News from December 2024
Hawaii's visitor industry sees fourth consecutive month of growth
By Big Island Times | Dec 31, 2024
According to the Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism (DBEDT), Hawaii saw a 5.3% increase in visitors in November 2024 compared to the previous year.
First Day Hike combines nature with cultural performances on New Year's Day
By Big Island Times | Dec 27, 2024
The annual First Day Hike at Makapu‘u Point Lighthouse Trail in East O‘ahu is set for January 1, 2025.
Hawaii schedules statewide siren test for January 2025
By Big Island Times | Dec 27, 2024
The monthly test of Hawaii's Statewide Outdoor Warning Siren System is set for January 2, 2025, at 11:45 a.m. This test will coincide with the Live Audio Broadcast segment of the Emergency Alert System.
Lopez urges Supreme Court to protect minority voters' rights in redistricting case
By Big Island Times | Dec 27, 2024
Attorney General Anne Lopez has urged the U.S. Supreme Court to affirm that states should have the initial opportunity to redraw legislative maps in response to potential violations of the Voting Rights Act (VRA).
Alcon recalls Systane eye drops due to possible fungal contamination
By Big Island Times | Dec 26, 2024
The Hawai‘i Department of Health (DOH) Food and Drug Branch has issued an alert regarding a recall by Alcon Laboratories.
DCCA releases disciplinary actions for licensed professionals through November 2024
By Big Island Times | Dec 24, 2024
The Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs (DCCA) in Hawai‘i, along with its Boards and Commissions, has released a summary of disciplinary actions taken through November 2024 against individuals and entities holding professional and...
Hawai‘i Christmas Bird Count highlights efforts for endangered forest bird conservation
By Big Island Times | Dec 24, 2024
Christmas bird counts, a tradition dating back to the late 19th century, have evolved from hunting events into significant conservation efforts.
Key release ceremony marks milestone for two Kauaʻi families
By Big Island Times | Dec 24, 2024
The Department of Hawaiian Home Lands (DHHL) held a key release ceremony in Anahola, Kauaʻi, marking the start of new chapters for two local families.
Kīlauea eruption prompts health advisory over air quality concerns
By Big Island Times | Dec 23, 2024
On December 23, 2024, Kīlauea Volcano began erupting at around 2:20 a.m. in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park.
Biden signs bill to study designating Lahaina as national heritage area
By Big Island Times | Dec 23, 2024
President Joseph R. Biden has signed the Lahaina National Heritage Area Study Act into law.
Biden signs act granting permanent status to ten federal judgeships
By Big Island Times | Dec 23, 2024
Today, President Joseph R. Biden enacted the Federal Judiciary Stabilization Act into law.
Hawai‘i implements historic income tax cuts starting January 2025
By Big Island Times | Dec 19, 2024
In 2024, Governor Josh Green and the Hawai‘i Legislature enacted Act 46, which is described as the largest income tax cut in the state's history.
Senators Hirono and Schatz secure support for Hawaii in Water Resources Development Act
By Big Island Times | Dec 19, 2024
The U.S. Senate has approved the Thomas R. Carper Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) of 2024, which incorporates several measures advocated by U.S. Senators Mazie K. Hirono and Brian Schatz to benefit communities in Hawaii and enhance the...
Hawaii's Year of Forest Birds highlights challenges and conservation efforts
By Big Island Times | Dec 19, 2024
2024 marked the "Year of the Forest Birds" in Hawaii, as declared by Governor Josh Green, M.D., with an aim to increase awareness about the challenges faced by Hawaiian forest birds.
Senate passes bill studying Lahaina's potential as national heritage area
By Big Island Times | Dec 17, 2024
The U.S. Senate has unanimously approved the Lahaina National Heritage Area Study Act, a bill introduced by Senator Mazie K. Hirono and Representative Jill Tokuda.
Hirono leads effort to amend NDAA for military parents' healthcare rights
By Big Island Times | Dec 16, 2024
U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono, along with twenty colleagues, has introduced an amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) of 2025.
Hawaiʻi reports first pediatric influenza death of 2024-25 season
By Big Island Times | Dec 13, 2024
The Hawaiʻi Department of Health (DOH) has reported the first influenza-associated death of a child in Hawaiʻi for the 2024-2025 flu season.
Legislation proposed to enhance conservation efforts for historical government records
By Big Island Times | Dec 13, 2024
U.S. Senators Mazie K. Hirono and Ed Markey have introduced the Public Archives Resiliency Act, a bill designed to authorize grants for the preservation, climate resilience, adaptation, and continuity of essential government records.
Hale Mōʻiliʻili breaks ground as DHHL's first high-rise rental apartment
By Big Island Times | Dec 13, 2024
In Honolulu, the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands (DHHL) has initiated construction on its first high-rise rental apartment.
Hawaii urges voluntary pause on bird movement due to avian flu detection
By Big Island Times | Dec 13, 2024
In response to the detection of avian flu in Hawaii's wastewater and wild birds, state agencies are recommending a voluntary 90-day pause on the interisland movement of poultry and other bird species.