Char: Number of state COVID cases ‘very concerning’
The state health director said she thinks “it’s a bit early” to say Hawaii’s surge of COVID-19 cases fueled by the omicron variant has plateaued.
Progress on Hilo skate park, but confusion over funding
Hawaii County has taken another step toward building a skate park in Hilo, but members of the skating community remain skeptical.
Two men charged with Puna property crimes
Two 19-year-old men are facing charges in connection with alleged property crimes in Puna.
Hawaii’s teacher retention rate hovers just above 50%
HONOLULU — Only 51% of Hawaii public school teachers remained in the job after five years of work, according to a new report from the state Department of Education.
North Kona, South Kohala vacation rental hotspots
North Kona and South Kohala are home to about 80% of short-term vacation rentals on the island and 87% of complaints about STVRs registered countywide with the Planning Department.
Police arrest two after violent confrontation in Orchidland
Police arrested two people Friday after one of them allegedly rammed two taxpayer-subsidized police vehicles in Puna.
City can also represent Honolulu officers in teen’s shooting
HONOLULU — Honolulu attorneys may represent both the city and three police officers in a civil lawsuit by the family of a 16-year-old boy shot and killed by police, a judge ruled Friday in response to a motion by the teen’s relatives arguing the officers need to have their own lawyers to avoid conflicts of interest.
American Red Cross assisting seven impacted by Alii Kai fire
The American Red Cross is assisting seven people impacted by a structure fire Friday afternoon in the Alii Kai subdivision of Kailua-Kona.
‘Saved by the rubber on our tires’: Two escape injury after utility poles, wires fall on Alii Drive
Kalei Kamauu and his partner left the Hawaiian Electric Co. baseyard on Kaiwi Street in Kailua-Kona around 6 a.m. Friday morning heading to Ocean View for a traffic control job with Kipapa Traffic Management when poles came crashing to the ground on Alii Drive fronting the Kona Reef.
Maunakea plan approved
The University of Hawaii Board of Regents on Thursday approved a new Maunakea Master Plan despite opposition from some community members.
Search on for humpback whale entangled in debris off Kauai
POIPU, Kauai — A marine mammal rescue team is looking for an adult humpback whale entangled in debris off the coast of Hawaii.
Online University of Hawaii classes continue during surge
HONOLULU — Many University of Hawaii classes continue to be held online because the state is experiencing a surge of COVID-19 cases due to the omicron variant.
Wage increase likely to pass this year
After years of false starts and aborted attempts, 2022 may be the year the Legislature finally passes a minimum wage hike, said a state lawmaker from the Big Island.
Wastewater tops Roth’s legislative priority list
A measure privatizing or creating public-private partnerships to handle wastewater projects is Mayor Mitch Roth’s top priority for the 2022 legislative session that started Wednesday.
Trail acquisition dropped
Mayor Mitch Roth has decided to abandon efforts to acquire a trail to Papaikou Mill Beach, county officials said Tuesday.
Kupuna relish return of senior activities
Kamana Senior Center has officially welcomed kupuna back to classes after 21 months of inactivity.
Hilo man charged with habitual DUI for the third time
Prosecutors have filed charges against a 62-year-old Hilo man, accusing him of habitual drunken driving for the third time within a decade.
Internet options expanding for Hawaiian homesteaders
HONOLULU — Residents of Hawaiian homelands may soon have more options for connecting to the internet.
Future of $10.5M compost facility still uncertain
Executives for a stalled $10.5 million composting project addressed a County Council panel Tuesday, extolling the virtues of a centralized system, while other island recycling groups pushed for a distributed system of smaller facilities across the island.
Council honors Honls heroes: Police officer, residents honored for rescue
A Kona police officer and five residents were honored by the County Council Tuesday for heroic efforts that saved the lives of two women caught in high surf last year.
