Mayor Roth creates interagency working group to address fire issues

Mayor Mitch Roth has announced the establishment of an interagency working group dedicated to addressing and preparing for fire issues following recent fires on Hawaii Island and the extensive devastation on Maui. The Hawaii Fire and Emergency Response Collaborative will convene key regional agencies, experts, and stakeholders to formulate strategies, facilitate resource-sharing, and streamline communication to enhance responses to wildfires and other emergencies. This collaborative effort will encompass representatives from various Federal, State, and County departments and organizations such as the American Red Cross, Hawaii Wildfire Management, Firewise, and community stakeholders.

Congress to question Hawaii leaders on Lahaina fire

Sep. 15—Hawaiian Electric Co.’s top executive, the chair of the Hawaii Public Utilities Commission and Hawaii’s chief energy officer will be questioned by Congress about the Aug. 8 Lahaina fires that killed 115 and displaced 7, 500 people.

Roth administration honors Pono Nakamura for heroic rescue

Mayor Mitch Roth and Hawaii County officials gathered at the Kohala Intergenerational Center Wednesday morning to honor Parks and Recreation Supervisor Pono Nakamura for his exceptional act of heroism. Nakamura, while off-duty, rescued two distressed swimmers off the coast of Mahukona Beach Park. The ceremony, attended by community members, first responders, and local officials, commemorated Mr. Nakamura’s selfless actions on August 6, 2023.

Jack Burdette receives academic honors

Jack Burdette, an 11th grader at Makua Lani Christian Academy, earned academic honors from the College Board National Recognition Programs. These programs celebrate students’ hard work in high school and showcase their strong academic performance. The academic honors for rural area, Black, Indigenous, and/or Latino students are an opportunity for students to share their strong academic achievements with colleges and scholarship programs that are seeking to recruit diverse talent.

Asagra sentenced to life

A Captain Cook man was sentenced on Sept. 1 to life imprisonment with the possibility of parole after being convicted of second-degree murder and first-degree arson in connection with the May 2021 shooting death of Joey Richmond, 46, of Kailua-Kona, at the end of Keauhou-Kainaliu Beach Road, known locally as “End of the World,” in Keauhou.