Tuesday, February 14, 2023

Aloha! If you have an event you want to promote on our newsletter, send us an email at [email protected]! Here is your fast and easy news headlines for today:

Gov. Josh Green Requests Additional Funds

Governor Josh Green, M.D. has submitted additional budget requests to the Legislature to support his priorities for affordable housing, infrastructure, healthcare, education, environment, agriculture, government efficiency, and reducing the cost of living, which include $900 million for affordable housing and infrastructure, $12.3 million for mental health services, $25 million to increase Medicaid reimbursement rates, $22.5 million for the Wahiawā Irrigation System and other agricultural initiatives, and $36 million to modernize the unemployment insurance system.

Brown Water Advisory Issued for Hilo Bay

Coastal waters have been affected by stormwater runoff following recent heavy rains, and to avoid potential health risks associated with overflowing cesspools, sewer, manholes, pesticides, animal fecal matter, dead animals, pathogens, chemicals, and flood debris, the public is advised to refrain from entering flood waters and storm water runoff.

Depart. of Water Supply: HOVE Water Well Offline, Emergency Fix Underway

The Department of Water Supply is taking emergency measures to promptly address and fix the well problem. The following changes are now in place:

Community drinking water spigots are available for use, but users are requested to conserve water for essential needs only, to ensure continued water supply.

The standpipe facility for water haulers is closed until repairs are complete.

For more information, please contact the Department of Water Supply at 808-961-8790 or via email at [email protected].

Mountain View: Building Fire (Continued)

A building fire occurred between Highway 11 and Ana Road in Mountain View. The Hawaii Fire Department is on the scene, and there is currently no information available about the cause of the fire, injuries, or other details.

Mac Nuts Get Support from Hawai'i Delegation

The Macadamia Tree Health Initiative Amendments Act has been introduced by Representative Jill Tokuda (HI-02), Representative Ed Case (HI-01), Senator Brian Schatz (HI), and Senator Mazie Hirono (HI). The proposed amendment to the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act would allocate high-priority research and extension grants to several initiatives. These include developing science-based tools and treatments to combat plant pests and noxious weeds, establishing an integrated pest management program, collecting data on macadamia tree production and health, conducting research on various factors affecting macadamia tree immune systems, and investigating serious threats to macadamia trees. The bill is a significant step in ensuring the growth and sustainability of Hawaii's macadamia nut industry. "Macadamia nuts were first planted in Hawaii in 1881 and have become a signature crop that Hawaii is known for around the world," said Representative Jill Tokuda.

Tokuda Appointed to COVID Committee

Representative Jill Tokuda (HI-02) has been appointed to serve on the House Committee on Oversight and Accountability, Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Pandemic. In a statement, Rep. Tokuda expressed her honor and commitment to working in a bipartisan manner to ensure productive discussions. She will work alongside Ranking Member Dr. Raul Ruiz, Rep. Debbie Dingell, Rep. Kweisi Mfume, Rep. Deborah Ross, Rep. Robert Garcia, and Rep. Ami Bera. Rep. Tokuda has previously served on Hawaii's House Select Committee on COVID-19 Economic and Financial Preparedness and helped lead efforts to track and ensure accountability in the distribution and spending of federal funds.

County Calendar:

• Committee on the Status of Women: Date: 02/15/2023 9:30 AM - 11:30 AM

• Board of Ethics: Date:02/15/2023 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM Location:Hawaii County Building (Council Chambers) 25 Aupuni StreetHilo, Hawaii 96720

• Police Commission Meeting: Date: 02/17/2023 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM Location: Aupuni Center 101 Pauahi St. Hilo, Hawaii 96720

• Merit Appeals Board Date:02/17/2023 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM Location:Hilo Council Chambers-Hawaii County Building25 Aupuni Street, First Floor, Room. 1401Hilo, Hawaii 96720

Legislative Update:

• An upcoming Townhall hosted by Representative Jeanne Kapela on Thursday, February 23 at 6:30p in Cooper Center, Volcano HI. Those who are interested in attending may contact Community Liaison - Zee Zaidoff at [email protected] for more details.

Road Closures:

— VOLCANO ROAD/MAMALAHOA HIGHWAY (ROUTE 11) —

1) NORTH OF PAHALA (WEEKEND WORK)

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

2) NAALEHU

Single lane closure on Mamalahoa Highway (Route 11) possible in either direction between mile markers 62 and 66, vicinity of Naalehu Driver Licensing Station and Hao Springs Road, on Tuesday, Feb. 14, through Friday, Feb. 17, from 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. for mowing and grass cutting.

3) CAPTAIN COOK

Single lane closure on Mamalahoa Highway (Route 11) possible in either direction between mile markers 106 and 109, vicinity of Honaunau Elementary School and Koa Road, on Tuesday, Feb. 14, through Friday, Feb. 17, from 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. for mowing.

— KUAKINI HIGHWAY (ROUTE 11) —

1) HONALO

Single lane closure on Kuakini Highway (Route 11) possible in either direction in the vicinity of mile marker 114, near West Honalo Road, on Monday, Feb. 13, through Friday, Feb. 17, from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., for Kuakini Drainage Improvements.

— HAWAII BELT ROAD (ROUTE 19) —

1) PAPAIKOU TO PEPEEKEO

Single lane closure on Hawaii Belt Road (Route 19) possible in either direction between mile markers 9 and 11, vicinity of Onohi Loop/Kahalii Place and Old Mamalahoa Road (near Makea Stream), on Tuesday, Feb. 14, through Friday, Feb. 17, from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., for mowing and grass cutting.

2) PEPEEKEO TO HAKALAU (WEEKEND WORK)

Single lane closure on Hawaii Belt Road (Route 19) possible in either direction between mile markers 10 and 14, Kulaimano Road to vicinity of Kolekole Beach Park, on Saturday, Feb. 11, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., for vegetation cutting.

3) HAKALAU

Single lane closure on Hawaii Belt Road (Route 19) possible in either direction between mile markers 13 and 14, vicinity of Kolekole Beach Park, on Tuesday, Feb. 14, through Friday, Feb. 17, from 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., for vegetation cutting.

4) HAKALAU TO NINOLE (WEEKEND WORK)

Single lane closure on Hawaii Belt Road (Route 19) possible in either direction between mile markers 14 and 16, vicinity of Kolekole Beach Park and Umauma Stream, on Saturday, Feb. 11, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., for vegetation cutting

5) LAUPAHOEHOE

Single lane closure on Hawaii Belt Road (Route 19) possible in either direction between mile markers 23 and 28, Kapehu Road to vicinity of Stevens Road, on Monday, Feb. 13, through Friday, Feb. 17, from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. for paving.

— KAWAIHAE ROAD (ROUTE 19) —

1) KAMUELA

Single lane closure on Kawaihae Road (Route 19) possible in either direction between mile markers 58 and 60, vicinity of Ko Uka Street and Ohina Street, on Tuesday, Feb. 14, through Friday, Feb. 17, from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., for shoulder work.

— KEAAU-PAHOA ROAD (ROUTE 130) —

1) KEAAU (WEEKEND AND WEEKLY WORK)

Single lane closure on Keaau-Pahoa Road (Route 130) possible in either direction between mile markers 0 and 3, Volcano Road and the Adopt A Highway sign, on Saturday, Feb. 11, and Sunday, Feb. 12, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Tuesday, Feb. 14, through Friday, Feb. 17, from 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. for vegetation cutting.

2) KEAAU TO HAWAIIAN PARADISE PARK (WEEKEND WORK)

Single lane closure on Keaau-Pahoa Road (Route 130) possible in either direction between mile markers 3 and 5, vicinity of the Adopt A Highway sign and between Puakalo Street and Kaloli Drive, on Saturday, Feb. 11, and Sunday, Feb. 12, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. for vegetation removal from culverts.

— 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 5 and 9, vicinity of the Koaiʻa Tree to past the Kohala Ranch Road, on Saturday, Feb. 11, and Sunday, Feb. 12, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. for shoulder stabilization.

2) KOHALA

Single lane closure on Kohala Mountain Road (Route 250) possible in either direction between mile markers 7 and 9, vicinity of Kohala Ranch Road, on Tuesday, Feb. 14, through Friday, Feb. 17, from 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. for tree trimming.