News from February 2025
Hirono introduces Access to Counsel Act ensuring legal aid at U.S. ports
By Big Island Times | Feb 7, 2025
U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono, alongside Senator Alex Padilla and 13 other colleagues, has introduced the Access to Counsel Act.
Paradise Supermart closed due to repeated critical health violations
By Big Island Times | Feb 7, 2025
The Hawai‘i Department of Health (DOH) has closed Paradise Supermart Fast Food & Catering in Kahului following a routine inspection on February 5, 2025.
Hawaii DCCA announces disciplinary actions against licensed professionals through January 2025
By Big Island Times | Feb 7, 2025
The Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs (DCCA) in Hawaii, along with its state Boards and Commissions, has released a summary of disciplinary actions for January 2025.
Senators urge energy secretary to uphold legal commitments on equity office
By Big Island Times | Feb 6, 2025
U.S. Senators Mazie K. Hirono, Martin Heinrich, Alex Padilla, and Ron Wyden have called on Secretary of Energy Chris Wright to adhere to his commitment to uphold the law regarding the Office of Energy Justice and Equity.
Senators reintroduce resolution declaring racism a public health crisis
By Big Island Times | Feb 6, 2025
U.S. Senators Mazie K. Hirono, Cory Booker, and Alex Padilla have reintroduced a Senate Resolution to declare racism as a public health crisis in the United States.
Explore Outdoor Hawai‘i wins gold for web design
By Big Island Times | Feb 6, 2025
Explore Outdoor Hawai‘i, a website designed to be user-friendly, aims to assist residents and visitors in finding recreational information and services across the state.
Senator Hirono opposes Vought's OMB nomination over Project 2025 involvement
By Big Island Times | Feb 6, 2025
U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono took to the Senate floor to express her opposition to the confirmation of Russell Vought as Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB).
Legislation reintroduced to block future religious-based travel bans
By Big Island Times | Feb 6, 2025
U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono, along with Senator Chris Coons and U.S. Representative Judy Chu, has reintroduced the National Origin-Based Antidiscrimination for Nonimmigrants (NO BAN) Act.
Bill reintroduced to aid reunion of Filipino WWII vets with families
By Big Island Times | Feb 6, 2025
U.S. Senators Mazie K. Hirono and Lisa Murkowski, alongside Representatives Ed Case and Jennifer Kiggans, have reintroduced the Filipino Veterans Family Reunification Act of 2025.
U.S. Senators introduce bill targeting algorithmic price fixing
By Big Island Times | Feb 6, 2025
On February 6, 2025, a group of U.S. Senators introduced the Preventing Algorithmic Collusion Act in Washington, D.C. The legislation aims to prevent companies from using algorithms to engage in price-fixing activities that raise prices and limit...
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).