News from October 2024
Hawaiʻi highlights prevention during National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week
By Big Island Times | Oct 21, 2024
Lead is a toxic metal that poses health risks at any age, with no safe level in children's blood. From October 20 to 26, National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week focuses on educating the public about lead exposure prevention under the theme “Bright Futures Begin Lead-Free.”
Nāwiliwili Harbor office closes temporarily for renovations
By Big Island Times | Oct 21, 2024
The Nāwiliwili Harbor office will undergo temporary closure due to renovations, as announced by the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR). Boat owners affected by this closure have the option to renew their vessel registrations online at https://vessel.ehawaii.gov. It is important to note that a convenience fee applies for any registration renewals completed through this online platform.
Recall alert issued for frozen waffles over Listeria concerns
By Big Island Times | Oct 21, 2024
The Hawaiʻi State Department of Health (DOH) Food and Drug Branch has issued a recall alert for several frozen waffle brands due to potential contamination with Listeria monocytogenes. The affected products, sold across the United States, include Kodiak Cakes, Good & Gather, and Great Value brands. These items were available at supermarkets and retailers in Hawai‘i.
Hawaii's Department of Corrections launches major recruitment drive amid staffing shortages
By Big Island Times | Oct 18, 2024
The Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (DCR) in Honolulu is actively working to address a significant shortage of staff. The department, which oversees eight correctional facilities across the state, has been facing challenges due to numerous job vacancies. In response, the DCR launched the "Unlocking Potential" recruitment campaign over the summer to fill vacant adult corrections officer (ACO) positions.
Judge Wendy M. DeWeese honored for community contributions by Going Home Hawaiʻi
By Big Island Times | Oct 16, 2024
Third Circuit Chief Judge Wendy M. DeWeese was recently recognized with the Ka Lehua Kea Hiwahiawa Award by Going Home Hawaiʻi for her significant contributions to the community on Hawaiʻi island. The award ceremony took place as part of Going Home Hawaiʻi's 20th-anniversary celebrations, which marks two decades of aiding individuals in reintegrating into community life through various support services.
Firewise assessment conducted at Villages of Leialiʻi after devastating wildfire
By Big Island Times | Oct 16, 2024
On August 8, 2023, the Villages of Leialiʻi faced a fast-moving wildfire that forced residents like Kai Pelayo to evacuate. Fourteen months later, Pelayo and others returned to assess wildfire risks in their community. The assessment is part of an effort to gain national recognition as a Firewise community.
States challenge FDA limits on abortion drug mifepristone
By Big Island Times | Oct 14, 2024
Attorney General Anne Lopez is calling on a federal judge in Spokane, Washington, to rule against the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) restrictions on mifepristone, an abortion medication. The request is part of a multistate lawsuit claiming that these restrictions violate the Administrative Procedure Act.
FEMA extends housing aid for Maui wildfire survivors through February 2026
By Big Island Times | Oct 14, 2024
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has approved an extension of temporary housing assistance for survivors of the Maui wildfires, allowing aid to continue through February 2026. This decision extends the Individuals and Households Programs (IHP) in Hawaiʻi by one year under disaster declaration FEMA-4724-DR-HI. Financial Assistance and Direct Temporary Housing Assistance will now be available until February 10, 2026.
Hawai'i takes action against coconut rhinoceros beetle spread with new interim rule
By Big Island Times | Oct 11, 2024
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
By Big Island Times | Oct 11, 2024
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
By Big Island Times | Oct 11, 2024
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
By Big Island Times | Oct 11, 2024
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
By Big Island Times | Oct 11, 2024
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
By Big Island Times | Oct 11, 2024
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
By Big Island Times | Oct 10, 2024
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
By Big Island Times | Oct 10, 2024
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
By Big Island Times | Oct 10, 2024
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
By Big Island Times | Oct 10, 2024
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
By Big Island Times | Oct 10, 2024
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
By Big Island Times | Oct 10, 2024
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...