Latest News from Big Island Times

Attorney General Anne Lopez, along with a coalition of 16 attorneys general, has released guidance aimed at helping businesses, nonprofits, and other organizations understand the role and legality of diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility...

Attorneys general applaud injunction against Trump's birthright citizenship order

A federal judge has issued a preliminary injunction against President Trump's executive order to terminate birthright citizenship.

Hirono opposes Kash Patel's nomination as FBI director due to loyalty concerns

U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI) has voiced strong opposition to the nomination of Kash Patel as Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).

Honolulu Habitat invites participation in home build program

The Department of Hawaiian Home Lands (DHHL) is encouraging applicants and lessees to engage in the Home Build Program offered by Honolulu Habitat for Humanity.

Senator Hirono opposes Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s HHS nomination

By Big Island Times | Feb 12, 2025

U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono of Hawaii took to the Senate floor to express her opposition to the confirmation of Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., President Trump's nominee for Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS).

Hawaiʻi Attorney General launches first online asset forfeiture auction

By Big Island Times | Feb 12, 2025

The Department of the Attorney General in Honolulu is set to conduct its first online asset forfeiture auction starting February 18.

Hirono urges reversal of U.S. foreign aid cuts impacting Western Hemisphere

By Big Island Times | Feb 12, 2025

U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono, alongside Senator Tim Kaine and seven other colleagues, has formally addressed concerns to Secretary of State Marco Rubio regarding the Trump Administration's decision to cut U.S. foreign assistance programs in the...

Hawaiʻi Supreme Court to implement NextGen Bar Exam in July 2028

The Hawaiʻi Supreme Court has confirmed the adoption of the NextGen Bar Exam for future bar examination candidates.

Hirono introduces new bill safeguarding immigrant access to vital service locations

U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI) has collaborated with Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), U.S. Representative Adriano Espaillat (D-NY), and 27 other lawmakers in both the House and Senate to introduce the Protecting Sensitive Locations Act.

Hawai'i prepares for annual Day at the Capitol celebrating disability awareness

The Hawai‘i State Council on Developmental Disabilities (DD Council) is set to host the annual Day at the Capitol event on March 5, 2025, as part of Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month.

Diamond Head State Park announces temporary closures for safety improvements

During the ongoing rockfall mitigation project at Diamond Head State Park, temporary closures have been announced.

Lawmakers demand action on National Park staffing amid Trump-era hiring freeze concerns

U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono, alongside several colleagues, has called for immediate action from U.S. Department of the Interior Secretary Doug Burgum to address staffing shortages at the National Park Service.

Lawsuit challenges Trump administration's NIH funding cuts

Attorney General Anne Lopez, alongside 21 other attorneys general, has filed a lawsuit against the Trump Administration, the Department of Health and Human Services, and the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

Keanakolu Orchard closes temporarily for maintenance

Keanakolu Orchard, also known as the Humuʻula Orchard, will be temporarily closed for maintenance.

Timothy Lee indicted for alleged false name campaign contributions

On February 7, 2025, Timothy Lee was indicted by the Oʻahu Grand Jury on charges related to campaign contribution offenses.

Senators urge reversal of freeze on health communications

U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono, alongside Senators Amy Klobuchar, Bernie Sanders, and 31 other lawmakers, has urged Acting Secretary of Health and Human Services Dorothy Fink to end the freeze on external communications and funding at health agencies.

Court blocks Trump administration's NIH funding cuts

Hawaiʻi Attorney General Anne Lopez released a statement following a federal judge's decision to issue a temporary restraining order (TRO) against the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

Volunteers join efforts to control invasive coqui frog population on Oahu