West Hawai‘i News
Hospital Officials to Brief Lawmakers on Budget Plan
The state’s hospital system is facing a $48 million budget shortfall, and Hilo Medical Center’s share of the cuts is $9 million.
Iconic Kona Church Threatened, National Group Says
The National Trust for Historic Properties said the 177-year-old Mokuaikaua Church is suffering the ravages of time and in critical need of repairs.
Annual Backpack Drive Underway; Police Accepting Donations
Now in its sixth year, the drive held in conjunction with HOPE Services Hawaii provides backpacks to children most in need around the Big Island.
Homeless Men Charged in Hotel Room Burglary
One of the men, who was also charged with stealing a visitor’s car as well as numerous pieces of mail, was being held in lieu of $143,000 bail.
Abercrombie Plans to Veto 10 Bills
The legislation includes measures dealing with order of succession, law enforcement in harbors, financial disclosure and state insurance law.
La`aloa Extension Work May Cause Traffic Delays
Motorists should be prepared for lane closures this week as the contractor for the Kona project prepares for more paving work.
Environmental Commission Vice-Chair John Dill Dies
Dill, 38, also a former Ethics Board chairman, apparently suffered a heart attack and died at Hilo Medical Center on May 29.
Medical Marijuana Dispensaries Focus of Task Force
The Legislature created the task force which will present its recommendations on the establishment of Hawaii dispensaries to lawmakers before the 2015 session.
UPDATE: Another Strong Earthquake, Still No Tsunami Threat
The second tremor, in the Aleutians, was initially listed with a magnitude of 7.1 and later upgraded to 8.0, and followed one of 7.2 magnitude in New Zealand.
Forestry Group Launches Reforestation Initiative
The Hawaii Forest Industry Association is marking its 25th anniversary with the “Mahalo Aina: Give Back to the Forest” initiative.
Govt. Workers Union Issues Endorsements for Primary Election
The union representing state and county white-collar workers declined to make a selection in the governor’s race or for several Big Island legislative seats.
HI-5 Redemption Center Schedules Changing July 1
The new hours for all 10 centers will be 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., without a closing for lunch.
Police Release June 20 List of Arrest Warrants
The Hawaii Police Department has released its weekly list of some of the individuals wanted on outstanding warrants.
Mail Carriers’ Food Drive Tops Half-Million Pounds
Hilo carriers brought in more than 33,000 pounds of food during last month’s “Stamp Out Hunger” campaign benefiting the Food Bank.
Police Looking to ID Couple in Theft Case
The man and the woman are wanted for questioning in an incident that occurred May 6 in Hilo.
Obama Administration Considering Hawaiian Trust Relationship
The Department of Interior will be holding public meetings to gather input on the matter of native Hawaiian governance.
Schatz, Hanabusa to Debate at Hilo’s Sangha Hall
The event is currently the only forum scheduled on the Big Island for the two candidates seeking to fill the remaining term of the late Sen. Daniel Inouye.
Sierra Club Makes Endorsements in Aug. 9 Primary
The environmental group has released its picks of favored candidates in federal, state and county races.
Forum on Energy Issues Set for Tuesday in Kona
State Rep. Nicole Lowen will lead the discussion to include representatives of HELCO, the Blue Planet Foundation and the state agency DBEDT.
State Librarian Richard Burns Retiring
The state library system has made significant advances into the digital age under his tenure, expanding offerings of e-books, e-magazines and internet service.
