Hilo football’s hallmark moment headlines Top-10 list
By KEVIN JAKAHI
Volcano Watch: Happy birthday, Pu‘u ‘O‘o! A look back at what happened in 2017
On Jan. 3, 2018, Pu‘u ‘O‘o on Kilauea Volcano’s East Rift Zone reaches its 35th birthday.
Tropical Gardening: A New Year’s resolution to focus on peace in the garden
In the 80 years I have lived, 2017 stands out as one of three personal trauma periods. The others were World War II and the Kennedy through Nixon era. For that reason, I plan to spend much more time in the garden. Many lessons can be learned by having quiet time in a garden or forest.
Cartoon for December 31
The Big Island as seen by Hawaii Tribune-Herald cartoonist Gary Hoff.
Celebrating a community champion
This month, we thank and bid a fond farewell to Chris Ridley, who has enriched so many of our lives during the past 30 years.
When judicial deference becomes dereliction of duty
WASHINGTON — Wisconsin’s Supreme Court can soon right a flagrant wrong stemming from events set in motion in 2014 at Milwaukee’s Marquette University by Cheryl Abbate. Although just a graduate student, she already had a precocious aptitude for academic nastiness.
The Supreme Court’s chance to tame gerrymandering
The U.S. Supreme Court has long been reluctant to impose restrictions on gerrymandering, the practice of drawing election districts for partisan advantage. There’s no accepted standard to say where justified redistricting stops and outright vote-rigging begins, and any ruling might arouse suspicions of partisanship. There are signs, however, that this hesitancy might be coming to an end — and not a moment too soon.
Obituaries for December 31
William “Blackie” Lani Abraham, 85, of Hilo died Nov. 27 at home. Born in Hilo, he was a retired pin setter for the former Hilo Lanes, butcher for Keaau Slaughterhouse and the former Miko Meats, roofer with Honolulu/Hilo Pacific Roofing and Flooring, Hawaii Protective Agency security guard, U.S. Army Korean War veteran and member of Hawaiian Bowling Club and other bowling leagues. Visitation 6-9 p.m. Thursday (Jan. 4) at Dodo Mortuary Chapel. Wake service at 7 p.m. Visitation again 10-11 a.m. Friday (Jan. 5) at Dodo Mortuary Chapel. Funeral service at 11 a.m. Burial to follow at Hawaii Veterans Cemetery No. 2. Aloha or casual attire. Survived by sons, Willoughby “Kewe” (Desiree Raymond) Abraham of Hilo, William “Black” (Rebecca) Abraham Jr. of Kawaihae and Robert “Hawaiian” (Dee Dee) Abraham of Hilo; daughters, Corrina Abraham of Hilo, Lydia (Daniel) Abrojena of Kona and Sandra Dee “Tini” (Robin) Young of Pahoa; hanai son, Thomas “Keo” (Rose) Abraham of Hilo; hanai daughter, Star (David) Henderson of Hilo; brother, Harry (Bobbie) Kim of Hilo; sister, Ruth Papalimu of Hilo; sisters-in-law, Kathy Papalimu and Lucy “Teri” “Luka” Keahi of Hilo; 54 grandchildren, 45 great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren; nieces and nephews. Arrangements by Dodo Mortuary.
Coast Guard cites fishing boat for illegal foreign captain
HONOLULU — The U.S. Coast Guard said Friday it found a foreign worker acting as the captain of an American-flagged commercial fishing vessel in federal waters off Hawaii.
California man arrested after fatal Kansas police shooting
KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Police in Los Angeles have arrested a man they suspect made a hoax emergency call that resulted in a SWAT police officer fatally shooting a man at the door of his own home in Kansas, law enforcement officials said Saturday.
Australian diplomat’s tip a factor in FBI’s Russia probe
WASHINGTON (AP) — An Australian diplomat’s tip appears to have helped persuade the FBI to investigate Russian meddling in the U.S. election and possible coordination with the Trump campaign, The New York Times reported Saturday.
New economic protests in Tehran challenge Iran’s government
TEHRAN, Iran — A wave of spontaneous protests over Iran’s weak economy swept into Tehran on Saturday, with college students and others chanting against the government just hours after hard-liners held their own rally in support of the Islamic Republic’s clerical establishment.
Extreme cold to test New Year’s revelers; some events iced
Dress in layers, lay off the booze and bring some hand warmers. Those are some of the tips offered for the huge crowd of revelers expected in Times Square for what could be one of the coldest New Year’s Eve ball drops on record.
Police: ‘We’re coming to look’ for aerial fireworks
The Hawaii Police Department is taking an aggressive stand against illegal fireworks violators who threaten to turn New Year’s festivities into “war zones.”
Aloha, 2017: Saddle Road completion, TMT saga among year’s top Tribune-Herald stories
As we ring out 2017 and ring in 2018, it’s likely the past year will be remembered for the phrases “fake news” and “me too.”
From Malta to Minneapolis, a look at where to go in 2018
From Malta to Minneapolis, here’s a look at some destinations around the world that will be making news in 2018. They include designated culture capitals, places hosting sporting events and even a couple of cities — San Antonio, Texas, and New Orleans — celebrating their 300th birthdays.
BIIF wrestling: With roadblock cleared, Konawaena’s Bailey among candidates to break out
Konawaena junior Kapoina Bailey had a breakout season last year on the wrestling mat, but one obstacle always stood in the way.
Police seek kidnapping suspects
Big Island police are seeking the public’s help in locating four suspects involved in an alleged kidnapping.
Mild weather expected for holiday weekend
The weather has been relatively mild to start the winter in East Hawaii, and on the cusp of the New Year’s holiday, there doesn’t appear to be any major changes on the horizon.
Oh, good, we’re great again
Apparently, America is already great again.
Save a life in 2018
Start off the new year with an act of altruism or fulfill a resolution that makes you feel great by giving blood.
United in supporting community
Staff from the five branches of Hawaii Community Federal Credit Union raised $15,000 for Hawaii Island United Way during their annual employee campaign. All proceeds will go toward United Way’s mission “to unite people, organizations and resources to build a healthier community.” On hand for the check presentation were, front row from left, Ross Birch, Dennis Onishi, Tricia Buskirk, LeeAnn Healy, Nellie Medeiros and Wally Lau. Back row from left, Linda Meyer, Ryan McGrady, Dean Uemura and Mel Ventura.
Big Island briefs, Dec. 30
Elite Baseball Speed Training on Jan. 5
Police arrest 20 for DUI
During the week of Dec. 18-24, Hawaii Island police arrested 20 motorists for DUI. Four of the drivers were involved in a traffic accident. The numbers of arrests by district were: Kona, eight; South Hilo, six; Puna and Ka‘u, three each.
Police: Autopsy findings on Puna body “inconclusive”
Preliminary findings of an autopsy performed on the body of a person found Monday in the burned-out shell of a truck are “inconclusive” as to the cause of death, according to police.
