Here is your fast news headlines:

33 Swimmers Cited in Hōnaunau Bay

During a routine patrol in the South Kona District, officers from the DLNR Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement (DOCARE) initiated cases against a large group of swimmers who were actively pursuing a pod of dolphins in Hōnaunau Bay on Sunday morning. Drone footage and photos show the group aggressively pursuing, corralling, and harassing the dolphins. DOCARE officers contacted the 33 swimmers in the water and informed them of the violation. The NOAA Office of Law Enforcement joined DOCARE in a joint investigation. DOCARE officers are deputized as federal officers and are authorized to enforce federal marine laws like the Marine Mammal Protection Act under a Joint Enforcement Agreement with the DLNR. Cases like these are referred to OLE for review and final disposition in an effort to protect living marine resources.

Honoring the Past This Vietnam Veterans Day

On this year's Vietnam War Veterans Day, West Hawai'i Veterans Cemetery paid tribute to soldiers who lost their lives in Vietnam. The ceremony included the presentation of a memorial, which brought together family members, friends, loved ones, and dignitaries to honor Vietnam veterans. The names of the soldiers who were killed in action were read out loud, including Rodney James Takashi Yano, Joseph William Gaa Sr., Wayne Howard Hedemann, Glenn Teugio Shibata, Steve Freddie Johnson, Momi Nuhi Kane, John Waikane Cabrera, Randy Charley Paro, Keith Jon Puhi, Herman Halemanu Ban, Lukana Edward Loo Jr., Thomas Anthony Salvatore, John Ku‘ulei Kauhaihao, Ernest Seichi Sakai, and Samuel Kanehailua Solomon Jr. They are remembered with deep respect and gratitude for their service and sacrifice.

Police Request Assistance Locating Uilani Leaverton

Hawai‘i Island police are seeking the public's assistance in locating Uilani Leaverton, a 15-year-old reported as a runaway. She was last seen on March 29, 2023, around 10:00 p.m. in the 1700 block of Kino‘ole Street in Hilo, wearing a gray shirt, gray sweatpants, and black shoes. Leaverton is described as Hawaiian with a medium build, approximately 5 feet 6 inches tall, weighing 145 pounds, with black hair and brown eyes. If anyone has information about her whereabouts, they are urged to call the police department's non-emergency line at (808) 935-331.

Issac Choy Appointed to Hawaii Tourism Authority as a VP of Finance

Isaac Choy, a former Hawai‘i State Tax Director and lawmaker, has been named Vice President of Finance by the Hawai‘i Tourism Authority (HTA). He will be responsible for managing HTA’s finances and government funding, including compliance with legislative and auditing requirements, and budgeting of programs, initiatives and community organizations supported statewide by HTA. Choy is a Certified Public Accountant and has been managing his own accounting practice since 1983. He has experience in managing, taxation, accounting and auditing and the servicing of public, government and not-for-profit organizations. Choy was also a member of the Hawai‘i State House of Representatives for five terms from 2008 through 2018. He most recently served as the Director of the Hawai‘i State Department of Taxation from 2020 through 2022. John De Fries, HTA’s President and CEO, praised Choy’s reputation as a devoted public servant and his credentials in finance, stating that his experience and understanding of the executive and legislative branches of government are a rarity. Choy said that he welcomed the opportunity to offer his expertise to HTA, the state’s only agency solely dedicated to serving Hawai‘i’s largest industry.

Utility Locating Work

The Kīlauea Avenue/Keawe Street rehabilitation project will involve subsurface utility locating work starting on April 3, 2023, according to an announcement from the County of Hawaiʻi Department of Public Works. Motorists may experience lane closures and/or detours at intersections in the construction area. For the latest updates and detour map routes, please visit the County DPW website before the work begins.

Tourism February Growth

The Department of Business, Economic Development & Tourism (DBEDT) for the State of Hawai‘i has released its visitor statistics report for February 2023. The report indicates a positive trend in domestic visitor spending, with 48 percent growth from the U.S. West and 19.2 percent growth from the U.S. East compared to February 2019. Despite fewer visitors, each of Hawai‘i’s four counties also saw increased spending. Total visitor spending for the first two months of 2023 was $3.53 billion, a 17.6 percent increase from the same period in 2019. However, the state Council on Revenues and the University of Hawai‘i Economic Research Organization predict a potential impact on Hawai‘i’s tourism industry due to the global economic slowdown. To address this challenge, the state aims to continue implementing its 2020-2025 Strategic Plan, investing in the community, and focusing on visitor education.

Kahalu'u Beach Park Closed

Kahaluʻu Beach Park in Kona will be shut down from May 5 to May 12, 2023, to support the spawning of cauliflower coral and revitalize the coral reef ecosystem. The closure is intended to encourage the coral's spawning process, which is essential for restoring the area's natural sea life. Mayor Mitch Roth stated that the closure is part of the administration's ongoing efforts to protect Hawaii Island's natural and cultural resources. The Kohala Center's Kahalu‘u Bay Education Center and the Division of Land and Natural Resources Division of Aquatic Resources have requested that the public voluntarily avoid swimming and snorkeling in Kahaluʻu Bay during the closure to allow coral gametes to settle undisturbed and recolonize the bay's reef areas.

Mountain View Man Sentenced To 20-years

A man from Mountain View, Cohlby R.K. Espaniola, has been sentenced to a twenty-year prison term for Assault in the First Degree and Robbery in the First Degree charges in Hilo Circuit Court, according to Prosecuting Attorney Kelden Waltjen. The charges arose from an October 2018 incident where a man suffered multiple stab wounds at a residence on Leilani Street in Hilo. Espaniola pleaded "Guilty" to both charges on December 19, 2022. He remained out of custody for most of the proceedings after posting bail but was taken into custody after his sentencing hearing on March 10, 2023. Detective Kayne Keli‘i from the Criminal Intelligence Unit of the Hawai‘i Police Department led the investigation, and the case was prosecuted by Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Joseph Lee. Anyone with information that can assist law enforcement is encouraged to contact Crime Stoppers at (808) 961-8300.

Police Renew Request for Kona Woman

Hawai‘i Island police are seeking the public's help in locating Tara Lasham, who is wanted for questioning regarding a custodial interference investigation and an outstanding warrant. She may be with her 5-year-old daughter Solenne Grimes. The mother and daughter were last seen in Ocean View on July 27, 2022. Lasham is known to frequent the north and south Kona areas and is described as 5 feet 9 inches tall, 130 pounds, with blonde hair and blue eyes. Solenne Grimes is described as 3 feet 5 inches tall, 35 pounds, with blonde hair and blue eyes. Anyone with information on their whereabouts should contact the police department's non-emergency line or Officer Jeremiah Hull. Those who wish to remain anonymous can call Crime Stoppers. All information provided will be kept confidential.

Hawaii DOE Graduation Ceremony Announced

The Hawaii State Department of Education has announced the schedule for high school graduation ceremonies for the Class of 2023. With less restrictive COVID-19 requirements in effect statewide, attendees can expect a traditional ceremony without planned health and safety restrictions. Superintendent Keith Hayashi highlighted the importance of graduation, recognizing the hard work of students, families, teachers, and administrators in helping them reach their goals. While COVID-19 precautions will still be necessary, logistical details will be shared with parents and guardians by individual schools. For more information, families are encouraged to contact their child's school directly or visit the Department's website for updates.

Kīlauea Recovery Road and Waterline Projects Environmental Assessment

The Department of Public Works, Department of Water Supply, Kīlauea Eruption Recovery, and FEMA are collaborating to finalize the Environmental Assessment (EA) process for the Pohoiki Roads project. As of March 2023, FEMA's legal team has completed its review, and the document is undergoing final revisions to ensure compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). Despite unforeseen delays, FEMA is working diligently to conclude the review and publish the draft EA for a 30-day comment period expected to take place in May. During this time, the DPW will host a community meeting to explain the EA's findings and show how the public can submit comments. Although the delay may cause frustration and alter the anticipated timeline, the County remains committed to completing the project as soon as possible and will update the community on any changes to the timeline.

Missing Person: Noah Van Dam

The Hawaii Police Department requests the public's assistance in finding a missing individual who is considered "at risk". Noah Van Dam, a 23-year-old male, is 5'8" and weighs 180 lbs. He has curly brown hair, hazel eyes, and was last seen wearing a gray shirt and red shorts. The last known location of Van Dam was Makaala Street in Hilo, on March 28th, 2023, at approximately 2:00 P.M.

The police are urging anyone with information about Van Dam's whereabouts to come forward and help locate him safely. If you have any relevant information, please contact the police dispatch at 808-935-3311 or call 911.

FOR THE WEEK OF MARCH 25 – MARCH 31

PLEASE NOTE:

There will be no daytime lane closures on Monday, March 27, in observance of Prince Kuhio Day. The Highway 130 contraflow will not be optional on the holiday.

Lane closure schedules may change at any time without further notice. All projects are weather permitting.

— MAMALOHA HIGHWAY (ROUTE 11) —

1) VOLCANO

Single lane closure on Mamalahoa Highway (Route 11) possible in either direction between mile markers 24 and 26, Alii Anela Street and vicinity of Pearl Avenue, on Tuesday, March 28, through Friday, March 31, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. for vegetation cutting.

2) NAALEHU (WEEKEND WORK)

Single lane closure on Mamaloha Highway (Route 11) possible in either direction between mile markers 62 and 64, vicinity of Kau Driver Licensing Office and Naalehu Park, on Saturday, March 25 and Sunday, March 26, from 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. for vegetation cutting.

3) CAPTAIN COOK

Single lane closure on Mamalahoa Highway (Route 11) possible in either direction between mile markers 84 and 86, vicinity of Mac Farms of Hawaii to vicinity of Paihi Drive, on Tuesday, March 28, through Friday, March 31, 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) in either direction in the vicinity of mile marker 114, near East Honalo Road, on Tuesday, March 28, through Friday, March 31, from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., for Kuakini drainage improvements.

— HAWAII BELT ROAD (ROUTE 19) —

1) HAKALAU (WEEKEND AND WEEKLY WORK)

Single lane closure on Hawaii Belt Road (Route 19) possible in either direction between mile markers 15 and 17, Chin Chuck Road to vicinity of Peleau Stream, on Saturday, March 25, and Sunday, March 26, from 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., and Tuesday, March 28, through Friday, March 31, from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. for tree trimming, shoulder work, and vegetation cutting.

2) NINOLE (WEEKEND WORK)

Single lane closure on Hawaii Belt Road (Route 19) possible in either direction between mile markers 16 and 18, vicinity of Umauma Stream and the Honohina Cemetery, on Saturday, March 25, and Sunday, March 26, from 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., for vegetation cutting.

3) PAPAALOA TO LAUPAHOEHOE

Single lane closure on Hawaii Belt Road (Route 19) possible in either direction between mile markers 23 and 28, Kapehu Road and Stevens Road, on Tuesday, March 28, through Friday, March 31, from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. for road resurfacing.

4) OOKALA

Single left lane closure on Hawaii Belt Road (Route 19) in the southbound direction between mile markers 28 and 29, Stevens Road and Moonlight Road, on Tuesday, March 28, through Friday, March 31, from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. to survey slopes.

— 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 3 and 4, vicinity of directional sign for Shower Drive, on Saturday, March 25, and Sunday, March 26, from 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. for vegetation cutting.

2) KEAAU (WEEKEND WORK)

Single lane closure on Keaau-Pahoa Road (Route 130) possible in either direction between mile markers 4 and 7, vicinity of Shower Drive to Aulii Street, on Saturday March 25, and Sunday, March 26, from 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. for vegetation cutting.

3) KEAAU

Single lane closure on Keaau-Pahoa Road (Route 130) possible in either direction between mile markers 6 and 9, Orchiland Drive to vicinity of Niaulani/Kaluhine Street, on Tuesday March 28, through Friday, March 31, from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. for vegetation cutting.

— MAMALOHA HIGHWAY (ROUTE 190) —

1) WAIKOLOA (WEEKEND WORK)

Single lane closure on Mamalahoa Highway (Route 190) possible in either direction between mile markers 9 and 11, vicinity of Waikoloa Road, on Saturday, March 25, and Sunday, March 26, from 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. for mowing and vegetation control.

2) WAIKOLOA

Single lane closure on Mamalahoa Highway (Route 190) possible in either direction between mile markers 15 and 17, vicinity of Daniel K. Inouye Highway, on Tuesday, March 28, through Friday, March 31, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. for vegetation cutting.

3) KAILUA-KONA

Single lane closure on Mamalahoa Highway (Route 190) possible in either direction between mile markers 18 and 26, vicinity of the hunting check in station and vicinity of the yellow cattle gate, on Tuesday, March 28, through Friday, March 31, from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. for shoulder extension safety improvements.

4) KAILUA-KONA (WEEKEND WORK)

Single lane closure on Mamalahoa Highway (Route 190) possible in either direction between mile markers 23 and 26, vicinity of the yellow cattle gate, on Saturday, March 25, and Sunday, March 26, from 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. for mowing and shoulder work.

5) KAILUA-KONA

Single lane closure on Mamalahoa Highway (Route 190) possible in either direction between mile markers 27 and 29, vicinity of the Hualalai Ranch, on Tuesday, March 28, through Friday, March 31, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. for vegetation cutting.

— KOHALA MOUNTAIN ROAD (ROUTE 250) —

1) KAMUELA (WEEKEND WORK)

Single lane closure on Kohala Mountain Road (Route 250) possible in either direction between mile markers 5 and 8, before Kohala Ranch Road, on Saturday, March 25, and Sunday, March 26, from 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., for shoulder work.

2) KAMUELA

Single lane closure on Kohala Mountain Road (Route 250) possible in either direction between mile markers 6 and 11, vicinity of Keawewai Stream to Paniolo Adventures, on Tuesday, March 28, through Friday, March 31, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. for vegetation cutting and pothole patching.

3) KAMUELA

Single lane closure on Kohala Mountain Road (Route 250) possible in either direction between mile markers 9 and 13, vicinity of Kohala Ranch Road to Kehena Reservoir, on Tuesday, March 28, through Friday, March 31, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. for road resurfacing.