Latest News from Big Island Times

The Hawai‘i Department of Health (DOH) has confirmed a new travel-related case of dengue virus on Oʻahu, increasing the total number of cases in the state for 2025 to three.

New travel-related dengue case confirmed on Oʻahu by health department

The Hawai‘i Department of Health (DOH) has confirmed a new travel-related case of dengue virus on Oʻahu, increasing the state's total number of cases for 2025 to three.

Injunction halts Trump's bid to cut health research funds

Attorney General Anne Lopez, along with 21 other attorneys general, has successfully secured a nationwide preliminary injunction in the case of Massachusetts v. NIH.

Federal court rules Trump's dismissal of NLRB member unlawful

A federal court has ruled that Gwynne Wilcox's dismissal from the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) by President Donald Trump was unlawful.

Bipartisan bill aims to support defrauded veterans seeking benefit reimbursements

U.S. Senators Mazie K. Hirono, John Boozman, Ruben Gallego, and Tommy Tuberville have introduced the Veteran Fraud Reimbursement Act.

Senators urge probe into Trump's cuts impacting IRS staff

U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono, along with Senators Elizabeth Warren, Ron Wyden, and 15 other colleagues, has requested an investigation into the Trump Administration's recent decision affecting the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).

Hawaii delegation introduces bill to protect state's unique flora and fauna

U.S. Senators Mazie K. Hirono and Brian Schatz, alongside Representatives Ed Case and Jill Tokuda, have introduced a legislative proposal aimed at protecting over 10,000 plant and animal species unique to Hawaii.

Hawai‘i's economic growth projection revised downwards amid tourism slowdown

The Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism (DBEDT) has released its first quarter 2025 Statistical and Economic Report, adjusting Hawai‘i's economic growth projection for 2025 to 1.7 percent.

Hirono introduces bill to overturn Trump's executive orders on energy

U.S. Senators Mazie K. Hirono and Ron Wyden, along with U.S. Representatives Kathy Castor and Paul Tonko, have introduced a bill to rescind former President Donald Trump's initial executive orders on energy.

Senators reintroduce bill targeting election disinformation on social media

U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono, along with Senators Peter Welch, Amy Klobuchar, Jeff Merkley, and Ben Ray Luján, has reintroduced the Digital Integrity in Democracy Act.

Student film showcase highlights climate action in Honolulu

The Sustainability Film Series: Student Film Showcase is set to take place this Sunday, March 9, at the Doris Duke Theatre in Honolulu.

Hawaiʻi Judiciary reaffirms support for bilingual court communication

On March 1, 2025, a new presidential Executive Order declared English as the official national language.

Walgreens settles allegations over uncollected prescription billings with $98 million payout

Attorney General Anne Lopez announced that Hawai‘i has joined a settlement with Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc. and Walgreen Co., alongside 49 other attorneys general.

Hawai'i DOH launches survey for backyard flock owners and bird rescuers

The Hawaiʻi State Department of Health (DOH) has launched a survey targeting residents involved in backyard poultry keeping or bird rescue.

Lawmakers question defense department on military food quality concerns

U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono, alongside Senator Reverend Raphael Warnock and 19 other lawmakers, has initiated a bipartisan effort to seek answers from Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth regarding the quality and accessibility of food provided to...

Hawaiʻi selects four artists for climate action residency program

Four artists have been chosen as Hawaiʻi's Climate Artists in Residence, part of a program designed to involve local artists in developing the state's Climate Action Pathways (CAP).

DCCA to host consumer protection fair during National Consumer Protection Week

The Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs (DCCA) is set to host a Consumer Protection Fair in observance of National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW).

Senators demand answers from Pentagon on JAG officer firings

U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI), along with 12 other Senate Armed Services Committee members, has called on Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth for explanations concerning the sudden dismissal of several Judge Advocate Generals (JAG).

Bill aims to enhance healthcare efficiency for U.S. veterans

U.S. Senators Mazie K. Hirono and Bill Cassidy have introduced a bill aimed at improving the efficiency and quality of health care services for American veterans.

Hawai'i seeks applicants for ethics and campaign spending commissions