Tom Callis, Author at Hawaii Tribune-Herald

Panel delays action on measure tied to water bottling plant proposal

Mar. 30, 2019

The Hawaii County Council postponed action on a bill tied to a controversial water bottling plant proposal.

Lava aid up for final vote

Mar. 29, 2019

A bill to provide Hawaii County with $60 million to assist with recovery from last year’s Kilauea eruption is expected to have its final vote today in the state Legislature.

PUC approves first phase of electric grid modernization plan

Mar. 28, 2019

The Hawaiian Electric companies will invest in advanced meters and other grid modernization efforts under a plan approved by the state Public Utilities Commission.

HVO: Kilauea’s next eruption probably is years away and likely to be in the caldera

Mar. 27, 2019

Kilauea volcano is now the quietest it has been in about four decades.

Glenwood Park closed due to criminal activity

Mar. 27, 2019

The theft of a water storage tank from Glenwood Park is just one example of illegal activity that has plagued the small county facility on Highway 11.

On the hunt for lava crickets

Mar. 25, 2019

The fresh lava flows in Puna may appear lifeless and barren.

Pahala residents hear sewer financing options

Mar. 25, 2019

The head of Hawaii Countys Department of Environmental Management met with Pahala residents Thursday evening to present options for financing mandated sewer hookups that will cost some homeowners thousands of dollars each.

PGV ‘pioneer road’ could be open by April 1 for residents of lava-locked kipuka

Mar. 23, 2019

Residents of a lava-locked kipuka off Highway 132 will soon have a road home.

Residential subdivision proposed for Puueo

Mar. 21, 2019

A major Hawaii Island landowner is seeking to subdivide 39 acres of former sugar fields in Puueo for a residential development.

Puna boat ramp study added to capital budget

Mar. 21, 2019 • Updated 9:08 p.m.

Another bill to provide funding for a Puna boat ramp feasibility study appears dead for the legislative session.

Roundabout projects on Hwy 130 could be ‘shovel ready’ by August

Mar. 20, 2019 • Updated 8:43 p.m.

The state Department of Transportation started the consultation process for future improvements to Highway 130.

Puna distance learning center bill clears committee

Mar. 18, 2019

A bill to bring higher education courses to Puna cleared a House committee on Friday.

Hawaii Tracker admins reflect on role of social media group during eruption

Mar. 17, 2019

When Ryan Finlay started the Hawaii Tracker group on Facebook in 2014, he had one goal in mind to help Pahoa residents stay connected as a lava flow from Puu Oo threatened their town.

Judge dismisses one of two claims in OHA suit over Maunakea management

Mar. 16, 2019

A Honolulu Circuit Court judge dismissed one of two claims the Office of Hawaiian Affairs made against the University of Hawaii and state Department of Land and Natural Resources over management of Maunakea.

Still hope for Hilo redevelopment proposals

Mar. 15, 2019

Three bills seeking to encourage redevelopment of Hilo’s Banyan Drive hotel area remain alive in the state Legislature.

Council members push administration for specifics about how it would spend lava recovery funds

Mar. 14, 2019 • Updated 9:03 a.m.

Hawaii County Council members pressed county administrators Wednesday for details on how they will spend $60 million in disaster aid following last year’s Kilauea eruption.