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Watching and reporting about Hawaii politics and government.

4:28 p.m. Occupy Honolulu Demonstrates Tomorrow

Press release:

The General Assembly formally announces a demonstration to be held on Saturday, October 15, 2011, in solidarity with the Global Day of Action.

Sign making will begin at 9:30 a.m. on Magic Island near the first restroom. We will then gather at 11 a.m. at the corner of Ala Moana Blvd and Atkinson Drive. We will march peacefully to Waikiki via Kalakaua Avenue ending near the intersection with Kapahulu Avenue. We will hold a debrief and information session after the march at approximately 3 p.m. near the Gandhi statue by the Honolulu Zoo.

Why We March: We march in peaceful solidarity with Occupy Wall Street and the Occupy movements in over 1,400 cities worldwide. We march as the 99 percent who will no longer sit idly by while corporate and special interests run our government. …

Why Waikiki? Waikiki represents the center of corporate greed on Oahu. It houses mainland banks, hotels, investors, and conglomerates who have come to Hawaii to control the economy. Waikiki is also the tourist hub of Oahu where corporations persuade visitors to mindlessly shop and spend, allowing their corporate domination to continue.

3:30 p.m. Gabbard Takes In $125,000

Tulsi Gabbard‘s 2nd Congressional District campaign contributions for the most recent quarter were just above $125,000.

A press release states, “More than 72 percent of donations came from Hawaii. More than 64 perent of the donations came from contributions of $100 or less.

1:30 p.m. China Eastern Cancels Shanghai-Honolulu

Here’s two views of breaking news today:

Mike McCartney of the Hawaii Tourism Authority, via press release:

Following strong bookings to Hawaii during China’s long “National Day” holiday period, China Eastern Airlines suspended four flights on its Shanghai to Honolulu route. All flights ongoing from Oct. 28, 2011, remain scheduled as planned, operating twice weekly at approximately 75 percent load factor. Demand from China to visit the Hawaiian Islands remains high. However, obtaining visas to travel to the U.S. continues to be an obstacle.

I will be traveling to China with Governor Neil Abercrombie this weekend. We will be meeting with officials from the U.S. Embassy to discuss streamlining the visa process.

China remains an important market for Hawaii and the HTA will continue to work on developing this market.

Juergen Thomas Steinmetz of Hawaii Tourism Association, in an :

China Eastern Airlines is known for poor service and low reliability. Banking on this airline to save the lucrative Chinese business is a high risk. We saw what happened with Hainan Airlines, which played everyone, including former Governor Lingle and HTA President Mike McCartney for years.

And what did Hainan Air get out of this close relationship with Hawaii? Wherever you go now, Hainan is using our image; our Aloha spirit was stolen by Hainan and is now on all their promotional posters. Even our rainbow-colored logo has been copied to promote Hainan. I strongly believe Hainan never had serious plans to support Hawaii — they simply used us to bring up a new branding for their own destination.

12:20 p.m. Case Pulls In $136,000

Ed Case says his U.S. Senate campaign raised $136,000 in the most recent quarter. That brings to $356,000 his total since he announced, with $272,000 in cash at quarter’s end.

Here’s a statement from the candidate:

Washington politicians always have a built-in advantage when it comes to raising money for political campaigns. Mazie (Hirono) is no different as we can see by her most recent campaign spending report. She started with around $350,000 in the bank from contributions to her House campaign and has asked for even more Mainland special interest money.

12:10 p.m. Hannemann Collects $305,000

Mufi Hannemann says he has collected more than $305,000 for his race for the U.S. Congress.

“I wanted you to be the first to know that our fundraising efforts for the 2nd Congressional District seat have gone extremely well since our announcement on August 30,” he said in a brief message today.

11:45 a.m. APEC News You Can Use

has two reports on APEC security matters.

reports how the city has issued permits for Honolulu Police “to use about 75 percent of the parking area at Ala Moana Beach Park, and Magic Island, during APEC.” The is about how canoe clubs and high school paddlers “are in limbo” because of APEC ocean restrictions near meeting places.

Then there is this item: Larry Geller‘s blog details of the U.S. Coast Guard security zones, including maps. Let’s just say a lot of surfers and sailers ain’t gonna be happy.

On a lighter note: The Royal Hawaiian Center in Waikiki plans, according to a press release, to add “more cultural experiences and Hawaiian entertainment to its lineup of complimentary offerings” during APEC week, Nov. 7-12.

On a heavier note: A forum on APEC and U.S. policies On the Environment is set for 3 p.m. at in Honolulu. The featured speaker is Tina Gerhardt, “an independent journalist who covers climate change, international negotiations and energy policy,” according to a press release.

UPDATE

Henry Curtis has put together an on Larry Geller‘s blog. Very helpful.

8:35 a.m. Hirono Raises $302,000

Mazie Hirono‘s U.S. Senate campaign will report raising $302,443 from about 2,000 individual donors during the third quarter that ended Sept. 30, bringing her cash-on-hand to $722,488.

Jadine Nielsen, Hirono’s finance chair, said in a press release this morning:

Our momentum continues to build — nearly 15,000 people have joined or personally given to our campaign because they know Mazie is the strongest candidate in this race and the only candidate who will stand up for working families across Hawaii. Mazie is honored to have so many standing with her.

Linda Lingle says she’ll need $8-10 million to wage her Senate race (reportedly, she pulled in at a Kahala fundraiser this week), while Ed Case hopes to raise between $1-2 million to get through the 2012 primary.

Hirono was endorsed by Hawaii’s Carpenters Union, Local 745 earlier this week, bolstering her labor credentials.

The Legislature’s New Website

Finally got around to test-driving the Ledge’s , which underwent a major overhaul this month.

It’s a job well done and a service to voters and the people they elect.

Nice features including the posting of a House and Senate up high, the bill search along the left-side column (with helpful tips, like “fishing OR license will search for the words fishing or license”) and a current hearings box where no one can miss it.

Another bonus: A , a big help for anyone who has ever been lost in the building.

What didn’t work: A “Find Your Legislator” search, which asks for a street address. I typed in three and nothing happened. Hope it gets fixed.

UPDATE

A reader informed me that the legislator search function works if one types in a street name but not the numerical address. He’s right, and I appreciate the advice. Cool feature.

‘Tailgate Without the Tailpipe’

Sunday is the first , and events at Haleiwa Farmer’s Market and at the “piano lot” next to the Children’s Discovery Center in Kakaako will offer chances to check out electric cars from Nissan, Mitsubishi, Wheego and others.

Local sponsors include Blue Planet Foundation,ÌýDBEDT and Hawaiian Electric Company.

Talk Story: Gil Kahele

The Big Isle state senator has scheduled several public meetings in the days and weeks ahead.

• Today: Ocean View Community Center, 5:30-7:30 p.m.
• Oct. 26: Pahala Community Center, 5:30-7:30 p.m.
• Nov. 16: Waiakea High School Cafeteria, 5:30-7:30 p.m.

Army Choppers Over Mauna Kea

Check out the latest in Neighbor Island government-related news:

UPDATE

Catch up on previous coverage:

• Capitol Watch: Oct. 13
• Capitol Watch: Oct. 12
• Capitol Watch: Oct. 11
• Capitol Watch: Oct. 10
• Capitol Watch: Oct. 7