News from February 2025
Bill introduced to reinstate ban on high-capacity gun magazines
By Big Island Times | Feb 28, 2025
U.S. Senators Mazie K. Hirono and Richard Blumenthal have introduced the Keep Americans Safe Act (KASA), aimed at reinstating a ban on high-capacity gun magazines holding more than ten rounds.
Senators urge Trump to reinstate veterans fired in alleged mass terminations
By Big Island Times | Feb 28, 2025
U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono, along with Senators Richard Blumenthal, Tim Kaine, and 19 other colleagues, has issued a call to President Donald Trump demanding the reinstatement of veterans who were allegedly illegally terminated in what they...
Hawai‘i DOH advises caution amid ongoing Kīlauea eruptions
By Big Island Times | Feb 28, 2025
Since December 23, 2024, Kīlauea has been experiencing intermittent eruptions within the Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park.
Senator Hirono urges DOI Secretary Burgum to reinstate fired FWS employees
By Big Island Times | Feb 27, 2025
U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono has called on the Secretary of the Interior, Douglas Burgum, to reinstate probationary employees of the Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) in Hawaii who were dismissed during the Trump Administration.
Senators urge EPA to clarify Clean School Bus Program funding freeze
By Big Island Times | Feb 27, 2025
U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono, along with Senators Ed Markey, Raphael Warnock, and 14 other colleagues, has addressed a letter to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Lee Zeldin concerning the status of the Clean School Bus...
Hirono and Tillis continue leadership roles in Creative Rights Caucus
By Big Island Times | Feb 26, 2025
U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono from Hawaii has announced that she will continue her role as Senate Co-Chair of the Congressional Creative Rights Caucus alongside Senator Thom Tillis from North Carolina.
Public comments sought on judicial nominees for Maui's family court
By Big Island Times | Feb 26, 2025
Chief Justice Mark E. Recktenwald is seeking public input on nominees for a vacancy in the District Family Court of the Second Circuit, covering Maui, Moloka‘i, and Lāna‘i. The Judicial Selection Commission has submitted four names for consideration.
Senators urge funding boost for Social Security Administration implementation
By Big Island Times | Feb 26, 2025
U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono, along with Senators Ed Markey, Ron Wyden, and 25 other colleagues, have urged the Appropriations Committee to allocate at least $15.402 billion for the Social Security Administration (SSA) in the Fiscal Year 2025...
Judicial Selection Commission announces nominees for Maui family judge position
By Big Island Times | Feb 26, 2025
The Judicial Selection Commission has released the list of nominees for the position of District Family Judge in the Second Circuit, covering the island of Maui, State of Hawaiʻi.
Hawai‘i confirms second travel-related dengue case on Oʻahu
By Big Island Times | Feb 26, 2025
The Hawai‘i Department of Health (DOH) has confirmed a new travel-related case of dengue virus on Oʻahu, marking the second case in the state for 2025.
Judicial Selection Commission announces nominees for Hawaii's Third Circuit Court
By Big Island Times | Feb 26, 2025
The Judicial Selection Commission has announced the nominees for the position of Circuit Judge in the Circuit Court of the Third Circuit, located on the island of Hawaiʻi.
Hawaiʻi State DLIR hosts job fair for federal employees facing employment transitions
By Big Island Times | Feb 24, 2025
The Hawaiʻi State Department of Labor and Industrial Relations (DLIR) is organizing a hiring fair to address labor shortages and support workers affected by federal employment changes.
Hawai’i Wildfire Summit addresses future challenges in fire management
By Big Island Times | Feb 24, 2025
The 2025 Hawai’i Wildfire Summit, themed "Exploring our Wildfire Future," commenced on February 24, 2025.
Senator Hirono criticizes President Trump's firing of top military leaders
By Big Island Times | Feb 22, 2025
Senator Mazie K. Hirono has voiced strong opposition to President Trump's recent decision to dismiss several senior military leaders, including General Charles "CQ" Brown, Admiral Lisa Franchetti, and General James Slife.
Hawaiʻi Island spring turkey hunting season starts March 1
By Big Island Times | Feb 21, 2025
The Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) has announced the opening of the 2025 Spring Bearded Turkey Hunting Season on Hawaiʻi Island.
Coalition wins injunction against unauthorized Treasury access by Elon Musk
By Big Island Times | Feb 21, 2025
Attorney General Anne Lopez announced a significant legal victory for Hawaiʻi in a lawsuit involving Elon Musk and the Department of Government Efficiency, or "DOGE."
New voyaging canoe replaces Mo‘olele lost in Lahaina wildfires
By Big Island Times | Feb 21, 2025
A voyaging canoe destroyed in the Lahaina wildfires is being replaced with a new vessel, thanks to the collaborative efforts of various individuals and organizations.
Iolani School wins state competition; heads to national contest
By Big Island Times | Feb 21, 2025
Iolani School has emerged as the winner of the 2025 Hawaiʻi LifeSmarts State Competition, as announced by the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs (DCCA) Business Registration Division and Insurance Division, along with the Hawaiʻi Credit...
Senator Hirono criticizes Republican efforts to cut education funding
By Big Island Times | Feb 20, 2025
U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono recently addressed the Senate floor, criticizing efforts by President Trump and Republicans to dismantle the Department of Education and cut federal funding for key educational programs.
Senator Hirono opposes Kash Patel's nomination as FBI Director
By Big Island Times | Feb 20, 2025
U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono has voted against the confirmation of Kash Patel as the next Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).