Laurie A. Luebbert News


Laramee named coordinator of Hawaii's State Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation Commission

When Leah Laramee was serving as interim Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation coordinator, she wasn’t afraid to accomplish things.


Corrections official on ID's for released inmates: 'Legal identification is required for most basic needs'

Hawaii inmates now have the opportunity to receive an official ID upon release that will be able to be used for official purposes to help them cope with modern-day demands of photo identification for so many things.


Monkeypox vaccine now available to those at 'high risk' of infection

Hawaii opened monkeypox vaccination slots July 27 to state residents who are considered to be at higher risk of infection.


Hirono: ‘[Access to contraception] is not "pure hysteria" to ... millions of women across the country'

Sen. Mazie Hirono (D-HI) recently asked GOP lawmakers to support legislation that she introduced.


Hawaii state epidemiologist on latest monkeypox case: ‘We are investigating links between this third case and the first two cases’

​The Hawaii Department of Health is reporting a third probable case of monkeypox among state residents.


Hawaii DOT director Butay: Wailua River Bridge upgrade 'a critical infrastructure project for Kauai'

The Wailua River Bridge is going to undergo some major upgrades, with replacement of the wooden pilings as one of the objectives, as part of a $55.7 million project that has just begun.


Patrick Guillien on new UH Hilo soccer coach: ‘He will be an educator, mentor and strong role model for our students’

The University of Hawaii Hilo Director of Athletics, Patrick Guillen, said Garrett Estrin, the university’s new soccer coach, will ensure “student” stays in the term student-athlete while instilling a love for the game.


Kahalu'u Bay receives 'Hope Spot' designation from Mission Blue: 'Kahalu‘u Bay serves as a model for other smaller bays around the world'

Cindi Punihaole and Christine Zalewski have long championed the beauty and importance of Kahalu'u Bay. Their work has paid off, as the bay has been called a "Hope Spot" from Mission Blue.


UH-Hilo baseball's Gallagher named NCBWA All-West Region Second Team designated hitter

University of Hawaii-Hilo baseball player Joseph Gallagher’s prowess at the plate has earned him more honors, being named to the All-West Region Second Team as a designated hitter.


Ige on Japan economic trip: 'Japanese visitors are a priority for us'

With the world slowly starting to rebound from the COVID-19 crisis, Hawaii Gov. David Ige is leading a delegation that has traveled to Japan with aims of sparking renewed travel interest to the Hawaiian Islands.


Case on new SLR disclosure requirement in Hawaii: 'Disclosing this kind of information' is necessary

Those looking to buy a house in the island paradise of Hawaii can sleep a little bit easier now that real estate transactions must include disclosures about the risk of sea level rise to the property.


Ige: 'We’re getting ready to celebrate the 175th anniversary of Washington Place'

Honolulu's historic Washington Place is celebrating its anniversary with tours and live music.


'I look forward to the opportunity: Ige appoints Keone Farias to lead School Facilities Authority

When it comes to appointing a schools leader, it helps if a candidate was educated there. With that in mind, Gov. David Ige appointed Chad Keone Farias to serve as executive director of the School Facilities Authority.


Kahele 'proud' to introduce bill to return Makua Military Reservation to Hawaii

U.S. Rep. Kaiali'i Kahele recently introduced the Leandra Wai Act to restore the Mākua Valley Military Reservation (MMR) and return it back to Hawaii.


Case: $1.5 trillion appropriations measure shows 'importance of the Indo-Pacific and Hawaii to our national defense'

U.S. Rep. Ed Case (D-HI) recently voted for a $1.5 trillion measure to fund the federal government for the current fiscal year.


Hawaii congressman: 'We can unlock federal funds to support existing local plans for Ka'ena Point'

The U.S. House of Representatives passed a bill initiated by Rep. Ed Case (D-HI) that advances the possible designation of Ka'ena Point as a National Heritage Area (NHA).


Vulcans drop 3 of 4 to Biola, blast three home runs in final game

The University of Hawaii Hilo Vulcans baseball team has hit a rough patch as the Biola University Eagles took the first three games of a four-game series Friday and Saturday in La Mirada, California.


Vulcans' women's tennis team drops six in a row, hopes to end losing streak at home April 3

The University of Hawaii Hilo women’s tennis team dropped a couple of close matches, struggled to get on the board against the Point Loma Sea Lions and now find themselves in a six-match losing streak.


Problem Solvers Caucus backs legislation to ban Russian energy imports

The Problem Solvers Caucus endorsed the bipartisan Ban Russian Energy Imports Act to prohibit the importation of Russian crude oil, petroleum, petroleum products, liquified natural gas and coal.


Case seeks presidential waiver of Jones Act so Hawaii can get oil easier

U.S. Rep. Ed Case (D-HI) recently urged President Joe Biden to exercise existing authority to grant a waiver from the federal Jones Act to permit internationa​​​​​l shipping companies to ship oil and other petroleum products from mainland U.S. ports to Hawaii.