Governor of Hawaii
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Recent News About Governor of Hawaii
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NEWS RELEASE: Hawai‘i Foreign-Trade Zone Honors Customs Broker M. Bowers & Co. with Annual Excellence Award
HONOLULU – The state Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism (DBEDT) Foreign-Trade Zone No. 9 (FTZ9) division last week honored M. Bowers & Co., Inc. with its annual excellence award, given to businesses and other organizations that have made valuable contributions to our local international trade industry.“We are pleased to present the FTZ9 annual Excellence Award to Michael Bowers of M. Bowers & Co.,” said FTZ9 Administrator David Sikkink. “A longtime tenant at our Pier 2 facility, M. Bowers has been an integral part of our local international trade...
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DLNR News Release - Death of Nene Gosling in Hilo Park Highlights Threat Posed by Feral Cats
In a recent development, the death of a Nene gosling in Hilo Park has shed light on the threat posed by feral cats carrying diseases. Raymond McGuire, a DOFAW biologist with extensive experience working with Nene, expressed his sadness over the incident. He emphasized the need for cat lovers to consider the deadly consequences of feeding feral cats, stating, "We know cat lovers are animal lovers."McGuire urged people to prioritize the well-being of iconic wildlife species like Nene and monk seals over non-native species such as cats. Jordan Lerma, from the nonprofit Nēnē...
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Gov. Green Renews Commitment to House FEMA-Ineligible Maui Wildfire Survivors
Gov. Green has renewed his commitment to supporting the survivors of the Maui wildfire who are ineligible for FEMA assistance. In a recent statement, the governor expressed his dedication to assisting these families, stating, "We are committed to helping these families recover and rebuild their lives."The governor's pledge comes as a beacon of hope for those who have been left without the necessary aid to recover from the devastating effects of the wildfire. With FEMA assistance out of reach for these survivors, Gov. Green's commitment to providing support is crucial in...
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DLNR Announces Temporary Closure of Hawaii Island Areas for Animal Control Activities
(HILO) - The DLNR Division of Forestry and Wildlife (DOFAW) has announced the temporary closure of certain areas on Hawaii Island for animal control activities as part of efforts to protect the palila bird's critical habitat. A news release from DLNR stated that the animal control activities, including trapping, ground, and aerial shooting, will target feral goats, feral sheep, mouflon, and mouflon/feral sheep hybrids in specific reserves and game management areas on the island.The aerial shooting of sheep and goats is a necessary measure to comply with a federal court...
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DOH Shuts Down Takamiya Market in Wailuku for Cockroach Infestation
Wailuku, Hawai‘i – The Hawai‘i Department of Health (DOH) Maui Food Safety Branch took decisive action by shutting down Takamiya Market in Wailuku on April 19, 2024, after a routine inspection uncovered a severe cockroach infestation."During the routine inspection, live cockroaches were observed crawling on multiple food contact surfaces in the kitchen where food items and cooking equipment were stored."The establishment, operated by Takamiya Market Inc., was issued a red "Closed" placard by the DOH due to its history of non-compliance with pest control and prevention...
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Department of Health Shuts Down Ocean Club at Haliʻi Kai in Waikoloa for Active Rodent Infestation
Kailua-Kona, Hawaiʻi – The Hawai‘i Department of Health (DOH) Food Safety Branch took swift action by issuing a red “Closed” placard and shutting down Ocean Club at Haliʻi Kai on April 19, 2024, due to an active rodent infestation, contaminated food products, and unsanitary conditions within the establishment. The Ocean Club, located at 69-1029 Nawahine Place in Waikoloa and operated by Castle Resorts & Hotels Inc., faced closure following an inspection prompted by a public complaint received on April 18, 2024.The Hawai‘i Department of Health Food Safety Branch,...
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Gov. Green Marks Earth Day with Environmentally-Friendly Initiatives
In a recent announcement, the Office of the Governor highlighted various initiatives undertaken by state departments to commemorate Earth Day.The Hawai‘i Department of Transportation has embarked on Phase 2 of its Plastic Road Pilot on Fort Weaver Road. According to the Governor's office, this phase involves collaborating with partners to test a recycled plastic polymer in the pavement binder. The project's objective is to repurpose plastic waste, including consumer plastic and abandoned fishing nets, into road materials, thereby diverting waste from landfills. The...
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Hawaiʻi Attorney General Collaborates with DEA and Law Enforcement for National Prescription Drug Take Back Day
HONOLULU, HI – The Hawaiʻi Department of the Attorney General has announced its partnership with the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Hawaiʻi Department of Law Enforcement Narcotics Enforcement Division, and local law enforcement agencies for National Prescription Drug Take Back Day. The event is scheduled for Saturday, April 27, 2024, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at various collection sites across Oʻahu, Maui, Kauaʻi, and Hawaiʻi island.DEA Honolulu District Office Assistant Special Agent in Charge Victor Vazquez emphasized the importance of the...
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Hundreds Participate in Earth Day Makiki Stream Clean-up, Organized by DLNR
Hundreds of volunteers participated in the Earth Day clean-up along a mile-long stretch of Makiki stream organized by the DLNR Division of State Parks (DSP) and the Nā Ala Hele trails program of the DLNR Division of Forestry and Wildlife, along with several community groups. Kekai Mar from DSP expressed the importance of the work, stating, "We’re removing various invasive species, putting in native plants and then working on some hillside erosion prevention."The project involved nearly three dozen volunteers working with DLNR crews, with another 200 people performing...
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Man Charged in Waianae Barricade Situation - $1,000,000 Bail Set
April 20, 2024 Man charged in Wai‘anae Barricade Situation HONOLULU – The Department of Law Enforcement (DLE) is announcing that Howard Abraham has been charged with multiple criminal offenses stemming from a barricade situation in Wai‘anae on Thursday. Today, the Department of the Attorney General charged Abraham with three counts of attempted murder in the first degree and one count of causing injury to a law enforcement animal. Bail has now been set at $1,000,000.00.Director Jordan Lowe of the Department of Law Enforcement expressed gratitude for the support received...
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DOH Issues Smoke Advisory for Fire at Hammerhead Metal Recycling on Maui
The Hawaiʻi Department of Health (DOH) Clean Air Branch has issued a smoke advisory related to a fire at the Hammerhead Metal Recycling in Puʻunēnē, Maui. The fire has resulted in dense smoke in the surrounding areas, prompting DOH to advise residents and visitors, particularly those with pre-existing respiratory conditions, to take precautions or consider leaving the area until the situation is under control.According to the DOH, individuals with conditions such as asthma, bronchitis, and emphysema are at higher risk and should take necessary measures to safeguard their...
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HAWAIʻI FORESTRY PROJECTS RECEIVE GRANT SUPPORT
The Kaulunani Urban and Community Forestry Program, part of the DLNR Division of Forestry and Wildlife (DOFAW), has announced the support for three-year projects with U.S. Forest Service funding from the IRA.Dr. Heather McMillen, Hawai‘i’s Urban Forester and Kaulunani Program Coordinator, expressed her excitement about the grant recipients, stating: “These projects demonstrate the depth and range of urban and community forestry work happening in Hawaiʻi, as well as the vital role trees play in promoting public health, connection to place, and restoring land to ʻāina.”...
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HI AG Lopez Releases First Phase Objective, Science-Based Facts Related to Maui Wildfire Investigation
HONOLULU – Hawaiʻi Attorney General Anne Lopez has unveiled Phase One of the investigation into the state and county governments' response during the Maui wildfires. The report and timeline released will pave the way for further analysis and recommendations to enhance safety in Hawaiʻi.Attorney General Lopez emphasized the importance of a thorough review, stating, "Responsible governance requires we look at what happened, and using an objective, science-based approach, identify how state and county governments responded." She added, "Today we are sharing the Lahaina Fire...
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DCCA RELEASE: Beware of Scam Phone Calls Targeting Licensed Professionals
HONOLULU — The Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs (DCCA) has issued a warning to the public regarding a recent surge in scam phone calls targeting licensed professionals. Reports indicate that scammers are impersonating state officials and using false threats of investigation to deceive individuals.According to the DCCA, scammers have been contacting licensed professionals and businesses, claiming to be from the Regulated Industries Complaints Office (RICO) and alleging that complaints have been filed against them. To enhance the credibility of their calls, the...
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DOH News Release – PFAS Detected in Maui Business Park System
The Hawaiʻi Department of Health (DOH) has issued a news release stating that PFAS has been detected in the Maui Business Park system. The DOH, responsible for regulation and oversight of impacts to the environment and health of the people in Hawaiʻi, including regulated drinking water systems, made this announcement.For more information on PFAS, individuals are encouraged to visit the EPA and Hawaii Department of Health websites. Additionally, users may contact their water purveyor for further assistance.This press release is issued in accordance with Hawaii Revised...
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Attorney General Lopez Joins Coalition Defending Voting Rights Act in Georgia Redistricting Case
Attorney General Lopez has joined a coalition of 19 attorneys general in defending Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act in a Georgia redistricting lawsuit. The attorneys general are urging the United States Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit to uphold the protection against racial discrimination in elections.Deputy Solicitor General Thomas Hughes emphasized the significance of Section 2, stating, "Section 2 is an important tool to prevent unconstitutional racial gerrymanders." The attorneys general collectively asserted that "Section 2 of the voting rights act is...
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Dept. of Ag on Snake Found in Waipahu
Amid concerns over the discovery of illegal snakes in Hawai'i, Sharon Hurd, chairperson of the Hawai‘i Board of Agriculture, emphasized the seriousness of the situation, stating, “We should all be very concerned that snakes are being transported and kept by residents which are a serious threat to Hawai‘i’s unique environment.” Hurd highlighted the potential consequences for those harboring illegal animals, urging, “Those who know anyone with snakes or other illegal animals in Hawai‘i should report it and those who possess them should turn them in under amnesty.”The...
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Winners Announced for the 2024-2025 Hawai‘i Hunting Stamp Contest
The DLNR Division of Forestry and Wildlife (DOFAW) has revealed the winners of the 2024-2025 Hawai‘i Wildlife Conservation and Game Bird Stamp Art Contest. According to the DLNR, "A committee reviewed all submissions, and two winners were chosen."The game bird stamp winner, Buck Spencer, hails from Junction City, Oregon, and is described as a self-taught wildlife artist. Spencer's inspiration stems from his family's involvement in wildlife-related fields, with his father working for the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife and his brother being a wildlife biologist....
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GOVERNOR JOSH GREEN, M.D., CHIEF ENERGY OFFICER, MARK GLICK, UPDATE U.S. STATES’ ENERGY OFFICIALS ON HAWAIʻI’S ENERGY STRATEGY
Governor Josh Green, M.D., along with Chief Energy Officer Mark Glick, recently presented an update on Hawaiʻi's energy strategy to U.S. states' energy officials. Governor Green emphasized the state's commitment to renewable energy, stating, "As the pioneering state for a 100% renewable portfolio standard, we are committed to eliminating our dependency on imported fossil fuels by 2045."Mark Glick addressed the challenges faced post-Maui wildfires, stating, "We are dealing with a new normal in the aftermath of the Maui wildfires, but the challenges are not insurmountable."...
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Community Meeting to Address Instream Flow Standards for Waikoloa Scheduled for April 15, 2024
Waimea, April 15, 2024 - The Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) has announced a community meeting to address instream flow standards for Waikoloa. The meeting is scheduled for April 15, 2024, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Waimea Community Center located at 65-1260 Kawaihae Road.According to the DLNR News Release, "All interested people are urged to attend the community meeting and submit comments, orally or in writing." The Commission on Water Resource Management (CWRM) will be accepting written testimony until May 2, 2024, providing an opportunity for...