The Beat: Blogging News and Opinion

[civilbeat-blog]

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

[civilbeat-blog]

Blue Planet Launches Crowdfunding Platform for Nonprofits

The Blue Planet Foundation has launched a crowdfunding platform that assists nonprofits in meeting clean energy goals. 

Called WEfficiency, nonprofits can sign up and ask for donations or "loanations" on clean energy projects, like purchasing more energy efficient lights. In turn, users who loan money for a project will get that nonprofit's energy savings in return. 

WEfficiency has been formally recognized by former President Bill Clinton's Clinton Global Initiative.

Three nonprofits have already signed up on the platform: Hawaii Public Radio, Damien Memorial School and YWCA Laniakea. 

"It's a wonderful idea. It makes sense," said Valerie Yee of Hawaii Public Radio during Thursday's launch event at the YWCA. 

For more information, watch their introduction video below: 

Graphic courtesy of WEfficiency

— Gene Park

[civilbeat-blog]

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

[civilbeat-blog]

Maui Petition for Ballot Initiative on GMO Ban Short 3,745 Signatures

The Maui County Clerk has deemed invalid about half of the signatures submitted in support of a ballot initiative to allow Maui County voters to decide whether to temporarily ban genetically modified farming.

“The SHAKA Movement submitted 9,768 signatures, and our office has reviewed the submission to determine the amount of valid versus invalid signatures on the petition,” Maui County Clerk Danny Mateo said in a press release. “We have determined that 4,720 registered voters in the County of Maui have signed the petition, while 5,048 signatures have been deemed invalid.”

The SHAKA Movement has 20 days to gather 3,745 more valid signatures to get the temporary moratorium on the ballot this year. In total, the group needs 8,465 registered voters to sign the petition. 

The ratio between valid and invalid signatures is consistent with previous attempts in Maui County to get voter initiatives on the ballot, none of which have been successful.

Mark Sheehan, a board member of the SHAKA Movement, said earlier this month that the organization had collected a total of 14,000 signatures in anticipation that many of them might be found invalid.

The group also stepped up its efforts to gather signatures by paying people $5 per name, with a cap of $20,000. 

Click here to see the full results from the county clerk.

Read Civil Beat's coverage of the Maui voter initiative:

Maui Anti-GMO Group Is Paying Petition Signature Gatherers $5 Per Name

Maui Residents Want to Let Voters Decide on GMO Ban

Photo: An aerial view of Monsanto's GMO crops on Molokai. (PF Bentley/Civil Beat)

-- Anita Hofschneider 

[civilbeat-blog]

Poll: Eric Shinseki Blamed for VA Woes

Politico has this story. Excerpt:

More Americans blame Veterans Affairs Secretary Eric Shinseki than anyone else for the problems with patient care, a new poll says.

According to a new CBS News poll, 33 percent of Americans said the secretary is most to blame for the VA scandal, while 28 percent put the fault on local VA hospitals and 17 percent primarily blame President Barack Obama.

The poll comes after the president met with his secretary and publicly addressed the scandal at the White House on Wednesday morning. Obama called reports that 40 veterans may have died waiting for health care in the Phoenix VA system “disgraceful” and vowed to get to the bottom of the problem. ...

Read Civil Beat's Hawaii Lawmakers Speak Out on Shinseki and VA Medical Care Debacle.

Photo: Sec. Eric Shinseki, March 2011. (AFGE)

—Chad Blair

[civilbeat-blog]

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

[civilbeat-blog]

Honolulu Architects to Host Kakaako Town Hall Meeting

The American Institute of Architects Honolulu chapter is holding a town hall meeting from 5-7pm today to discuss urban design for Kakaako, where development is booming. 

Dozens of architects and others have already signed up for the event, which will take place at the Center for Architecture at 828 Fort Street Mall, Suite 100.

The event comes a day after ThinkTech Hawaii hosted a similar forum, in which attendees ranked sustainability & green areas as their biggest concern in developing Kakaako.

Click here for more information about the AIA town hall meeting.

Photo: Construction at 801 South St. in Nov. 2013 (PF Bentley/Civil Beat)

-- Anita Hofschneider

[civilbeat-blog]

US House Votes to Limit NSA Spying, Hawaii Reps Say 'Nay'

The Hill has this story. Excerpt:

The House on Thursday passed the most sweeping changes to the country’s intelligence operations in over a decade, voting to limit the National Security Agency’s ability to snoop on communications.

The USA Freedom Act, which passed 303-121, had run into opposition from some of the NSA's biggest critics, who warned that the legislation had been gutted in recent weeks. Fifty-one Republicans and 70 Democrats voted against the bill. ...

U.S. Reps. Colleen Hanabusa and Tulsi Gabbard were in the minority.

"While I was happy to be a cosponsor of the original version of the USA Freedom Act, I could not vote for this twice watered-down version of the bill,” Hanabusa said in a press release. “Though the original legislation intended to end sweeping surveillance programs, this version leaves open the opportunity to continue mass surveillance of Americans on a smaller scale."

“The USA FREEDOM Act I voted against today is a far cry from the legislation I co-sponsored, and does not rein in the bulk collection of our personal information — in fact, it does the opposite,” Gabbard said in a press release. “While proponents claim the bill does end some bulk collection, the fact is that it still allows the government to obtain innocent Americans’ personal data, to include phone and email data."

The bill now heads to the U.S. Senate.

Photo: U.S. Capitol. (Sean Hayford O'Leary)

—Chad Blair

[civilbeat-blog]

Kalanianaole Highway Repaving to Begin in June

Hawaii Kai and Aina Haina residents' commute could become a lot more congested starting this summer, but eventually it shouldn't be as bumpy.

The state is scheduled to begin repaving Kalanianaole Highway this summer, stretching from West Hind Drive to Hanauma Bay Road, according to a flyer from Rep. Mark Hashem. 

The work is slated to begin no later than June 30 and last for 403 working days. No night work is planned. 

The work is being overseen by the state Department of Transportation. 

Photo: an unusually empty Kalanianaole Highway (Flickr: jamesjoel)

— Sophie Cocke

[civilbeat-blog]

Hawaii Officials Applaud Selection of Hawaii for 2016 World Conservation Congress

The International Union for Conservation of Nature has chosen Hawaii as the location for the 2016 World Conservation Congress, which is expected to attract almost $50 million in tax revenue and visitor spending.

This is the first time the U.S. will host the event since the IUCN was established in 1948. Hawaii officials cheered the selection, with Gov. Neil Abercrombie calling a press conference to celebrate the news. 

“This is both an honor and opportunity for us to show the entire conservation community, the world over, how Hawaii has adopted a leadership role in preserving and protecting resources, developing sustainability programs on multiple-fronts, and addressing many of the issues associated with global climate change,” Abercrombie said in a statement. “The IUCN World Conservation Congress is the largest and most prestigious of all gatherings of the conservation community. Hawaii was widely recognized as an ideal venue, including a strong expression of support from President Obama. We look forward to welcoming as many as 8,000 delegates to Hawaii in 2016.”

U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz also issued a press release applauding the news. 

“Since hosting APEC in 2011, we continue to show that our state is an ideal host for high-level international forums," Schatz said. "Hawaii is the perfect location for the United States to welcome global leaders to work towards solving some of the world’s greatest conservation and energy security challenges.” 

U.S. Rep. Colleen Hanabusa, who is challenging Schatz in this year's election for U.S. Senate, said Hawaii can serve as an example to world leaders on conservation efforts.

"The Conservation Congress offers an unparalleled opportunity to showcase Hawaii’s world-class resource management programs, and I believe leaders from around the globe can learn from our unique mountain-to-sea ahupua`a resource management system," she said in a statement.

Chipper Wichman, director and CEO of the National Tropical Botanical Garden and co-chair of the IUCN 2016 steering committee, echoed state leaders' optimism.

“This is a massive undertaking that will require the kokua (cooperation) of dozens of organizations and hundreds of people, from those in the travel and hospitality industry, to convention planners, and of course the members of the public-private planning team," Wichman said. "We are up to the challenge and eagerly look forward to showing representatives from more than 160 nations what Hawaii has to offer in terms of conservation leadership, sustainability initiatives, and addressing of critical issues surrounding global climate change.”

Photo: Kawainui Marsh in Kailua, Oahu on December 2013. (PF Bentley/Civil Beat)

-- Anita Hofschneider

[civilbeat-blog]

Two Oregon Counties Vote to Ban GMO Crops

Residents of two Oregon counties have passed voter initiatives banning the growing of genetically engineered crops. 

Reuters reported Wednesday that 66 percent of Jackson County voters supported the moratorium. The race in the county of just 117,650 registered voters attracted more than $1 million in campaign money.

Voters in Josephine County also approved a ban, but Reuters reported that the law will likely be challenged in court because the state prohibited such GMO bans last year. (The Jackson County initiative was underway before that law was passed)

The Oregon county bans come just as Maui County residents push a voter initiative to temporarily ban the cultivation of genetically modified crops. Hawaii County voted to ban new GMO crops last year. 

Photo: Kauai voters celebrate the passage of a law requiring more disclosure from biotech companies (Sophie Cocke/Civil Beat)

-- Anita Hofschneider

[civilbeat-blog]

What's the Future of Kakaako? ThinkTech Hawaii Hosts Forum Downtown Today

ThinkTech Hawaii is hosting a forum on Kakaako development today from 11:30am to 1:30pm at the downtown YWCA.

The nonprofit describes the event as "a study of where we are, the issues involved, the solutions forthcoming and, all that considered, the live-work-play-learn future of the jewel in our city’s crown."

Featured speakers will include:

Keli'i Akina - Grassroot Institute  Tom Apple - UH Manoa Chancellor  George Atta - Dept. of Planning & Permitting
  Tony Ching - HCDA  Joe Ferraro - Ferraro and Choi, Architects  Mike Formby - Director of Transportation Services Carol Fukunaga - City Councilmember  Elizabeth Hokada - Kamehameha Schools  Michelle Matson - Oahu Island Parks Conservancy Race Randle - The Howard Hughes Corporation Oz Stender - Office of Hawaiian Affairs

Click here for more information.

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

-- Anita Hofschneider

[civilbeat-blog]

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

[civilbeat-blog]

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

[civilbeat-blog]

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

[civilbeat-blog]

Board of Regents: Re-opening Search for New President Would Damage UH

Two hours after Senate President Donna Mercado Kim called on the University of Hawaii Board of Regents to re-open its search for a new systemwide president, the board released a statement that said doing so would cause "significant damage" to the university.

Here's the statement in full:

We understand that some are advocating that the Board reopen the search for the President of the University. They cite concerns that the Selection Committee forwarded only two names to the Board for its consideration.  The Selection Committee’s final report recounts the circumstances that led to this situation: 

"With only three remaining candidates, Committee members discussed whether the candidate pool should be revisited to supplement the current list or, alternatively, should the search be reopened.  The members agreed not to return to the candidate pool because the five initially selected appeared to be significantly more aligned with the Committee’s criteria than the others. The members also advised against reopening the search because a renewed public effort at that late date was unlikely to garner equal or better candidates in comparison to the three who remained." (Page 4 of Final Report)  

The Board concurred in the Committee’s recommendation.

The Board believes that to open the selection process at the 11th hour would do significant damage to the University.  Selection Committee members met with at least 60 groups of stakeholders and others who cherish the University, and incorporated their views in the search. The Board believes both candidates are well-qualified and capable of leading the University. 

Photo: University of Hawaii at Manoa (Civil Beat archives)

— Nathan Eagle

[civilbeat-blog]

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