West Hawai‘i News
First Four Families Receive Homes in Kamakoa Nui
The low-income workforce housing project in Waikoloa is expected to eventually have 1,200 fee-simple and rental homes.
Lawsuit Seeks to Stop Naval Training Plan
The environmental law firm Earthjustice is challenging the National Marine Fisheries Service’s approval of naval training.
Traffic Deaths Down by a Third Over Last Year
There have been 25 traffic fatalities on the Big Island so far this year — including eight in the first six weeks — compared to 37 at this time in 2012.
Food Poisoning Confirmed as Source of Illnesses at Oahu School
Spaghetti cooked the previous day and improperly reheated was determined to be the cause of the illness that struck dozens at the Leeward Oahu School Dec. 10.
North Hawaii Hospital to Formalize Ties With Queen’s
The agreement will improve “every aspect” of North Hawaii Community Hospital, the chairman of its board of directors said.
New Rules to Protect West Hawaii Marine Resources
The regulations signed this weekend by the governor put new limits on the taking of aquarium fish in leeward waters of the Big Island.
Police Looking for Missing Hilo Girl
Brianna Kehaulani Freitas-Jones hasn’t been seen by her family since Nov. 18.
Land Board Defers Mauna Kea Lease Extension Request
The issue of new leases for astronomy purposes on the mountain will be the subject of an EIS. Meanwhile, a judge heard challenges to a new telescope there.
Autopsy Ordered in Death of Scuba Diver in Kona
The 55-year-old man from California became unresponsive while diving off a commercial dive boat.
Geminid Meteor Shower Peaking
Weather permitting, the year’s best celestial display will be most visible after the moon sets at about 4:45 a.m. Saturday.
Police Release Dec. 13 List of Arrest Warrants
The Hawaii Police Department has released its weekly list of some of the individuals wanted on outstanding warrants.
Police Looking to ID Pair Caught on Surveillance Cameras
The two individuals were allegedly trying to break into Blane’s Drive Inn on Waianuenue Avenue in early October.
Americans Urged to Remain Vigilant About Flu Shots
With the peak of influenza season approaching, only 40% of US residents have received a flu vaccination, the CDC said.
Jason Scott Lee is Voice of Palila in PSA
The motion picture star who has a home in Volcano is helping to raise awareness about the endangered Hawaiian honeycreeper.
State Releases Health Insurance Information Sheet
The sheet provides comparisons of existing health insurance plans compared to those provided under President Obama’s Affordable Care Act.
Hawai`i Moves to Top Spot in State Health Rankings
Factors such as rates of uninsured individuals and of childhood immunizations helped push the state to No. 1 in the United Health Foundation survey.
UPDATE: Man Accused of Running Girlfriend Over Surrenders to Police
Justin Lee’s girlfriend was taken to a Honolulu hospital in serious condition following the Monday night incident.
Sig Zane to Deliver Keynote Speech at UH-Hilo Graduation
The well-known artist, clothing designer and Hawaiian cultural practitioner will be joined by Hawaiian Studies major Amanda O’Farrell as student speaker.
UPDATE: Police Locate Missing Man in Wheelchair
John Richard Strange, 70, had not been seen since having contact with a caretaker on Dec. 3.
Puna Woman Charged in Store Thefts in Hilo, Kona
Mary Santos of Mountain View was also arrested but not charged in connection with a burglary and domestic incident that occurred in Kurtistown in August.
