Ethics Board: No conflict for Roth to prosecute TMT cases
HILO Mitch Roth does not have a conflict of interest prosecuting cases from the standoff on Maunakea, but he should remove himself from any involvement in the cases to allay public concerns, the county Board of Ethics said Wednesday.
Kim vetoes herbicide bill
HILO Mayor Harry Kim on Thursday exercised his first veto of this term, sending a ban on county herbicide use back to the County Council.
Roth running for mayor
HILO Mitch Roth is giving up an almost assured third term as county prosecutor in order to run for mayor of Hawaii County.
Attorney suing county wants to know who’s taxedtodeath
HILO Who is taxedtodeath?
Overlooked county cesspool to cost taxpayers
HILO Oh, poo. The county missed one.
County throwing away more, recycling less
HILO Hawaii Countys rate of recycling or otherwise diverting garbage from the landfill has dropped 48% in the past decade, according to a comprehensive report released Friday by a commission that meets once a decade to evaluate solid waste practices.
Wi-Fi fears: Some don’t want free Wi-Fi at county facilities
HILO Fear of radio wave exposure and a desire not to be around cellphone users inspired more than 50 people to send the County Council testimony opposing free Wi-Fi at county parks and facilities.
Roy Takemoto confirmed as new managing director
HILO It was rough going for a while, but the County Council on Wednesday ultimately unanimously confirmed Roy Takemoto as Mayor Harry Kims second in command.
New building permit system 3 months out
HILO A multi-agency software system designed to streamline the planning and building permit process has been delayed another three months, but there is a light at the end of the tunnel.
County ready to prosecute old rape cases
HILO Hawaii Islands decade-long backlog of rape test kits have all been processed, and now its time to move onto the next step investigating and prosecuting the cases.
Council to consider 2020 state priorities
HILO As the 2020 session of the state Legislature draws near, county leaders are working to present a united front in advocating bills they think will improve local government.
Relief for overcrowded jail on the way
HILO When Hawaii Community Correctional Center Warden Peter Cabreros started the job in 1975, he had one inmate. Nowadays, there are considerably more.
Free Wi-Fi coming to parks
HILO Free Wi-Fi is coming to seven Hawaii County parks, thanks to an agreement between Spectrum Oceanic LLC and the state Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs.
More delays for Hele-On contract
HILO Hawaii County Council members continue to have confidence in Mass Transit Administrator Brenda Carreira, despite a fumble in the department that forced the cancellation of a long-overdue contract award.
Council bans county herbicide use
HILO Urged on by new mothers, beekeepers, organic farmers and a soccer coach, the County Council on Wednesday passed a bill banning the countys use of herbicides on public property, making Hawaii County the first local government in the state to do so.
Council panel mulls property tax structure changes
HILO County Council members on Tuesday heard a host of recommendations from a task force charged with making the property tax code more equitable, but they stressed theres a long way to go before any recommendation becomes law.
In search of a solid waste solution
HILO A resolution urging the departments of Environmental Management and Research and Development put their heads together to come up with a way to reduce waste and generate clean energy received unanimous backing at a committee hearing and is scheduled Wednesday for its final County Council vote.
Managing Director Okabe resigns
HILO Wil Okabe, Mayor Harry Kims managing director and right-hand man, is resigning effective Nov. 30.
Money flows to federal campaigns
HILO Money continues flowing into campaign coffers for Hawaiis congressional delegation, even for Senate candidates who have several years before their next election.
No special tax class for vacation rentals
HILO There will be no special property tax classification for short-term vacation rentals under recommendations proposed by a panel tasked with revamping the county property tax code, but some people currently getting tax breaks for agriculture could take a hit.
