News from September 2024


Kalalau Trail reopens after temporary closure due to norovirus outbreak

The Kalalau Trail in the Nāpali Coast State Wilderness Park will reopen to visitors on October 1, 2024. The trail was closed due to a norovirus outbreak among park visitors.


Kalalau Trail reopens after thorough cleaning following norovirus outbreak

The Kalalau Trail in the Nāpali Coast State Wilderness Park is set to reopen on October 1, 2024, following a closure due to a norovirus outbreak among visitors.


DOH approves reopening of Mark Kitchen & Catering after critical violations

The Hawai‘i Department of Health (DOH) Food Safety Branch has granted a yellow placard to Mark Kitchen & Catering, permitting its reopening on September 26. The establishment had been closed on September 25 due to critical violations.


Mark Kitchen & Catering in Kalihi reopens after resolving critical violations

The Hawai‘i Department of Health (DOH) Food Safety Branch has issued a yellow placard to Mark Kitchen & Catering, allowing its reopening on September 26 after being shut down on September 25 for critical violations.


Department warns against scammers impersonating law enforcement

The Department of Law Enforcement (DLE) has issued a warning to the public about callers impersonating law enforcement officers. These individuals are reportedly intimidating people with false information regarding impending or nonexistent court cases.


Four new judges sworn in as circuit court judges in Honolulu

Rebecca A. Copeland, Brian A. Costa, Dyan M. Medeiros, and Steven R. Nichols have officially taken their oaths as Circuit Court Judges of the First Circuit in Honolulu. The ceremony was held today with colleagues, special guests, family members, and friends in attendance.


Hawai‘i statewide outdoor warning siren system to be tested on October 1

The monthly test of the all-hazard Statewide Outdoor Warning Siren System is scheduled for Tuesday, October 1, 2024, at 11:45 a.m. The siren test will be coordinated with a test of the Live Audio Broadcast segment of the Emergency Alert System.


TV series 'Rescue: HI-Surf' boosts local employment in Hawaii

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.


Resolution introduced for Filipino-American History Month

U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono, alongside a group of bipartisan colleagues, has introduced a resolution to commemorate October as Filipino-American History Month. The initiative highlights the significant cultural and historical contributions of Filipino American communities throughout the United States.


Volunteers remove over 30 abandoned cars from Hawaiian homelands

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

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

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.


Hirono introduces bill to protect voters and election workers from intimidation

U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI) has introduced a bill aimed at protecting voters and election workers from intimidation and threats of violence at election centers. The Freedom from Intimidation in Elections Act, co-sponsored by Senator Alex Padilla (D-CA) and six other senators, seeks to update the Voting Rights Act of 1965 to limit the presence of visible firearms at polling locations.



Bipartisan bill introduced to protect federal judiciary workers from workplace misconduct

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

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

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

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

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

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."