News by Big Island Times | Big Island Times

U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI) has put forth a resolution to designate May 10, 2024 as Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Mental Health Day. The proposed resolution aims to highlight the significance of mental health for AANHPI families and communities and underscores the need for increased awareness about mental health care.

Hawai'i Women Lawyers honor Judges Browning and Morikawa

HONOLULU — First Circuit Chief Judge R. Mark Browning (ret.) and First Circuit Judge Trish K. Morikawa have been honored by the Hawaiʻi Women Lawyers (HWL). The recognition took place on April 25 at the Hoʻokupu Center.

DOH shuts down Redfish Poke over sewage blockage issues

The Hawai‘i Department of Health (DOH) has issued a red placard to Redfish Poke by Foodland, resulting in an immediate shutdown of the establishment located at 2375 Ala Wai Blvd. The closure is due to a sewage blockage issue.

Hawai'i Governor emphasizes wildfire preparation, updates mitigation efforts

Governor Green and top officials in Hawaiʻi have emphasized the importance of wildfire preparation and updated mitigation efforts. A proclamation was signed and presented to the Hawaiʻi Emergency Management Agency (HI-EMA), the Department of Land and Natural Resources, its Division of Forestry and Wildlife, and the HWMO. The proclamation highlights the significance of wildfire mitigation and risk-reduction preparedness, while reaffirming the government's commitment to protecting the state.

Hawaii Department of Agriculture issues RFPs for beetle control projects

The Hawaii Department of Agriculture (HDOA) has issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) for community-based projects aimed at controlling the Coconut Rhinoceros Beetle. The application information for RFP-24-02-PI is available on the State Procurement Office website, and proposals must be submitted electronically to the HDOA by noon on June 7, 2024.

Governor Ige urges collective action against invasive species

In a bid to combat the growing threat of invasive species, Governor David Ige has issued a proclamation urging collective action. The governor's office released the proclamation on May 10, 2024, during a ceremony at the Hawaii State Art Museum (HISAM).

Congressional Gold Medal for 'Dustoff Crews' passes Senate with bipartisan support

U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI), a member of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee, has commended the passage of a bill she backed to collectively award a group of Vietnam War veterans known as “Dustoff Crews” with the Congressional Gold Medal. The legislation, led by Senators John Cornyn (R-TX) and Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), received bipartisan support from 69 members of the U.S. Senate.

DOH finds no widespread lead exposure from Maui wildfires

The Department of Health (DOH) has disclosed the results of lead screening conducted at a series of community events between December 2023 and February 2024, which were attended by individuals affected by the Maui wildfires. The screenings were a collaborative effort between DOH Public Health Nurses and the Healthy Mothers Healthy Babies Coalition of Hawaii (HMHB). Despite wildfire ash containing substantial concentrations of lead, the findings do not suggest widespread human exposure to toxins in the ash.

Hawai'i teachers enhance skills through Creative Industries Educator Externship

Hawai‘i teachers recently participated in a free Creative Industries Educator Externship on May 2, 2024. The event was designed to enhance their understanding of career pathways and technical skills in digital design, fashion design, and media. The externship was organized by the Hawai‘i State Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism (DBEDT) Creative Industries Division (CID), in collaboration with the Chamber of Commerce Hawai‘i, University of Hawai‘i Community Colleges and the Good Jobs Hawai‘i coalition.

Maui wildfires: Health Department finds no widespread lead exposure

The Department of Health (DOH) has disclosed the results of lead screening conducted at various community events between December 2023 and February 2024, targeting individuals affected by the Maui wildfires. The project was a joint effort between DOH Public Health Nurses and the Healthy Mothers Healthy Babies Coalition of Hawaii (HMHB). Despite wildfire ash containing substantial concentrations of lead, the screening did not reveal any evidence of widespread human exposure to toxins in the ash.

Hawaii forest reserve closed for Ha‘ikū Stairs removal

A portion of a forest reserve in Hawaii has been closed to facilitate the removal of the Ha‘ikū Stairs, according to a news release from the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR). The area affected by the closure is bounded by the Kulanaʻahane Trail to the north, the Kamananui Valley Road and an unofficial trail known as Waolani to the south, and the Koolau summit ridgeline to the east.

Senators push for $2.7 billion funding for Federal Student Aid Office

By Big Island Times | May 8, 2024

U.S. Senators Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI) and Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), along with 23 colleagues, have written a letter to Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Chair of the Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies, as well as Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), Ranking Member of the Subcommittee. The senators are urging them to allocate $2.7 billion in funding to the Office of Federal Student Aid (FSA) for fiscal year 2025.

Senator Hirono and Smithsonian APAC Host AANHPI Icons Exhibition in Washington, D.C

"In celebration of May as Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month, U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI) is partnering with the Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Center (APAC) to host a two-part photo exhibition highlighting prominent members of the AANHPI community in the Rotunda of the Russell Senate Office Building in Washington, D.C. The first week of the exhibit—May 6-10, 2024—will feature ten icons from Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander communities. The second week—May 13-17, 2024—will feature ten icons from Asian American...

Maui County's Towing Operators Remove Vehicles at Kahului Harbor, Addressing Complaints and Illegal Activities

Local towing operators, under contract to Maui County, put cars and trucks, some without tires or in various states of repair, onto flatbed trucks. Behind them, DOBOR staff and workers from a private contractor finished the work they started a week ago cleaning up encampments. For months, DOBOR Maui District Manager Paul Sensano received complaints about the conditions of harbor facilities. An initial clean-up in January was followed by last week’s and today’s. “It was quite an effort and as we’re winding down certain tasks did not get accomplished,” Sensano said. More than a...

Senators reintroduce resolution celebrating National Nurses Week 2024

U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI) joined Senators Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Roger Wicker (R-MS), and 23 other Senate colleagues in reintroducing a bipartisan, bicameral resolution to recognize National Nurses Week, celebrated from May 6-12, 2024. Companion legislation was introduced in the House by U.S. Representatives Dave Joyce (R-OH), Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR), Lauren Underwood (D-IL), and Jen Kiggans (R-VA).

Senators reintroduce resolution to enshrine voting right in U.S. Constitution