Tsunami watch canceled for Hawaii following M-8.1 earthquake in Pacific
A tsunami watch for Hawaii following a magnitude-8.1 earthquake Thursday morning in the Kermadec Islands was cancelled at 12:20 p.m.
Daniel K. Inouye Highway extension project progressing despite lack of funding
A record of decision marking the completion of the environmental review process for the long-delayed extension of Daniel K. Inouye Highway is expected this fall.
Bill to reduce blood-alcohol threshold for drunken driving up for full vote on Senate floor
A measure to lower the state’s blood-alcohol threshold for drunken driving cleared its final Senate committee Thursday, setting the proposal up for a full vote on the Senate floor.
‘Mega clinic’ vaccinates hundreds for COVID in West Hawaii
Hundreds of West Hawaii educators and kupuna received a dose of the COVID-19 vaccine Thursday during the first of many vaccination “mega clinics” to be held in Kailua-Kona.
New site selected for DLNR headquarters
The Department of Land and Natural Resources has scaled back plans and selected a new site for a permanent administration building and base yard in North Kona.
Search and rescue cost reimbursement bill advances
A bill that would allow and in some cases require government entities seek reimbursement for search and rescue costs unanimously passed its second assigned committee Wednesday.
Woman sentenced to probation in child death case
A former Kona resident was sentenced to probation Monday after meting a plea deal with prosecutors in the 2018 murder of a 6-year-old boy in Kailua-Kona.
Bill introduced to address management of Honokohau Small Boat Harbor
A bill that would give a Honokohau Small Boat Harbor working group management authority over the facility with the state’s oversight and assistance is making its way through the state Senate.
COVID-19 vaccine ‘mega clinics’ to open in Kona
The rate at which the COVID-19 vaccine is being administered in West Hawaii should pick up pace thanks to a partnership that will bring “mega clinics” to Kailua-Kona.
Hanako Sheldon, who opened Kona Jewelry Factory with late husband, is headed on to the next chapter
After more than three decades in business, Hanako Sheldon is closing her jewelry shop at the Kona Inn Shopping Village and beginning the process of heading home to Japan to begin her life’s next chapter.
Committee passes marijuana decriminalization bill
A measure that would decriminalize the possession of up to 1 ounce of marijuana passed its first committee hearing on Tuesday.
Soldiers spruce up Makaeo: 2nd IBCT, 25th ID clears pickleweed from anchialine pond
A large anchialine pond is once again visible, attracting dragonflies and other pollinators to the bounty of flora at Makaeo Walking and Jogging Path in Kailua-Kona.
Funding for lifeguards at Hapuna and Kua Bay in peril
Time is ticking to secure a funding source for lifeguard services at two popular but perilous state beach parks in West Hawaii.
New medical cannabis bills proposed for 2021
More than a dozen other medical cannabis-related bills have been introduced this legislative session. They include:
Lawmakers push to legalize marijuana for personal use
Outside medical cannabis use, more than a half dozen marijuana-related bills, including a measure to legalize its recreational use, have been introduced this legislative session.
Interisland medical cannabis transport bill back
A measure authorizing qualifying patients to transport medical cannabis between islands for personal use that was passed by the 2019 Legislature and subsequently vetoed by Gov. David Ige is back before lawmakers.
My Turn: Let’s rethink all-mail balloting
The all-mail balloting process had its pluses and minuses during the pandemic. As indicated in West Hawaii Today’s Jan. 22 article, it made voting easier for some, but more difficult for many of those who preferred voting in-person. For several reasons, I believe that all-mail balloting is not a good idea.
Police discipline report shows 2 officers discharged, seven suspended
Two Hawaii County police officers were fired and seven others were suspended without pay last year, according to the department’s annual report to the state Legislature.
Change in opinion: HPD to comply with Act 47, ID officers fired, suspended for misconduct
A day after stating the Hawaii Police Department would not submit until court-ordered the names of officers suspended or fired for misconduct, pursuant to a law that went into effect last fall, the county has changed its stance.
RIGHT AT HOME: Space-themed decor brings the heavens indoors
It was a tough year here on Earth, but 2020 was a bright spot for space exploration. SpaceX sent its futuristic Starship to new heights, three countries launched Mars missions, and robots grabbed debris from the moon and an asteroid.
