Harsher penalties for drunken drivers
Gov. David Ige earlier this month signed two bills into law that create tougher penalties for impaired drivers.
For now, wary US treads water with transformed COVID-19
The fast-changing coronavirus has kicked off summer in the U.S. with lots of infections but relatively few deaths compared to its prior incarnations.
Nation and world news at a glance
High court marshal seeks enforcement of anti-picketing laws
Plant of the Month for July 2022: Alula
Sometimes known as “cabbage on a stick,” the native Hawaiian alula is a very unusual species. It is endemic to Kaua’i and Ni’ihau, but currently endangered in the wild. Through authorized propagation from cultivated plants alula is now available throughout the world as an interesting house plant or as curious specimen in a tropical garden. It might be time to include this species in your native Hawaiian plant collection.
Editorial: Drastically reducing nicotine levels will save a lot of lives
Nicotine kills. Oh, not directly, for the most part. It’s just so addictive that cigarette smokers find it nearly impossible to quit a product that subtracts years off their lives, causes cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, strokes and heart disease, along with worsening Type 2 diabetes. In 2018, more than half of the smokers in this country tried to stop; only 8% did.
Editorial: Democrats should stop protecting the rich and support Romney bill
In a remarkable reversal of tradition, some Republicans have proposed a generous, broad-based federal benefit that Democrats are likely to oppose because it soaks the rich — their rich.
My Turn: Why the hoopla in Hawaii?
The ranting across the nation in response to the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade makes no sense to me. Especially, the extreme response in Hawaii. Why didn’t our politicians simply say: “It doesn’t matter. Abortion is, and will continue to be, legal in Hawaii.” Yes, abortion has been a controversial issue for decades, largely due to the decision in Roe v. Wade. Had the Supreme Court gone the other way 50 years ago, state legislatures would have set whatever limits they thought were appropriate and responded to the will of their constituents.
Vacation rental rules remain unclear: County continues enforcement while awaiting ICA opinion
Hawaii County continues to enforce its prohibition against short-term vacation rentals in the state agricultural district despite a Kona judge’s ruling that the state doesn’t disallow that use as the county has claimed.
Over 250 families served at only Ohana Food Drop set this year
Roughly 15,000 pounds of food were distributed last Tuesday to more than 250 families in the Naalehu area by The Food Basket, Hawaii Island’s Food Bank.
Fill A Cruiser Food Drive helps stock The Food Basket
Hawaii Police Department officers partnered with The Food Basket Friday at the Costco in Kailua-Kona to collect much-needed food donations for the Big Island’s lone food bank.
Holiday getaway pushes US airport traffic to pandemic high
BERKELEY, Calif. — The Fourth of July holiday weekend is jamming U.S. airports with their biggest crowds since the pandemic began in 2020.
Texas’ border mission grows, but crossings still high
AUSTIN, Texas — Following the horror of a human-smuggling attempt that left 53 people dead, Republican Gov. Greg Abbott ordered state troopers to inspect more trucks — again expanding a border security mission that has cost billions, given the National Guard arrest powers and bused migrants to Washington, D.C.
Obituaries: July 3, 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.
From AM to PM, the fickle force of government is with you
WASHINGTON — When you groggily roll out of bed and make breakfast, the government edges up to your kitchen table, too. Unlike you, it’s perky.
How to keep your pets calm and safe during Fourth of July fireworks shows
Fireworks shows are a summer staple, especially on and around the Fourth of July, but they can also be a source of anxiety for pets and their owners.
US testing new fire retardant, critics push other methods
BOISE, Idaho — U.S. officials are testing a new wildfire retardant after two decades of buying millions of gallons annually from one supplier, but watchdogs say the expensive strategy is overly fixated on aerial attacks at the expense of hiring more fire-line digging ground crews.
Governor signs three housing bills
Gov. David Ige signed three bills into law Friday that are intended to ease the housing crunch for Hawaii’s needy families and individuals.
Holloway falls to Volkanovski again at UFC 276
LAS VEGAS — Alexander Volkanovski defeated Max Holloway for the third time Saturday night, defending his featherweight title by unanimous decision with a dominant striking performance at UFC 276.
Branden Grace wins LIV Golf’s first US tournament
NORTH PLAINS, Ore. — Branden Grace won LIV Golf’s first stop on American soil, an event that drew critics and protestors alike because of the upstart series’ funding by Saudi Arabia.
Williamson agrees to 5-year, $193M extension
NEW ORLEANS — Zion Williamson’s lost season to injury and unusual absence from the New Orleans Pelicans during his recovery didn’t stop the club from betting big on their long-term future together.
