News from April 2021



Hawaii County Fire Commission tabs Todd as chief after concerns about transparency in previous vote

The Hawaii County Fire Commission chose battalion chief Kazuo Todd as fire chief April 14, following a revote amid transparency concerns, according to a press report.


Hawaii Technology Academy touts 'relevant learning experiences'

Hawaii Technology Academy (HTA) is a tuition-free, Western Association of Schools and Colleges accredited, public charter school with campuses on the islands of Hawaii, Kauai, Maui and Oahu. It offers transformative education that engages learners to connect with the world.


Hawaii officials announce "vaccine passport" for interisland travelers who have received both COVID-19 vaccinations

Inter-island travelers who have received both vaccinations for COVID 19 will soon be able to skip the currently required quarantine and examination procedures, according to a press report.


Census Bureau reports Pahoa population was 805 in 2019

Pahoa had a population of 805 people in 2019, according to U.S. Census Bureau data obtained by the Big Island Times.



Drug take-back this Saturday for unused or expired medication disposal

The Hawaiʻi Police Department is encouraging members of the public to take part in a nationwide prescription drug take-back initiative taking place on Saturday, April 24, between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.


Hawaii County COVID-19 cases averaged 9 per day over past week

New COVID-19 cases in Hawaii County were down 21 percent over the past two weeks, with the average number of daily cases over the past week reaching nine, according to data from the state’s Department of Health.


Ululoa Hale at Lai'o'pua 2020 open for memberships May 1

Ululoa Hale at Laʻiʻōpua 2020 (L2020), which opens for membership sign-ups on May 1, is a new go-to workspace for freelancers, creatives, business persons or anyone who needs a workspace away from home.



Census Bureau reports Pahala population was 1,827 in 2019

Pahala had a population of 1,827 people in 2019, according to U.S. Census Bureau data obtained by the Big Island Times.


Hawai‘i Police plans sign waving to promote sober driving

As part of Hawai‘i Police Department’s (HPD) ongoing outreach efforts during Distracted Driving Month, HPD and the County of Hawai‘i Office of the Prosecuting Attorney are teaming up to remind the public that April is also Alcohol Awareness Month.


Largest Malama Market opens in Pahoa

The largest Malama Market in Hawaii opened last month in Pahoa on Hawaii Island, two years after it was originally scheduled for opening.


Hawaii County abruptly changes COVID-19 testing company at airports

A company providing COVID-19 testing at Hawaii County’s three major airports was ousted by the county, costing 100 workers their jobs.



Census Bureau reports Paauilo population was 586 in 2019

Paauilo had a population of 586 people in 2019, according to U.S. Census Bureau data obtained by the Big Island Times.


Hawaii Vehicle Registration and Licensing Division extends validity of vehicle documents

The Hawaii Vehicle Registration and Licensing Division has extended the validity of documents that have expired starting March 16, 2020.



Census Bureau reports Orchidlands Estates population was 3,139 in 2019

Orchidlands Estates had a population of 3,139 people in 2019, according to U.S. Census Bureau data obtained by the Big Island Times.


Coronavirus crisis spurs Nā Leo TV 'to deliver for the island on a larger, digital scale'

In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, with residents across the Big Island confined to their homes and businesses and venues shuttered, Nā Leo TV (NLTV), the island’s only public-access TV station, worked to help keep the community connected.