Big Island Daily

19/07/2023

https://bigislanddaily2023.wpcomstaging.com/2023/07/19/hawaii-county-civil-defense-agency-provides-updates-on-weather-warnings-tropical-storm-warning-canceled-but-flood-watch-and-advisories-continue/

Photo Courtesy: Hawaii County Civil Defense

20/04/2023

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19/04/2023

Residents of Hawaii have been warned to take precautions against heavy rain and flooding that is expected to hit the state in the coming days. According to the Hawaii National Weather Service, a cold front will bring the threat of heavy rain and flooding to Kauai last night, Oahu late last night and early Wednesday, and Maui County and Hawaii Island Wednesday through Thursday. Thunderstorms are also possible.
Hawaii County Civil Defense has issued a Flood Watch for the state from now through Wednesday, with the heaviest showers expected in Ka'u and Puna. A Flood Watch means that conditions are favorable for flash flooding caused by high rainfall. Residents are advised not to cross fast-flowing water in their vehicles or on foot. The agency has also warned that significant flooding may occur due to the overflow of streams and drainages, and landslides may occur in areas with steep terrain. The agency will continue to monitor conditions and provide updates to residents as needed to ensure their safety.

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18/04/2023

Keep an eye out as Utility pole removal and replacements come in.

18/04/2023

Wālua trail closed April 24 - May 5 in Kona!

18/04/2023

Hawai‘i's Congressional delegation has introduced two bills aimed at "improving safety standards for air tours and reducing noise for local residents". The Air Tour and Skydiving Safety Improvement Act, initially introduced in 2020 by Senators Brian Schatz and Mazie K. Hirono, would implement new safety standards to protect passengers on air tours and enhance the safety of skydiving flights across the country. The Hawai‘i Air Tour Management Act would require the Federal Aviation Administration to collaborate with the State of Hawai‘i to develop a new management plan that minimizes the noise generated by these tours.
These bills were prompted by a significant number of accidents and safety concerns relating to air tours in Hawai‘i according to a press release from Congressman Case; where at least 85 individuals have died in air tour crashes. Part 91 commercial air tour operators are subject to less stringent safety standards than Part 135, which applies to most commercial air tours and charter flight operators. The Air Tour and Skydiving Safety Improvement Act would close this loophole and increase safety standards for small aircraft tour operators. The Hawai‘i Air Tour Management Act would enhance the management of Hawaiʻi’s airspace and natural resources.

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18/04/2023

Hawaii teachers represented by the Hawai‘i State Teachers Association (HSTA) are set to receive a 14.5% pay increase over the next four years, according to a tentative contract settlement announced by Governor Josh Green, M.D., DOE Superintendent Keith Hayashi, and HSTA President Osa Tui Jr. The proposed contract also includes average annual pay raises of 3.4%, which will help to stabilize Hawaii’s public education workforce, and an increase in pay for instructors working toward licensure, which will aid teacher recruitment. Bonuses for experienced teachers will also be provided to increase retention. The proposed contract also includes improvements to health and safety in the work environment, and the creation of work groups to address student needs. The contract will be voted on in-person on April 26 at various locations throughout the state.

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14/04/2023

The week of April 3, 2023, through April 9, 2023, saw a total of 13 arrests for driving under the influence of an intoxicant on Hawaii Island, with two drivers involved in a traffic collision and one being underage. While the overall number of DUI arrests has decreased by 8.8 percent this year compared to the same period last year, the number of major crashes has increased by 32 percent.
The Hawaii Police Department's Traffic Services Section has reviewed all updated crashes, revealing a total of 260 major crashes so far this year, compared to 197 during the same period last year. While there have been fewer fatal crashes this year, with a decrease of 50 percent, there have still been five such crashes, resulting in six fatalities.
DUI roadblocks and patrols will continue to be implemented throughout the island to help keep motorists safe.

12/04/2023

The Hawaiian Volcano Observatory (HVO) has released its latest status report on Kīlauea volcano, stating that it has been over a month since lava was last active on the surface of the volcano. HVO monitoring has shown low rates of seismicity and gas emission, with only minor deformation across the volcano. As a result, HVO will now be updating the volcano's status weekly instead of daily. However, the Alert Level for Kīlauea remains at ADVISORY/YELLOW, as it is still possible that an eruption could occur with little or no warning. The HVO will continue to monitor the volcano for any changes.

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11/04/2023

The Hawaii Department of Health is investigating a case of confirmed measles in an O‘ahu resident who had returned from international travel. DOH has identified individuals who have had known exposure to the case and is working with them to prevent the spread of the disease. A Medical Advisory has been issued, requesting healthcare providers to be on the alert for possible cases of measles. According to the Department of Health, Measles is a vaccine-preventable disease, and staying up-to-date on routine childhood vaccines, including the measles vaccine, protects against outbreaks of measles.
According to Dr. Sarah Kemble, State Epidemiologist, childhood immunization programs worldwide faced setbacks due to the pandemic. As a result, there has been an increase in outbreaks globally, including the United States. While Hawaii has not had any recent outbreaks or spread of measles within the state, this case is a reminder that measles can be identified when residents or travelers are exposed overseas and re-enter the state. Measles is a highly contagious disease that starts with fever, followed by cough, runny nose, and red eyes, and can cause serious health complications, especially in children under five years of age and in infants under one year old.

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05/04/2023

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.

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04/04/2023

Always Free | Always Local 🤙🏽

04/04/2023

Hawaiʻi County officials have confirmed that the Waiākea School Complex was not under threat from an active shooter, following an initial report of a disturbance on campus earlier Monday morning. The Hawaiʻi Police Department responded to the call and conducted a thorough investigation, which concluded that there was no danger to the public. The incident has been classified as a terroristic threatening case and is currently under investigation by the Area I Juvenile Aid Section. The police department is encouraging anyone with information to come forward.

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29/03/2023

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28/03/2023

21/03/2023