Big Island Times News
Gov. Green Considers Seven Nominees for Four Judicial Vacancies
By Big Island Times | May 6, 2024
Governor Green is currently considering seven nominees for four judicial vacancies in the state of Hawai‘i. The nominees include Harvey Michael Demetrakopoulos, an attorney with Shim & Chang specializing in personal injury litigation; Timothy Eric Ho, a judge in the District Court of the First Circuit; Dyan Marie Medeiros, a district family court judge in the Family Court of the First Circuit; and Steven Richard Nichols, deputy public defender and Felony Division Supervisor in the Office of the Public Defender.These nominees bring a wealth of experience and expertise to...
Woman Charged for Alleged Theft of Over $44,000 in Union Members' Dues Payments
By Big Island Times | May 6, 2024
Attorney General Anne Lopez expressed her concern over the alleged embezzlement of union dues by Lilinoe Smith, stating, "Stealing from union members is a serious breach of trust. Union members expect that when they pay their dues that the money is being used for union business." Lopez also thanked the U.S. Department of Labor for their investigation and collaboration in prosecuting the matter.Ed Oquendo, District Director of the U.S. Department of Labor's Office of Labor-Management Standards, highlighted the importance of safeguarding union funds, stating, "We are...
Gov. Green Signs Six Good Government Bills into Law in Hawai'i
By Big Island Times | May 3, 2024
Gov. Green has signed six good government bills into law, reinforcing Hawaiʻi’s commitment to accountability, transparency, and citizen participation in governance. The bills are seen as significant strides towards ensuring good governance and upholding public trust.In a statement, Governor Green said, "These bills collectively reinforce Hawaiʻi’s commitment to accountability, transparency, and citizen participation in governance."The bills signed into law aim to further accountability and transparency in Hawai'i, promoting good governance practices. Photos from the...
DOH Issues Notice of Violation and Order to Unlicensed Care Home
By Big Island Times | May 3, 2024
The Hawai‘i Department of Health (DOH) Office of Health Care Assurance (OHCA) took action against an unlicensed adult residential care home in ʻEwa Beach, Hawaiʻi. Nenita Mauricio, operating under Private Home Duty LLC, received a Notice of Violation and Order (NOVO) for disregarding licensing regulations.According to the DOH, Mauricio's unlicensed adult residential care home accommodated at least six unrelated residents, triggering multiple complaints and subsequent investigations. Mauricio, a certified nurse aide in Hawai‘i, confessed to providing care within the...
DOH Issues Notice of Violation and Order to Unlicensed Care Home
By Big Island Times | May 3, 2024
HONOLULU — The Hawai‘i Department of Health (DOH) Office of Health Care Assurance (OHCA) issued a Notice of Violation and Order (NOVO) to Nenita Mauricio, Private Home Duty LLC, for operating an unlicensed adult residential care home (ARCH) at 91-1046 Muiona Street, ʻEwa Beach, Hawaiʻi.The investigation revealed that Mauricio, a certified nurse aide in Hawai‘i, acknowledged providing care for individuals in the unlicensed facility. This action led to the issuance of the NOVO by the health department.As defined by law, an ARCH provides living accommodations and care...
Gov. Green to Attend Milken Conference with Global Leaders
By Big Island Times | May 3, 2024
In an announcement made by Press Secretary Erika Engle, it has been revealed that Gov. Green is set to attend the upcoming Milken Conference alongside global leaders. Engle stated, "Gov. Green is thrilled to be attending the Milken Conference alongside leaders from around the world."
Tides of Change: Mapping the Legacy of U.S. Island Imperialism and Community Empowerment
By Big Island Times | May 3, 2024
The upcoming event titled “Tides of Change: Mapping the Legacy of U.S. Island Imperialism and Community Empowerment” promises to shed light on an important aspect of history and community development. Scheduled for May 9 and 16, 2024, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at the Aliʻiōlani Hale Supreme Court Courtroom, the series is co-sponsored by prominent organizations.The King Kamehameha V History Center, in collaboration with the Center for Biographical Research at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa and Brigham Young University-Hawaiʻi Jonathan Nāpela Center for Hawaiian and Pacific...
Office of the Governor: Flags Lowered to Honor Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend
By Big Island Times | May 3, 2024
In a recent announcement from the Office of the Governor, it was revealed that Governor Green has issued a flag order to lower flags in honor of the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend. This solemn occasion pays tribute to the brave firefighters who have made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty.The press release, shared by Press Secretary Erika Engle, highlights the importance of recognizing and honoring the dedication and heroism of firefighters who risk their lives to protect others. The gesture of lowering flags serves as a visible symbol of respect...
Hawaiʻi Army National Guard Conducts Convoys on Oʻahu Roads for Training Purposes
By Big Island Times | May 3, 2024
Hawaiʻi Army National Guard has announced that they are currently conducting convoys on Oʻahu roads for essential training purposes. The training aims to maintain readiness and support for potential state emergencies, as stated by the Hawaiʻi Army National Guard. "We are conducting essential training to maintain readiness and support for potential state emergencies," said the Hawaiʻi Army National Guard.The presence of military convoys on Oʻahu roads may cause some disruptions, but the community's understanding and patience are greatly appreciated by the Hawaiʻi Army...
ETS NEWS RELEASE Hawai’i CIO Named to Top 25 Technology Leaders
By Big Island Times | May 2, 2024
Hawai‘i’s Chief Information Officer (CIO), Doug Murdock, has been recognized as one of the Top 25 Technology Leaders for his outstanding contributions to the state's technological advancements. Governor Green praised Murdock, stating, “Our CIO Doug Murdock has led Hawai‘i’s technology efforts through some very difficult years while simultaneously moving the state forward with the modernization and consolidation of our IT infrastructure.”Lieutenant Governor Sylvia Luke also commended Murdock, highlighting his pivotal role in modernizing the state's services. She expressed,...
Third Mayor Joins Year of the Forest Bird Proclamation
By Big Island Times | May 2, 2024
DLNR Chairperson expressed pride in the collaboration with Maui County, stating, "We are proud to stand with Maui County in recognizing the importance of our forest birds and the critical role they play in our island ecosystems." This sentiment was echoed by the Maui Mayor, who emphasized the significance of Maui's biodiversity, saying, "Maui is a special place with unique biodiversity, and our forest birds are a vital part of what makes this island so special."The proclamation, which designates this year as the Year of the Forest Bird, aims to raise awareness about the...
Hirono Announces USDA Insurance for Pasture, Rangeland, and Forage Crop Land in Hawaii
By Big Island Times | May 1, 2024
U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono announced that the United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Risk Management Agency (RMA) is expanding Pasture, Rangeland, and Forage (PRF) rainfall index insurance to include Hawaii, for the first time ever, beginning in 2025. The PRF insurance program protects livestock producers against feed loss due to lack of precipitation, and will provide producers on Hawaii Island with coverage for grazing acres. According to Senator Hirono, "The expansion of the PRF program in Hawaii is an important step in promoting sustainability in our food...
Hawaiʻi Invasive Species Awareness Month Kicks Off with Call to Action
By Big Island Times | May 1, 2024
Today marks the beginning of Hawaiʻi Invasive Species Awareness Month (HISAM), an annual campaign aimed at preventing and minimizing the impacts of invasive species in Hawaiʻi. The Hawaiʻi Invasive Species Council (HISC) is leading the initiative, with various partners joining forces to protect the islands."This year’s theme is 'Who Protects Hawaiʻi? We All Do,' underscoring the collaborative approach necessary to address and effectively manage the risks invasive species pose," stated DLNR Chair Dawn Chang. "Biosecurity is a kākou thing. This year’s theme highlights that...
DLNR News Release: Action Taken in Response to Harmful Cat Feeding Practices in Hilo Park
By Big Island Times | May 1, 2024
A recent incident involving the death of a nēnē gosling due to toxoplasmosis at Queen Lili‘uokalani Park and Gardens in Hilo has prompted wildlife managers to take action. Raymond McGuire, a wildlife biologist with the DLNR Division of Forestry and Wildlife, expressed concern over the ongoing feeding of feral cats in the area, stating, "They continue to feed the cats, and it doesn’t seem like the loss of the gosling has really made a difference in how often they feed."McGuire has been actively involved in removing cat food left out in the park, emphasizing the need to...
Senator Hirono Chairs Armed Services Subcommittee Hearing on Joint Forces Readiness
By Big Island Times | May 1, 2024
U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono, Chair of the Subcommittee on Readiness and Management Support, led a Readiness Subcommittee hearing on the current readiness of the U.S. joint forces. During the hearing, Senator Hirono emphasized the importance of military readiness in the face of evolving global security challenges."Over the past few years, the global security landscape has evolved rapidly, presenting new and complex challenges to military readiness," stated Senator Hirono during her opening remarks. She highlighted the need for the armed forces to remain agile, adaptive,...
DLNR News Release: Monk Seal Birth at Kaimana Beach
By Big Island Times | May 1, 2024
On May 1, 2024, Kaiwi (RK96) gave birth to a new pup at Kaimana Beach, marking her third offspring in that area. Kilali Gibson, Oʻahu Marine Wildlife Response Coordinator at NOAA Fisheries, expressed excitement, stating, “We’re so excited for the birth of another pup.”In response to the birth, staff and volunteers from Hawai‘i Marine Animal Response (HMAR) took immediate action to ensure the safety of the seals and the public. Jon Gelman, President of HMAR, emphasized the importance of maintaining a safe distance, saying, “Once the pup becomes more active, and begins...
HILO Woman Cited for Feeding Nēnē in Hilo Park
By Big Island Times | May 1, 2024
DLNR News Release – HILO WOMAN CITED FOR FEEDING NĒNĒ IN HILO PARK, May 1, 2024Doreen Torres was issued two citations for violating state endangered and threatened species laws which prohibit the feeding of protected wildlife, since nēnē may eat the cat food. Torres is scheduled to appear in Hilo District Court on June 21 for the misdemeanors she is charged with.The incident occurred at Queen Liliʻuokalani Park, where the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) has expressed concerns over the feeding of cats in public spaces. The DLNR's news release also...
Hirono, Colleagues Urge ABA to Examine Impact of Legal History Disclosure Requirements on Survivors of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault
By Big Island Times | Apr 30, 2024
WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI), along with Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) and Chris Coons (D-DE), have called on the American Bar Association (ABA) to investigate the effects of legal history disclosure requirements on survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault. The Senators expressed concerns about the burdens placed on survivors during the state bar admissions process.In a letter to the ABA, the Senators highlighted how survivors may be required to disclose sensitive information about their past experiences, including campus sexual...
DOH Celebrates Mental Health Month in May
By Big Island Times | Apr 30, 2024
The Department of Health (DOH) is set to celebrate Mental Health Month in May, as announced in a news release dated April 30, 2024. The focus will be on raising awareness and promoting mental well-being in Hawaii.According to the news release, the DOH aims to shed light on the importance of mental health in the community. The statement "Oʻahu:Kauaʻi:ABOUT MENTAL HEALTH IN HAWAII" emphasizes the significance of addressing mental health issues across different regions in Hawaii.As the month of May approaches, the DOH is gearing up to provide resources and support for...
DOH Shuts Down La Birria Lunch Wagon in ʻAiea, Hawai‘i for Operating Without Permit
By Big Island Times | Apr 30, 2024
The Hawai‘i Department of Health (DOH) has taken action against La Birria, a lunch wagon in ʻAiea, by issuing a red placard and shutting it down for operating without a valid permit. The lunch wagon, identified by license plate number 740 TRZ, was closed down during an inspection on April 29, 2024.In response to the violation, the DOH has outlined specific corrective actions that La Birria must take before it can resume operations. This includes applying for a new food establishment permit to use its new kitchen and passing pre-operational inspections for both the...