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Mountain View Man Charged

Kamon Stephens, a 43-year-old man from Mountain View, has been charged after a narcotics search warrant was executed at a residence in Aloha Estates on March 29, 2023. The investigation was led by Detective Kimo Keli‘ipa‘akaua, and was a collaboration between members of Hawai‘i Police Department’s Area I Vice and Criminal Investigation Sections, Community Policing Section, and Puna Patrol, as well as law enforcement officers from the Sheriff’s Department and Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement. At the time of Stephens’ arrest, he was also arrested for an unrelated outstanding warrant. He appeared in Hilo District Court on Monday, with bail set at $133,000.00, and is ordered to appear for a preliminary hearing on April 5, 2023.

Stephens is facing charges of possessing firearms and ammunition, as well as promoting marijuana and dangerous drugs. These charges include two counts of Ownership or Possession of Firearms Prohibited, three counts of Ownership or Possession of Ammunition Prohibited, two counts of Commercial Promotion of Marijuana in the Second Degree, Promoting a Dangerous Drug in the Third Degree, Promoting a Harmful Drug in the Third Degree, Promoting a Detrimental Drug in the Third Degree, Prohibited Acts Related to Drug Paraphernalia, and Butterfly Knives Prohibited. The Ownership or Possession Prohibited and Commercial Promotion of Marijuana in the Second Degree charges are both class B felony offenses that carry a maximum sentence of ten years in prison or four years probation and up to eighteen months in jail. The case is being prosecuted by Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Nathan Wersal. The charges are allegations, and Stephens is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

No Active Shooter in Waiākea School Complex

Hawaiʻi County officials have confirmed that the Waiākea School Complex was not under threat from an active shooter, following an initial report of a disturbance on campus earlier Monday morning. The Hawaiʻi Police Department responded to the call and conducted a thorough investigation, which concluded that there was no danger to the public. The incident has been classified as a terroristic threatening case and is currently under investigation by the Area I Juvenile Aid Section. The police department is encouraging anyone with information to come forward.

Holomua Platform Launched

The Hawai‘i Tourism Authority (HTA) has unveiled its new online platform "Holomua," which will provide updates and progress reports on each of its community-based Destination Management Action Plans (DMAPs). The DMAPs aim to balance tourism benefits with community needs, manage visitor impacts in hotspot areas, and protect Hawai‘i's natural and cultural resources. The Holomua website features stories, progress reports, and updates on initiatives related to natural resources, Hawaiian culture, visitor education, community programs, regenerative tourism, support for local businesses, and tourism management. The HTA's goal is to foster collaboration between the industry, community, and government to create a regenerative tourism model that prioritizes the well-being of Hawaiʻi's communities. The DMAPs were developed in collaboration with the community to address tourism impacts, and the new website serves as a resource for the public to learn about initiatives and activities being undertaken by HTA and its partners to better manage tourism.

National Health Week

Hawaiʻi County will be participating in National Public Health Week from April 3 to April 9, 2023, along with the Hawaiʻi District Health Offices of the Hawaiʻi State Department of Health (DOH). This year's celebration highlights the progress made by communities across Hawaiʻi Island during the COVID-19 pandemic, despite the challenges faced, including the spotlight on existing health disparities. The celebration comes as the country is set to end its federal Public Health Emergency on May 11, 2023.

Mayor Mitch Roth noted that the pandemic taught the community the value of encouraging and supporting each other, and the county will continue to prioritize public health by protecting and influencing the future of the sector. The celebration invites public health professionals, students, elected leaders, activists, and residents to join hands in making the island more sustainable, equitable, safe, and healthy for all.

The Hawaiʻi District Health Offices are a team of dedicated professionals who work to improve and protect public health and the environment for over 200,000 residents. The county will support two DOH open houses for residents to engage with various DOH program representatives and other local organizations providing public health services.

The events will take place on Tuesday, April 4, 2023, from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm, at the West Hawaiʻi Civic Center, and on Thursday, April 6, 2023, from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm, at the Hilo State Office Building.

County IT Director to Join Civil Defense

Hawaiʻi County's Information Technology Director, Scott Uehara, is set to join the Civil Defense Administration to work on emergency communication systems starting May 1, 2023. This was announced by Mayor Mitch Roth today. Uehara has served as I.T. Director since December 2020, and he will assist Mayor Roth in finding a replacement for his position. Currently, there is no interim Director in place. Mayor Roth thanked Uehara for his service as I.T. Director and looks forward to continued collaboration in his new role.

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.