West Hawaii News
County Seeking Proposals for Garbage-Reduction Facility
The company chosen would finance the facility to be built near Hilo’s landfill; ownership of it is still be be determined.
Today a Good Day for Asteroid Flybys
Two asteroids flew by the Earth today, both inside the moon’s orbit with one just 35,000 miles above the surface.
Obama Budget Includes Hawaii Projects — and Fee Hike
Hawaii’s congressional delegation continues to seek an exemption for residents of Hawaii and Alaska from increasing aviation security fees.
UPDATE: Public Reporting More Scams Via Phone, Email
Police are again warning the public to be careful about giving out personal information or opening attachments of suspicious emails.
Bill Authorizing Hemp Research Moves to House
The Senate has approved legislation allowing the University of Hawaii to do a two-year study of hemp, including its use as feedstock for biodiesel.
Souki to Replace Kia`aina at DLNR Post
Souki, currently head of the state Office of Planning, will fill the position vacated by Esther Kia`aina who was named to a post at the Department of Interior.
UH-Hilo Pharmacy School Dean Honored for Research
Dean John Pezzuto has been awarded the the 2014 Volwiler Research Achievement Award for his contributions toward natural product drug discovery.
Governor Kicks Off Invasive Species Awareness Week
Individuals and organizations — including members of the Hawaii County Council — were honored for their environmental efforts.
Pot Decriminalization Falters Again, This Time in Senate
The effort to replace criminal with civil penalties for simple possession crossed over to the House in 2013, but couldn’t get out of the Senate this year.
Wintry Weather Shuts Down Mauna Kea Summit Road
Snow plows were unable to keep the road clear because of drifting caused by winds of more than 65 mph.
Police Warning Public of Electric Bill Phone Scam
A Hilo woman reported being threatened with having her power shut off if she didn’t pay what a caller said was an overdue bill.
Leadership Change Coming at Keck Observatory
Keck Deputy Director Hilton Lewis will serve as interim director when current director, Taft Armandroff, assumes a new post in Texas on June 1.
High Waves Close Some West Hawaii Beaches
Kahalu`u, La`aloa and Hapuna were closed for a second day, and a high-surf advisory was in effect until 6 p.m. today for west-facing shores of the Big Island.
Lawmakers Consider Fines for Transport of Coqui, Other Pests
House Bill 1994 would also allow for infested regions to be established as quarantine areas and regulate movement of certain materials from those areas.
Kenoi’s Proposed $412M Budget Largest in Six Years
The spending plan for the next fiscal year is the first one to surpass the budget the mayor inherited when he took office in 2008.
Police Release Feb. 28 List of Arrest Warrants
The Hawaii Police Department has released its weekly list of some of the individuals wanted on outstanding warrants.
72-Year-Old Woman Missing, May Be in Puna or Hilo
Carol Westbook may be driving a white Subaru Legacy with front-end damage.
Bill Would Subsidize Use of Fungus Against Coffee Borer
The bill introduced by Kona Rep. Nicole Lowen would help farmers pay for pesticides containing a naturally occurring fungus known to control the beetle.
Phone and Email Scams Involving Courts Still Occurring
The public is again being warned to be on the lookout for emails supposedly from court bailiffs and phone calls purportedly from sheriff’s deputies.
Cooperation Focus of Upcoming Simulated Mars Mission
The second HI-SEAS effort getting underway next month will study relationships and how the crew of six ensconced high on Mauna Loa resolves conflicts.
