Here is your fast news headlines for Big Island today:

Officer Jason Cunefare Named Officer of the Month

The Kona Crime Prevention Committee award their March 2023 Officer of the Month to Officer Jason Cunefare, after working a month-long investigation.

In the statement from KCPC: "On August 3, 2022, Officer Jason Cunefare responded to an Unauthorized Entry to a Motor Vehicle call at an Ali’i Drive condominium. Officer Cunefare interviewed the victim, a visitor to the Big Island, about the theft of his wallet, containing cash and credit/debit cards, which was left in the locked car.

During the interviewer the victim’s bank confirmed card activity. The usage and theft included Walmart totaling $1,245 and $200 in cash. Video and receipts for the unauthorized purchases were obtained from Walmart which led to identifying the suspects.

On September 2, 2022, while working on this investigation, Officer Cunefare heard about a traffic stop in progress involving one of his suspects. He requested the Officer involved hold his suspects until he could arrive. Upon confirming the identity of the suspect, Officer Cunefare placed the suspect under arrest.

Officer Cunefare was able to obtain four felony charges, including Unauthorized Entry to a Motor Vehicle, Theft in the second degree, and two counts of Fraudulent Use of a Credit Card. Each of these felonies carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison.

Officer Cunefare is a new officer, with a little over a year in the Hawai’i Police Department. He shows remarkable ability at working complex cases and is an asset to the Department and the Kona Patrol team."

Severe Weather Hits Hawai'i Island

The Big Island of Hawaii has been hit with a series of extreme weather conditions, as a wind advisory, storm advisory, and winter conditions on the summits of Maunakea and Maunaloa were put into effect on Wednesday and Thursday. The island has experienced significant damages due to debris on roadways and a semi truck blowing over in Kawaihae.

The windward side of the island has been particularly affected, with flooding causing significant disruption. In addition, the Maunakea visitor center has been covered in a beautiful layer of snow, adding to the stunning scenery of the area.

Senator Schatz Introduce Stricter Child Labor Legislation

U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) has introduced new legislation to put an end to illegal child labor. The proposed Child Labor Prevention Act aims to establish stricter penalties and criminal charges for employers who violate child labor laws.

Senator Schatz expressed his concerns about the current state of child labor laws, stating that some of the worst employers are getting away with exploiting children for labor with weak fines. He believes that his bill will hold employers accountable and protect children from this illicit practice.

The U.S. Department of Labor has reported a 69 percent increase in illegal child labor since 2018. Companies have been circumventing child labor laws to fill positions, which is expected to worsen due to the tight labor market. To combat this, the Department of Labor and Department of Health and Human Services announced a new effort to combat exploitative child labor.

The Child Labor Prevention Act seeks to increase the maximum fines for violations and establish criminal penalties for repeat or willful violations of child labor laws. The proposed penalties will be indexed to the Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers to ensure they increase over time. The bill will also ensure that all working minors, regardless of classification, are covered by existing protections in the Fair Labor Standards Act.

The legislation is co-sponsored by U.S. Senators Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), John Fetterman (D-Pa.), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), and Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.). Senator Schatz hopes that his bill will strengthen child labor laws, hold employers accountable, and protect children from exploitation.

Kapa Maker Roen Hufford of Waimea Named 2023 National Heritage Fellow by NEA

Roen Hufford, a kapa maker from Waimea, Hawaii, has been named a 2023 National Heritage Fellow by the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA). The NEA has been presenting these lifetime honors for over 40 years to individuals whose dedication and artistry contribute to the preservation and growth of diverse cultural traditions in the United States.

Hufford is recognized for her commitment to the traditional art of ka hana kapa, which involves making barkcloth with designs inspired by her Hawaiian environment. Her work is a significant contribution to the reclamation of this nearly lost art form. NEA Chair Maria Rosario Jackson, PhD, stated that the 2023 National Heritage Fellows exemplify what it means to live an artful life and that their rich and diverse art forms connect us to the past, strengthen our communities today, and give hope to future generations in ways that only the arts can.

Hufford's art can be found in the SFCA Art in Public Places Collection, with six works on display, including three currently on view at the Hawaii State Art Museum in the "Accession: recent additions to the Art in Public Places Collection" exhibit until 2023. Admission is free.

To learn more about Roen Hufford and her work, visit the NEA website: https://www.arts.gov/honors/heritage/roen-hufford.

Senator Brian Schatz Announces $1.2 Million Funding for Kona International Airport Fire Alarm System Upgrade

Senator Brian Schatz, D-Hawai‘i, announced on Wednesday that the Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport at Keāhole will receive $1.2 million from the U.S. Department of Transportation's Airport Terminals Program to replace and upgrade its fire alarm system. Schatz, who chairs the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, stated that the new fire alarm system will help ensure the airport meets current safety standards and keep people safe. The Airport Terminals Program, which aims to make airports safer, more accessible, and more sustainable, was created by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, which is providing billions to Hawaii for infrastructure improvements.

Tokuda Appointed on Three Subcommittees on the House Committee on Ag

Representative Jill Tokuda (HI-02) has been appointed to serve on three subcommittees on the House Committee on Agriculture, which include the Subcommittee on Nutrition, Foreign Agriculture, and Horticulture, the Subcommittee on Livestock, Dairy, and Poultry, and the Subcommittee on Conservation, Research, and Biotechnology. In her new role, Tokuda aims to represent the interests of Hawaiʻi’s farmers, producers, workers, and economy, and ensure that they are well-represented as the Agriculture Committee negotiates the 2023 Farm Bill. She has also recently introduced two bills, the Coffee Plant Health and Macadamia Tree Health Initiatives Acts, which would help farmers and producers combat plant pests and noxious weeds, survey and collect data on plant health, and improve best management practices to ensure the industries thrive in the future.

Hirono Pushes to Prevent Federal Abortion Surveillance 

In a press release issued on Thursday, March 2: Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI) is leading a group of 30 senators in calling for the prevention of local and state law enforcement from using federal assistance to surveil or investigate individuals providing or receiving abortion care. In a letter to President Biden and Vice President Harris, the lawmakers urged the Administration to ensure that federal resources are not "weaponized" for abortion surveillance or enforcement of abortion bans. The letter was also led by Senator Ron Wyden (D-OR) and Representative Sara Jacobs (D-CA).

The lawmakers expressed concern about reports that state and local law enforcement could use existing forms of federal assistance to surveil people who seek or assist in abortion care. They urged the Administration to take steps to prevent the use of federal assistance for state and local abortion surveillance to ensure that federal resources do not hinder access to reproductive care.

The letter was signed by several senators and representatives, including Senators Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) and Tim Kaine (D-VA), as well as Representatives Anna Eshoo (D-CA), Ted Lieu (D-CA), and Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC).

Senator Hirono has been a long-time advocate for abortion access and has introduced legislation to protect patient privacy and ensure safe access to abortion care. Press Release.

County Calendar:

Resident Advisory Board Meeting (Open to Section 8 Tenants)

• Date: 03/03/2023 11:30 AM - 12:30 PM

• Location: Office of Housing and Community Development

• 1990 Kinoole St, Suite 104 Hilo, Hawaii 96720

• Contact Phone Number (808) 959-4642 Ext: 1920

• Contact Email: [email protected]

Community Calendar:

• Friday, March 3, 2023 at 4:00pm - 8:00pm- Food Truck Friday @ Target Kona Parking Lot.

If you have an event and would like to add it on the calendar, email us [email protected]!

Road Work: 2/26 - 3/5

— VOLCANO ROAD/MAMALAHOA HIGHWAY (ROUTE 11) —

1) NORTH OF PAHALA (WEEKEND AND WEEKLY WORK)

Single lane closure on Mamalahoa Highway (Route 11) possible in either direction between mile markers 46 and 50, vicinity of Kapapala Ranch Road on Saturday, Feb. 25, and Sunday, Feb. 26, from 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and Monday, Feb. 27. through Friday, March 3, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. for vegetation cutting.

2) OCEAN VIEW (WEEKEND WORK) Single lane closure on Mamalahoa Highway (Route 11) possible in either direction between mile markers 70 and 71, vicinity of Kahuku Ranch Road, on Saturday, Feb. 25, and Sunday, Feb. 26, from 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. for mechanical mowing.

3) CAPTAIN COOK

Single lane closure on Mamalahoa Highway (Route 11) possible in either direction between mile markers 106 and 108, vicinity of Honaunau Elementary School and Nanaina Lani Place, on Monday, Feb. 27, through Friday, March 3, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. for vegetation cutting.

— KUAKINI HIGHWAY (ROUTE 11) —

1) HONALO

Single lane closure on Kuakini Highway (Route 11) possible in either direction in the vicinity of mile marker 114, near West Honalo Road, on Monday, Feb. 27, through Friday, March 3, from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., for Kuakini Drainage Improvements.

— HAWAII BELT ROAD (ROUTE 19) —

1) PAPAIKOU TO PEPEEKEO (WEEKEND WORK)

Single lane closure on Hawaii Belt Road (Route 19) possible in either direction between mile markers 9 and 11, vicinity of Onohi Loop/Kahalii Place and Old Mamalahoa Road (near Makea Stream), on Saturday, Feb. 25, and Sunday, Feb. 26, from 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., for mowing and grass cutting.

2) HAKALAU (WEEKEND WORK)

Single lane closure on Hawaii Belt Road (Route 19) possible in either direction between mile markers 12 and 14, vicinity of Kolekole Beach Park, on Saturday, Feb. 25, and Sunday, Feb. 26, from 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., for tree trimming and shoulder work.

3) LAUPAHOEHOE

Single lane closure on Hawaii Belt Road (Route 19) possible in either direction between mile markers 23 and 28, Kapehu Road to vicinity of Stevens Road, on Monday, Feb. 27, through Friday, March 3, from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. for paving.

5) KAMUELA Single lane closure on Hawaii Belt Road (Route 19) possible in either direction between mile markers 52 and 54, Mud Lane and Iokua Place, on Monday, Feb. 27, through Friday, March 3, from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. for core sampling in preparation for repaving.

— QUEEN KAAHUMANU HIGHWAY (ROUTE 19) —

1) KAMUELA

Single lane closure on Queen Kaahumanu Highway (Route 19) possible in either direction between mile markers 67 and 68, vicinity of the start of Queen Kaahumanu Highway and Kauna ʻOa Drive, on Monday, Feb. 27, through Friday, March 3, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., for shoulder work.

— KEAAU-PAHOA ROAD (ROUTE 130) —

1) KEAAU (WEEKEND WORK)

Single lane closure on Keaau-Pahoa Road (Route 130) possible in either direction between mile markers 0 and 3, Volcano Road and the Adopt A Highway sign, on Saturday, Feb. 25, and Sunday, Feb. 26, from 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. for mowing, mulching, and tree cutting.

2) KEAAU

Single lane closure on Keaau-Pahoa Road (Route 130) possible in either direction between mile markers 1 and 4, Milo Street and the advance directional sign for Shower Drive, on Monday, Feb. 27, and Friday, March 3, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. for vegetation cutting.

— MAMALAHOA HIGHWAY (ROUTE 190) —

1) WAIKOLOA (WEEKEND WORK) Single lane closure on Mamalahoa Highway (Route 190) possible in either direction between mile markers 6 and 10, Saddle Road to vicinity of Waikoloa Road, on Saturday, Feb. 25, and Sunday, Feb. 26, from 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. for mowing.

2) WAIKOLOA

Single lane closure on Mamalahoa Highway (Route 190) possible in either direction between mile markers 7 and 12, vicinity of Saddle Road to past Waikoloa Road, on Monday, Feb. 27, through Friday, March 3, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. for vegetation cutting.

3) NORTH KONA Single lane closure on Mamalahoa Highway (Route 190) possible in either direction between mile markers 18 and 26, on Monday, Feb. 27, through Friday, March 3, from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. for the Mamalahoa Highway Safety Improvements, East and West Puuwaawaa Ranch.

4) NORTH KONA (WEEKEND WORK) Single lane closure on Mamalahoa Highway (Route 190) possible in either direction between mile markers 21 and 25, vicinity of Puu Kamanu Loop, on Saturday, Feb. 25, and Sunday, Feb. 26, from 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. for mowing.

5) NORTH KONA Single lane closure on Mamalahoa Highway (Route 190) possible in either direction between mile markers 21 and 24, vicinity of Puu Kamanu Loop, on Monday, Feb. 27, through Friday, March 3, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. for vegetation cutting.

— AKAKA FALLS ROAD (ROUTE 220) —

1) HONOMU

Single lane closure on Akaka Falls Road (Route 220) possible in either direction between mile markers 2 and 3, No. 5 Bridge Road to vicinity of Akaka Falls State Park, on Monday, Feb. 27, through Friday, March 3, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. for vegetation cutting.

— KOHALA MOUNTAIN ROAD (ROUTE 250) —

1) KOHALA (WEEKEND WORK)

Single lane closure on Kohala Mountain Road (Route 250) possible in either direction between mile markers 13 and 15, vicinity Puuhue Road, on Saturday, Feb. 25, and Sunday, Feb. 26, from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. for tree trimming and shoulder work.