News from March 2024


Motorcyclist Killed in Hilo Crash, Driver Charged with Negligent Homicide and DUI

Hawai‘i Island police have identified the motorcyclist involved in a fatal two-vehicle collision in Hilo as 26-year-old Jared Tellio-Flournoy of Hilo. Tellio-Flournoy was pronounced dead at Hilo Medical Center following the incident on Friday evening.According to the report, a 2002 Toyota pickup driven by 26-year-old Sterling Stroud collided with Tellio-Flournoy's 2007 Honda motorcycle as the pickup was reversing out of a driveway onto Kalanianaole Street. The driver of the pickup has been charged with negligent homicide and operating a vehicle under the influence of an...


Hawaii County Windward Planning Commission will meet April 4

Hawaii County Windward Planning Commission will meet at 4 p.m. Thursday, April 4


Hawaii County Council will meet April 3

Hawaii County Council will meet at 9 a.m., Wednesday, April 3


Hawaii County Communications, Reports, and Council Oversight Committee will meet April 2

Hawaii County Communications, Reports, and Council Oversight Committee will meet at 3 p.m., Tuesday, April 2


Hawaii County Policy Committee on Health, Safety, and Well-being will meet April 2

Hawaii County Policy Committee on Health, Safety, and Well-being will meet at 10 a.m., Tuesday, April 2


Hawaii County Governmental Operations and External Affairs Committee will meet April 2

Hawaii County Governmental Operations and External Affairs Committee will meet at 1 p.m., Tuesday, April 2


Hawaii County Finance Committee will meet April 2

Hawaii County Finance Committee will meet at 9 a.m., Tuesday, April 2


Hawaii County Policy Committee on Planning, Land Use, and Development will meet April 2

Hawaii County Policy Committee on Planning, Land Use, and Development will meet at 11 a.m., Tuesday, April 2


Motorcyclist Killed in Hilo Crash

Hawai‘i Island police are investigating a fatal two-vehicle traffic collision in Hilo, on Kalanianaole Street between Kauhane Avenue and Pua Avenue, Friday evening, March 29, 2024, that left a 26-year-old motorcyclist dead.According to a spokesperson from Hawai‘i Island police, the operator of the pickup truck involved in the collision, identified as 26-year-old Sterling Stroud from Volcano, was not injured but was arrested for first-degree negligent homicide and operating a vehicle under the influence of an intoxicant.The police spokesperson also mentioned that, "At...


Two Elderly Women Killed in Waikoloa Traffic Collision

Two elderly women tragically lost their lives in a traffic collision in Waikoloa, Hawaii. According to the report, the incident occurred on Saturday, March 30, 2024, when a blue 2020 Kia Soul SUV crossed over the center line and struck a silver 2024 Chevrolet Blazer SUV head-on.The driver of the Kia, 72-year-old Lynn Capell of Waimea, was pronounced dead at North Hawaii Community Hospital. The right rear passenger of the Chevrolet, 79-year-old Eugenia Taylor from Alabama, was also pronounced dead after being transported to Kona Community Hospital.In response to the...


3-30-24 Waimea Man Dies in Home Accident Involving Riding Mower

On March 30, 2024, tragedy struck a Waimea residence on Hawai‘i Island as a 78-year-old man lost his life in a home accident involving a riding lawn mower. According to reports, the incident took place around 1:15 p.m. on Nani Waimea Street in Waimea.Upon receiving the distress call, South Kohala patrol officers and Hawai‘i Fire Department (HFD) personnel rushed to the scene where they found the elderly man unresponsive and pinned under the riding lawn mower. Despite the efforts of HFD medics, the man was pronounced deceased upon their arrival. An autopsy is scheduled to...


15-Year-Old Runaway Tatiyana Kalauli-Eweau Located in Hilo

Hawai‘i Island police have confirmed the safe discovery of 15-year-old Tatiyana Kalauli-Eweau, who was reported missing. The teenager was found in Hilo on Wednesday, March 27, 2024, in good health.The authorities expressed relief at locating the teenager, who had previously been reported as a runaway. Tatiyana Kalauli-Eweau's safe recovery brings a conclusion to the search efforts that had been ongoing.Further details regarding the circumstances of her disappearance and her well-being following her discovery have not been released at this time. The police have not...


87-Year-Old Missing Man Michael Clark Found on Oahu

Hawai‘i Island police have confirmed that 87-year-old Michael Clark, who was reported missing, has been found. According to a statement from the authorities, Clark was located on Thursday, March 28, 2024, on Oahu.Clark's disappearance had sparked concern, but now his whereabouts have been resolved. The police report stated, "Hawai‘i Island police report that 87-year-old Michael Clark, who was previously reported missing, was located on Thursday, March 28, 2024 on Oahu."The news of Clark's safe discovery brings relief to his family and friends who had been worried about...


Hirono Joins Colleagues in Celebrating International Transgender Day of Visibility

U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono from Hawaii, along with 26 of her Senate colleagues, has introduced a resolution to commemorate the International Transgender Day of Visibility. In a statement, Senator Hirono expressed, “Today, we celebrate the bravery, resilience, and contributions of the transgender community and reaffirm our commitment to helping ensure all people—regardless of their identity—can feel safe in our communities and live freely with dignity and respect.”The resolution, spearheaded by Senator Brian Schatz from Hawaii and supported by various other senators,...


Senator Hirono Engages with Renewable Energy, Small Businesses, and COFA Community Members on Kauai

Senator Mazie K. Hirono recently conducted a series of events on Kauai, focusing on renewable energy, small businesses, and community members from the Compacts of Freely Associated (COFA) States. During her visit, Senator Hirono toured Pacific Biodiesel’s new facility in Hanapepe, which is being modernized with federal funding she helped secure.Regarding the modernization of Pacific Biodiesel’s facility, Senator Hirono stated, “As we work to combat climate change and advance Hawaii’s clean energy goals, Pacific Biodiesel’s new facility will help produce sustainable and...


Cat-proof Fence Enclosure Erected on Mauna Kea to Safeguard Nesting ʻuaʻu

The Department of Hawaiian Home Lands has taken a significant step towards protecting the nesting grounds of the ʻuaʻu birds on Mauna Kea. In a media release dated March 29, 2024, it was revealed that efforts have been put in place to safeguard the burrowing birds by constructing a cat-proof fence enclosure."As stewards of ʻāina we’re dedicated to protecting and revitalizing our lands from mauka to makai," expressed Department of Hawaiian Home Lands Director Kali Watson, emphasizing the commitment to preserving natural resources and cultural traditions for the benefit of...


Hirono, Colleagues Urge Biden Administration to Phase Out Solitary Confinement

U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono and a group of her Senate colleagues have called on the Biden administration to address the issue of solitary confinement within the US immigration detention system. In a joint letter addressed to Department of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Acting Director Patrick Lechleitner, the senators highlighted the need to limit and eventually phase out the use of solitary confinement, emphasizing the importance of providing detainees with proper rights and humane treatment.The...


Senator Hirono Announces Release of Patsy T. Mink Quarter Honoring Gender Equity Advocate

U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono of Hawaii has announced the release of the new Patsy T. Mink quarter as part of the U.S. Mint’s American Women Quarters Program for 2024. The quarter honors Congresswoman Patsy T. Mink, known for her advocacy for gender equity in education, particularly as the author of Title IX.In a statement, Senator Hirono highlighted Congresswoman Mink's legacy and the significance of gender equity in education, stating, “As the first woman of color to serve in Congress, Patsy Mink was a trailblazer who fought to ensure that generations of girls and women...


DOH Looks Ahead to Overseeing Closure of Red Hill Facility and Aquifer Remediation

The Hawaiʻi Department of Health (DOH) has confirmed the successful completion of operations by the Joint Task Force – Red Hill (JTF-RH) in safely defueling the Red Hill Bulk Fuel Storage Facility, as mandated in DOH’s May 2022 Emergency Order. In a letter addressed to Vice Admiral John Wade and Rear Admiral Stephen Barnett, DOH's Deputy Director for Environmental Health Kathleen Ho expressed gratitude to JTF-RH for the safe removal of 104 million gallons of fuel from the facility.Deputy Director Ho emphasized the ongoing commitment of DOH to oversee the Navy Closure Task...


UPDATE: Inmate at Kaua’i Community Correctional Center Dies Following Alleged Hit-and-Run Incident

"**The Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (DCR) extends its heartfelt condolences to Ornellas’ family and loved ones." - DCR Director Tommy JohnsonIn an unfortunate turn of events, inmate Matthew J. Ornellas has passed away as a result of injuries sustained in an alleged hit-and-run incident after his escape from the Kaua‘i Community Correctional Center (KCCC). Ornellas, 33, managed to escape the facility by scaling the outer perimeter fence with razor wire in the early hours of Friday, March 22, 2024.According to reports, correctional...