Food bank demands remain high
With statewide unemployment skyrocketing during the COVID-19 pandemic, food distribution programs are struggling to keep up with demand.
Maui Brewing Company issued warning over sanitizer giveaway
WAILUKU — The Maui County Liquor Control Department has issued a written notice of warning to Maui Brewing Company after an investigation revealed the company violated state law by advertising free hand sanitizer with the sale of liquor.
County announces 2020 Summer Fun program
The County of Hawaii Department of Parks and Recreation on Friday announced its 2020 Summer Fun program will begin June 15 for a minimum of five weeks, tentatively ending on July 17.
North Kohala celebrates graduates
The North Kohala community came out to celebrate Kohala High School’s Class of 2020 during a special celebration held May 23 in Kapaau.
Waimea neighbors protest STVR: Mixed messages from Planning Department contribute to neighbors’ angst
Neighbors of a Waimea vacation rental vowed Friday to appeal Planning Director Michael Yee’s decision to allow the property to be grandfathered in under a county law prohibiting such properties in residential districts.
Mayors unenthusiastic about vacation rentals: Hawaii County clears backlog but reopening likely months away
The county Planning Department has finally been able to process almost all the approximately 4,000 short term vacation rental applications it received following last year’s implementation of a mandatory registration system.
Kona protesters join BLM protests in response to Floyd murder
A small group of protesters joined the nationwide demonstrations protesting the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis. Floyd was killed in police custody in Minneapolis on Monday, sparking riots in Minnesota and protests across the United States.
More than 54K tests conducted statewide
More than 54,000 COVID-19 tests have now been conducted across Hawaii.
Crossing the distance, virtually
Hilo Medical Center has provided online or “virtual” health care for some emergency situations, but the COVID-19 pandemic has increased the need for long-distance checkups.
Astronomers see ‘cosmic ring of fire’
Astronomers have captured an image of a super rare type of galaxy — described as a “cosmic ring of fire” — as it existed 11 billion years ago.
Residents protest coronavirus lockdown
A large group of protesters lined the sides of Queen Kaahumanu highway Friday afternoon urging for Hawaii’s leaders to re-open the state. More than 100 demonstrators — nearly all without masks — carried signs with messages varying from “I need a haircut” to warnings of tyranny, waved shakas and garnered honks from passing vehicles.
Algae bloom discolors Kailua Bay
State health officials say an algae bloom in Kailua Bay has not exceeded levels necessary to prompt a water quality advisory.
Consumer advocate chimes in on Young Brothers’ request
Hawaii’s consumer advocate is recommending the Public Utilities Commission suspend Young Brothers’ 2019 rate increase request and open a new proceeding to “investigate all relevant facts and measures” surrounding the struggling interisland shipper.
DOH reports 3 new COVID-19 cases
The state Department of Health reported three new cases of COVID-19 on Friday, all on Oahu, bringing the statewide total to 649 cases.
DMV to begin reopening Monday
The County of Hawaii Department of Finance announced Friday the first phase of reopening of its Division of Vehicle Registration and Licensing offices for limited in-person services beginning Monday.
County Clerk’s office reopens to public on Monday
The Office of the County Clerk will reopen to the public on Monday.
Hawaii hotel union protest calls for worker protections
HONOLULU — The union representing workers at many of Hawaii’s hotels have held a demonstration demanding that public safety and the needs of Hawaii’s workers are placed at the forefront of plans to reopen the state’s tourism industry.
Ige to extend traveler quarantine past June
HONOLULU — Gov. David Ige on Thursday said he would extend the state’s 14-day quarantine requirement for travelers arriving in the state beyond June 30.
Public-private partnership proposed: Environmental commission urges fast work on sewage discharges
Casting a wary eye toward a recent U.S. Supreme Court ruling that said discharging wastewater indirectly into the sea by allowing it to flow through groundwater violates the Clean Water Act, the county Environmental Management Commission on Wednesday unanimously voted to ask the County Council and administration to solicit proposals for public-private partnerships to fix island projects falling into that category.
Places of worship to reopen Saturday
While places of worship will be allowed to reopen on Saturday, some churches are choosing to remain closed for the time being to protect their congregations.