Land Links for Wednesday, June 23

Every day, I'm scouring the Internet for land use and environmental news from around the state and around the world that means something for us here in Hawaii. Noteworthy today: Brazilian bugs munch strawberry guava and a water debate rages on the Big Island.

• The Hawaii Department of Agriculture has posted a draft Environmental Assessment for the statewide release of a Brazilian scale insect that will eat non-native strawberry guava. The Star-Advertiser has a full report on the controversial plan.

• South Kona was warned about the salt content of its well water because the city was pumping its groundwater too hard. Now, county officials say delays in completing a well in Ocean View was due to unreasonable community demands.

• The Maui Planning Commission got the first public look at designs for a 1,400-unit housing development in South Maui.

• Kauai developers are backing out on an agreement to build 75 affordable houses in exchange for an approval to build 1,500 high-end units, a golf course and shopping center.

• Big Island land donations were approved by the Hawaii County Council, clearing the way for a new highway, West Hawaii Today reports.

• San Francisco will require retailers to disclose the relationship between long-term use of cell phones and health problems like brain tumors.

• A judge ruled against the previous ban, so feds have prepared a more flexible oil drilling moratorium. Here in Hawaii, the Sierra Club has planned a "mock oil spill."

Join the conversation on these and other stories.

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