News from September 2024
TV series 'Rescue: HI-Surf' boosts local employment in Hawaii
By Big Island Times | Sep 26, 2024
The television series "Rescue: HI-Surf" has achieved high ratings and is notable for exclusively hiring Hawai‘i residents for its specialized water unit. The show, which focuses on lifeguards in the Hawaiian Islands, has garnered significant attention.
Volunteers remove over 30 abandoned cars from Hawaiian homelands
By Big Island Times | Sep 26, 2024
Dozens of high school students and volunteers removed over 30 abandoned cars from a parcel of Hawaiian homelands in Anahola on Thursday. The effort aimed to reduce the risk of wildfires in the area.
Hawaiʻi files lawsuit after North Shore home collapses into ocean
By Big Island Times | Sep 25, 2024
The state of Hawaiʻi has initiated legal action against a North Shore homeowner following the collapse of part of a beachfront home into the ocean. The complaint, filed in the Circuit Court of the First Circuit on O‘ahu, seeks declaratory and injunctive relief and includes a request for a temporary restraining order.
DLNR announces new hunting regulations for Hawaiʻi Island
By Big Island Times | Sep 25, 2024
The Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) has announced new adaptive management measures for hunting on Hawaiʻi Island. These changes, which include updated seasons and bag limits, are part of the DLNR Division of Forestry and Wildlife's (DOFAW) ongoing efforts to manage wildlife populations sustainably.
Hawai'i Supreme Court upholds ban on short-term rentals on farmland
By Big Island Times | Sep 25, 2024
September 25, 2024
Bipartisan bill introduced to protect federal judiciary workers from workplace misconduct
By Big Island Times | Sep 25, 2024
U.S. Senators Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI) and Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) have introduced the Judiciary Accountability Act of 2024 (JAA), a bipartisan bill aimed at providing federal judiciary employees with statutory rights and protections against workplace misconduct. The legislation, which is also supported by U.S. Representatives Hank Johnson (D-GA), Jerrold Nadler (D-NY), and Norma Torres (D-CA) in the House, seeks to address discrimination, sexual harassment, retaliation, and other forms of misconduct within the federal judiciary.
Kaulunani partners celebrate community forestry at special event
By Big Island Times | Sep 25, 2024
The September 20 event began with light nāulu rains and a rainbow that appeared as attendees arrived, setting the stage for a unique gathering. The multi-generational group represented various programs across the state, aiming to strengthen their roles, learn from each other, deepen their connection to ‘āina, and enjoy themselves. Participants expressed their enthusiasm for trees, communities, and the environment through art, culture, sustainable practices, and shared experiences.
Drone technology to be used in controlling coqui frogs on Oʻahu
By Big Island Times | Sep 25, 2024
DOFAW field staffers plan to use drone technology to apply citric treatment at higher elevations. Aloha ʻĀina Drones, a Hilo-based operation specializing in agricultural and conservation drone applications, is contracted for the work.
Dedication ceremony held for Women's Community Correctional Center expansion
By Big Island Times | Sep 25, 2024
Dozens of guests attended a dedication ceremony at the Women’s Community Correctional Center (WCCC) on Wednesday, Sept. 25, 2024, to commemorate the facility’s expansion project in Honolulu.
Hirono introduces act mandating advocates for campus sexual assault prevention
By Big Island Times | Sep 24, 2024
U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono, along with Senators Tim Kaine and Tammy Baldwin, has introduced new legislation aimed at supporting survivors of sexual assault on college campuses. The Survivor Outreach and Support on Campus Act (S.O.S. Campus Act) mandates that colleges and universities receiving federal funding must have an independent advocate for campus sexual assault prevention and response.
Hawai‘i wildfire leader nationally recognized by Grist
By Big Island Times | Sep 24, 2024
The ninth annual Grist 50 list has recognized leaders addressing pressing climate issues in innovative ways. This year's list highlights individuals who have found unique methods to apply their strengths and creativity to tackle global challenges. The organization describes these honorees as "Fixers: dynamic doers who aren’t afraid to challenge the status quo and dive headlong into building and championing better alternatives."
Lawmakers urge OMB support for improved racial data collection
By Big Island Times | Sep 24, 2024
U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI) and Representative Judy Chu (D-CA), Chair of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC), have led seven colleagues in urging the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to take further action on Statistical Policy Directive 15 (SPD 15). The directive, which sets standards for federal data on race and ethnicity, has been revised to improve demographic reporting and ensure better representation of diverse communities.
Hawaiʻi opens registration for student life skills competition
By Big Island Times | Sep 24, 2024
Registration has opened for the 2024-2025 Hawaiʻi LifeSmarts competition. LifeSmarts is a free national educational program that teaches students critical life skills in five key areas: personal finance, consumer rights and responsibilities, health and safety, the environment, and technology through online quizzes and in-person competitions. Teams must consist of one adult coach or teacher and at least four students.
DLIR announces winners for 2024 workforce development hero awards
By Big Island Times | Sep 24, 2024
The Department of Labor and Industrial Relations (DLIR) has announced the recipients of the 2024 Workforce Development Hero Awards. The awards recognize individuals and institutions for their contributions to workforce excellence across Hawaiʻi.
Hawai‘i receives $803K grant for targeted violence prevention
By Big Island Times | Sep 24, 2024
The Hawai‘i Department of Law Enforcement Office of Homeland Security (OHS) has been awarded a $803,330 Targeted Violence and Terrorism Prevention grant from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The funding aims to expand current initiatives and implement new measures to prevent targeted violence across the state.