News from January 2025
Hawaiʻi Department of Taxation advises early electronic filing for smoother tax season
By Big Island Times | Jan 21, 2025
The Hawaiʻi Department of Taxation (DOTAX) has announced the commencement of the tax season, providing guidance to help taxpayers avoid delays and frustration during the filing process.
States challenge Trump's executive order on birthright citizenship
By Big Island Times | Jan 21, 2025
Attorney General Anne Lopez of Hawaiʻi, along with 18 other attorneys general, has initiated a legal challenge against President Donald Trump's executive order aimed at ending birthright citizenship.
Senators criticize passage of Laken Riley Act for potential complications
By Big Island Times | Jan 20, 2025
Today, U.S. Senators Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI), Alex Padilla (D-CA), and Jeff Merkley (D-OR) expressed their concerns following the Senate's approval of the Laken Riley Act.
Senators introduce resolution honoring women's service in U.S. combat roles
By Big Island Times | Jan 17, 2025
U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono, representing Hawaii and a senior member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, has collaborated with Senators Patty Murray from Washington, Tammy Duckworth from Illinois, and 19 other Senate colleagues to introduce a...
Hirono questions Trump nominee on drilling plans and COFA commitments
By Big Island Times | Jan 17, 2025
U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono engaged in a pointed exchange with Doug Burgum, President-elect Trump's nominee for Secretary of the Interior, during his confirmation hearing.
DCCA joins $80 million enforcement action against Block Inc
By Big Island Times | Jan 16, 2025
The Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs (DCCA), along with 47 state financial regulatory agencies, has taken action against Block, Inc. for violations related to the Bank Secrecy Act (BSA) and anti-money laundering (AML) laws.
Hawai‘i DOH detects low levels of H5 avian flu in Kauaʻi wastewater
By Big Island Times | Jan 16, 2025
The Hawai‘i Department of Health (DOH) State Laboratories Division has identified traces of H5 avian influenza in wastewater samples from the Līhuʻe Wastewater Treatment Plant on Kauaʻi.
Two inmates returned to custody; third still missing from Hawaii correctional center
By Big Island Times | Jan 16, 2025
Inmate Kawai J. Pomroy, who was one of three individuals that left the Hawaiʻi Community Correctional Center (HCCC) Hale Nani site without permission in December 2024, has been returned to custody.
Senator Hirono questions energy secretary nominee Chris Wright on wildfire resilience
By Big Island Times | Jan 16, 2025
In a recent confirmation hearing, U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI) questioned Chris Wright, President-elect Donald Trump’s nominee for Secretary of Energy, on several critical issues.
Preschool Open Doors application deadline set for January
By Big Island Times | Jan 16, 2025
The Department of Human Services (DHS) in Honolulu is currently accepting applications for the Preschool Open Doors program for the 2024-2025 school year.
Hirono joins effort to strengthen U.S. antitrust laws with reintroduced bill
By Big Island Times | Jan 16, 2025
U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono, alongside Senator Amy Klobuchar and 12 other colleagues, has reintroduced a bill aimed at revitalizing America's antitrust laws to restore competition in U.S. markets.
Hirono questions Trump's AG nominee on DOJ independence and election results
By Big Island Times | Jan 15, 2025
U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono questioned Pam Bondi, President-elect Trump's nominee for Attorney General, during a confirmation hearing in Washington, D.C. Senator Hirono expressed concerns about Ms.
Low levels of bird flu detected in Kauaʻi wastewater samples
By Big Island Times | Jan 15, 2025
The Hawai‘i Department of Health (DOH) State Laboratories Division has identified traces of H5 avian influenza, commonly known as bird flu, in wastewater samples from the Līhuʻe Wastewater Treatment Plant on Kauaʻi.
Community group leads first non-government funded improvement at Hā‘ena State Park
By Big Island Times | Jan 15, 2025
A new comfort station is set to be constructed at Hā‘ena State Park, marking the first instance where a nonprofit community group has spearheaded both the design and funding of a capital improvement project in a state park.
Hirono proposes changes to Laken Riley Act targeting family separation and state lawsuits
By Big Island Times | Jan 15, 2025
U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono, a senior member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, has introduced five amendments to the Laken Riley Act (S.5).
Hirono questions defense nominee Pete Hegseth on conduct and constitutional loyalty
By Big Island Times | Jan 14, 2025
U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono questioned Pete Hegseth, President-elect Trump's nominee for Secretary of Defense, on his suitability for the role during a Senate Armed Services Committee hearing.
Hirono and Tokuda introduce bill targeting rapid ohia death in Hawaii
By Big Island Times | Jan 13, 2025
U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono and U.S. Representative Jill Tokuda have introduced new legislation aimed at combating the spread of Rapid Ohia Death (ROD) in Hawaii.
Attorney General launches anti-human trafficking webpage with awareness month events
By Big Island Times | Jan 10, 2025
The Department of the Attorney General has launched a new webpage dedicated to its Human Trafficking Prevention Program.
Hawaii declares 2025 as "Year of Our Community Forests
By Big Island Times | Jan 10, 2025
At a ceremony held today, Governor Josh Green declared 2025 as the "Year of Our Community Forests."
Second Circuit seeks applicants for independent grand jury counsel in Maui County
By Big Island Times | Jan 10, 2025
The Circuit Court of the Second Circuit, which includes Maui, Molokaʻi, and Lānaʻi, is currently seeking applicants for the position of independent grand jury counsel.