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Kāneʻohe Hālau Wins Overall at the 60th Annual Merrie Monarch Festival

Hawai'i Tourism Authority: Don't Eliminate Tourism Authority

Hawai'i Tourism Authority Director John DeFries has written an op-ed post in the Honolulu Star-Advertiser, urging against the proposed dissolution of HTA through House Bill 1375 and Senate Bill 1522. DeFries spoke at the Travel Weekly Hawai‘i Leadership Forum, where he emphasized the importance of HTA as a semi-autonomous state agency that plays a critical role in keeping a 360-degree watch on the unpredictable visitor industry while being directly answerable to the public for actions undertaken.

DeFries also highlighted the importance of community involvement in destination management and stewardship, stating that "the people in these communities — they know their place, they know their ‘āina, they know their mo‘olelo (stories). And all of it contains intelligence and information that can be tapped."

The HTA team also showcased their work during the Spring Tourism Update, where they presented tourism research data and updates on visitor education efforts underway in each market. The team also unveiled their new Holomua website, which highlights the various ways HTA, in partnership with state agencies, counties, island visitor bureaus, industry partners, and community members, are working hand in hand to advance destination management and stewardship in the communities.

DeFries emphasized the importance of the community's involvement in destination management to succeed, and the need to do the right thing for the people of Hawai'i, the economy, and the future of the community's well-being. He stated that "the repeal of HTA is in many ways an attempt to restore [politics],” but it is essential to maintain a visible lead agency responsible for the unpredictable visitor industry.

Hawai'i Island Residents Left Rattled

Residents on the Hawai'i Island were startled on Sunday as a series of loud sonic booms could be heard across the island. While many suspected military exercises, the military has yet to confirm whether they were responsible for the plane noise. Residents reported hearing the booms from various locations, including Hilo, Waikoloa, Mt. View, Ocean View, and Kailua-Kona. Some took to social media to express their concerns, with one resident curious on why is it happening, via the popular 'Big Island Popo Alert" Facebook page. The lack of communication from the military has left many residents wondering about the source of the booms.

Police Seeking Ka‘ū Man Wanted on Outstanding Bench Warrants

Hawaiʻi Island police are asking for the public’s assistance with locating 28-year-old Benjamin “Kawika” Jerin-Kealoha, of Ka‘ū, who is wanted on several outstanding bench warrants, as well as for questioning in connection with other criminal investigations.

Jerin-Kealoha is described as being 5-foot-9 inches tall, 180 pounds, with brown eyes and hazel hair. He is known to frequent the areas of Ka‘ū and South Kona.

The Hawaii Police Department would also like to remind the public that harboring or concealing a wanted person could result in criminal charges being filed against the person who harbors or conceals the wanted person.

Anyone with information on Jerin- Kealoha’s whereabouts is encouraged to contact Detective Jason Foxworthy at (808) 326-4646, ext. 262, 808-333-2921, or via email at [email protected]. They may also contact the police department’s non-emergency number at (808) 935-3311.

Citizens who wish to remain anonymous can make an anonymous tip through Crime Stoppers at (808) 961-8300 and be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000. Crime Stoppers does not record any calls or subscribe to caller ID.

Police Renew Request Seeking Tanaiyah Hao-Kallio

Hawai‘i Island police have renewed their request for the public's assistance in locating 17-year-old Tanaiyah Hao-Kallio from Ocean View. Hao-Kallio was reported as a runaway and was last seen on Tuesday, October 18, 2022, near the intersection of Makala Boulevard and Queen Ka‘ahumanu Highway in Kailua-Kona. She is described as 5 feet 9 inches tall, 140 pounds, with black hair and brown eyes. Police are urging anyone with information on Hao-Kallio's whereabouts to call the non-emergency line at (808) 935-3311 or contact Officer Jeremiah Hull of the Area II Juvenile Aid Section at (808) 326-4646, ext. 302.

FOR THE WEEK OF APRIL 15 – APRIL 21

PLEASE NOTE:

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

— KANOELEHUA AVENUE (ROUTE 11) —

1) HILO

Single lane closure on Kanoelehua Avenue (Route 11) will shift over either direction between mile markers 1.7 and 2, between Makaala Street and E. Puainako Street, on Monday, April 17, though Friday, April 21, from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. for installation of traffic signal loop detectors.

— MAMALOHA HIGHWAY (ROUTE 11) —

1) PAHALA (WEEKEND WORK)

Single lane closure on Mamalahoa Highway (Route 11) possible in either direction between mile markers 49 and 51, in the vicinity of Ka‘Ala‘Ala Gulch on Saturday, April 15, and Sunday April 16, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. for vegetation cutting.

2) PAHALA

Single lane closure on Mamaloha Highway (Route 11) possible in either direction between mile markers 57 and 59, in the vicinity of Kuhua Bay and Kawa Bay on Monday, April 17, through Friday, April 21, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. for vegetation cutting.

3) CAPTAIN COOK

Single lane closure on Mamalahoa Highway (Route 11) possible in either direction between mile markers 89 and 90, near Papalani Road on Monday, April 17, through Friday, April 21, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. for tree cutting and mulching.

— KUAKINI HIGHWAY (ROUTE 11) —

1) HONALO

Single lane close on Kuakini Highway (Route 11) in either direction at mile marker 114, near West Honalo Road, on Monday, April 17, through Friday, April 21, from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., for Kuakini drainage improvements.

— HAWAII BELT ROAD (ROUTE 19) —

1) NINOLE (WEEKEND WORK)

Single lane closure on Hawaii Belt Road (Route 19) possible in either direction between mile markers 16 and 19, in the vicinity of Kauniho Road and Old Mamalahoa Highway, on Saturday, April 15, and Sunday, April 16, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. for vegetation cutting.

2) PAPAALOA TO LAUPAHOEHOE

Single lane closure on Hawaii Belt Road (Route 19) possible in either direction between mile markers 23 and 28, between Middle Road and Stevens Road, on Monday, April 17, through Friday, April 21, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. for road resurfacing.

3) PAAUILO

Single left lane closure on Hawaii Belt Road (Route 19) in either direction between mile markers 37 and 38, in the vicinity of Hauola Road and Kalopa Road, on Monday, April 17, through Friday, April 21, from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. for Hawaiian Electric Company replacing poles and restringing overhead lines.

— KAWAIHAE ROAD (ROUTE 19) —

1) KAMUELA

Single lane closure on Kawaihae Road (Route 19) possible in either direction between mile markers 52 and 54, between Puumanu Place and Kekehau Street, on Monday, April 17, through Friday, April 21, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. for vegetation cutting.

— KEAAU-PAHOA ROAD (ROUTE 130) —

1) PAHOA (WEEKEND WORK)

Single lane closure on Keaau-Pahoa Road (Route 130) possible in either direction between mile markers 8 and 11, near Ka Ohuwalu Drive on Saturday, April 15, and Sunday, April 16, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. for vegetation cutting.

2) PAHOA

Single lane closure on Keaau-Pahoa Road (Route 130) possible in either direction between mile markers 8 and 11, between Ka Ohuwalu Drive and Kahakai Boulevard on Monday, April 17, through Friday, April 21, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. for vegetation cutting.

3) PAHOA

Single lane closure on Keaau-Pahoa Road (Route 130) possible in either direction between mile markers 9.5 and 10.5, in the vicinity of Kahakai Boulevard and Pahoa Village on Monday, April 17, through Friday, April 21, from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. for concrete work in the median.

— PAHOA KALAPANA ROAD (ROUTE 130) —

1) PAHOA

Single lane closure on Pahoa Kalapana Road (Route 130) possible in either direction between mile markers 15 and 18, in the vicinity of Kaluahine Street on Monday, April 17, through Friday, April 21, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. for vegetation cutting.

— MAMALOHA HIGHWAY (ROUTE 190) —

1) KAILUA-KONA (WEEKEND WORK)

Single lane closure on Mamalahoa Highway (Route 190) possible in either direction between mile markers 30 and 32, in the vicinity Makalei Drive, on Saturday, April 15, and Sunday, April 16, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. for vegetation cutting.

2) KAILUA-KONA

Single lane closure on Mamalahoa Highway (Route 190) possible in either direction between mile markers 30 and 32, in the vicinity of Makalei Drive on Monday, April 17, through Friday, April 21, 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, in the vicinity of Puu Lani Drive on Monday April 17, through Friday, April 21, from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. for shoulder extension.

— 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 8 and 12, in the vicinity of Kohala Ranch Road, on Saturday, April 15, and Sunday, April 16, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., for shoulder work and tree trimming.

2) KOHALA

Single lane closure on Kohala Mountain Road (Route 250) possible in either direction between mile markers 8 and 12, in the vicinity of Kohala Ranch Road on Monday, April 17, through Friday, April 21, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. for reconstructing and resurfacing shoulder work.

3) KOHALA (WEEKEND WORK)

Single lane closure on Kohala Mountain Road (Route 250) possible in either direction between mile markers 9 and 13, in the vicinity of Puuhue Road on Saturday, April 15, and Sunday, April 16, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. for shoulder work and tree trimming.

4) KOHALA

Single lane closure on Kohala Mountain Road (Route 250) possible in either direction between mile markers 9 and 13, in the vicinity of Puuhue Road on Monday, April 17, through Friday, April 21, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. for reconstructing and resurfacing shoulder work.