News from May 2024
Hawaiʻi Invasive Species Awareness Month Kicks Off with Call to Action
By Big Island Times | May 1, 2024
Today marks the beginning of Hawaiʻi Invasive Species Awareness Month (HISAM), an annual campaign aimed at preventing and minimizing the impacts of invasive species in Hawaiʻi. The Hawaiʻi Invasive Species Council (HISC) is leading the initiative, with various partners joining forces to protect the islands."This year’s theme is 'Who Protects Hawaiʻi? We All Do,' underscoring the collaborative approach necessary to address and effectively manage the risks invasive species pose," stated DLNR Chair Dawn Chang. "Biosecurity is a kākou thing. This year’s theme highlights that...
DLNR News Release: Action Taken in Response to Harmful Cat Feeding Practices in Hilo Park
By Big Island Times | May 1, 2024
A recent incident involving the death of a nēnē gosling due to toxoplasmosis at Queen Lili‘uokalani Park and Gardens in Hilo has prompted wildlife managers to take action. Raymond McGuire, a wildlife biologist with the DLNR Division of Forestry and Wildlife, expressed concern over the ongoing feeding of feral cats in the area, stating, "They continue to feed the cats, and it doesn’t seem like the loss of the gosling has really made a difference in how often they feed."McGuire has been actively involved in removing cat food left out in the park, emphasizing the need to...
Senator Hirono Chairs Armed Services Subcommittee Hearing on Joint Forces Readiness
By Big Island Times | May 1, 2024
U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono, Chair of the Subcommittee on Readiness and Management Support, led a Readiness Subcommittee hearing on the current readiness of the U.S. joint forces. During the hearing, Senator Hirono emphasized the importance of military readiness in the face of evolving global security challenges."Over the past few years, the global security landscape has evolved rapidly, presenting new and complex challenges to military readiness," stated Senator Hirono during her opening remarks. She highlighted the need for the armed forces to remain agile, adaptive,...
Bipartisan legislation introduced to boost federal research on menopause
By Big Island Times | May 1, 2024
On May 1, 2024, U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI) along with Senators Patty Murray (D-WA), Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), and 14 other colleagues introduced a historic bipartisan legislation aimed at enhancing federal research on menopause and coordinating the federal government's existing programs related to menopause and mid-life women’s health. The Advancing Menopause and Mid-Life Women’s Health Act, authorized at $275 million over five years, is designed to bolster federal research on menopause, healthcare workforce training, awareness and education efforts, as well as public...
DLNR News Release: Monk Seal Birth at Kaimana Beach
By Big Island Times | May 1, 2024
On May 1, 2024, Kaiwi (RK96) gave birth to a new pup at Kaimana Beach, marking her third offspring in that area. Kilali Gibson, Oʻahu Marine Wildlife Response Coordinator at NOAA Fisheries, expressed excitement, stating, “We’re so excited for the birth of another pup.”In response to the birth, staff and volunteers from Hawai‘i Marine Animal Response (HMAR) took immediate action to ensure the safety of the seals and the public. Jon Gelman, President of HMAR, emphasized the importance of maintaining a safe distance, saying, “Once the pup becomes more active, and begins...
HILO Woman Cited for Feeding Nēnē in Hilo Park
By Big Island Times | May 1, 2024
DLNR News Release – HILO WOMAN CITED FOR FEEDING NĒNĒ IN HILO PARK, May 1, 2024Doreen Torres was issued two citations for violating state endangered and threatened species laws which prohibit the feeding of protected wildlife, since nēnē may eat the cat food. Torres is scheduled to appear in Hilo District Court on June 21 for the misdemeanors she is charged with.The incident occurred at Queen Liliʻuokalani Park, where the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) has expressed concerns over the feeding of cats in public spaces. The DLNR's news release also...
Senators reintroduce Access to Birth Control Act, aiming for nationwide coverage
By Big Island Times | May 1, 2024
U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI), along with Senators Cory Booker (D-NJ), Patty Murray (D-WA), and 21 other colleagues, has reintroduced the Access to Birth Control Act. This legislation aims to ensure patients' timely access to birth control at pharmacies across the nation. The bill addresses the issue of pharmacies refusing contraception, thereby hindering patients from obtaining their preferred form of birth control medication. U.S. Representative Robin Kelly (D-IL) has introduced companion legislation in the House.