Big Island Times News


Little fire ant leads to temporary trail closure for containment efforts

Starting today, a section of the Hauʻula Forest Reserve on Oʻahu, including hunting unit C and the Maʻakua Ridge-Papali Trail, will be temporarily closed.


Coalition challenges Trump administration over FEMA funding freeze

Attorney General Anne Lopez has joined a coalition of 22 attorneys general in filing a second motion for enforcement against the Trump administration's freeze on federal funding.


Hawaiian communities recognized for wildfire mitigation efforts at summit

On New Year’s Eve 2023, a fire ignited by illegal fireworks in Papakōlea prompted Kalāwahine homesteader Noel Shaw to take action.


DOH issues advisory amid ongoing Kīlauea eruptions affecting air quality

Since December 23, 2024, Kīlauea has been experiencing intermittent eruptions within the Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park.


Hawaiʻi and FEMA extend housing assistance for Lahaina wildfire survivors

The state of Hawaiʻi and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) are collaborating to aid survivors of the Lahaina wildfires in their recovery efforts.


Coalition supports Wilcox against Trump's dismissal from national labor board

Attorney General Anne Lopez, along with a coalition of 20 attorneys general, has filed an amicus brief in the case of Wilcox v. Trump at the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia.


Bill introduced to reinstate ban on high-capacity gun magazines

U.S. Senators Mazie K. Hirono and Richard Blumenthal have introduced the Keep Americans Safe Act (KASA), aimed at reinstating a ban on high-capacity gun magazines holding more than ten rounds.


Senators urge Trump to reinstate veterans fired in alleged mass terminations

U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono, along with Senators Richard Blumenthal, Tim Kaine, and 19 other colleagues, has issued a call to President Donald Trump demanding the reinstatement of veterans who were allegedly illegally terminated in what they...


Hawai‘i DOH advises caution amid ongoing Kīlauea eruptions

Since December 23, 2024, Kīlauea has been experiencing intermittent eruptions within the Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park.


Senator Hirono urges DOI Secretary Burgum to reinstate fired FWS employees

U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono has called on the Secretary of the Interior, Douglas Burgum, to reinstate probationary employees of the Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) in Hawaii who were dismissed during the Trump Administration.


Senators urge EPA to clarify Clean School Bus Program funding freeze

U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono, along with Senators Ed Markey, Raphael Warnock, and 14 other colleagues, has addressed a letter to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Lee Zeldin concerning the status of the Clean School Bus...


Hirono and Tillis continue leadership roles in Creative Rights Caucus

U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono from Hawaii has announced that she will continue her role as Senate Co-Chair of the Congressional Creative Rights Caucus alongside Senator Thom Tillis from North Carolina.


Public comments sought on judicial nominees for Maui's family court

Chief Justice Mark E. Recktenwald is seeking public input on nominees for a vacancy in the District Family Court of the Second Circuit, covering Maui, Moloka‘i, and Lāna‘i. The Judicial Selection Commission has submitted four names for consideration.


Senators urge funding boost for Social Security Administration implementation

U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono, along with Senators Ed Markey, Ron Wyden, and 25 other colleagues, have urged the Appropriations Committee to allocate at least $15.402 billion for the Social Security Administration (SSA) in the Fiscal Year 2025...


Judicial Selection Commission announces nominees for Maui family judge position

The Judicial Selection Commission has released the list of nominees for the position of District Family Judge in the Second Circuit, covering the island of Maui, State of Hawaiʻi.


Hawai‘i confirms second travel-related dengue case on Oʻahu

The Hawai‘i Department of Health (DOH) has confirmed a new travel-related case of dengue virus on Oʻahu, marking the second case in the state for 2025.


Judicial Selection Commission announces nominees for Hawaii's Third Circuit Court

The Judicial Selection Commission has announced the nominees for the position of Circuit Judge in the Circuit Court of the Third Circuit, located on the island of Hawaiʻi.


Hawaiʻi State DLIR hosts job fair for federal employees facing employment transitions

The Hawaiʻi State Department of Labor and Industrial Relations (DLIR) is organizing a hiring fair to address labor shortages and support workers affected by federal employment changes.


Hawai’i Wildfire Summit addresses future challenges in fire management

The 2025 Hawai’i Wildfire Summit, themed "Exploring our Wildfire Future," commenced on February 24, 2025.


Senator Hirono criticizes President Trump's firing of top military leaders

Senator Mazie K. Hirono has voiced strong opposition to President Trump's recent decision to dismiss several senior military leaders, including General Charles "CQ" Brown, Admiral Lisa Franchetti, and General James Slife.