News from May 2023


April report from Hawaii County Fire Chief

Reports include details on budgets and fire response statistics.


Palmyra Island Conservation Lead Franklin: "We are moving in the right direction with our seabird restoration efforts at Palmyra."

After years of restoration efforts, the Nature Conservancy Hawai‘i and Palmyra announced that a grey-backed tern chick has been spotted at Palmyra Atoll National Wildlife Refuge, confirming that seabird attraction efforts on the island are working.


Hawaii Tourism Authority President says local hospitality is the reason why 'Hawaii continues to be such a favorite destination for travelers from around the world'

Hawaii Tourism Authority President and CEO John De Fries gives credit to locals for Hawaii's reputation as an exceptional vacation location.


Hawaii County COVID-19 cases averaged 13 per day over past week

New COVID-19 cases in Hawaii County were up 19.8% over the past two weeks, with the average number of daily cases over the past week reaching 13, according to data from the state’s Department of Health.


Hawaii County Council met May 18

Hawaii County Council met Thursday, May 18







Hirono marks second anniversary of COVID-19 Hate Crimes Act, says legislation was important step in ending 'senseless violence'

Sen. Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii) is marking the two-year anniversary of the COVID-19 Hate Crimes Act signed into law by President Joe Biden as a critical time in the fight to keep Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) communities safe.


Hawaii governor touts progress on some of state's 'biggest challenges’

Hawaii Gov. Josh Green is touting some of the changes his administration has implemented during his first six months in office.


First Amendment advocate: "It is a tribute, frankly, to this legislature that after all these years it has agreed to reinstate the shield law."

Hawaii Gov. Josh Green is considering whether to sign a bill that would restore reporters' right to withhold their sources and unpublished information from courts.


Reproductive and sexual health data protection legislation proposed by Sen. Hirono: 'Everyone should be able to trust that their data is safe'

On May 17, U.S. Sens. Mazie J. Hirono (D-Hawaii), Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) and 11 fellow senators re-introduced the “My Body, My Data Act,” which is legislation designed to create a national standard to protect reproductive and sexual health data.


Schatz introduces bill to protect student veterans and help them ‘recoup their benefits’

U.S. Senators Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii) and Mike Rounds (R-South Dakota) reintroduced a bill on May 13 that would improve access to higher education information and restore benefits for military veterans.