Hawaii Tribune-Herald

Police: Officers fire shots at stolen Jeep; 2 in custody

Mar. 19, 2020 • Updated 5:50 p.m.

Police say two on-duty officers fired shots this morning in Hilo after the driver of a stolen Jeep reportedly reversed toward an officer, and a man and woman were taken into custody.

Department of Water Supply suspends in-person payments, assures public water is safe

Mar. 19, 2020 • Updated 11:13 a.m.

In response to growing public concern over the COVID-19 pandemic, the county Department of Water Supply wants to reassure customers their water remains safe to drink and inform the public of safety measures intended to slow the spread of the virus.

Healthcare providers: State’s COVID-19 guidelines ‘not enough’

Mar. 19, 2020 • Updated 11:03 a.m.

A group of about 100 Hawaii doctors and health care professionals said Gov. David Iges recommended measures announced Tuesday to slow the spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus need to have the force of law.

Green criticizes lack of testing as Hawaii cases rise

Mar. 19, 2020 • Updated 11 a.m.

Hawaii’s COVID-19 count increased to 16 on Wednesday, with the identification of two new positive results for Oahu residents who traveled outside of the state.

Kalanianaole Avenue detour postponed

Mar. 19, 2020

A one-way traffic pattern scheduled to go into effect March 23 on a portion of Kalanianaole Avenue is being postponed to allow for changes to improve traffic flow at the affected intersections, the county Department of Public Works announced Wednesday.

Kim vows county will remain open for business

Mar. 19, 2020 • Updated 11 a.m.

Office doors are propped open and the buildings reek of bleach and disinfectant. But coronavirus or no, Hawaii County is open for business and Mayor Harry Kim intends to keep it that way.

Big Isle lawmakers mixed on how state Legislature will proceed

Mar. 19, 2020 • Updated 11 a.m.

With the state Legislature on an indefinite recess, Big Island legislators are split whether the session will meaningfully resume this year.

Popular Hilo eateries begin laying off employees

Mar. 19, 2020 • Updated 11 a.m.

Some East Hawaii restaurants are following Gov. David Ige’s Tuesday recommendation to move to a takeout/delivery service model during the COVID-19 coronavirus crisis, while other eateries are choosing to continue their dining room operations.

News briefs for March 19

Mar. 19, 2020 • Updated 11 a.m.

A brief look at other news from throughout the nation.

Asian shares resume decline after latest Wall St tumble

Mar. 19, 2020 • Updated 11 a.m.

BANGKOK — Shares in Asia failed to hold onto opening gains Thursday, skidding further after the latest selloff on Wall Street.

Obituaries for March 19

Mar. 19, 2020

Arthur Rhinehart Jensen, 72, of Waimea, died March 9 in Waimea. Born in Honolulu he was a heavy equipment operator, farmer and U.S. Air Force veteran. Graveside services with military honors noon Friday, March 20, at West Hawaii Veterans Cemetery for immediate family only. Online condolences: ballardfamilymortuaries.com. Survived by sons, Rhinehart (Lora) Jensen and Sean (Stacy) Jensen of Waikoloa; daughter Jocelyn (Shawn) Lasher of Ocean Springs, Miss.; five grandchildren. Arrangements by Ballard Family Mortuary.

Coronavirus layoffs spark surge in state jobless claims

Mar. 19, 2020 • Updated 10:53 a.m.

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. — In Ohio, more than 48,000 people applied for jobless benefits during the first two days of this week. The tally during the same period the prior week: just 1,825. In neighboring Pennsylvania, about 70,000 people sought unemployment aid in a single day — six times the total for the entire previous week.

A roundup of conronavirus news from around the globe

Mar. 19, 2020 • Updated 11 a.m.

Here is a look at news from around the globe about the coronavirus pandemic, which has infected more than 215,000 people and killed more than 8,700 worldwide. The COVID-19 illness causes mild or moderate symptoms in most people, but severe symptoms are more likely in the elderly or those with existing health problems. More than 83,000 people have recovered so far, mostly in China.

Trump taps emergency powers as virus relief plan proceeds

Mar. 19, 2020 • Updated 11 a.m.

WASHINGTON — Describing himself as a “wartime president” fighting an invisible enemy, President Donald Trump on Wednesday invoked rarely used emergency powers to marshal critical medical supplies against the coronavirus pandemic. Trump also signed an aid package — which the Senate approved earlier Wednesday — that will guarantee sick leave to workers who fall ill.