Council approves Kailua-Kona development
An agreement worked out by two council members negotiating with developers of a Kailua-Kona project was approved by the County Council last week and then sent to the mayor, despite three council members’ assurances that the public would have one more opportunity to comment at a council forum.
Todd, Rawlins, Acacio finalists for state Senate seat
A state representative and two political newcomers made the cut Wednesday night from a list of seven Democrats vying for Gov. David Ige’s nomination to fill the remaining two years of the state Senate seat vacated by Congressman-elect Kai Kahele.
Waipio Valley pedestrian ban booted
It’s back to the drawing board for a bill prohibiting pedestrian access to Waipio Valley, after County Council members Wednesday raised constitutionality issues and the effect closing hiking there would have on other valleys, such as Pololu Valley in North Kohala.
Local Dems to pick Kahele replacement candidates
Three familiar names and four not quite as familiar will vie for an open state Senate seat this evening in virtual interviews with precinct officials who will select three Democrats to send to Gov. David Ige as candidates to fill the District 1 seat vacated by Kai Kahele, who was elected to Congress.
Many appeal their property assessments
More than twice as many property owners appealed their tax assessments this year than last year, according to the 2020 report of the county Real Property Tax Board of Review.
Kierkiewicz on board of company receiving CARES funds
Puna Councilwoman Ashley Kierkiewicz steered taxpayer money to a not-yet nonprofit corporation on whose board she sits, records show.
‘Artisan-scale’ composting popular: Environmental Management Commission considers alternatives to $10.5M composter
This may be one of those cases where bigger isn’t necessarily better, at least when it comes to turning waste into compost.
County spent 80% of $80 million CARES funds
With just a month remaining to spend it or send it back, Hawaii County government had used about 80% of the $80 million in federal coronavirus relief funds it received in March, according to the November update the county sent to the state Thursday.
Replacing Kahele: Local Democrats prepare to fill Hilo Senate seat
The Big Island could be short a state senator when the regular legislative session begins Jan. 20, as the process of filling Sen. Kai Kahele’s greater Hilo District 1 seat can’t begin until he resigns.
Ethics Board rules Kim violated law in Maunakea case
Former Mayor Harry Kim violated the county code against unfair treatment when he allowed protesters to close the Maunakea access road to some people but not others, the Board of Ethics said Wednesday in a unanimous vote.
Where the money went: Council members disburse $900,000 in CARES funds
Hawaii County Council members focused on food and social and educational programs in divvying up $100,000 in coronavirus relief funds each of the nine members received last summer for projects in their communities.
New mayor, prosecutor, council inaugurated
Mayor Mitch Roth has repeatedly stated the goal of his administration is to help people thrive and succeed, and on Monday, less than an hour after reaffirming that pledge during his inauguration speech, he detailed several examples of emergency rules he plans to implement to help schools and businesses better cope with COVID-19 restrictions.
Council, public speak out on Roth’s Cabinet picks
Mayor-elect Mitch Roth drew from both government and private sectors in his choices for Cabinet officials, but some people think his appointees to head two key departments — Planning and Public Works — sway too far pro-development.
David to lead County Council; Chung named vice chairman
Maile David will lead the County Council for the two-year term beginning next month, following an organizational meeting held shortly after the election.
Feds pick up the tab for county workers: $3.7M in wages, overtime attributed to COVID-19 work since March
The federal government picked up $3.7 million for salaries, wages and overtime of county employees during the first seven months of the coronavirus pandemic, according to data released by the county Department of Finance in response to a West Hawaii Today public records request.
Big Island voters not as quick to embrace Trump
While all islands in Hawaii became a slightly lighter shade of blue this presidential election, the Big Island had the smallest increase in Trump voters in the state, according to a West Hawaii Today comparison of votes between 2016 and 2020.
Roth hitting the ground running: Cabinet positions available to be filled by Dec. 7
After a decisive win late Tuesday in his bid for mayor, Hawaii County Prosecutor Mitch Roth hit the ground running Wednesday, preparing to close one county office while he begins assembling a cabinet so he’ll be ready to take over the next one Dec. 7.
Roth clinches Hawaii Island mayoral seat
Hawaii County Prosecutor Mitch Roth beat political newcomer Ikaika Marzo late Tuesday in the race to be the next mayor of Hawaii County.
Building code won’t meet deadline
Hawaii County is not going to meet a state-imposed deadline to revamp its building code and two county council members are prevailing upon Gov. David Ige to allow an extension.
Election deadline nears: Host of federal, state and local races to be decided Tuesday
It’s not even Election Day and Hawaii County voters have already surpassed the voter turnout of the last presidential election.
