News from 2021


Schatz: 'Billions of dollars are coming' from Hawaii's share of the federal infrastructure package

The $2.8 billion that is Hawaii's share from the bipartisan infrastructure package, money expected to help repair fix the islands' aging infrastructure, is on its way, the state's senior U.S. senator said.


Ige talks about 'the silver linings of the pandemic' at COP26 Climate Change Conference in Scotland

Gov. David Ige (D) participated in several events at the COP26 Climate Change Conference in Glasgow, Scotland.


Hawaii governor releases over $2 million of capital improvement project funding for two locations in Waimea

Gov. David Ige (D) has recently released $2.2 million of capital improvement project funding (CIP) for projects in Waimea.


Hawaii Tourism Authority releases visitor satisfaction survey results comparing travel pre- and post-pandemic

The Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA) has released the final results of its visitor satisfaction survey taken by people visiting from the Continental U.S. who traveled to Hawaii between Oct. 1 and Oct. 5 of this year.


National Governors Association WIN grant allows Hawaii to 'focus on digital access and equity'

The National Governors Association (NGA) has chosen the state of Hawaii for the second phase of its Workforce Innovation Network (WIN).


U.S. Geological Survey: Eruption at Kīlauea is an 'awe-inspiring event'

Of the five volcanoes on the Big Island, Kīlauea has always been considered the most active one, as demonstrated once again through a recent eruption.


Kaiser Permanente, union reach agreement to avoid strike

A tentative agreement has been reached between Kaiser Permanente and the Alliance of Health Care Unions.


Hawaii is expected to receive $2.8 billion from federal infrastructure package, 'a once-in-a-generation investment'

The State of Hawaii is expected to receive $2.8 billion as part of the recently approved $1 trillion federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.


Police now looking for new leads in 1978 Kalapana cold case

The Hawaii Police Department is reinvestigating a cold case that occurred more than 40 years ago on the Big Island.


The University of Hawaii opens applications for fall 2022 semester

The University of Hawaii (UH) is currently accepting applications for the fall 2022 semester.


Hawaii County reopens application period for Phase 2 Voluntary Housing Buyout Program for homes affected by Kilauea

The County of Hawaii is currently accepting Phase 2 applications for the Voluntary Housing Buyout Program (VHBP) for Kīlauea Eruption Recovery.


Results of Hawaii student assessments 'emphasize the importance of having students back in the classroom'

Results of student assessments conducted by the Hawaii Department of Education (HIDOE) revealed a downward trend in academic performance.


Hawaii County COVID-19 cases averaged 17 per day over past week

New COVID-19 cases in Hawaii County were down 37% over the past two weeks, with the average number of daily cases over the past week reaching 17, according to data from the State of Hawaii Department of Health.


Kahele urges Biden to revoke medals issued to soldiers at Wounded Knee Massacre: 'Correct this injustice'

Seventeen members of Congress recently wrote a letter to President Joe Biden (D), calling on him to exercise his presidential authority to revoke the Medals of Honor awarded to soldiers who participated in the Wounded Knee Massacre.


Kumukahi Health + Wellness: 'We don't have any judgment on the lifestyles of our participants and our clients'

Kumukahi Health + Wellness has its principles rooted in harm reduction, and the organization has been serving the people of the Big Island since 1985 with locations in Hilo and Kailua-Kona.


Big Island events, not to be missed, coming up this week

Tuesday, Nov. 16 -- and every Tuesday -- the Hilo Toastmasters Club meets virtually between noon and 1 p.m. to improve public speaking skills through practice speeches, attentive listening, and giving and receiving feedback.



Hawaii County Council will meet Nov. 18

Hawaii County Council will meet at 9 a.m., Thursday, Nov. 18.


Hawaii County Climate Resilience and Natural Resource Management Committee will meet Nov. 17

Hawaii County Climate Resilience and Natural Resource Management Committee will meet at 2 p.m., Wednesday, Nov. 17.


Hawaii County Planning Committee will meet Nov. 17

Hawaii County Planning Committee will meet at 1 p.m., Wednesday, Nov. 17.