Latest News from Big Island Times

U.S. Senators Mazie K. Hirono and Elizabeth Warren have raised concerns about the Department of Defense's (DOD) recent operations related to immigration enforcement at the southern border and Naval Station Guantanamo Bay.

Paradise Supermart reopens after meeting health department requirements

The Hawai‘i Department of Health (DOH) Maui Food Safety Branch has permitted Paradise Supermart Fast Food & Catering to resume operations.

Attorneys general respond to Vice President Vance’s comments on judicial review

Attorney General Anne Lopez has issued a joint statement, supported by 17 state attorneys general, in response to Vice President Vance's remarks on judicial review made on February 9, 2025.

Hirono introduces bill to raise minimum age for buying assault weapons

On the anniversary of the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School shooting in Parkland, Florida, U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI) has introduced a bill aimed at raising the minimum age for purchasing assault weapons and high-capacity ammunition...

Senators criticize Trump's policies impacting veteran services

U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono, representing Hawaii and a member of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee, held a press conference in Washington, D.C., alongside Senator Richard Blumenthal, VA labor unions, advocates, and veterans.

Multistate lawsuit challenges Elon Musk's executive power delegation

Attorney General Anne Lopez, along with attorneys general from 13 other states, has filed a lawsuit challenging the delegation of executive power to Elon Musk.

Attorney General Lopez joins coalition issuing guidance on workplace diversity initiatives

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