Hawaii Island real estate market expected to cool
After the U.S. Federal Reserve raised interest rates in May, home sales on the Big Island are already slowing down.
Maunakea rangers inspect brakes on descending vehicles in effort to prevent accidents
In an effort to reduce car crashes on Maunakea Access Road, Maunakea rangers are inspecting the brakes of all vehicles descending the mountain.
Energy prices spike: Hawaiian Electric says increase due to rising fuel prices
Residential energy rates in Hawaii have increased by nearly 20% since March thanks to impacts to global fuel supply chains.
UH warns of Maunakea lease terminations if bill passes
The University of Hawaii at Hilo advised the state Board of Land and Natural Resources last week about the dozens of permits and leases that will have to be terminated should UH be removed from management of the summit of Maunakea.
Gov. Ige signs law reinstating firearm inspection rules
Gov. David Ige signed a gun control bill into law Friday, although it largely only reinstates a law that was suspended by a lawsuit last year.
‘Optimist’ official: Kalanianaole construction on schedule
County officials have once again assured that work on Kalanianaole Avenue will be completed this year.
Council split on suncreen bill
A legal advisor for the county has determined that a proposed bill to ban the sale of all but a few types of sunscreen on the Big Island does not interfere with a similar state law, but County Council members remain divided on the matter.
BLNR mulls Naniloa request to use second mortgage
The future of the Grand Naniloa Hotel is up in the air as the Board of Land and Natural Resources considers whether to permit the hotel’s owners to take out a second mortgage to pay off its first one.
Charter amendment would free auditor to follow up on tips without committing to full audit
After whistleblower hotlines were established at the Hawaii County Auditor’s Office in March, a proposed charter amendment would allow more tips to those hotlines to be investigated more quickly.
Lawsuit, fire cast doubts about possible Banyan leases
The Department of Land and Natural Resources may back out of potentially leasing a pair of defunct Banyan Drive properties because of an ongoing lawsuit surrounding the sites.
Sea turtle nesting season underway
Biologists are urging beachgoers to be conscientious as sea turtle nesting season carries on throughout the state, as there may be more turtles nesting on the main Hawaiian Islands than there have been for years.
Lava buyout program seeks to limit payouts: Maximum for undeveloped properties would be set at $22K
Despite concerns from residents, the county’s proposed changes to its housing buyout program in Lower Puna have been submitted to the federal government.
Drought unlikely to stop little fire ants
Pest species like little fire ants will likely not be deterred by the drought conditions expected for much of the island this summer.
Naniloa hotel dispute still not resolved
The Edward C. Olson Trust has until November to serve legal documents to a pair of business partners the trust is suing over two Banyan Drive development projects.
Roth encourages “mindful masking” as COVID numbers rise
Mayor Mitch Roth has called for “mindful masking” among Big Island residents as COVID cases increase.
Firefighters complain about unsafe conditions at PTA
The U.S. Army is addressing complaints by federal firefighters about unsafe conditions at Pohakuloa Training Area, according to an Army official.
Thousands of building permits set to expire next month
Nearly 7,000 Hawaii County building permits will expire at the end of the month.
Obituaries for May 22
Geraldine Yvonne Bonner, 75, of Kamuela died May 2 in Kamuela. Born on Kauai, she was an elementary school teacher for more than 40 years. Private services held. Survived by daughter Deanna (Tom Zambeck) Evans of Kamuela; son-in-law Steve (Yan) Evans; sisters Glenna Marti of Oahu and GayAnn (Robert) Hite of Vancouver, Wash. Arrangements by Ballard Family Mortuary.
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.
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.
