North Hawaii News
Obama Budget Includes Hawaii Projects — and Fee Hike
Hawaii’s congressional delegation continues to seek an exemption for residents of Hawaii and Alaska from increasing aviation security fees.
UPDATE: Public Reporting More Scams Via Phone, Email
Police are again warning the public to be careful about giving out personal information or opening attachments of suspicious emails.
Bill Authorizing Hemp Research Moves to House
The Senate has approved legislation allowing the University of Hawaii to do a two-year study of hemp, including its use as feedstock for biodiesel.
Souki to Replace Kia`aina at DLNR Post
Souki, currently head of the state Office of Planning, will fill the position vacated by Esther Kia`aina who was named to a post at the Department of Interior.
Governor Kicks Off Invasive Species Awareness Week
Individuals and organizations — including members of the Hawaii County Council — were honored for their environmental efforts.
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.
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.
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.
Hawi Mother and Son Charged with Meth Trafficking
Among the charges faced by April and Blaine Isabel are promoting a controlled substance near a school.
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.
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.
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.
UH-Hilo Students Presenting Research at Ocean Conference
The subjects of study include microbes in Hilo Bay and geothermally heated water in Kapoho as well as two examinations of the upside-down jellyfish.
Big Island Schools to Benefit from Education Funding
Projects to be funded include ADA and gender-equity improvements, including softball fields at Keaau and Waiakea high schools.