East Hawaii News
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.
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.
Kamehameha Avenue Narrows to Two Lanes Monday
A portion of the busy bayfront roadway will be reduced to two lanes on the mauka side to allow work to proceed on a $13 million renovation project.
Rescuers Find Lost Hiker Using Phone GPS Signals
The 20-year-old man became lost while hiking Thursday morning in the Piha Forest Reserve near Laupahoehoe.
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.
YWCA Recipient of Grant, New Coat of Paint
The paint job by members of the Rotary Club of Hilo Bay paved the way for the $10,000 grant from the Weinberg Foundation.
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.
Man Robbed Feb. 14 at Carlsmith Beach Park
The victim was in the parking lot when he was approached from behind, punched and robbed of his wallet.
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.
Man Accused of Striking Victim Twice with SUV
The man hit by the vehicle was hospitalized on Oahu for more than three weeks following the Feb. 2 incident in Hilo.
Volunteers Needed for ‘Malama Maunakea’ Campaign
Participants will pull fireweed and other invasive alien plant species to prevent their spread to the upper slopes of Mauna Kea.
Bill Would Require ‘Made in Hawaii’ Labels for Ag Products
The effort has been criticized by Hawaii farmers and food organizations, and by state officials who say it may be preempted by federal regulations.
VIDEO: Gabbard Pushes for Return of Customs Facility in Kona
The Hawaii congresswoman asked Homeland Security Secretary Jeh Johnson for help restoring international arrivals that were discontinued in 2012.
Ka`u Police Investigate Theft of Coffee Parchment
The 10 burlap bags of dried coffee beans marked “14-2” were reported stolen in Naalehu on Feb. 11.
