Discussion
Sen. Schatz announces passage of appropriations deal, securing billions in new federal funding for state
The U.S. Senate passed the first half of a bipartisan appropriations deal on Friday, Mar. 8, which aims to deliver billions in federal funding for critical programs that benefit Hawai‘i.
Hawai‘i Island police seek public help finding missing teen
Missing person Saysha Kaholo-Hiapo, 17, of Kailua-Kona, was reported as a runaway on Mar. 8, 2024.
Big Island Now poll No. 52: Which of these locations is best to watch humpback whales from Big Island shores?
With more whales in the water, that means more chances to spot them while they’re here, especially during the peak humpback season from January through March.
Hawai‘i Tourism Authority Supports ‘Āina-based Training and Stewardship Program on Hawai‘i Island
Ten Kaʻū community residents were recently celebrated at a hō‘ike in Pāhala for completing “Ka‘ū Hoa Pili ‘Āina,” a four-month, ‘āina-based education training program as part of the Hawai‘i Tourism Authority’s (HTA) destination management efforts and Hawai‘i Island Community-Based Action Stewardship Program. “The Ka‘ū community voiced the need to better manage tourism impacts on the […]
Kea‘au Man Arrested and Charged With Terroristic Threatening
Hawai‘i Island police have arrested and charged 31-year-old Dylan Jessen Gapp, of Kea‘au, with first-degree terroristic threatening. The charges stem from on a reported harassment incident on Feb. 25, when Gapp allegedly confronted a 28-year-old Kea‘au man and attempted to instigate a physical altercation. His bail has been set at $5,000.
Senator Lorraine R. Inouye thanks Governor Josh Green for releasing $50 million for Hilo Medical Center
Senator Lorraine R. Inouye (District 1 – Hilo, Paukaʻa, Papaikou, Pepeʻekeo) released a statement thanking Governor Josh Green for releasing $50 million in capital improvement project funds to finance the design, construction, and equipment for a new facility to expand the Intensive Care Unit and Medical Surgical Unit at Hilo Medical Center on Feb. 29.
Big Island Now poll No. 50: How do you plan to spend Leap Day 2024?
This year is a leap year, and Thursday, Feb. 29, or Leap Day, is right around the corner. While it’s not an official holiday, it’s still a relatively rare bonus day on the calendar.
Big Island Now poll results: What Big Island experience did voters choose to give or get on Valentine’s Day?
Despite the other category getting the most votes with 41, or 20%, no one commented about what other options they would like to give or receive.
UH Mānoa researchers help publish large-scale Alzheimer’s study
A study from researchers with the University of Hawaii at Mānoa has identified novel molecules linked to Alzheimer’s disease, the university announced on Feb. 12.
Big Island Now poll No. 49: What experience would you want to give/get for Valentine’s Day?
The island has a multitude of options to pick. What would you and your sweetheart want to do to make some memories?
Poll results: Readers weigh in on goals of proposed new transient accommodation rental regulations
67%, or 274 votes, selected one of seven of the benchmarks a three-bill package wants to meet or that it’s not just one of the goals that is most important but a combination of them that will make a difference with short-term rentals on the Big Island.
Big Island Now poll No. 47: What goals in proposed short-term rental bills are most important?
No matter on which side of the issue you stand, the goals the proposed legislation hopes to achieve have merit, so give us your opinion on what the bills are trying to accomplish by voting now.
Poll results: Affordable housing, high cost of living top issues for readers in 2024 race for Hawai‘i County mayor
While no choice received a majority of votes, those top two captured 42% of the total 844 votes.
Big Island Now poll No. 45: What should be the top issue in the 2024 Hawai‘i County mayoral race?
There are two who have entered the race so far, incumbent Mayor Mitch Roth and former Bay Clinic Chief Executive Officer Kimo Alameda. Candidate filing for the 2024 election starts Feb. 1.
Big Island Now Poll results: Improving physical health was top New Year’s resolution
Improving physical health and improving mental health were the top two most popular resolutions in the Big Island Now poll.
Big Island Now poll No. 43: What is your New Year’s resolution for 2024?
Setting a New Year’s resolution is a relatively common practice in the United States. A 2022 YouGov poll revealed that more than one-third of Americans, 37%, said they had a goal or resolution they wanted to achieve last year.
Big Island Now poll No. 40 results: Vote close between those who agree portions of Maunakea should be be listed as historic places and those who don’t
Out of the total 1,075 votes, 480, or 44%, said yes, of course those lands should be on the historic registers while 454, or 42%, said no, it’s not necessary.
Big Island Now poll No. 32: What was your favorite part of the 2023 VinFast Ironman World Championship on the Big Island?
After a week of events leading up to race day, a champion has been crowned for the first ever VinFast Ironman World Championship triathlon completely dedicated to some of the best women athletes from around the world. What was your favorite part of this year’s festivities?
Big Island Now Poll No. 30: Have you seen your concerns addressed after attending a Coffee with a Cop event?
The popular event provides the opportunity for community members and police to have candid conversations and ask questions over a simple cup of joe about topics ranging from sharing personal stories to discussing neighborhood issues.
Big Island Now poll No. 27 results: More than one solution needed to help extend life of West Hawai‘i landfill
Of the 900 total votes in our most recent poll, which asked people to weigh in on the best way to extend the life of the Big Island’s only remaining landfill, all of the above was the most popular answer, garnering 274 votes, or 30%.