News
Hawai‘i private attorneys get pay bump for first time in 20 years for court-appointed work
Gov. Josh Green signed into law the new state pay scale that provides $150 an hour for work done in and outside of the courtroom by private practice attorneys.
Construction of new Pāhala wastewater collection system begins next week
The new infrastructure marks a major milestone in efforts by Hawaiʻi County to close large capacity cesspools in Kaʻū. Work gets underway July 7 and will entail connecting the 109 properties now served by large capacity cesspools to the new system, among other work.
Scheduled Hawai‘i Island lane closures on state roadways for July 5-11
Lane closure schedules can change at any time without notice. All projects are weather permitting. Check to see if any of the planned closures will impact your commute during the next week.
West Hawai‘i keiki enjoy fun-filled DARE Day graduation event
More than 500 fifth- and sixth-grade students from Konawaena Middle, Waikōloa Elementary, Waimea Elementary, Kanu o ka ‘Āina Elementary School as well as Kohala Elementary and Intermediate schools celebrated with carnival games, interactive displays from several community organizations and more.
Driver of truck involved in April incident in Hawaiian Beaches sought by police
The suspect is a white man in his mid-40s, 6 feet tall, 190 pounds, with clean-cut short white hair and white facial hair, possibly unshaven. Have you seen him?
Safety alert: Hawaiian Electric readies Public Safety Power Shutoff Program as wildfire risk looms
As a last line of defense, Hawaiian Electric could implement a public safety power shutoff, proactively disconnecting power in high-risk areas to reduce the chance for igniting wildfires. the electric utility urges its customers to review emergency plans and take steps to protect their homes and businesses.
Green finalizes veto decisions; strikes down 8 measures, signs 12 remaining on intent-to-veto list
The governor vetoed bills relating to tax credits, transportation, the state’s Major Disaster Fund, property, stadium facility and convention center naming rights and others. Leadership of the Hawai‘i Legislature said a special legislative session to attempt their override is not necessary.
Four agricultural officers coming to Big Island this month for pilot program under new state law
The purpose is to combat agricultural crimes such as theft, trespassing and illegal hunting, and to enhance protection and security for local farmers and ranchers.
Volcano Watch: So what on Earth (or at least on Kīlauea) is a ‘gas piston’?
Essentially, gas pistoning is a shallow, degassing-driven rise and fall of a lava surface. Pistons often occur in narrow conduits, although they can happen in larger lava lakes and even in lava channels — and in bunches, as part of a series.
HOPE Services celebrates grand opening of integreated care hub in ʻĀinaloa
Nonprofit’s new Kahua Kahe Mālie facility in Puna expands medical respite and behavioral health care for people on the Big Island experiencing homelessness.
Hāmākua man sentenced for sexual assault of teen girl nearly 9 years ago
61-year-old Dason DeRego pleaded guilty March 3 to five counts of second-degree sexual assault of a then-14-year-old girl between September and December 2016. He was sentenced to 10 years in prison on each offense to be served concurrently.
Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park announces flight operations for July
Park management requires the use of aircraft to monitor and research volcanic activity, conduct search-and-rescue missions and law enforcement operations, support management of natural and cultural resources and maintain backcountry facilities.
Update: Police report 15-year-old Hilo runaway was found last week
Shadden Nasario-Rodrigues was initially reported as a runaway May 27 and then located June 19. He subsequently ran away again shortly before 10 p.m. June 20.
Person of interest sought in ongoing Hilo assault investigation
An image of the suspect involved in the April 27 incident was captured in surveillance footage from a business in the 100 block of Pūʻainakō Street.
Gov. Green, Hawaiʻi Congressional delegation vow swift action to protect residents, mitigate impact of Republican tax bill
Hawaiʻi’s leadership is mobilizing to mitigate the effects of a newly passed Republican tax bill that will strip health care and food assistance from thousands of vulnerable residents.
Update: Engine problems force pilot of small plane to make emergency landing north of Kona airport
The plane went down at 7:01 a.m. This is a developing story.
Two Big Island students earn a first place prize in national history competition in D.C.
Waiākea High School’s Abigail Gomez and Lillian Tao won first place for their research and website they created on the Thalidomide tragedy that took place from the late 1950s to the early 1960s for the National History Day competition in Maryland.
Girl Scouts of Hawai‘i launches statewide drive to reach every public elementary school
Girl Scouts of Hawaiʻi beginning in August will fund trained facilitators to lead troops in close geographic regions throughout the state, each serving about 10 troops and 150 girls. The approach expands on a successful model already in place at 25 Title I schools.
Top 10 things to do on Big Island for July 4-10: Plenty of family fun planned for 4th of July
The Big Island has you covered in abundance when it comes to festivities in observance of the patriotic holiday, from annual rodeo and horse races in Waimea to the main events — ‘rocket’s red glare’ and ‘bombs bursting in air’ during professional fireworks shows over Hilo Bay and Kailua Bay. Check out this week’s top 10 for all the details.
Annual Independence Day Parade and Extravaganza to light up Kailua-Kona on 4th of July
“This annual celebration brings our community together in the spirit of aloha and pride,” said Kailua Village Business Improvement District Executive Director Ross Wilson Jr. in an announcement about the festivities. “The business improvement district is proud to be one of the hosts of an event that honors our nation’s history while highlighting the vibrant culture of our island traditions.”
