NOT REAL NEWS: A look at what didn’t happen this week
A roundup of some of the most popular but completely untrue stories and visuals of the week. None of these are legit, even though they were shared widely on social media. The Associated Press checked them out. Here are the facts:
Vaccinate to make our businesses healthy again
Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, our island businesses have struggled.
Hawaii County Fair hiatus to continue through this year
When the 71st Annual Hawaii County Fair finally happens, hopefully in September 2022, it will be a scaled back version of what it has been in the past, according to the fair’s main organizer.
Future of Banyan Golf Course on BLNR agenda
The Banyan Golf Course in Hilo might soon have new management as its owners seek to end their lease of the property.
HCCC reports 2 more COVID-19 cases among inmates
Two more COVID-19 cases were confirmed Wednesday among inmates at Hawaii Community Correctional Center, bringing the current cluster of cases at the Hilo jail to six.
State: Domestic visitor arrivals exceed prior expectations
The state Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism is projecting domestic visitor arrivals will recover to pre-pandemic levels by the end of the year.
No appointment needed; More locations offer walk-in option for COVID vaccination
More and more vaccination locations around the Big Island are inoculating people without appointments.
Report: ‘Variants of concern’ now make up majority of COVID cases in state
COVID-19 variants now account for a majority of virus cases in Hawaii, according to a new report released Wednesday by the state Department of Health.
State briefs for May 26
Ex-lieutenant must report to prison pending appeal
3 more inmates at HCCC test positive for COVID
Five inmates at the Hawaii Community Correctional Center have now tested positive for COVID-19, the state Department of Public Safety said Tuesday.
Applications being accepted for Kulia Scholarship
Applications are now being accepted for the Kulia Scholarship.
Wanted: Good foster parents for some troubled kids
Catholic Charities Hawaii is seeking therapeutic foster parents on Hawaii Island to provide specialized foster care for emotionally and behaviorally challenged youths ages 5-19.
Ige eases mask mandate; face coverings no longer required outdoors
Masks are no longer required outdoors after Gov. David Ige announced several changes to COVID-19 restrictions Tuesday.
Panel forecasts more tax revenue this fiscal year
HONOLULU — The Council on Revenues on Tuesday sharply increased its tax revenue forecast for the state to reflect rebounding spending by residents and a growing number of tourists visiting the islands more than a year after the coronavirus pandemic began.
2 inmates test positive for COVID-19
The Hawaii Community Correctional Center on Monday confirmed two recently admitted inmates tested positive for COVID-19.
Retailers see confusion, conflict over mask mandate
HONOLULU — Retailers in Hawaii say the state’s mask mandate is creating confusion and conflict among customers, many of whom come from different states to vacation in the islands.
Unemployed will need to look for work to get benefits
People receiving unemployment benefits will have to start searching for work once again at the end of the month in order to continue to qualify.
UH-Hilo faces budget cuts
The University of Hawaii at Hilo will face cuts to its general fund during the next two fiscal years if the biennium budget approved by the state Legislature gets the green light from Gov. David Ige.
Resilience Hub in Kohala gets support from Hawaiian Electric to continue serving keiki and their ohana
The Partners in Development Foundation recently received a $10,000 grant from Hawaiian Electric to continue the Resilience Hub in Kohala, a project under the Pili a Pa‘a program that provides a safe space for keiki who are doing distance learning because of the COVID-19 pandemic and whose caregivers are unable to supervise them.
Hawaii County to end COVID-19 district testing
Hawaii County will end its COVID-19 district testing program this week after about 14 months of screening Big Islanders for the coronavirus.
