News from December 2022



Hawaii County COVID-19 cases averaged 21 per day over past week

New COVID-19 cases in Hawaii County were up 22% over the past two weeks, with the average number of daily cases over the past week reaching 21, according to data from the state’s Department of Health.



Hirono: Red Hill fire suppression leak ‘potentially exposed the community’ to long-term health threats

A recent leak of a fire suppression system at Red Hill that spilled over 1,100 gallons of Aqueous Film Forming Foam (AFFF) into the environment could have lasting consequences on the health of people who live in the area.


Schatz: ‘We need to … abandon the exclusionary zoning that originated during Jim Crow’

U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz (D-HI) is trying to push a bill across the finish line that establishes a new federal program to reward state and local governments that reform land-use policies and other local barriers that constrain the supply of affordable housing.


Suzanne Case, DLNR Chair of Hawaii: 'This is a great honor'

Suzanne Case has completed her second term at the end of December as the Chair of the State Board of Land and Natural Resources.


Schatz's Safe Connections Act helps survivors of domestic violence: 'Right now there is no easy way out for these victims'

A bill coauthored by U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz (D-HI), created to help survivors of domestic violence and other crimes, was signed into law by President Joe Biden.


Senator Schatz: 'I’m honored to serve in this new leadership role'

U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii) has been promoted to Deputy Conference Secretary, a new position in the Senate Democratic leadership group.


Hayashi on playground project: 'Student health and wellness is a top priority'

The Hawaii State Department of Education (HSDE) is partnering with Hawaii 3Rs, a non-profit organization, on an $18 million project to repair, replace, or build approximately 100 playgrounds throughout Hawaii.


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

New COVID-19 cases in Hawaii County were up 32.2% over the past two weeks, with the average number of daily cases over the past week reaching 19, according to data from the state’s Department of Health.








Hawaii County Council will meet Dec. 21

Hawaii County Council will meet at 9 a.m., Wednesday, Dec. 21


Passing of Judge Lendio Heim leaves admirers 'devastated by the loss'

First Circuit District Judge Darolyn Lendio Heim, who helped tenants on the verge of eviction, passed away last week.


New Hawaii governor nominates second round of state department heads to 'join group of high-caliber individuals'

Governor Josh Green, M.D. recently announced a second round of nominees to serve as Director and/or Deputy Director and other appointed positions for state departments.


Hawaii County COVID-19 cases averaged 14 per day over past week

New COVID-19 cases in Hawaii County were down 18.3% over the past two weeks, with the average number of daily cases over the past week reaching 14, according to data from the state’s Department of Health.