HONOLULU — After guests checked out of a corner room at the Hilton Hawaiian Village resort on Waikiki beach, housekeeper Luz Espejo collected enough trash, some strewn under beds, to stuff seven large garbage bags.

The Corporation Counsel has filed a motion seeking dismissal of a lawsuit filed last month against the county, Mayor Mitch Roth and Public Works Director Ikaika Rodenhurst over the closure of Waipi‘o Valley Road to all but a handful of people.

Despite concerns from residents, the county’s proposed changes to its housing buyout program in Lower Puna have been submitted to the federal government.

The state Department of Health reported that Hawaii County entered its ninth consecutive week of increased COVID cases, bringing the total number of new cases for the county this week to 1,102. This is an increase of over 250 cases from the week before.

Hawaii County has agreed to pay $135,000 to settle a defamation lawsuit filed by two former employees who said former county officials besmirched their reputations by telling a newspaper they’d been fired.

All systems are go for a new covered play court at Prince Jonah Kuhio Kalanianaole Elementary and Intermediate School in Papaikou.

Of the nine County Council seats up for election this year, all but two incumbents have drawn challengers, with just two weeks remaining before the June 7 filing deadline.

Two Big Island teachers were recognized this year for showcasing their potential and growth in the Hawaii Department of Education.

Morgan “Max” Victor’s family describe him as “the life of the party.”