Sister cities delegation visits Kaua‘i
LIHU‘E — A protocol sister city courtesy visit with Mayor Derek S.K. Kawakami turned into an unexpected real life learning lesson at the Mo‘ikeha Building on Thursday.
Celebrating Tatiana Weston-Webb Day on Kaua‘i
LIHU‘E — A lot of people, including Lt. Gov. Sylvia Luke, Senate President Ron Kouchi, Reps. Dee Morikawa, and Luke Evslin, took time out of their schedules to honor Olympic silver medalist Tatiana Weston-Webb at the Mo‘ikeha Building on Wednesday.
Voter apathy underscored by Hawaiian history
HONOLULU — Strong beliefs by some Native Hawaiians who refuse to vote or even acknowledge U.S. authority may be contributing to Hawai‘i’s history of low voter turnout — a trend likely to continue with expected lackluster numbers for the Aug. 10 primary election.
Wilcox Medical Center gets $10.6 million dollar grant from Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust
LIHU‘E — Island health care received a multi-million dollar shot in the arm on Friday.
Voter Service Center opens in Lihu‘e
LIHU‘E — Harold and Rose Matsunaga whipped out their voting receipt on Monday as the couple strolled up the ramp leading to the Voter Service Center, which opened on Monday for the 2024 Primary Election.
New bill would nix building permit affidavits
HONOLULU — Among the many requirements to obtain a city-issued building permit, applicants must submit a sworn statement declaring they have no outstanding fines or liens payable to the City and County of Honolulu.
Ballot drop boxes ready to accept ballots
LIHU‘E — Ballot packets for the 2024 Primary Election were mailed on Wednesday, July 17, and the county’s Office of the County Clerk said voters should have either gotten their packets, or should be getting them, shortly.
Hawai‘i voter enthusiasm varies with the times, candidates
HONOLULU — Hawai‘i voters overwhelmingly prefer mail-in voting — now in its third election cycle — over lining up at polls to vote in person.
Biden drops out of race
President Joe Biden on Sunday abruptly abandoned his campaign for a second term under intense pressure from fellow Democrats and threw his support to Vice President Kamala Harris to lead their party in a dramatic last-minute bid to stop former President Donald Trump from returning to the White House.
Hawai‘i leaders denounce violence after assassination attempt
HONOLULU — Hawai‘i Republicans and Democrats alike condemned Saturday’s assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump at a campaign rally in Pennsylvania.
Rep. Case calls on President Biden to step aside
HONOLULU — U.S. Rep. Ed Case joined growing calls for President Joe Biden to end his reelection bid for the White House, breaking ranks with the rest of Hawai‘i’s congressional delegation.
New laws signed for gun control, child protection
HONOLULU — On Tuesday, Gov. Josh Green signed bills addressing public safety and crime response, including implementing stricter regulations on the sale and ownership of ammunition, and extending the statute of limitations for victims of childhood sexual abuse.
Former Hawai‘i governors urge Biden to quit race
Three former Hawaii Democratic governors on Saturday called for President Joe Biden to withdraw his bid for a second term following Biden’s poor debate performance against former President Donald Trump just over a week ago.
Green says Biden was ‘sick and exhausted’ before debate
HONOLULU — Gov. Josh Green said he came away from a conference call Wednesday with President Joe Biden and other Democratic governors feeling like the president was a “different individual” from the one in the distressing performance during the 2024 election debate.
Invasive species bills face chopping block
Two approved legislative bills addressing Hawaii’s growing invasive species problems are among the 17 on the chopping block.
Council OKs new regulations for bike tours on Big Island
HILO, Hawai‘i — A proposed series of regulations for commercial bike tour groups has finally passed the County Council, albeit not without disagreements.
Disaster declaration for Kaua‘i approved by Biden
LIHU‘E — A federal disaster declaration from President Joe Biden was hailed by local and federal lawmakers, who said the decision would bring much needed relief to communities on Kaua‘i impacted by severe weather and flooding in April.
Military spending bill includes isle manufacturing, invasive species
HONOLULU — The latest draft of the annual military spending bill from Congress includes several Hawai‘i-centric provisions, including calls for the military to work with the state to track and eradicate invasive species across island lands it controls, as well as a pilot program to develop an advanced manufacturing facility in Hawai‘i to support military operations in the region.
County working on homelessness strategic plan
LIHU‘E — In an effort to help houseless individuals find housing, the County of Kaua‘i Housing Agency will be hosting a series of meetings, as it develops a five year homelessness strategic plan for Kaua‘i.
Water Safety Coalition’s bills sent to Green
HONOLUU — Two bills initiated by a new coalition on increasing state water safety have been passed by the Legislature and are headed to the governor for his approval.