Latest News from Big Island Times

The possibility of a measles outbreak in Hawaiʻi has grown more acute as cases continue to rise both mainland and worldwide, while vaccination rates in the state decline.

Senator Hirono reintroduces act to provide legal aid for unaccompanied immigrant children

U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono has reintroduced The Fair Day in Court for Kids Act of 2025.

Multi-state lawsuit filed against Trump over voting restrictions executive order

Attorney General Anne Lopez of Hawai'i has partnered with a group of 19 attorneys general to initiate legal action against President Donald J. Trump, U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi, and other officials from the Trump Administration.

Hawai‘i County police detective found guilty of perjury

William Brown, a detective in the Vice Division of the Hawaiʻi County Police Department, was found guilty of a class C felony offense of perjury.

Hawaiʻi health department ramps up measures to prevent measles outbreak

The Hawaiʻi Department of Health (DOH) is implementing strategic measures to avert a potential measles outbreak as the threat of the disease heightens in the state.

Impact Aid Infrastructure Partnership Act aims to support federally impacted school districts

U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono and Representatives John Garamendi and Jay Obernolte have introduced a new bill aimed at providing construction funding to federally impacted school districts.

Hawai'i supports immigrant parole pathways, joins 16-state legal coalition

Attorney General Anne Lopez of Hawai'i has joined a coalition of 16 attorneys general in a legal move supporting the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's (DHS) pathways for vulnerable immigrants.

Hawaiʻi health officials receive recognition for pediatric mental health initiatives

In a ceremony held in Washington, D.C., two employees of the Hawaiʻi Department of Health (DOH) were honored with the 2025 Emerging Maternal & Child Health Professional Award.

Hawaiian monk seal population grows amid increasing risks of human interaction

The number of Hawaiian monk seals born in the main Hawaiian Islands is seeing an increase.

Senator Hirono criticizes Trump's freeze on reproductive care funding

On April 2, 2025, U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono criticized the Trump Administration's decision to halt nearly $35 million in funding for reproductive health care distributed through the Title X Family Planning Program.

Real Estate Commission announces free virtual Condorama XIV event for April 19

The Real Estate Commission, in collaboration with the Community Associations Institute Hawaii Chapter, will conduct a free virtual event, "Condorama XIV," on April 19, 2025.

Hirono and colleagues seek special counsel for Signal chat security breach

U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono, alongside several colleagues, has called for an investigation into potential security breaches under the Trump administration.

Senators question FBI Deputy Director Bongino's past statements and leadership potential

U.S. Senators Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), and Alex Padilla (D-CA), all serving on the Senate Judiciary Committee, have sent a letter to Dan Bongino, the Deputy Director of the Federal Bureau of...

Senator Hirono mourns the loss of educator and community leader Mary Matayoshi

U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono of Hawaii has made public her condolences following the death of Mary Matayoshi, highlighting her impact as an educator and community leader.

Hawaiʻi business annual reports for second quarter must be submitted before deadline

The Hawaiʻi Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs (DCCA), through its Business Registration Division (BREG), reminds businesses to file their annual business reports.

Preliminary injunction issued against federal agencies over probationary employee terminations

Attorney General Anne Lopez, along with a coalition of 20 other attorneys general, has obtained a preliminary injunction in a lawsuit against various federal agencies regarding the mass dismissal of federal probationary employees.

Hirono and colleagues introduce whistleblower protection legislation

U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono, a Senate Judiciary Committee senior member, has introduced new legislation alongside colleagues to enhance protections for federal whistleblowers.

Hirono, colleagues propose sanctions against Russia over Ukraine aggression

U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono, representing Hawaii, has collaborated with fellow Senators Richard Blumenthal of Connecticut, Lindsey Graham of South Carolina, and 47 other colleagues to propose a sanctions package targeting Russia.

Senators question deputy AG's Senate testimony on Adams case dismissal

U.S. lawmakers are raising concerns about the testimony given by Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche during his nomination hearing.

Hirono and others reintroduce tax legislation to raise taxes on millionaires