News from September 2021


Dane H. Bowden-Kauka

Dane H. Bowden-Kauka, 36, of Hilo, died on Sunday, August 29, 2021 at Hilo Medical Center. He was born on May 23, 1985 in Hilo, Hawaii.


Hawaii lawmakers sponsor bill to increase Medicare payments for skilled nursing homes due to 'high cost-of-living expenses'

U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii) and U.S. Rep. Kaialiʻi Kahele (D-Hilo) have legislation in both houses of Congress to improve Medicare payments for skilled nursing facilities in Hawaii and Alaska.


Three Hawaii public schools make U.S. Department of Education National Blue Ribbon list: 'This is a proud moment'

Three public schools in Hawaii made the U.S. Department of Education's 2021 list of National Blue Ribbon schools.


New Health & Safety Measures at ʻImiloa

New Health & Safety Measures at ʻImiloa Following new UH covid safety protocol, ‘Imiloa will require all visitors ages 12+ to provide proof of vaccination or negative test prior to entry.


Schatz reintroduces legislation to restore honor to service members 'unjustly forced out of the military' for being gay

U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), Sen. Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) and Sen. Todd Young (R-Indiana) have reintroduced the Restore Honor to Service Members Act on the 10-year-anniversary of the repeal of the "Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell" policy, according to Schatz's website.


Support local Big Island businesses while enjoying upcoming events

Don't let these Big Island events pass you by without giving them a try.



Hawaiian public is 'strongly encouraged' to review Draft Environmental Assessment by Oct. 8

The Draft Environmental Assessment (DEA) for the decommissioning of the University of Hawaii at Hilo Hōkū Ke'a teaching telescope on Maunakea is posted by the University of Hawaii at Hilo for public review and comment.


University of Hawaii at Hilo is one of the most diverse campuses in the U.S., 'itself a diverse city'

The University of Hawaii (UH) at Hilo can celebrate a recent ranking it received, naming it one of the most diverse higher-education institutions in the U.S.


More than $28 million in federal grants will 'ensure that Native Hawaiian education programs have the resources they need'

U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz’s (D-Hawaii) office announced that Native Hawaiian education programs will receive a total $28.1 million in federal funding under the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021.


The East Hawaii Cultural Center is constructing a mobile outdoor theater to allow for community building and social distancing

A local nonprofit organization that supports arts and culture in the Hilo community, which is largely run by volunteers, has received a grant to develop a mobile outdoor theater.


Kahele says inaction from U.S. Supreme Court is 'inexcusable' and 'a radical attack' on reproductive rights

A Hawaii congressman is speaking out about the U.S. Supreme Court's refusal to step in and stop the recent abortion law in Texas from taking effect earlier this month.


Text messages promising DMV refunds are a scam: 'Official correspondence is issued via hard copy letter'

The Hawaii County Department of Finance, Vehicle Registration and Licensing (VRL) division, is warning about a scam claiming to offer "DMV refunds."


Hawaii County COVID-19 cases averaged 71 per day over past week

New COVID-19 cases in Hawaii County were down 33% over the past two weeks, with the average number of daily cases over the past week reaching 71, according to data from the State of Hawaii Department of Health.


Hawaii County Council Will Meet Sept. 22

Hawaii County Council Will Meet at 9 a.m., Wednesday, Sept. 22.


Hawaii County Finance Committee Will Meet Sept. 21

Hawaii County Finance Committee Will Meet at 1 p.m., Tuesday, Sept. 21.


Ellen Kinuko Nakamura

Mrs. Ellen Kinuko Nakamura, age 74, of Hilo, Hawaii, died September 1, 2021 at the Queen’s Medical Center in Honolulu, Hawaii.


Nancy Gail McGuire

Nancy Gail McGuire, 59, of Pahoa died Sept. 6 at the Hilo Medical Center.


Big Island Times area weekly mass times

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


Joseph Jose Abril, Sr.

Mr. Joseph Jose Abril, Sr., age 89, of Hilo, Hawaii died September 12, 2021, at a private care home.