Latest News from Big Island Times

The Hawai‘i Department of Agriculture (HDOA) has implemented a new interim rule aimed at curbing the spread of the coconut rhinoceros beetle (CRB) within the state. The Advisory Committee on Plants and Animals recommended this rule, which restricts the movement of palm plants and organic materials like compost, wood chips, mulch, and potting soil from CRB-infested areas to non-infested ones.

Waimānalo homeless shelter set for redevelopment into community village

A homeless shelter in Waimānalo, known as Hui Mahi‘ai ‘Āina, has been operating without formal approval from the Board of Land and Natural Resources (BLNR) since 2020. The Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) has expressed a willingness to collaborate with nonprofit entities to secure proper authorization for the shelter's occupants.

Hawaiʻi reports two new locally acquired mpox cases; vaccination encouraged

The Hawaiʻi Department of Health (DOH) has reported two new cases of mpox in the state. One case involved exposure outside the state, while the other appears to have been acquired locally, with no links to previous cases.

Judiciary hosts successful bench warrant recall clinic in Waiʻanae

Hawaiʻi State Judiciary judges and staff dedicated a Saturday afternoon to assist individuals with bench warrant and penal summons recalls at the Waiʻanae Public Library. The clinic, which focused on traffic and petty misdemeanor cases, processed 46 ex-parte motions prepared by the Office of the Public Defender. New hearing dates were assigned for those seeking assistance.

DLNR transfers Hawai‘i Island leases and permits to DOA under Act 90

The Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) has transferred 34 leases and revocable permits on Hawai‘i Island to the Department of Agriculture (DOA). This move continues the implementation of Act 90, a legislative measure passed in 2003. The act is designed to "ensure the long-term productive use of public lands available to be leased by the DLNR for agricultural purposes by allowing those lands to be transferred to and managed by DOA."

Hawai'i reports two new mpox cases; vaccination urged for high-risk groups

The Hawaiʻi Department of Health (DOH) has reported two new cases of mpox in the state. One case involved exposure outside Hawaiʻi, while the other was locally acquired with no links to previous cases. This brings the total number of mpox cases diagnosed in Hawaiʻi in 2024 to seven, and since June 3, 2022, to 53.

Temporary closure of public access on Mauna Kea for animal control activities

The Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) has announced a temporary closure for animal control activities scheduled on October 30, 2024. Public access to specific areas will be restricted and permitted only for animal salvage purposes starting at 7 a.m. These areas include Mauna Kea Forest Reserve, Mauna Kea Ice Age Natural Area Reserve, Palila Mitigation Lands, the Kaʻohe Game Management Area, and Mauna Kea Hunter Access Road.

Probation officers sworn in at Oʻahu conference focusing on community supervision

Sixty-one new probation officers were officially inducted by Chief Judge Jeannette Castagnetti during the First Circuit Probation Conference. Chief Court Administrator Lori Okita and Deputy Chief Court Administrator Dwight Sakai presented the new officers with lei and certificates of appointment.

Café Duck Butt reopens after fixing violations cited by Hawai‘i health department

The Hawai‘i Department of Health (DOH) Food Safety Branch recently allowed Café Duck Butt to reopen after addressing previous food safety violations. The establishment, located at 901 Kawaiahaʻo Street in Honolulu, was initially given a red placard and ordered to close on October 8 due to a power outage that affected the refrigeration of food.

Unruly passenger arrested by deputy sheriffs after flight disturbance

Deputy Sheriffs from the Department of Law Enforcement took action this morning at Daniel K. Inouye International Airport. They arrested a passenger on United Airlines flight #1175 following reports of an in-flight disturbance.

Hawai'i establishes inaugural LGBTQ+ commission

The state of Hawaiʻi has established a new advisory body aimed at enhancing its relationship with LGBTQ+ citizens, as per HRS 369. This newly formed commission is one of the few in the United States and includes eight voting members. It operates under the Department of Human Services.

Hawaii's Department of Law Enforcement launches anonymous gun tip line

The Department of Law Enforcement (DLE) in Honolulu has introduced a Gun Tip Line to allow the public to anonymously report illegal gun ownership and gun-related crimes. DLE Director Jordan Lowe stated, "The Gun Tip Line offers another way the public can assist law enforcement in protecting our neighborhoods." He emphasized that unregistered or stolen guns, as well as firearms in the wrong hands, are frequently used in criminal activities with potentially tragic outcomes. Lowe urged the community, "if you see something, send something to the Gun Tip Line and help us make...

Café Duck Butt reopens after resolving health violations

The Hawai‘i Department of Health (DOH) Food Safety Branch recently issued a red placard to Café Duck Butt, requiring the establishment to close on October 8 due to food safety violations. The closure was prompted by a lack of electricity, which rendered refrigerators non-operational and compromised food safety.

Marriott settles $52M over Starwood database breach affecting millions

The state of Hawai‘i Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs Office of Consumer Protection has announced a settlement with Marriott International, Inc. regarding a significant data breach affecting the Starwood guest reservation database. This settlement is the result of an investigation conducted by a coalition of 50 attorneys general. The Federal Trade Commission also reached a parallel agreement with Marriott.

Hawai‘i honors pioneers in closing digital divide with inaugural innovation awards

In a ceremony held during National Digital Inclusion Week, the first-ever Digital Equity Innovation Awards (DEIA) recognized 18 individuals and organizations in Hawai‘i for their efforts to bridge the digital divide. The awards, organized by the Hawai‘i Broadband and Digital Equity Office (HBDEO), were presented in collaboration with the state Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism (DBEDT), the Broadband Hui, Pacific International Center for High Technology Research (PICHTR), county governments, and nonprofit community access television providers.

Federal grant aims to reduce maternal mortality in Hawaiʻi

The Hawaiʻi Department of Health (DOH) has been awarded a federal grant totaling $1.475 million aimed at reducing maternal mortality in the state. This funding, which amounts to $295,000 annually over five years, will support the efforts of the DOH and the Hawaiʻi Maternal Mortality Review Committee (HMMRC). The committee is responsible for identifying and reviewing pregnancy-related deaths and exploring prevention opportunities.

Attorney general launches online resource for assisted community treatment petitions

The Department of the Attorney General in Honolulu has introduced a new online resource aimed at assisting individuals involved in filing assisted community treatment (ACT) petitions. This initiative is designed to aid those with severe mental health or substance abuse issues who may pose a danger to themselves or others.

Conservationists release ʻalalā on Maui after decade-long preparation

Two female and three male ʻalalā, bred in captivity, have been released into the wild on Maui. The birds have spent the last ten months forming a social group to help them adapt to their new environment. Conservation teams are hopeful that this bond will aid in their transition. Dr. Hanna Mounce explained, “When you put birds in a captive environment, even though you’re trying to give them enrichment and care for them the right way, they are not doing all the things they need to do in the wild. They have to relearn those behaviors that came generations before them.” Each bird...

Hawaiʻi receives federal grant to combat maternal mortality