UH regents OK amendments to Maunakea plan
The University of Hawaii’s Board of Regents on Thursday approved a supplement to UH’s management plan for Maunakea, despite potentially losing jurisdiction over the mountain before the end of the decade.
Body found in Kona Tuesday was murdered, police say
A man’s body found in Kona on Tuesday has been determined the victim of a murder, police report.
Solutions sought to help protect Pololu Valley
The state Department of Land and Natural Resources is working with Hawi community members to protect Pololu Valley from overuse.
NWS forecasts a milder than normal season for hurricanes
The National Weather Service is predicting another weak hurricane season, but a potentially more severe wildfire season.
Obituaries for May 19
Carol Jean Wence,, of Hilo died April 23 at her daughter’s home in Phoenix, Ariz. Born in Missouri, she moved to Hilo in 1968 and taught in the Hawaii public school system for over 30 years, first at Chiefess Kapiolani Elementary School and then at Hilo Union School. She was an artist and a line dancer and raised monarch butterflies. Private services were held. Survived by partner Wayne Wagatsuma, daughters Mary (Richard Pono) Andaya and Leslie (Michael) Harrington; granddaughters Cypress (Justin Darlington) Andaya, Cyrene (Taylor Feato) Andaya and Iceley (Kim) Andaya; grandson Maverick Harrington and sisters Marilyn (Terry) Mumey and Elaine (Gary) Bliss.
Despite reservations, sunscreen ban advances
Hawaii County Council members gave tentative approval Tuesday to a ban on the sale of all but two kinds of sunscreen on the Big Island on the condition that county attorneys can prove the ban is enforceable.
Weak hurricane season predicted as dry conditions continue
Meteorologists predict another weaker-than-average hurricane season this year as dry conditions continue.
Harsher penalties urged for car thieves
A bill that would double the maximum possible sentence for stealing a vehicle is only one of several crime bills currently under consideration by Gov. David Ige.
County Council eyes tougher sunscreen law
A state law took effect last year that banned the sale of sunscreens that contain two specific chemicals, but a proposed Hawaii County law would go further and ban selling all sunscreens except those containing two different substances.
Hilo man pleads guilty to defrauding federal pandemic relief programs
A Hilo man pleaded guilty in federal court today to attempting to fraudulently obtain federal COVID-19 relief funds.
DLNR to hold additional meetings on use of lay nets
The Department of Land and Natural Resources will hold hearings statewide to discuss amendments to laws regarding lay nets — again.
Grant would double bikeshare fleet: 15 stations would be split between Hilo, Kona
Hawaii County’s bike rental program has more than doubled ridership over the last two years and is poised to double its resources this year.
Palila habitat fence slated for expansion
Another five miles of fencing around a portion of Maunakea is slated for construction this year, which will almost, but not quite, enclose the upper slopes of the mountain after more than 10 years.
Maunakea observatories help astronomers capture image of Milky Way’s black hole
A pair of Maunakea observatories were integral to the first-ever image of the black hole at the center of the Milky Way.
Black hole at center of Milky Way photographed for the first time using Maunakea telescopes
A global team of scientists, including astronomers at a pair of Maunakea Observatories, have captured the first image of the black hole at the center of the Milky Way.
Report: Return of Japanese could protect Hawaii from global instability
A report by the University of Hawaii Economic Research Organization predicts that the return of Japanese travelers this year will be necessary to shield the state from the brunt of a potential global economic recession.
COVID cases continue to rise, more than 5,700 statewide last week
More than 5,000 new COVID-19 cases were reported in Hawaii over the last week, rising by more than 1,000 from the previous week.
CIP funds bolster hospital: HMC gets $6.6 million for improvements
More than $6 million in state funds is headed to Hilo Medical Center for a series of expansions and upgrades.
Bill would OK agricultural lease extensions
Farmers whose land leases are set to expire within the next 15 years will be able to apply for extensions under a bill passed last week by the state Legislature.
Tax rebate awaits governor’s approval
A potential $300 credit on most taxpayers’ 2021 tax returns is still alive, with the proposal awaiting Gov. David Ige’s signature or veto.
