Big Island Times Reports News


Hirono secures $8.4 million for Hawaii Island's food security

U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono has announced the allocation of $8.4 million to support The Food Basket, a food bank located on Hawaii Island.


Potential bird flu exposure identified at Mililani Pet Fair

The Hawaiʻi Department of Health (DOH) and the Hawaiʻi Department of Agriculture (HDOA) have identified a potential exposure to avian influenza at the Mililani Pet Fair held on November 2, 2024.


Avian influenza detected in O‘ahu backyard flock; risk remains low

The Hawai‘i Department of Agriculture (HDOA) has confirmed the presence of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in a backyard flock of birds in Central O‘ahu.


Attorneys general urge FCC to enhance measures against robocallers

Attorney General Anne Lopez, alongside a bipartisan coalition of 46 attorneys general, has urged the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to enhance its Robocall Mitigation Database (RMD).


Legislation advancing inventor diversity moves forward in Senate

The Senate Judiciary Committee has moved forward with the Inventor Diversity for Economic Advancement (IDEA) Act of 2024, a legislative proposal from U.S. Senators Mazie K. Hirono and Thom Tillis.


Open enrollment for 2025 health insurance market begins in Hawaiʻi

Hawaiʻi residents are being encouraged to review their health insurance coverage options as the open enrollment period for the 2025 health insurance market is now underway.


Woman impersonates health inspector at Kahala Mall Whole Foods

The Hawai‘i Department of Health (DOH) Food Safety Branch reported an incident involving a woman impersonating a health inspector at Whole Foods Market in Kahala Mall.


Woman impersonates health inspector at Whole Foods in Honolulu

A woman posing as a health inspector was reported at Whole Foods Market in Kahala Mall, Honolulu.


Avian flu detected in O‘ahu wastewater; vigilance urged among poultry owners

The Hawai‘i Department of Agriculture (HDOA) has urged poultry and bird owners to remain vigilant following the detection of avian influenza in a wastewater sample on O‘ahu.


Avian flu detected in Oʻahu wastewater prompts health department investigation

The Hawaiʻi Department of Health (DOH) is currently investigating the origins of H5 avian influenza, detected for the first time at a wastewater sampling site on Oʻahu.


Chief Justice Recktenwald receives second Spirit of Justice Award

Chief Justice Mark E. Recktenwald was honored with the Spirit of Justice Award by the Hawaii Justice Foundation (HJF) at their annual meeting on October 29.


Guidance issued for cesspool use in Kula's wildfire recovery

The Hawaiʻi Department of Health (DOH) has released guidance for the use of existing cesspools in residential Kula, Maui.


Hawai'i investigates first detection of H5 avian flu at O'ahu wastewater site

The Hawaiʻi Department of Health (DOH) is investigating potential sources of H5 avian influenza after it was detected at a wastewater sampling site on Oʻahu.


Hawaiian Home Lands receives $72M federal grant for broadband expansion

The Department of Hawaiian Home Lands (DHHL) has been awarded a $72 million grant from the National Telecommunications and Information Administration’s (NTIA) Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program.


Hawai'i honors pro bono attorneys and student essay winners at annual celebration

Attorneys who provided free legal services were recognized at the Hawaiʻi Access to Justice Commission’s 2024 Pro Bono Celebration on October 30 in Honolulu.


Study launched to examine diet of game birds on Hawaiʻi Island

The Division of Forestry and Wildlife (DOFAW) under the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) is conducting a study to analyze the diet of game birds in public hunting areas on Hawaiʻi Island.


Dwight Young named new state's banking commissioner

Dwight Young has been appointed as the state's new Banking Commissioner, a role that involves ensuring the safety and soundness of state-chartered and state-licensed financial institutions.


Efforts expand in Hawaii to address rising concerns over suicide prevention

The Hawaiʻi Department of Health (DOH) has partnered with the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa (UH) and various state, local, military, public, and private sector entities to further the 2024 National Strategy for Suicide Prevention and Federal...


Hawaii Department of Agriculture seeks proposals for invasive species control projects

The Hawaii Department of Agriculture (HDOA) has announced a series of Requests for Proposals (RFPs) aimed at controlling invasive species across the state.


New travel-related dengue case reported on Maui

The Hawai‘i Department of Health (DOH) has reported a new travel-related case of the dengue virus on Maui, marking the 14th such case in the state for 2024.