From the Hawaii Tribune-Herald:

The Hawaii Volcanoes National Park plans to challenge an application for a helicopter landing pad in the former Royal Gardens subdivision, according to the Hawaii County Planning Department.

County Planner Jeff Darrow said the park notified the county it has completed the form for a contested case hearing regarding Paradise Helicopters’ proposal but is working on paying the $200 fee.

“They called and told us their intent to submit,” he said. “They are just trying to work out” payment.

The park has until Jan. 3, a week before the Windward Planning Commission is scheduled to discuss the company’s special permit application, to submit the form and pay the fee, he said. Read the full story.

And here’s the latest in other neighbor isle gov’t and politics:

Makaweli Poi to transfer to local Kauai group

Memorial in Hilo for Inouye

Big names show interest in converting Maui’s waste

Roads, rubbish and recreation: Big Isle agenda

Rep. Derek Kawakami partakes in mochi-making tradition

Kealakekua Bay kapu

Hydrogen buses to debut at Volcanoes park

Mateo and Pontanilla to join Arakawa administration

Photo courtesy Tapestry Dude.