News from December 2023
Hawaii County Windward Planning Commission will meet Jan. 4
By Angelica Saylo Pilo | Dec 31, 2023
Hawaii County Windward Planning Commission will meet at 9 a.m., Thursday, Jan. 4
Rep. Ed Case calls for restriction of ornamental reef fish, coral based on collection practices
By Big Island Times | Dec 29, 2023
US Representative Ed Case (HI) has sponsored a bill known as House Resolution 6447, or the Saving Natural Ecosystems and Marine Organisms (NEMO) Act. The legislation was introduced concurrently with the Hawaii State Board of Land and Natural Resources' deliberation on imposing restrictions on reef fish collection.
Single kiwikiu provides clues to avian survival of malaria
By Big Island Times | Dec 29, 2023
A single kiwikiu, part of a group of seven kiwikius relocated to the Nakula Natural Area Reserve in 2019, survived a deadly mosquito-borne disease that wiped out the rest of its cohort. The bird was presumed lost until it was rediscovered during a planting trip in 2021 when its song caught the attention of a conservationist.
Hawaii Police remind citizens of new firearms permitting regulations on Jan. 1
By Big Island Times | Dec 29, 2023
Amendments proposed in Hawaii Senate Bill 1230 are set to be implemented next month. These amendments encompass permit alterations for both long guns and handguns.
Four Oahu Community Correctional Center inmates indicted in July 2023 inmate death
By Big Island Times | Dec 29, 2023
Attorney General Anne Lopez's office recently disclosed the indictment of Aaron Tuitelapaga, Bronson Tuitelelepaga, Manu Sorenson, and Josiah Palimoomanu on manslaughter charges following the death of inmate Christopher Vaefaga. Manslaughter carries a potential sentence of up to 20 years in prison.
Agriculture tours in Hawaii benefit visitors, local farmers
By Big Island Times | Dec 28, 2023
The Island of Hawai'i Visitors Bureau has highlighted the significant role agricultural tours play in supporting the financial sustainability of local farms. These tours, according to the bureau, provide direct sales opportunities for farmers and strengthen connections between agricultural producers and the community.
Hirono, Chu introduce resolutions honoring end of the Chinese Exclusion Act
By Big Island Times | Dec 19, 2023
Sen. Mazie Hirono and Rep. Judy Chu have proposed resolutions in both the Senate and House of Representatives to commemorate the repeal of the 1882 Chinese Exclusion Act. This act prohibited the immigration of Chinese laborers to the United States, mandating non-laborers to secure documentation that verified their eligibility to enter the country.
Kona Kohala Chefs Association's Christmas with the Chefs Event Presents Six Culinary Scholarships
By Big Island Times | Dec 18, 2023
On Saturday, December 9, the American Culinary Federation (ACF) Kona Kohala Chefs Association celebrated six recent scholarship winners. The ceremony was held at the fully booked Christmas with the Chefs gala, located on the grounds of Courtyard by Marriott King Kamehameha’s Kona Beach Hotel.
Hawaii County Council will meet Dec. 20
By Angelica Saylo Pilo | Dec 17, 2023
Hawaii County Council will meet at 9 a.m., Wednesday, Dec. 20
Hawaii County Policy Committee on Health, Safety, and Well-being will meet Dec. 19
By Angelica Saylo Pilo | Dec 16, 2023
Hawaii County Policy Committee on Health, Safety, and Well-being will meet at 3 p.m., Tuesday, Dec. 19
Hawaii County Finance Committee will meet Dec. 19
By Angelica Saylo Pilo | Dec 16, 2023
Hawaii County Finance Committee will meet at 1 p.m., Tuesday, Dec. 19
Governor orders flag lowered to honor former Sen. Whitney Anderson
By Big Island Times | Dec 15, 2023
Governor Josh Green MD has ordered the US flag and Hawaii state flag to be flown at half-staff for two days from sunrise to sunset. This is a mark of respect for former Senator Whitney Anderson, who recently passed away due to a heart attack.
Hawaii County Governmental Operations and External Affairs Committee will meet Dec. 19
By Angelica Saylo Pilo | Dec 15, 2023
Hawaii County Governmental Operations and External Affairs Committee will meet at 9:30 a.m., Tuesday, Dec. 19
Voluntary recall of WanaBana apple sauce pouches expanded, updated
By Big Island Times | Dec 15, 2023
The State of Hawaii Department of Health has issued an alert concerning the expansion of a previous recall of WanBana applesauce pouch products that took place in October. The recall was due to elevated lead levels found in these products.
Hawaii County Communications, Reports, and Council Oversight Committee will meet Dec. 19
By Angelica Saylo Pilo | Dec 15, 2023
Hawaii County Communications, Reports, and Council Oversight Committee will meet at 9 a.m., Tuesday, Dec. 19
Rep. Ed Case announces Congressional App Challenge winners
By Big Island Times | Dec 12, 2023
At a gathering at the Entrepreneur’s Sandbox, Representative Ed Case unveiled the winners of his district's 2023 Congressional App Challenge. The victors were Jaylen Rabago from DreamHouse ‘Ewa Beach, a public charter school, Jeremiah So from Christian Academy, and Jinghao Li and Kekoa Dung from Island Pacific Academy.
Hilo police detective arrested, charged with felony perjury, tampering with government record
By Big Island Times | Dec 12, 2023
Detective William Brown was apprehended last week on charges of felony perjury and misdemeanor tampering with a government record. He was subsequently released on his own recognizance on the day of his arrest.
Senator Brian Schatz said Defense bill includes provisions for study of Red Hill fuel leak health impacts
By Big Island Times | Dec 10, 2023
Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii) has announced that the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) now includes provisions for studying the impact of the 2021 Red Hill fuel leak on both community members and military personnel residing in proximity to the tanks. This announcement comes in light of the Navy's decision in 2022 to decommission these fuel tanks.
Art auction raises $14K for schools affected in wildfires
By Big Island Times | Dec 10, 2023
An art auction held earlier this month has raised $14,000 to benefit four schools that were affected by the Maui wildfires last summer. The auction featured artwork from students and teachers of Lāhaināluna schools, as well as local art professionals.
Hawaii Police detective receives Hawaeo Award
By Big Island Times | Dec 8, 2023
Detective John Balberde was recently recognized for his exceptional work as the supervisor of the Crime Reduction Unit in East Hawaii, within the Area I Criminal Investigation Division. The Hawaii Police Department lauded him for his determination and compassion, particularly in relation to a gruesome double-homicide case in Hilo that took place in January.