UPDATE: ‘So far, so good’ regarding earthquake damage
UPDATED 5:25 p.m.
Make the shaka the official state gesture? Measure to be heard today aims to do exactly that
The state Legislature will be hangin’ loose today as lawmakers discuss whether to make the shaka the official “state gesture” of Hawaii.
Council once again considers funding for Puna road study
State funding for a study of potential alternate traffic routes into Puna is once again on the table.
Hearing today on BAC bill
The state of Hawaii could crack down on drinking and driving with a bill that would lower the blood alcohol content limit to 0.05%.
‘Safe Spaces’ plan underway: County officials eyeing possible sites for homeless camps
Homeless individuals could begin congregating in Hawaii County-authorized “Safe Spaces” in Hilo and Kailua-Kona under a new housing initiative.
Major construction begins at Kilauea summit in HVNP
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is preparing to demolish the landmark Jaggar Museum.
Hilo rezoning request draws opposition from neighbors
A derelict Hilo property could be converted into retail and office space, despite disapproval from neighbors.
Second try at Puna alternate route study
One week after the Hawaii County Council shot down $1 million in state funds to investigate alternate traffic routes into Puna, a new council bill is trying to run it back.
HVO raises Kilauea alert level amid unrest
The Hawaiian Volcano Observatory has raised its alert levels for Kilauea after increased activity has been detected beneath the volcano.
Obituaries for Jan. 30
Fujiko Akamatsu, 104, of Kealakekua, died Jan. 8 in Kailua-Kona. She was a former cashier at Oshima Store, a retired kitchen worker at the Kona Community Hospital, and a member of the Daifukuji Soto Mission in Honalo, where visitation will be held 10 a.m. Feb. 10, with funeral to follow at 11 a.m. Survived by daughters Mildred (Stanley) Tromberg of Plantation, Fla., Linda (Samuel) Camp of Honolulu, Phyllis (Solomon) Alani of Kona; son-in-law Rex Bennett of Las Vegas, and numerous nieces, nephews, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Arrangements by Dodo Mortuary.
Measures seek to ease Puna’s insurance crisis
A raft of bills in the state Legislature aim to stave off an insurance crisis in lower Puna.
Woman seeks answers following hit-and-run
An Orchidland woman is recovering — and seeking answers — after a hit-and-run incident involving her and her 4-year-old daughter earlier this month.
Obituaries for January 28
Karen Baraoidan, 72, of Papaikou, died Jan. 16 at Hilo Medical Center. Born in Honolulu, she was a bookmaker. Visitation to be held 3-5 p.m. Feb. 3 at Dodo Mortuary Chapel, with prayer service at 5 p.m. Casual attire. Survived by sons Alex (Michelle) Galdones of Hilo, Derek (Cheryl) Sabino of Lanai and Jason (Wendy) Baraoidan of Gardena, Calif.; daughters Francell Garza and Rochelle Guzman of Gardena, Calif., Denise (Robbie) Perkins of Las Vegas, Kierra Bryant of Papaikou and Leah (Roger) Carvalho of Hilo; brothers Neal Macia and Gene Mancia of Hilo; sister Susan Gabris of Honolulu; 15 grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews. Arrangements by Dodo Mortuary.
Council rejects funds for Puna roadway study
The first stage in an effort to develop another roadway into Puna lost its state funding after the Hawaii County Council voted Wednesday against accepting the money.
County lowers maximum payments for lava-impacted properties
Owners of secondary homes damaged, destroyed or isolated by the 2018 Kilauea eruption will get smaller payouts than expected after Hawaii County adjusted the terms of its housing buyout program.
Obituaries for Jan. 26
Noli Dela Merced Acol, 59, of Keaau, died Dec. 19 in Hilo. Born in the Philippines, he worked as a Department of Transportation bus driver. Celebration of life to be held 1 p.m. Jan. 27 at Zion’s House of Praise Holiness Church. Survived by wife Sandra M. Talbert-Acol, son Isaiah A. J. Acol, fiance Robin A. Travis, daughter Sharay (Edward Patton) Acol, and numerous grandchildren, aunties, uncles and cousins. Arrangements by Homelani Memorial Park.
Obituaries for Jan. 25
Richard Scott Gribbin, 77, of Hilo, died Jan. 15 at Hilo Medical Center. Born in Trenton, N.J., he was a quality control manager with Jas. W. Glover, Ltd. Prayer service to be held at 5:30 p.m. Jan. 29 at the Holy Ascension Orthodox Church in Honomu, with funeral service at 9:30 a.m. Jan. 30 at the same location. Final internment to take place at a later date. Casual attire, no flowers. Survived by wife Barbara of the Big Island, daughters Mary and Melanie of California, brother Jon of New Jersey, and three grandsons. Arrangements by Dodo Mortuary.
Dozens express strong opposition to County Council’s short-term rental measure
A proposal to rewrite how Hawaii County regulates short-term vacation rentals led to hours of backlash from residents accusing the County Council of overreach.
Man sentenced for slaying his mother with stone axe
A Keaau man was sentenced Tuesday to 20 years in prison for bludgeoning his mother to death in 2020.
Governor highlights challenges, possible solutions in State of the State address
Gov. Josh Green made bold proposals for how to increase housing availability during a speech Monday.
