Hawai'i State News

The US Department of Interior has approved $375,000 in funding to the Hawai‘i Department of Agriculture for efforts to prevent the introduction of the brown tree snake (BTS), which is the top invasive species threat to Hawai‘i. The funds awarded to Hawai‘i are part of more than $3.66 million approved by the USDOI to fight BTS.

While progress has been made toward recovery and rebuilding, the process was never going to be quick — or easy. It was always going to be a years-long effort. And while headlines might have moved on, life for survivors has not. They still need help.

The 7 defendants in the case — state of Hawai‘i, Maui County, Hawaiian Electric, Kamehameha Schools, West Maui Land Co., Hawaiian Telcom and Spectrum/Charter Communications — agreed to pay the more than $4 billion to provide compensation to about 2,200 affected parties seeking compensation arising from the Aug. 8, 2023, windstorms and destructive and deadly blazes.

Officials on Friday identified public transportation routes that can temporarily accommodate students and be adjusted in the short-term to prioritize student access in the affected Hilo-Waiākea and Ka‘ū-Kea‘au-Pāhoa Complex Areas.

The suspended routes in East Hawai‘i are for all grades in the Hilo-Waiākea and Ka‘ū-Kea‘au-Pāhoa Complex Areas.

Retesting shows enterococci levels no longer exceed the acceptable threshold

State reports water sample retesting results of Big Island waterway show enterococci levels no longer exceed the acceptable threshold level.

The Ponahawai site has since been restored to its original condition and is once again serving as an extension of the Wailoa Soccer Fields.

The Department of Land and Natural Resources’ jurisdiction encompasses nearly 1.3 million acres of state lands, beaches and coastal waters as well as 750 miles of coastline.

Hawai‘i Island welcomed 156,999 visitors last month which is 1.1% less than the 158,739 during June in 2023 and 4% less than the 163,564 in 2019 in June 2019. Spending by visitors on Hawai‘i Island totaled $283.3 million in June this year, 7.5% more than the $263.4 million in June last year and a huge 37.6% increase from the $205.8 million visitors spent in June 5 years ago.

We are thankful for the cooperation and teamwork among the various County agencies and nonprofit service providers who remain committed to making this effort a success,” said Mayor Mitch Roth.

The grants are to preserve and protect land through acquisition that has natural, environmental, recreational, scenic, cultural, agricultural production or historic value.

The 12 athletes match the highest total for the University of Hawaiʻi in any Olympics, as the university also sent 12 athletes to the games in 2000.

The all-hazard Outdoor Siren Warning System for Public Safety is one part of the system used to notify the public during emergencies.

Chief Moszkowicz said the decision not to arrest the 57-year-old came down to investigators’ opinion that there was no sufficient evidence to prove, beyond a reasonable doubt, that Lauro intentionally and knowingly caused Ireland’s death.

According to police reports, on January 31, 2024, Kapeli was contacted by police while seated on the stage area of the Mo‘oheau Bandstand with a backpack between his legs. Following the execution of a narcotics search warrant, vice officers recovered over four ounces of methamphetamine within Kapeli’s backpack.

“Our youth have told us that they need safe places to go when it is not safe for them at home or to get help with problems like bullying and mental health,” said Hawaii Youth Services Network Executive Director Judith Clark.

A new study has discovered Native Hawaiians experience higher accelerated biological aging in comparison to White and Japanese American residents.

Situated along the Kohala Coast, Hilton Waikōloa Village claimed the top spot for “Best Resort in Hawai‘i,” according to the 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards in the newspaper publication.

Currently, no structures are threatened, thanks to the winds pushing the fire southward, away from residential areas.