Keiki urge vape bill’s passage: County Council votes 8-0 to approve the measure in first reading
A proposed Big Island ban on the sale of flavored tobacco products was widely popular Wednesday with residents and the Hawaii County Council.
Repairs to former Hilo Memorial could start next year
Renovations to the former Hilo Memorial Hospital should begin next year thanks to a $13 million federal grant.
Proposed registry of property owners aims to curb squatting
A proposed new Hawaii County registry could help crack down on squatters staying on vacant properties.
Strong support for vape bill: Measure seeks to ban all flavored tobacco products
Big Island students gathered Tuesday to urge the Hawaii County Council to approve a ban of flavored tobacco products.
Hilo Bay’s water quality targeted for improvement
A plan to improve Hilo Bay’s poor water quality could be forthcoming within three years.
New law streamlines building permit process
Hawaii County’s construction permitting process could become more efficient under a new law signed last week by Mayor Mitch Roth.
Kia’s rezoning request rejected: Millie’s Deli, New Saigon won’t be replaced by auto dealership
After impassioned support from community members, a pair of Keaukaha restaurants have been spared eviction and won’t be replaced by a car dealership in two years.
Presentation about Waiakea Peninsula draws mostly criticism
Hilo is not Florida or New York or New Zealand, agreed Hilo residents during a meeting Monday night about the future of the Waiakea Peninsula.
Funds allocated for ‘overall replacement’ of Laupahoehoe ramp
Long-awaited repairs to the Laupahoehoe Boat Ramp have been funded, but more steps are necessary before work can begin.
Bill targets flavored vapes: Measure aims to reduce use among teens
The drug of choice among Big Island schoolchildren could become less flavorful under a proposed new Hawaii County ordinance.
UH researchers’ study sheds light on prevalence of microplastics
Pregnant women in Hawaii are very likely to have plastic fragments in their placentas, University of Hawaii researchers have discovered, raising further concerns about the long-term health implications of microplastics.
HVNP takes steps to protect nesting nene
Parts of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park have been closed to give a couple of nene parents some space.
Retirement savings program unlikely to start before 2025
The dream of retirement is far off for many, and a state program intended to make that dream more attainable is still at least a year away from launch.
Glenwood Park reopens after four years
A Mountain View park reopened Tuesday after Hawaii County finally replaced stolen equipment.
Hilo Medical Center gets $1M grant
Hilo Medical Center will receive $1 million to alleviate a shortage of health care workers in East Hawaii.
Minimum wage to get boost: Hourly rate will rise to $14 in January under 2022 law
Minimum-wage employees in Hawaii will get a pay hike of nearly 17% to kick off the new year.
Asbestos abatement to begin at Uncle Billy’s site
The first step of the demolition of the former Uncle Billy’s Hilo Bay Hotel is about to begin.
AG warns of holiday, charity fraud attempts
As the holiday season continues, residents are once again advised to be cautious about scams.
Aquarium fishing ban sought: Groups urge DLNR to draft new rules
Big Island environmental groups hope to end the commercial aquarium fishing industry in Hawaii once and for all next month.
County measure would allocate $17M to affordable housing projects
More than $17 million in Hawaii County funding is slated for seven planned affordable housing projects.
