News from July 2021


David George Vetsch

David George Vetsch, 75, of Pahoa, died on Thursday, July 22, 2021 at Hilo Medical Center.


Rose Marie Rios

Rose Marie Rios was graciously welcomed home on July 19, 2021, at the age of 63.


Ernest Ruiz, Sr.

Ernest Ruiz, Sr. 90, of Pahoa, passed away on Friday, July l6, 2021 at home, born on January 2, 1931, in Waimea, Kauai; he retired with the Department of Water Supply City of Hayward, California.


Randolph "Randy" Akima Akui

Randolph “Randy” Akima Akui, 77, of Hilo, died on Wednesday, July 14, 2021 at Hilo Medical Center.


Jerry Allen Fernandez

Jerry Allen “The Patele Man” Fernandez, 78, of Hilo, HI, died at the Hawaii Care Choices Pohai Malama Care Center on Tuesday, July 13, 2021.


Census Bureau: 21.9% of people in Maui County identified as multi-racial in 2019

Of the 165,979 citizens living in Maui County in 2019, 78.1 percent said they were only one race, while 21.9 percent said they were two or more races, according to U.S. Census Bureau data obtained in January.


Community policing meeting to address agricultural theft in Honomū Aug. 9

Hawai‘i Police Department’s Hilo Community Policing Section invites the public to a community meeting on Monday, Aug., 9, from 5 to 7 p.m.


Hawaii musicians host benefit concert for Hawaii's public school educators

The Hawaii Foundation for Educators (HFE) is teaming up with iconic local musicians Jake Shimabukuro, Pure Heart, Robi Kahakalau, the Camarillo ohana, and Makaha Sons to host “Teach Our Future,” a benefit concert for public school educators.


Smart, safe technology fights COVID-19 at schools on Hawaii Island and Oahu

A Hawaii company has begun installing ultraviolet air purification units at some public schools, with the latest installation at Naalehu Elementary School on Hawaii Island, where the new units will be placed in the school’s cafeteria and gym.


Case: BLUE Pacific Act 'sends a powerful message to our critical Pacific Islands partners'

Approved by the House Committee of Foreign Affairs last week, U.S. Rep. Ed Case (D-Kaneohe) reports the committee has included the bulk of his Boosting Long-Term U.S. Engagement in the Pacific (BLUE Pacific) Act in its major measure, the Ensuring American Global Leadership and Engagement (EAGLE) Act.


'Blue rice coral is often overlooked' but may produce natural sunscreen, ensuring future survival of the species

A recent report from the University of Hawaii at Manoa has revealed that local scientists believe blue rice corals could survive climate change because they produce a natural protein that can act as a sunscreen, ensuring their survival.


Census Bureau: 23.9% of people in Kauai County identified as multi-racial in 2019

Of the 71,769 citizens living in Kauai County in 2019, 76.1 percent said they were only one race, while 23.9 percent said they were two or more races, according to U.S. Census Bureau data obtained in January.


Census Bureau: 84.8 percent of people in Kahaluu-Keauhou Cdp were old enough to vote in 2019

Of the 5,291 citizens living in Kahaluu-Keauhou Cdp in 2019, 4,488 were old enough to vote as of Jan. 28, according to U.S. Census Bureau data.


Volcano Watch – Stressed out: Hawaiian volcanoes are heavy

Many people living in the Hawaiian Islands are accustomed to feeling occasional earthquakes since the State of Hawaii is one of the most seismically active locations in the United States. Unlike some other earthquake-prone places in the U.S., for example California, where the earthquakes are related to tectonic plates sliding past each other, our earthquakes are related to volcanoes.


Trafalgar poll shows American flag inspires pride and patriotism and that America is 'a nation of good and decent people'

The Olympic Games in Tokyo are underway, and if a recent poll is any indication of America's patriotism, many Americans will be rooting hard for Team USA to medal in its respective events.


Census Bureau: 28.9% of people in Hawaii County identified as multi-racial in 2019

Of the 199,459 citizens living in Hawaii County in 2019, 71.1 percent said they were only one race, while 28.9 percent said they were two or more races, according to U.S. Census Bureau data obtained in January.


Census Bureau: 86 percent of people in Honaunau-Napoopoo Cdp were old enough to vote in 2019

Of the 2,300 citizens living in Honaunau-Napoopoo Cdp in 2019, 1,978 were old enough to vote as of Jan. 28, according to U.S. Census Bureau data.


Teardrop star, seen through the Keck Observatory telescopes, will be 'the catalyst for an eventual supernova'

A recent report from the W.M. Keck Observatory states that astronomers have observed what they believe is a rare teardrop-shaped star.


The University of Hawaii at Mānoa and Japan Airlines team up for 'a synergistic alignment'

The University of Hawaii (UH) at Mānoa's Shidler College of Business and Japan Airlines Co., Ltd., (JAL) has partnered to improve opportunities for focusing on human resource development through innovation for the students of the university.


‘I look forward to meeting my constituents as soon as possible’: Clark appointed by Ige to fill Hawaii House seat

Linda Ann Ha‘i Clark (D) was appointed by Gov. David Ige (D) to represent Hawaii's House District 13, which was left vacant after former Rep. Lynn DeCoite (D) was appointed to the Hawaii Senate District 7.