Obituaries for October 5
Dane H. Bowden-Kauka, 36, of Hilo died Aug. 29 at Hilo Medical Center. Born in Hilo, he was a member of the Hawaii Laborers’ Union Local 368, heavy equipment operator for Concrete Coring Co. and former foreman and crane operator at Resort Management Group. Drive-thru visitation only 4-6 p.m. Saturday, (Oct. 16, at Dodo Mortuary upper carport. Face masks and social distancing required. Survived by companion, Brandi Paulo; mother, Javer Lani (Clarence) Kekaualua; stepmother, Joan Kauka; brother, Kimokeo Bowden Sr.; sister, Amanda Kauka-Fernandez; nephews, nieces, aunts, uncles and cousins. Arrangements by Dodo Mortuary.
No response yet to Olson Trust lawsuit
There has been no public response yet to a lawsuit by the Edmund C. Olson Trust against a developer who sought to redevelop two properties on Banyan Drive in Hilo.
Refugee admissions hit record low, despite Biden’s reversal
SAN DIEGO — Refugee admissions to the United States fell to a record low during the 2021 budget year, despite President Joe Biden’s pledge to reverse the sharp cuts made by the Trump administration, according to figures obtained by The Associated Press.
HVO lowers Kilauea alert level
The Hawaiian Volcano Observatory on Monday lowered Kilauea’s volcano alert level to WATCH, and its aviation color code to ORANGE, to reflect “the less-hazardous nature of the ongoing eruption.” The volcano began erupting on Sept. 29 for the first time since May. The eruption is contained to Halema‘uma‘u crater within the volcano’s summit caldera in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.
Judge frees man charged with felony abuse
A judge on Monday released a 34-year-old Kurtistown man charged with four felonies in connection with a Thursday domestic incident over the objection of prosecutors.
Solar farms: Public invited to weigh in on two large West Hawaii projects
Two large solar farms could come to the West Hawaii coast, thanks to projects contemplated by the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands.
Public to get first crack at Maunakea Master Plan draft
The University of Hawaii is hosting what it calls a “virtual public forum” in which the public can ask questions via email about UH’s draft Maunakea Master Plan.
Palace Theater AC project finally complete
The Palace Theater is days away from turning on its air conditioner for the first time in decades.
Green: Most COVID-10 restrictions could be dropped later this month
Lt. Gov. Josh Green believes the state could begin lowering COVID-19 restrictions in about two weeks.
Japan new PM to seek fresh mandate to handle virus, economy
TOKYO — Newly elected Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida said he will dissolve the lower house next week in preparation for Oct. 31 elections as he seeks a fresh mandate to deal with the coronavirus pandemic, the sagging economy and security threats from China and North Korea.
State briefs for October 5
Officials want $64M to fix convention center deck
Did ship’s anchor cause California oil spill? Maybe
HUNTINGTON BEACH, Calif. — Officials investigating one of California’s largest recent oil spills are looking into whether a ship’s anchor may have struck an oil pipeline on the ocean floor, causing heavy crude to leak into coastal waters and foul beaches, authorities said Monday.
Why the US needs to end coastal drilling
The Orange County coastline has become the latest casualty of the nation’s unhealthy dependence on oil.
The case for vaccine mandates keeps getting stronger
Vaccine mandates work. Just ask New York Gov. Kathy Hochul, whose state gave roughly 600,000 health care workers until this past Monday to get a COVID-19 jab or lose their jobs.
New Zealand admits it can no longer get rid of coronavirus
WELLINGTON, New Zealand — New Zealand’s government acknowledged Monday what most other countries did long ago: It can no longer completely get rid of the coronavirus.
Your Views for October 5
Idea for homeless
Let’s Talk Food: Eating healthy foods
According to Cooking Light, the criteria for eating healthy foods are eating wholesome, nutritious foods that promote good health; eating more plant-based foods and less meat; eat minimally processed foods, as close to their natural state; taking account the responsibility of using our earth’s resources; highlighting foods that may improve gut health, which in turn helps prevent diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and cancer, and enhance the immune system; experience new global cuisines, many of them being vegetarian; and “We believe that healthy eating is not only about the food but also about shared experiences at the table. Whether you are dining alone, taking a meal to a neighbor, making a weeknight meal, or preparing a holiday feast, health and wholesomeness come when we can slow down and savor the goodness of the food and the pleasure of gathering with those we love.”
DOH: 40 new cases on Big Island today, 195 in state
The state Department of Health today reported 195 new confirmed and probable COVID-19 cases statewide, including 40 on the Big Island.
AP: States and cities slow to spend federal pandemic money
As Congress considered a massive COVID-19 relief package earlier this year, hundreds of mayors from across the U.S. pleaded for “immediate action” on billions of dollars targeted to shore up their finances and revive their communities.
COVID vaccine mandate takes effect for NYC teachers, staff
NEW YORK — New York City teachers and other school staff members are supposed to be vaccinated against COVID-19 when the bell rings this morning, in one of the first school district mandates in the country requiring employees to be inoculated against the coronavirus.
Can Democrats hold together? Biden’s agenda depends on it
WASHINGTON — It’s one of House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s favorite sayings, a guidepost for Democrats in trying times: “Our diversity is our strength. Our unity is our power.”
Response time questioned in Southern California oil spill
HUNTINGTON BEACH, Calif. — Some residents, business owners and environmentalists questioned whether authorities reacted quickly enough to contain one of the largest oil spills in recent California history, caused by a suspected leak in an underwater pipeline that fouled the sands of famed Huntington Beach and could keep the beaches there closed for weeks or longer.
Ex-Facebook manager alleges social network fed Capitol riot
NEW YORK — A data scientist who was revealed Sunday as the Facebook whistleblower says that whenever there was a conflict between the public good and what benefited the company, the social media giant would choose its own interests.
Congressional delegation introduces legislation to protect coffee, macadamia industries
Hawaii’s congressional delegation recently introduced bicameral legislation to allow research funding to address all current and emerging threats to the coffee and macadamia nut industries
Virus surge hits New England despite high vaccination rates
Despite having the highest vaccination rates in the country, there are constant reminders for most New England states of just how vicious the delta variant of COVID-19 is.
