Seeking the top job: 10 pull papers for mayor
Running for mayor is proving once again to be a popular proposition, with 10 potential candidates pulling nomination papers as of Friday.
Streamlining sign variances: Bill reverses 2004 measure putting council in charge
The public will have less opportunity to weigh in on the size, style and location of roadside signs under a streamlining measure making its way through the County Council.
Council declines to indemnify fire chief in employment lawsuit
The Hawaii County Council isnt ready to put taxpayers on the hook for disciplinary actions Fire Chief Darren Rosario took in 2014 that are now the subject of a lawsuit.
Council committee advances Kaloko sewer improvement district
Neighbors of the 1,300-unit master-planned Kaloko Heights development will get a free ride on sewer hookups, thanks to an improvement district initiated by the developers.
Police actions to potholes: County pays claims
From potholes to police actions, Hawaii County paid out more than $104,000 last year in small claims to people saying they suffered damage from something the county did.
Big Brothers Big Sisters closing Big Island programs
Youth mentoring opportunities on the Big Island are being diminished with the closing of Big Brothers Big Sisters Hawaii Island programs at the end of the month.
Legislature mulls handing off SHPD responsibilities to counties
Delays in getting archaeological plan reviews from the State Historic Preservation Division have added years to the construction of Hawaii County projects, but county planning officials are skeptical a bill currently making its way through the Legislature is the answer.
Open prosecutor’s office draws candidate interest
Candidates are coming forward to fill the upcoming void in the Office of the County Prosecutor that will be left as Prosecutor Mitch Roth is running for mayor.
Airbnb fattens four council campaign war chests
Four Hawaii County Council members each received a $500 contribution from Airbnb last year, although the source of their money wasnt obvious.
Council moves GET money for Puna bus depot
An administration plan to fast-track a bus depot for Puna by buying land from a politically connected property owner has been derailed by the discovery that the property doesnt have the environmental clearances the county thought it had.
Council panel nixes herbicide resolution
A nonbinding resolution urging Mayor Harry Kim and his administration to reduce herbicide use was withdrawn by its sponsors Tuesday when it became clear the measure was about to be voted down.
Candidates are off and running: Filing period begins for state, local and federal races
Theyre off and running.
Vacation rental denials appealed
Appeals are pouring in from vacation rental owners who were denied permits, with the county Board of Appeals agenda including 25 contested cases for its Feb. 14 meeting in Kona.
League of Women Voters seeks smooth transition to mailed ballots
Although Hawaii Island, along with the rest of the state, has been voluntarily transitioning from walk-in voting to mail-in ballots over the past 20 years, the local chapter of the League of Women Voters is concerned some voters may be left behind in an election offering only two locations for on-site voting.
Ethics Board to take on Maunakea road block
The fences blocking Maunakea Access Road came down more than a month ago. But the debate over whether the government applied the law discriminately by not removing protesters and reopening the road is as robust as ever.
Paniolo Avenue intersection improvements coming
A worrisome Waikoloa intersection will be getting a $5.5 million upgrade, thanks to action taken by the County Council last week.
Stinky problem points to need for sewer solution
A sewer system for Naalehu has been talked about for decades, but it can come none too soon, as a stinky problem last week demonstrated.
Lifesaving equipment to reach firefighters sooner
When lifesaving equipment like Jaws of Life extrication tools are donated to the Hawaii Fire Department but then sit months in a warehouse until the paperwork is completed and the donation is formally accepted by the County Council, something needs to change.
Van Pernis confirmed to Leeward Planning Commission
Mark Van Pernis endured a second round of grilling Wednesday before being confirmed to the Leeward Planning Commission by a 6-3 vote.
Bus depot land buy paused
HILO The County Council put the brakes Wednesday on a fast-tracked land buy for a bus depot, for at least two more weeks while more information is gathered.
