Small snag in lava buyout program
The county’s program to buy back properties destroyed, damaged or isolated by the 2018 Kilauea eruption has not been significantly delayed by a missing agreement with the state.
Hawaiian forests and gardens are bound for big changes
The COVID-19 pandemic has clearly made us aware of how our individual lives and even society can be altered in a very short time by disease organisms. Our forests and landscapes can change rapidly as well. A very warm, wet period or dry one can drastically alter the species makeup of a forest. For example, our Ohia forests are suffering not only from rapid ohia death, but from other diseases as well.
Home lighting update: Designers get creative, clever, cozy
Designers and lighting companies have been busy coming up with new ways to hold a lightbulb and project light, and winter is a great time to explore their latest solutions.
Council passes resolution condemning Russia’s actions in Ukraine
The County Council Wednesday unanimously passed a resolution condemning Russia’s actions in Ukraine and offering support for the Ukrainian people.
Not guilty pleas entered in sex assault case
A Konawaena Middle School teacher facing three counts of sexual assault against a minor off-campus is out on bail again Wednesday after being arrested Tuesday in Oahu on an outstanding $150,000 bench warrant.
Waiakea has its way: Park, Saludares take medalist honors at Hilo Muni
It was all Waiakea at the BIIF season-opening golf meet on Wednesday at Hilo Muni, where junior Dysen Park and senior Kiersten Saludares won medalist honors, and the Warriors took the team titles.
Airstrike hits Ukraine maternity hospital, 17 reported hurt
MARIUPOL, Ukraine — A Russian airstrike devastated a maternity hospital Wednesday in the besieged port city of Mariupol amid growing warnings from the West that Moscow’s invasion is about to take a more brutal and indiscriminate turn. Ukrainian officials said the attack wounded at least 17 people.
Bill to fund homeless programs passes
The Hawaii County Council passed a bill that would earmark a portion of tax revenues on luxury homes for homeless programs and housing.
Endurance: Explorer Shackleton’s ship found after a century
Researchers have discovered the remarkably well-preserved wreck of polar explorer Ernest Shackleton’s ship, Endurance, in 10,000 feet of icy water, a century after it was swallowed up by Antarctic ice during what proved to be one of the most heroic expeditions in history.
Ige appoints Costales to replace former lawmaker Cullen
HONOLULU — Gov. David Ige on Wednesday appointed a nonprofit manager to fill a state House seat vacated by former Rep. Ty Cullen, who resigned last month when prosecutors alleged he took bribes in exchange for influencing legislation.
United House OKs $13.6B for Ukraine in huge spending bill
WASHINGTON — The House approved a massive spending bill Wednesday night that would rush $13.6 billion in U.S. aid to battered Ukraine and its European allies, after top Democrats were forced to abruptly drop their plan to include fresh funds to battle COVID-19.
National and world news at a glance
Patient in goundbreaking heart transplant dies
Council committee advances $149.5 million bond issue
County Council members Wednesday were enthusiastic about a $149.5 million bond authorization, saying the money could help the county secure “once in a generation” federal dollars for badly needed projects.
Island Life: The buddy system
Two juvenile eagle rays swim together in Keauhou Bay. Juveniles often swim in two so that if a predator attacks one the other can escape.
Obituaries: March 10, 2022
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. Any questions regarding obituaries should be directed to the mortuary or via email to obituaries@westhawaiitoday.com. Memorial advertisements may be purchased through the newspaper advertising department.
Letters to the Editor: March 10, 2022
When history repeats itself
Editorial: More expensive gasoline is a small price to pay in the fight against tyranny
President Joe Biden’s announcement Tuesday banning Russian oil imports presents what may be the most difficult test yet of Americans’ willingness today to sacrifice for the nation’s greater good. Already-high gas prices are sure to spike further with the ban, frustrating drivers and giving Republicans an opportunity to further demagogue the issue. The GOP should resist that urge — and all Americans should remember sacrifices that earlier generations made in times of war.
Announcements: March 10, 2022
Applicants sought for ‘Uncle Bo’ scholarship
All-BIIF D-I Girls Basketball: Salazar-Harrell named BIIF D-I Player of the Year, Bobbie and Dawnyelle Awa named Coaches of the Year
The standard at Konawaena has always been high.
Grad student from Kona finishes as a NAIA track champion for Vanguard
Running was never part of Keili Dorn’s college plan until her coach and athletic director at Kealakehe High School convinced her she was good enough to compete collegiately.
