Latest News from Big Island Times

Hawai‘i Island police are investigating a residential fire that occurred in the 68-0000 block of Akaula Street in Waikoloa on Friday afternoon, March 15, 2024. At 1:00 p.m., officers responded to a report of a residential fire at the Akaula Street residence. Upon arrival, Hawai‘i Fire Department personnel were on the scene extinguishing the fire.Neighbors reported crucial information, stating, "No neighboring residences/property received fire damage," and added, "Neighbors reported that the owner was not home at the time of the fire." Fortunately, "No one was injured in...

Heeding Call from Hawaii Delegation, FEMA to Reopen Disaster Response Program to Include COFA Citizens

WASHINGTON, DC – In response to a letter from U.S. Senators Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI) and Brian Schatz (D-HI) and U.S. Representatives Jill Tokuda (D-HI) and Ed Case (D-HI), the U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announced the reopening of enrollment for the Individuals and Households Program (IHP) to include Compacts of Free Association (COFA) citizens impacted by the Maui wildfires.“COFA citizens are valuable members of our communities, which is why we fought to restore their eligibility for federal benefits, including FEMA support. FEMA’s decision will unlock...

STATE OF HAWAI‘I DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES LAUNCHES DISASTER CASE MANAGEMENT PROGRAM

HONOLULU – In a recent announcement, Governor Josh Green, M.D., and the State of Hawai‘i Department of Human Services (DHS) introduced the Disaster Case Management Program (DCMP) to aid survivors of the Maui wildfires. The program aims to provide specialized support and resources to assist in the recovery process."The launch of the 211 system and Disaster Case Management Program is a testament to the hard work done by our DHS team, the partner community-based organizations, FEMA, and everyone involved— and we are so proud to be able to provide this crucial service to our...

Gov. Green Visits Japan on Official Visit

Step 1:- "I am honored to be representing Hawai‘i on this important visit to Japan." - Gov. GreenStep 2:Governor Green is embarking on an official visit to Japan, as announced in a news release from the Office of the Governor on March 15, 2024. In a statement, Governor Green expressed his enthusiasm for the trip, stating, "I am honored to be representing Hawai‘i on this important visit to Japan."The visit aims to strengthen ties between Hawai‘i and Japan and foster collaboration in various areas. Governor Green's presence in Japan signifies a commitment to enhancing...

DLNR News: Kīpahulu 'Ohana Adds Ocean Resource Management to Its Mauka-to-Makai Resources Management Philosophy

The Linds, a well-known family of fishers and generational stewards of Kīpahulu, have taken a significant step in their conservation efforts. Pekelo Lind, speaking on behalf of the Kīpahulu 'Ohana, Inc. (KOI), highlighted their commitment to sustainable practices, stating, "It just comes natural to us. We've been taught as young kids to be like, hey protect, don't take too much."The executive director of KOI, Kamalei Pico, expressed gratitude towards those who supported their cause, saying, "Today's win also honors our community, our people's connection to place, and...

Woman Killed in Head-on Honomū Crash Identified

Hawai‘i Island police have identified the woman who died in a tragic head-on collision in Honomū on Māmalahoa Highway as 48-year-old Marcella Tellez from California.Tellez, who was a front seat passenger of the Kia sedan involved in the collision, was unresponsive at the scene and trapped within the vehicle when it caught on fire. She was pronounced dead at 11:09 p.m. at Hilo Medical Center.The operator of the Ford pickup truck involved in the crash, a 35-year-old man from Pāpa‘aloa, was initially unresponsive at the scene. He was transported to Hilo Medical Center and...

DOH OPENS BEHAVIORAL HEALTH CRISIS CENTER IN IWILEI

Governor Josh Green, M.D., expressed his enthusiasm for the opening of the Behavioral Health Crisis Center (BHCC) in Iwilei, stating, “The BHCC offers people crisis care tailored to their individual needs." The center, which provides short-term, sub-acute crisis services, aims to fill a critical gap in the crisis care continuum and decrease the burden on community emergency departments.Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi also shared his pride in the new facility, highlighting its potential to make a significant difference for those in deep need. Mayor Blangiardi emphasized the...

Hirono, Colleagues Push for Justice Reform on Tribal Lands

U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono and a group of colleagues have sent a letter to Attorney General Merrick Garland, addressing the high rates of declination in prosecuting cases in Indian Country. The senators are seeking answers to various questions in order to better understand the reasons behind the high rates of declinations.The senators highlighted the concerning statistics regarding the prosecution of cases involving Native American women, stating that the Department of Justice declines to prosecute half of the cases where these women experience violence, stalking, or...

Hirono, Hawaii Delegation Calls for Extension of 2023 Federal Tax Deadline for Maui Wildfire Victims

U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono and the Hawaii Congressional delegation have urged IRS Commissioner Danny Werfel to extend the 2023 federal tax filing and payment deadlines for individuals and businesses impacted by the Maui wildfires. In a letter signed by Senator Brian Schatz, Representative Jill Tokuda, and Representative Ed Case, the lawmakers emphasized the ongoing challenges faced by survivors of the wildfires.The lawmakers expressed, "As these members of our community continue to process trauma, experience displacement, and assess the damage from the wildfires, we ask...

3-14-24 (Update) Runaway Aiden Becker Located, Runs Away Again

Hawai‘i Island police are asking for the public’s assistance in locating 16-year-old Aiden Gauge Becker, who was reported as a runaway."Becker, who had previously been reported as a runaway, was located in Puna on Friday, February 12, 2024, in good health (Report #: 24-012924). However, he ran away again the same day (Report #: 24-014628)."Becker was last seen just after 4:00 p.m. on February 12, in Hilo wearing a red colored hoodie, maroon jogger pants, a black beanie, and carrying a blue back pack. He is known to frequent the Hilo and Puna areas."Becker is described...

Hawaii County Standardization Committee met Feb. 26

Hawaii County Standardization Committee met Monday, Feb. 26

Hawaii County Board of Ethics will meet March 13

Hawaii County Board of Ethics will meet at 10 a.m., Wednesday, March 13

Hawaii County Youth Commission will meet March 13

Hawaii County Youth Commission will meet at 3 p.m., Wednesday, March 13

Hawaii County Hāmākua Community Development Plan Action Committee will meet March 13

Hawaii County Hāmākua Community Development Plan Action Committee will meet at 5 p.m., March 13

Hawaii County Cultural Resources Commission will meet March 13

Hawaii County Cultural Resources Commission will meet at 10 a.m., Wednesday, March 13

Hawaii County Public Access, Open Space, and Natural Resources Preservation Commission will meet March 11