HILO — Hawaii County’s new vacation rental law is almost ready for prime time.

HILO — With about 200 supporters cheering him on, state Sen. Kai Kahele on Monday announced he’s running for the 2nd Congressional District seat currently held by fellow Democrat, Rep. Tulsi Gabbard.

HILO — It sounds too good to be true: A national law firm wants to sue Big Pharma on behalf of Hawaii County in a no-risk deal that has the county paying nothing if it loses, but sharing in any damage awards if it wins or settles.

HILO — The County Council has resurrected an old general excise tax hike that was postponed last May and put it on Wednesday’s council agenda for consideration.

HILO — The county is suing a Hawi vacation rental ranch following more than two years of neighbor complaints over weddings, concerts and events being held there without a permit.

HILO — Armed with an opinion from the state attorney general, Mayor Harry Kim is asking the County Council to consider raising the general excise tax.

HILO — Should County Council members serve longer terms?

HILO — A North Kona developer’s representative made repeated promises Tuesday that its shoreline will be opened to the public within a year, but most County Council members want it in writing.

HILO — Despite perennial complaints about the cumbersome process of getting building permits, the head of that county division was elevated Wednesday to director of the Department of Public Works.

HILO — Squatters, homeless, vacation rentals, taxes and an emergency relief package in the wake of last year’s volcanic eruption top the priority list Mayor Harry Kim is presenting to the state Legislature this year.