News from July 2024


GAO report criticizes judiciary's handling of sexual harassment cases

U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI), a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL), Chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee, and Representatives Norma Torres (D-CA), Hank Johnson (D-GA), and Jerry Nadler (D-NY) have released a Government Accountability Office (GAO) report addressing the Judiciary’s policies and practices to prevent and respond to workplace misconduct.


Hawaiian Telcom's cable franchises approved for Maui, Kaua'i, Hawai'i counties

The state of Hawai‘i Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs (DCCA) Cable Television Division (CATV) has approved Hawaiian Telcom’s (HTSC) cable franchise applications for the Counties of Maui, Kaua‘i, and Hawai‘i.


Safe Spaces for Youth pilot launches on O‘ahu & Hawai‘i Island

The Safe Spaces for Youth pilot project has been launched on Oʻahu and Hawaiʻi Island by the Department of Human Services Office of Youth Services in partnership with Hawaii Youth Services Network. As part of this pilot project, Hawaii will introduce the nationally recognized Safe Place program.


New travel-related dengue case reported on Oʻahu by health department

The Hawai‘i Department of Health (DOH) has reported a new travel-related dengue virus case on Oʻahu. The individual had traveled to a region where dengue is prevalent. DOH teams have been deployed for inspection and mosquito control in the affected area, and the community is urged to help reduce the risk of local transmission by following recommended practices.


Monthly statewide siren system test scheduled for August 1

The monthly test of the all-hazard Statewide Outdoor Warning Siren System is scheduled for Thursday, August 1, 2024, at 11:45 a.m. The siren test will be coordinated with a test of the Live Audio Broadcast segment of the Emergency Alert System.


DOH approves reopening of Basil Thai in ʻAiea

The Hawai‘i Department of Health (DOH)’s Food Safety Branch has issued Basil Thai a green placard and approved its reopening after a follow-up inspection confirmed that all critical food safety violations were corrected.


Legacy Land Conservation Program seeks applications for $6.7 million in grants

Approximately $6.7 million in grant funds is expected to be available for award through a competitive process that includes consultation with state agencies and legislators, investigations and recommendations from DLNR’s Legacy Land Conservation Commission, and approvals from the Board of Land and Natural Resources and the Governor.


Hawaiʻi Insurance Division releases updated data on Maui wildfire claims

The Hawaiʻi Insurance Division has released data on claims related to the August 8, 2023 wildfire disaster in Maui. This follows Memorandum 2023-4E issued on September 1, 2023, which requested property and casualty insurers and surplus lines carriers to respond to a data call concerning the wildfires and wind damage.


Senator Hirono supports Biden's proposal on Supreme Court reforms

U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI), a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee and an advocate for Supreme Court reform, released a statement today regarding President Biden’s Supreme Court reform proposal.


Hawaii County Kona Community Development Plan Action Committee met June 25

Hawaii County Kona Community Development Plan Action Committee met Tuesday, June 25


Hawaii County South Kohala Community Development Plan Action Committee met June 24

Hawaii County South Kohala Community Development Plan Action Committee met Monday, June 24


Hawaii County Environmental Management Commission will meet Aug 2

Hawaii County Environmental Management Commission will meet at 9 a.m., Friday, Aug 2


Hawaii County Liquor Commission will meet Aug 1

Hawaii County Liquor Commission will meet at 10 a.m., Thursday, Aug 1


Hawaii County Windward Planning Commission will meet Aug 1

Hawaii County Windward Planning Commission will meet at 9 a.m., Thursday, Aug 1


Hawaii County Salary Commission will meet July 31

Hawaii County Salary Commission will meet at 10 a.m., July 31


Hawaii County Real Property Tax Board of Review will meet July 31

Hawaii County Real Property Tax Board of Review will meet at 9 a.m., Wednesday, July 31


Hawaii County Advisory Committee on Aging will meet July 31

Hawaii County Advisory Committee on Aging will meet at 10 a.m., Wednesday, July 31


Hawaii County Real Property Tax Board of Review will meet July 30

Hawaii County Real Property Tax Board of Review will meet at 9 a.m., Tuesday, July 30


DHHL district offices to close for staff training

The Department of Hawaiian Home Lands (DHHL) district offices will be closed from Wednesday, July 31 through Thursday, August 1 for staff training. District offices will resume standard business hours on Friday, August 2.


Health Equity And Accountability Act introduced by Senator Hirono

Earlier this week, U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI), Representative Barbara Lee (D-CA), and Representative Judy Chu (D-CA), Chair of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC), introduced the Health Equity and Accountability Act (HEAA). This legislation aims to address health disparities among racial and ethnic minorities, women, the LGBTQ+ community, rural populations, and socioeconomically disadvantaged communities across the United States.