Federal education official visits UH-Hilo
Chris Soto, the senior adviser to U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona, visited the University of Hawaii at Hilo on Wednesday to discuss the importance of the Hawaiian language.
Obituaries for May 19
Carol Jean Wence,, of Hilo died April 23 at her daughter’s home in Phoenix, Ariz. Born in Missouri, she moved to Hilo in 1968 and taught in the Hawaii public school system for over 30 years, first at Chiefess Kapiolani Elementary School and then at Hilo Union School. She was an artist and a line dancer and raised monarch butterflies. Private services were held. Survived by partner Wayne Wagatsuma, daughters Mary (Richard Pono) Andaya and Leslie (Michael) Harrington; granddaughters Cypress (Justin Darlington) Andaya, Cyrene (Taylor Feato) Andaya and Iceley (Kim) Andaya; grandson Maverick Harrington and sisters Marilyn (Terry) Mumey and Elaine (Gary) Bliss.
DHHL breaks ground on Kaʻu water system improvements
Improvements by the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands to an existing Hawaii County Department of Water Supply system in Kaʻu will soon connect pastoral homestead lessees in the Kamaʻoa Homestead to water service.
Nurses vote to avoid strike at Waimea facility
Nurses at Queen’s North Hawaii Community Hospital have voted to ratify a new contract, averting a possible strike at the Waimea facility.
Police investigating discovery of body behind Kailua-Kona Post Office
Hawaii County police on Tuesday confirmed the body of a man was found in the bushes behind the Kailua-Kona Post Office.
Weak hurricane season predicted as dry conditions continue
Meteorologists predict another weaker-than-average hurricane season this year as dry conditions continue.
COVID cases rise; more than 850 in Hawaii County over the past seven days
More than 7,000 new COVID-19 cases were reported statewide over the last seven days, with Hawaii County reporting 850 new cases. This is an increase of 87 new cases on the Big Island since last week.
Despite reservations, sunscreen ban advances
Hawaii County Council members gave tentative approval Tuesday to a ban on the sale of all but two kinds of sunscreen on the Big Island on the condition that county attorneys can prove the ban is enforceable.
Keiki booster shots could begin soon
Booster shots for keiki ages 5-11 could be coming to the Big Island as early as next week, pending approval by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Property assessment cap postponed: Administration warns measure could lead to East-West inequities
A bill capping property assessments could lead to an unfair balance between East Hawaii and West Hawaii, administration officials warned the County Council Finance Committee as a measure aiming to put a 15% ceiling on most commercial classes of property was postponed for the second time.
Kaiser Permanente mental health pros set for 3-day strike
Nearly five dozen Kaiser Permanente mental health professionals across Hawaii plan to strike this week.
Ippy Aiona keeps it easy: Famed Waimea chef releases new cookbook with simple, local-style dishes
It’s been a decade since Chef Philip “Ippy” Aiona was, at 23, the youngest competitor on “Food Network Star,” winning fans with his flowing locks, since shorn, and easy smile, which he still possesses. He went deep into the competition, a mere episode from the finals.
Harsher penalties urged for car thieves
A bill that would double the maximum possible sentence for stealing a vehicle is only one of several crime bills currently under consideration by Gov. David Ige.
Report: Hawaii County tops in nation in construction hurdles
It’s more difficult to get a construction project rolling in Hawaii County than anywhere else in the nation, according to a report released last month.
County Council eyes tougher sunscreen law
A state law took effect last year that banned the sale of sunscreens that contain two specific chemicals, but a proposed Hawaii County law would go further and ban selling all sunscreens except those containing two different substances.
July 4th Rodeo a go: Parker Ranch event returns after two-year hiatus
It’s time to get back in the saddle: Parker Ranch’s annual July 4th Rodeo and Horse Races returns to Waimea after a two-year pandemic-induced hiatus.
Community colleges offer free training for high-demand jobs
University of Hawaii’s community colleges are offering free training in the fields of health care, technology and skilled trades this summer as part of their Hana Career Pathways program.
Hilo man pleads guilty to defrauding federal pandemic relief programs
A Hilo man pleaded guilty in federal court today to attempting to fraudulently obtain federal COVID-19 relief funds.
Kealakehe High senior Kea E. Kahoilua-Clebsch named Presidential Scholar
Kealakehe High School senior Kea E. Kahoilua-Clebsch was named a Presidential Scholar in the 58th class of U.S Presidential Scholars.
Police Week ceremony honors those who died in the line of duty
Police officers, family and friends gathered Monday to honor the fallen law enforcement officers of Hawaii County during the Police Week ceremony in Hilo.
