DOH: 66 new cases on the Big Island; 2 new deaths
The state Department of Health is reporting 1,511 new COVID cases statewide today, with 66 on the Big Island.
Police renew request for leads on missing woman
Police are renewing their request for the public’s assistance to locate 62-year-old Mahali De Rasayana, also known as Julie Ann Linderman, of Puna.
Council: $6M for one-lane bridge in Hilo
The Hawaii County Council unanimously voted Wednesday to contribute $6 million to a project to replace a heavily used one-lane bridge in Hilo.
Case drop may show South Africa’s omicron peak has passed
JOHANNESBURG — South Africa’s noticeable drop in new COVID-19 cases in recent days may signal that the country’s dramatic omicron-driven surge has passed its peak, medical experts say.
Don’t let Joe Manchin slow response to climate change
This is not a hopeful moment for the fight against climate change.
High court to hold special session on vaccine requirements
WASHINGTON — The Supreme Court says it will hold a special session in just over two weeks to weigh challenges to two Biden administration policies covering vaccine requirements for millions of workers, policies that affect large employers and health care workers.
China orders lockdown of up to 13 million people in Xi’an
BEIJING — China ordered the lockdown of as many as 13 million people in neighborhoods and workplaces in the northern city of Xi’an following a spike in coronavirus cases, setting off panic buying just weeks before the country hosts the Winter Olympic Games.
Pfizer pill OK’d to be 1st US home COVID-19 treatment
WASHINGTON — U.S. health regulators on Wednesday authorized the first pill against COVID-19, a Pfizer drug that Americans will be able to take at home to head off the worst effects of the virus.
Holiday cheer from HICC
On Friday, Dec. 17, members of the Hawaii Island Chamber of Commerce stopped by The Arc of Hilo to spread holiday cheer and give gifts to the organization.
Civil Air Patrol’s Lyman Squadron begins Great Start class
Imagine walking into an aircraft hanger for a leadership class unaware that this is the first step in achieving your life goals.
Your Views for December 23
Religious arguments
Mountain View man pleads guilty to meth distribution
A Mountain View man charged with methamphetamine trafficking has changed his plea in federal court.
Holiday rush is on at Big Isle airports
Big Island airports have been busy amid the holidays with nearly 21,000 trans-Pacific arrivals between Sunday and Wednesday.
Hospitals prep for surge: ‘Don’t let your guard down over the holidays’
Big Island hospitals are preparing for a rough winter as all signs point to an omicron-fueled COVID-19 surge within the next month.
Obituaries for December 23
James “Jim” Duane Barry, 91, of Holualoa died Nov. 3 at home. Born in California, he was a high school teacher and football coach at Honokaa and Konawaena high schools and in California. Services at a later date. Survived by wife, Han Sung Barry of Holualoa; daughter, Kathryn Barry of Florida; son, Jamie (Candice Chow) Barry of Holualoa; a granddaughter. Arrangements by Dodo Mortuary.
Council passes glyphosate ban at county parks
The County Council on Wednesday passed a bill banning the use of Round-Up or other glyphosate-based herbicides at county parks, sending it to Mayor Mitch Roth, who is expected to sign it.
HPA sacked in state semifinals: Kapaa stalls Ka Makani revival with 51-0 victory, but ‘future is ridiculously bright’
HONOLULU – Hawaii Preparatory Academy ran into a brick wall otherwise known as the Kapaa Warriors on Wednesday.
Big Island under flash flood watch
A flash flood watch has been posted for the Big Island through tonight.
Police: Highway 11 at Kipimana Street now open
UPDATE: Highway 11 at Kipimana Street is now open.
DOH: Four suspected Omicron cases on the Big Island
The state Department of Health suspects that there could be at least four cases of the omicron variant of COVID-19 on the Big Island.
Lost Maunakea hiker rescued in heavy snow, sleet
A lost hiker was rescued Tuesday in thick white-out conditions on the Humuʻula Trail at the 13,000-foot elevation on Maunakea, according to the University of Hawaii.
A little bird told me this is nuts
It turns out that birds are not real. Just check out the billboards, T-shirts, social media postings and the messages on a truth van touring the country. Birds are actually government surveillance drones that recharge themselves by perching on power lines right over our heads. That explains a lot.
The Dems should blame themselves, not Manchin
The Democrats should have listened to Joe Manchin. As their “Build Back Better” agenda assumed legislative shape, the Democratic senator from West Virginia kept telling them what he didn’t like about it.
Variant casts shadow over the recovery of economy
Just as Americans and Europeans were eagerly awaiting their most normal holiday season in a couple of years, the omicron variant has unleashed a fresh round of fear and uncertainty — for travelers, shoppers, party-goers and their economies as a whole.
Hotel occupancy continues to rebound but still lags behind 2019
Hotel occupancy rates throughout the state were substantially higher in November than they were in 2020, but still lagged behind prepandemic numbers.
