SHOCK: Lingle, Bennett denounce new version Akaka Bill (full text)

Did Inouye Lie? National Review confirms "Akaka Bill Sneak Attack" claim

House Republicans call for Akaka Bill to be removed from Markup

Inouye denies planning "Akaka Bill Sneak Attack"

Djou's chances improve: GOP Says Aloha to Hawaii Special Election

SB: Salvage the special election

Lingle to work with teachers to keep planning days

Hawaii lawmakers want education money released

Downturn hit Kamehameha Schools with $2.2 billion loss

Petition to save Hawaii school bus service from ending

Oahu tax assessments fall 6.7 percent

Hawaii B&B bill appears doomed

Mail-order prescriptions hard on local businesses

US to drill Iranian attack scenario in Pacific

HSTA negotiations resume: Number of school planning days varies on Mainland and in Hawaii

LINK>>>Inouye denies planning "Akaka Bill Sneak Attack"

LINK>>>Sovereignty activists protest Akaka Bill "Sneak Attack" -- Bill could be inserted into "must pass" legislation

10 Most Shocking Revelations About Hawaii's Public Education System

ADV: If the election to replace Neil Abercrombie's congressional seat were held tomorrow, who would get your vote?

Musubigate Scandal ensnares Calvin Say

Great News! Abercrombie resignation to occur within weeks (But won't set date for withdrawal)

Isles to gain $387M in funding

Rod Tam announces candidacy for mayor

Council must clear way for transit agency so Mufi can run for Governor

Attacking Hawaii's second Saint: Secular humanists exploit Yagi case to put issue of doctor "assisted" "suicide" back in spotlight

Water commission calls for sugar firm to restore one stream

KGI: Time to move on (OHA vs Kauai over beach bike path)

Run-down Coco Palms resort in wait-and-see mode

Hawaii starts e-waste recycling on Jan. 1

AP: Climate crisis is for real, says top scientist (Liberal arrogance on display as Climategate scam implodes)

Blagojevich's lawyers seek transcript of FBI interview with Obama

Donations flow in from beneficiaries of earmark funds (Borreca targets Abercrombie on behalf of Mufi, Inouye)

Kiewit offered city 'best value'

Obama Stimulus small-business focus means opportunity for politicians to create new cronies

Hawaii's parks agency to lease out land to raise funds

Water staff: Restore one of 19 streams

Teachers at Hana school work more, get paid less (HSTA propaganda)

Maui County plans hundreds of homes on Lanai

Kenoi asks for 20% budget cut

WHT: Kenoi one year on: Accomplishment and contradiction

Shootings by Honolulu police spike to 7 so far this year

Questioning the future may enhance Isles' prospects

LINK: Mufi chases Neil Abercrombie out of Congress

LINK: Akaka Bill to be voted by House and Senate Committees

All Mail-in special election mooted

School board keeps 2010 meetings in Honolulu to cut costs

Panel votes to block dialysis from Maui (Malulani redux)

SB: It is possible to scale back in tight times

Police work to clear homeless from park

Many receive shots despite council's anti-vaccine stance

No pay increases for crackpot Hawaii Co. Council, top employees next year

G&R to lease assets for sugar-to-energy

Say proposes up to $1B Hawaii tax increases aimed at tourism, technology

Hawaii gains 1,412 jobs from stimulus mostly in government (and loses how many from Obamanomics?)

Liquor board chief put on leave

Hawaii Legislature cancels its traditional opening-day partying (its tough everywhere)

The Land Board will vote today on charging nonresidents at Ka Iwi and at the Pali Lookout

Kaiser’s dialysis proposal faces opposition FROM COMPETITOR

Mauna Kea fight in court  (OHA's $50M shakedown)

Jones Act lawsuit tossed out of court

Hawaii Co. Ethics board backs off strong reform

Ewa Field Marines among first to battle Japanese

Britain, Long a Libel Mecca, Reviews Laws

State of OHA: Money, power top agenda

SB: Hawaii leaders must lead: End Furlough Fridays now

Shapiro: HSTA can't expect to sacrifice nothing

Honolulu prepares to slash funds for programs

State proposes major revision of election rules (anti-Superferry protesters in driver's seat)

Chinatown rats: Manufactured chaos (Homelessness Industry at work)

Foreclosures on neighbor isles continue to fuel statewide rate

Kenoi looking to freeze county execs' pay (no cuts here)

Hawaii Co. Property taxes could be on the rise

Saddle Road western route up for public review (DU again not found in soil samples)

Power plants make top 10 polluters list

Sashimi Christmas canceled? International quota could halt U.S. bigeye catch this month

Mayor Defends Magic Island Name Change (public rejects cult of personality 92%-8% in online poll)

Legislative leaders want teachers to back the governor's proposal before lawmakers return

ADV: Government must improve fiscal efficiency

Ariyoshi: "We can no longer rely upon the growth of tourism"

First Wind offers plan for second Maui site

Manpower: Only 6% of Honolulu employers to hire in Q1  (and this is the good news)

Study says rail will increase pollution

New chief says officers might have to fill in for furloughed employees

Hawaii nonprofits reeling from cuts as they slash staff, services

UH Students protest budget cuts

Draft report for water strategies in Central Maui to be discussed (OHA water grab)

Renaming Hawaii beach park for Obama not a slam dunk idea  (Cult of personality rejected by public)

4 routes identified for undersea cable

Affordable-rental $2886/mo project gets a lift

Lingle renews push to revamp schools

Hawaii's teacher furlough crisis can be (political) opportunity, federal official says (Still campaigning with the hippie from Buffalo)

ADV: Dysfunctional labor talks will harm public

Lingle: Charting our course in the final stretch

Shapiro: Let the competence Lingle-bashing begin

Koller: Changes would keep child care subsidies

SB: Don't blame escape on budget

Kalapa: Still Waiting for a Better Response to Hawaii's State Worker Furlough Fridays

Plan for Mauna Kea summit draws little interest (forget the details, just send us the $50M)

Kauai County Ethics Board searching for clarity

Burris: New B&B law rewards the unlicensed

Birth information request clarified (wanted to leave race blank)

Captured Fallujah Terror leader:  Accused SEALs arraigned, vow to defend charges

SB's choice for Pearl Harbor Day:  Exhibit shows the harsh life of Honouliuli internment camp

Hotel take down more than falling occupancy

SB: Enforcement key to B&B bill

Hawaii County eyes worker furloughs

But...Now hiring - Kenoi admin keeps on keepin' on

Climategate not in media 

Nonprofit Director:  "I am part of the 'Homeless Industry'"

Read the Fine Print

Anderson’s Bill Aimed to Reward Illegal Operators

Honolulu B&B Hotel Bill 7 is Shady Legislation!

John Waihee's looted graveyards to be auctioned

Old Hawaii airport contracts tie up more than $6 million in funds (funds the Leg wishes it could raid, part 1)

Budget Cuts blamed for ... (insert here)

HSTA president counters Lingle

ADV: Lingle must keep rail review well focused

Maui Planning process hits the . . . home stretch

Hawaii Co. Drywell contract will cost less thanks to removal of crony-protecting bid specs

SB: HSTA is accused of blocking deal by Seitz

ADV: Teachers' Union staking out hard-line position over planning days

Hawaii hosts VEX Robotics Pan-Pacific Championship

Memminger: Did scientists trade science for faith when global warming became a religion?

Shapiro: Abercrombie called on pork spending

Mehau associate Brian Schatz stepping down as Democratic Party chief to run for LG

Tam to run in mayoral race

Oceanic vs. Raycom?

Democrat Burris: Elections system in turmoil so put it back in control of next LG

SB flacks for Homelessness industry: "Better 'homeless' policy needed"

Maui Council will weigh in on streams case (OHA vs A&B)

Ocean activity businesses seek right to sell permits

Hamakua plan seems to be stuck in mud

Sergeant saves lives of four soldiers by stopping suicide bomber

Abercrombie defends $3.5M earmark after being nailed by CBS

ADV: State must balance needs of business, jobless

Rewarding Failure: BOE chairman re-elected by board to top post

Succeeding in spite of BoE/DoE/HSTA: More Schools Modify Schedules to Increase Class Time

BOE gives up on bus request

Hawaii high school football title games will be available on pay TV

Families could pay more for child care

Gun registrations in Hawaii on record pace

Accused child molester on the loose from State Hospital

Bad weather reduces taro production

Kauai Court rules in favor of Lady Ann Cruises

Maui Work force housing policy to change

Hawaii Co. Trash fee is on junk heap, for now

Hawaii Co Councilwoman Ford drops suit against councilors

Public outcry leads to about-face on land commission

Isle beach law must prevail

Obama expected to vacation in Islands Dec. 23-Jan. 2

'Gap' in HSTA talks remains

SB: Afghan troop surge is security necessity

National GOP to meet in isles

Delay urged in child care cuts

More home-tax relief stalls

Honolulu Transit authority on track

Waikiki curbside campers must go

Vandals strike at shuttered school in Wailupe Valley

Oahu single-family home, condo sales skyrocket

ADV: Panel, leaders must avert elections crisis

Hawaii parents still can spank

Lingle frees $36.9M for major Inter-Island terminal expansion

Hawaii Co. Council looks to tackle budget deficits

Hirono, Abercrombie oppose Afghan troops

Hawaii troops accomplished 'great things' in Afghanistan

180 in isle Army Guard to go to Afghanistan

Kauai: OHA Lawsuit seeks environmental review before highway widening (test run for rail suit?)

Obamacare: Overall health care bill trumps anti-abortion amendment, Hirono says

State's election chief to resign

Honolulu homeless moved for cleaning of Kapiolani Park

Moanalua parents say sixth-graders exposed to a talk on rape, abortion, Obama

Unsafe practices prompt FDIC alert to isle bank

Bill could allow 1,275 new B&B homes

Isles' late auto payments soar (Hawaii 5th in US)

Library staffs furloughed, too

Billy Kenoi's friend Malu Motta sentenced to life without parole for Pali Golf Course killings

Education official: Hawaii should not balance budget on 'backs of children' (Obama flunkey's flunkey campaigns for Abercrombie)

CBS News Nails Abercrombie for giving multi-million dollar earmarks to campaign donors

SB: Don't raise jobless fund tax too fast

Waikiki: First half of 2010 lacks big events; corporations may be shying away from Isles (thanks, Obama/Biden)

Media Council is claiming small victory over Raycom

State bankruptcies decelerate

Honolulu's city auditor to retire

KPD works to recruit officers, bust drug dealers

Kauai: 2 commissioners resign over ethics opinion

Vog triggers ag loans; Second disaster declaration made