Keeping us all safe: Hundreds get COVID-19 vaccine, though demand for shot is waning
The Hawaii Department of Health held its second COVID-19 vaccine clinic Saturday at Kealakehe Intermediate School, with the majority of participants receiving their second dose.
Resolution would ask county to conform to Basel Convention regarding waste
The Hawaii County Council will discuss how to better handle the county’s plastic waste, although it is unclear what effect it can actually have.
Fujimoto reflects on career as dentist, enjoys time as head of association
If you’ve been to the dentist in Hilo, you’ve likely met Dr. Patsy Fujimoto.
‘Imiloa prepares for reopening
It was quiet inside ‘Imiloa Astronomy Center last week as the facility continues to weather a 15-month shutdown due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.
As COVID-19 cases wane, vaccine-lagging areas still see risk
JACKSON, Miss. — New COVID-19 cases are declining across most of the country, even in some states with vaccine-hesitant populations. But almost all states bucking that trend have lower-than-average vaccination rates, and experts warn that relief from the pandemic could be fleeting in regions where few people get inoculated.
Prime Peke! Wasabi the Pekingese wins Westminster dog show
TARRYTOWN, N.Y. — The flavor of the year at the Westminster Kennel Club dog show: Wasabi.
Americans stand trial in Japan, accused in Ghosn’s escape
TOKYO — Two Americans suspected of helping former Nissan chairman Carlos Ghosn flee Japan while he was out on bail go on trial today in Tokyo.
Israel swears in new coalition, ending Netanyahu’s long rule
JERUSALEM — Israel’s parliament on Sunday narrowly approved a new coalition government, ending the historic 12-year rule of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and sending the polarizing leader into the opposition.
Rainy Side View: Father’s Day
This Sunday is Father’s Day, a time to honor dads, granddads, uncles, brothers and any one else playing a role in guiding us through life.
Biden’s student loan options are reasonable
Student loan borrowers hoping that President Joe Biden would forgive any significant portion of their debt are likely gnashing their teeth. The White House has left loan forgiveness out of its upcoming budget proposal, as the administration focuses on passing legislation it already has introduced.
Biden should be better at seeing what’s ahead
In 2012, Pew Research asked 1,008 Americans to describe then-Vice President Joe Biden in one word. The responses ranged from “Good,” the most common answer, to “Goofy.” But almost five months into his tenure, the word that perhaps most accurately describes him as president is “Shortsighted.” Time after time, Biden has been caught short by consequences of his policies that should have been obvious.
Southern Baptists meet amid controversy over leaked letters
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — As Southern Baptists prepare for their biggest annual meeting in more than a quarter-century, accusations that leaders have shielded churches from claims of sexual abuse and simmering tensions around race threaten to once again mire the nation’s largest Protestant denomination in a conflict that can look more political than theological.
Judge tosses hospital workers’ vaccine requirement challenge
HOUSTON (AP) — A federal judge threw out a lawsuit filed by employees of a Houston hospital system over its requirement that all of its staff be vaccinated against COVID-19.
Cartoon for June 13
The Big Island as seen by Hawaii Tribune-Herald cartoonist Gary Hoff.
Chicago man jumps into Lake Michigan for 365th straight day
CHICAGO — A Chicago bus driver looking for a way to relieve stress during the coronavirus pandemic jumped into Lake Michigan for a 365th straight day on Saturday.
Construction on Kipuka Keaau Community Center pushed back
Plans to open a youth center in Keaau have been pushed back yet again, with the facility now expected to open to the public in 2026.
Biden urges G-7 leaders to call out and compete with China
CARBIS BAY, England — Leaders of the world’s largest economies unveiled an infrastructure plan Saturday for the developing world to compete with China’s global initiatives, but they were searching for a consensus on how to forcefully to call out Beijing over human rights abuses.
Hilo man charged with attempted murder, domestic abuse
A Hilo mother of two is in “serious but stable condition” after being stabbed seven times at a residence Thursday morning.
Lack of workers, influx of tourists to state puts strain on businesses
Hawaii’s high unemployment rate may have left it unprepared for the coming flood of tourists as the pandemic lessens, tourism industry representatives said Friday.
Building code revisions ahead: County Council to take up last 2 pieces of construction requirements
The Big Island is moving into 2018. The 2018 international building code, that is.
Festival returns to Volcano as tourism begins to rebound from pandemic
After a year of struggle, Volcano will welcome travelers’ return to Hawaii with the second Experience Volcano Festival in August.
Travel rebound: 2 million people go through US airports
DALLAS — The airline industry’s recovery from the pandemic passed a milestone as more than 2 million people streamed through U.S. airport security checkpoints on Friday for the first time since early March 2020.
Obituaries for June 13
Wayne John Galante, 77, of Holualoa died on May 24 at Hale Ho‘ola Hamakua in Honokaa. Born in Denver, he was the dentist and founder of West Hawaii Dental Associates in Kealakekua, attended Oregon State University as an undergraduate, attended dental school at the University of Oregon in Portland, was a veteran of the U.S. Navy and a dentist for the Navy on Oahu. Private services will be held at a later date. Condolences may be sent to Noelani Pi, P.O. Box 4386 Kailua-Kona, Hawaii. 96745. Online condolences may be made at homelanimemorialpark.com. Survived by daughter, Noelani (Albert) Pi of Kailua-Kona; son, Kai (Sherina) Galante of Kailua-Kona; former spouse, Jane Galante of Kailua-Kona; sister, Kate (Gilberto Cantillo) Galante of Cartago, Costa Rica; three grandchildren; nieces and nephews. Arrangements by Homelani Memorial Park.
As virus cases wane, governors weigh ending emergency orders
New coronavirus infections and deaths in the U.S. are down dramatically from earlier highs, though more contagious variants are spreading. Most people are now are at least partially vaccinated, yet lingering hesitancy has slowed the pace and even caused some doses to go to waste.
Rebuke of Marine general was the right thing to do. That punishment sends a message
The drowning deaths off the San Diego coast of eight Marines and a sailor who were just 18 to 23 years old in July reflected incomprehensible incompetence on the part of military leaders. It led to Lt. Col. Michael Regner, the commanding officer of the battalion landing team involved in the tragedy, being removed from command in October. A damning Marine Corps investigation of the tragedy released in March revealed those who died had received poor training on how to escape a sinking amphibious assault vehicle that was in “horrible condition” and should never have been used. That led to the firing of Col. Christopher Bronzi, the commanding officer of the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit.
