Mental fitness hearing delayed
A 52-year-old Hilo man who pleaded not guilty to a host of charges filed in connection with the alleged September 2022 abduction and ensuing crimes committed against a 15-year-old Kona girl was in court Thursday for a mental health fitness hearing.
‘A long time coming’
The much-needed and long-planned Kukuiola Emergency Shelter and Assessment Center moved a step closer to fruition Thursday with a groundbreaking and blessing ahead of the start of mass grading of the site in Kailua-Kona.
Search for Ireland’s killer continues
Hawaii County’s police chief and prosecuting attorney issued separate statements late Thursday afternoon saying they will be steadfast in their quest to bring to justice the man who left DNA on several pieces of key evidence in the 1991 rape and murder of Dana Ireland.
Pahoa man indicted for McDonald’s incident
A 35-year-old Pahoa man who allegedly threatened Pahoa McDonald’s employees on Jan. 20 while loudly demanding money has been indicted by a Hilo grand jury.
Mountain View man charged with assault of police officers
A Mountain View man is facing felony charges after allegedly assaulting police officers earlier this week.
Monk seal dies from injuries following shark bite
The Marine Mammal Center and The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration reported Wednesday that a juvenile female Hawaiian monk seal known as RM28 died at Ke Kai Ola, the center’s hospital in Kailua-Kona, after suffering severe shark bite trauma.
County to receive donated rapid-response shelters
The Hawaii County Office of Housing and Community Development will soon have another tool for its toolbox to address homelessness and emergencies on the Big Island.
Freed after 20 years, Hawaii man reflects on case, future
HONOLULU — On Ian Schweitzer’s first morning of freedom Wednesday, he woke up in a hotel room, looked over the balcony at the ocean and took in the beauty of the island he had been away from for over 20 years while imprisoned for a 1991 killing and rape he has always maintained he didn’t commit.
Police misconduct down in ‘22: Two HPD officers discharged, eight suspended
Two Hawaii Police Department officers were discharged and eight received suspensions ranging from one to 21 days in 2022, the department’s annual disciplinary report to the state Legislature revealed.
Kona man charged in robbery investigation
Hawaii Island police have charged a man in with robbery, assault, and drug offenses stemming from an incident that occurred early Tuesday at a gas station in Kailua-Kona.
Hilo man charged in bomb threat investigation
A 43-year-old Hilo man is facing a charge of terroristic threatening after a reported bomb threat Tuesday at a retail shopping center in Hilo.
Lawmakers target flavored tobacco products
Hawaii received an “F” grade for its policies on flavored tobacco products, according to the American Lung Association’s annual State of Tobacco Control report.
Ocean View man charged with theft of rental vehicle, other offenses
A preliminary hearing is slated next month for a a 46-year-old Ocean View man accused of auto theft, drug possession and other offenses.
Waimea man accused of sexually assaulting teen
A 33-year-old Waimea man is facing numerous counts of sexual assault for alleged crimes committed against a minor girl over a four-month period.
Bills would limit BLNR’s power over lease extensions
Big Island lawmakers are hopeful they can get a struggling program to revitalize parts of Hilo back on track.
Bill to require County Council approval of time extensions postponed
A bill that would require County Council authorization of time extensions to zoning ordinances was temporarily set aside Tuesday after an amendment to the measure.
Native Hawaiians flock to Las Vegas for affordable living
KAPOLEI, Oahu — Kona Purdy never wanted to live anywhere but Hawaii. As a Native Hawaiian, he wanted his children to grow up like he did: rooted in their culture, and nourished by the mountains and ocean.
Man imprisoned for 1991 Dana Ireland murder, rape released
A judge on Tuesday ordered that a Puna man who spent 26 years of his life behind bars for perhaps the most notorious murder in Hawaii’s history “be released from his shackles immediately.”
Green declares homelessness an emergency during State of State
During his first State of the State address, Gov. Josh Green said his high priority legislative and budget priorities are “housing, homelessness, the cost of living, climate, environment and mental health.”
Task force, lawmaker working on measure to legalize fentanyl test strips
The Hawaii Island Fentanyl Task Force has partnered with state Sen. Joy San Buenaventura of Puna to introduce legislation to legalize fentanyl test strips.
