Welcome to the Hawaii Island News update from Hawaii News Digest.
Top Story: A County Council committee will hear a bill today that will determine how to distribute disaster funds for the Kilauea volcano recovery effort.
Views expressed in this Hawaii News summary are those of the reporters and correspondents.
Content provided by the “Hawaii Tribune-Herald.”
Accessed on 10 March 2020, 1540 UTC, Post 20398.
Source:
https://www.hawaiitribune-herald.com/category/hawaii-news/
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Bill would establish guidelines for distribution of disaster funds
A County Council committee will hear a bill today that will determine how to disburse millions of dollars of Kilauea eruption recovery funds.
Resolution urges creation of flood mitigation plan for Puna
A Puna councilman hopes to begin a long-delayed project to reduce the chance of floods throughout Puna.
County reaches agreement with FEMA on lava-covered roads
The Federal Emergency Management Agency and Hawaii County have reached agreement on the cost of replacing public roads in Puna inundated by lava during the 2018 Kilauea eruption.
20 nominations considered by PONC: Commission kicks off land-buying program for 2020
Three stretches of Alii Drive oceanfront property are on a list of properties the county will consider purchasing this year under its open space land-buying program.
Virus outbreak prompts cancellation of concerts on the Big Island
Concern over the spread of the novel coronavirus named COVID-19 has caused the first cancellation of a public entertainment event on the Big Island.
Marzo running for mayor
Ikaika Marzo, a Puna tour operator who became a social media phenomenon during the monthslong 2018 lower East Rift Zone eruption of Kilauea volcano, is running for mayor.
County sanitizes popular park facilities
As fears of the coronavirus outbreak mount, areas popular with tourists are taking precautions to mitigate the spread of COVID-19.
Hospitals button up: HMC, others implement new visitor restrictions, screenings
New visitor restrictions and screenings are now in place at Hilo Medical Center, Hale Hoola Hamakua, Kau Hospital, Extended Care Facility and HMCs outpatient clinics in response to ongoing developments with COVID-19.
Zoning proposal could restrict Oahu wind farm installations
HONOLULU (AP) A Honolulu zoning proposal aimed at restricting the installation of energy-producing windmills has received preliminary approval from a city government committee.
Kids Heart Challenge gets kids moving, helping others
The sound of childrens laughter from physical activity rang through the yard at Kona Hongwanji Preschool last Friday morning as keiki took part in the American Heart Association Kids Heart Challenge.
Police seek leads on wanted man
Police are seeking the publics help in finding a 34-year-old man wanted for questioning about a November theft in Hilo as well as multiple outstanding arrest warrants.
Keiki take a ‘journey through the universe’
Little hands pounded on their desks, a drum roll for lift off last Wednesday in Traci Urasakis first-grade class at E.B. de Silva Elementary School.
Bail reduced in 2018 murder case
A Kona Circuit Court judge recently cut in half bail for one of two Puna women accused of murder in the 2018 death of a 6-year-old boy at a Kealakehe apartment complex.
Hawaii officials confirm man is state’s 2nd virus case
HONOLULU (AP) Hawaiis second case of the virus that causes COVID-19 was confirmed after a man who traveled to Washington state was tested after his return to Hawaii, officials said Sunday.
Police investigate reported graffiti threat at Waikoloa Elementary
On Sunday morning, South Kohala patrol officers responded to a report of graffiti spray painted on various walls at the Waikoloa Elementary School. Some of the contents of the graffiti included a shooting threat for Monday. After reviewing video surveillance footage, the images of at least two individuals, both of whom are wearing clothing which conceals their identity, are captured on the school campus at 2:20 a.m. on Sunday. The department is seeking the publics assistance in identifying the responsible individuals.
Puna residents: Reopen more roads
Dozens of lower Puna residents plan to attend a County Council committee meeting next week to voice their dissatisfaction with the countys handling of roads still buried in lava.
Rodenhurst to run for Council District 5
Ikaika Rodenhurst, 31, submitted his nomination paper application Friday to the county Elections Office, signaling his intent to run for the Hawaii County Council District 5 seat held by Matt Kanealii-Kleinfelder.
Audit says water department needs clearer contingency plans
The Department of Water Supply needs to take a few more steps to ensure the public has dependable access to water when equipment breaks down, the county legislative auditor said in a report released Tuesday.
Hawaii County opens call center to answer questions about coronavirus
Hawaii County has opened a call center to answer questions about novel coronavirus, and the community is encouraged to call in to get the most up-to-date and accurate information about the virus.
Pot, hemp bills advance
About one-third of the marijuana-related bills introduced in the state Legislature this year have successfully passed the halfway point before possibly becoming law.