On Liliuokalani’s composition of “Mele Lahui Hawaii,” 1898

Lana‘i sale completed

Billionaires likely won’t pay conveyance tax on sale of 88,000 acres on Lanai

Ian Lind:

But because the deal is structured around Lanai Island Holdings LLC purchase of control of several Castle & Cooke subsidiaries which in turn owned Murdock’s Lanai assets, it appears to effectively sidestep the state conveyance tax.

Maui houseless evicted

Between 100 to 500 houseless persons in Lahaina were evicted yesterday.

This will not be the last homeless encampment eviction, those who work with Maui's homeless said. There are 1,200 to 1,400 people homeless people on Maui, and "we simply do not have enough affordable housing to help everyone who is displaced," said Maude Cumming, executive director of the Family Life Center that provides housing for women and children in Kahului.

City recommends amendments to Ewa Development Plan; residents call for caution

Kristine Uyeno, for KHON:

Wednesday the City's Planning Commission held a public hearing asking residents what they think and the majority of people who testified believe the city needs to slow down. "We need to stop, back it up a bit, pump the brakes and become real," said Evelyn Souza, Makakilo resident. "This planning purpose is all out of whack," said Glenn Oamilda, Ewa Beach resident.

Ulupono, Parker Ranch team up to explore grass-fed beef

The Associated Press:

Parker Ranch and the Ulupono Initiative announced Monday they entered into an agreement to jointly fund the research. The trials will follow 200 head of cattle on a test area of 300 acres from September 2012 through May 2013. ... The ranch believes that with successful trial results, its local grass-fed beef program could reach 2,500 to 4,000 head per year in annual production.

Prescribed burn at Schofield Barracks scheduled for this week

Army fire, safety and environment specialists, in coordination with the Federal Fire Department, will conduct a prescribed burn of 800 acres at the live fire range and impact area this Thursday and Friday, according to Schofield Barracks officials.

DLNR to hold hearings on proposed Ahu o Laka safety zone

DLNR will hold a public hearing on a proposed permanent rule to identify a safety zone around Ahu o Laka (the Kane‘ohe bay sandbar) that is subject to restrictions on three-day weekends involving a state holiday. The proposed rule prohibits anyone from entering or being in the safety zone while possessing or using alcohol or while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, and disorderly behavior.

The meeting will be held at He‘eia Kea State Park, Kane‘ohe, O‘ahu, 46-465 Kamehameha Highway, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, June 28.

John Koko 1961-2012

John Koko, bassist with the Makaha Sons of Ni‘ihau, has passed away.