John Kelly News
New 'seasonally adjusted' Hawaii employment figures released
By John Kelly | Jul 23, 2022
The State of Hawaii Department of Business, Economic Development & Tourism said that the seasonally adjusted unemployment rate for June was 4.3 percent, compared to the revised rate of 4.1 percent in May on July 21st.
'They actually want to ban contraception': Hirono warns of future Republican actions on contraception
By John Kelly | Jul 22, 2022
Senator Mazie Hirono (D-HI) joined Sens. Edward J. Markey (D-MA) and Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) in pushing the Right to Contraception Act, a proposed legislation that would codify the fundamental and constitutional right to contraception, which the Supreme Court first recognized more than half a century ago in its decision in Griswold v. Connecticut.
Hawaii's Hirono on recent Medal of Honor recipients: 'Staff Sergeant Kaneshiro and Specialist Five Fujii are heroes to this country'
By John Kelly | Jul 19, 2022
Mazie Hirono, a Democratic U.S. senator from Hawaii and a member of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee, is championing President Joe Biden’s recent decision to honor four U.S. army soldiers who fought in the Vietnam War—two of whom are from Hawaii—with the Medal of Honor.
Hirono: 'Prime Minister Abe was a transformational figure in Japan who dedicated his life in service of his country'
By John Kelly | Jul 18, 2022
Sen. Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii) paid tribute to former Prime Minister of Japan Shinzo Abe following his assassination on July 8.
Ige confirms new law enforcement department will ‘allow more efficient and effective emergency response, ... investigations’
By John Kelly | Jul 17, 2022
Gov. David Ige (D-Hawaii) recently signed House Bill 2171 into law, establishing a new Department of Law Enforcement (DLE) in the state for the first time in more than three decades.
Hawaii's Shikada: FDA must immediately set 'acceptable standards to protect our children from the harmful effects of toxic metals'
By John Kelly | Jul 16, 2022
Holly T. Shikada, attorney general of Hawaii, has joined forces with 22 other attorneys general from across the country in calling on the heads of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Department of Agriculture (USDA) to take swift action to eliminate toxic metals from baby food.
Hawaii's Schatz: $10 million federal funding will improve HNL's 'runways, main terminal, and passenger experience'
By John Kelly | Jul 15, 2022
U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz (D-HI) recently announced a $10 million U.S. Department of Transportation contribution to the Daniel K. Inouye International Airport for upgrades to its runways and improvement of its terminal lighting and draining systems.
Ige on increasing broadband access: 'We are committed to addressing the digital divide'
By John Kelly | Jul 13, 2022
Governor David Ige has signed off on a package of bills aimed at advancing his efforts to end the digital divide in Hawai'i.
Ige praises Public Utilities appointee working to 'create businesses and jobs that are in balance with our natural resources'
By John Kelly | Jul 12, 2022
Governor David Ige recently announced on his website that he has appointed Leodoloff “Leo” Asuncion Jr. as chairman of the Public Utilities Commission, replacing James Griffin, who said in January that he will be stepping down when his term expires at the end of June.
Hawaii Office of Public Health Preparedness: 'Families are encouraged to have a plan and maintain an emergency kit'
By John Kelly | Jun 23, 2022
Judy Kern is the Chief of the Office of the Public Health Preparedness of Hawaii Department of Health (DOH).
Kealakehe High School graduate wins presidential honor: 'A huge congratulations to Kea on this prestigious national recognition'
By John Kelly | Jun 10, 2022
Keith Hayashi, the superintendent of the State of Hawaii's Department of Education, announced that Kealakehe High School senior Kea Kahoilua-Clebsch has been named by U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona as one of two Hawaii scholars in the 58th class of U.S. Presidential Scholars.
County bill would regulate chemicals in sunscreen: 'It's in alignment with protecting our cultural and environmental resources'
By John Kelly | Jun 7, 2022
The Hawaii County public overwhelmingly supports County Bill 167, which would restrict chemicals in sunscreen if passed.
Hawaii's governor signs second emergency proclamation to continue benefits to battle 'food insecurity'
By John Kelly | Jun 3, 2022
Hawaii Gov. David Ige has signed a second emergency proclamation to permit the continuation of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits in line with the federal COVID-19 emergency response.
Hawaii business and development director praises 'healthy and vibrant' rebound in state's tourist industry
By John Kelly | Jun 2, 2022
Mike McCartney, director of Hawaii's Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism, said last week that tourism in Hawaii has rebounded to the highest rate since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Three new judges appointed to Hawaii family courts
By John Kelly | Jun 2, 2022
Mark Recktenwald, chief justice of Hawaii's District Family Court, announced he has filled three judicial openings on the court.
UHH places two on All-PacWest baseball team
By John Kelly | May 27, 2022
UH Hilo sports information reported that UH Hilo baseball stars Joseph Gallagher and Casey Yamauchi were both recently added to the All-PacWest team on May 17th.
Hirono: 'The COVID-19 pandemic has been extremely challenging for Hawaii’s small businesses'
By John Kelly | May 25, 2022
U.S. Sen. Mazie Hirono (D-HI) recently confirmed that the U.S. Department of the Treasury has approved $62 million in federal funding for Hawaii's small businesses.
Hawaii Home Lands Department breaks ground on Big Island water supply system
By John Kelly | May 20, 2022
William Ailā, Jr., the Hawaiian Homes Commission chair of Department of Hawaiian Home Lands, said the department recently broke ground on a County of Hawaii's Department of Water Supply system in Kaʻū. on May 13.
National Take Back Initiative encourages 'potentially dangerous medications to be properly disposed of'
By John Kelly | Apr 26, 2022
National Prescription Drug Take Back Day is currently planned for Saturday, April 30.
Hawaii Attorney General on Sexual Assault Awareness Month: 'We must support every effort to raise awareness'
By John Kelly | Apr 18, 2022
Hawaii Attorney General Holly T. Shikada supports Gov. David Ige's (D-HI) proclamation declaring April to be Sexual Assault Awareness month.