Latest News
DLNR News Release-Dozens of Vehicles to be Towed from Kahului Harbor Next Month
By Big Island Times | Apr 24, 2024
Apr 24 2024 - The Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) announced that dozens of vehicles will be towed from Kahului Harbor next month. The decision comes after the harbor area has been overrun with abandoned vehicles, leading to concerns about safety and cleanliness.DOBOR Administrator Ed Underwood expressed the necessity of this action, stating, “We recognize the plight houseless individuals face and the extraordinary high cost of living on Maui and across the state. However, our boating facilities are open to everyone and it is not appropriate for certain...
Student Video Challenge Highlights Importance of Hawaiian Forest Birds
By Big Island Times | Apr 24, 2024
Twenty-four student groups recently participated in a video challenge showcasing the significance of Hawaiian forest birds. The top videos were submitted by Pearl City Highlands Elementary School, Kaimukī Middle School, and ‘Alo Kēhau o ka ʻĀina Mauna High School. Dr. Josh Atwood, Information and Education Specialist for DOFAW, expressed his admiration for the students' efforts, stating, “Seeing students share their voices to talk about the importance of native birds in Hawaiʻi is so inspiring. They did a lot of research to produce these videos. You get the sense from these...
NEWS RELEASE: Hawai‘i Foreign-Trade Zone Honors Customs Broker M. Bowers & Co. with Annual Excellence Award
By Big Island Times | Apr 24, 2024
HONOLULU – The state Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism (DBEDT) Foreign-Trade Zone No. 9 (FTZ9) division last week honored M. Bowers & Co., Inc. with its annual excellence award, given to businesses and other organizations that have made valuable contributions to our local international trade industry.“We are pleased to present the FTZ9 annual Excellence Award to Michael Bowers of M. Bowers & Co.,” said FTZ9 Administrator David Sikkink. “A longtime tenant at our Pier 2 facility, M. Bowers has been an integral part of our local international trade...
DOH confirms additional case of whooping cough on Hawai‘i Island
By Big Island Times | Apr 24, 2024
The Hawai‘i Department of Health (DOH) has confirmed one additional case of pertussis (also known as whooping cough) in a third distinct region on Hawaiʻi Island which is unrelated to previous cases. According to the DOH, this new case closely follows 10 recently reported cases and brings the total to 11 pertussis cases on the Island from March – April 2024. Several of the recent cases have occurred in infants too young to be fully vaccinated.In response to the recent cases, the DOH strongly recommends staying up to date with pertussis vaccinations. Dr. Sarah Park, State...
Senate Passes Bipartisan Hirono, Cruz Legislation to Maintain Access to the Federal Courts
By Big Island Times | Apr 23, 2024
The U.S. Senate has approved a bipartisan and bicameral legislation aimed at preserving access to the federal courts for millions of Americans. Spearheaded by U.S. Senators Mazie K. Hirono and Ted Cruz, the Federal Judiciary Stabilization Act seeks to transition 10 temporary federal judgeships to permanent status. The bill gained unanimous consent in the Senate, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a stable federal judiciary.Senator Hirono expressed her satisfaction with the Senate's decision, stating, “I'm glad to see the Senate unanimously pass this bipartisan bill...
Hawai'i Supreme Court to Hold First Oral Argument at Kailua High School
By Big Island Times | Apr 23, 2024
Hawai'i Supreme Court justices, including Chief Justice Mark E. Recktenwald and Associate Justice Sabrina S. McKenna, will be holding their first oral argument at Kailua High School on April 26, 2024. The event will take place in the Kailua High School Gymnasium, with doors opening to the public at 9:30 a.m.The oral argument will be in the case of SCWC-21-0000679, STATE OF HAWAI‘I, Respondent/Plaintiff-Appellee, vs. CHARLES TUNG MING YUEN, Petitioner/Defendant-Appellant. More than 300 students from Kailua High School, Kalāheo High School, and Le Jardin Academy will have...
DLNR News Release - Death of Nene Gosling in Hilo Park Highlights Threat Posed by Feral Cats
By Big Island Times | Apr 23, 2024
In a recent development, the death of a Nene gosling in Hilo Park has shed light on the threat posed by feral cats carrying diseases. Raymond McGuire, a DOFAW biologist with extensive experience working with Nene, expressed his sadness over the incident. He emphasized the need for cat lovers to consider the deadly consequences of feeding feral cats, stating, "We know cat lovers are animal lovers."McGuire urged people to prioritize the well-being of iconic wildlife species like Nene and monk seals over non-native species such as cats. Jordan Lerma, from the nonprofit Nēnē...
Department of Health Reopens Ocean Club at Haliʻi Kai in Waikoloa
By Big Island Times | Apr 23, 2024
Kailua-Kona, Hawaiʻi – The Hawai‘i Department of Health (DOH) Food Safety Branch has allowed the Ocean Club at Haliʻi Kai to reopen following a green “pass” placard issued during a follow-up inspection on April 23, 2024."The Department of Health Food Safety Branch protects and promotes the health of Hawai‘i residents and visitors through education of food industry workers and regulation of food establishments statewide," said the DOH representative.During the inspection, it was confirmed that all required corrective actions had been taken, with the DOH stating, "all of...
Hirono Votes to Pass National Security Supplemental, Deliver Critical Aid to Allies
By Big Island Times | Apr 23, 2024
WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI), a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee and Chair of the Subcommittee on Readiness and Management Support, expressed her satisfaction after voting to pass the bipartisan national security funding package with aid for various regions.In a statement released today, Senator Hirono highlighted the significance of the funding package, stating, “Today, after months of needless delay, Congress has made good on its commitment to stand with our allies and defend democracy at home and abroad. With urgently-needed funding...
Gov. Green Renews Commitment to House FEMA-Ineligible Maui Wildfire Survivors
By Big Island Times | Apr 23, 2024
Gov. Green has renewed his commitment to supporting the survivors of the Maui wildfire who are ineligible for FEMA assistance. In a recent statement, the governor expressed his dedication to assisting these families, stating, "We are committed to helping these families recover and rebuild their lives."The governor's pledge comes as a beacon of hope for those who have been left without the necessary aid to recover from the devastating effects of the wildfire. With FEMA assistance out of reach for these survivors, Gov. Green's commitment to providing support is crucial in...
DLNR Announces Temporary Closure of Hawaii Island Areas for Animal Control Activities
By Big Island Times | Apr 22, 2024
(HILO) - The DLNR Division of Forestry and Wildlife (DOFAW) has announced the temporary closure of certain areas on Hawaii Island for animal control activities as part of efforts to protect the palila bird's critical habitat. A news release from DLNR stated that the animal control activities, including trapping, ground, and aerial shooting, will target feral goats, feral sheep, mouflon, and mouflon/feral sheep hybrids in specific reserves and game management areas on the island.The aerial shooting of sheep and goats is a necessary measure to comply with a federal court...
DOH Shuts Down Takamiya Market in Wailuku for Cockroach Infestation
By Big Island Times | Apr 22, 2024
The Hawai‘i Department of Health (DOH) Maui Food Safety Branch took decisive action on April 19, 2024, by shutting down Takamiya Market in Wailuku due to a severe cockroach infestation. Live cockroaches were found on various food contact surfaces during a routine inspection, leading to the immediate closure of the establishment. The market, located at 359 N. Market Street, is operated by Takamiya Market Inc.In response to the infestation, the DOH mandated specific measures that must be met before the market can reopen to the public. These include hiring a professional...
DOH Shuts Down Takamiya Market in Wailuku for Cockroach Infestation
By Big Island Times | Apr 22, 2024
Wailuku, Hawai‘i – The Hawai‘i Department of Health (DOH) Maui Food Safety Branch took decisive action by shutting down Takamiya Market in Wailuku on April 19, 2024, after a routine inspection uncovered a severe cockroach infestation."During the routine inspection, live cockroaches were observed crawling on multiple food contact surfaces in the kitchen where food items and cooking equipment were stored."The establishment, operated by Takamiya Market Inc., was issued a red "Closed" placard by the DOH due to its history of non-compliance with pest control and prevention...
Department of Health Shuts Down Ocean Club at Haliʻi Kai in Waikoloa for Active Rodent Infestation
By Big Island Times | Apr 22, 2024
Kailua-Kona, Hawaiʻi – The Hawai‘i Department of Health (DOH) Food Safety Branch took swift action by issuing a red “Closed” placard and shutting down Ocean Club at Haliʻi Kai on April 19, 2024, due to an active rodent infestation, contaminated food products, and unsanitary conditions within the establishment. The Ocean Club, located at 69-1029 Nawahine Place in Waikoloa and operated by Castle Resorts & Hotels Inc., faced closure following an inspection prompted by a public complaint received on April 18, 2024.The Hawai‘i Department of Health Food Safety Branch,...
Gov. Green Marks Earth Day with Environmentally-Friendly Initiatives
By Big Island Times | Apr 22, 2024
In a recent announcement, the Office of the Governor highlighted various initiatives undertaken by state departments to commemorate Earth Day.The Hawai‘i Department of Transportation has embarked on Phase 2 of its Plastic Road Pilot on Fort Weaver Road. According to the Governor's office, this phase involves collaborating with partners to test a recycled plastic polymer in the pavement binder. The project's objective is to repurpose plastic waste, including consumer plastic and abandoned fishing nets, into road materials, thereby diverting waste from landfills. The...
Department of Health Shuts Down Ocean Club at Haliʻi Kai in Waikoloa Due to Rodent Infestation
By Big Island Times | Apr 22, 2024
Kailua-Kona, Hawaiʻi – The Hawai‘i Department of Health (DOH) Food Safety Branch took action on April 19, 2024, by issuing a red “Closed” placard and shutting down Ocean Club at Haliʻi Kai in Waikoloa due to an active rodent infestation. The establishment, operated by Castle Resorts & Hotels Inc., located at 69-1029 Nawahine Place, was found to have contaminated food products and unsanitary conditions within the facility.During an inspection prompted by a public complaint received on April 18, 2024, the health department inspector noted various violations, including...
Hawaiʻi Attorney General Collaborates with DEA and Law Enforcement for National Prescription Drug Take Back Day
By Big Island Times | Apr 22, 2024
HONOLULU, HI – The Hawaiʻi Department of the Attorney General has announced its partnership with the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Hawaiʻi Department of Law Enforcement Narcotics Enforcement Division, and local law enforcement agencies for National Prescription Drug Take Back Day. The event is scheduled for Saturday, April 27, 2024, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at various collection sites across Oʻahu, Maui, Kauaʻi, and Hawaiʻi island.DEA Honolulu District Office Assistant Special Agent in Charge Victor Vazquez emphasized the importance of the...
Hundreds Participate in Earth Day Makiki Stream Clean-up, Organized by DLNR
By Big Island Times | Apr 20, 2024
Hundreds of volunteers participated in the Earth Day clean-up along a mile-long stretch of Makiki stream organized by the DLNR Division of State Parks (DSP) and the Nā Ala Hele trails program of the DLNR Division of Forestry and Wildlife, along with several community groups. Kekai Mar from DSP expressed the importance of the work, stating, "We’re removing various invasive species, putting in native plants and then working on some hillside erosion prevention."The project involved nearly three dozen volunteers working with DLNR crews, with another 200 people performing...
Man Charged in Waianae Barricade Situation - $1,000,000 Bail Set
By Big Island Times | Apr 20, 2024
April 20, 2024 Man charged in Wai‘anae Barricade Situation HONOLULU – The Department of Law Enforcement (DLE) is announcing that Howard Abraham has been charged with multiple criminal offenses stemming from a barricade situation in Wai‘anae on Thursday. Today, the Department of the Attorney General charged Abraham with three counts of attempted murder in the first degree and one count of causing injury to a law enforcement animal. Bail has now been set at $1,000,000.00.Director Jordan Lowe of the Department of Law Enforcement expressed gratitude for the support received...
Hirono Statement on FISA 702 Reauthorization Vote
By Big Island Times | Apr 20, 2024
WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI), a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, expressed her stance on the reauthorization of Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) in a recent statement. Senator Hirono voted against the Reforming Intelligence and Securing America Act (RISAA), citing concerns about the balance between national security needs and civil liberties.In her statement, Senator Hirono emphasized the importance of regular review and debate regarding surveillance programs to ensure they uphold both national security...