News from April 2024
DOH Issues Smoke Advisory for Fire at Hammerhead Metal Recycling on Maui
By Big Island Times | Apr 20, 2024
The Hawaiʻi Department of Health (DOH) Clean Air Branch has issued a smoke advisory related to a fire at the Hammerhead Metal Recycling in Puʻunēnē, Maui. The fire has resulted in dense smoke in the surrounding areas, prompting DOH to advise residents and visitors, particularly those with pre-existing respiratory conditions, to take precautions or consider leaving the area until the situation is under control.According to the DOH, individuals with conditions such as asthma, bronchitis, and emphysema are at higher risk and should take necessary measures to safeguard their...
HAWAIʻI FORESTRY PROJECTS RECEIVE GRANT SUPPORT
By Big Island Times | Apr 18, 2024
The Kaulunani Urban and Community Forestry Program, part of the DLNR Division of Forestry and Wildlife (DOFAW), has announced the support for three-year projects with U.S. Forest Service funding from the IRA.Dr. Heather McMillen, Hawai‘i’s Urban Forester and Kaulunani Program Coordinator, expressed her excitement about the grant recipients, stating: “These projects demonstrate the depth and range of urban and community forestry work happening in Hawaiʻi, as well as the vital role trees play in promoting public health, connection to place, and restoring land to ʻāina.”...
HI AG Lopez Releases First Phase Objective, Science-Based Facts Related to Maui Wildfire Investigation
By Big Island Times | Apr 17, 2024
HONOLULU – Hawaiʻi Attorney General Anne Lopez has unveiled Phase One of the investigation into the state and county governments' response during the Maui wildfires. The report and timeline released will pave the way for further analysis and recommendations to enhance safety in Hawaiʻi.Attorney General Lopez emphasized the importance of a thorough review, stating, "Responsible governance requires we look at what happened, and using an objective, science-based approach, identify how state and county governments responded." She added, "Today we are sharing the Lahaina Fire...
DCCA RELEASE: Beware of Scam Phone Calls Targeting Licensed Professionals
By Big Island Times | Apr 17, 2024
HONOLULU — The Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs (DCCA) has issued a warning to the public regarding a recent surge in scam phone calls targeting licensed professionals. Reports indicate that scammers are impersonating state officials and using false threats of investigation to deceive individuals.According to the DCCA, scammers have been contacting licensed professionals and businesses, claiming to be from the Regulated Industries Complaints Office (RICO) and alleging that complaints have been filed against them. To enhance the credibility of their calls, the...
DOH News Release – PFAS Detected in Maui Business Park System
By Big Island Times | Apr 17, 2024
The Hawaiʻi Department of Health (DOH) has issued a news release stating that PFAS has been detected in the Maui Business Park system. The DOH, responsible for regulation and oversight of impacts to the environment and health of the people in Hawaiʻi, including regulated drinking water systems, made this announcement.For more information on PFAS, individuals are encouraged to visit the EPA and Hawaii Department of Health websites. Additionally, users may contact their water purveyor for further assistance.This press release is issued in accordance with Hawaii Revised...
PFAS Detected in Maui Business Park System
By Big Island Times | Apr 17, 2024
Apr 17 2024Per the lab report dated February 20, 2024, PFAS have been detected in water samples collected at the Wai‘ele Wells 1 and 2 Chlorinator, Maui Business Park water system. The water system, primarily serving approximately 64 businesses, has notified the affected businesses.The detection of PFAS at the Maui Business Park water system was confirmed in the lab report dated March 27, 2024. The water system notified the Department of Health of the initial detection of PFAS through an email on April 3, 2024. The detected PFAS level is below...
Attorney General Lopez Joins Coalition Defending Voting Rights Act in Georgia Redistricting Case
By Big Island Times | Apr 16, 2024
Attorney General Lopez has joined a coalition of 19 attorneys general in defending Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act in a Georgia redistricting lawsuit. The attorneys general are urging the United States Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit to uphold the protection against racial discrimination in elections.Deputy Solicitor General Thomas Hughes emphasized the significance of Section 2, stating, "Section 2 is an important tool to prevent unconstitutional racial gerrymanders." The attorneys general collectively asserted that "Section 2 of the voting rights act is...
Dept. of Ag on Snake Found in Waipahu
By Big Island Times | Apr 16, 2024
Amid concerns over the discovery of illegal snakes in Hawai'i, Sharon Hurd, chairperson of the Hawai‘i Board of Agriculture, emphasized the seriousness of the situation, stating, “We should all be very concerned that snakes are being transported and kept by residents which are a serious threat to Hawai‘i’s unique environment.” Hurd highlighted the potential consequences for those harboring illegal animals, urging, “Those who know anyone with snakes or other illegal animals in Hawai‘i should report it and those who possess them should turn them in under amnesty.”The...
Winners Announced for the 2024-2025 Hawai‘i Hunting Stamp Contest
By Big Island Times | Apr 16, 2024
The DLNR Division of Forestry and Wildlife (DOFAW) has revealed the winners of the 2024-2025 Hawai‘i Wildlife Conservation and Game Bird Stamp Art Contest. According to the DLNR, "A committee reviewed all submissions, and two winners were chosen."The game bird stamp winner, Buck Spencer, hails from Junction City, Oregon, and is described as a self-taught wildlife artist. Spencer's inspiration stems from his family's involvement in wildlife-related fields, with his father working for the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife and his brother being a wildlife biologist....
GOVERNOR JOSH GREEN, M.D., CHIEF ENERGY OFFICER, MARK GLICK, UPDATE U.S. STATES’ ENERGY OFFICIALS ON HAWAIʻI’S ENERGY STRATEGY
By Big Island Times | Apr 16, 2024
Governor Josh Green, M.D., along with Chief Energy Officer Mark Glick, recently presented an update on Hawaiʻi's energy strategy to U.S. states' energy officials. Governor Green emphasized the state's commitment to renewable energy, stating, "As the pioneering state for a 100% renewable portfolio standard, we are committed to eliminating our dependency on imported fossil fuels by 2045."Mark Glick addressed the challenges faced post-Maui wildfires, stating, "We are dealing with a new normal in the aftermath of the Maui wildfires, but the challenges are not insurmountable."...
Hirono, Moran Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Improve Memorialization and Burial Benefits for Veterans
By Big Island Times | Apr 16, 2024
U.S. Senators Mazie K. Hirono and Jerry Moran have introduced bipartisan legislation aimed at enhancing memorialization and burial benefits for veterans and their families. Senator Hirono emphasized the importance of honoring veterans' stories, stating, “These veterans have unique, but too often untold stories—stories that deserve to be shared now and into the future."The Honoring Veterans’ Legacies and Burial Benefits Enhancements Act proposes the establishment of a nonprofit entity that can accept private donations to support the Veterans Legacy Program (VLP). Through...
Interview with Faren Salinas of Brows & Esthetics Hawaii
By Big Island Times Report | Apr 15, 2024
Brows & Esthetics Hawaii is a beauty, cosmetic and personal care salon in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii. Owner Faren Salinas recently spoke to Big Island Times to discuss her business.
DOH Announces RFPs for Ground Ambulance Services in Kaua‘i and Maui Counties
By Big Island Times | Apr 15, 2024
The Hawaiʻi Department of Health (DOH) has announced a Request for Proposals (RFPs) for Comprehensive Emergency Medical Services (EMS) for 911 Ground Ambulance Transport for Kauaʻi and Maui Counties. The RFPs were issued by DOH’s Emergency Medical Services and Injury Prevention System Branch (EMSIPSB) to replace the previous RFPs that were canceled due to concerns.Hawai‘i State Health Director Kenneth S. Fink stated, “While it was never the intent of DOH to reduce the qualifications of emergency responders, the previous RFPs did not make this entirely clear. The new RFPs...
Community Meeting to Address Instream Flow Standards for Waikoloa Scheduled for April 15, 2024
By Big Island Times | Apr 15, 2024
Waimea, April 15, 2024 - The Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) has announced a community meeting to address instream flow standards for Waikoloa. The meeting is scheduled for April 15, 2024, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Waimea Community Center located at 65-1260 Kawaihae Road.According to the DLNR News Release, "All interested people are urged to attend the community meeting and submit comments, orally or in writing." The Commission on Water Resource Management (CWRM) will be accepting written testimony until May 2, 2024, providing an opportunity for...
Hawaii County Leeward Planning Commission will meet April 18
By Angelica Saylo Pilo | Apr 13, 2024
Hawaii County Leeward Planning Commission will meet at 9 a.m., Thursday, April 18
Hawaii County Standardization Committee will meet April 18
By Angelica Saylo Pilo | Apr 13, 2024
Hawaii County Standardization Committee will meet at 9 a.m., Thursday, April 18
Hawaii County Puna Community Development Plan Action Committee will meet April 18
By Angelica Saylo Pilo | Apr 13, 2024
Hawaii County Puna Community Development Plan Action Committee will meet at 5 p.m., Thursday, April 18
Hawaii County Youth Commission will meet April 17
By Angelica Saylo Pilo | Apr 13, 2024
Hawaii County Youth Commission will meet at 3 p.m., Wednesday, April 17
Hawaii County Kona Community Development Plan Action Committee will meet April 16
By Angelica Saylo Pilo | Apr 13, 2024
Hawaii County Kona Community Development Plan Action Committee will meet at 12 p.m., Tuesday, April 16
Hawaii County Game Management Advisory Commission will meet April 16
By Angelica Saylo Pilo | Apr 13, 2024
Hawaii County Game Management Advisory Commission will meet at 9 a.m., Tuesday, April 16