Welcome to the Hawaii Island News update from Hawaii News Digest.
Top Story: The trial of a Kailua-Kona man accused of an islandwide crime spree has been extended until July.
Views expressed in this Hawaii News summary are those of the reporters and correspondents.
Content supplied by the “Hawaii Tribune-Herald.”
Accessed on 01 March 2020, 1515 UTC, Post 20351.
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https://www.hawaiitribune-herald.com/category/hawaii-news/
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Trial continued for crime spree suspect
Trial scheduled for next month for a Kailua-Kona man accused of an islandwide crime spree in August has been continued until July.
‘Keliipio Ohana Day’ will honor family’s role as caretakers of Coconut Island
It was a bustling Thursday morning at Mokuola.
Kim asks for 6.9% increase in $625.9 million budget
Mayor Harry Kim on Friday released a $625.9 million operating budget for the upcoming fiscal year, a 6.9% increase over the current year.
Judge rejects Papa‘ikou Mill Beach condemnation suit
A judge has ruled in favor of the landowners in a condemnation lawsuit filed three years ago by the county that was aimed at acquiring a trail over private property that is the only existing land access to Papaikou Mill Beach.
Maui County considering ban on short-term vacation rentals
WAILUKU, Maui (AP) County officials in Maui are considering a ban on all short-term vacation rentals to combat illegal rental operations on the island.
Bill to remove hunting permit need for feral pigs in Guam
HAGATNA, Guam (AP) License requirements and fees to hunt feral pigs in Guam are expected to be removed under a bill that would reclassify the animals as an unprotected species.
Ocean View care home ordered to shut down
The owner and operator of an illegal adult residential care home in Ocean View in Kau has been issued a notice of violation and order.
Coffee blend bill stalls
A bill strengthening labeling requirements for Hawaii-grown coffee blends was deferred Wednesday by the House Judiciary Committee.
Kahele rec area closed Tuesday
The county announces the Gilbert Kahele Recreation Area, formerly the Maunakea Recreation Area, will be closed Tuesday between 4:30 a.m. and noon for vector control operations.
Kim issues coronavirus proclamation
Mayor Harry Kim issued an emergency proclamation Friday to increase preparedness for the possible arrival of coronavirus in Hawaii.
In-state virus testing begins
The state Department of Health now has the capability to test for COVID-19 and has already put that test to use.
Ethics Board seeks outside legal help over Maunakea Access Road
Jurisdictional issues over Maunakea Access Road and who has authority to police it were at the forefront Friday, during several hours of testimony to the county Board of Ethics.
State is seeking information about those who provided support to TMT protesters
Lawyers for opponents of the Thirty Meter Telescope filed a petition Friday seeking to reverse a January court decision that would allow the state attorney general to subpoena the financial records of a nonprofit providing funding for TMT protesters.
Prosecutors: Kauai man led meth ring while councilman
HONOLULU A Hawaii councilman pleaded not guilty Friday to charges accusing him of leading a drug-trafficking organization, supplying guns, conspiring with a gang leader, requesting sexual favors as payment for drugs and assaulting a law enforcement officer in a case that highlights the hold methamphetamine has on some people in the state.
Police: Body ID’d as missing woman
Police have identified a body found below the Wainaku Scenic Lookout just north of Hilo Feb. 15 as Megan May Funderburk of Hilo.
Police seek leads on missing teen
Police are seeking the publics assistance in finding a 17-year-old girl who was last seen in the Pahoa area on Feb. 22.
Rescued sea lions at Oahu aquatic park
HONOLULU Two sea lions rescued off the coast of California are making their debut at a new home in a Hawaii aquatic park.
State briefs for Feb. 28
Kauai official charged in federal meth probe
Parts of island under wind advisory
A wind advisory is in effect until 6 a.m. for portions of the Big Island, including Hilo, South Point, Pahala, Volcano, Honokaa, Waimea, Waikoloa and the Daniel K. Inouye Highway above 5,000 feet.
Report finds failures in county’s lava response
Hawaii County has released a report largely critical of its own response to the monthslong eruption of Kilauea volcano in 2018 in which Halemaumau crater threw ash 30,000 feet into the air, lava destroyed a 716 homes and structures in lower Puna, and hundreds of residents were displaced.