Latest News from Big Island Times

Chief Justice Mark E. Recktenwald has appointed Sonya H. Toma to a judicial position in the District Family Court of the Second Circuit, covering Maui, Molokaʻi, and Lānaʻi.

Visitor spending rose in February 2025, despite decline in visitor numbers

According to initial figures from the Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism (DBEDT), Hawai‘i saw an increase in visitor numbers and spending in February 2025.

Senators urge hearings on alleged mishandling of military information by Trump administration

U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono and 15 Senate colleagues have called for hearings to investigate the alleged mishandling of classified military operations information by members of former President Trump's national security team.

Hawai‘i DCCA issues alert on 23andMe bankruptcy and consumer rights

The Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs (DCCA) of Hawai‘i has issued a consumer alert following the bankruptcy filing by 23andMe, a company offering direct-to-consumer genetic testing.

Māla Boat Ramp dredging begins March 31; completion expected by September

Dredging work at Māla Boat Ramp in Maui is set to commence on March 31, 2025, with an anticipated completion by late September of the same year.

Hirono leads condemnation against Trump's move to dismantle Department of Education

U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono, alongside Senator Adam Schiff and 17 other colleagues, has introduced a resolution condemning President Donald Trump's executive order aimed at dismantling the Department of Education.

Senators oppose Trump's immigration registration policy revival

U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono, along with Senator Ed Markey and seven other senators, has expressed strong opposition to the Trump administration's plan to reinstate an immigration registration requirement.

Lawmakers push resolution to advance Equal Rights Amendment

U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono, representing Hawaii, has joined forces with fellow lawmakers to reintroduce a bipartisan resolution aimed at advancing the ratification of the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA).

Hirono leads inquiry into Trump officials' use of unsecured chat for military planning

U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono, along with 13 other senators, has addressed a letter to President Donald Trump concerning the use of an unsecured group chat by senior administration officials for military planning.

Hawai‘i State Commission on Fatherhood announces 2025 awards and sponsorship opportunities

The Hawai‘i State Commission on Fatherhood (HS-COF) has announced its 2025 awards and sponsorship opportunities.

Grant supports Native Hawaiian businesses at 2025 Merrie Monarch Festival

The Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism (DBEDT) in Hawaii has announced that its Community-Based Economic Development (CBED) Program is awarding an $8,000 grant to the Institute for Native Pacific Education and Culture...

Attorneys general challenge Trump's plan to dismantle Department of Education

Attorney General Lopez has spearheaded a coalition of 20 attorneys general in filing a motion for a preliminary injunction to halt the Trump administration's plans to dismantle the Department of Education (ED).

Maui state forest reserves scheduled for maintenance in April

Sites in upcountry Maui will be closed throughout April for trail repairs and fuel mitigation work.

Hirono warns against impact of federal firings on Hawaii's ecosystem

U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono, representing Hawaii and a member of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, recently addressed the Senate floor to express her concerns regarding the Trump Administration's significant reduction in federal...

Hirono leads effort to enhance national volcano warning system