Here is your fast news headlines for Big Island today:

Maui Man Cited for Harassing Wildlife

A Maui resident, 65-year-old David Jiménez, was cited by the DLNR Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement (DOCARE) on Monday morning for allegedly harassing marine wildlife at Kealakekua Bay on Hawaii's Big Island. Numerous calls were made to report Jiménez actively pursuing an adolescent humpback whale and a pod of spinner dolphins inside Kealakekua Bay State Historical Park.

The DOCARE officers received a video on Sunday of Jiménez snorkeling close enough to almost touch the adolescent humpback whale's fin. When an officer arrived at the scene early Monday, they witnessed Jiménez leading a group chasing the dolphins, recording a video that shows the man in a black dive suit pursuing the animals.

Both whales and dolphins are protected by state and federal laws, and Jiménez was cited for violations of Hawai‘i Administrative Rules (HAR), including 13-124-3(b)(1) Prohibited Acts in Regard to Endangered Whale Species and 13-146-41 Harassing Wildlife in a State Park. Jiménez referred to himself as "Dolphin Dave" on Facebook and told the officers that he would not stop swimming with whales and dolphins because "it's magical, and others do much worse things."

Jiménez was summoned to appear in Kona District court on May 11, 2023, for his alleged offenses. The DLNR encourages the public to report any suspected violations of wildlife harassment by calling the 24-hour DLNR tip line at 808-643-DLNR or by using the free DLNRTip app.

Arrest Made at Cockfight

On March 4, 2023, police in Hawaii arrested and charged four men for firearms offenses at a cockfight in Kealakekua. The operation involved officers from the Hawaii Police Department’s Area II Vice Section, Area II Criminal Intelligence Unit, Kona Patrol, Area II Ice Task Force, and federal agents from the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The search warrant was executed at a 500-acre property, where more than 800 people were estimated to be in attendance at the cockfight. Police recovered live chickens and chicken boxes, cockfighting paraphernalia, dead chickens, unregistered loaded pistols, ammunition, and a loaded .22 caliber long rifle from the premises. Police also seized small amounts of cocaine and marijuana, as well as $8,000 in US currency and two pickup trucks for forfeiture. The arrested men are Chaddy Aukai, James Medeiros, Kapono Hookahi, and Eizan-James Medeiros, and they are scheduled for their initial court appearance in Kona District Court on Thursday, April 6, 2023. The investigation is ongoing, and anyone with information about the event is encouraged to contact Detective Grad Elarionoff or Crime Stoppers.

A 6.0 Earthquake Rocks Mindanao, Philippines

Last night around 8:30 pm HST, a 6.0 magnitude earthquake shook Mindanao, Philippines, as reported by the USGS and Pacific Tsunami Center. Despite the earthquake's strength, no tsunami warning was issued. Further details about the incident and potential damages or injuries are currently unknown.

Wind Advisory Remain until Friday

The Hawaii County Civil Defense Agency issued a Wind Advisory and High Wind Watch message on Monday, March 6th, due to strong winds expected on the Summits of Hawaii Island. The National Weather Service issued a Wind Advisory for the Summits from Monday through Tuesday morning, with a High Wind Watch in effect from Tuesday morning through Friday. The High Wind Watch warns of sustained winds of 40 to 80 MPH and gusts over 100 MPH, and motorists are advised to avoid driving summit roads and to stay tuned for updates on changing conditions.

State of Hawai'i Request TikTok if They Violated Consumer Protection Laws

The State of Hawaiʻi has joined 46 other states in requesting that social media company TikTok, Inc. fully comply with an investigation into whether the company violated consumer protection laws. Attorney General Anne Lopez and Executive Director Mana Moriarty of the Hawaiʻi Office of Consumer Protection are leading the charge in the multistate investigation, which seeks to review internal TikTok communications to determine whether the company engaged in deceptive, unfair, and unconscionable conduct that harmed the mental health of TikTok users, particularly children and teens.

Despite the fact that the request for communications falls squarely within the investigative authority of state attorneys general and the Office of Consumer Protection, TikTok has repeatedly and knowingly failed to preserve relevant information and provide internal communications in a useful format. The states argue that this failure hampers the investigation.

Research has shown that social media platforms, particularly image- and video-based platforms like TikTok, are playing a substantial role in harming youth mental health. TikTok has been accused of choosing not to use tools that could prevent mental health issues associated with excessive use of the platform.

The attorneys general and the Hawaiʻi Office of Consumer Protection involved in the multistate investigation have a duty to protect their states' people from illegal business practices. The brief filed by the states requests that the court compel TikTok to provide the information sought.

HPD Encourage Paddling Outrigger Canoe 

Hawai‘i Police Department’s Kona Community Policing Section in collaboration with the Hawai‘i Island Police Activities League (HI-PAL) will be partnering with Kai’ Opua Canoe Club and Kai ‘Ehitu Canoe Club for a HI-PAL Outrigger Canoe Regatta on Saturday, April 8, 2023, at the Kailua Pier in Kailua-Kona. Check-in will be at 7 a.m., with the opening ceremony at 9 a.m., and the races starting shortly thereafter. Lunch and an award ceremony will follow the last race.

Kids age 12 to 18 and clubs are welcome to participate in this first-ever HI-PAL regatta, which will feature 14 events. It’s a great opportunity for kids to paddle with their club teammates, high school teammates, or their friends that may paddle for a different club or high school.

Each participant (guardian) will need to complete the HI-PAL permission/release form. Please contact Officer Leonard Warren of the Kona Community Policing Section via email at [email protected] for the HI-PAL permission/release form. For more information, please contact Kona Community Policing at (808) 326-4646, ext. 257, 258, or 259.

Wainaku St. Rehabilitation

According to a press release submitted by the Office of the Mayor: 

Department of Public Works Highways Engineering Division will begin resurfacing Wainaku Street from Wailuku Drive to ‘Ohana Place on Monday, March 13. Roadwork will occur Monday through Friday, from 8:30 am to 6:00 pm, weather permitting.

DPW requests the public’s assistance that no cars be parked on the roadside for the resurfacing work.

One-lane closures are expected during the day, and Hawaiʻi Police Department will be onsite to direct traffic.

MTA Announce an Expansion of Safe Place Program

The County of Hawaiʻi Mass Transit Agency (MTA) has announced an expansion of its Safe Place program in partnership with the National Safe Place Network (NSPN). The new addition of The Salvation Army Family Intervention Services to the program will increase the number of Safe Place sites for youth in crisis on Hawaiʻi Island. The Salvation Army Family Intervention Services will now display the yellow and black Safe Place sign, which signifies immediate help and safety for youth. These signs are already installed on all 55 Hele-On buses operating across the island.

Mayor Mitch Roth highlighted the significance of ensuring children have safe places to turn to, particularly those who are in crisis. The Safe Place program provides a vital option for young people who feel they have nowhere else to go. Over 20,000 businesses and organizations nationwide participate in the Safe Place program, including Hawaii's Safe Place initiative, which is part of a national network of Safe Place programs in 38 states.

Residents in Hawaii County can find Safe Place locations at The Salvation Army Family Intervention Services in Hilo, Mo'oheau Bus Terminal in Hilo, West Hawai'i Civic Center in Kailua-Kona, and the Mass Transit Agency Baseyard in Hilo. Roxanne Costa, Executive Director of The Salvation Army Family Intervention Services, expressed her enthusiasm for the partnership and said that the organization is excited to assist youth and their families in finding resources within the community.

For more information on Safe Place and Hele-On services, individuals can call (808) 961-8744

County Calendar:

County Council's Committee Meetings Date: 03/07/2023 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM  Location: Hawaiʻi County Building 25 Aupuni Street Hilo, Hawaii 96720

• 9:00 a.m. Governmental Operations and External Affairs Committee

• 10:30 a.m. Finance Committee

• 11:30 a.m. Policy Committee on Planning, Land Use, and Development

• 1:00 p.m. Legislative Approvals and Acquisitions Committee

• 2:00 p.m. Communications, reports, and Council Oversight Committee

Kailua Village Design Commission Meeting Date:03/07/2023 2:30 PM - 4:00 PM  Location:Online

Road Work: March 4 - March 10

— VOLCANO ROAD/MAMALAHOA HIGHWAY (ROUTE 11) —

1) NORTH OF PAHALA

Single lane closure on Mamalahoa Highway (Route 11) possible in either direction between mile markers 44 and 46, vicinity of Kapapala Ranch Road on Monday, March 6, through Friday, March 10, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. for vegetation cutting.

2) NORTH OF PAHALA (WEEKEND WORK)

Single lane closure on Mamalahoa Highway (Route 11) possible in either direction between mile markers 46 and 50, vicinity of Kapapala Ranch Road on Saturday, March 4, and Sunday, March 5, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 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 106 and 108, vicinity of Honaunau Elementary School and Nanaina Lani Place, on Saturday, March 4, and Sunday, March 5, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. for vegetation cutting.

— 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, March 6, through Friday, March 10, from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., for Kuakini Drainage Improvements.

— HAWAII BELT ROAD (ROUTE 19) —

1) HAKALAU

Single lane closure on Hawaii Belt Road (Route 19) possible in either direction between mile markers 14 and 17, vicinity of Kolekole Beach Park to Kauniho Road, on Monday, March 6, through Friday, March 10, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., for tree trimming and vegetation removal.

2) 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, March 6, through Friday, March 10, from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. for paving.

3) KAMUELA Single lane closure on Hawaii Belt Road (Route 19) possible in either direction between mile markers 52 and 54, Mud Lane and Iokua Place, on Monday, March 6, through Friday, March 10, from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. for core sampling in preparation for repaving.

— QUEEN KAAHUMANU HIGHWAY (ROUTE 19) —

1) KAMUELA (WEEKEND WORK)

Single lane closure on Queen Kaahumanu Highway (Route 19) possible in either direction between mile markers 67 and 68, vicinity of the start of Queen Kaahumanu Highway and Kauna ʻOa Drive, on Saturday, March 4, and Sunday, March 5, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., for shoulder work.

— 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 1 and 4, Milo Street and the advance directional sign for Shower Drive, on Saturday, March 4, and Sunday, March 5, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. for vegetation cutting.

2) KEAAU

Single lane closure on Keaau-Pahoa Road (Route 130) possible in either direction between mile markers 3 and 6, the Adopt A Highway sign and Orchidland Drive, on Monday, March 6, through Friday, March 10, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. for vegetation cutting.

— MAMALAHOA HIGHWAY (ROUTE 190) — 

1) WAIKOLOA (WEEKEND AND WEEKLY WORK)

Single lane closure on Mamalahoa Highway (Route 190) possible in either direction between mile markers 7 and 12, vicinity of Saddle Road to past Waikoloa Road, on Saturday, March 4, through Friday, March 10, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. for vegetation cutting.

2) NORTH KONA Single lane closure on Mamalahoa Highway (Route 190) possible in either direction between mile markers 18 and 26, on Monday, March 6, through Friday, March 10, from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. for the Mamalahoa Highway Safety Improvements, East and West Puuwaawaa Ranch.

3) NORTH KONA Single lane closure on Mamalahoa Highway (Route 190) possible in either direction between mile markers 21 and 26, vicinity of Puu Kamanu Loop, on Monday, March 6, through Friday, March 10, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. for mowing.

4) NORTH KONA (WEEKEND WORK) Single lane closure on Mamalahoa Highway (Route 190) possible in either direction between mile markers 21 and 24, vicinity of Puu Kamanu Loop, on Saturday, March 4, and Sunday, March 5, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. for vegetation cutting.

— AKAKA FALLS ROAD (ROUTE 220) — 

1) HONOMU (WEEKEND AND WEEKLY WORK)

Single lane closure on Akaka Falls Road (Route 220) possible in either direction between mile markers 2 and 4, No. 5 Bridge Road to vicinity of Akaka Falls State Park, on Saturday, March 4, through Friday, March 10, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. for vegetation cutting.

— KOHALA MOUNTAIN ROAD (ROUTE 250) — 

1) KOHALA

Single lane closure on Kohala Mountain Road (Route 250) possible in either direction between mile markers 9 and 13, vicinity Puuhue Road, on Monday, March 6, through Friday, March 10, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. for paving.