Latest News from Big Island Times

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

Community members, volunteers, and staff from the DLNR Division of Forestry and Wildlife (DOFAW), the Hawaiʻi Department of Agriculture (HDOA), and the O‘ahu Invasive Species Committee (OISC) are working to remove coqui frogs from state lands.

Court halts Elon Musk's access to sensitive American data

By Big Island Times | Feb 8, 2025

Attorney General Anne Lopez announced a significant legal victory following a federal judge's decision to grant a temporary restraining order (TRO) against Elon Musk and his "Department of Government Efficiency" (DOGE).

Senators investigate DOGE's alleged access to federal student loan data

U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono, alongside Senators Elizabeth Warren and Chuck Schumer, has initiated an investigation into reports of the Department of Government Efficiency's (DOGE) alleged access to sensitive federal student loan data.

Hirono introduces Access to Counsel Act ensuring legal aid at U.S. ports

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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