News from October 2024
Café Duck Butt reopens after resolving health violations
By Big Island Times | Oct 10, 2024
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
By Big Island Times | Oct 9, 2024
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
By Big Island Times | Oct 9, 2024
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
By Big Island Times | Oct 9, 2024
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
By Big Island Times | Oct 9, 2024
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
By Big Island Times | Oct 9, 2024
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
By Big Island Times | Oct 9, 2024
The Hawaiʻi Department of Health's Maternal and Child Health Branch has been awarded a $1.475 million federal grant to address maternal mortality in the state. The funding, which amounts to $295,000 annually over five years, will support the work of the department and the Hawaiʻi Maternal Mortality Review Committee (HMMRC). This committee is tasked with identifying and reviewing pregnancy-related deaths to find prevention opportunities.
Demolition nears completion at Uncle Billy's Hilo Bay Hotel
By Big Island Times | Oct 8, 2024
The demolition of the once renowned Uncle Billy’s Hilo Bay Hotel is approaching its conclusion. Originally built in the mid-1960s, the hotel was condemned by Hawai‘i County in 2017 due to public safety and health concerns. Since then, it has faced numerous arson incidents and issues with squatters, contributing to its deteriorated state.
Work furlough inmate goes missing from OCCC
By Big Island Times | Oct 8, 2024
A work furlough inmate has been reported missing from the Oahu Community Correctional Center (OCCC). The individual, Fleetwood, was due for a parole hearing in December 2024. However, he now faces a second-degree escape charge. This charge is classified as a Class B felony and carries a potential penalty of up to five years in prison if convicted.
Hawai‘i declares October as Cybersecurity Awareness Month
By Big Island Times | Oct 4, 2024
Governor Josh Green has declared October as Cybersecurity Awareness Month in Hawai‘i, emphasizing the state's role in identifying and responding to cyber threats. Governor Green stated, “Cybersecurity Awareness Month aims to increase the understanding of cyber threats and empowers the public to be safer and more secure online.” He highlighted the importance of raising awareness about cyber risks and promoting safe online practices.
Hawaii introduces online tools for streamlined unemployment insurance processing
By Big Island Times | Oct 4, 2024
The Department of Labor and Industrial Relations (DLIR) has introduced new online tools to assist employers with unemployment insurance processes. The State Information Data Exchange System (SIDES) is designed to help businesses manage their unemployment insurance claims more efficiently.
Precision agrees to $27 million settlement over false claims and kickback allegations
By Big Island Times | Oct 4, 2024
Precision, a national toxicology laboratory, has agreed to pay $27 million to settle allegations of submitting false claims and engaging in illegal kickbacks related to urine drug testing (UDT). The allegations covered the period from January 1, 2013, through December 31, 2022. It was claimed that Precision conducted UDTs that were not medically necessary for diagnosing or treating illnesses or injuries.
Community events promote infant safe sleep awareness in Hawaii
By Big Island Times | Oct 3, 2024
The Safe Sleep Hawai‘i webpage offers referral links to community organizations collaborating with the Department of Health (DOH). The Parent Line provides resources and information related to parenting, including free online safe sleep workshops. It will host a Community Baby Shower on Saturday, October 5, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Child & Family Service ‘Ewa Community Center located at 91-1841 Fort Weaver Road. Expectant and new parents with babies up to six months are invited to attend this free event for food, giveaways, resources, and fun. Interested participants can...
Crackin’ Kitchen reopens after resolving water backup issue
By Big Island Times | Oct 3, 2024
The Hawai‘i Department of Health (DOH) Food Safety Branch has granted permission for Crackin’ Kitchen to reopen following a successful follow-up inspection. The restaurant, situated at 2330 Kalākaua Ave. Unit 318, had been temporarily closed on October 1 after receiving a red placard due to a water backup issue in the kitchen.
Report highlights early death link with hepatitis C in Hawaii
By Big Island Times | Oct 3, 2024
The Hawai‘i Department of Health (DOH) has released a report revealing that hepatitis C is linked to earlier deaths in the state. Titled “Premature Deaths and Disparities Associated with Hepatitis C: The Hawaiʻi Hepatitis C Mortality Report,” it examines mortality data from 2000 to 2021, highlighting the impact of hepatitis C infections on local communities. The report aims to inform efforts to enhance liver health and reduce preventable deaths.
Dog food recall announced over salmonella and listeria concerns
By Big Island Times | Oct 3, 2024
The Hawaiʻi State Department of Health (DOH) Food and Drug Branch has issued a public alert regarding a recall of certain lots of raw dog food products by Lystn, LLC. The recall is due to potential contamination with Salmonella and Listeria monocytogenes. These products were distributed online and through local boutique pet stores.
Hawaii promotes infant safe sleep month amid SIDS awareness efforts
By Big Island Times | Oct 3, 2024
Governor Josh Green has declared October as Infant Safe Sleep Month in Hawaii, aligning with the national observance of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) Awareness Month. This initiative aims to raise awareness about preventable infant deaths related to unsafe sleeping environments.
Nine inmates graduate from mental health technician program
By Big Island Times | Oct 3, 2024
A recent graduation ceremony celebrated nine inmates who completed educational programs while in custody. Director Johnson addressed the graduates, emphasizing the importance of character and change. "We all make mistakes in life but the content of our character is better defined by what we do after that," he stated. He encouraged the graduates to continue their educational journey and pursue new opportunities.
Crackin’ Kitchen closed by Hawai‘i DOH due to water backup issues
By Big Island Times | Oct 2, 2024
The Hawai‘i Department of Health (DOH) Food Safety Branch has issued a red placard and ordered the immediate closure of Crackin’ Kitchen, situated at 2330 Kalākaua Ave. Unit 318 in Honolulu. The decision was made due to water backup issues in the kitchen area.
Crackin' Kitchen in Honolulu closed by DOH due to water backup
By Big Island Times | Oct 2, 2024
The Hawai‘i Department of Health (DOH) Food Safety Branch has issued a red placard to Crackin’ Kitchen in Honolulu, leading to its immediate closure. The restaurant, located at 2330 Kalākaua Ave. Unit 318 and operated by TS Grasp Inc., was shut down due to water backup in the kitchen.