Latest News from Big Island Times

Chief Justice Recktenwald to present judiciary address at Hawaii Capitol

Chief Justice Mark E. Recktenwald is set to deliver the State of the Judiciary address on January 23, 2025.

By Big Island Times | Jan 22, 2025

Latest News

Bipartisan bill introduced to support veteran-owned small businesses

By Big Island Times | Jan 21, 2025

U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono, representing Hawaii and a member of the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, has joined forces with Senator Dan Sullivan from Alaska and U.S. Representatives Vicente Gonzalez from Texas and Brian...

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

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

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

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

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

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 questions Trump's AG nominee on DOJ independence and election results

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

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

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

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.