Latest News
Hawaiian monk seal population grows amid increasing risks of human interaction
By Big Island Times | Apr 2, 2025
The number of Hawaiian monk seals born in the main Hawaiian Islands is seeing an increase.
Senators demand reversal of firings affecting child care program offices
By Big Island Times | Apr 2, 2025
U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono, along with fellow Senators Alex Padilla, Ben Ray Lujan, and Raphael Warnock, has raised concerns over the recent termination of numerous staff at the Office of Head Start (OHS) and the Office of Child Care (OCC).
Senator Hirono criticizes Trump's freeze on reproductive care funding
By Big Island Times | Apr 2, 2025
On April 2, 2025, U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono criticized the Trump Administration's decision to halt nearly $35 million in funding for reproductive health care distributed through the Title X Family Planning Program.
Real Estate Commission announces free virtual Condorama XIV event for April 19
By Big Island Times | Apr 2, 2025
The Real Estate Commission, in collaboration with the Community Associations Institute Hawaii Chapter, will conduct a free virtual event, "Condorama XIV," on April 19, 2025.
Hirono and colleagues seek special counsel for Signal chat security breach
By Big Island Times | Apr 2, 2025
U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono, alongside several colleagues, has called for an investigation into potential security breaches under the Trump administration.
Senators question FBI Deputy Director Bongino's past statements and leadership potential
By Big Island Times | Apr 2, 2025
U.S. Senators Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), and Alex Padilla (D-CA), all serving on the Senate Judiciary Committee, have sent a letter to Dan Bongino, the Deputy Director of the Federal Bureau of...
Senators investigate DOE plan to replace call centers with AI chatbots
By Big Island Times | Apr 2, 2025
U.S. Senators Mazie K. Hirono, Elizabeth Warren, and Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer have opened an investigation into the Department of Government Efficiency's (DOGE) proposed plan to replace federal student aid call centers with...
Senator Hirono mourns the loss of educator and community leader Mary Matayoshi
By Big Island Times | Apr 2, 2025
U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono of Hawaii has made public her condolences following the death of Mary Matayoshi, highlighting her impact as an educator and community leader.
Senator Hirono criticizes White House for ending SignalGate inquiry without accountability
By Big Island Times | Apr 1, 2025
U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono, alongside Senators Tammy Duckworth, Richard Blumenthal, and Mark Kelly, has criticized the White House's decision to conclude the investigation into the SignalGate incident without holding senior administration...
Hawaiʻi business annual reports for second quarter must be submitted before deadline
By Big Island Times | Apr 1, 2025
The Hawaiʻi Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs (DCCA), through its Business Registration Division (BREG), reminds businesses to file their annual business reports.
Senators criticize layoffs of federal health workers for harming public well-being
By Big Island Times | Apr 1, 2025
U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono, alongside 33 Senate colleagues, has addressed a letter to the Trump administration in response to the recent dismissal of tens of thousands of federal health workers.
Preliminary injunction issued against federal agencies over probationary employee terminations
By Big Island Times | Apr 1, 2025
Attorney General Anne Lopez, along with a coalition of 20 other attorneys general, has obtained a preliminary injunction in a lawsuit against various federal agencies regarding the mass dismissal of federal probationary employees.
Hirono and colleagues introduce whistleblower protection legislation
By Big Island Times | Apr 1, 2025
U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono, a Senate Judiciary Committee senior member, has introduced new legislation alongside colleagues to enhance protections for federal whistleblowers.
Hirono, colleagues propose sanctions against Russia over Ukraine aggression
By Big Island Times | Apr 1, 2025
U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono, representing Hawaii, has collaborated with fellow Senators Richard Blumenthal of Connecticut, Lindsey Graham of South Carolina, and 47 other colleagues to propose a sanctions package targeting Russia.
Senators propose bill to repeal executive order on voter documentation
By Big Island Times | Apr 1, 2025
U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono, representing Hawaii, teamed up with 11 Senate colleagues to propose a legislative measure aiming to overturn a controversial executive order issued by former President Trump.
Senators question deputy AG's Senate testimony on Adams case dismissal
By Big Island Times | Apr 1, 2025
U.S. lawmakers are raising concerns about the testimony given by Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche during his nomination hearing.
Hirono and others reintroduce tax legislation to raise taxes on millionaires
By Big Island Times | Apr 1, 2025
U.S. Senators Mazie K. Hirono of Hawaii and Sheldon Whitehouse of Rhode Island have reintroduced the Paying a Fair Share Act.
Attorney General Lopez and coalition sue HHS over public health grant cuts
By Big Island Times | Apr 1, 2025
Attorney General Anne Lopez has joined a coalition of 23 states and the District of Columbia to file a lawsuit against the United States Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and its Secretary, Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
BWS detects PFAS in Waipahu ʻEwa Waiʻanae water system
By Big Island Times | Mar 31, 2025
On March 31, 2025, PFAS (perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances) was identified in the Hōʻaeʻae Wells Granular Activated Carbon (GAC) Treatment Facility, which is part of the Waipahu ʻEwa Waiʻanae water system.
Honolulu sees significant rise in local and mainland egg prices in Q1 2025
By Big Island Times | Mar 31, 2025
The latest statistics from the Hawai‘i Department of Agriculture (HDOA) reveal that egg prices in Honolulu have risen substantially in the first quarter of 2025, with local and mainland eggs showing similar price levels.