Latest News from Big Island Times

DOH approves reopening of Dragon Tea after resolving violations

By Big Island Times | Jun 7, 2024

The Hawai‘i Department of Health (DOH) Food Safety Branch has approved the reopening of Dragon Tea, issuing a green placard on June 6, 2024. The establishment, located at 1339 N. School St. Unit 104 in Honolulu, had previously received a red placard and was closed on June 3, 2024.

Hirono leads Senate callout against GOP block of contraception rights act

By Big Island Times | Jun 5, 2024

On June 5, 2024, U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI) led eleven colleagues in addressing the Senate floor to support the Right to Contraception Act. This legislation, co-led by Senators Edward J. Markey (D-MA) and Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), aims to ensure individuals can obtain and use contraceptives without government interference. The bill also seeks to protect health providers' rights to prescribe contraceptives and provide related information.

Trace amounts of chromium detected in Laupāhoehoe-Kapehu water system

By Big Island Times | Jun 5, 2024

Trace amounts of chromium have been detected for the first time in water samples collected at the Laupāhoehoe P-2 Well, which is part of the County of Hawai‘i Department of Water Supply’s (HDWS) Laupāhoehoe-Kapehu system (Public Water System HI0000102) and serves the Laupāhoehoe area of Hawaiʻi Island.

Unlicensed care home in Mililani fined $117K by Hawai‘i DOH

By Big Island Times | Jun 5, 2024

The Hawai‘i Department of Health (DOH) Office of Health Care Assurance (OHCA) has issued a Notice of Violation and Order (NOVO) to Emalyn Esteban, operating under Emmy’s Care Home, LLC, for running an unlicensed adult residential care home at 94-382 Kaholo Street, Mililani, Hawaiʻi.

Hawai'i declares June as Wildfire & Drought LOOKOUT! month amid worsening conditions

By Big Island Times | Jun 4, 2024

On Maui, the Department of Water Supply (DWS) reports moderate to severe drought conditions in South Maui, and Upcountry reservoir levels have declined over the last week. DWS Deputy Director James “Kimo” Landgraf stated, “We still have a Stage 1 water shortage in West Maui and upcountry. These systems are extra vulnerable to drought because they rely on surface water supply to a large extent, which is more directly impacted from the lack of rainfall.”

Senators push Right To Contraception Act amid escalating reproductive rights debate

By Big Island Times | Jun 4, 2024

WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senators Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI), Edward J. Markey (D-MA), and Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) issued a statement today ahead of the Senate vote on their bill, the Right to Contraception Act. The proposed legislation aims to ensure the right for individuals to obtain and use contraceptives and for healthcare providers to prescribe contraceptives and provide related information without government interference.

Bipartisan Senate delegation visits Normandy for D-Day anniversary

By Big Island Times | Jun 4, 2024

U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI), a member of the Senate Armed Services and Veterans Affairs Committees, will join a bipartisan Senate delegation traveling to Normandy, France, to mark the 80th anniversary of the D-Day invasion by Allied forces during World War II.

DHHL to distribute Wi-Fi hotspots to Puʻukapu pastoral lessees

By Big Island Times | Jun 3, 2024

The Department of Hawaiian Home Lands (DHHL) will distribute AT&T Wi-Fi hotspots to eligible Puʻukapu pastoral lessees this week, ensuring reliable broadband service for those in the area. The distribution will occur at the DHHL Waimea District Office located at 64-756 Māmalahoa Highway.

Health department shuts down Dragon Tea in Honolulu due to sewage overflow

By Big Island Times | Jun 3, 2024

The Hawai‘i Department of Health (DOH) has issued a red placard and immediately shut down Dragon Tea due to a sewage overflow. The establishment is located at 1339 N. School St. Unit 104, Honolulu, HI 96817.

Keʻehi Small Boat Harbor ramp repair begins; one lane remains open

By Big Island Times | Jun 3, 2024

One lane of the boat ramp will remain open during construction. The entire boat ramp will be closed on concrete pour days and when the contractor is using a crane to lower the new dock onto the piles (approximately one week total). Boaters may use the Sand Island Boat Ramp across Sand Island Access Road bridge on days the Keʻehi boat ramp is closed.

Līhuʻe Airport showcases exhibit on native forest birds

By Big Island Times | Jun 3, 2024

The Garden Island Arts Council has collaborated with Hallux Ecosystem Restoration, LLC, to create a large window display at Līhuʻe Airport. This exhibit is part of the 'Year of the Forest Birds' (ka Makahiki o Nā Manu Nahele) and features models and photos of Kaua‘i’s endemic birds and plants. The display aims to highlight the uniqueness of these species and the efforts by local groups to preserve them.

Hawai‘i advises precautions as Kīlauea eruption impacts air quality

By Big Island Times | Jun 3, 2024

On June 3, 2024, at approximately 12:30 a.m., Kīlauea Volcano began erupting at the Southwest Rift Zone. The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) reported at 2:59 p.m. that the eruption has paused; however, activity in this region remains dynamic and could change quickly. While the lava flow has ceased, areas of elevated volcanic gas emissions continue. Currently, air quality levels are slightly elevated at the Pahala and Nāʻālehu air quality monitoring stations.