News from January 2024
Hawaii reports first pediatric influenza death of 2024
By Big Island Times | Jan 17, 2024
The Hawaii State Department of Health reported this week that a youth from Oahu died due to an influenza-related condition. Unlike other states, flu activity in Hawaii is observed all year round.
Kona Self-Help Center to re-open for in-person services on Jan. 24
By Big Island Times | Jan 15, 2024
The Kona Self-Help Center (SHC), located on the first floor of the Kona (Keahuolu) Courthouse, is set to reopen for in-person services on Jan. 24. The center provides basic legal guidance to individuals representing themselves in civil cases.
U.S. Sen. Mazie Hirono joins colleagues in calling for a menthol cigarette ban
By Big Island Times | Jan 14, 2024
Senator Hirono, along with two dozen other U.S. Senators, have submitted a letter to the Office of Management and Budget expressing their concerns over the delay in finalizing a rule to cease sales of menthol-flavored cigarettes. This action comes more than a year after the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) proposed such a rule.
Hawaii State Department of Health announces recall of Cotija Aged Mexican Grating Cheese
By Big Island Times | Jan 13, 2024
Rizo Lopez Foods Inc. has issued a recall of their Rio Bros California Creamery Aged Cojita Mexican Grating Cheese due to potential contamination with listeria monocytogenes. The product was distributed across the United States and in Hawaiian retailers, including R. Field Wine Company, Foodland and Foodland Farms supermarkets, and Cost.U.Less in Hilo.
State Of Hawaii, State Of Hawaii said Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs obtains Blue Zones worksite certification
By Big Island Times | Jan 13, 2024
The Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs (DCCA) has achieved certification as a Blue Zones Worksite after five years of concerted effort. The Blue Zones program is an initiative run by the Hawaii Medical Services Association (HMSA).
Hawaii County Board of Appeals met Dec. 8
By Angelica Saylo Pilo | Jan 12, 2024
Hawaii County Board of Appeals met Friday, Dec. 8
Hawaii County Board of Appeals met Jan. 12
By Angelica Saylo Pilo | Jan 12, 2024
Hawaii County Board of Appeals met Friday, Jan. 12
Hawaii County Leeward Planning Commission will meet Jan. 18
By Angelica Saylo Pilo | Jan 12, 2024
Hawaii County Leeward Planning Commission will meet at 9:30 a.m., Thursday, Jan. 18
Hawaii County Cultural Resources Commission will meet Jan. 17
By Angelica Saylo Pilo | Jan 12, 2024
Hawaii County Cultural Resources Commission will meet at 10 a.m., Wednesday, Jan. 17
Hawaii County Board of Appeals met Nov. 17
By Angelica Saylo Pilo | Jan 12, 2024
Hawaii County Board of Appeals met Friday, Nov. 17
Attorney General's office submits report on cannabis legislation to state's legislators
By Big Island Times | Jan 11, 2024
Earlier this month, Hawaii's Attorney General, Anne Lopez, submitted a report to legislators outlining the legal concerns and potential risks to public safety and health if cannabis were to be legalized for adult use. This development comes five years after former Governor David Ige declined to sign into law a bill that decriminalized the possession of small amounts of marijuana. The said law came into effect in January 2020.
US Sen. Mazie Hirono, colleagues want answers from Amazon about the company’s delivery drivers
By Big Island Times | Jan 11, 2024
Sen. Mazie Hirono (D-HI) and over two dozen of her colleagues have requested Amazon CEO Andy Jassy to provide information about the Delivery Service Partner (DSP) program, as well as several issues, including Amazon's efforts to evade liability in relation to DSP mistreatment. The senators are also keen to understand why Amazon refuses to negotiate with DSP union representatives.
Hawaii County Windward Planning Commission met Jan. 4
By Angelica Saylo Pilo | Jan 11, 2024
Hawaii County Windward Planning Commission met Thursday, Jan. 4
Hawaii County Liquor Commission met Jan. 4
By Angelica Saylo Pilo | Jan 10, 2024
Hawaii County Liquor Commission met Wednesday, Jan. 4
Hawaii Department of Health issues a voluntary recall notice for selected batches of Nutramigen Hypoallergenic baby formula powder
By Big Island Times | Jan 9, 2024
Following the voluntary recall of Reckitt/Mead Johnson's Nutramigen Hypoallergenic baby formula due to potential contamination with Cronobacter sakazakii, the Hawaii Department of Health has issued an alert to Hawaiians. Cronobacter sakazakii is a naturally occurring bacterium that can thrive in dry goods.
US Sen. Mazie Hirono speaks out about the renomination of Julie Su for Secretary of Labor
By Big Island Times | Jan 9, 2024
Following President Joe Biden's renomination of Julie Su for the position of U.S. Secretary of Labor, Sen. Mazie Hirono has issued a statement in support. The senator has previously advocated for Su's confirmation to this role.
Mililani and Maui High Schools honored by Hawaii State Department of Education
By Big Island Times | Jan 7, 2024
Two schools in Hawaii have been distinguished as the inaugural Hawaii Schools of Democracy, each being recognized in separate ceremonies.
Hawaii County Council will meet Jan. 10
By Angelica Saylo Pilo | Jan 7, 2024
Hawaii County Council will meet at 9 a.m., Wednesday, Jan. 10
Hawaii County Policy Committee on Infrastructure and Assets will meet Jan. 9
By Angelica Saylo Pilo | Jan 6, 2024
Hawaii County Policy Committee on Infrastructure and Assets will meet at 1:30 p.m., Tuesday, Jan. 9
Hawaii County Hāmākua Community Development Plan Action Committee will meet Jan. 10
By Angelica Saylo Pilo | Jan 6, 2024
Hawaii County Hāmākua Community Development Plan Action Committee will meet at 5:30 p.m., Wednesday, Jan. 10