Prisoner indicted for decades-old murder in Kalapana
A Hilo grand jury has indicted a man for the 1978 murder of a 26-year-old California woman.
ADA compliance project underway at Richardson park
This year’s Richardson Rough Water Swim has been canceled due to ongoing construction at the park.
Biden calls for 3-month suspension of gas and diesel taxes
WASHINGTON — President Joe Biden on Wednesday called on Congress to suspend federal gasoline and diesel taxes for three months — an election-year move meant to ease financial pressures that was greeted with doubts by many lawmakers.
Dry weather leads to restrictions at HVNP
Dry conditions have prompted Hawaii Volcanoes National Park to temporarily close part of Hilina Pali Road to motor vehicles, and to remind the public about existing campfire restrictions.
DOE, DOH in talks about school masking requirement
Indoor masking remains mandatory for public schools during summer programs, but discussions are underway between the Department of Education and the Department of Health regarding the upcoming fall semester.
Governor signs bill increasing minimum hourly pay rate to $18; tax rebate also approved
Hawaii’s minimum hourly wage will rise to $18 over the next six years, after Gov. David Ige signed the increase into law Wednesday.
Police: Payloads must be covered, secured
The Hawaii Police Department is reminding the public that while transporting cargo on any highway, loads must be covered.
Celia expected to become first hurricane of season
A tropical storm in the Eastern Pacific Ocean is expected to become the first hurricane of the season by Friday.
Afghanistan quake kills 1,000 people, deadliest in decades
GAYAN, Afghanistan — A powerful earthquake struck a rugged, mountainous region of eastern Afghanistan early Wednesday, flattening stone and mud-brick homes and killing at least 1,000 people. The disaster posed a new test for Afghanistan’s Taliban rulers and relief agencies already struggling with the country’s multiple humanitarian crises.
Uvalde school police chief on leave after mass shooting
DALLAS — The Uvalde school district’s police chief was put on leave Wednesday following allegations that he erred in his response to the mass shooting at Robb Elementary School that left 19 students and two teachers dead.
Dock workers help nab skunk in Honolulu
HONOLULU – Stevedores helped capture a live skunk Wednesday morning at Pier 1 at Honolulu Harbor.
Native American leaders push for boarding school commission
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — The federal government has a responsibility to Native American tribes, Alaska Native villages and Native Hawaiian communities to fully support and revitalize education, language and cultural practices that prior boarding school policies sought to destroy, U.S. Interior Secretary Deb Haaland said Wednesday.
CDC panel recommends US seniors get souped-up flu vaccines
NEW YORK — Americans 65 and older should get newer, souped-up flu vaccines because regular shots don’t provide them enough protection, a federal advisory panel said Wednesday.
National Ocean Month highlights global climate action
On June 8, World Ocean Day, President Joe Biden announced plans to designate the Hudson Canyon — the deep Atlantic submarine canyon that is an extension of New York’s Hudson River Valley — as a marine sanctuary. He also banned the use of single-use plastic, a growing source of ocean pollution, in U.S. National Parks by 2023 and established an Ocean Climate Action Plan.
Obituaries for June 23
Christina Delia (Baker) Katayama, 50, of Las Vegas, formerly of Hilo, died June 17 at Hilo Medical Center. Born in Hilo, she was a support staffer for special needs children in the Clark County, Nevada, school district and member of Thy Word Ministries of Las Vegas. Services 1 p.m. Sunday (June 26) at Thy Word Ministries Faith Center of Hawaii, 2085 Awapuhi St. in Hilo. Survived by spouse, Glenn Katayama; parents, Richard Baker Jr. and Norma Baker; sons, Craig Katayama and Aaron Katayama; sister, Laurie Baker Gabuat; three grandchildren, two nieces; aunts, uncles and cousins. Arrangements by Ballard Family Mortuary.
Your Views for June 23
Challenge the ruling
Sri Lankan prime minister: Island’s economy ‘has collapsed’
COLOMBO, Sri Lanka — Sri Lanka’s debt-laden economy has “collapsed” after months of shortages of food, fuel and electricity, the prime minister told lawmakers Wednesday in comments that underscored the country’s dire situation as it seeks help from international lenders.
More myths shattered about amateur sports
Going for gold has taken on a different connotation since the Supreme Court ruled college athletes can be paid by parties not directly affiliated with their schools. Now, another ideal this nation once embraced — the scholar-athlete — appears headed to the dustbin.
Hogs hang on to beat Ole Miss, force 2nd CWS bracket final
OMAHA, Neb. — Zack Morris didn’t get much done as the starter for Arkansas two nights earlier, but what a finisher he was Wednesday.
Kadri scores in OT in return, Avs move to brink of title
TAMPA, Fla. — The Colorado Avalanche are on the brink of their first Stanley Cup title since 2001, thanks to Nazem Kadri’s overtime goal.