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Governor Josh Green Signs Bills into Law

Hawaii Governor Josh Green, M.D. has signed seven new bills into law aimed at promoting transparency, accountability and ethical conduct in state government. The legislation, which was proposed by the State Campaign Spending Commission, the State Ethics Commission, and the State Office of Elections, covers a range of issues including campaign spending, lobbying and organizational reporting. The bills, introduced by House Speaker Scott Saiki, were signed into law during a ceremony attended by legislative leaders and other key figures. Governor Green said the new measures would "allow even more sunshine into the executive and legislative branches of government" and improve transparency and accountability for residents.

Tsunami Awareness Month

Emergency managers from different parts of Hawaii gathered at the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center and International Tsunami Information Center to discuss the latest issues in protecting the state against tsunamis. This meeting was in commemoration of Governor Josh Green's proclamation of April as Tsunami Awareness Month. The representatives from the Hawaii Emergency Management Agency and county emergency management agencies exchanged ideas on tsunami alert and warning protocols, the 2022 tsunami generated by the massive volcanic explosion in Tonga, and other related concerns. The observance of Tsunami Awareness Month started on the anniversary of the deadly April Fools’ Day tsunami that hit Hawaii in 1946, and it aims to raise awareness about the importance of being prepared for natural disasters like tsunamis. Hawaii faces hazards both from distant tsunamis, which take hours to reach the state, and local tsunamis, which can arrive within minutes after an earthquake. It is crucial to be vigilant and prepared, and the "Don’t Fool Around; Get to High Ground!" public service announcement campaign by HI-EMA emphasizes the natural warning signs of a local tsunami, such as strong shaking, roaring noise from the ocean, and water receding from the beach.

Mayor Mitch Roth Vetos Bill 194

Mayor Mitch Roth has vetoed Bill 194, expressing concerns about the potential impact on the county's ability to condition rezoning ordinances, provide affordable housing, and facilitate development projects. The Bill proposed to remove the Planning Commission's, Council's, and Department's authority to grant and/or add administrative time extensions for the performance of conditions within rezoning ordinances. Mayor Roth noted that the Bill would add expense, uncertainty, and difficulty to the rezoning process, limiting the County's flexibility to condition rezoning ordinances appropriately. He emphasized his administration's commitment to providing housing for residents and hopes that the Council will work collaboratively with his administration to find alternative solutions to address the issues the Bill aimed to resolve.

Mountain View Man Charged Following Armed Standoff in Puna

A 35-year-old man, Joseph Diego Soares, has been charged with a series of offenses by the Hawai’i Island police, following an armed standoff that lasted several hours in the Aloha Estates subdivision in Puna on Thursday, March 30, 2023. Soares was charged on Friday afternoon, March 31, 2023, with offenses that include two counts of first-degree reckless endangering, two counts of place to keep firearm, two counts of place to keep ammunition, two counts of carrying/possession of a loaded firearm on the highway, two counts of ownership/possession prohibited (firearm), three counts of ownership/possession prohibited (ammunition), and two counts of third-degree promotion of a dangerous drug. His bail was set at $269,000.

The charges are related to an incident on Thursday afternoon when officers conducting a warrant sweep in the Kopua Farm Lots area of the Puna district spotted Soares' vehicle. They had information that Soares was armed and dangerous, had two outstanding warrants, and was experiencing suicidal ideations. Soares immediately fled the area as officers attempted to initiate contact. Officers continued pursuing him as he drove towards the Eden Roc subdivision and then into Fern Forrest. As his vehicle began experiencing mechanical issues, Soares fired a pistol out of his car.

Soares' vehicle crossed Highway 11 and became disabled in the area of Highway 11 and Mauna Loa Road, at the bottom of the Aloha Estates subdivision. He then exited the vehicle, placed a pistol against his head, and ran up Mauna Loa Road. Officers pursued Soares on foot for over a mile to the area of Wainani Street. The department’s Special Response Team and Crisis Negotiators responded to assist in apprehending Soares, and negotiators verbally engaged with him in attempts to peacefully resolve the situation.

Soares was taken into custody shortly before 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, and the loaded pistol in his possession was safely recovered. Out of an abundance of caution, several residents in the Aloha Estates Subdivision were evacuated until police were able to render the area safe. A subsequent investigation led to the recovery of a loaded rifle, ammunition for the pistol and rifle, as well as a measurable amount of crystal methamphetamine and cocaine from a bag on Soares' person.

Soares remains in custody at the Hawai’i Community Correctional Center and is scheduled to appear in Hilo District Court on Monday afternoon, April 3, 2023. Police are asking anyone with information about the case to contact the police department's non-emergency line or Detective Paul Mangus.

Motorist Arrested for DUI Stats

18 motorists were arrested for driving under the influence of an intoxicant during the week of March 20-26, 2023, according to the Hawai‘i Island police. Three of the drivers were involved in a traffic accident, and none of the drivers were underage.

In comparison to the same period last year, there has been a decrease of 6.8% in DUI arrests, with 248 arrests this year. However, the Traffic Services Section of the Hawai‘i Police Department reviewed updated crashes and found a 27.9% increase in major crashes, with 220 crashes this year compared to 172 last year.

This year, there have been four fatal crashes resulting in five fatalities, one of which was reclassified as a natural cause of death. One fatal crash involved multiple deaths. This is a 55.6% decrease in fatal crashes and a 54.5% decrease in fatalities compared to the same period last year, which had nine fatal crashes and 11 fatalities, including one with multiple deaths.

PA's Office Announce Survey Results

The Prosecuting Attorney Kelden Waltjen expressed gratitude for the participation of 674 individuals in their Office's 2023 Legislative Initiatives Survey, which ran from December 2022 to February 2023. The survey results showed that the majority of Hawai‘i Island residents agree with their Office's position on establishing harsher penalties for domestic abuse, fentanyl possession, drug distribution resulting in serious injury or death, felons in possession of firearms, and driving under the influence. Additionally, the survey showed that most participants support the creation of new offenses criminalizing fraud and corruption by public officials and employees, establishing a class of negligent or involuntary manslaughter offenses, and adoption of the felony murder rule.

Furthermore, the survey data showed that the majority of Hawai‘i Island residents believe in the importance of prioritizing increased funding for substance abuse and mental health treatment, the relocation of the Hawai‘i Community Correctional Center, and the construction of new correctional facilities on the island. Lastly, the survey revealed that custody determinations should be evaluated on a case-by-case basis and that defendants charged with "non-violent" misdemeanor and/or felony offenses should not be automatically released. The results have been shared with Hawai‘i Island state representatives and senators, the Hawai‘i County Council, and the Mayor's Office, with the hope that it will assist them in advocating for the best interests of Hawai‘i Island.

Data from the Office's survey in the previous year played a significant role in the passage of new legislation, including a class B felony offense for automobile and motorcycle theft and a new felony offense for dog attacks resulting in serious bodily injury or death.

FOR THE WEEK OF APRIL 1 – APRIL 7

PLEASE NOTE:

There will be no daytime lane closures on Friday, April 7, in observance of Good Friday. 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 (WEEKEND WORK)

Single lane closure on Mamalahoa Highway (Route 11) possible in either direction between mile markers 24 and 26, between Alii Anela Street and Ruby Avenue on Saturday, April 1, and Sunday April 2, 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 51 and 53, in the vicinity of Maile Street and Kamani Street on Monday, April 3, through Thursday April 6, 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. for vegetation cutting. 

3) CAPTAIN COOK (WEEKEND WORK)

Single lane closure on Mamalahoa Highway (Route 11) possible in either direction between mile markers 84 and 86, in the vicinity of Old Mamalahoa Road on Saturday, April 1, and Sunday, April 2, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. for vegetation cutting.

— KUAKINI HIGHWAY (ROUTE 11) —

1) KAILUA-KONA

Single lane close on Kuakini Highway (Route 11) in either direction at mile marker 114, near West Honalo Road, on Monday April 3, through Thursday, April 6, from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., for Kuakini drainage improvements.

— HAWAII BELT ROAD (ROUTE 19) —

1) HAKALAU (WEEKEND WORK)

Single lane closure on Hawaii Belt Road (Route 19) possible in either direction between mile markers 15 and 17, in the vicinity of Chin Chuck Road to Peleau Stream, on Saturday, April 1, and Sunday, April 2, from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 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 Kapehu Road and Stevens Road, on Monday, April 3, through Thursday, April 6, from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. for road resurfacing.

3) 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 Monday, April 3, through Thursday, April 6, 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 6 and 9, between Orchid Land Drive and Ainaloa Boulevard on Saturday, April 1, and Sunday, April 2, from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. for vegetation cutting. 

2) KEAAU

Single lane closure on Keaau-Pahoa Road (Route 130) possible in either direction between mile markers 8 and 10, in the vicinity of Ainaloa Boulevard and Kaluahine Street on Monday April 3, through Thursday, April 6, from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 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 27 and 29, in the vicinity of Old Kona Village Road, on Saturday, April 1, and Sunday, April 2, 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 28 and 31, on Monday, April 3, through Thursday, April 6, from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 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 3, through Thursday, April 6, from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. for shoulder extension.

4) KAILUA-KONA

Single lane closure on Mamalahoa Highway (Route 190) possible in either direction between mile markers 17 and 21, in the vicinity of Puu Lani Drive on Monday April 3, through Thursday, April 6, from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. for vegetation cutting.

5) KAILUA-KONA

Single lane closure on Mamalahoa Highway (Route 190) possible in either direction between mile markers 15 and 17, in the vicinity of Daniel K. Inouye Highway on Saturday April 1, and Sunday, April 2, 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 6 and 11, in the vicinity of Kohala Ranch Road, on Saturday, April 1, and Sunday, April 2, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., for vegetation cutting and pothole patching.

2) KAMUELA

Single lane closure on Kohala Mountain Road (Route 250) possible in either direction between mile markers 6 and 9, in the vicinity of Kohala Ranch Road on Monday, April 3, through Thursday, April 6, from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. for shoulder work.

3) KAMUELA

Single lane closure on Kohala Mountain Road (Route 250) possible in either direction between mile markers 9 and 13, in the vicinity of Kohala Ranch Road on Monday, April 3, through Thursday, April 6, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. for road resurfacing.