Latest News from Big Island Times

Attorney General Anne Lopez, representing a coalition of 21 attorneys general, has initiated legal action against the Trump administration.

Lawmakers urge HHS Secretary Kennedy for immediate action on measles outbreak

U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono, alongside Senator Ben Ray Lujan and 11 other colleagues, has urged Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. to take immediate action against the spread of measles in the United States.

Senators press HUD for timely release of $3.6 billion in homelessness funding

U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono, alongside Senators Adam Schiff, Tina Smith, and 12 other colleagues, has called on the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to expedite the distribution of $3.6 billion in federal funds intended for...

Record-low stream flows prompt concerns over Hawaii's drought impact

Hawaii is facing severe drought conditions as streams in Maui and Kaua'i experience record-low flows, according to recent observations.

Hawai'i extends interisland bird transport pause amid avian flu concerns

The Hawai‘i Department of Agriculture (HDOA), alongside the Department of Health (DOH) and the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR), has decided to extend a voluntary pause on the interisland transport of poultry and other bird species...

Former business manager pleads guilty for failing to file tax returns

On March 5, 2025, Frederick K. Kamaka, Jr., the former business manager of Kamaka Hawaiʻi, Inc., entered a guilty plea before Judge Erika Ireland.

DOH warns of possible listeria in MYY Trade Co. enoki mushrooms

The Hawai‘i Department of Health (DOH) has issued a public alert concerning enoki mushrooms from the MYY Trade Co. brand due to potential contamination with listeria monocytogenes.

Hawai'i authorities charge business owner with tax violations

In Honolulu, Nenita Mauricio was arrested following investigations by the Hawaiʻi Department of Taxation (DOTAX) and the Hawaiʻi Department of the Attorney General.

Coalition urges Supreme Court to uphold Medicaid recipients' right to choose providers

Attorney General Anne Lopez, along with a coalition of 17 attorneys general, has filed an amicus brief urging the U.S. Supreme Court to uphold a lower court's decision affirming Medicaid recipients' right to choose their healthcare providers,...

Hawaiʻi agency launches new app for child support case management

The Department of the Attorney General's Hawaiʻi Child Support Enforcement Agency (CSEA) has introduced a new mobile app and updated its web portal to improve services for clients managing child support cases.

Hirono and Sullivan propose REP VA Act for rural state call centers

U.S. Senators Mazie K. Hirono and Dan Sullivan have introduced the Representing VA with Accuracy (REP VA) Act, a new piece of legislation aimed at enhancing support for veterans in rural states such as Alaska and Hawaii.

Hirono criticizes Trump's decision affecting Department of Education staff

Today, U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono criticized President Donald Trump's decision to terminate nearly 1,300 employees at the Department of Education (ED), effectively reducing its workforce by half.

Carbon Smart Land Program offers grants for climate resilience initiatives

Grants ranging from $25,000 to $100,000 will be awarded to 10 to 15 applicants as part of the Carbon Smart Land Program.

Hirono joins colleagues in reintroducing bill addressing U.S. housing crisis

By Big Island Times | Mar 11, 2025

U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono, along with Senators Elizabeth Warren and Reverend Raphael Warnock, U.S. Representative Emmanuel Cleaver, and other Senate colleagues, have reintroduced the American Housing and Economic Mobility Act.

Commission seeks candidates for water resource management vacancies

By Big Island Times | Mar 11, 2025

Rodrigues has decided to withdraw from the Loea seat on the Commission on Water Resource Management (CWRM) to focus on "healing with this community and our people."

Department of Health cites companies for water pollution violations on Oʻahu

By Big Island Times | Mar 11, 2025

The Hawaiʻi Department of Health (DOH) has taken enforcement action against ABC Towing & Parts, LLC and JH Hawaii Property, LLC for violations related to water pollution on Oʻahu.

Resolution introduced recognizing March 10 as "Abortion Provider Appreciation Day

U.S. Senators Mazie K. Hirono and Gary Peters, alongside U.S. Representative Ayanna Pressley, have reintroduced a resolution to honor abortion providers by designating March 10, 2025, as "Abortion Provider Appreciation Day."

New travel-related dengue case reported on Maui by Hawaii Department of Health

The Hawai‘i Department of Health (DOH) has reported a new travel-related case of dengue virus on Maui.

Missile debris cleared from Hawaiian home lands on Kauaʻi after six decades

Navy personnel have removed missile debris from Hawaiian Home Lands on Kauaʻi, more than 60 years after it crash-landed.

Hirono introduces bill to restore US funding for Palestinian refugee agency