Gov. Linda Lingle vetoed 32 bills Tuesday, including measures on civil unions, human trafficking and the board of education. In all, she vetoed 35 of the 39 bills that she placed on her potential veto list last month.
Michael Levine
Michael Levine is a former Civil Beat staff member.
Posted inHawaiʻi
Civil Union Proponents Promise Lawsuit
Lambda Legal said it will soon file a lawsuit seeking equal protection for same-sex couples under state law. The group and the American Civil Liberties Union had threatened a lawsuit last year and in February 2010 when the Hawaii Legislature moved slowly on House Bill 444.
Posted inHawaiʻi
Lingle Invites Justice Levinson to HB 444 Decision
The Hawaii Supreme Court judge whose 1993 opinion marked the beginning of the state’s debate on gay rights will be there when the fate of the civil unions bill is decided today. Justice Steven H. Levinson was invited by the staff of Gov. Linda Lingle to attend her announcement, he told Civil Beat.
Posted inEnvironment
Land Links for Tuesday, July 6
Today’s roundup: fireworks wreak havoc statewide and concrete clogs a stream.
Posted inDevelopment
State Weighing Rule Changes for 2 Million Acres
Sensitive areas like forests and beaches that make up nearly half of Hawaii’s landmass get special protection under the state’s land use laws. For the first time in more than a decade, rule changes governing what can and cannot be done in the conservation district designation that covers them are under discussion.
Posted inEnvironment
Land Links for Friday, July 2
Today’s roundup: analysis of the sewer deal and vandals massacre Big Island papayas.
Posted inEnergy
Discussion: Energy
Hawaii imports petroleum for about 90 percent of its energy needs, making it the most oil-dependent state in the country. Because of this, Hawaii residents pay more for their electricity and fuel than almost all other Americans. Of all the energy consumed in the state, 40 percent of it is for transportation. Efforts are under […]
Posted inEnergy
Mission of Top Hawaii Marine: Energy Independence
Col. Robert Rice says sending soldiers overseas to secure a flow of oil from unstable nations is not a sustainable strategy. Out of concern for national security, he hopes to make Marine Corps Base Hawaii self-sufficient with renewable energy within five years.
Posted inEnvironment
Land Links for Thursday, July 1
Today’s roundup: candidates clash on oil drilling and Hawaiians fight to stop a Kauai bridge.