West Hawai‘i News
Legislature Takes on Tobacco; Five Bills Considered Today
Lawmakers are considering hiking taxes, regulating e-cigarettes and raising the minimum age to buy tobacco products, but won’t outlaw their possession by minors.
Big Island Lawmakers Join Aerospace Caucus
The lawmakers are promoting a package of legislation to further Hawaii’s efforts in that arena.
Renovations Funded for Hospitals Islandwide
Hilo Medical Center will get new laundry facilities, security upgrades and also planning funds for a new extended-care facility.
Police Release Feb. 7 List of Arrest Warrants
The Hawaii Police Department has released its weekly list of some of the individuals wanted on outstanding warrants.
Kona Man Dies in Holualoa Construction Accident
Police said 38-year-old Donny Loando was critically injured when the drum roller he was operating rolled backwards down a steep grade and struck a carport.
Autopsy on Hatori Not Yet Conclusive, Police Say
The medical examiner who conducted the post mortum deferred the cause of death pending additional testing, police officials said in a statement.
Police Want to Question 50-Year-Old Man
Cedric Pulgados is also wanted on an outstanding bench warrant.
UPDATE: Driver of Truck in Fatal South Kohala Crash Identified
Police do not believe speed or alcohol were factors in the collision in which the man’s truck sideswiped an oncoming vehicle driven by a tourist from Canada.
Public Warned of Another Court-Based Scam
The latest one involves emails purportedly informing recipients that they are to appear for a court date with instructions to click on a link for information.
Groundbreaking Held in Kona for 117-Lot DHHL Subdivision
Construction on the 117 lots in La`i `Opua Village 4 are expected to begin in about a year following the addition of roads, utilities and other infrastructure.
Like House Version, Senate GMO Bill Stagnant
While House Bill 2506 waits for a committee hearing, a committee today deadlocked 3-3 on a vote for the Senate’s version that would preempt county anti-GMO laws.
Bill Exempts Disabled Vets From Some Vehicle Fees
Qualifying veterans would still have to pay county fees and weight taxes, which make up the majority of registration costs.
Police Renew Request for Help Finding Missing Men
One is a Kona man not seen since Thanksgiving, and the other is a Kohala man who went missing after saying he was going to go opihi-picking.
Kona Man Dies in Police Custody, Investigation Underway
Police said Randall Hatori, 39, ran from officers attempting to make an arrest and became unresponsive following a struggle.
Man Arrested in Hatchet Incident Charged with Second Robbery
A Ka`u man told police Kainoa Kahele-Bishop had robbed him the same day the suspect allegedly took part in a robbery involving a hatchet.
Puna Man Missing, and Sought on Warrants Also
Philip Voelker, 23, was last seen near his Orchidland home in November.
VIDEO: Battle Against Little Fire Ants Picking Up Steam
As horror stories from victims keep growing, state lawmakers are considering 15 bills dealing with the pest that spreads rapidly and packs a powerful bite.
Phone Calls About Clearing Up Warrants a Scam
A spokeswoman for the Sheriff Division said someone pretending to be a deputy is offering to clear warrants for missing jury duty — for a price.
Hilo Girl Missing Since November Located in Good Health
Brianna Kehaulani Freitas-Jones, 16, was located Friday in Puna.
Police Release Jan. 31 List of Arrest Warrants
The Hawaii Police Department has released its weekly list of some of the individuals wanted on outstanding warrants.
