HTA head: In wake of funding cut, other agencies will need to assist with tourism management
Hawaii Tourism Authority President and CEO John De Fries said during a livestream Wednesday that HTA, which had its budget reduced by about 24% as a result of a bill passed this summer, will have to rely on other state and county agencies to help control a growing number of visitors.
Waika‘alulu Gulch bridge to close during day
A bridge at Waika‘alulu Gulch southeast of Honokaa will be closed daily through the end of next week.
Fisherman statue to be relocated soon
A controversial statue left Liliuokalani Gardens Friday, and will be officially moved within a week.
Green touts money for shots: Says state may not reach 70% vaccination goal without further incentives
Lt. Gov. Josh Green said people should receive $50 for each COVID vaccine shot they receive in order to boost vaccination rates as COVID cases continue to mount.
Court to hear arguments over use of police during TMT protests
The Hawaii Supreme Court will hear arguments next month over whether the county overstepped its bounds by requesting neighbor islands’ police forces to assist in responding to the 2019 Thirty Meter Telescope protest.
Schools found to have high levels of lead in tap water
Thirteen public schools on the Big Island were found to have elevated levels of lead in their tap water, state agencies announced Thursday.
In-person DLIR appointments to begin Sept. 7
Some 15,000 Hawaii residents could lose unemployment benefits when federal unemployment programs end Sept. 6.
Council supports resolution to protect spinner dolphins
The Hawaii County Council is urging the federal government to implement rules to prohibit close contact between humans and Hawaiian spinner dolphins.
Shuttle service for Maunakea on hold, ‘not dead’
Although the Maunakea Visitor Information Station reopened last week after a year of COVID-related closure, a proposed shuttle service to the popular destination will not happen anytime soon.
$3.4M in capitol improvements for Honokaa, Honomu
The state has released nearly $3.4 million for capital improvement projects in Honokaa and Honomu.
Maunakea observatories aid in detailing black hole
Observatories on Maunakea have helped take the most detailed image of one of the brightest objects in the night sky.
U.S. Rep. Case says decline in tourism needed
A member of the U.S. House of Representatives has encouraged Hawaii to take measures to discourage tourism to the state when the pandemic ends.
Ige: Moratorium on evictions is ending, but other remedies for tenants exist
State lawmakers are urging tenants who are behind on rent to take advantage of rental assistance and mediation programs in order to avoid a flood of evictions when Gov. David Ige’s eviction moratorium expires next month.
Several state bills protecting resources signed into law
The 2021 legislative session has ended with nearly a dozen new laws protecting natural and cultural resources in the state.
Alien signal receiver? Hawaii astronomers ‘frustrated’ by wild speculation about ‘Oumuamua
There is still much that scientists do not know about ‘Oumuamua, the interstellar object that was discovered passing through our solar system in 2017. But most agree that it probably isn’t the work of aliens.
Home sales soar on isle
Big Island homes are selling almost as soon as they hit the market as the real estate industry rebounds from the COVID-19 pandemic.
Council OKs bill rezoning Hilo Iron Works
In an effort to make the property more attractive to investors, the historic Hilo Iron Works has been rezoned.
Third season of ‘Love Island’ premieres
The biggest film or TV production on the Big Island in over a decade began airing last week.
New low-income housing project planned for Hilo
Construction of a 64-unit low-income housing development in Hilo is expected to begin early next year.
Flights from South Korea, Philippines, added to Safe Travels program
Travelers from the Philippines and South Korea will be allowed to bypass quarantine requirements in Hawaii starting next week as the state begins reopening international travel.
