Court asked to reconsider ruling
HONOLULU - The city wants the state Supreme Court to revisit a decision that led to shutting down construction of Honolulu's $5-billion rail line.
The high court ruled last month that the state Historic Preservation Division violated its own rules by allowing rail construction to begin before an archaeological survey was completed for the entire 20-mile route.
The Honolulu Star-Advertiser reported Friday that in a court filing, city lawyers argue the Historic Preservation Division has authority to allow the project to continue.
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Cost of shipping to Mainland to go up
HONOLULU - The largest shipping company that carries goods to Hawaii from the U.S. Mainland is raising its fuel surcharge by 4.5 percentage points.
Matson Navigation Co. said that effective Oct. 7 the surcharge will go from 39 percent to 43.5 percent for Hawaii service.
It will go from 35.5 percent to 40 percent for Guam, Commonwealth of Northern Mariana Islands and Micronesia services.
Matson previously decreased the surcharge in June and July.
The company said that the adjustment is the result of recent increases in the price of bunker fuel.
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Solar tax credits impacting revenues
HONOLULU - Economists warn generous tax breaks for solar-powered systems are shrinking Hawaii tax collections.
It's led the Council on Revenues to downgrade the state's revenue forecast.
The Honolulu Star-Advertiser reported Friday that the council reduced the forecast for fiscal year 2013 to 4.9 percent growth, down from 5.3 percent in May. The council also lowered the forecast for 2014 to 3.9 percent, down from 4 percent.
KITV reported that the state tax office is in the process of tightening up criteria for what qualifies for the solar tax credits.
