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[hawaii-politics]

Hawaii Gov Releases $46M for Hospitals, Prisons, New Nanakuli Library

Gov. Neil Abercrombie has released $46 million for capital improvement projects ranging from repairing the roof of the State Capitol to building a new veterans center in Kona. 

“Many of these projects are ‘shovel ready’ and will immediately energize our growing construction industry,” Abercrombie said in a statement. “When complete, Hawaii will have improved correctional facilities and safer hurricane shelters, along with a better state hospital and public library system.”

Here’s a full list of the projects from the press release: 

$15,540,030 – Department of Public Safety (PSD) General Administration, Lump Sum CIP, statewide – Design and construction funds for 14 CIPs at various PSD facilities, including: Halawa Correctional Facility, Waiawa Correctional Facility, Oahu Community Correctional Center, Women’s Community Correctional Center, Kauai Community Correctional Center and Maui Community Correctional Center.

$15,500,000 – New Nanakuli Public Library, Oahu – Construction funds for an 18,000-square-foot public library to serve the communities of Nanakuli and Maili. The new facility will include multi-purpose rooms and a sound room for recordings, along with a covered entryway and lanai. 

$3,343,300 – Hawaii State Hospital, Various Repairs and Improvements, Oahu – Additional design and construction funds for repairs and improvements at various buildings. Projects include system-wide emergency generators and reroofing several buildings.

$3,000,000 – Hawaii State Public Library System, Health and Safety, statewide – Design and construction funds for health and safety projects at various library facilities. Improvements include roof replacement, air conditioning replacement, elevator upgrade, painting and flooring.

$2,173,821 – Office of Information Management & Technology (OIMT) Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP), statewide – Additional design funds for the statewide ERP project to extend consulting services contract an additional 12 months.

$2,000,000 – Various Public Buildings, Hardening of Hurricane Shelters, statewide – Design and construction funds for improvements to harden various school facilities (used as emergency shelters) with hurricane-protective measures. Improvements include upgrading windows, doors, skylights and other building components that are vulnerable to high winds and flying debris. In addition to occupant spaces, the project will provide “pet-friendly shelters.”

$1,390,058 – OIMT ERP, statewide – Design funds to finance consultant services for the statewide ERP project, which will provide the state with an integrated, streamlined approach to financial management (including budgeting), human resources management and acquisition management.

$1,268,000 – State Capitol Building, Replace Upper Roof and Fifth Floor Roof/Deck, Oahu – Additional design and construction funds for engineering costs related to replacing the fifth floor roof level sill panels and integral exterior wall assemblies and related work.

$525,000 – Waikoloa Public Library, Hawaii Island – Design funds for a new Waikoloa Public Library. The Waikoloa area does not have a permanent library and the closest library, the Thelma Parker Library, lies approximately 17 miles away.

$448,000 – Kamauleule Building, Department of Health Laboratory, Miscellaneous Roof Improvements, Oahu – Additional construction funds for the reroofing and related work at the Kamauleule Building.

$300,000 – West Hawaii Veterans Center, Planning, Hawaii Island – Planning funds for the development of a new West Hawaii Veterans Center. Currently, there is no center for veterans in the West Hawaii (Kona) area. The nearest center is 100 miles away in East Hawaii (Hilo). 

$288,062 – Hawaii State Hospital, Systemwide Emergency Generators, Oahu – Additional construction funds for a centralized emergency generator and emergency power distribution system. The emergency generator will provide power to support operations in the entire Hawaii State Hospital campus, excluding the maintenance yard, Hale Awa and the residences.

$150,000 – Hawaii State Hospital, Update Master Plan, Oahu – Planning funds to update the Hawaii State Hospital Master Plan. The master plan update intends to project hospital facility requirements 15 to 20 years into the future.

$93,000 – Aiea Public Library, Replacement Facility, Oahu – Additional construction funds for a replacement facility for Aiea Public Library on the site of the former Aiea Sugar Mill. The new library will include approximately 17,000 square feet, and provide adequate space for the library’s collection, quiet reading areas, a public meeting room and adequate public parking.

$70,000 – Information and Communication Services Division (ICSD), Radio Facilities, Kalanimoku Building, Upgrade of Inverters and Related Electrical Infrastructure – Construction funds to upgrade the direct current-alternating current inverter and related improvements at the Kalanimoku Building.

Photo: Construction in Kakaako in Nov. 2013. (PF Bentley/Civil Beat) 

— Anita Hofschneider

[hawaii-politics]

Snowden Held Hawaii 'Crypto Party' Before Great Reveal

Wired has this story. Excerpt:

It was December 11, 2012, and in a small art space behind a furniture store in Honolulu, NSA contractor Edward Snowden was working to subvert the machinery of global surveillance.

Snowden was not yet famous. His blockbuster leaks were still six months away, but the man destined to confront world leaders on a global stage was addressing a much smaller audience that Sunday evening. He was leading a local “Crypto Party,” teaching less than two dozen Hawaii residents how to encrypt their hard drives and use the internet anonymously.

“He introduced himself as Ed,” says technologist and writer Runa Sandvik, who co-presented with Snowden at the event, and spoke about the experience for the first time with WIRED. “We talked for a bit before everything started. And I remember asking where he worked or what he did, and he didn’t really want to tell. …”

Photo: Edward Snowden. (Robert Douglass)

—Chad Blair

[hawaii-politics]

Kauai Missile Range Plans Name Change As Inouye Tribute

From The Garden Island:

Kauai’s Pacific Missile Range Facility is planning to drop the missile — from its own name.

“We’re called the Pacific Missile Range Facility, but here’s some insider baseball,” said Capt. Bruce Hay, commander of PMRF. “We’re not going to be called (PMRF) forever.”

Instead, the base is moving forward on an initiative to honor the late U.S. Sen. Daniel K. Inouye by changing its name to the Inouye Pacific Range Facility. Hay made the announcement Wednesday during a Military Appreciation Luncheon, drawing applause from the roughly 50 people gathered at the Barking Sands facility. Read more.

And here’s the latest in other neighbor isle gov’t, biz, culture and politics:

Naniloa to get $20M makeover this summer

Successful Kauai missile launch moves defense plans forward

On the hunt for the elusive coqui frog

Malama Aina Recycling Event slated in Napili

Waikoloa land sold for $5M

After century, school still central for kids of Lahaina

UFO seen in sky evidently part of defense shield test

Hyatt to operate Coco Palms Resort

Siphon repairs to restore water in Kula Ag Park

Kauai fiscal plan must be decided by June 7

Hilo Medical Center now performing pulse oximetry screenings

4-7 tropical cyclones expected in central Pacific this season

Awards tributes will inaugurate Seaside Cinema

Students share their research at Molokai Digital Bus capstone

PTA to open several areas for bow hunting this weekend

SHAKA Movement: Criticism is ‘Wholly Unjustified and Untrue’

Anti-GMO group needs more signatures to get on Maui ballot

Latest episode airing of Big Isle’s most wanted

Photo: PMRF dedication ceremony for Aegis Ashore Missile Defense Test Complex, August 2011. (U.S. Missile Defense Agency)

—Chad Blair

[hawaii-politics]

Waiakea High Teacher Allegedly Had Affair with Student

From West Hawaii Today:

A female Waiakea High School teacher was put on administrative leave after allegedly having sex with a 17-year-old male student.

Because the student is older than the state’s age of consent, 16, it is unlikely criminal charges will be pursued by law enforcement, but the teacher, Nancy Ballo, is no longer teaching at the school while a state Department of Education investigation continues.

“We haven’t fired anybody,” said Principal Kelcy Koga, adding administrators are very limited in what they can discuss while the investigation is ongoing. Read more.

And here’s the latest in other neighbor isle gov’t, biz, culture and politics:

Bill would create environmental court

Trace, but safe, levels of pesticides found at Big Island sites

Low level of herbicides found at pair of Maui surface water sites

DLNR to start Kona boat removal today

St. Theresa School shines in Kekaha

Arson unlikely in Suisan fire, but investigation continues

One of Hawaii’s first major solar energy installations is shut down

Hayes continues battle against Syngenta’s herbicide, atrazine

Kauai’s Coco Palms Resort to reopen in 2017

Male body found by road on Molokai

Tokioka files for 5th House term

Auditor assigned to probe HawCC fees

Fundraiser for Kauai ACS will feature canines, companions

DLNR to complete Keauhou Bay EA

Kaunakakai Harbor’s ferry terminal improvements done

Bullish retailers fuel new building

Photo: Screen shot, May 21. (West Hawaii Today)

—Chad Blair

[hawaii-politics]

How Does Hawaii Rank in Electing Female Governors, Senators?

FiveThirtyEight has this story on how only 11 states have ever elected a female governor or senator.

Hawaii has elected one each — Linda Lingle and Mazie Hirono, respectively.

There are 14 states, the report states, that have never elected a woman to serve as a U.S. senator or governor. 

Photo: Map. (FiveThirtyEight)

—Chad Blair

[hawaii-politics]

Roll Call: Hawaii Democrats Can't Take Gov Race for Granted

Roll Call and the Rothenberg Political Report have this blog item on a rating change for the Hawaii governor’s race. Excerpt:

Linda Lingle was Republicans’ best possible candidate for Senate last cycle, and she was crushed, 63 percent to 37 percent, by Democratic Rep. Mazie K. Hirono. That should give anyone pause when handicapping former Lt. Gov. James “Duke” Aiona’s challenge to Democratic Gov. Neil Abercrombie in the fall.

But former Honolulu Mayor Mufi Hannemann’s decision to run for governor as an independent changes the math of the race. …

Aiona is still a long-shot to win, but Democrats can’t take this race for granted anymore. We’re changing our Rothenberg Political Report/Roll Call rating of the race from Safe Democrat to Democrat Favored.

Photo: Former GOP Lt. Gov. Duke Aoina at the Republican Party convention in Kaneohe, May 17, 2014. (Civil Beat)

—Chad Blair

[hawaii-politics]

More of Hawaii's Veterans Are Homeless Compared With Nearly Every Other State

It’s no surprise that Hawaii is home to many military retirees. But how well are they faring living in the Aloha State?

A new study by WalletHub that analyzes the best and worst states for veterans in the nation has mixed ratings for Hawaii.

The state ranks well for having many veterans and a lot of bases and health facilities relative to number of military retirees. It’s even third in the nation for the number of benefits facilities in proportion to the veteran population.

But Hawaii ranks 48 out of 50 states for having many homeless retired service members. And compared with other states, fewer veterans own businesses.

Click here to read the full study.

Photo: Courtesy of Ryan Stavely via Flickr

— Anita Hofschneider

[hawaii-politics]

How Do Lawmaker Salaries in Hawaii Compare With Other States?

Pay for lawmakers varies widely by state. Some make over $90,000 a year, some not at all.

The State and Consumer Initiatives branch for the Pew Charitable Trusts has a new study that compares the states. As Pew notes, some states have commissions that set salaries (such as Hawaii) while others are set by the lawmakers themselves.

Click on this link to take you to an interactive map; use your cursor to hover over states of interest. Legislators in California make the most, Alabama, New Hampshire and New Mexico the least. Hawaii is on the higher end of the scale.

Photo: Non-interactive map. (Pew)

—Chad Blair

[hawaii-politics]

Scientists: Rising Seas Threaten Big Island Treasures

From the Hawaii Tribune-Herald:

A time when fierce Hawaiian warriors came to seek solace and lick their wounds in defeat. A time when noncombatants could flee the battles raging around them. A time when those who broke kapu, the sacred laws, could avoid their punishment, if only they reached the sanctuary in time.

No harm could come to those who made it to this sacred place of refuge.

But now, scientists say, the grounds of Puuhonua o Honaunau, along with another important cultural site, Koloko-Honokohau National Historical Park, face a danger of their own. A rising sea is lapping away at the centuries-old structures and seawalls at both sites. Read more.

And here’s the latest in other neighbor isle gov’t, biz, culture and politics:

Commission may lower Kauai voter signature rule

Hawaii County has new top civil lawyer

Young Brothers report cargo increase

Maui Police: Going to be out every day enforcing seat belt law

Waipio Valley battles fire ants

Westerman case ruled a mistrial

Disney Cruise Line to return to Hawaiian Islands in 2015

MECO probing power outage in Pukalani

Surge moves anchor rocks onto coral, race official says

Japan tsunami buoy center of Port Allen exhibit

Fire ant detector dog officials tour isle sites

Charter schools get pass on sunshine law

The Outlets of Maui announce new West Maui shopping shuttle

Molokai birds for Bishop Museum

DAR investigating porcupine fish deaths

Maui Police Commission begins process for new chief selection

Hilo doctor featured in ‘The Red-headed Hawaiian’

Speaker Souki reviews 2014 legislative session

US forest workers help restore Kiholo fishpond

Photo: Seeking refuge. (rufus)

—Chad Blair

[hawaii-politics]

Hawaii AG Investigating Ghana Email Scam

Hawaii Attorney General David Louie says that the department’s Investigations Division has opened a criminal investigation into an email fraud scheme involving “false representations about compensation by the government of Ghana.”

"As an added twist to what has become a common form of theft and identity theft on the internet, these criminals are falsely claiming that Attorney General Louie has verified the authenticity of their claims,” according to a press release today from the AG’s office.

Louie has” no connection whatsoever with any scheme or promise to transfer money from a foreign government.” Email from the addresses davidlouie@lawyer.com and attoneygeneraloffice@lawyer.com are being used “to commit fraud and attempt to steal money.” 

In this scam, the criminals say that the president of Ghana or officials of the Ghana government have $1.8 million to be paid to the victim. Contact the Investigations Division at (808) 586-1240 or email hawaiiag@hawaii.gov for more information or to report suspected fraud. 

Photo: A seller in Ghana. (Retlaw Snellac Photography)

—Chad Blair

[hawaii-politics]

Former UH Coach Tomey Passes On Run as Hannemann's LG

Dick Tomey, head coach of the University of Hawaii football team from 1977 until 1986, has decided not to run for lieutenant governor of Hawaii.

Tomey, who has a Kahala home, pulled papers last week as a Hawaii Independent Party candidate. Had he won the primary, he would likely have been Mufi Hannemann's running mate in the general election.

But Tomey changed his mind after learning he might have difficulties getting his candidacy certified by the state. He has a California driver’s license and voted in that state’s election in 2008.

"I’m not running," Tomey told Civil Beat today.

Tomey, who also had coaching jobs at the University of Arizona and San Jose State, served as a special teams coach at UH in 2011. He said he supports Hannemann’s run for governor.

The filing deadline to run for office in Hawaii is June 3. Thus far, there are no other Hawaii Independent Party candidates running for LG.

Photo: Mufi Hannemann giving his gubernatorial concession speech in 2010. (Civil Beat)

—Chad Blair

[hawaii-politics]

Hokule‘a Crew Greeted on Maui Ahead of Voyage

From Maui Now:

Maui welcomed the crew of the Hōkūle‘a as the Polynesian voyaging canoe embarks on the first international leg of its historic worldwide voyage with its sister canoe, the Hikianalia.

Sunday’s festivities included mooring of the vessel off of Lahaina Harbor, an awa ceremony at Kamehameha Iki Park, and a pot luck gathering. Read more.

And here’s the latest in other neighbor isle gov’t, biz, culture and politics:

Sailboat runs aground off Kona coast

Kalaheo Clinic closing

Ige brings campaign to Hawaii Island

$1.7M released for Upcountry Watershed, Molokai irrigation

55-foot vessel arrives in Hanalei Bay, carrying boatload of art

Sushi, ramen and drinks: Hilo’s newest restaurant has them all

Kauai tops state in 1Q auto sales increase

Nearly 200-year-old giant gets tender, loving care

Public to meet Haleakala ranger, discuss plan

DLNR team to investigate sea urchin disease

Lihue on board with Walmart energy goals

Honokaa kicks off Western Week

Maui video production program growing in size, quality

Photo: Hokule’a circa 2009. (Bytemarks)

—Chad Blair

[hawaii-politics]

Chris Christie on Duke Aiona: 'Good News for Hawaii Voters'

Republican Governors Association Chairman Chris Christie issued this statement regarding Duke Aiona’s official announcement today that he is entering the Hawaii governor’s race:

Duke Aiona’s entry into this year’s race for governor is good news for Hawaii voters. After nearly four years of Neil Abercrombie’s weak leadership and poor stewardship of taxpayer dollars, Aiona offers voters a strong alternative to Abercrombie and a fresh vision for the state’s future.

A trusted, accomplished leader, Aiona has a proven record of success to build on; he knows what it will take to restore accountability in government and preserve the Aloha State’s tradition as a place where opportunity and prosperity are available to all. The Republican Governors Association welcomes Duke Aiona to the Hawaii governor’s race.”

Aiona, a former lieutenant governor, formally announced his candidacy at the Hawaii State Capitol this morning.

Photo: Duke Aiona announces his candidacy on May 19. (PF Bentley)

—Chad Blair

[hawaii-politics]

Comic Book Bio of Edward Snowden Planned

Bluewater Productions says it plans to release a new comic book biography of former NSA employee Edward Snowden. 

The Beverley Hills-based multimedia company has previously produced comics on William Shatner and Vincent Price. 

"Edward Snowden has been called a whistleblower, a hero, a traitor, a criminal … but who is he really?” reads a press release. “In Beyond: Edward Snowden, Bluewater takes a look at the man behind the headlines, searching for what might have motivated him to commit one of the biggest leaks of classified information in U.S. history.”

The Snowden comic will be released on May 21 and be available in both print and digital formats. Can’t wait to see how they’ll depict the Hawaii years!

—Chad Blair

[hawaii-politics]

Fun Fact: There Sure Are Lots of Cars in Hawaii

The data on the the number of registered vehicles in the state from 2003 to 2012 shows that we love our cars and trucks.

Thanks to the gang at the state Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism for the insight as to why local traffic is so awful.

Indeed, there appear to be nearly as many registered vehicles as there are people in the islands. Probably rental cars have something to do with that, no?

—Chad Blair

[hawaii-politics]

Police Chief to Run for Kauai County Council

From The Garden Island:

Darryl Perry said he is reaching the end of his police career.

But that’s OK, he said.

“My law enforcement career has run its course, and I feel like it’s time for the department to move forward with new ideas,” Perry said.

Though it has been common for the police veteran to be seen testifying before the Kauai County Council on a number of KPD issues, some of Perry’s friends told him that the next chapter in his life should include a view from the other side of the room. Read more.

And here’s the latest in other neighbor isle gov’t, biz, culture and politics:

Leprosy survivor relives his horrifying years in Kalaupapa

Maui to provide info about paramedic jobs, lifesaving skills

Westerman case may end in mistrial

Dirt bikes etch network of trails into West Maui slopes

Crews battle big surf at season-opening ‘Papa’

Lahaina Restoration Foundation shares history with kupuna

Empowering Molokai teachers for student achievement

Snorkeler seen in distress in West Maui later dies at MMMC

Big Isle man whose house was set on fire running for gov

Maui Autism Center Foundation presents heroism awards

Attempt to revive Azekas BBQ Sauce heads to kickstarter

Photo: Kauai Police Chief Darryl Perry at KPD headquarters in Lihue. (Nick Grube/Civil Beat)

—Chad Blair

[hawaii-politics]

Hawaii GOP Asks DOE to Stop Teaching Pono Choices, Reject Common Core Standards

At its state convention today in Kaneohe, the Hawaii Republican Party approved a policy resolution that includes language urging the state Department of Education to stop teaching the sex-ed curriculum Pono Choices.

The primary purpose of the resolution is to call for the rejection of Common Core State Standards in public education, which is linked to Pono Choices. But it states that Pono Choices is “medically inaccurate regarding basic human anatomy,” is not age-appropriate, fails to inform parents about the “controversial aspects” of the curriculum, “normalizes anal sex" and "fails to warn students of the extreme dangers of anal sex, even with condoms.”

The resolution asks the DOE to implement what is described as an abstinence-based program called “Sexual Risk Avoidance.” After former state Rep. Mark Moses, who helped write the resolution, read it in full, many attendees at the convention applauded.

Read Civil Beat’s related coverage:

Off the Beat: Pono Choices is a Public Document

Chad Blair: Pono Choices Is Pono For Sex Ed

Rep. Bob McDermott’s Gay Sex Problem

Photo: Hawaii Republican Party convention in Kaneohe, May 17. (Civil Beat)

—Chad Blair