State Senate committee passes vaping bill
The state Senate Ways and Means Committee on Thursday unanimously advanced a bill banning flavored tobacco products.
‘You can live really well, even when you’re dying’; Big Isle doctor says having an aid-in-dying option improves end-of-life care
Charlotte Charfen, a board certified emergency medicine physician who has worked in emergency rooms for 20 years, is passionate about wellness — in life and death.
Hemp production bill advances, but fate uncertain
A bill that would fully legalize hemp production throughout Hawaii is only a few steps away from becoming law, although many are unhappy with its final form.
Parties working toward settlement in Volcano golf course saga
A Kamehameha Schools representative said Thursday that the dispute with the operators of the Volcano Golf and Country Club could be resolved soon.
Flags to fly at half-staff for Harimoto
Gov. David Ige has ordered the U.S. and Hawaii state flags to fly at half-staff from sunrise to sunset Tuesday in honor of the late state Sen. Breene Harimoto.
Pair of quakes shake East Hawaii
Two earthquakes, one Thursday night and another Friday afternoon, rattled East Hawaii.
Mental exam for driver called ‘a danger to himself and others’
Sentencing was delayed and a mental exam ordered for a 23-year-old Keaau man who pleaded no contest to a lesser charge stemming from a single-car collision more than four years ago that killed a passenger.
Liaison to Big Island Neighborhood Watch program retires
After six years of service, Bobbye St. Ambrogio retired from her work as the liaison to the Hawaii Island Neighborhood Watch.
Keep an eye out for monk seals
Wildlife officials are asking the public to keep an eye out for — and a respectful distance from — monk seals this holiday weekend.
State briefs for July 4
A brief look at other news from throughout and related to Hawaii.
Judge: Hawaii’s quarantine is reasonable during pandemic
HONOLULU — A U.S. judge will not stop Hawaii from enforcing a quarantine on arriving travelers, saying in a ruling that the emergency mandate is reasonable during the public health crisis caused by the coronavirus pandemic.
COVID-19 death on Oahu brings state total to 19
The Hawaii Department of Health reported Saturday the state’s 19th COVID-19 death.
ONLINE FIRST: State legislators reject draft proposal to aid cargo firm
HONOLULU — State legislators opted not to approve a proposal to give an ocean cargo company $30 million in federal coronavirus relief funding to avoid a shutdown of its service.
Vacation rental bill clears last Senate committee
The inclusion of a “place of stay declaration form” for all travelers in Hawaii in a gut-and-replace bill about vacation rentals raised eyebrows among some who otherwise support the bill.
Police urge motorists to drive sober, safely this holiday weekend
The Independence Day holiday weekend is upon us. And although the COVID-19 pandemic put a damper on large parties at public beaches and parks, alcohol plays a part in many gatherings and celebrations and the holiday is one of the deadliest on the nation’s highways.
‘They can’t control their fear’; July 4 fireworks displays can be life-threatening for livestock and pets
Hawaii County Mayor Harry Kim announced June 9 that the county’s usual Fourth of July activities would be canceled because of concerns with the potential spread of COVID-19. But without a large, countywide fireworks show, some residents are concerned residential fireworks shows will be more prominent this year and wreak havoc on pets and livestock.
Controversial pandemic powers bill moves forward
A Big Island state senator was the lone dissenting vote in the Ways and Means Committee on a controversial measure that would give the state health director sweeping powers to declare a public health emergency and, with authorization of the governor, to screen, test and monitor travelers.
Learning curve; Lessons from pandemic help shape DOE guidelines for 2020-21 school year
The state Department of Education is planning to “Return to Learn,” releasing on Thursday its school reopening plan for the upcoming 2020-21 academic year.
State briefs for July 3
A brief look at other news from throughout the state.
DOH; 20 new cases of COVID-19; 3 new cases on Hawaii Island
The state Department of Health reported 20 new COVID-19 cases today, bringing the statewide total to 946.