Tulsi Gabbard files complaint
HONOLULU (AP) — A candidate for Hawaii’s 2nd Congressional District seat in the U.S. House of Representatives has filed a complaint against an opponent.
City Councilwoman Tulsi Gabbard’s complaint against former Honolulu Mayor Mufi Hannemann asks the Federal Election Commission to investigate her claim that he violated campaign laws by not disclosing travel and polling expenses.
Hannemann’s campaign says the complaint is meritless and is a distraction before the Democratic primary.
Gabbard’s complaint also claims that based on Hannemann’s campaigning schedule, it’s unlikely he devoted the same amount of time to his employment or that he completed the normal amount of work required for his position. She claims his salary would be a prohibited corporate contribution.
Until Monday, Hannemann was president and CEO of the Hawaii Lodging & Tourism Association.
Newspaper’s legal fees fought
HONOLULU (AP) — Hawaii Gov. Neil Abercrombie is appealing a ruling to pay nearly $70,000 in legal fees to a Honolulu newspaper.
The Honolulu Star-Advertiser prevailed in its lawsuit against the state to release names of judicial finalists.
The newspaper reported Tuesday the state attorney general’s office says Hawaii is appealing because it considers the amount “unreasonable.”
Lawyers for the Star-Advertiser criticize the appeal, saying it will mean more costs and delay.
The governor had maintained that disclosing the names would discourage potential applicants who don’t want it known publicly they’re seeking judicial appointment.
A circuit judge ruled Abercrombie did not provide evidence of that effect.
Abercrombie later released the names of finalists for the Hawaii Supreme Court and Circuit Court.
Ewa Beach ambulance to ease closed hospital impact
EWA BEACH, Hawaii (AP) — An ambulance unit is now stationed in the west Oahu community most impacted by the recent hospital closures.
Mayor Peter Carlisle said Monday basing an ambulance in Ewa Beach will allow paramedics to more rapidly respond to emergencies in the area.
West Oahu has been without a hospital since Hawaii Medical Center West in Ewa Beach closed in January. Its closure, along with the closure of Hawaii Medical Center’s Liliha hospital, has pressured other emergency rooms around the island.
The city says extra ambulance units were made available to Ewa Beach and surrounding communities immediately after the hospitals closed. Officials planned to eventually station an ambulance in Ewa Beach to serve the area’s growing population, but the closures brought a new sense of urgency and additional funding from the Legislature.
