Finalists for mayor head down the home stretch
There’s a lot of agreement, but also major differences, between the two candidates running for Hawaii County’s top office.
CARES money still available: Individuals, businesses and nonprofits urged to apply
As the county continues pushing federal coronavirus relief money out to the public, there are still plenty of opportunities for individuals, businesses and nonprofits to apply for help with bills, rent, mortgages and utilities.
Trans-Pacific travel: Ready for prime time? Kim says no
With just two weeks remaining to get it all together, Hawaii’s pretest trans-Pacific travel plan is not ready for prime time, Mayor Harry Kim said Tuesday, a sentiment echoed by two recent travelers to the Big Island.
Still in the race: Two County Council seats remain undecided
While the primary election settled most of the County Council races last month, two seats remain in question heading into the Nov. 3 general election.
No CARES campaigning: Council members directed to distance themselves from coronavirus relief funds
Almost $1 million in federal coronavirus relief funds the County Council is disbursing to businesses and community groups has caused some consternation as the county administration tries to ensure donations follow federal laws and don’t look like political campaigning.
State, but not county, workers face furloughs
Gov. David Ige’s proposal to help patch the state’s budget hole by instituting twice-monthly unpaid furlough days for most union employees won’t affect Hawaii County workers, at least in the short term.
Water Board sets public hearing for 13% rate hike
The public will be able to weigh in Oct. 21 on an average 13% increase in island water rates, following action Tuesday by the county Water Board.
Planning Department opposes wedding business in Holualoa’s coffee farming region
The county Planning Department is recommending the Leeward Planning Commission deny an after-the-fact permit for a wedding venue in the coffee-growing region of Holualoa.
Census: Hawaii now third in response rate after very slow start
After a very slow start that saw few people returning their census questionnaires, Hawaii has picked up the pace to the point that it now has the third-highest rate in the nation for census forms completed.
Long-awaited hydrogen buses on the way: Transit administrator predicts first bus in service by end of year
It’s been a long road, but the county’s first hydrogen bus — and possibly even three buses — should be traveling Kona streets before the year is out.
Council endorses voluntary contact tracing apps
A nonbinding resolution urging the mayor to support a voluntary contact tracing app cleared the County Council by an 8-1 vote Wednesday after it was changed to allow more than one specific vendor.
County pushes forward on COVID-19 spending: Finance Department outlines $21.8M in expenditures
After spending just $4.4 million of its $80 million federal coronavirus relief allotment from March through July, Hawaii County has stepped up its game and in August reported $21.8 million in expenditures.
COVID-19 survivors see flaws in system: Mayor thinks central command post will improve response
It started with a little tickle at the back of her throat.
Charter amendment price tags: Most of the 16 proposed amendments will have minimal financial impact, county says
Most of the 16 charter amendments on the Nov. 3 ballot, if passed, will have minimal impact on the county budget, a Sept. 4 report from the county Finance Department states.
Whose jurisdiction? County Ethics Board continues Maunakea debate
Who should enforce the law when protesters block the access road to Maunakea and continue to have unpermitted structures there remained in question Wednesday as the county Board of Ethics struggled with a board resolution and a citizen petition that’s been pending since January.
Roth, Marzo collect campaign money, endorsements
Mayoral candidate Mitch Roth cleared the $200,000 mark in campaign contributions and candidate Ikaika Marzo crept close to $100,000 according to campaign finance reports filed last week, while both candidates continue to solicit endorsements from unions, officials and also-rans.
Department of Health weighs in on large Big Island gatherings: Kahele alleges ‘shaming for grieving’ after questions asked about participation
There is reason to believe they are related, but so far, no definitive link has been found tying the recent Big Island upsurge in coronavirus cases with several large gatherings in late July and early August, the director of the state Department of Health said in a letter Wednesday.
Council leaders call for lockdown: Chung, Eoff worry virus is getting out of control
The Hawaii County Council leadership is asking Mayor Harry Kim to institute a temporary stay-home order to stem the rising tide of coronavirus infections on the island.
Council seeks scrutiny of FCC permits: Nonbinding resolution supports safety regulations of wireless facilities
The Hawaii County Council unanimously approved a resolution Wednesday supporting the Natural Resources Defense Council and other elected officials who have petitioned in federal court for stricter environmental review before the Federal Communications Commission approves wireless communication facilities and other sources of radiofrequency emissions.
Contact tracing app squeaks through: Council Public Safety Committee narrowly passes nonbinding resolution
A County Council panel Tuesday urged developers of a free, voluntary contact tracing app to talk directly with Mayor Harry Kim’s administration before the council takes a final vote on a resolution later this month.
