News from February 2024
Hawaii County Board of Ethics will meet Feb. 14
By Angelica Saylo Pilo | Feb 9, 2024
Hawaii County Board of Ethics will meet at 2 p.m., Wednesday, Feb. 14
Hawaii County Hāmākua Community Development Plan Action Committee will meet Feb. 12
By Angelica Saylo Pilo | Feb 9, 2024
Hawaii County Hāmākua Community Development Plan Action Committee will meet at 6 p.m., Monday, Feb. 12
Hirono, Colleagues File Amendment Requiring the Use of U.S. Supplemental Aid Comply with U.S., International Law
By Big Island Times | Feb 7, 2024
WASHINGTON, DC – A group of U.S. Senators, including Senator Mazie K. Hirono, have filed an amendment to ensure that weapons received by any country under the proposed national security supplemental are used in accordance with U.S. law, international humanitarian law, and the law of armed conflict. The amendment aims to promote transparency and accountability in the use of American military aid and align it with international standards.Senator Hirono emphasized the importance of this amendment, stating, "This amendment will help to ensure that American military aid is...
Hirono, Colleagues Introduce Bicameral Bill to Improve Voter Registration at Naturalization Ceremonies
By Big Island Times | Feb 6, 2024
U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono and her colleagues have introduced a new bill aimed at improving voter registration efforts at naturalization ceremonies. The bill, called the Including New Voters In The Electorate (INVITE) Act, seeks to designate United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) field offices as voter registration agencies. This designation would require USCIS staff to assist new U.S. citizens in completing their voter registration forms and ensure that the forms are returned to the appropriate state agency.Senator Hirono emphasized the importance...
New Tenant Screening Fee Law to Take Effect in Hawaii
By Big Island Times | Feb 6, 2024
A new law governing tenant screening fees is set to take effect in Hawaii on May 1, 2024. The law, known as Act 200 (SLH 2023) and codified in Hawai‘i Revised Statutes § 521-46, aims to protect renters and promote transparency in the rental application process.Under the new law, landlords are prohibited from charging applicants for a residential dwelling unit a tenant screening fee that exceeds the actual cost of obtaining information about the applicant. Any charges that exceed the cost must be returned to the applicant. Landlords must refund the tenant any fees not used...
Five Students Suspended Following Altercation at High School
By Big Island Times | Feb 6, 2024
Hawai‘i Island Police responded to a potential altercation at a local high school today. The incident occurred during recess hours, prompting the police to provide a presence on campus to prevent any escalation.At approximately 9:30 a.m., a verbal altercation turned physical in the presence of school staff and police. Efforts were made to stop the altercation from escalating, but during the chaos, a police officer accidentally collided with a 51-year-old female administrator who was attempting to separate the two students. Fortunately, the administrator did not sustain...
Police Seeking Missing California Man Chritoph Litschke
By Big Island Times | Feb 6, 2024
Hawaiʻi Island police, in collaboration with the Belmont Police Department in California, are seeking the public's assistance in locating 44-year-old Chritoph Litschke of Belmont, California. Litschke was last seen in Belmont on June 19, 2023, and there is a possibility that he may be on Hawai‘i Island. According to reports, Litschke suffers from a medical condition that requires treatment. Descriptions of Litschke have been provided to aid in his identification. He is described as having a light complexion, standing at 5 feet 7 inches tall, weighing approximately 140...
Police Investigate Incident at Pahoa High & Intermediate School
By Big Island Times | Feb 6, 2024
Hawai‘i Island police are investigating an incident that occurred at Pahoa High & Intermediate School, leaving a 12-year-old student hospitalized.According to reports, on the morning of February 6, 2024, school staff alerted the Pahoa High & Intermediate School Resource Officer about an unresponsive female student on a nearby bench. The officer quickly responded and found the student unresponsive to verbal and physical stimuli. As a precautionary measure, the officer administered a dose of Naloxone, commonly known as Narcan, but it had little effect. The girl was still...
Hawai‘i Department of Health Approves Reopening of Taste Tea in Pearlridge Mall, ʻAiea
By Big Island Times | Feb 6, 2024
The Hawai‘i Department of Health (DOH) has given its approval for the reopening of Taste Tea in Pearlridge Mall, ʻAiea. The popular tea shop had been advised by inspectors on Feb. 2 to ensure proper refrigeration and storage of potentially hazardous food at all times.Taste Tea is a well-known establishment in the area, and its reopening will undoubtedly be welcomed by residents and visitors alike. The shop offers a variety of delicious and refreshing tea beverages that have garnered a loyal following over the years.The DOH's Food Safety Branch, responsible for...
Hilo Man Arrested and Charged for Domestic Related Offenses
By Big Island Times | Feb 6, 2024
Hawai‘i Island police have arrested and charged 60-year-old Vance Elroy Bond of Hilo with domestic related offenses following an incident in Hilo on Monday morning, February 5, 2024.According to reports, officers responded to a domestic incident at a hotel on Puueo Street in Hilo. The victim, Bond's 52-year-old former girlfriend, had sustained extensive bruising and swelling to her facial area. It was determined that Bond had refused to let the victim leave the hotel room after multiple attempts, effectively holding her against her will.During the altercation, Bond...
Hirono Joins Colleagues in Supporting FCC E-Rate Rulemaking
By Big Island Times | Feb 6, 2024
U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono has joined over 65 of her congressional colleagues in supporting the Federal Communications Commission's (FCC) proposal to expand the E-Rate program. The proposal aims to allow schools and libraries to loan out Wi-Fi hotspots to students and educators, with the goal of reducing educational disparities and ensuring that low-income students are not left behind.In a letter to FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel, the lawmakers emphasized the importance of updating the E-Rate program to reflect the changing nature of education. They highlighted the...
Judge’s Ruling Gives Hawai’i’s Endangered Birds a Chance for Survival
By Big Island Times | Feb 6, 2024
In a recent ruling, Judge Tonaki approved a Motion for Summary Judgment to save Hawaiian birds from extinction by suppressing mosquito populations carrying avian malaria. The State of Hawai‘i Department of Land and Natural Resources seeks to undertake a project using the Incompatible Insect Technique (IIT) to combat the disease that has already led to the extinction of many native birds and endangered several remaining species of Hawaiian honeycreepers.The project was initially approved by the state Board of Land and Natural Resources (BLNR) last March after a final...
New Protections for West Maui Watersheds Support Both Human and Environmental Health
By Big Island Times | Feb 5, 2024
The Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) has announced new measures to protect the watersheds of West Maui, ensuring the preservation of both human and environmental health. The installation of new fencing and upgrades to existing fences in the Puʻu Kukui Watershed Preserve and TNC's Kapunakea Preserve will prevent the entry of invasive hoofed animals, safeguarding the vital freshwater resources of Hawaiʻi.The importance of protecting these priority watershed forests cannot be understated, as they are the sole source of fresh water in the region. By...
Hawai’i Island Police Seek Public's Help in Locating Runaway Teen
By Big Island Times | Feb 5, 2024
Hawai’i Island police are reaching out to the public for assistance in finding 16-year-old Alfred Andon, who has been reported as a runaway since December 9, 2023, in Hilo. After being initially located in good health on the same day, Andon ran away again shortly after being placed in a youth residential facility.Andon is described as a 16-year-old with a light brown complexion and thin build. He stands at 5 feet 7 inches tall, weighs 120 pounds, and has black hair and brown eyes. He is known to frequent the Hilo, Puna, and Kona areas.The Hawai’i Police Department is...
HI-PAL Assists with Keiki Rodeo
By Big Island Times | Feb 5, 2024
The Hawai‘i Police Activities League (HI-PAL) commends the 250 keiki who participated in the Hawaii Keiki Rodeo Association competition on January 20, 2024. The event, held at the Pana‘ewa Equestrian Center, served as a qualifying round for the upcoming Hawai‘i Keiki Rodeo Championships on April 13, 2024.The Hawai‘i Keiki Rodeo Association organized the competition, which provided an opportunity for young participants to showcase their skills and passion for rodeo events. Alongside the thrilling competitions, the Hawai‘i Police Department Community Policing Officers...
Police Charge Mountain View Woman Following Warrant Arrest
By Big Island Times | Feb 5, 2024
Hawaiʻi Island police have arrested and charged 36-year-old Florelynn Ito, of Mountain View, with attempted assault of a police officer and numerous drug offenses after an incident in Puna on Friday morning, February 2, 2024.According to the police report, a Puna patrol officer noticed a white Toyota Tacoma parked in front of a business establishment in Mountain View. Upon checking the vehicle, the officer discovered that there was an outstanding "Be On The Lookout" notice for the Toyota, requesting to identify the driver. The police had previously attempted to stop the...
Plant People Road Show to take place Feb. 10
By Big Island Times | Feb 3, 2024
Several local nurseries are set to be highlighted in the forthcoming Plant People Road Show, scheduled from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 10. The event will be held at the Makaeo Pavilion at Old Kona Airport State Recreation Area.
U.S. Department of the Interior announces new support to protect the Hawaiian language
By Big Island Times | Feb 2, 2024
The U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI) has reaffirmed its commitment to incorporating indigenous knowledge and cultural practices into conservation stewardship, with a particular focus on preserving the Hawaiian language.
Hirono, Colleagues Introduce Antitrust Legislation to Prevent Algorithmic Price Fixing
By Big Island Times | Feb 2, 2024
U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono, along with Senator Amy Klobuchar and four colleagues, has introduced the Preventing Algorithmic Collusion Act in an effort to prevent companies from using algorithms to collude and set higher prices. The legislation aims to promote healthy competition, transparency, and fair treatment of consumers and small businesses in the market.Senator Hirono emphasized the importance of transparent competition, stating, "Algorithmic price fixing stifles competition and empowers big businesses to raise prices by hiding their collusion behind technology."...
Community Engagement Workshop Held for O‘ahu Community Correctional Center Relocation Project
By Big Island Times | Feb 2, 2024
More than 60 people gathered at the ‘Aiea Elementary School Cafeteria on Thursday, February 1, 2024, to participate in the O‘ahu Community Correctional Center (OCCC) Community Engagement Workshop. The workshop was organized by the University of Hawai‘i Community Design Center (UHCDC) in partnership with the Hawai‘i Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (DCR) to gather input on the planned relocation of the OCCC.During the workshop, DCR Director Tommy Johnson provided an update on the relocation project, highlighting the urgent need for a new correctional facility....