“Most of the Big Island should be looking at perfect or near perfect weather…for the New Year’s holiday weekend.”
Views expressed in this West Hawaii News update are those of the reporters and correspondents. Accessed on 30 December 2022, 1352 UTC.
Content provided by “Wests Hawaii Today.” Full access requires subscription to “West Hawaii Today.” Article summaries are available to all readers.
Source: https://www.westhawaiitoday.com/category/hawaii-news/
Please click link or scroll down to read your selections.
Nice weather forecast for holiday weekend
Most of the Big Island should be looking at perfect or near-perfect weather for fireworks, backyard barbecues and beach outings over the New Year’s holiday weekend.
Burian named acting chief — for less than three weeks
The Hawaii County Police Commission on Thursday unanimously selected Assistant Police Chief Andrew Burian to be the Big Island’s acting chief of police until Honolulu police Maj. Benjamin Moszkowicz is sworn in Jan. 17 as the department’s chief.
Be mindful: Fireworks celebrations can impact veterans and pets
New Year’s Eve can be a stressful time for veterans suffering from PTSD and pets who are sensitive to loud noises as fireworks blanket neighborhoods with a barrage of bangs.
Vog, air pollution predicted to hurt student test scores, especially on Big Island
Vog, or volcanic smog, along with air pollution can hurt Hawaii student test scores, according to a new study from the University of Hawaii at Manoa, the UH Economic Research Organization and University College London.
Change of Heart pilot program ends after just $300 diverted from panhandlers
A Hawaii County pilot program to divert spare change from panhandlers to nonprofits is coming to an end.
County receives $2M state homelessness grant
Hawaii County has been awarded a $2 million grant from the state Ohana Zone funds to further homelessness relief programs on the island.
Governor extends emergency proclamation after Hawaii Life Flight incident
Gov. Josh Green on Tuesday extended the emergency proclamation in response to the Hawaii Life Flight incident.
Seventeen nabbed for DUI
Hawaii Police Department officers arrested 17 motorists for suspected drunken driving between Dec. 19 and Sunday. Five of the drivers were involved in traffic crashes and four were younger than age 21.
Waipio Valley Access Road remains closed
Waipio Valley Access Road remains closed to the general public as the Department of Public Works continues clean-up efforts due to the kona low weather system that impacted Hawaii Island last week.
Hayashi: COVID impact to linger
It could take three to five years for students to fully recover behaviorally and academically from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, according to state Department of Education Superintendent Keith Hayashi.
Keaau man accused of multiple vehicle thefts
A 24-year-old Keaau man faces numerous charges in connection with an alleged monthlong crime spree.
Officials urge safety as fireworks sales take off ahead of New Year’s festivities
It’s that time of year when blowing off fireworks will light the Big Island skies Saturday night, although not everyone is excited about the long-held tradition.
Police locate Ocean View man wanted since July 2021
Hawaii Island police have located 42-year-old Ronald Patrick Keahonui Kahihikolo, of Ocean View, who has been wanted since July 2021 for three outstanding arrest warrants, as well as for questioning in several other criminal investigations.
Police locate missing California woman
Update: Hawaii Island police reported Tuesday that 42-year-old Heather Heathman of California, who was previously reported missing, was located in Hilo on Friday in good health.
Oceans ‘need our help’
A package of ocean protection bills introduced by a Hawaii congressman has passed the U.S. House of Representatives.
Kona man gets 10 years behind bars for abuse of two women
A 25-year-old Kona man was ordered to spend a decade behind bars for an array of crimes committed during three separate domestic violence incidents.
Plan would relocate endangered state birds to Big Island
Critically endangered forest birds on Maui and Kauai could find new homes on the Big Island, according to a plan by the U.S. Department of the Interior.
Nearly $10M in state funds go to Hilo schools
A pair of Hilo high schools together will receive about $10 million in state funds to improve their facilities.
Report: Demand for state social workers high
Hawaii has a severe demand for social workers.
County fights civil rights charges: Man claims he as wearing an ankle monitor when accused of Puna kidnapping, rape
A Waimea man currently serving time for attacking a Waikoloa man with a knife is suing the county and two police officers in federal court for arresting him on charges he kidnapped, tortured and raped a Puna woman while he was allegedly wearing a pretrial ankle monitor he claims demonstrated his innocence.
For the latest West Hawaii, Hawaii Island, Hawaii State, and Hawaii Sports News, please check the “News Resources” link in the blog sidebar. Thanks for joining us today.
Russ Roberts (https://hawaiinewsdigest.net and https://hawaiidigestscience.com).