Driven by pandemic, Venezuelans uproot again to come to US
DEL RIO, Texas — Marianela Rojas huddles in prayer with her fellow migrants, a tearful respite after trudging across a slow-flowing stretch of the Rio Grande and nearly collapsing onto someone’s backyard lawn, where, seconds before, she stepped on American soil for the first time.
Your Views for June 29
Disney delight
Visitor apparently drowns in South Kohala
Police say a 73-year-old visitor died of apparent drowning Friday in South Kohala.
Woman charged with strong-arm robbery at Hilo ATM
Police have arrested and charged a 30-year-old Puna woman for a strong-arm robbery Saturday at a Hilo automated teller machine.
Manao sought on mooring plans for manta viewing sites
Public comment is being sought by the state on plans to install day-use mooring buoys at two popular manta ray diving sites off the Kona Coast.
Search to begin for new human resources chief
Hawaii County is in search of a new Human Resources director after the resignation of Bill Brilhante, who leaves his post Thursday to work in his family’s business.
Departing Superintendent Kishimoto discusses reopening of schools in August
More than a month after announcing public schools in Hawaii will open fully for daily-in person learning in August, state Superintendent Christina Kishimoto said face-to-face instruction will be the “primary mode of instruction” when students return for the new academic year.
VA audit finds upkeep at Hilo’s veterans cemeteries lacking, seeks review of all in state
An audit released Thursday by the Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General found what it called “critical deficiencies” at veterans cemeteries in Hilo and Makawao, Maui.
Broadband expansion programs advance
Several programs aimed at improving broadband access statewide are steadily taking shape, a state official said Monday.
Let’s Talk Food: Spanish Paella, a great one-dish meal
The last time we were in Spain, I went to the kitchen of the hotel and worked with the chef, making a seafood paella for the staff. Originally, paella was made at lunchtime for the farmers and laborers. The workers would gather together what was available like tomatoes, onions, rabbit and duck to make this dish.
End to COVID hotel housing for homeless raises worries
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. — Everyone on the streets knows “Sir Charles,” the skinny guy with the saxophone, sunglasses, felt hat and megawatt smile. At a gig this week at the iconic Elbo Room beach bar, he danced with a soda in his hand as the bouncers teased him, the ladies applauded and patrons slipped a few dollars into his tip jar.
It only takes one school’: Waiakea graduate Keegan Scanlan finds his opportunity in Maine
As an eighth grader, Keegan Scanlan had a front-row seat to the greatest BIIF basketball championship comeback victory, for either boys or girls, in the league’s history in 2016.
Rainy Side View: Earthquakes and Hawaii go together
Whether you have been on this island for a while or just arrived, you’ve probably experienced an earthquake, one of the perks of living with active volcanoes.
Biden vaccine targets ‘movable middle’
WASHINGTON — Thrown off-stride to reach its COVID-19 vaccination goal, the Biden administration is sending A-list officials across the country, devising ads for niche markets and enlisting community organizers to persuade unvaccinated people to get a shot.
Alzheimer’s drug: Results vary as Aduhelm stirs hope for patients, worry for doctors
In the weeks since a new Alzheimer’s drug was approved, hopeful patients have bombarded Dr. Alireza Atri with calls and emails about a treatment that has sparked both excitement and skepticism.
Heroes among us: Kona man awarded Carnegie Medal for saving shark attack victim
A Kailua-Kona man has been awarded The Carnegie Medal, considered North America’s highest civilian honor for heroism.
County issues fireworks rules, closes Waipi‘o Valley for July 4
With the long July 4 weekend upcoming, county officials are stressing a safe celebration of the Independence Day holiday.
Accepted by default: BLNR’s tie vote opens the door for aquarium fishing EIS
A revised final environmental impact statement proposing the reopening of West Hawaii’s coastal waters to aquarium fishing is poised to gain acceptance from the state Board of Land and Natural Resources.
Kean Wong rejoins Angels
Kean Wong is back in the big leagues, so hopefully Hilo will have two active major leaguers this week.
It’s a start: HHSAA schedules state tournaments
The HHSAA released its 2021-22 state tournament schedule, but the return of sports is stopped at a red light for the moment.
A man’s college is his Castle: KSH grad Yasso packs bags for Vermont
Kaupena Yasso is packing his considerable basketball skills, a cooler of food, and the aloha spirit to Vermont, where he’ll play ball for Castleton University.
Drive-Thru Pride held
Hawaii Island LGBTQ Pride was celebrated with a Drive-Thru Pride event for the second year in a row.
Puna burglary suspects charged
Police charged two men after a brief standoff Tuesday on Uhini Ana Road in Mountain View.
Historic Honokaa: Newly opened museum focuses on history of area
The Honokaa Heritage Center has officially opened in its new downtown location at the historic Botelho building.
Ige discusses changes to travel, gathering restrictions
A day after announcing the state will relax COVID-19 travel and gathering restrictions on July 8 — when 60% of Hawaii’s population should be fully vaccinated — Gov. David Ige on Friday further explained his decision.
