Vacation rentals bill blasted: Commissioners get an earful over proposed TAR regulations
Fury and recriminations flew between vacation rental owners and county officials over proposed new short-term rental regulations Thursday.
Another month of robust US job growth points to continued economic strength
WASHINGTON — America’s employers delivered another outpouring of jobs in March, adding a sizzling 303,000 workers to their payrolls and bolstering hopes that the economy can vanquish inflation without succumbing to a recession in the face of high interest rates.
Former Trump officials are among the most vocal opponents of returning him to the White House
NEW YORK — Former Defense Secretary Mark Esper has called him a “threat to democracy.” Former national security adviser John Bolton has declared him “unfit to be president.” And former Vice President Mike Pence has declined to endorse him, citing “profound differences.” As Donald Trump seeks the presidency for a third time, he is being vigorously opposed by a vocal contingent of former officials who are stridently warning against his return to power and offering dire predictions for the country and the rule of law if his campaign succeeds.
Mayor’s proposed budget up 6.6%
Mayor Mitch Roth and his department heads will be presenting a proposed $888 million budget to the County Council Finance Committee beginning Tuesday.
Celebrating culture: Hula kahiko competition features 29 performances
The sounds of ipu, pahu and chanting permeated the Edith Kanaka‘ole Multi-Purpose Stadium on Friday evening during the 61st Annual Merrie Monarch Festival’s group hula kahiko (ancient hula) competition.
Royal Parade kicks off Saturday morning in downtown Hilo
The Royal Parade will meander Saturday through downtown Hilo to celebrate the 61st annual Merrie Monarch Festival.
Judge rejects Trump request to dismiss classified documents prosecution
WASHINGTON — A federal judge refused Thursday to throw out the classified documents prosecution of Donald Trump, turning aside defense arguments that a decades-old law permitted the former president to retain the sensitive records after he left office.
Hawaii police officer who alleged racial discrimination by chief settles for $350K, agrees to retire
HONOLULU — A county in Hawaii has agreed to pay $350,000 to settle a lawsuit that accused the police chief of discriminating against a captain for being Japanese American, including one instance when the chief squinted his eyes, bowed repeatedly and said he couldn’t trust Japanese people.
13 compete to be Miss Aloha Hula
Thirteen women between the ages of 18 and 25 took the stage Thursday night at the Edith Kanaka‘ole Multi-Purpose Stadium in Hilo to vie for Miss Aloha Hula, the most prestigious title a solo hula dancer can earn.
Longer council terms nixed: Proposal shelved following robust criticism
A proposal to extend Hawaii County Council members’ terms in office will not be on the ballot this year after it was roundly rejected Tuesday during a council committee hearing.
‘It was a redemption’: Kealakehe students, once stymied by COVID shutdowns, get second chance to attend broadcast competition
In 2020 a group of students from Kealakehe Intermediate School embarked on a journey to Washington D.C. to compete in a national media competition but had to return home after two days because COVID shut down the event before it even started.
Measure to boost beekeeping on Big Isle draws strong support
Big Island beekeepers came out in swarms Tuesday to support a bill that would overhaul how Hawaii County regulates the keeping of bees on residential and other properties.
Ho‘ike kicks off 4 nights of hula
The 61st Annual Merrie Monarch Festival shifted into high gear Wednesday night with the Ho‘ike, an exhibition of hula and folk dance from around the Pacific Rim at the Edith Kanaka‘ole Multi-Purpose Stadium in Hilo.
Marijuana bill dies in the House
A bill that would’ve legalized the recreational use of cannabis for adults 21 and older is dead.
Bill aims to exempt private practice physicians from GET
A bill resurrected from last year’s legislative session to exempt medical providers from the state’s general excise tax will be heard today by the House Committee on Finance.
The largest fresh egg producer in the US has found bird flu in chickens at a Texas plant
The largest producer of fresh eggs in the U.S. said Tuesday it had temporarily halted production at a Texas plant after bird flu was found in chickens, and officials said the virus had also been detected at a poultry facility in Michigan.
ACLU hopes Supreme Court homeless win helps Honolulu case
The American Civil Liberties Union of Hawaii hopes its victory before the Hawaii Supreme Court over Maui County homeless sweeps will bolster its case against Honolulu when its lawsuit over Oahu’s homeless policies goes to trial in October.
Housing density bill curtailed: Bill amended to give more control to counties
A proposal to increase housing density statewide was substantially cut Monday after lawmakers chose to leave the matter to the counties.
Why Trump’s alarmist message on immigration may be resonating beyond his base
WASHINGTON — The video shared by former President Donald Trump features horror movie music and footage of migrants purportedly entering the U.S. from countries including Cameroon, Afghanistan and China. Shots of men with tattoos and videos of violent crime are set against close-ups of people waving and wrapping themselves in American flags.
Lou Conter, last survivor of USS Arizona from Pearl Harbor attack, dies at 102
HONOLULU — Lou Conter, the last living survivor of the USS Arizona battleship that exploded and sank during the Japanese bombing of Pearl Harbor, has died. He was 102.
