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Hawai'i AG Requests Biden Administration to Eliminate Rules Regarding Contraceptives

Attorney General Anne Lopez of Hawaiʻi has joined a coalition of 22 states calling on the Biden Administration to eliminate the previous administrations rules that allow "employers to interfere in their employees' reproductive health decisions" according to the AG's office. These rules removed contraceptive coverage from women who were entitled to complete coverage under the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and added broad exemptions that allowed almost all employers to deny birth control coverage to their employees.

The coalition of attorneys general recently sent a letter to U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra, U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen, and Acting U.S. Labor Secretary Julie Su, applauding the Biden Administration's proposal to rescind parts of the Trump-era rules. The attorneys general argue that expanding access to birth control is crucial for promoting healthy, empowered lives, and they urge the administration to narrow the religious exemption and improve the Individual Contraceptive Arrangement (ICA), among other changes. The ACA's contraceptive-coverage mandate, signed into law in 2010, required all employers and sponsors of health plans to cover the cost of preventive services necessary for women's health, including contraceptive services.

61-year Old Sentenced to 20 years for Selling Meth

Charles Zuffante, a 61-year-old man from Kea‘au, has been sentenced to an indeterminate term of imprisonment of 20 years for attempting to promote methamphetamine. The sentencing was announced by Prosecuting Attorney Kelden Waltjen in Kona Circuit Court on Monday. Zuffante was taken into custody after being found guilty by a Kona jury in February. The case originated from a vehicle traffic stop by officers Charles Caldwell-Ka‘ai and Devon Manuel on October 21, 2021, near the intersection of Keanalehu Drive and Manawalea Street in Kona. Upon Zuffante’s arrest, officers located a Ziploc packet containing 3.5 grams of methamphetamine in Zuffante’s pocket. Further investigation revealed that the vehicle contained a significant amount of methamphetamine packaged in distributable amounts. Zuffante was charged via grand jury indictment in April 2022. The case was handled by Officer Justin Gaspar of the Area II Vice Section of the Hawai‘i Police Department.

Prosecuting Attorney Kelden Waltjen stated that the sentencing demonstrates the office’s commitment to hold drug dealers accountable for poisoning the community. He emphasized the importance of investigating and prosecuting those who distribute dangerous drugs such as methamphetamine, fentanyl, and heroin. The Office of the Prosecuting Attorney encourages individuals with information about illegal narcotics distribution to contact the Hawai‘i Police Department Vice Section in East Hawai‘i at (808) 934-8423 or in West Hawai‘i at (808) 329-0423, or Crime Stoppers at (808) 961-8300.

Police Investigating Single Vehicle Collision

Curtis Arthur Lea, a 62-year-old resident of Kailua-Kona, died following a single-vehicle accident that occurred on Tuesday, April 4, 2023, near the intersection of Kaiminani Drive and Kalia Place in North Kona. The accident took place when Lea's silver 2007 Ford F150 pickup truck veered off the right shoulder, struck a wooden fence, and overturned while heading west (makai) on Kaiminani Drive. Lea was rushed to Kona Community Hospital, where he was later pronounced dead at 6:08 p.m.

Police suspect that the accident was caused by impairment. An autopsy has been ordered to determine the exact cause of death. The Area II Traffic Enforcement Unit has initiated a coroner's inquest investigation and is urging anyone who witnessed the collision to contact Officer Adam Roberg at (808) 326-4646 ext. 229 or email at [email protected]. Those who wish to remain anonymous can provide information to Crime Stoppers at (808) 961-8300. As of now, this is the sixth traffic fatality this year, a decrease from twelve fatalities at the same time last year.

18 Motorist Arrested Between March 27 - April 2

18 motorists were arrested for driving under the influence of an intoxicant on Hawai`i Island during the week of March 27, 2023, through April 2, 2023. Among them, four drivers were involved in a traffic accident, and none of them were under 21 years old.

This year, 266 DUI arrests have been made so far, which is 6.0 percent less than the 283 DUI arrests made during the same period last year.

The Hawai‘i Police Department's Traffic Services Section has reviewed all updated crashes and reported 235 major crashes so far this year, which is a 25.7 percent increase from the 187 major crashes reported during the same period last year.

There have been four fatal crashes resulting in five fatalities (one fatal crash was reclassified as a natural cause of death) and one fatal crash with multiple deaths, compared to 10 fatal crashes with 12 fatalities (including one with multiple deaths) at this time last year. This represents a 60 percent decrease in fatal crashes and a 58.3 percent decrease in fatalities.

DUI roadblocks and patrols will continue island-wide.

Public Invited to Meeting With County Housing Administrator

The Waimea Community Association will be holding a hybrid town meeting on Thursday, April 6, 2023, to discuss the county's housing pipeline and what the community can do to help address the housing shortage and skyrocketing costs that are affecting many island residents. Susan Kunz, the Housing Administrator for the County Office of Housing and Community Development (OHCD), will be sharing more details about the agency's multi-pronged approach to the housing crisis. The meeting will take place at Tutu's House from 5:30-7 PM and will be streamed live on the association's Facebook page and YouTube channel. Attendees will also be asked to participate in an affordable housing online survey, and there will be a discussion on the recently authorized Affordable Housing Production Program. Hawai’i County Council Chair Heather Kimball and representatives from South Kohala Community Policing will also be present to provide updates. The meeting will feature the Alex and Duke DeRego Foundation as the not-for-profit spotlight, and attendees will be urged to support the foundation's programs.

Attendees will be asked to participate in an affordable housing online survey and a link to the survey is provided here to assist the county in making “informed decisions about the future of our program,” said Ms. Kunz. Use the QR code attached or click here to access the survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/LLH2QMV

For more info about the meeting or community association, email WCA President James Hustace at [email protected] or go to www.WaimeaTown.org.

Merrie Monarch Traffic Pattern

A temporary one-way traffic pattern will be in place on Kalanikoa Street in Hilo during the 60th Annual Merrie Monarch Festival. Starting at noon on Wednesday, April 12, and continuing through 8:00 a.m. on Sunday, April 16, traffic will be allowed to flow in the northerly direction on Kalanikoa Street between Pi‘ilani Street and Kuawa Street. This arrangement will be in effect for 24 hours a day throughout the festival.

Motorists will be permitted to make right turns onto Kalanikoa Street from Pi‘ilani Street if traveling west. They will also be allowed to make left turns onto Kalanikoa Street from Pi‘ilani Street. Access to the Ho'olulu Complex and local businesses will be possible via both right and left turns on the one-way traffic route on Kalanikoa Street.

Manono, Pi'ilani, and Kuawa Streets will remain two-way thoroughfares as usual.

Officers Promoted

The Police Chief of an undisclosed department, Benjamin Moszkowicz, has recently announced the promotion of three officers. Effective April 1, 2023, one officer has been promoted from Captain to Major, and two others from the rank of Lieutenant to Captain.

The newly promoted Major, Thomas Shopay III, is a 23-year veteran of the department and has been assigned to the Technical Services Division. He will be responsible for overseeing various departments such as the Communications Dispatch Center, Communications Maintenance Section, Computer Center, Records and Identification Section, and Traffic Services Section. Shopay was previously the Captain of the Area II Criminal Investigation Division and has also served in other high-ranking positions such as Lieutenant and Sergeant of the Special Response Team, Area II Vice Section, and Kona Patrol.

In 2014, Shopay graduated from the prestigious FBI National Academy, and in 2012, he received the Silver Medal of Valor from the department for risking his life to barricade explosive ordinance near an electric plant.

Tuckloy Aurello, a 20-year veteran of the department, has been promoted to Captain and assigned to the Criminal Intelligence Unit/Internal Affairs. Aurello has previously served as Lieutenant of the Records and Identification Section and has also held positions such as Lieutenant of Hilo Patrol, Detective in Area I Juvenile Aid Section, Detective in Area I Criminal Investigation Section, and Sergeant in Accreditation.

Aurello was recognized for his work in July 2006 when he received the Officer of the Month award from the Aloha Exchange Club of East Hawai‘i for investigating a burglary in a Kea‘au subdivision. In 2022, he graduated from the FBI National Academy.

Lastly, Brian Prudencio, a 23-year veteran of the department, has been promoted to Captain and assigned to the Area II Criminal Investigation Division. Prudencio was previously a Detective in the Office of Professional Standards, Detective in Area I Juvenile Aid Section, Detective in Area II Vice, and a Field Training Officer.

Prudencio has received multiple awards throughout his career, including Officer of the Year by the Hawaii State Law Enforcement Officials Association (HSLEOA) in 2008, Officer of the Year by the Aloha Exchange Club of East Hawai‘i for his work as a Vice officer on the Ice Task Force, and Officer of the Month for July and August 2007 for his work as a Vice officer.

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.