News from February 2025
Hirono reintroduces Right to Contraception Act amid ongoing Senate challenges
By Big Island Times | Feb 5, 2025
U.S. Senators Mazie K. Hirono, Ed Markey, and Tammy Duckworth have reintroduced the Right to Contraception Act.
Attorneys general unite against executive order affecting gender-affirming care
By Big Island Times | Feb 5, 2025
Attorney General Anne Lopez, alongside 13 other attorneys general, has issued a statement reaffirming their commitment to safeguarding access to gender-affirming care.
University completes study on new correctional center plans
By Big Island Times | Feb 5, 2025
The University of Hawaiʻi Community Design Center (UHCDC) has completed a significant proof-of-concept study on the proposed new Oʻahu Community Correctional Center (OCCC).
Bill aims to ease air travel for parents carrying breast milk
By Big Island Times | Feb 5, 2025
Bipartisan legislation aimed at easing air travel for parents carrying breast milk and breastfeeding supplies has passed the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation.
Salvage efforts underway for grounded sailboat on Maui
By Big Island Times | Feb 5, 2025
Kapalua Kai Sailing, Inc. is actively working to address the situation involving a grounded sailboat on Maui by collaborating with relevant authorities and providing regular updates to the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR).
Hawai‘i DLNR opens wildlife conservation/game bird stamp contest for artists
By Big Island Times | Feb 5, 2025
The Hawai‘i Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) has announced the opening of its annual Wildlife Conservation/Game Bird Stamp Contest.
Residents advised to review policies amid ongoing wet season
By Big Island Times | Feb 5, 2025
As the wet season continues, residents and businesses in Hawaiʻi are being urged to review their insurance policies.
Rapid ʻŌhiʻa Death detected at Maui school; response plan implemented
By Big Island Times | Feb 5, 2025
The least virulent strain of Rapid ʻŌhiʻa Death (ROD), a fungal infection affecting ʻōhiʻa trees, was detected last month at a Maui elementary school.
Senator Hirono opposes Pam Bondi's nomination as Attorney General
By Big Island Times | Feb 4, 2025
U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI) has voted against the nomination of Pam Bondi for Attorney General, citing concerns about her independence from President Trump.
Senators demand answers from Trump Administration on state department disruptions
By Big Island Times | Feb 4, 2025
U.S. lawmakers have expressed significant concern over recent developments at the U.S. Department of State and the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID).
Attorneys general seek answers from FBI director nominee Kash Patel
By Big Island Times | Feb 4, 2025
Attorney General Anne Lopez, along with a coalition of 20 attorneys general, has called for further questioning of Kash Patel, the nominee for FBI Director.
Senators demand clarity on funding disruptions affecting Head Start programs
By Big Island Times | Feb 3, 2025
U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono, along with Senator Tim Kaine and 27 other Senate colleagues, have expressed concerns to the Department of Health and Human Services regarding financial challenges faced by Head Start programs.
Hawaiʻi launches website for monitoring opioid settlement fund usage
By Big Island Times | Feb 3, 2025
The Hawaiʻi Department of Health (DOH) has introduced a new online resource to monitor the use of over $100 million in settlement funds from national opioid lawsuit settlements.
Hawaii transitions state lawn equipment fleet to electric models
By Big Island Times | Feb 3, 2025
The State of Hawaii is taking steps to enhance its use of renewable energy equipment, starting with its lawn maintenance operations.