Upgrades coming to Panaewa Rainforest Zoo
Max the Catalina macaw is on break from his usual job of calling out to folks entering and leaving the Panaewa Rainforest Zoo. These days, he’s chatting with construction workers while the zoo undergoes a $9 million renovation to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act.
How to spend $80M: Kim outlines uses for COVID-19 response funds
How would you spend $80 million? Mayor Harry Kim had less than two days to submit a plan to the state Legislature, and now that SB 75 passed and is on its way to the governor, a plan is taking shape.
Council finds money for golf, contingency funds in tight budget
Fees for sewers and rubbish disposal will continue to increase, taxes could rise for luxury second homes and services will be cut countywide, but County Council members still found room in the budget Thursday to add another $565,000 for their contingency accounts and golf subsidies.
New tax tier for luxury homes; Council also approves raises for some employees while prepping for budget work
With serious work on the coronavirus-stricken county budget set to begin today, the County Council on Wednesday set up a property tax structure that would allow it to tax $2 million-plus second homes at a higher rate than other residential property.
Council free to donate to non-COVID causes
Mayor Harry Kim said Tuesday he’s rescinding an earlier recommendation that County Council members use their contingency funds only to respond to the COVID-19 crisis.
Blurring the lines: Marzo campaign doesn’t report lava mask giveaway
Mayoral candidate Ikaika Marzo has been posting videos of himself on his “Marzo for Mayor” Facebook campaign page traveling the island giving away masks that were originally donated for the 2018 Puna lava flow crisis.
Blurring the lines: Roth’s charity work raises questions
Mayoral candidate Mitch Roth removed a post from his Facebook campaign page after questions were raised about the portrayal of volunteers wearing his campaign T-shirts while helping at a nonprofit feeding station at a county facility.
Council advances luxury tax structure
A bill creating a structure for a luxury residence tax — with 99% of the targeted property situated in three West Hawaii council districts — easily passed its first hearing Wednesday before the County Council, with one more vote to go before heading to Mayor Harry Kim, who supports it.
$80M in CARES funds could come to Hawaii County
Hawaii County would receive $80 million in federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act funding under a bill moving through the state Legislature.
Special council meeting to hear bill to create luxury home class
A new tax classification for properties assessed at more than $2 million will be the subject of a special County Council meeting this week — and for the first time since the COVID-19 restrictions began, the public will be able to testify in person.
On a roll: Roberts takes over Hele-On contract
The first new buses in five years and a new contractor had the Hele-On bus system on track for a better year. Until COVID-19 hit.
Red tape: Administering CARES money costs a lot
Four Big Island charities have been approved for a portion of a $1.5 million federal grant. But the red tape will eat up $250,000 of it.
Mayor sets reopening requirements for some businesses and parks
A gradual reopening of Hawaii County businesses, parks and community facilities moved another step forward Wednesday, with Mayor Harry Kim announcing his latest set of rules.
Kim opens some businesses and parks: Mayor’s Emergency Rule 4 sets reopening requirements
Mayor Harry Kim on Wednesday issued his fourth rule in the coronavirus emergency, setting requirements for the public and businesses as the county moves slowly toward reopening.
Kim releases revised $585M budget; service cuts, tax on wealthy property owners proposed
Campaigning during COVID-19: Mayoral candidates try to break out of the pack
This has got to be the toughest mayor’s race yet.
County mulls extra property tax on the rich: Revenues sought as COVID-19 cripples budget
Hawaii County may take a page from Honolulu’s playbook and tack an extra property tax on multi-million dollar residences.
Some opala more essential than others: New transfer station restrictions start Friday
Complaints are piling up as fast as the opala as the county tries to get a grip on rubbish disposal during a statewide stay-at-home order.
Kim wants four more years: Three-time mayor pulls nomination papers
Mayor Harry Kim has decided he’d like to lead the county for another four years.
A shot in the arm: Council members push programs to help beleaguered businesses
Two Hawaii County Council members are working on programs to bring fast relief to small businesses and farmers reeling from the economic downturn brought about by the coronavirus pandemic.