News from March 2024
Gov. Green Provides Maui Housing Plan Update
By Big Island Times | Mar 27, 2024
Gov. Green provided an update on the Maui housing plan, emphasizing the administration's commitment to tackling the housing crisis. In a statement, the Governor stated, "Our administration is committed to addressing the housing crisis in Maui." The plan aims to address the pressing need for affordable housing in the region.
Gov. Green Names Community Leaders to Several Boards and Commissions
By Big Island Times | Mar 26, 2024
Roy Takumi, the newly appointed chair of the Board of Education (BOE), will succeed Warren Haruki, who recently resigned for personal reasons. Takumi, a former state legislator, has a background in education and public administration. Haruki, during his tenure as chair, focused on collaboration and teamwork within the BOE and the Department of Education, leading to positive outcomes for Hawaiʻi students.Elynne Chung, a retired educator with over 40 years of experience, has been appointed to the BOE. Chung, recognized for her achievements as a school principal, brings a...
Ocean View Man Arrested on Outstanding Warrant
By Big Island Times | Mar 25, 2024
Hawaiʻi Island police have apprehended 44-year-old Dorson “Buddy” Behrendt of Ocean View, who was wanted on an outstanding warrant. Behrendt was arrested in Ka‘ū on Saturday, March 23, 2024.According to the Hawai‘i Police Department, Behrendt had been sought after for his involvement in a serious incident last October. A media release from the department stated, "The Hawai‘i Police Department previously issued a media release requesting the public’s assistance locating Behrendt after he was indicted for the shooting of a 53-year-old Ocean View man last October."Upon his...
Hirono, Colleagues Applaud FTC for Enforcement Against Rite Aid’s Discriminatory Use of Facial Recognition Technology
By Big Island Times | Mar 25, 2024
U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono and 11 of her Senate colleagues have commended the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) for taking action against Rite Aid for its discriminatory use of facial recognition technology. Senator Hirono, along with Senator Ed Markey and others, sent a letter to the FTC praising the enforcement and urging continued efforts to protect consumers and prevent discriminatory surveillance.“The Rite Aid complaint and settlement illustrate the unique threats that facial recognition and other biometric identification systems pose for Black communities,...
Police Seeking Nā‘ālehu Man Wanted for Outstanding Bench Warrant
By Big Island Times | Mar 25, 2024
Hawai‘i Island police are requesting the public’s assistance in locating 20-year-old Matthew Koi, of Nā‘ālehu, who is wanted for an outstanding bench warrant, as well as for questioning in two investigations regarding an auto theft and a separate unauthorized entry into a motor vehicle.Koi is described as being 5 feet 9 inches tall, 155 pounds, with black hair and brown eyes. He is known to frequent the Nā‘ālehu town area."The Hawai‘i Police Department would also like to remind the public that harboring or concealing a wanted person could result in criminal charges...
Police Seeking Runaway Leanna-Jahzet Navarrete
By Big Island Times | Mar 25, 2024
Hawai‘i Island police have issued a plea for public assistance in the search for 16-year-old Leanna-Jahzet Navarrete from Pāhoa, who has been reported as a runaway. According to authorities, Navarette was last seen on February 20, 2024, on Kino‘ole Street in Hilo. She was described as wearing a gray sweatshirt and pants, black slippers, and carrying a black backpack, with suspicions that she may be in the Puna district.Navarette is characterized as having a tan complexion, standing at 5 feet 6 inches, weighing 120 pounds, with black hair and brown eyes. Concerns about her...
3-25-24 (Update) Missing Woman Kuuipo Thomas Located
By Big Island Times | Mar 25, 2024
Hawai‘i Police Department has confirmed that the missing 33-year-old woman, Kuuipo Thomas, has been found safe in Volcano. According to reports, Thomas was located on Sunday morning, March 24, 2024, and is in good health.We are pleased to announce that Kuuipo Thomas has been located," said the Hawai‘i Police Department.
Justice McKenna Receives Honorary Doctorate from Ryukyu University
By Big Island Times | Mar 25, 2024
HONOLULU — Justice Sabrina S. McKenna was awarded an honorary doctorate in Philosophy by Ryukyu University President Mutsumi Nishida. The prestigious recognition was bestowed upon Justice McKenna before her keynote address at the March 17 symposium on How the Law Addresses DV.According to the article, the honorary doctorate received by Justice McKenna marks a significant milestone for Ryukyu University, being only the 44th in the universityʻs 74-year history. President Nishida highlighted Justice McKenna's long-standing contributions to the university, stating, "Justice...
Applicants Sought to Fill Vacancies on the Disciplinary Board of the Hawaiʻi Supreme Court
By Big Island Times | Mar 25, 2024
HONOLULU – The Nominating Committee of the Hawaiʻi Supreme Court is on the lookout for suitable candidates to fill vacancies on the Disciplinary Board of the Hawaiʻi Supreme Court. The committee is seeking to fill two non-attorney positions and four attorney positions, with applicants from all islands encouraged to apply.According to the Nominating Committee, the terms for these positions will commence on July 1, 2024, and conclude on June 30, 2027, with full terms lasting for three years. The Disciplinary Board plays a crucial role in overseeing the Office of...
3-25-24 Puna Man Charged with Heinous Abuse of a 2-Year-Old Girl
By Big Island Times | Mar 25, 2024
Hawai‘i Island police have arrested and charged 31-year-old Clayton Ernest Saragosa, of Mountain View, with various offenses stemming from the heinous abuse and starvation of a two-year-old girl.According to the police report, the two-year-old girl had been admitted to the emergency room with "various burn marks, physical signs of dehydration and malnutrition, bruising at various stages of healing, and a fractured rib and femur bone, also in the healing stages." The child was flown to Kapiolani Medical Center on Oahu for further treatment and is currently in stable...
Two Women Killed in Three-Vehicle Collision in Hilo
By Big Island Times | Mar 25, 2024
Hawai‘i Island police are investigating a three-vehicle traffic collision in Hilo that tragically left two women dead. The incident occurred on Saturday, March 23, 2024, and involved a 2007 Honda Accord, a 2016 Acura sedan, and a 2019 Subaru Forester.The driver of the Honda, identified as 42-year-old Aja-Ly Iopa from Hilo, and the front seat passenger, 43-year-old Sencirea Cabral from Kurtistown, were pronounced deceased at Hilo Medical Center. Both women appeared to not be wearing their seatbelts at the time of the collision. Autopsies have been ordered to determine the...
Police Seek Two with Outstanding Warrants in Hawai‘i Island
By Big Island Times | Mar 25, 2024
Hawai‘i Island police are seeking the public's help in locating two individuals with outstanding warrants and wanted for questioning in criminal investigations.Junson Heckerz, 27, and Justina Alves, 34, both from Ocean View, are being sought by the police. Heckerz has two outstanding warrants issued in 2022 and is wanted for questioning in five theft investigations. Described as 5 feet 7 inches tall, 150 pounds, with black hair and brown eyes, Heckerz also has a tattoo of his last name on his left arm.On the other hand, Alves has an outstanding warrant issued in 2022...
Police Promote Scott Amaral to Rank of Major
By Big Island Times | Mar 25, 2024
Police Chief Benjamin Moszkowicz announced the promotion of Scott Amaral, a 23-year veteran of the department, from Captain to Major, effective January 1, 2024. Amaral is assigned to the Area I Field Operations Bureau, covering the East Hawaii districts of Puna, Hāmākua, and South Hilo.Deputy Police Chief Reed Mahuna expressed his satisfaction with the promotion, stating, "Scott has been in the position of Area I Major for some time in an acting capacity. He has done a terrific job and we are very excited to be able to make his promotion permanent."Amaral's career...
Applicants Sought for Attorneys and Judges Assistance Program Board
By Big Island Times | Mar 25, 2024
The Attorneys and Judges Assistance Program Board (AAP) in Hawaii is currently seeking applicants to fill two attorney board positions, as reported on hawaiiaap.com. The positions, each with a term of three years, are set to commence on June 30, 2024, and conclude on June 30, 2027. Board members are expected to serve without compensation.According to the announcement, the responsibilities of the Board involve implementing policies and procedures to support the program's objectives. These objectives aim to provide assistance to attorneys and judges dealing with substance...
Hawaii County Fire Commission will meet March 28
By Angelica Saylo Pilo | Mar 24, 2024
Hawaii County Fire Commission will meet at 9 a.m., Thursday, March 28
Hawaii County Environmental Management Commission will meet March 27
By Angelica Saylo Pilo | Mar 24, 2024
Hawaii County Environmental Management Commission will meet at 9 a.m., Wednesday, March 27
Hawaii County Committee on Aging will meet March 25
By Angelica Saylo Pilo | Mar 24, 2024
Hawaii County Committee on Aging will meet at 10 a.m., Monday, March 25
Hawaii County Arborist Advisory Committee will meet March 27
By Angelica Saylo Pilo | Mar 24, 2024
Hawaii County Arborist Advisory Committee will meet at 11 a.m., Wednesday, March 27
Hawaii County Housing Agency will meet March 28
By Angelica Saylo Pilo | Mar 24, 2024
Hawaii County Housing Agency will meet at 10 a.m., Thursday, March 28
Hirono Votes to Pass Bipartisan Spending Package, Helps Secure Over $16 Million in Congressionally Directed Spending for Hawaii
By Big Island Times | Mar 23, 2024
U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono has voted to pass the bipartisan spending package for fiscal year 2024, which includes over $16.5 million in Congressionally Directed Spending (CDS) for organizations in Hawaii. The bill, which passed the Senate by a vote of 74-24, covers various sectors such as Defense, Financial Services and General Government, Homeland Security, and Health and Human Services.Senator Hirono expressed her satisfaction with the funding package, stating, “This spending package includes critical investments for communities in Hawaii and across our country.” She...