Latest News from Big Island Times

In a recent development, the death of a Nene gosling in Hilo Park has shed light on the threat posed by feral cats carrying diseases. Raymond McGuire, a DOFAW biologist with extensive experience working with Nene, expressed his sadness over the incident. He emphasized the need for cat lovers to consider the deadly consequences of feeding feral cats, stating, "We know cat lovers are animal lovers."McGuire urged people to prioritize the well-being of iconic wildlife species like Nene and monk seals over non-native species such as cats. Jordan Lerma, from the nonprofit Nēnē...

Department of Health Reopens Ocean Club at Haliʻi Kai in Waikoloa

Kailua-Kona, Hawaiʻi – The Hawai‘i Department of Health (DOH) Food Safety Branch has allowed the Ocean Club at Haliʻi Kai to reopen following a green “pass” placard issued during a follow-up inspection on April 23, 2024."The Department of Health Food Safety Branch protects and promotes the health of Hawai‘i residents and visitors through education of food industry workers and regulation of food establishments statewide," said the DOH representative.During the inspection, it was confirmed that all required corrective actions had been taken, with the DOH stating, "all of...

Hirono Votes to Pass National Security Supplemental, Deliver Critical Aid to Allies

WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI), a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee and Chair of the Subcommittee on Readiness and Management Support, expressed her satisfaction after voting to pass the bipartisan national security funding package with aid for various regions.In a statement released today, Senator Hirono highlighted the significance of the funding package, stating, “Today, after months of needless delay, Congress has made good on its commitment to stand with our allies and defend democracy at home and abroad. With urgently-needed funding...

Gov. Green Renews Commitment to House FEMA-Ineligible Maui Wildfire Survivors

Gov. Green has renewed his commitment to supporting the survivors of the Maui wildfire who are ineligible for FEMA assistance. In a recent statement, the governor expressed his dedication to assisting these families, stating, "We are committed to helping these families recover and rebuild their lives."The governor's pledge comes as a beacon of hope for those who have been left without the necessary aid to recover from the devastating effects of the wildfire. With FEMA assistance out of reach for these survivors, Gov. Green's commitment to providing support is crucial in...

DLNR Announces Temporary Closure of Hawaii Island Areas for Animal Control Activities

(HILO) - The DLNR Division of Forestry and Wildlife (DOFAW) has announced the temporary closure of certain areas on Hawaii Island for animal control activities as part of efforts to protect the palila bird's critical habitat. A news release from DLNR stated that the animal control activities, including trapping, ground, and aerial shooting, will target feral goats, feral sheep, mouflon, and mouflon/feral sheep hybrids in specific reserves and game management areas on the island.The aerial shooting of sheep and goats is a necessary measure to comply with a federal court...

DOH Shuts Down Takamiya Market in Wailuku for Cockroach Infestation

The Hawai‘i Department of Health (DOH) Maui Food Safety Branch took decisive action on April 19, 2024, by shutting down Takamiya Market in Wailuku due to a severe cockroach infestation. Live cockroaches were found on various food contact surfaces during a routine inspection, leading to the immediate closure of the establishment. The market, located at 359 N. Market Street, is operated by Takamiya Market Inc.In response to the infestation, the DOH mandated specific measures that must be met before the market can reopen to the public. These include hiring a professional...

DOH Shuts Down Takamiya Market in Wailuku for Cockroach Infestation

Wailuku, Hawai‘i – The Hawai‘i Department of Health (DOH) Maui Food Safety Branch took decisive action by shutting down Takamiya Market in Wailuku on April 19, 2024, after a routine inspection uncovered a severe cockroach infestation."During the routine inspection, live cockroaches were observed crawling on multiple food contact surfaces in the kitchen where food items and cooking equipment were stored."The establishment, operated by Takamiya Market Inc., was issued a red "Closed" placard by the DOH due to its history of non-compliance with pest control and prevention...

Department of Health Shuts Down Ocean Club at Haliʻi Kai in Waikoloa for Active Rodent Infestation

Kailua-Kona, Hawaiʻi – The Hawai‘i Department of Health (DOH) Food Safety Branch took swift action by issuing a red “Closed” placard and shutting down Ocean Club at Haliʻi Kai on April 19, 2024, due to an active rodent infestation, contaminated food products, and unsanitary conditions within the establishment. The Ocean Club, located at 69-1029 Nawahine Place in Waikoloa and operated by Castle Resorts & Hotels Inc., faced closure following an inspection prompted by a public complaint received on April 18, 2024.The Hawai‘i Department of Health Food Safety Branch,...

Gov. Green Marks Earth Day with Environmentally-Friendly Initiatives

In a recent announcement, the Office of the Governor highlighted various initiatives undertaken by state departments to commemorate Earth Day.The Hawai‘i Department of Transportation has embarked on Phase 2 of its Plastic Road Pilot on Fort Weaver Road. According to the Governor's office, this phase involves collaborating with partners to test a recycled plastic polymer in the pavement binder. The project's objective is to repurpose plastic waste, including consumer plastic and abandoned fishing nets, into road materials, thereby diverting waste from landfills. The...

Department of Health Shuts Down Ocean Club at Haliʻi Kai in Waikoloa Due to Rodent Infestation

Kailua-Kona, Hawaiʻi – The Hawai‘i Department of Health (DOH) Food Safety Branch took action on April 19, 2024, by issuing a red “Closed” placard and shutting down Ocean Club at Haliʻi Kai in Waikoloa due to an active rodent infestation. The establishment, operated by Castle Resorts & Hotels Inc., located at 69-1029 Nawahine Place, was found to have contaminated food products and unsanitary conditions within the facility.During an inspection prompted by a public complaint received on April 18, 2024, the health department inspector noted various violations, including...

Hawaiʻi Attorney General Collaborates with DEA and Law Enforcement for National Prescription Drug Take Back Day

HONOLULU, HI – The Hawaiʻi Department of the Attorney General has announced its partnership with the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Hawaiʻi Department of Law Enforcement Narcotics Enforcement Division, and local law enforcement agencies for National Prescription Drug Take Back Day. The event is scheduled for Saturday, April 27, 2024, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at various collection sites across Oʻahu, Maui, Kauaʻi, and Hawaiʻi island.DEA Honolulu District Office Assistant Special Agent in Charge Victor Vazquez emphasized the importance of the...

Hawaii County Ka'u Community Development Plan Action Committee will meet April 24

Hawaii County Ka'u Community Development Plan Action Committee will meet at 5:30 p.m., Wednesday, April 24

Hawaii County Environmental Management Commission will meet April 24

Hawaii County Environmental Management Commission will meet at 9 a.m., Wednesday, April 24

Hawaii County Arborist Advisory Committee will meet April 24

Hawaii County Arborist Advisory Committee will meet at 9 a.m., Wednesday, April 24

Hawaii County Water Board will meet April 23

Hawaii County Water Board will meet at 10 a.m., Tuesday, April 23

Hawaii County Water Board will meet April 23 & 24

Hawaii County Water Board will meet April 23 & 24

Hawaii County South Kohala Community Development Plan Action Committee will meet April 22