It’s a girl! Hawaii Island’s first baby of 2023 born in Waimea

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The island’s second baby of 2023 was born at 2:48 a.m. Sunday at Hilo Medical Center. Baby boy Keoni Gilbert Marpuri Norita was born to Kristine and Gus Norita of Keaau. (Courtesy photo/Special to West Hawaii Today)
Baby girl Kalenaku Liliaanuhea Kaiwa was born to mother Tory Jones and father Kahi Kaiwa. (Courtesy photo/Special to West Hawaii Today)
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Hawaii Island’s first baby of 2023 was a bouncing baby girl born early Sunday to proud parents in Waimea.

Queen’s North Hawaii Community Hospital said Monday it welcomed its first baby of the year at 2:06 a.m. Sunday. Baby girl Kalenaku Liliaanuhea Kaiwa was born to mother Tory Jones and father Kahi Kaiwa.

“Congratulations to the Jones-Kaiwa family and welcome to beautiful Kalenaku Liliaanuhea!” the hospital said in announcing the birth.

The island’s second baby of 2023 was born at 2:48 a.m. Sunday at Hilo Medical Center.

Baby boy Keoni Gilbert Marpuri Norita was born to Kristine and Gus Norita of Keaau, according to the hospital that initially incorrectly reported that Norita was the state’s first baby prior to the Waimea hospital announcing the birth of Kaiwa.

Kona Community Hospital did not respond, nor provide information, on any births at the facility as of press-time Monday.

According to the Honolulu Star-Advertiser, Oahu’s first baby came shortly after 3 a.m. Hawaii News Now reported Kauai’s first baby arrived at 2:45 a.m. and Maui’s at 2:25 p.m.