From The Maui News:

Honolua’s Lipoa Point is one of few areas left in West Maui that has resisted commercial development, and now that state lawmakers have alloted $20 million toward its preservation, it is likely to stay that way.

The funds were appropriated as part of a $23.7 billion biennium budget proposal that cleared the state legislative conference committee Tuesday and is headed for a final vote by both houses of the Legislature sometime next week, officials said.

The funds would allow the state to acquire about 280 acres of coastal lands surrounding and north of Honolua Bay. Read the full story.

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

Big Isle Salary Commission reconsidering raises

Kauai Council extends tax exemption deadline

Big Isle Officials: Public complying with tobacco ban

California company to convert trash to energy, Maui county says

Tsutsui plays important role in post-Inouye political landscape

Island Air reduces Molokai flights

Birds block sewage plant upgrades

Warrant dismissed for ‘South Park’ creator

Legal pleading: Budget slashed for courthouse

KHS seeks nearly $1 million

Report: Vog makes for unhealthy Big Island air

Family Court judge resigns same day that complaint filed

Budget negotiations pau; UHH pharmacy school left out

Plant theft in Kokee jeopardizes mokihana sustainability

Vision of Kihei high school materializing

Activists plan return to garden

Photo courtesy planetc1.

—Chad Blair