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COVID-19 PHE Expires May 11

The federal Public Health Emergency (PHE) for COVID-19 will expire at the end of May 11, 2023, due to high levels of vaccination, widespread population immunity, and available treatments. Access to COVID-19 vaccines will generally not be affected for now, and COVID-19 at-home tests may not be covered by insurance. For people with Medicaid coverage, COVID-19 testing and treatment will remain covered at no cost through September 2024. The CDC will discontinue reporting of some COVID-19 metrics like percent positivity due to changing laboratory requirements and the increased use of self-testing. While masks are no longer required in public settings in Hawaii, vaccinations and wearing properly fitting high-quality masks remain important tools for preventing COVID-19.

Firearms and Drug Offenses leads to Arrest

Hawai‘i Island police have charged 30-year-old Chace Kakela Gambill with firearms and drug offenses after he was seen carrying a rifle along highway 19 within the Ka‘awali‘i Gulch in O‘okala. When officers approached him, he did not have the rifle on him, but they later found a shotgun hidden behind a guardrail in the area. Gambill was also found in possession of ammunition of the same caliber as the recovered firearm and methamphetamine. He was charged with five offenses, including place to keep firearm, drug possession, and drug paraphernalia, and his bail was set at $71,000.

Public Works Announce Closures for Hilo Roads

Hawaiʻi County Department of Public Works will begin resurfacing Kalanianaʻole Street in Keaukaha from May 15 to May 26, with lane closures and flaggers directing traffic from 8:30 am to 6:00 pm, Monday through Friday. The Department has also updated its roadwork schedule along Keawe Street, with one lane limited between Haili Street and Furneaux Lane from 7:00 pm to 5:00 am from May 15 to May 18, and no parking allowed on that block of Keawe Street during these times. However, both lanes of Keawe Street will remain open to traffic and parking during daytime hours, on weekends, and on holidays.

Temporary Fire Station Opened

The Hawaiʻi Fire Department has announced the opening of a temporary fire station at 1382 Kīlauea Street in Hilo, which will operate from this Summer until further notice. This move comes as Central Fire Station at 466 Kinoʻole Street undergoes long-overdue repairs. The temporary station is a necessary measure to ensure emergency operations for the community can continue uninterrupted. The department's Fire Chief Kazuo Todd emphasized their commitment to providing the highest level of service and encouraged the public to contact them with any questions or concerns. A public meeting with Chief Todd is also scheduled for May 17 at the Aupuni Center Conference Room to address any queries.

Police Request Public Help Searching for Puna Woman

Hawaiʻi Island police are seeking the public’s help in locating Shanice Ogata-Staudinger, a 28-year-old woman from Puna who is wanted in connection with an assault investigation. Ogata-Staudinger is believed to be driving a red 2004 Toyota Sequoia and has several tattoos, including a dollar sign on her left cheek. She is considered armed and dangerous and anyone who spots her should not approach her but call the police department's non-emergency number instead. Anyone with information about her whereabouts is encouraged to contact Detective Richard Itliong or Crime Stoppers.

Police Request Public Help in Assault Investigation

Hawai‘i Island police are seeking the public's help in identifying a person of interest related to an assault investigation that took place at a Kailua Kona beach. The incident was reported on May 6, 2023, around 6:03 p.m., and a video recording captured a part of the altercation. The man is believed to be in his late 30s or early 40s, has a light brown complexion, and a tattoo on his right shoulder that resembles scales. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact Officer Gyasi Williams or email [email protected]. Confidential tips can also be provided by calling Crime Stoppers at (808) 961-8300.

Pickup Trucks as Police Vehicles Announced

Effective immediately, Hawai‘i police officers are authorized to use pickup trucks with an open bed as subsidized police vehicles, according to an announcement made by the Hawai‘i Police Department. In the upcoming weeks, residents of Hawai‘i Island may spot more subsidized police pickup trucks on the roads, and police officers patrolling in pickup trucks with blue lights and sirens. The authorized vehicles include the 2021-2023 Ford F150 Crew Cab, short bed, the 2021-2023 Toyota Tundra Crew Cab, and several other models. The initiative aims to enable police officers to better serve and respond to the community, especially in rural and rugged terrain. The Police Chief, Benjamin Moszkowicz, urged motorists to pull over and slow down if they see a police vehicle with blue emergency lights illuminated, and to contact the police non-emergency line at (808) 935-3311 if they are uncertain about a police vehicle.

Waiākea Uka Park Closure Slated May 15

Waiākea Uka Park in Hilo is set to partially close from Monday, May 15, 2023, to the end of May 2024, as a new construction project commences. The project will involve the construction of a new community center and significant improvements to the park's lower areas. However, the "upper" ballfield and restroom facility will remain open to the public throughout the construction period.

The Hawaiʻi County Department of Parks and Recreation has asked for the public's understanding and patience during the closure, as the improvements will enhance the community resource. For those who wish to use the upper ballfield, Royden Chow can be contacted at (808) 938-2014. Anyone who requires further information on the project can reach out to the Department of Parks and Recreation at (808) 961-8311.

Redemption Center in Ka'u will be closed May 13.

The Wai'ōhinu Certified Redemption Center (CRC) at the Wai'ōhinu Recycling & Transfer Station will be closed on May 13, 2023, according to the Department of Environmental Management. The closure is temporary, and the Ocean View Certified Redemption Center on Fridays from 8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. is an alternate site. The Department thanked the community for their efforts to keep Hawaii Island beautiful and protect the 'aina. For more information on HI-5 Certified Redemption Center locations or recycling, visit hawaiizerowaste.org.

Rep. Tokuda and Rep. Case Introduce Equitable Payments for Nursing Facilities

Reps. Jill Tokuda, Mary Peltola, and Ed Case have introduced the Equitable Payments for Nursing Facilities Act of 2023, which seeks to increase Medicare payments for nursing facilities in Hawaii and Alaska. The legislation would authorize a cost-of-living adjustment to the Medicare payment formula for skilled nursing facilities in these states to account for the significantly higher cost of providing care in these areas. Skilled nursing facilities are an essential component of Hawaii and Alaska's healthcare system, providing a safe and stable environment for patients to recover following intensive medical treatment. If passed, the bill would provide the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services the authority to make adjustments to Medicare payment rates for Skilled Nursing Facilities in Hawaii or Alaska. Companion legislation has been introduced in the Senate by Brian Schatz, Lisa Murkowski, Mazie Hirono, and Dan Sullivan.

Senator Schatz Reintroduce Student Veterans Transparency and Protection Act

Senators Brian Schatz and Mike Rounds have reintroduced the bipartisan Student Veterans Transparency and Protection Act, which would improve access to information about higher education for veterans and allow the Department of Veterans Affairs to restore benefits that veterans use at schools subject to civil enforcement. The legislation would help student veterans learn about where to use benefits and improve transparency of higher education institutions. The bill requires VA to provide veterans with up-to-date student outcome and financial information for all eligible institutions through its G.I. Bill Comparison Tool and requires all VA education counselors to be trained in using this tool to help beneficiaries. The legislation is supported by a number of veteran and education advocacy groups, including the American Legion and the Institute for College Access & Success.

FOR THE WEEK OF MAY 6 – MAY 12

PLEASE NOTE:

Lane closure schedules may change at any time without further notice.All projects are weather permitting.

— MAMALOHA HIGHWAY (ROUTE 11) —

1) MOUNTAIN VIEW (WEEKEND WORK)

Single lane closure on Mamalahoa Highway (Route 11) possible in either direction between mile markers 14 and 16, in the vicinity of South Lauko Road and North Peck Road on Saturday, May 6, and Sunday, May 7, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. for vegetation cutting.

2) MOUNTAIN VIEW

Single lane closures on Mamalahoa Highway (Route 11) possible in either direction fronting Mountain View U.S. Post Office, Monday, May 8 through Friday, May 12, from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. for installation of a raised crosswalk.

3) PAHALA

Single lane closure on Mamalahoa Highway (Route 11) possible in either direction between mile markers 45 and 47, in the vicinity of Kapapala Ranch Road on Monday, May 8, through Friday, May 12, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. for vegetation cutting.

4) NAALEHU (WEEKEND WORK)

Single lane closure on Mamalahoa Highway (Route 11) possible in either direction between mile markers 59 and 61 in the vicinity of Whittington Beach Park on Saturday, May 6, and Sunday, May 7, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. for vegetation cutting.

5) CAPTAIN COOK

Single lane closure on Mamalahoa Highway (Route 11) fronting Hookena Elementary School on Monday, May 8 through Friday, May 12, from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. for installation of a raised crosswalk.

6) CAPTAIN COOK

Single lane closure on Mamalahoa Highway (Route 11) fronting Honaunau Elementary School on Monday, May 8 through Friday, May 12, from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. for the installation of a raised crosswalk.

7) CAPTAIN COOK

Single lane closure on Mamalahoa Highway (Route 11) possible in either direction between mile markers 109 and 111, in the vicinity of Kealakekua Ranch Center and Konawaena School Road on Monday, May 8, through Friday, May 12, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. for vegetation cutting. 

8) KEALAKEKUA

Alternating lane closure at the intersection of Mamalahoa Highway and Hale Keekee Place on Monday, May 8 through Friday, May 12 from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. for installation of a raised crosswalk.

— KUAKINI HIGHWAY (ROUTE 11) —

1) HONALO

Single lane close on Kuakini Highway (Route 11) in either direction at mile marker 114, in the vicinity of West Honalo Road, on Monday, May 8, through Friday, May 12, from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., for Kuakini drainage improvements.

— HAWAII BELT ROAD (ROUTE 19) —

1) PAPAALOA TO LAUPAHOEHOE (WEEKEND WORK)

Single lane closure on Hawaii Belt Road (Route 19) possible in either direction between mile markers 23 and 26, in the vicinity of Kapehu Road and Spencer Road, on Saturday, May 6, and Sunday, May 7, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 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, in the vicinity of Kapehu Road and Stevens Road, on Monday, May 8, through Friday, May 12 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. for road resurfacing.

 3) LAUPAHOEHOE TO OOKALA

Single lane closure on Hawaii Belt Road (Route 19) possible in either direction between mile marker 28 to 30, in the vicinity of Old Mamalahoa Highway, Monday, May 8 through Friday, May 12 from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. for vegetation cutting.

4) PAAUILO

Single left lane closure on Hawaii Belt Road (Route 19) possible in either direction between mile markers 37 and 38, in the vicinity of Hauola Road and Kalopa Road, on Monday, May 8, through Friday, May 12, from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. for Hawaiian Electric Company replacing poles and restringing overhead lines.

— KAWAIHAE ROAD (ROUTE 19) —

1) KAMUELA

Single lane closure on Kawaihae Road (Route 19) possible in either direction between mile markers 60 and 61, in the vicinity of Ohina Street on Monday, May 8, through Friday, May 12, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. for vegetation cutting.

2) KAMUELA (WEEKEND WORK)

Single lane closure on Kawaihae Road (Route 19) possible in either direction between mile markers 64 and 66, in the vicinity of Waiemi Place, on Saturday, May 6, and Sunday, May 7, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. for vegetation cutting.

— KEAAU-PAHOA ROAD (ROUTE 130) —

1) PAHOA (WEEKEND WORK)

Single lane closure on Keaau-Pahoa Road (Route 130) possible in either direction between mile markers 9 and 11, in the vicinity of Kaluahine Road and Pahoa Bypass Road on Monday, May 8, through Friday, May 12, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. for guardrail cleaning and vegetation cutting.

— QUEEN KAHUMANU HIGHWAY (ROUTE 19) —

1) KAILUA-KONA (WEEKEND WORK)

Single lane closure on Queen Kaahumanu Highway (Route 19) possible in either direction between mile markers 94 and 95, in the vicinity Hulikoa Drive, on Saturday, May 6, and Sunday, May 7, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. for vegetation cutting.

— MAMALOHA HIGHWAY (ROUTE 190) —

1) KAILUA-KONA

Single lane closure on Mamalahoa Highway (Route 190) possible in either direction between mile markers 32 and 34, in the vicinity of Iki Place and Makalei Drive on Monday, May 8, through Friday, May 12, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. for vegetation cutting. 

2) 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, May 8, through Friday, May 12, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. for installation of shoulder extension.