Discussion
Recovery program in the works for Hawaiʻi County to better deal with aftermath of disasters
The Hawaiʻi County Council postponed the measure that has broad support in order to address questions, including about funding and whether the recovery officer position would be permanent or activated only in times of emergency and its immediate aftermath.
Now on review: Public can access Draft Statewide Long-Range Land Transportation Plan online
Public comment sought on draft state plan and Hawaiʻi Island regional plan; plans provide comprehensive framework to guide transportation investment, policy and decision-making.
State to hold open house for Daniel K. Inouye Highway extension project in Waikōloa
The extension project that began in 1999 to add 10.5 miles to the well-traveled Daniel K. Inouye Highway, also known as Saddle Road, had been shelved twice due to a lack of funding.
Public invited to help shape future of Hilo Bay
Community participation is critical for not only documenting the long-known impacts of the impaired waters of Hilo Bay and throughout its watershed, and public input will be used to develop a community vision for the bay region and guide development of any new resilience and management plan.
Public invited to review draft statewide preservation plan
30-day review period now open for Papahana Kāʻeuʻeu: Hawaiʻi’s Plan for Living Heritage Stewardship, which will guide how state, county agencies, Native Hawaiian organizations and communities work together to identify, protect and steward Hawaiʻi’s historic and cultural resources from 2026 through 2034.
Waimea prepares: Community invited to critical town meeting about emergency readiness
Recent events such as the destructive kona lows in March underscore how quickly emergencies can escalate and how vital it is for communities — including Waimea — to be prepared, connected and informed.
Sound Bytes: Synchronous swimming (with robots); behind the Hawaiʻi Glider Challenge
The exciting work of flying robots underwater takes science, teamwork and flexibility.
For first time, League of Women Voters of Hawaiʻi County co-sponsors No Dictators Protest in Hilo
East Hawaiʻi Indivisible and League of Women Voters invite people to attend this peaceful protest — one of more than 3,000 throughout the nation — to stand for the rule of law, against the Iran war and for dignity of all people; other protests also planned in Kailua-Kona, Nāʻālehu, Waikōloa and Waimea.
Don’t miss your chance to offer input; online Mauna Kea community survey closes today
Mauna Kea Stewardship and Oversight Authority — in its final stage of gathering public input for a new Comprehensive Management Plan for the Big Island mauna — encourages the public to participate and complete the survey; community input and ideas will help ensure Mauna Kea is protected for future generations.
Residents encouraged to attend upcoming meetings to share input about future land transportation needs
Public meetings to discuss Hawai’i Department of Transportation Statewide Long-range Land Transportation Plan begin March 10; Hawaiʻi (Island) Long-Range Land Transportation Plans meetings are March 12.
State Transportation Department director headlines March Waimea Town Meeting
Main focus of Waimea Community Association monthly meeting will be transportation issues affecting Waimea and South Kohala; Hawaiʻi County Department of Public Works Deputy Director Neil Azevedo also will joint conversation.
Insights: Is Hawaiʻi being left behind?
Data suggest it is, though not in the same way as traditional left-behind regions.
REMINDER: Final two Mauna Kea community workshops slated this week
Mauna Kea Stewardship and Oversight Authority encourages broad community participation in these final sessions in Kaʻū and Kona to ensure the future stewardship of Mauna Kea reflects shared values, knowledge and responsibilities.
Hawai‘i Police Department chief launches new monthly informal talk story sessions
These monthly sessions will rotate around Hawaiʻi Island and provide residents an opportunity to meet directly with Mahuna and district commanders to share concerns, ask questions and discuss public safety issues in an open, conversational setting; the first is scheduled for Tuesday (Feb. 17) in Waimea.
Put a little love in the mailbox this Valentine’s Day
While text messages disappear, a Valentine’s card endures; a handwritten message also carries thought — and heart — spanning miles.
Members of state Senate Judiciary Committee advance bill creating civil rights helpline
Committee members also moved forward Senate Bill 2203, which would prohibit law enforcement officers from wearing a mask or facial covering.
Hawaiʻi Attorney General urged to expedite probe of state legislator getting $35,000 in paper bag
Hawaiʻi House of Representatives passage of resolution follows notice that federal authorities will share evidence with state officials, allowing the state attorney general to move forward with a parallel review.
Working Families Caucus lays out proposed bill package for 2026 state legislative session
The package includes five measures to be considered by state lawmakers, targeting issues such as child care, health care and cost-of-living relief.
American Civil Liberties Union of Hawaiʻi supports ‘strike’ to stop U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement violence
There are more than 300 registered actions and events set for today throughout the nation, calling on people, organizations and communities to “strike” and demand a stop to federal government-sponsored violence being inflicted by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, or ICE, agents against peaceful protestors in Minneapolis, Minn., and elsewhere.
WATCH: ‘We will not tolerate tyranny’; Schatz condemns Minneapolis shooting
U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz of Hawai‘i spoke out Wednesday (Jan. 28) on the Senate floor about the killing of 37-year-old ICU nurse Alex Pretti by federal agents during the past weekend.
