#holeka inaba
Proposed Hawai‘i County operating budget increases 1.4% to fund public safety priorities
The County Council finalizes the budget and sets the tax rates in early May, with the new fiscal year starting July 1.
New Chief Reed Mahuna pledges trust, safety, respect between police, community
New Hawaiʻi Police Department Chief Reed Mahuna, who was publicly sworn in Friday (March 6), envisions a Big Island police force guided by aloha, kuleana, pono and lōkahi, vowing to build public trust and enhance public safety through officer retention, new technology and community programs.
Hawaiʻi County Council honors legacy of Fire Chief Kazuo Todd with passing of two fire safety bills
The Hawaiʻi County Council honored Fire Chief Kazuo Todd with a resolution that expressed the council’s profound condolences and recognized his decades of dedicated service to the county and the state.
Hawaiʻi County Council passes bill to restrict single-use plastic foodware, serviceware
While several supporters testified in favor of the bill, business owners, the Department of Environmental Management and Mayor Kimo Alameda expressed economic and waste management concerns.
‘No parking’ signs go up by new development along busy roadway in Kona
Bill 109 would end parking on Hina Lani Street for about a three-mile stretch, from Queen Ka‘ahumanu Highway to Anini Street.
Hawaiʻi Fire Department welcomes 4 new ambulances to its fleet
The new state-funded emergency vehicles cost a total of $1.4 million and are being assigned to four separate fire stations around the island to replace existing ambulances that reached the end of their lives.
ACLU of Hawai‘i asks county leaders not to collaborate with Immigration and Customs Enforcement
The ACLU of Hawaiʻi is investigating concerns about how Immigration and Customs Enforcement warrants are executed, potential use of excessive force, and other violations of law.
Hawai‘i County Council passes nearly $1 billion budget for FY 2025-26
Hawai‘i County Mayor Kimo Alameda said the passing of the budget shows unity between the county council and administration, adding the council members understand the county needs and the administration understands theirs.
Hawai‘i County Council fills Leeward Planning Commission seat with mother of a council member
During the council’s regular meeting on Wednesday, Council Chair Holeka Inaba recused himself from voting on the confirmation of Rebecca Kawehi Inaba to the commission seat, disclosing that she is his mother.
County Council passes pilot program to allow mobile vendors along a stretch of highway in Kona
Commercial vendors will be allowed to apply for a permit to operate within a 200-yard section on the ocean side of Ane Keohokālole Highway.
Hawai‘i Fire Department welcomes 4 new ambulances to service
Funded by the state with $1.2 million, the ambulances will be assigned to the Central (Hilo), Keauhou, Waikōloa, and Ocean View stations.
Public invited to inauguration of incoming Hawaiʻi County officials
Mayor-elect Kimo Alameda, Prosecuting Attorney-elect Kelden Waltjen and members of the Hawaiʻi County Council will be sworn in. If you can’t make it in person, the ceremony is also being livestreamed. Alameda, Waltjen and incoming Council Chairman Holeka Inaba will give remarks.
Football champs Konawaena Wildcats honored by Hawaiʻi County Council
The Hawai’i County Council celebrated the Konawaena High School Wildcats on Wednesday before moving on to agenda items during its regular session meeting. The Wildcats won the Division I state high school football championship last November, bringing the school’s first-ever state football championship back to the Big Island.
New Hawaiʻi County Council sworn in Monday
The new Council was inaugurated and sworn in during the Hawai‘i County Inaugural Ceremony on Monday afternoon at the Afook-Chinen Civic Auditorium in Hilo.
New Hawai’i County Council to be sworn in Monday
The Hawai‘i County Inaugural Ceremony is at noon Monday at the Afook-Chinen Civic Auditorium in Hilo.
