News from April 2021



Pohakuloa Training Area will have change of command in June, military seeks renewal 'for use of 23,000 acres of state-owned land'

Lt. Col. Kevin Cronin will be Pohakuloa Training Area’s new garrison commander effective Friday, June 4.


U.S. gift, novelty and souvenir stores report $522 million in sales for May

The estimated sales for gift, novelty and souvenir stores for May 2020 was $522 million, according to the U.S. Census Bureau's Advance Monthly Retail Trade and Food Services Survey.


Census Bureau reports Waiohinu population was 278 in 2019

Waiohinu had a population of 278 people in 2019, according to U.S. Census Bureau data obtained by the Big Island Times.


VA reports decrease in number of appointments at VA Pacific Islands HCS health facility in Ewa Beach in October 2020

The VA Pacific Islands Health Care System, subsidiary 459GG in Ewa Beach, HI scheduled 1,817 pending appointments in October 2020 compared to 1,887 the previous month, according to data collected from the U.S. Department of Veteran's Affairs.


Hon is ‘honored and thrilled’ to be chosen as Hawaiian Volcano Observatory’s new Scientist-in-Charge

Ken Hon has been named the next Scientist-in-Charge for the U.S. Geological Survey’s Hawaiian Volcano Observatory.


The Food Basket sees increase to more than 80,000 individuals per month in 2020 due to pandemic

With demand for assistance increased nearly six times during the COVID-19 pandemic, The Food Basket, Hawaii's food bank, moved into action to help keep local families fed.


Kona drive-in movie theater opens to help 'bring family entertainment to the community'

Five West Hawai'i local businesses have partnered with an O'ahu company Krave Marketing to bring a drive-in theater to Kona, which opened last week.


Census Bureau reports Wainaku population was 1,301 in 2019

Wainaku had a population of 1,301 people in 2019, according to U.S. Census Bureau data obtained by the Big Island Times.


VA reports decrease in number of appointments at VA Pacific Islands HCS health facility in Kaunakakai in October 2020

The VA Pacific Islands Health Care System, subsidiary 459QB in Kaunakakai, HI scheduled 39 pending appointments in October 2020 compared to 42 the previous month, according to data collected from the U.S. Department of Veteran's Affairs.


Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park offers youth programs 'for families with children up to the age of 12'

The Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park, open seven days a week and 24 hours a day, continues to offer a few youth programs to help teach kids about the Earth and natural historical lands of Hawai'i.


Over $278 million allocated for Capital Improvement Projects to 'invest in the future of Hawaii'

Gov. David Ige said that officials delivered over $278 million for Capital Improvement Projects (CIPs) in March in an effort to fund crucial public infrastructure projects set to be complete all across the state.


Hawai'i Police Department Major says the department strives to 'preserve the spirit of Aloha'

Hawai'i Police Department's Major Aimee Wana, with the Administrative Services Division, said officers not only help maintain the peace and fight crime but also work closely with the community through a multitude of programs and initiatives.


Kīlauea Disaster Recovery Voluntary Housing Buyout Program to help Hawaiians 'get back on their feet'

Beginning April 30, the County of Hawai'i will begin accepting applications for Phase 1 of the Kīlauea Disaster Recovery Voluntary Housing Buyout Program (VHBP), which deals with primary resident properties damaged by the 2018 Kilauea eruption.


VA Pacific Islands HCS facility in Hilo scheduled 1,860 medical appointments in September 2020

The VA Pacific Islands Health Care System, subsidiary 459GB in Hilo, Hawaii, scheduled 1,860 pending appointments during the period ending October 1, according to data collected from the U.S. Department of Veteran’s Affairs.


Census Bureau reports Waimea population was 11,908 in 2019

Waimea had a population of 11,908 people in 2019, according to U.S. Census Bureau data obtained by the Big Island Times.


Hawaii County COVID-19 cases averaged 5 per day over past week

New COVID-19 cases in Hawaii County were down 32 percent over the past two weeks, with the average number of daily cases over the past week reaching five, according to data from the state’s Department of Health.



Census Bureau reports Volcano population was 3,570 in 2019

Volcano had a population of 3,570 people in 2019, according to U.S. Census Bureau data obtained by the Big Island Times.


Matthew Lewis named officer of the month by Aloha Exchange Club of East Hawai'i

For his outstanding proactive approach to community policing and dedication to duty, Officer Matthew Lewis, a 13-year veteran of Hawai‘i Police Department, was recognized Tuesday, April 20 by the Aloha Exchange Club of East Hawai‘i as Officer of the Month for January 2021.