Why blank votes count as no votes for Hawaiʻi statewide ballot measures
Hawaiʻi is among four states along with Minnesota, Tennessee and Wyoming that require amendments to be approved by “a majority of voters in the entire election.” That means voters who abstain from voting on an amendment “essentially count as no votes.
Young Brothers seeks 2 kinds of rate increases for interisland ocean cargo
The company’s Oct. 15 application to the state Public Utilities Commission not only seeks a general rate increase averaging 20% for most cargo, but also asks for annual automatic rate changes tied to inflation.
Public Utility Commission holds community meeting about energy disconnections
A recent report issued by the Public Utilities Commission estimates that roughly 6,000 households had their electricity turned off after falling behind on their bills last year, which is almost double the number of disconnections that occurred in 2019.
Maximizing Your Retirement: Annuities & Self-Directed IRAs
Explore how annuities and self-directed IRAs can play a pivotal role in your retirement strategy. Gain insights from financial experts on managing risks, understanding restrictions, and expanding your investment options beyond traditional methods.
Honolulu Council discusses new agricultural task force
Many from Oʻahu’s farming and ranching communities support a Honolulu City Council plan to potentially restore the city’s now-defunct Agricultural Development Task Force.
Settlements recommended for Honolulu Liquor Commission and police lawsuits
The City Council still needs to approve the $670,000 settlement over a lawsuit against the liquor commission and $150,000 for the family of a girl who was arrested.
Officials brainstorm new rules for e-bikes to improve safety amid rising accidents
New laws aimed at clarifying the rules on e-bikes could be passed by the end of this year. It comes as the City and County of Honolulu reports already more than 180 accidents related to them this year alone.
20/20/20 vision: Protect your eyes from prolonged screen time
In today’s digital age, our eyes are constantly bombarded with screens, leading to increased strain. Whether it’s working on a computer, scrolling through a smartphone, or watching television, prolonged screen time can have significant repercussions on eye health. Implementing the 20-20-20 rule, however, can potentially benefit your eye health and overall well-being.
Environmental Protection Agency reports mixed bag of Red Hill water results
The current well in use got the all-clear in terms of meeting the maximum contaminant level, or MCL. The EPA also tested for total petroleum hydrocarbons.
Hundreds of students gathered around the Kamehameha statue Tuesday, sign-waving before walking over to Honolulu Hale to drop off general election ballots or watch the process unfold.
EA for Keaukaha project contains references to startup company
Despite appearing in a state environmental assessment, a private company’s concept for a water treatment facility in Keaukaha remains only hypothetical for now.
Hawaiʻi Island’s Natural Energy Laboratory celebrates 50 years of climate-focused projects
The park is also home to the only off-shore aquaculture operation in the country, operated by Blue Ocean Mariculture. New tenants— such as Sea Dragon Energy, a company that wants to scale up its operations to produce jet fuel from seawater — are hoping to get space at the 870-acre park.
As an island community, Hawai‘i’s well-being depends on sustainable systems, where people and nature exist in balance. Learn about efforts to increase food production in an ancient fishpond on O‘ahu, reuse treated wastewater on Maui and clean up the reefs of the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands.
Lahaina residents invited to workshop on rebuilding the energy grid
The new Lahaina Energy Partnership is composed of local organizations and funded by the U.S. Department of Energy’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory, or NREL. They’ll be holding a community workshop Thursday to gather input.
Lahaina homeowners can now apply to receive lot surveys at no cost
The Lahaina Homeowner Recovery Program announced that it will offer no-cost lot surveys for Lahaina homeowners who lived in their home before the Aug. 8, 2023, Maui wildfires. Funding for the lot surveys was provided through a $3-million grant to Hawaiʻi Community Lending from the Maui Strong Fund of the Hawaiʻi Community Foundation.
State seeks feedback on new proposed site to rebuild King Kamehameha III Elementary in Lahaina
The Hawai’i Department of Education is seeking community input for a new proposed site up to 16 acres from landowner Kamehameha Schools in Ku’ia, Lahaina, that could serve as the permanent home for rebuilding King Kamehameha III Elementary School, which was damaged in the Aug. 8 wildfires.
Kauaʻi voters asked to fund groups maintaining natural resources
One proposed charter amendment on Kauaʻi could make it easier for the county to partner with volunteer organizations to care for properties it has acquired under a fund designed to preserve natural resources.
A monthly analysis of streams, rivers and surf spots around the island found high concentrations of enterococcus bacterium at a number of locations with Hanamaulu Stream emerging as the grungiest in October.
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
kh6jrm@gmail.com
I am the retired news director of Pacific Radio Group stations on the Island of Hawaii. I am a retired Lt. Col., USAF Reserve. I am a FCC-licensed Amateur Radio Operator, holding the Amateur Extra Class License. I am a substitute teacher for the state of Hawaii Department of Education.
View all posts by kh6jrm@gmail.com
