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• Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, & Saturday

• Thursday & Sunday - No Newsletter

Here is your fast news headlines:

State of the County: "Reformation, Resilience, and adaptation; owning the past, preparing our present, and innovating for the future."

Hawaii Island Mayor Mitch Roth delivered the State of the County address on March 13, where he focused on the themes of reformation, resilience, and adaptation. He highlighted his achievements, including completing the Kalanianaʻole Reconstruction Project, maintaining the Hilo Waste Water Treatment Plant, responding to the 2018 Kīlauea Eruption and the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, and initiating the EPIC permitting system. He also talked about successfully organizing events, such as the Merrie Monarch Festival and the Hilo Bay Blast. The Mayor also discussed his commitment to affordable housing, citing that the County completed the 20-unit Pāpa‘aloa Elderly Affordable Housing project and the 60-unit Kaiaulu O Waikoloa affordable housing project. In addition, the Mayor emphasized the need to care for the houseless population beyond providing shelters, pledging $7.5 million towards medical outreach, detoxification, and permanent supportive housing. Finally, Mayor Roth highlighted the replacement of Chopper 2, a rescue helicopter.

6.3 Earthquake in Paupa New Guinea, No Tsunami Threat to Hawaii

On Monday afternoon, Papua New Guinea was hit by a 6.3 magnitude earthquake, as reported by the US Geological Survey. The earthquake struck the eastern region of the country, but fortunately, there was no apparent threat of a tsunami.

Police Seeking Runaway Uilani Ahuna

Hawai‘i Island police are asking for the public’s assistance in locating 15-year-old Uilani Ahuna who was reported as a runaway.

Ahuna was last seen in the 1700 block of Kinoole Street in Hilo on Saturday, February 25, 2023, at 12:30 p.m. wearing a gray hoodie and black jeans.

She is described as local with a slim build, about 5 feet 1 inches tall, 110 pounds, with black hair and brown eyes.

Police ask anyone with information on Ahuna’s whereabouts to call the police department’s non-emergency line at (808) 935-3311.

Hawai'i Supreme Court Favor Environmental Groups in Recent Decision

Environmental groups, including the Sierra Club, have received unanimous support from the Supreme Court of Hawaii after years of fighting against Hu Honua, also known as Honua Ola. The recent ruling upheld a previous decision to deny Honua Ola's power purchasing agreement with Hawaiian Electric, citing concerns over the 8 million metric tons of air pollution it could emit over 30 years from burning eucalyptus and other trees, as well as the higher cost of energy that consumers would be forced to pay, adding up to approximately $10.97.

In response to the ruling, Hu Honua issued a statement expressing disappointment and considering it a setback for Hawaii's renewable energy transition. Company president Warren Lee highlighted that the $520 million plant is already fully constructed and that denying it the opportunity to operate would increase the likelihood of grid instability and more blackouts.

Environmental groups celebrated the ruling as a victory for the health of Hawaii's residents and the state's commitment to renewable energy sources. The Supreme Court's decision sends a strong message that environmental concerns must be taken seriously in the pursuit of clean energy solutions.

Mayor of Hawaii issues Emergency Rule for Waipi‘o Valley Road Closure

The Mayor of Hawaii has issued a Continued Emergency Rule for the closure of Waipi‘o Valley Road, citing concerns for public welfare, health, and safety. Emergency Rule No. 2 and Emergency Rule No. 1 were adopted and promulgated on September 15, 2022, and will continue to be in effect as law.

The Fourth Amended Traffic Emergency Zone Declaration and Fourth Declaration of Emergency for Waipi‘o Valley Road effective March 14, 2023, further support the need for the rule. The closure of the road is necessary due to the current conditions of the road and its potential impact on those in Waipi‘o Valley.

The closure prohibits all pedestrians, uncovered vehicles, including ATVs, and horseback access. However, limited access exceptions will be granted to Hawai‘i County residents, permitted licensed/insured tour operators, and Native Hawaiians claiming traditional and/or customary rights.

Licensed/insured tour operators must obtain a permit from the Mayor’s Office, which will be effective for four months from the date of issuance. However, the Mayor may grant individual exemptions upon request, subject to safety precautions and sole discretion.

The closure will also be in effect during significant weather events, as determined by the Hawai‘i County Civil Defense Agency in consultation with the Department of Public Works. Additionally, access to Waipi‘o Valley Road may be further restricted during active road repair and/or mitigation activities.

The Department of Public Works will hold public meetings as part of its road utilization planning during periods of road construction. Further information and updates regarding Waipi‘o Valley Road may be found at the Hawaii County Public Works website.

HIPAL Basketball Tournament Held in Hilo

Approximately 60 teams participated in the recent 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament organized by the Hawai‘i Police Department’s Hilo Community Policing Section and the Hawai‘i Island Police Activity League (HIPAL) at the Pana‘ewa Gym in Hilo on February 17, 18, and 19, 2023. The tournament attracted more than 180 student players from across the island, ranging from fourth graders to high school students, who enjoyed the intense gameplay of a 3-on-3 half-court style basketball game against other teams.

The basketball tournament was held in six divisions, including varsity girls, varsity boys, and brackets for tenth grade, eighth grade, sixth grade, and fourth grade. Community Policing Officer Darren Abalos organized the tournament in coordination with retired HPD Major Randy Apele. HIPAL, an HPD program that encourages positive interaction between police officers and youth, helped facilitate the event to encourage teamwork, citizenship, responsibility, and build trust amongst the youth.

The Hilo Community Policing Section expressed their gratitude to everyone involved in making the tournament a great success, including the varsity girls and varsity boys division winners, and the participants who displayed excellent sportsmanship throughout the tournament.

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.