Latest News
Hawai'i prepares for annual Day at the Capitol celebrating disability awareness
By Big Island Times | Feb 11, 2025
The Hawai‘i State Council on Developmental Disabilities (DD Council) is set to host the annual Day at the Capitol event on March 5, 2025, as part of Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month.
Diamond Head State Park announces temporary closures for safety improvements
By Big Island Times | Feb 11, 2025
During the ongoing rockfall mitigation project at Diamond Head State Park, temporary closures have been announced.
Lawmakers demand action on National Park staffing amid Trump-era hiring freeze concerns
By Big Island Times | Feb 11, 2025
U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono, alongside several colleagues, has called for immediate action from U.S. Department of the Interior Secretary Doug Burgum to address staffing shortages at the National Park Service.
Lawsuit challenges Trump administration's NIH funding cuts
By Big Island Times | Feb 10, 2025
Attorney General Anne Lopez, alongside 21 other attorneys general, has filed a lawsuit against the Trump Administration, the Department of Health and Human Services, and the National Institutes of Health (NIH).
Keanakolu Orchard closes temporarily for maintenance
By Big Island Times | Feb 10, 2025
Keanakolu Orchard, also known as the Humuʻula Orchard, will be temporarily closed for maintenance.
Timothy Lee indicted for alleged false name campaign contributions
By Big Island Times | Feb 10, 2025
On February 7, 2025, Timothy Lee was indicted by the Oʻahu Grand Jury on charges related to campaign contribution offenses.
Senators urge reversal of freeze on health communications
By Big Island Times | Feb 10, 2025
U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono, alongside Senators Amy Klobuchar, Bernie Sanders, and 31 other lawmakers, has urged Acting Secretary of Health and Human Services Dorothy Fink to end the freeze on external communications and funding at health agencies.
Court blocks Trump administration's NIH funding cuts
By Big Island Times | Feb 10, 2025
Hawaiʻi Attorney General Anne Lopez released a statement following a federal judge's decision to issue a temporary restraining order (TRO) against the National Institutes of Health (NIH).
Volunteers join efforts to control invasive coqui frog population on Oahu
By Big Island Times | Feb 10, 2025
Community members, volunteers, and staff from the DLNR Division of Forestry and Wildlife (DOFAW), the Hawaiʻi Department of Agriculture (HDOA), and the O‘ahu Invasive Species Committee (OISC) are working to remove coqui frogs from state lands.
Court halts Elon Musk's access to sensitive American data
By Big Island Times | Feb 8, 2025
Attorney General Anne Lopez announced a significant legal victory following a federal judge's decision to grant a temporary restraining order (TRO) against Elon Musk and his "Department of Government Efficiency" (DOGE).
Hirono introduces Access to Counsel Act ensuring legal aid at U.S. ports
By Big Island Times | Feb 7, 2025
U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono, alongside Senator Alex Padilla and 13 other colleagues, has introduced the Access to Counsel Act.
Paradise Supermart closed due to repeated critical health violations
By Big Island Times | Feb 7, 2025
The Hawai‘i Department of Health (DOH) has closed Paradise Supermart Fast Food & Catering in Kahului following a routine inspection on February 5, 2025.
Hawaii DCCA announces disciplinary actions against licensed professionals through January 2025
By Big Island Times | Feb 7, 2025
The Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs (DCCA) in Hawaii, along with its state Boards and Commissions, has released a summary of disciplinary actions for January 2025.
Senators urge energy secretary to uphold legal commitments on equity office
By Big Island Times | Feb 6, 2025
U.S. Senators Mazie K. Hirono, Martin Heinrich, Alex Padilla, and Ron Wyden have called on Secretary of Energy Chris Wright to adhere to his commitment to uphold the law regarding the Office of Energy Justice and Equity.
Senators reintroduce resolution declaring racism a public health crisis
By Big Island Times | Feb 6, 2025
U.S. Senators Mazie K. Hirono, Cory Booker, and Alex Padilla have reintroduced a Senate Resolution to declare racism as a public health crisis in the United States.
Explore Outdoor Hawai‘i wins gold for web design
By Big Island Times | Feb 6, 2025
Explore Outdoor Hawai‘i, a website designed to be user-friendly, aims to assist residents and visitors in finding recreational information and services across the state.
Senator Hirono opposes Vought's OMB nomination over Project 2025 involvement
By Big Island Times | Feb 6, 2025
U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono took to the Senate floor to express her opposition to the confirmation of Russell Vought as Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB).
Legislation reintroduced to block future religious-based travel bans
By Big Island Times | Feb 6, 2025
U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono, along with Senator Chris Coons and U.S. Representative Judy Chu, has reintroduced the National Origin-Based Antidiscrimination for Nonimmigrants (NO BAN) Act.
Bill reintroduced to aid reunion of Filipino WWII vets with families
By Big Island Times | Feb 6, 2025
U.S. Senators Mazie K. Hirono and Lisa Murkowski, alongside Representatives Ed Case and Jennifer Kiggans, have reintroduced the Filipino Veterans Family Reunification Act of 2025.
U.S. Senators introduce bill targeting algorithmic price fixing
By Big Island Times | Feb 6, 2025
On February 6, 2025, a group of U.S. Senators introduced the Preventing Algorithmic Collusion Act in Washington, D.C. The legislation aims to prevent companies from using algorithms to engage in price-fixing activities that raise prices and limit...