Welcome to the West Hawaii News update from Hawaii News Digest.
Top Story: The Ethics Board will discuss the Maunakea Roadblock and whether the state applied the law discriminately by not removing protesters and reopening the road.
Views expressed in this Hawaii News summary are those of the reporters and correspondents.
Content supplied by “West Hawaii Today.”
Accessed on 30 January 2020, 1545 UTC, Post 20201.
Source:
https://www.westhawaiitoday.com/category/hawaii-news/
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Ethics Board to take on Maunakea road block
The fences blocking Maunakea Access Road came down more than a month ago. But the debate over whether the government applied the law discriminately by not removing protesters and reopening the road is as robust as ever.
Former union official sentenced for ID theft, failure to file tax returns
A former union official was sentenced Wednesday to serve 30 months for identity theft and failure to file tax returns.
Couple arrested in Hilo for drugs, warrants
Big Island police arrested a man and woman Tuesday during a park sweep aimed at deterring crime in the downtown Hilo area and along Bayfront by the Canoe Landing area.
Puna man charged in domestic incident
Big Island detectives have charged a 44-year-old man Puna man for several offenses stemming from a domestic incident that occurred on Saturday in Puna.
Hawaiian Home Lands to buy $8M in property for development
HONOLULU The state Department of Hawaiian Home Lands has approved the purchase of nearly $8 million in property for future housing development.
Bill targets new tax powers to help pay teachers
HONOLULU A bill in the state Legislature calls for a constitutional amendment that would give the state Board of Education new tax powers to help pay teacher salaries.
Select emergency warning sirens to be tested Thursday
The Hawaii Emergency Management and Hawaii County Civil Defense agencies, will conduct siren testing on Thursday at Naalehu Elementary School in Kau, Hawaiian Paradise Park in Puna and Carvalho Park in Hilo. The sirens will be tested between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., according to the agencies.
Thurston Lava Tube could reopen soon in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
The long-closed Thurston Lava Tube in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park could reopen within a month if a final repair project goes smoothly.
Legislation aims to increase biosecurity in Hawaii
A host of bills addressing invasive species and the states biosecurity are a part of this years legislative session, following a list of recommendations by the Department of Land and Natural Resources.
Retired journalist John Middlesworth dies at age 81
John Michael Mike Middlesworth, retired newspaperman and vice chairman of the state Judicial Selection Commission, died Jan. 14 at Hilo Medical Center. He was 81.
Midwives prepare for licensing
Midwives in Hawaii are gearing up for new licensing requirements that will go into effect this summer.
Paniolo Avenue intersection improvements coming
A worrisome Waikoloa intersection will be getting a $5.5 million upgrade, thanks to action taken by the County Council last week.
Suspect in Eden Roc homicide indicted
A 30-year-old former Army sergeant accused of stabbing a 71-year-old Eden Roc subdivision man to death Jan. 7 with a piece of the victims broken cane has been indicted by a Hilo grand jury.
Fewer turtles stranded on Maui in 2019 than previous year
WAILUKU Fewer sea turtles were found stranded on Maui last year than in 2018, although officials say most cases continue to be caused by fishing gear, officials said.
Endangered Maui birds to be moved in effort to save species
HONOLULU Scientists will decide whether to establish a captive breeding program on the U.S. mainland in an attempt to prevent the extinction of a bird species only found on Maui, officials said.
Good Samaritans rescue distressed swimmer at Green Sands Beach
A 40-year-old woman was hospitalized Monday afternoon after she apparently became distressed while swimming in waters off Greens Sands Beach in Kau.
Police ID man killed in Puna hit-and-run
Big Island police have identified a man who died Jan. 22 after being struck by a motor vehicle that fled the scene on Highway 137 in Keaau.
Stinky problem points to need for sewer solution
A sewer system for Naalehu has been talked about for decades, but it can come none too soon, as a stinky problem last week demonstrated.
Construction ongoing: Kona prosecutor’s office delayed, completion now set for March
Hawaii County prosecutors will have to wait a couple more months before they can move into their new home at the West Hawaii Civic Center.
New marijuana bills proposed for 2020
After 2019 brought several changes to marijuana management at both the state and county level, dozens of new marijuana-related bills have been proposed in 2020.