2022: A Year in Review
As the Big Island welcomes in 2023 with hopes for prosperity and success, West Hawaii Today is taking a moment to look back on the big events of 2022. Here are the Top 10 news stories as voted by the newsroom.
Ringing in the New Year: Ahi demand higher in East Hawaii, prices steady
It is a long-held tradition in Hawaii to welcome in the New Year and ensure prosperity by consuming red fish, especially ahi sashimi.
Defending champ Georgia vs. Cinderella TCU for CFP title
After the best semifinal day in the nine-year history of the College Football Playoff, the title game will match the defending national champion against the closest thing the sport has had in years to a Cinderella team. It will be No. 1 Georgia, looking for its second straight championship, against upstart and No. 3 TCU on Jan. 9 at Sofi Stadium in Inglewood, California. The four-team playoff has been littered with lopsided semifinal games, but these were thrillers. The Bulldogs came from 14 points down to beat No. 4 Ohio State 42-41 in the Peach Bowl. TCU upset No. 2 Michigan 51-45 in the Fiesta Bowl.
COVID in 2022: Vaccines, at-home tests help lower infections
Fifty-six Big Island residents died in 2022 from COVID-19, according to state Department of Health data.
How did it become legal to be so pushy in the NFL?
LOS ANGELES — There’s nothing subtle about the shove.
New York OKs human composting law; 6th state in US to do so
ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) — Howard Fischer, a 63-year old investor living north of New York City, has a wish for when he dies. He wants his remains to be placed in a vessel, broken down by tiny microbes and composted into rich, fertile soil.
BYU offensive lineman Veikoso dies in construction accident
HONOLULU (AP) — Brigham Young University offensive lineman Sione Veikoso was killed in a construction accident in his hometown in Hawaii, family members said.
Chief justice: Judges’ safety ‘essential’ to court system
WASHINGTON — With security threats to Supreme Court justices still fresh memories, Chief Justice John Roberts on Saturday praised programs that protect judges, saying that “we must support judges by ensuring their safety.”
Benedict XVI, reluctant pope who chose to retire, dies at 95
VATICAN CITY — He was the reluctant pope, a shy bookworm who preferred solitary walks in the Alps and Mozart piano concertos to the public glare and majesty of Vatican pageantry. When Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger became Pope Benedict XVI and was thrust into the footsteps of his beloved and charismatic predecessor, he said he felt a guillotine had come down on him.
Afghan war orphan remains with Marine accused of abduction
An Afghan refugee family alleges a U.S. Marine abducted their baby. But two months after an AP report on the high-stakes legal fight over the child raised alarms at the highest levels of government, from the White House to the Taliban, the baby remains with U.S Marine Corps Major Joshua Mast and his family. The Masts claim in court documents that they legally adopted the child and that the Afghan couple’s accusations are “outrageous” and “unmerited.” Now the U.S. government has tried to intervene, saying the adoption should have never been granted.
Young throws for 5 TDs, Alabama tops K-State in Sugar Bowl
NEW ORLEANS — Bryce Young passed for 321 yards and five touchdowns and Alabama responded to an early two-score deficit with 35 straight points to beat Kansas State 45-20 in the Sugar Bowl.
US wins Group B in world junior hockey, beating Finland 6-2
MONCTON, New Brunswick — Minnesota freshman Jimmy Snuggerud had a goal and three assists and the United States beat Finland 6-2 on Saturday to win Group B in the world junior hockey championship.
Nation and world news at a glance
Black support for GOP ticked up in this year’s midterms
No. 22 Xavier hands No. 2 UConn its 1st loss, 83-73
CINCINNATI — Zach Freemantle scored 16 points and grabbed 11 rebounds, and Colby Jones also scored 16, helping No. 22 Xavier hand No. 2 UConn its first loss of the season, 83-73, on Saturday.
Review: Tagovailoa didn’t show concussion signs vs. Packers
NEW YORK — A review by the NFL and its players association determined that Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa didn’t need to go into concussion protocol during the team’s game against Green Bay because he wasn’t showing signs of a head injury at the time.
Falcons WR Batson arrested following altercation with police
ATLANTA — Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Cameron Batson was arrested by Atlanta police early Saturday morning and faces multiple charges after allegedly being involved in an altercation with an officer and fleeing the scene.
BYU offensive lineman Veikoso dies in construction accident
HONOLULU — Brigham Young University offensive lineman Sione Veikoso was killed in a construction accident in his hometown in Hawaii, family members said.
‘Citizen hero’ Blaine Gabbert recounts his role in Davis Islands helicopter rescue
TAMPA, Fla. — A Bucs season rife with subpar moments produced its most surreal and ironic one Friday afternoon.
Heisman winner Williams ready to play for USC in Cotton Bowl
ARLINGTON, Texas — Heisman Trophy winner Caleb Williams said he is ready to play in the Cotton Bowl on Monday, which will be exactly one month after the Southern California quarterback suffered a significant hamstring injury in the Pac-12 championship game.
Obituaries: January 1, 2023
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.
