Big Island COVID-19 case count increases by 4
The Big Island’s COVID-19 case count increased by four Wednesday, bringing the total number of cases to date to 2,177.
Why US hiring could rebound faster than you might expect
WASHINGTON — Hiring has weakened for six straight months. Nearly 10 million jobs remain lost since the coronavirus struck. And this week, the Congressional Budget Office forecast that employment won’t regain its pre-pandemic level until 2024.
Study finds COVID-19 vaccine may reduce virus transmission
AstraZeneca’s COVID-19 vaccine does more than prevent people from falling seriously ill — it appears to reduce transmission of the virus and offers strong protection for three months on just a single dose, researchers said Wednesday in an encouraging turn in the campaign to suppress the outbreak.
Biden flexible on who gets aid, tells lawmakers to ‘go big’
WASHINGTON — President Joe Biden told Democratic lawmakers Wednesday he’s “not married” to an absolute number on his $1.9 trillion COVID rescue plan but Congress needs to “act fast” on relief for the pandemic and the economic crisis.
State epidemiologist Park leaves health department
HONOLULU — The state epidemiologist who has been blamed for slowing Hawaii’s coronavirus response has left the Department of Health.
Police ID motorcyclist killed in Sunday crash
Big Island police have identified the operator of the motorcycle involved in Sunday’s crash at the intersection of Highway 19 and Honomu Road as 67-year-old Timothy N. Shepherd of Waimea.
Hometown Heroes: Kaiser donation to address homelessness on Big Island
Editor’s note: Each Wednesday, West Hawaii Today is publishing a story about individuals, groups or organizations that have helped make life better for others in our community during the COVID-19 pandemic.
In Brief: February 3, 2021
Biden, Yellen say GOP virus aid too small, Democrats push on
Island Life: End of day at the bay
The sun sets Monday over Kailua Bay. (John Steenhuis/Community contributor)
Obituaries: February 3, 2021
Editor’s note: Obituaries are published free of charge as a public service. Content is subject to editing for parity treatment and style continuity. Date of publication cannot be guaranteed. Memorial advertisements may be purchased through the newspaper advertising department.
Saiki: UH not fit to manage mountain
Lawyer sues county over Sunshine Law, seeks to stop Zendo Kern confirmation vote
A Hilo lawyer filed a lawsuit Tuesday seeking to stop the confirmation vote of Planning Director Zendo Kern, saying council members violated the state Sunshine Law during last month’s preliminary confirmation before the council Planning Committee.
Charity tax write-off measure held for more work
A bill that would allow taxpayers who were socked with an extra luxury home tax last year donate that tier 2 tax to charity instead was postponed for tweaks Tuesday, after drawing mixed reviews from the County Council Finance Committee.
4 specimens exhibit ‘clue’ associated with virus variant
Measure would hold producers responsible for plastic packaging
Rep. Nicole Lowen Monday joined legislators from nine states in announcing a coordinated effort to hold producers responsible for the end-of-life management of plastic packaging.
Additional Big Isle sites to get vaccinated
Waiakea grad Kanno tied at third after first round of the Amer Ari
Isaiah Kanno had the round of his life for the Hawaii golf team at the Amer Ari Invitational at his familiar home course at Hapuna.
Brady Bunch: QB has taken over 200 teammates to a Super Bowl
Some are Hall of Famers who are among the biggest names in the sport. Others are anonymous role players whose contributions went mostly unnoticed by outsiders.
No. 2 Baylor stays unbeaten, tops No. 6 Texas to match its best start
AUSTIN, Texas — Texas played Baylor tougher than most teams have this season. The Bears still shrugged off the Longhorns to stay unbeaten.
