News from November 2023
US Senators Hirono and Schatz vote for confirmation of Shanlyn Park to the US District Court for Hawaii
By Big Island Times | Nov 30, 2023
Judge Shanlyn A.S. Park has been confirmed by a 53-45 vote to serve as a federal judge for the U.S. District Court in the District of Hawaii, with bipartisan support from both Republicans and Democrats. Judge Park comes to her new role with a diverse legal background that includes state court experience, work with several law firms, and service in the Office of the Federal Public Defender for the District of Hawaii.
Man charged with firearms, drug offenses after standoff in Pahoa
By Big Island Times | Nov 30, 2023
Hawaii Island police have issued a formal announcement regarding the charges against a 47-year-old man from Pahoa, following an intense and prolonged standoff that took place earlier this week. The suspect, Jameel Comier, was involved in an eight-hour-long deadlock with the authorities.
Hawaii County Mayor signs bill giving housing preference to local families
By Big Island Times | Nov 29, 2023
To make affordable housing more accessible to residents of Hawaii Island, Mayor Mitch Roth signed Bill 72 into law this month. This new law seeks to redefine eligibility requirements for affordable housing and hopes to mitigate the current housing crisis in the county.
Paradise Supermart Fast Food & Catering allowed to reopen
By Big Island Times | Nov 29, 2023
The Kahului business was issued a red placard eight days ago for a variety of critical violations. It was allowed to reopen this week after a follow up inspection. The establishment in question is Paradise Supermart Fast Food and Catering.
Mokuaikaua Church to host 'Journey to Bethlehem' nativity event Dec. 2
By Big Island Times | Nov 27, 2023
Mokuaikaua Church will host "Journey to Bethlehem," a free live nativity event that will go from 5:30 to 8 p.m. on Dec. 2. This annual tradition offers a unique experience, where attendees can walk through scenes of the biblical journey.
Fink: ’We are extremely saddened to report that an incident on Hawaiʻi State Hospital grounds today took the life of a member of our Hawaiʻi State Hospital staff’
By Big Island Times | Nov 19, 2023
Hawaii Department of Health issues statement on altercation at Hawaii State Hospital. This occurred after an incident between a former patient and staff member resulted in the death of the staff member.
Hawaii State Department of Education Solicits feedback and product info to get more locally-sourced foods into schools
By Big Island Times | Nov 18, 2023
``` The Department of Education recently put out a request for information from potential vendors in order to develop a request for proposals to bring more local produce, proteins, and packaged foods into school cafeterias. This initiative aims to promote healthy eating habits among students while also supporting local agricultural industry. This movement towards local sourcing in schools isn't entirely new. This appears to be a continuation of efforts this year to get poi made from fresh local kalo, and local sweet potato into...
Moszkowicz: 'This recognition solidifies Hawai’i Police Department’s position as a leader in public service'
By Big Island Times | Nov 18, 2023
For the fourth consecutive year, HPD received the Advanced Law Enforcement Accreditation Award from the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA). This award is given in recognition of law enforcement departments that have shown exceptional compliance with various standards set out by CALEA.
Hawai’i Police ask for tips in 2021 death
By Big Island Times | Nov 15, 2023
Hawai’i Island Police are asking for the public to provide any information they may have in the July 2021 death of 76-year-old Pahoa resident Michael Rosenbaum.
The Nature Conservancy Bestows the Kāko‘o ‘Āina Award upon David Okita
By Big Island Times | Nov 14, 2023
The Nature Conservancy (TNC) recently announced that it would be presenting the Kāko‘o ‘Āina Award to David Okita who has worked with TNC for several decades. In a press release from Nov. 7, TNC said that the award recognizes those who have given valuable support for a significant amount of time to the conservation of Hawai'i.
Kuleana Education redefining education: ‘we believe in meeting every child where they are so they can succeed’
By Big Island Times | Nov 13, 2023
Kuleana Education Academy, a licensed nonprofit school in Holualoa, is redefining education for students in kindergarten through eighth grade by going beyond traditional academics. The curriculum aims to offer a well-rounded learning experience for its students by using social-emotional learning, mindfulness and their own practical experiences.
Hawaii County Council will meet Nov. 15
By Angelica Saylo Pilo | Nov 12, 2023
Hawaii County Council will meet at 9 a.m., Wednesday, Nov. 15
Hawaii County Communications, Reports, and Council Oversight Committee will meet Nov. 14
By Angelica Saylo Pilo | Nov 12, 2023
Hawaii County Communications, Reports, and Council Oversight Committee will meet at 2 p.m., Tuesday, Nov. 14
Hawaii County Policy Committee on Health, Safety, and Well-being will meet Nov. 14
By Angelica Saylo Pilo | Nov 11, 2023
Hawaii County Policy Committee on Health, Safety, and Well-being will meet at 1 p.m., Tuesday, Nov. 14
Hawaii County Finance Committee will meet Nov. 14
By Angelica Saylo Pilo | Nov 11, 2023
Hawaii County Finance Committee will meet at 11 a.m., Tuesday, Nov. 14
Hawaii County Legislative Approvals and Acquisitions Committee will meet Nov. 14
By Angelica Saylo Pilo | Nov 10, 2023
Hawaii County Legislative Approvals and Acquisitions Committee will meet at 10 a.m., Tuesday, Nov. 14
Hawaii County Governmental Operations and External Affairs Committee will meet Nov. 14
By Angelica Saylo Pilo | Nov 10, 2023
Hawaii County Governmental Operations and External Affairs Committee will meet at 9 a.m., Tuesday, Nov. 14
Kona Aloha Singers to host Spring concert 'Journey Into The Holidays' December 3
By Big Island Times | Nov 7, 2023
The Kona Aloha Singers (KAS) have announced they will be hosting a spring concert titled 'Journey Into The Holidays' on Dec. 3, according to a statement by the group. The event will take place at King Kamehameha Kona Beach Resort, starting from 4pm.
53.7 million contract awarded by U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for temporary elementary school in Lahaina
By Big Island Times | Nov 7, 2023
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has awarded a $53.7 million contract to an 8(a) Native Hawaiian Organization for the construction of a temporary elementary school in Lahaina, as announced in a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) news release.
Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park announces December events
By Big Island Times | Nov 6, 2023
The Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park is set to host eight diverse events throughout Dec., according to a press release from the park. "Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park announces December events," the statement read.