Government News
Department of Health Reopens Takamiya Market After Inspection
The Department of Health has reopened Takamiya Market after a successful inspection on April 26, 2024. The market, located in Wailuku, was issued a green "Pass" placard, signaling its approval for operation. According to the report, during the follow-up inspection, no active pest activity was observed, leading to the market's reopening.In a statement, the DOH Maui Food Safety Branch highlighted the efforts made by Takamiya Market to address the pest issue, stating that the establishment had engaged a professional pest control company for routine treatments and monitoring....
Hawai‘i Governor Recognizes National Correctional Officers and Employees Week
HONOLULU — Governor Josh Green, M.D., signed a proclamation Friday, April 26, 2024, recognizing National Correctional Officers and Employees Week beginning May 5, 2024, through May 11, 2024. The proclamation is to honor the hundreds of dedicated correctional officers and non-uniformed staff at jail and prison facilities in Hawai‘i.National Correctional Officers and Employees Week was established on May 5, 1984, by President Ronald Reagan, when he signed Proclamation 5187 creating “National Correctional Officers’ Week” to recognize the men and women who work in jails,...
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Gov. Green Approves Broadband Equity Access and Development State Match Plan
By Big Island Times | Apr 26, 2024
Lieutenant Governor Sylvia Luke expressed her satisfaction with the Legislature's action to ensure the state match in funding, stating that it fulfills an integral component of the administration's statewide initiative. She highlighted the importance of partnerships and collaborations between various entities to ensure all residents have access to reliable and affordable high-speed internet.Chung Chang, the strategic broadband coordinator for the Hawai‘i Broadband and Digital Equity Office, emphasized the significance of the additional state funds in empowering the office...
The Department of Health reopens Takamiya Market
By Big Island Times | Apr 26, 2024
The Hawai‘i Department of Health (DOH) Maui Food Safety Branch has given Takamiya Market the green light to reopen following a successful inspection. The market, located at 359 N. Market Street in Wailuku, had faced closure due to pest activity but has now met the necessary standards for operation.During the inspection process, it was noted that there was an initial concern regarding pest activity. The DOH Maui Food Safety Branch shared, "At the first follow-up inspection on April 23, 2024, a reduced but still active cockroach population was observed and the establishment...
DOH Approves Reopening of Alyssandra Lumpia Express in ʻAiea
By Big Island Times | Apr 26, 2024
The Department of Health (DOH) has given the green light for the reopening of Alyssandra Lumpia Express in ʻAiea, following a recent inspection. The food establishment was advised to continue to maintain proper drainage of wastewater into the approved sanitary sewage system.This approval comes after the necessary measures were taken by Alyssandra Lumpia Express to address the concerns raised during the inspection. The DOH is satisfied with the actions taken by the establishment, ensuring that it meets the required health and safety standards.In response to the...
DOA News release on HB2619 relating to biosecurity funding
By Big Island Times | Apr 26, 2024
The Hawaii Department of Agriculture (HDOA) has announced a significant development in the state's biosecurity efforts with the passing of HB2619. Governor Josh Green, M.D., highlighted the importance of this legislation by stating, "This is landmark legislation in the fight against invasive species." The bill designates the HDOA as the lead agency in coordinating the state's biosecurity efforts and provides additional resources to enhance protection of the state's agriculture and way of life.Sharon Hurd, chairperson of the Hawai‘i Board of Agriculture, expressed...
AG Lopez Urges UnitedHealth Group to Help Patients & Providers Harmed by Cyberattack
By Big Island Times | Apr 25, 2024
Attorney General Anne Lopez has urged UnitedHealth Group to take more meaningful action to protect providers, pharmacies, and patients affected by the recent cyberattack on Change Healthcare. In a bipartisan effort with 22 attorneys general, Lopez emphasized the need for UnitedHealth Group to address the disruptions caused by the cyberattack.Lopez expressed her concerns, stating, "Here in Hawaiʻi, we have heard from local medical providers who say the cyberattack is causing issues with access by way of delayed insurance authorizations and claim reimbursements. This is...
DOA Extends Pesticides Disposal Program to Moloka‘i
By Big Island Times | Apr 25, 2024
HONOLULU – The Pesticides Branch of the Hawai‘i Department of Agriculture (HDOA) announced the extension of its free pesticide disposal program to the island of Moloka‘i in June. Moloka‘i farmers and other commercial users of pesticides are encouraged to participate in this initiative. According to Sharon Hurd, chairperson of the Hawai‘i Board of Agriculture, "The Pesticides Disposal Program has been very successful across the state and we are pleased to bring the program to Moloka‘i."The statewide Pesticides Disposal Program (PDP) is specifically designed for commercial...
Temporary Closure of Kahakapao Access Road for Construction Project Announced
By Big Island Times | Apr 25, 2024
DLNR News Release – TEMPORARY CLOSURE OF KAHAKAPAO ACCESS ROAD, April 25, 2024The Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) has announced the temporary closure of Kahakapao Access Road for a construction project, as detailed in a news release dated April 25, 2024.According to the DLNR News Release, the road serves as the main access route into and out of the Makawao State Forest Reserve and Kahakapao Recreation Area (KRA). It provides safe access into the reserve for various user groups, including residents, visitors, and county workers at the Piʻiholo Water...
DLNR News Release-Dozens of Vehicles to be Towed from Kahului Harbor Next Month
By Big Island Times | Apr 24, 2024
Apr 24 2024 - The Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) announced that dozens of vehicles will be towed from Kahului Harbor next month. The decision comes after the harbor area has been overrun with abandoned vehicles, leading to concerns about safety and cleanliness.DOBOR Administrator Ed Underwood expressed the necessity of this action, stating, “We recognize the plight houseless individuals face and the extraordinary high cost of living on Maui and across the state. However, our boating facilities are open to everyone and it is not appropriate for certain...
Student Video Challenge Highlights Importance of Hawaiian Forest Birds
By Big Island Times | Apr 24, 2024
Twenty-four student groups recently participated in a video challenge showcasing the significance of Hawaiian forest birds. The top videos were submitted by Pearl City Highlands Elementary School, Kaimukī Middle School, and ‘Alo Kēhau o ka ʻĀina Mauna High School. Dr. Josh Atwood, Information and Education Specialist for DOFAW, expressed his admiration for the students' efforts, stating, “Seeing students share their voices to talk about the importance of native birds in Hawaiʻi is so inspiring. They did a lot of research to produce these videos. You get the sense from these...
NEWS RELEASE: Hawai‘i Foreign-Trade Zone Honors Customs Broker M. Bowers & Co. with Annual Excellence Award
By Big Island Times | Apr 24, 2024
HONOLULU – The state Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism (DBEDT) Foreign-Trade Zone No. 9 (FTZ9) division last week honored M. Bowers & Co., Inc. with its annual excellence award, given to businesses and other organizations that have made valuable contributions to our local international trade industry.“We are pleased to present the FTZ9 annual Excellence Award to Michael Bowers of M. Bowers & Co.,” said FTZ9 Administrator David Sikkink. “A longtime tenant at our Pier 2 facility, M. Bowers has been an integral part of our local international trade...
DOH confirms additional case of whooping cough on Hawai‘i Island
By Big Island Times | Apr 24, 2024
The Hawai‘i Department of Health (DOH) has confirmed one additional case of pertussis (also known as whooping cough) in a third distinct region on Hawaiʻi Island which is unrelated to previous cases. According to the DOH, this new case closely follows 10 recently reported cases and brings the total to 11 pertussis cases on the Island from March – April 2024. Several of the recent cases have occurred in infants too young to be fully vaccinated.In response to the recent cases, the DOH strongly recommends staying up to date with pertussis vaccinations. Dr. Sarah Park, State...
Senate Passes Bipartisan Hirono, Cruz Legislation to Maintain Access to the Federal Courts
By Big Island Times | Apr 23, 2024
The U.S. Senate has approved a bipartisan and bicameral legislation aimed at preserving access to the federal courts for millions of Americans. Spearheaded by U.S. Senators Mazie K. Hirono and Ted Cruz, the Federal Judiciary Stabilization Act seeks to transition 10 temporary federal judgeships to permanent status. The bill gained unanimous consent in the Senate, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a stable federal judiciary.Senator Hirono expressed her satisfaction with the Senate's decision, stating, “I'm glad to see the Senate unanimously pass this bipartisan bill...
Hawai'i Supreme Court to Hold First Oral Argument at Kailua High School
By Big Island Times | Apr 23, 2024
Hawai'i Supreme Court justices, including Chief Justice Mark E. Recktenwald and Associate Justice Sabrina S. McKenna, will be holding their first oral argument at Kailua High School on April 26, 2024. The event will take place in the Kailua High School Gymnasium, with doors opening to the public at 9:30 a.m.The oral argument will be in the case of SCWC-21-0000679, STATE OF HAWAI‘I, Respondent/Plaintiff-Appellee, vs. CHARLES TUNG MING YUEN, Petitioner/Defendant-Appellant. More than 300 students from Kailua High School, Kalāheo High School, and Le Jardin Academy will have...
DLNR News Release - Death of Nene Gosling in Hilo Park Highlights Threat Posed by Feral Cats
By Big Island Times | Apr 23, 2024
In a recent development, the death of a Nene gosling in Hilo Park has shed light on the threat posed by feral cats carrying diseases. Raymond McGuire, a DOFAW biologist with extensive experience working with Nene, expressed his sadness over the incident. He emphasized the need for cat lovers to consider the deadly consequences of feeding feral cats, stating, "We know cat lovers are animal lovers."McGuire urged people to prioritize the well-being of iconic wildlife species like Nene and monk seals over non-native species such as cats. Jordan Lerma, from the nonprofit Nēnē...
Department of Health Reopens Ocean Club at Haliʻi Kai in Waikoloa
By Big Island Times | Apr 23, 2024
Kailua-Kona, Hawaiʻi – The Hawai‘i Department of Health (DOH) Food Safety Branch has allowed the Ocean Club at Haliʻi Kai to reopen following a green “pass” placard issued during a follow-up inspection on April 23, 2024."The Department of Health Food Safety Branch protects and promotes the health of Hawai‘i residents and visitors through education of food industry workers and regulation of food establishments statewide," said the DOH representative.During the inspection, it was confirmed that all required corrective actions had been taken, with the DOH stating, "all of...
Hirono Votes to Pass National Security Supplemental, Deliver Critical Aid to Allies
By Big Island Times | Apr 23, 2024
WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI), a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee and Chair of the Subcommittee on Readiness and Management Support, expressed her satisfaction after voting to pass the bipartisan national security funding package with aid for various regions.In a statement released today, Senator Hirono highlighted the significance of the funding package, stating, “Today, after months of needless delay, Congress has made good on its commitment to stand with our allies and defend democracy at home and abroad. With urgently-needed funding...
Gov. Green Renews Commitment to House FEMA-Ineligible Maui Wildfire Survivors
By Big Island Times | Apr 23, 2024
Gov. Green has renewed his commitment to supporting the survivors of the Maui wildfire who are ineligible for FEMA assistance. In a recent statement, the governor expressed his dedication to assisting these families, stating, "We are committed to helping these families recover and rebuild their lives."The governor's pledge comes as a beacon of hope for those who have been left without the necessary aid to recover from the devastating effects of the wildfire. With FEMA assistance out of reach for these survivors, Gov. Green's commitment to providing support is crucial in...
DLNR Announces Temporary Closure of Hawaii Island Areas for Animal Control Activities
By Big Island Times | Apr 22, 2024
(HILO) - The DLNR Division of Forestry and Wildlife (DOFAW) has announced the temporary closure of certain areas on Hawaii Island for animal control activities as part of efforts to protect the palila bird's critical habitat. A news release from DLNR stated that the animal control activities, including trapping, ground, and aerial shooting, will target feral goats, feral sheep, mouflon, and mouflon/feral sheep hybrids in specific reserves and game management areas on the island.The aerial shooting of sheep and goats is a necessary measure to comply with a federal court...