DLNR orders activists to remove ‘kanaka garden,’ other property from Wailoa park
The state Department of Land and Natural Resources sent a small contingent of enforcement officers late this morning to Wailoa State Recreation Area in Hilo to deliver a cease-and-desist notice to a group of activists who planted a “kanaka garden” on the lawn fronting the statue of Kamehameha the Great.
VIDEO: New footage of lava ‘dome fountain’ in Halema’uma’u crater
In this USGS video, lava forms a “dome fountain” at the inlet to the lava lake in Halema’uma’u crater on Jan. 2-3, 2021, in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.
Economic forecast: Visitor numbers could hit 6M this year
State economists believe travel to the state could nearly return to 2019 levels by the end of this year, but a complete recovery will take more than three years.
Vaccination drive enters new phase in US and Britain
The first Americans inoculated against COVID-19 began rolling up their sleeves for their second and final dose Monday, while Britain introduced another vaccine on the same day it imposed a new nationwide lockdown against the rapidly surging virus.
Island Pediatrics merging with Bay Clinic
Island Pediatrics, which has provided health care for Big Island’s children and young adults for 20 years, will merge with Bay Clinic.
$77M in bonds will cover old debts, finance new projects
The county has sold $77.1 million in general obligation bonds to retire old debt and free up money to pay for new capital projects, Finance Director Deanna Sako said in a report to the County Council.
New management in place at veterans home
A new year means new administrators are in place at Yukio Okutsu State Veterans Home.
Activists occupy part of Wailoa state park
A group claiming the authority of the Hawaiian Kingdom has again set up camp in Hilo’s Wailoa State Recreation Area and planted taro and fruit trees it describes as a “kanaka garden” on the lawn near the statue of Kamehameha the Great.
DHHL: Oahu casino would add $30M to coffers
The architect of the Hawaiian Homes Commission’s proposed legislation to establish a state gaming commission and build a casino on a Department of Hawaiian Home Lands parcel in Kapolei, Oahu, on Monday said the bill is “an opportunity to have a conversation about a number of shortfalls the department faces.”
First babies of 2021 arrive Jan. 2
The first East Hawaii babies born in 2021 arrived a little later than the new year itself.
UK prime minister orders new virus lockdown for England
LONDON — Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced on Monday a new national lockdown for England until at least mid-February to combat a fast-spreading new variant of the coronavirus, even as Britain ramped up its vaccination program by becoming the first nation to start using the shot developed by Oxford University and drugmaker AstraZeneca.
Obituaries for January 5
Juleen Rene Agpalza, 65, of Pahoa died Dec. 26 at Hilo Medical Center. Born in California, she worked as a paralegal and was a member of the Overcoming Faith Center. Visitation 4:30-6 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 7 at Dodo Mortuary Chapel. Service/Celebration of Life at 6 p.m. Face masks and social distancing required. Survived by husband, Ricardo Agpalza of Pahoa; sons, Jason (Michelle) Agpalza of Virginia and Jeremy (Jennifer) Agpalza of Keaau; daughters, Rochelle (Keven) Lee of Las Vegas and Renee (Patrick) Lawrence of Honomu; brothers, Jesse (Loida) Lagang of Arizona, Alfred (Gabriella) Calantoc of Pahoa and David (Alma) Calantoc of California; sister, Leanora (Elton) Kaku of Hilo; step-father, Alfred (Holly) Calantoc of Minnesota; step-sisters, Sarah (Richard) New of Oregon, Rebecca Calantoc of Minnesota and Mary (Kevin) Hanks of Honolulu; nine grandchildren; nephews and nieces. Arrangements by Dodo Mortuary.
Your Views for January 5
‘Trump media’
Let’s Talk Food: First food thoughts for a new year
Which GOP?: Republicanism can’t be Trumpism
Donald Trump has no intention of releasing his stranglehold on the Republican Party anytime soon, but others in the once-proud political organization have a stark choice — or rather, a series of stark choices.
Cartoon for January 5
The world as seen by cartoonist Ken Catalino, Creators.com.
