Honor roll
University of Hawaii at Hilo
Milolii charter school wins $10K in business plan competition
KAILUA-KONA — From a new take on the auto shop to proposing a business that recycles rubbish into sports equipment, three teams of students at Kua O Ka La Public Charter School are learning to put their talents and passions to work — and getting some solid cash in return.
Islamic State kills 41 in attack on Afghan cultural center
KABUL, Afghanistan — An Islamic State suicide bomber struck a Shiite cultural center in Kabul on Thursday, killing at least 41 people and underscoring the extremist group’s growing reach in Afghanistan even as its self-styled caliphate in Iraq and Syria has been dismantled.
Failed space launches haunt Russia; Kremlin eyes probe
MOSCOW — Russia’s latest space launch failures have prompted authorities to take a closer look into the nation’s struggling space industry, the Kremlin said Thursday.
Obituaries for December 29
David James Boyle, 77, of Keaau died Dec. 21 at Hilo Medical Center. Born in Tacoma, Wash., he was a retired high school teacher. Celebration of life at a later date. Survived by sons, Troy Boyle, Todd Boyle and David Boyle of Tacoma; daughter, Theresa Boyle of Tacoma; brothers, Art Boyle of Tacoma and Ron Boyle of Keaau; cousins, nieces and nephews. Arrangements by Dodo Mortuary.
Open Arms MCC in Pahoa to welcome new pastor
The Rev. Pressley Sutherland, who serves as Metropolitan Community Church’s associate director of church and ministry development, will be moving from Tampa, Fla., to Pahoa to become the new senior pastor at Open Arms MCC.
Democrat Jones officially declared winner over Roy Moore
MONTGOMERY, Ala. — Democrat Doug Jones’ historic victory over Republican Roy Moore was declared official Thursday as Alabama election officials certified him the winner of the special Senate election, despite Moore’s last-minute lawsuit claiming voter fraud.
US appeals court: Feds erred in Hawaii fishery expansion
HONOLULU — Federal agencies were wrong to allow Hawaii’s longline swordfish industry to expand fishing efforts while allowing the hooking or entangling of more endangered sea turtles, a U.S. appeals court ruled.
Driver who allegedly damaged graves released
Police say they released the driver of a vehicle that hit more than a dozen grave markers at Alae Cemetery pending further investigation.
More time needed for Kuawa ball fields
A new park along Kamehameha Avenue isn’t turning into a field of dreams, at least not yet.
In a milestone year, gene therapy finds a place in medicine
After decades of hope and high promise, this was the year scientists really showed they could doctor DNA to successfully treat diseases. Gene therapies to treat cancer and even pull off the biblical-sounding feat of helping the blind to see were approved by U.S. regulators, establishing gene manipulation as a new mode of medicine.
Making weight: Guinness confirms South Kona avocado a world record
KAILUA-KONA — It’s official.
Allure of isle boosts tourism
An influx of Hawaii Island tourists has helped grow tourism statewide.
Audit slams outbreak response: Poor communication by DOH during dengue crisis among issues cited in state report
KAILUA-KONA — On Oct. 28, 2015, a week after confirming a case of dengue fever in a patient who had visited Hookena Beach, the state Department of Health’s Laboratory Division confirmed four more cases of the disease.
Cartoon for December 29
The world as seen by cartoonist Steve Breen, The San Diego Union-Tribune.
Your Views for December 29
Holiday wishes
BIIF boys basketball: Handy, Keaau make freebies to hold off HPA
KEAAU — One of coach Jun Pagala’s goals is for his team to shoot better than 70 percent from the free throw line.
All-BIIF eight-man football: Beyond ‘Hollywood’ nickname, Echalas brought plenty of game for Ka’u
Brandon Echalas’ nickname suggests that of a flashy offensive player, and a self-important one at that.
Give Trump credit for defying Putin
In the annals of President Donald Trump’s odd dealings with Russia’s Vladimir Putin, give Trump credit for making a straightforward decision to defy Putin by supplying arms to Ukraine.
Kealakehe HS team gets $10K grant to develop DUI-prevention device
KAILUA-KONA — As of Dec. 17, police have arrested 1,115 people on suspicion of driving under the influence, a more than 5 percent increase from the same time period last year, according to the Hawaii Police Department.
UH extends master gardener training application deadline
The University of Hawaii Cooperative Extension has extended the application deadline for the 2018 Master Gardener Volunteer Training Program for East Hawaii home gardeners until Jan. 10.
Learn tropical flower arranging at Volcano Art Center
Hawaiian cultural practitioner Kaipo Ah Chong is returning to the Volcano Art Center in January to conduct his popular tropical flower arranging workshop.
Obama to Prince Harry: Leaders must use care on social media
LONDON — Former President Barack Obama told Prince Harry in an interview broadcast Wednesday that people in leadership roles must be careful in their use of social media and warned against spending too much time immersed in the internet at the expense of the world outside.
State briefs for Dec. 28
Police: Missing 7-year-old boy found dead in swimming pool
