Preliminary hearing set in deadly vacation rental fight
A 37-year-old Pittsburgh man made his initial court appearance Wednesday on a charge of manslaughter stemming from an altercation at a Kailua-Kona vacation rental that resulted in the death of his roommate.
Big Island reports 16 new COVID-19 cases
Sixteen new COVID-19 cases were reported on the Big Island Wednesday, bringing the total case count to 2,479.
State exploring ‘vaccine passport’ for inter-island travel
HONOLULU — Officials are looking into vaccine passports, especially for interisland travel.
6 charged in Honolulu planning, permitting bribery scheme
HONOLULU — Honolulu officials in the city’s planning and permitting department took bribes from architects, contractors and others in exchange for expediting or approving projects, U.S. prosecutors said.
Pittsburgh man charged with manslaughter following deadly altercation
Big Island police Tuesday charged a 37-year-old Pittsburgh man with manslaughter in connection with the death of a 30-year-old man following an altercation that took place Monday at a vacation rental in Kailua-Kona.
Editorial: The Supreme Court shouldn’t weaken protection for privacy at home
If police want to enter your home as part of a criminal investigation, they generally must obtain a search warrant. But on March 24 the Supreme Court was asked to make an exception to that requirement — in some situations in which an officer is acting as a “community caretaker” checking to see if the occupant is all right.
Neighbor island lawmakers’ per diem overlooked as 10% raise could go into effect
HONOLULU — Neighbor island state senators and representatives continue to earn $225 for every day of the legislative session, weekends and even after the session — valued at nearly half of their $62,604 legislative salaries — even as some have criticized the possibility of legislative pay raises in July.
Capital improvement funds OK’d for three East Hawaii schools
Legacy Hilo makes improvements
Bill would partially restore lifeguard funding
State Senators are set to take up Thursday the House’s proposed two-year budget bill that restores some funding for lifeguard services at five state beach parks, including two on the Big Island.
Visitors largely satisfied with Safe Travels program
Visitors to the state seem largely satisfied with the Safe Travels Hawaii program, according to a survey by the Hawaii Tourism Authority.
Hometown Heroes: Big Island fire captain among this year’s Champions for Children
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.
GOP governors ignore Biden’s latest plea on mask mandates
President Joe Biden’s pleas for states to stick with mask mandates to slow the spread of the coronavirus were being largely ignored Tuesday as several Republican governors stayed on track to drop the requirement in their states.
In Brief: March 31, 2021
Migrant kids crowded into Texas facility as space runs low
Amazon vote may spark more union pushes
What happens inside a warehouse in Bessemer, Alabama, could have major implications not just for the country’s second-largest employer but the labor movement at large.
Island Life: Brand new pineapple
The crown and flower of a new pineapple. (Mona Peck/Community contributor)
Announcements: March 31, 2021
Humpback whale count wraps up
Obituaries: March 31, 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.
Editorial: Prosecute Capitol rioters now
One of the largest criminal investigations in American history is happening right now, and it’s one we should not forget.
Letters to the Editor: March 31, 2021
Get the oink out of here
