News from September 2021


Hawaii to plant or restore 100 million trees by 2030: 'Nothing is more urgent than protecting our planet'

In a long-range effort to combat global warming, Hawaii is pledging to plant and restore 100 million trees throughout the state by 2030.


Second Revitalize Puna meeting set for Oct. 12: 'These events are focused on supporting community action'

On Tuesday, Oct. 12, the Disaster Recovery Division and County Council District 4 will host the second quarterly Revitalize Puna community activation event virtually, via Zoom, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.


Hawai´i Food and Wine events slated for this weekend

Two culinary festivals will be coming to the Big Island this weekend and organizers are encouraging people to attend.


USGS volcano update: Sept. 29

Increased earthquake activity and changes in the patterns of ground deformation at Kīlauea’s summit began occurring as of approximately noon on Sept. 29, indicating movement of magma in the subsurface.


Hawaii County Regenerative Agriculture, Water, Energy & Environmental Management Committee will meet Oct. 5

Hawaii County Regenerative Agriculture, Water, Energy & Environmental Management Committee will meet at 2 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 5.


Hawaii County Parks and Recreation and Public Safety Committee will meet Oct. 5

Hawaii County Parks and Recreation and Public Safety Committee will meet at 9 a.m., Tuesday, Oct. 5.


Hawaii County Finance Committee will meet Oct. 5

Hawaii County Finance Committee will meet at 1 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 5.


Hawaii County Public Works and Mass Transit Committee will meet Oct. 5

Hawaii County Public Works and Mass Transit Committee will meet at 10 a.m., Tuesday, Oct. 5.


Hawaii County COVID-19 cases averaged 51 per day over past week

New COVID-19 cases in Hawaii County were down 40% over the past two weeks, with the average number of daily cases over the past week reaching 51, according to data from the State of Hawaii Department of Health.



University of Hawaii graduate student is a Top 30 Candidate for NCAA Women of the Year: 'It feels amazing'

Bria Beale, a graduate student at the University of Hawaii (UH) at Hilo, will continue in the running for the 2021 NCAA Women of the Year.


A recent study reveals coral reef ecosystems remain on the decline: 'It's a call to action'

The Hawaiian Islands are home to 410,000 acres of living reef and more than 7,000 species of marine animals and plants.


Athletics have resumed in Hawaii public schools, but only for those who are vaccinated against COVID-19

Friday, Sept. 24, was the restart of school-sanctioned athletic activities throughout Hawaii, according to Big Island Now.


Chun-Ming presented with Haweo Award

For his outstanding work ethic and vigilance, which very likely saved the life of a woman who was in imminent danger, Sergeant Thomas Chun-Ming was honored with the Haweo Award during a ceremony held at Hawai‘i County Council chambers in Kona on Sept. 21.


Number of teachers pledging to teach Critical Race Theory in Pahoa stagnates at one in week ending Sept. 25

There were no new teachers in Pahoa who signed the pledge in week ending Sept. 25, according to an online pledge from the Zinn Education Project.


Big Island Times area weekly mass times

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


Anna Texeira

Anna Texeira, 73, of Hilo, passed away on Wednesday, September 22, 2021 at Hilo Medical Center


Margaret Mikiyo Yamamoto

Margaret Mikiyo Yamamoto, 92, of Hilo, HI, died at the Hilo Medical Center on Friday, September 17, 2021.


Dolores Bernice Isabel Perreira Tavares

Dolores Bernice Isabel Perreira Tavares, 93, of Hilo, HI, died at home on Saturday, September 11, 2021.


Carlotta Salomon Cablay

Carlotta Salomon Cablay, 87, of Kailua-Kona, Hawaii and formerly of Honolulu and Maui, passed away peacefully on August 30, 2021 at home, surrounded by family, caregiver, under Hospice of Kona.