New program offers ‘staycations’ to health care workers
Health care workers can stay at select Big Island hotels and resorts for free under a new program intended to show appreciation for overworked nurses, doctors, first responders and others.
Massive backlog at DMV: More than 14K driver’s licenses have expired and await renewal
Residents needing to renew their driver’s license face months of waiting due to a backlog of appointments at the county Vehicle Registration and Licensing Division.
DOH: 429 new COVID-19 cases statewide, 52 on Big Island
The state Department of Health today reported 429 new confirmed and probable COVID-19 cases in Hawaii, including 52 on the Big Island.
Hawaii teachers union files complaint over conditions amid pandemic
HONOLULU — Hawaii’s teachers union has filed two grievances against the statewide public school system over pandemic working conditions.
Waikiki resort mandates vaccine for workers, guests
HONOLULU — A resort in Waikiki will be the first in Hawaii to require proof of COVID-19 vaccination for all employees and guests.
Researchers finish first detailed map of world’s coral
HONOLULU — Researchers have completed a comprehensive online map of the world’s coral reefs by using more than 2 million satellite images from across the globe.
Summer of COVID hope ends in gloom
WASHINGTON — The summer that was supposed to mark America’s independence from COVID-19 is instead drawing to a close with the U.S. more firmly under the tyranny of the virus, with deaths per day back up to where they were in March.
Trump tramples on his one virus victory
Then-President Donald Trump’s catastrophic mishandling of the pandemic last year has already secured his place among the worst presidents in America’s history. The one bright spot in the entire tragic debacle was his administration’s speed in developing vaccines against the coronavirus. Now, in a sorry postscript that severely undermines that achievement, Trump says he will likely refuse the recommended vaccine booster, with the bizarre claim that it’s some kind of for-profit scam.
Your Views for September 9
Remove the eyesore
Vuls’ last call: Final go-around for big guns such as Beale, Parisian, and UHH ‘deeper and more talented’
There are high expectations for the UH-Hilo volleyball team, which was picked to finish No. 2 in the preseason PacWest coaches’ poll, based on their returning firepower with five starters back and two transfers expected to make an immediate impact.
Sister City program survives pandemic
The ongoing coronavirus pandemic has put pause to the customary travel among sister cities, but Hawaii County and local organizations have found workarounds to keep the relationships alive until officials can return to the skies.
Injured volunteer firefighter remains in burn unit in Honolulu
Fire Chief Kazuo Todd told the Hawaii County Fire Commission during its monthly meeting Wednesday that a firefighter from a Pahala volunteer company was severely injured Friday while fighting a long-burning underground fire in Ka‘u.
State: Removal of two Maunakea telescopes won’t harm environment
The removal of two Maunakea telescopes will have no significant impacts on the environment, according to reports by the state Department of Health.
State launches digital ‘health card’ for vaccination verification
State leaders on Wednesday unveiled the Hawaii SMART Health Card, which will launch Friday.
Land board to consider proposals for Uncle Billy’s, Country Club sites
Uncle Billy’s Hilo Bay Hotel and the Country Club Condo Hotel could be replaced by Hilton franchises under redevelopment proposals submitted to the state Department of Land and Natural Resources.
UH-Hilo College of Arts and Sciences’ Dean’s List, spring 2021
The University of Hawaii at Hilo College of Arts and Sciences announces its Dean’s List recipients for Spring 2021:
State launches digital ‘health card’ for vaccination verification
State leaders today unveiled the Hawaii SMART Health Card.
DOH: 380 new COVID-19 cases statewide, 95 on Big Island
The state Department of Health today reported 380 new confirmed and probable COVID-19 infections statewide, including 95 on the Big Island.
‘Super Bowl of Surfing’: World’s best gearing up for first WSL Finals
Conner Coffin looked up toward land from California’s San Clemente Pier, pointing at the quaint Beachcomber Inn hotel rooms where he would stay as a youngster decades ago competing at amateur surfing events at nearby Lower Trestles.
UHH women score late to notch first victory
UH-Hilo women’s soccer coach Gene Okamura still doesn’t know if his team has played with a consistent effort for a full match yet, but the Vulcans surely are getting closer.
Abortion rises as major election issue
After President Joe Biden’s tragic spectacle of administrative incompetence, pundits said Afghanistan was going to be the chief issue in the midterm elections. Then the Supreme Court showed up as justices refused to halt a Texas legal maneuver that could stop abortions in the state and later elsewhere despite Roe v. Wade permission. Progressive punishment awaits.
Your Views for September 8
Up, up and away
Idaho hospitals begin rationing health care amid COVID surge
BOISE, Idaho — Idaho public health leaders announced Tuesday that they activated “crisis standards of care” allowing health care rationing for the state’s northern hospitals because there are more coronavirus patients than the institutions can handle.
Hawaii panel boosts general fund tax revenue forecast
HONOLULU — The Council on Revenues on Tuesday raised its forecast for Hawaii’s general fund tax revenues, saying it now expects revenues to increase by 6.3% during the current fiscal year instead of 3%.
COVID-19 boosters: How will they work?
COVID-19 booster shots may be coming for at least some Americans but already the Biden administration is being forced to scale back expectations — illustrating just how much important science still has to be worked out.
