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• Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, & Saturday

• Thursday & Sunday - No Newsletter

Here is your fast news headlines:

BREAKING:

The Hawai’i Police Department has announced that 15-year-old Shaicen Lewis-Benevides of Hilo, who had been reported missing, has been found. Details about how and where she was located have not been released. In a separate, unrelated case, 59-year-old Ka’awaloa man Jeffery Clarkson has also been found, according to authorities. No information has been given about the circumstances surrounding his disappearance or how he was located. The police department has thanked the community for their assistance in both cases.

Bank of Hawaii and First Hawaiian Bank Among highest percentage of negative AOCI to capital with a relatively high percentage of security loses

Silicon Valley Bank, one of the most prominent financial institutions in the tech industry, has failed after suffering a run on deposits following a sharp drop in its parent company's stock price. On Thursday, SVB Financial Group's share price crashed by a record 60%, prompting regulators to monitor the bank's liquidity risk closely. On Friday, trading of SVB's stock was halted after its shares continued to plummet in premarket trading.

According to analysts, SVB's crisis was fueled by unrealized losses on available-for-sale securities, which were also a red flag for several other banks. On Sunday, regulators closed Signature Bank of New York, another bank with similar red flags, and handed it over to the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp.

The collapse of Silicon Valley Bank is the largest bank failure since 2008, and the news has sent shockwaves through the financial sector. Credit Suisse, a Swiss company, and First Republic are also reportedly in crisis.

The failure of Silicon Valley Bank and Signature Bank of New York underscores the importance of risk management in the banking industry. Banks that have high exposure to unrealized securities losses on available-for-sale securities need to be closely monitored to prevent potential failures.

In light of Silicon Valley Bank's collapse and the continued financial crisis facing other banks, we reached out to Bank of Hawaii and First Hawaii Bank for their perspective on the state of the financial sector this past Monday, no update. As two institutions that showed similar red flags to SVB, they remain on a list of banks with a relatively high percentage of security losses, according to MarketWatch.

Kahihikolo Indicted by a Hilo Grand Jury

Ronald P.K. Kahihikolo, a 44-year-old Ocean View man, has been indicted by a Hilo grand jury in connection to two incidents that occurred in March 2023. According to Prosecuting Attorney Kelden Waltjen, Kahihikolo allegedly shot a female in the head with a shotgun on March 7 at a residence on Outrigger Drive in Ocean View. Three days later, he is said to have disregarded police attempts to arrest him for outstanding warrants while driving a stolen Dodge Charger. Kahihikolo has been charged with eight offenses, including attempted murder, abuse of a family or household member, and theft of a motor vehicle. He is scheduled to appear in Kona Circuit Court on Monday, with prosecutors requesting that he be detained without bail pending his trial. The charges are allegations, and Kahihikolo is presumed innocent until proven guilty. The case was initiated by Ka‘u Patrol officers and investigated by the Hawai‘i Police Department's Area II Criminal Investigations Division, with Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Chase Murray leading the prosecution. Anyone with information related to the case is encouraged to call Crime Stoppers at (808) 961-8300.

Hilo Woman Indicted on Felony Drug Charges for Attempted Distribution of Dangerous Drugs

A 33-year-old woman from Hilo, Julissa Herrera, has been indicted by prosecutors with felony drug possession and attempted distribution of dangerous drugs, including methamphetamine, oxycodone, and heroin. The charges are related to an incident that took place on March 10, 2023, in Hilo. Herrera is scheduled to make her first appearance in Hilo Circuit Court on Monday and is being held in custody on $60,000.00 bail.

According to the indictment, Herrera faces charges of Attempted Promoting a Dangerous Drug in the First Degree, Promoting a Dangerous Drug in the Second Degree, four counts of Promoting a Dangerous Drug in the Third Degree, and a single count of Prohibited Acts Related to Drug Paraphernalia. The most serious offense, Attempted Promoting a Dangerous Drug in the First Degree, is a class A felony that carries a penalty of either a 20-year prison term or ten years probation and up to two years in jail.

The case was initiated by South Hilo Patrol Officers and led by Detective William Brown, Area I Vice Section of the Hawai‘i Police Department. The charges are allegations, and Herrera is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.

The Office of the Prosecuting Attorney is committed to pursuing justice with integrity and dedication. Anyone with information regarding illegal narcotics distribution is encouraged to contact the Hawai‘i Police Department Vice Section or Crime Stoppers.

Kali Watson Receives Nod From State Senate Committee

The Hawaiian Affairs Committee of the State Senate convened on Thursday to scrutinize Kali Watson, the nominee of Governor Green for the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands (DHHL). Watson, a former director of DHHL under Gov. Cayatano, also has a background in development and consulting, which raised questions about his ability to remain unbiased in his new role.

During the hearing, Republican Senator Kurt Fevella, the Vice Chair of the Hawaiian Affairs Committee, grilled Watson on his financial disclosure and past work as a developer. Despite the tough questioning, Watson was able to secure the support of Senators Chair Shimabukro, Keohokalole, and Richards, who voted aye. Senator Ihara voted with reservations, while Fevella was the only one to vote no in an Advise and Consent vote.

Despite the mixed support, Watson's nomination will move forward to the full Senate for final confirmation. This comes at a crucial time for DHHL, which is grappling with development issues across the state of Hawaii. To address this, the previous administration under David Ige signed a bill to allocate $600 million to fund the construction of homes on native Hawaiian lands.

As Watson's confirmation process continues, the Hawaiian community will be watching closely to see how he plans to tackle these pressing issues and ensure fair treatment for applicants and beneficiaries of DHHL lands.

ROAD WORK FOR THE WEEK OF MARCH 11 – MARCH 17

PLEASE NOTE:

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

— MAMALOHA HIGHWAY (ROUTE 11) —

1) PAHALA

Single lane closure on Mamaloha Highway (Route 11) possible in either direction between mile markers 53 and 55, on Akaka Fall Road and Kaupakuea Homestead Road, on Monday, March 13, through Friday, March 17, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. for vegetation cutting.

2) CAPTAIN COOK

Single lane closure on Mamalahoa Highway (Route 11) possible in either direction between mile markers 108.9 and 109.3, on Tuesday, March 14, and Wednesday, March 15, from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. for installation of a new waterline. 

3) PAHALA (WEEKEND WORK)

Single lane closure on Mamalahoa Highway (Route 11) possible in either direction between mile markers 44 and 46, on Saturday, March 12, and Sunday, March 13, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. for vegetation cutting.

— MAMALOHA HIGHWAY (ROUTE 190) —

 1) WAIKOLOA

Single lane closure on Mamalahoa Highway (Route 190) possible in either direction between mile markers 17 and 19, Mamalahoa Highway and Waikoloa Road, on Monday March 13, through Friday, March 17, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. for vegetation cutting.

2) WAIKOLOA

Single lane closure on Mamalahoa Highway (Route 190) possible in either direction between mile markers 17.9 and 26.2, on Monday March 13, through Friday, March 17, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. for installation of shoulder extension.

3) KALAOA

Single lane closure on Mamalahoa Highway (Route 190) possible in either direction between mile markers 26 and 28, on Monday March 13, through Friday, March 17, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. for vegetation cutting.

4) WAIKOLOA (WEEKEND WORK)

Single lane closure on Mamalahoa Highway (Route 190) possible in either direction between mile markers 7 and 11, in vicinity of Waikoloa Road, on Saturday, March 11, and Sunday, March 12, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. for vegetation cutting.

 — KEAAU-PAHOA ROAD (ROUTE 130) —

 1) KEAAU

Single lane closure on Keaau-Pahoa Road (Route 130) possible in either direction between mile markers 2 and 5, on Monday, March 13, through Friday, March 17, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 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 3 and 6, between Keaau-Pahoa Road and Orchid Land Drive on Saturday, March 11, and Sunday, March 12, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. for vegetation cutting.

— HONOMU ROAD (ROUTE 220) —

 1) HONOMU

Single lane closure on Honomu Road (Route 220) possible in either direction between mile markers 0 and 1.5, on Monday, March 13, through Friday, March 17, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. for vegetation cutting.

— HAWAII BELT ROAD (ROUTE 19) —

1) HAKALAU

Single lane closure on Hawaii Belt Road (Route 19) possible in either direction between mile markers 15 and 17, vicinity Old Mamalahoa Highway on Monday, March 13, through Friday, March 17, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. for tree-trimming, vegetation cutting, and removal.

2) HAKALAU

Single lane closure on Hawaii Belt Road (Route 19) possible in either direction between mile markers 17 and 19, vicinity Old Mamalahoa Highway and Hanamalo Lane, on Monday, March 13, through Friday, March 17, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. for tree-trimming, vegetation cutting, and removal. 

3) PAPAALOA TO LAUPAHOEHOE

Single lane closure on Hawaii Belt Road (Route 19) possible in either direction between mile markers 23.09 and 27.68 for road resurfacing, between Kapehu Road and Stevens Road, on Monday, March 13, through Friday, March 17, from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.

4) KAMUELA

Single lane closure on Hawaii Belt Road (Route 19) possible in either direction between mile markers 52 and 55, between Kekehau Street and Kakanihia Road, on Monday, March 13, through Friday, March 17, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. for emergency tree-trimming work.

5) HAKALAU (WEEKEND WORK)

Single lane closure on Hawaii Belt Road (Route 19) possible in either direction between mile markers 14 and 16, on Saturday, March 11, and Sunday, March 12, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. for tree-trimming, vegetation cutting, and removal. 

6) HAKALAU (WEEKEND WORK)

Single lane closure on Hawaii Belt Road (Route 19) possible in either direction between mile markers 14 and 17, on Saturday, March 11, and Sunday, March 12, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. for tree-trimming, vegetation cutting, and removal.

— KOHALA MOUNTAIN ROAD (ROUTE 250) — 

1) KAMUELA

Single lane closure on Kohala Mountain Road (Route 250) possible in either direction between mile markers 9 and 13 for road resurfacing, between Kapehu Road and Stevens Road, on Monday, March 13, through Friday, March 17, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

— KUAKINI HIGHWAY (ROUTE 11) —

1) KAILUA-KONA

Single lane closure on Kuakini Highway (Route 11) possible in either direction in the vicinity of mile marker 113.9, near West Honalo Road, on Monday, March 13, through Friday, March 17, from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., for Kuakini Drainage Improvements.