News from May 2021


'A vote for fairness and equality': Hirono supports statehood for Washington, D.C.

The House recently approved legislation to grant statehood to Washington, D.C. and make it the 51st state in the nation.


'Help is here': Schatz voices support for Restaurant Revitalization Fund

The Small Business Administration (SBA) recently announced that it will begin accepting applications for grant funding from restaurants and related businesses that have been financially impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.


'The right decision': Okimoto lauds decision to end early release program for prisoners

The Hawaii Supreme Court recently ended a program for the early release of inmates from jail.


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

The VA Pacific Islands Health Care System, subsidiary 459GC in Kailua, HI scheduled 1,537 pending appointments in October 2020 compared to 1,567 the previous month, according to data collected from the U.S. Department of Veteran's Affairs.


VA reports increase in number of appointments at VA Pacific Islands HCS health facility in Lihue in October 2020

The VA Pacific Islands Health Care System, subsidiary 459GD in Lihue, HI scheduled 2,060 pending appointments in October 2020 compared to 1,950 the previous month, according to data collected from the U.S. Department of Veteran's Affairs.


1,785 youth between the age of 10-19 in US test positive for COVID-19 during week ending February 24

There were 1,785 youth between the age of 10-19 who in the United States tested positive for COVID-19 during the week ending February 24.


Big Island Times area weekly mass times

The following parishes in the Big Island Times coverage area hold weekly mass at these designated times.


Hisae Kano (Kuga)

Hisae Kano, 90, of Hilo, passed away on April 22nd, 2021 at Life Care Center.


Jennifer "Keonaona" Stacey Bryan

Jennifer “Keonaona” Stacey Bryan, 67, of Waimea died Apr. 20 at the North Hawaii Community Hospital.


Howard Namanu'ulaokalani Loo

Howard Namanu'ulaokalani Loo, 80, of Waimea, HI, died at home on Monday, April 19, 2021.


Queen’s North Hawai’i Community Hospital offering COVID-19 vaccines

Queen’s North Hawai’i Community Hospital (QNHCH) is offering vaccinations for those age 16 and older on a first-come, first serve basis with no appointment necessary on Wednesday, May 5, from 4-6 p.m.


Randy Mathew Mattos

Randy Mathew Mattos, 68, of Hilo, passed away on April 19th.


Claude Martel

Claude Martel, 76, of Kailua-Kona, Hawaii, died April 17, 2021 at Kona Community Hospital.