Benjamin Kibbey News


Kilauea remains dormant since May: 'USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory lowered the Volcano Alert Level'

Hawaii's Kilauea volcano, which began erupting on Dec. 20, has seen gradually increasing seismic activity in recent weeks, though the United States Geological Survey (USGS) indicates that no eruption activity has been observed since May 23.


Census delays could mean further funding, redistricting delays for Hawaii

Delays in the U.S. census due to the COVID-19 pandemic could lead to delays in funding as well as other issues for Hawaii.


The Food Basket sees increase to more than 80,000 individuals per month in 2020 due to pandemic

With demand for assistance increased nearly six times during the COVID-19 pandemic, The Food Basket, Hawaii's food bank, moved into action to help keep local families fed.


Coronavirus crisis spurs Nā Leo TV 'to deliver for the island on a larger, digital scale'

In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, with residents across the Big Island confined to their homes and businesses and venues shuttered, Nā Leo TV (NLTV), the island’s only public-access TV station, worked to help keep the community connected.


Ke Kai O Kahiki happy to return to Merrie Monarch Festival

For Ke Kai O Kahiki, the return of the Merrie Monarch Festival this year, even with restrictions, is a welcome opportunity to re-engage with what they love, although there are many adjustments involved.


'Vaccine hesitancy is a big problem,’ University of Washington professor Ali Mokdad says

Despite the rollout of multiple COVID-19 vaccines, reaching herd immunity still has roadblocks to overcome, a recent poll indicates approximately 25% of people in the U.S. would still outright refuse a vaccine for the coronavirus.


Alik: Getting residents to mass vaccination sites is 'what really matters' after 400 Pacific Islanders attended clinic

The Kaiser Permanente Clinic in Kona recently drew approximately 400 Pacific Islanders for a mass vaccination clinic on the Big Island, with Hawaii County even donating vans to shuttle residents from as far as Hilo.


Zysman: 'Children should be in high-quality preschools when they are four years old'

An amendment to a proposed bill before the Hawaii State Senate would enable children who turn five by the end of December each year to enroll in kindergarten at the age of four, but the amendment’s sponsor is already seeking to have it removed.


Big Island academy teachers 'did everything we're mandated to do' for Merrie Monarch Festival during pandemic

Although COVID-19 protocols will prevent the Merrie Monarch Festival from having live audiences, organizers plan for the annual hula competition to still happen this summer after being canceled in 2020 for the first time in more than a half-century.


Army seeks to retain lease on Hawaii's Pohakuloa Training Area 'where the rapid deployment of forces is critical'

Though the U.S. Army’s lease on the Garrison at Pohakuloa doesn’t expire until 2029, the military is already conducting an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) in anticipation of seeking a renewal for use of the 23,000 acres of state-owned land.


'We don't even know what we don't know,' Formby says on EMS cost transfer

Lawmakers in the Hawaii State Legislature are considering a bill that would gradually transfer Emergency Medical Services (EMS) on Oahu from the state to the City and County of Honolulu, yet city leaders are not on board.


Hawaii’s eviction moratorium extended to April

A new extension of Hawaii’s eviction moratorium by Gov. David Ige gives state residents until Tuesday, April 13 in order to address any issues regarding rent, maintenance fees, utility charges, taxes or other rental unit fees.


New FEMA Flood Insurance Maps could impact Kaua‘i County residents

With new FEMA Flood Insurance Maps going into effect on Friday, Feb. 26, the Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources, FEMA and Kaua‘i County are making an effort to make certain both property owners and renters are informed about changes to the maps that might effect them.


Pilot program aims to help unemployed Hawaii residents find remote work

A new pilot program is aiming to help Hawaii’s unemployed residents find remote work.


Pandemic hits mental health hard, survey finds

Approximately 82% of Hawaii residents recently reported in a survey having experienced a mental health condition within the past six months, with approximately 52% saying their symptoms originated during the COVID-19 pandemic.


Hawaii lawmakers seek to prevent indefinite emergency protections that promote beach erosion

Hawaii lawmakers are looking for a way to save Hawaii’s beaches from disappearing, as efforts by some beach-front property owners meant to protect their property create increased erosion of beach sand.


Waters: $400 million deficit is 'priority' for Honolulu City Council

With the City of Honolulu facing a $400 million budget deficit, Councilman Tommy Waters, the council’s new chair, has said that his top priority is balancing the city’s budget.


Advocates call for the refunding of the Hawaii Tourism Authority

The Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA), which was defunded by Gov. David Ige last May, could be critically low in funds by June, and some are pushing for Ige to return funding to the agency.


Judge rules state owns disputed Kakaako streets

The Hawaii First Circuit Court recently gave the state a win in a longstanding dispute with Kakaako Land Co. over the ownership of several Kakaako roadways.


State Legislature takes on emerging technologies with privacy legislation

The Hawaii State Legislature is making an effort to regulate the use of "deep fake" technology – the digital alteration of video to make it appear a person is someone else – with legislation that is being presented as protecting privacy.