News from February 2021
So Mahi Pono has successful pivot during COVID-19 pandemic
By April Bamburg | Feb 10, 2021
Farmers in Central Maui have pivoted to tackle challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, including So Mahi Pono, the island’s largest agriculture company, The Maui News reported.
Hawaii Longline Association urges Congress to make changes in laws for foreign fishermen
By April Bamburg | Feb 10, 2021
The Hawaii Longline Association welcomes recommendations to Congress focusing on prevention of labor abuse in the seafood industry, Honolulu Civil Beat reported.
UK COVID-19 variant may be in Hawaii
By Christina Heath | Feb 10, 2021
COVID-19 specimens tested in labs show that the UK variant of the virus may be present in Hawaii, a report from Hawaii News Now said.
Hawaii Legislature discusses 'Stand Your Ground' proposed bill
By Christina Heath | Feb 10, 2021
The proposed House Bill 534, more commonly known and referred to as the "Stand Your Ground" law, has sparked much debate in the Hawaii Legislature, a Hawaii News Now report said.
Honolulu mayor considers easing restrictions to help economy
By Christina Heath | Feb 10, 2021
Mayor Rick Blangiardi (I-Honolulu) is considering lifting or loosening some restrictions that are currently on bars, restaurants and youth sports because of COVID-19 as a way to help improve Oahu's economy, a Hawaii News Now report said.
State considers defunding Hawaii Tourism Authority
By Christina Heath | Feb 10, 2021
Defunding the Hawaii Tourism Authority is becoming more of a possibility as the organization's financial situation continues to decline, a Hawaii News Now report said.
Two bills request $1.73 million to pay off claims involving Big Island charter schools
By Christina Heath | Feb 10, 2021
House Bill 885 and Senate Bill 1039 have been brought before state Legislature to pay off claims against the state, with both cases involving Big Island public charter schools, according to a Hawaii Tribune Herald report.
Hawaii low-income schools receive $56.5 million for support
By Christina Heath | Feb 10, 2021
Hawaii K-12, Title I, schools are projected to receive federal funding of $56 million for the 2021-2022 school year, according to a KHON2 report.
Vaccination eligibility unsure for many essential, non-essential workers
By Christina Heath | Feb 10, 2021
"Lack of planning" from Gov. David Ige's administration is leaving many essential and non-essential workers frustrated about not having a clear idea of when they will receive the COVID-19 vaccination, a Hawaii News Now report said.
USSA gives grant to Hawaii State Junior Golf Association, First Tee-Hawaii
By Christina Heath | Feb 10, 2021
A grant from United Services Automobile Association (USSA) has been given to the Hawaii State Junior Golf Association (HSJGA) and First Tee-Hawaii to provide more opportunities through golf to families with military affiliations.
Ige to focus on expanding Hawaii's broadband capability
By Andy Nghiem | Feb 10, 2021
Hawaii Gov. David Ige recently announced that he will focus on strengthening the state’s broadband capability and expanding service to rural areas during his State of the State address, according to the Maui News.
CVS Pharmacy to help administer vaccines at a large scale
By Caleb Lombardo | Feb 10, 2021
Throughout the pandemic, CVS Health has been a valuable partner for the government and its vaccination efforts already.
Ige: Mandatory government furloughs no longer necessary
By Caleb Lombardo | Feb 10, 2021
Of all the states in the country, the State of Hawaii is one of the states most heavily impacted by the coronavirus pandemic.
Stations with the cheapest regular gas in Pahoa for the week of January 25-31
By Big Island Times | Feb 10, 2021
The Aloha at 15-2660 Keaau-Pahoa Road is selling the cheapest regular gasoline in Pahoa for the week of January 25-31, according to GasBuddy.com.
Honolulu Police disciplinary reports suggest misconduct problem within department
By Caleb Lombardo | Feb 10, 2021
In a report that was recently released detailing disciplinary action taken within the Honolulu Police Department, it was revealed that more officers were disciplined in the year 2020 than in the previous three years.
Saiki calls for changes in state government
By Caleb Lombardo | Feb 10, 2021
Hawaii House Speaker Scott Saiki gave a comprehensive speech on policy and proposed several changes to promote unity, increase accountability and increase tourism for the state, a major source of revenue.
Study shows significant disparity in use of force by Honolulu Police Department
By Caleb Lombardo | Feb 10, 2021
In a report recently released by Honolulu police commissioners, there is major concern for the treatment of Pacific Islanders, Black people and Native Hawaiians by the City of Honolulu Police Department.
Hawaii avoids influenza crisis through COVID-19 restrictions
By Caleb Lombardo | Feb 9, 2021
Months ago, experts expressed concern over what could be referred to as a "twindemic," or a combination of an influenza crisis and the coronavirus pandemic.
Kingsland University partners with DevLeague to assist Hawaii
By Caleb Lombardo | Feb 9, 2021
Kingsland University, an organization that strives to provide equity through increased access to education, has announced that they have created a pact with DevLeague.
Mourners recall Jon Hara as firefighter and friend
By Savannah Howe | Feb 9, 2021
Members of the Hawaii County Fire Department Station No. 14 woke up on the morning of July 18, 2020, not yet aware of the tragedy that would send shockwaves through the station and the island's entire department.