West Hawaii News
Governor Ige Extends Emergency Period on Mosquito-Borne Illnesses
The initial emergency declaration allowed the state to release a five percent budget restriction on the DOH, freeing up $250,000, allowing the department to fill eight vector control positions and hire an entomologist and a communications specialist.
Police Identify Woman Killed in Saturday Night Collision, Arrest Driver
Gary A. Simpkins, 22, was said to be the driver of the vehicle. He was reportedly arrested Sunday around 6:15 p.m. at the East Hawai’i Detention Center.
AP Report Finds Hawai’i with ‘Safer’ Levels of Lead in Water
Volcanic soil and few lead pipes are among the reasons why the water quality in Hawai’i has stayed within federal testing limits in the past handful of years, according to officials.
No New Cases of Dengue Confirmed Monday
The confirmed count remains at 263 cases with the most recently confirmed case on March 23. No cases are currently infectious to mosquitoes.
Prescription Drug “Take-Back Initiative” Scheduled
From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Ka Waena Lapa’au Medical Complex in Hilo and at the Hawai’i Police Department Kona Station, unused prescription medications, including tablets, capsules, and other solid dosage forms of mediation, will be collected.
Schatz Travels to CDC Headquarters Urging Stronger Vector Control Programs
Stronger vector control programs to fight the spread of mosquito-borne viruses were among the items that Senator Schatz called for during his visit.
Hawai’i Electric Infrastructure Work to Cause Single-Lane Kona Closure
The closure began Monday morning at 8 a.m. and will run through Friday, April 15 between 8 a.m. and 3:30 p.m.
Scheduled Lane Closures April 11-15
Various roadwork projects continues this week, causing temporary road closures.
Police Seek Man for Questioning in Fatal Weekend Crash
Gary A. Simpkins is identified by police as a black male, 5’6”, and 180 pounds. He has black hair and brown eyes.
UPDATE: Highway 190 Opens, HFD Still Responding to Brush Fire
Highway 190 has reopened between mile marker 6, the Old Saddle Road Junction, and Waikoloa Road.
Full Senate to Vote on Water Rights Bill Next Week
The full Senate will vote on several bills that have been recommended for third reading. Among them is HB2501 HD2 SD2, which relates to water rights.
Weekend Road Work
Various lane closures associated with ongoing road work will continue throughout the weekend.
Child Abuse Awareness and Prevention Month Recognized by Children’s Justice Centers
Over 50 percent of reported victims of crime are under the age of 18, according to statistics.
New HIHS Program Allows Visitors to Take Dogs on Field Trips
The program, which connects visitors with shelter dogs, is a “win-win program,” according to Donna Whitaker, HIHS Executive Director.
Four Big Island Correctional Officers Among Class 16-01 Graduates
Three officers will be assigned to Hawai’i Community Correctional Center, and one has been assigned to the Kulani Correctional Facility.
DOH Faces Challenges Ahead of Marijuana Dispensary Announcement
Friday’s announcement comes as DOH admits that there have been delays involving fingerprinting and background checks.
Sixteen Days Since Last Dengue Case Confirmed
No new cases have been confirmed on the Big Island since last month.
Humu’ula, Menehune Units at PTA to Open for Hunting
The Humu’ula Unit, which includes training areas 1 through 4, and the Menehune Unit, including training areas 5 and 6, will be opened.
Police Release April 8 Warrants
The list informs both the public and the individuals sought that a warrant is in effect for their arrest.
TRAFFIC UPDATE: Kohala Mountain Road Reopens Following Landslide
The Hawai’i Police Department is reporting a landslide along Highway 270, or Kohala Mountain Road, in North Kohala.
