It’s a tragic statistic to think about but stark reminder to prioritize safety and exercise caution on state and county roadways during such a celebratory season while the Aloha State honors the class of 2025.

Graduation season is underway. Commencements for 46 public high schools are scheduled statewide through the end of May and ceremonies for 10 University of Hawaiʻi campuses take place this weekend.

Hawai‘i Department of Transportation and Hawaiʻi Department of Education hope this special time of year — a milestone for thousands of high school and college students — is marked with celebration filled with tears of joy and happiness rather than despair fraught with tears of sorrow and heartbreak.

Click on the links below to find Hawaiʻi public school and University of Hawaiʻi 2025 graduation/commencement schedules online:

• Hawai‘i Department of Education.
• University of Hawai‘i.

“Graduation is a milestone our students have worked incredibly hard to reach, and we want every celebration to be a joyful one,” Hawaiʻi Superintendent of Schools Keith Hayashi said in a news release. “As families gather and students mark this special time, we urge everyone to make safe choices on the road. Let’s protect these moments by slowing down, staying alert and looking out for one another.”

Of the 53 traffic fatalities so far this year through May 13:

• 17 were pedestrians.
• 14 were motorcyclists or motor scooter drivers/passengers.
• 14 were motor vehicle occupants.
• 5 were bicyclists (including e-bikes).
• 3 were skateboarders.

Preliminary reports indicate:

• Speed was a contributing factor in 13 of the crashes.
• Impairment is suspected in six crashes.
• Failure to yield by a pedestrian or driver or improper lane change was cited in 17 crashes.
• 5 crashes involved reckless driving.
• 13 individuals (pedestrians or skateboarders) were struck and killed while in the road unexpectedly.
• 10 individuals killed were not wearing a seatbelt.
• 11 crashes no helmet use was found.

“One of the best ways we can honor and celebrate our graduates is to prioritize safety on our roadways to prevent more fatalities,” Hawaiʻi Department of Transportation Director Ed Sniffen in the news release. “This includes following the posted speed limit, obeying all traffic laws, not driving impaired and avoiding distractions while on the road, whether you’re driving a vehicle, a pedestrian or riding a bicycle or motorcycle.”

State officials also remind residents to anticipate increased traffic near graduation venues and to use online tools such as GoAkamai, Google Maps and Waze to monitor traffic conditions and plan out their routes ahead of time.

Residents can find the state Department of Transportation roadwork and lane closure lists for each county here.

A public hearing on the suggested revisions — which also include an updated fee schedule for the Panaʻewa Equestrian Center — is scheduled at 5 p.m. June 3 at the Aging and Disability Resource Center, located 1055 Kinoʻole St., in Hilo.

“One of my first actions as mayor was to suspend the previous zoo admission fee proposal because it needed to be fairer for residents,” Hawaiʻi County Mayor Kimo Alameda said in an announcement about the public hearing and revised proposal. “After several months of review, we believe this new proposal will keep the zoo affordable for families and people of all ages, from keiki to kūpuna, while ensuring that non-resident guests also contribute.”

Original proposed rule changes were postponed in December 2024.

After review, changes to the proposal since it was put on hold include adjusting the suggested zoo fee structure to waive admission costs for keiki and kūpuna who are Hawaiʻi County residents. An annual pass will also be available.

“Importantly, the revenue from these fees opens the possibility for new projects, exhibits and programs that enhance the zoo and ensure it remains a vibrant community space where residents create lifelong memories,” added Alameda.

Pana‘ewa Rainforest Zoo & Gardens is home to 82 species and nearly 300 animals in a lush rain forest environment. It is the only zoo in the United States located in a tropical rain forest, and is a vital recreational and educational resource for local residents and visitors.

In addition to exotic and native plants and animals, the zoo also features special amenities such as a playground, pavilions, a petting zoo, a gift shop and more.

The revised proposed zoo fee structure, which would be effective July 1, is:

County residents

• Adult (ages 18 to 59 years): $4
• Kūpuna (60-plus years): Free
• Keiki (18 years and younger): Free

Non-county residents

• Adult (18 years and older): $12
• Keiki (3 to 17 years): $5
• Keiki (0 to 2 years): Free

Annual pass

• $25 per individual

A new fee schedule for the Pana‘ewa Equestrian Center is also being proposed, with fee increases phased in annually.

The Pana‘ewa Equestrian Center includes equestrian-related facilities, such as a 5/8-mile race track, eventing and dressage areas, rodeo arena, wash racks and rental stalls with attached paddocks.

The center is open for public use 7 days a week.

Community members are encouraged to attend the public hearing to ask any questions or give their input and opinions about the proposed rule changes.

Written comments also are accepted and should be filed no later than May 29 with the Department of Parks and Recreation Administration Office, located in Suite 6 at 101 Pauahi St., in Hilo. Written testimony received by the May 29 deadline will be included in the record of the hearing.

To join the public hearing via Zoom, use the following link and meeting ID:

• Zoom link: https://www.zoomgov.com/j/1616958546
• Meeting ID: 161 695 8546

You can view the revised proposed rule changes online prior to the public hearing.

U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz, a Hawai‘i Democrat, invites residents throughout the islands to a statewide telephone town hall meeting today, during which he will update constituents about his work in Washington. He will also take questions from those who attend and listen to their concerns.

Everyon can participate. Here are the details:

• WHEN: Noon today (May 8)
• HOW: Participants can register for the event online. They then will receive a call at the start of the meeting, inviting them to join the conversation.

The meeting is planned for 5:30 to 7 p.m. May 1 in the conference room at W.M. Keck Observatory located at 65-1120 Māmalahoa Highway in Waimea.

How to pay for and support county services, programs, services and essential public safety is a timely question given challenges ahead for the island’s government because of anticipated and dramatic changes to federal and state funding supports as well as local revenue mechanisms, including property taxes.

Hawai‘i County Council members Heather Kimball of Hamakua and James Hustace of Waimea will have extended time to discuss council business during the May town meeting, most notably the proposed fiscal year 2025-26 county budget process and expected challenges.

Kimball will join the meeting via Zoom from Washington, D.C., where she is on a trip to advocate for county funding. Part of her time with community members during the meeting will be spent discussing streamlined legislation on the council’s May 6 agenda regarding short-term vacation rentals.

You can click here to review the bill and watch a recent online webinar discussion about it prior to the town meeting.

Hawai‘i County Real Property Tax Administrator Lisa Miura will join Kimball and Hustace at the meeting to provide an overview of the county’s real property tax policies and process. She also can answer questions about overarching policy and procedures.

Hustace and Miura will remain after the meeting to speak with community members about specific personal questions and concerns.

Hawai‘i County and municipalities throughout the nation also will observe National Police Week from May 11-17, celebrating the men and women in blue, who risk their lives protecting their communities daily.

In honor of Hawai‘i Island police officers — especially those who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty — meeting attendees are urged to wear blue.

The May 1 town meeting will begin with a pule by Hawai‘i Police Department Chaplain Renee Godoy. Presentations, with time for questions, will also be given by Assistant Police Chief Sherry Bird and Waimea Police Capt. Roy Valera.

Valera will invite the community to support DARE, a police-sponsored drug prevention and good choices education program that helps elementary and middle school students resist peer pressure and make good decisions.

DARE is Waimea Community Association’s spotlighted nonprofit for the May meeting. Association officers will pass the hat to encourage donations.

Now in its 40th year on Hawai‘i Island, the drug prevention program brings police officers into schools where they share research-based curriculum and organize activities aimed at strengthening ties between students and families while concurrently helping officers come to better know and understand the communities they serve.

Bird is a well-known former Waimea police captain. She was promoted in February to assistant chief of the Hawai‘i Police Department Administrative Services Division, becoming the highest ranking woman in the department history.

The assistant chief will talk briefly about the Police Department’s past, challenges of today and how the department is addressing them as well as opportunities ahead, including recruitment and training.

Bird will also discuss a proposed county budget request before the Hawai‘i County Council to support public safety and security.

Questions are always welcome — preferably in advance — by emailing WaimeaCommunityAssociation@gmail.com. They also can be typed into the Facebook chat during the meeting livestream to be addressed as time permits.

All are welcome to attend — in person or online via Waimea Community Association’s Facebook page — and the meeting will be recorded for on-demand viewing on Facebook and the association’s YouTube channel.

Email Waimea Community Association President Mary Beth Laychak at WaimeaCommunityAssociation@gmail.com or visit the association website for additional information about the meeting or the association itself.

U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz, a Hawai‘i Democrat, will host a statewide telephone town hall meeting at noon May 8.

Schatz during the meeting will give updates about his work in Washington. He will also take questions from constituents throughout Hawai‘i about their concerns.

The former Hawai’i lieutenant governor who grew up in Honolulu and received his bachelor’s degree from Pomona College in Claremont, Calif., is chairman of the U.S. Senate Indian Affairs Committee.

He also serves on the Senate committees on:

• Appropriations.
• Commerce, Science and Transportation.
• Foreign Relations.

Furthermore, he is a member of the Senate Select Committee on Ethics and is part of the Senate Democratic Caucus’ leadership team, serving as deputy conference secretary and chief deputy whip.

Schatz was a member of the Hawai’i Legislature, serving 8 years in the state House, prior to his time as lieutenant governor.

Anyone who plans to take part in the May 8 telephone town hall can resigster online.

Those who sign up to participate will receive a call at the beginning of the meeting, inviting them to join the conversation.

Learn more about Schatz by visiting his website.

An online informational briefing via Zoom is planned from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. April 17 co-hosted by Hawai‘i County Council members Heather Kimball and Ashley Kierkiewicz to provide community members with more details about proposed county legislation that would establish a registration process for hosted transient vacation rentals — or short-term vacation rentals — and hosting platforms such as Airbnb and Vrbo on the Big Island.

The proposed legislation’s intent is to provide a clearer understanding of the scale and presence of short-term vacation rentals on the island and ensure all are operating within legal guidelines.

Those who want to participate in the Zoom briefing must register in advance online to receive a unique Zoom login, where a draft of the proposed legislation is also available for public review.

Hosting platforms and hosted transient vacation rentals, including their operational status, are the exclusive focus of the proposed registration legislation.

It does not include any changes to operational standards, land use regulation or regulatory enforcement measures.

Unhosted short-term vacation rentals already are registered with the county and would not be subject to the proposed initial registration process, but would be subject to annual renewal.

Feedback from community and Hawai‘i County Council members about previous efforts to address these types of rentals is the basis for the proposed registration rule.

It also builds on the council’s adoption in July 2024 of Resolution 556 tasking Hawai‘i County Department of Research and Development to conduct an economic impact analysis of vacation rentals on Hawai‘i Island.

Research and Development contracted Chicago-based Hunden Partners, a firm experienced in similar studies throughout Hawai‘i, to carry out the analysis.

“It was clear from our past work on Bill 121 that we were trying to accomplish too much with one bill and we also needed more information for certain aspects of it,” Kimball said. “Creating this registration process, in combination with the study, will help the council make more informed decisions about any future legislation regarding where [transient vacation rentals] are permitted and any changes to operational standards.”

Bill 121, part of a three-measure package introduced last year by Kimball and Kierkiewicz that was met with widespread pushback from the Big Island community, sought to add new definitions and rules for owner-hosted, operator-hosted and unhosted transient accommodations rentals, as well as hosting platforms.

The bill’s objectives were to get all transient accommodations rentals in the county registered while making sure they are operating safely and following the same standards.

After being under discussion for the better part of 2024 and amended several times, the controversial measure was eventually shelved by council members, who postponed making a decision on the bill until a future date, during a committee meeting last November

Kimball and Kierkiewicz will review the proposed legislation, discuss timelines and outline the scope of the Research and Development study during this week’s Zoom briefing.

Community members are encouraged to share their input for the study through the following surveys:

• Resident survey.
• Hosted and unhosted transient vacation rental operators survey.

Survey responses will provide a greater clarity for the extent of existing transient vacation rentals, which will help inform future vacation rental policies and legislation in Hawai‘i County.

For those who can’t attend the Zoom briefing, it will be recorded and made available for later viewing online .

Pride at Work-Hawaiʻi is hosting a protest from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Hawaiʻi state Capitol in Honolulu to bring attention to the issues of:

• Reproductive rights and health care access: Defending the right to
  comprehensive health care, including abortion and gender-affirming care.
• Workplace equity: Advocating for fair wages, paid family leave and an end to
  workplace discrimination.
• Safety and justice: Calling for stronger protections against gender-based
  violence and discrimination in all spaces.
• LGBTQIA+ rights: Opposing anti-LGBTQIA+ legislation, especially the attacks
  on trans ‘ohana, and promoting inclusive policies.

“In a time when our fundamental rights are under attack, we must take a stand together,” said Pride at Work-Hawaiʻi President Michael Golojuch Jr. “This protest is a call to action for all who believe in equality, fairness and dignity for every individual.”

Pride at Work also encourages communities to resist the resurgence of far-right extremism and radical conservative policies under Donald Trump’s second presidency.

“His administration continues to threaten our freedoms, from rolling back reproductive rights to attacking LGBTQIA+ protections,” said Golojuch. “Now, more than ever, we must stand together and fight back against fascism in all its forms.”

Supporters are encouraged to bring their signs and voices to join the protest, demanding a future where everyone — regardless of gender identity or sexual orientation — is treated respectfully and equitably.

To learn more about today’s protest, email Golojuch at mgolojuchjr@gmail.com.

Hawai‘i County Mayor Kimo Alameda and his Cabinet will be the guests at tonight’s Waimea Community Association Town Meeting, discussing progress during the first 3 months of Alameda’s administration on top priorities around the island — in effect, sharing a report card while seeking more community input.

The meeting is from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at the W.M. Keck Observatory Jerry Nelson Conference Room, located at 65-1120 Māmalahoa Highway, in Waimea.

It also will be streamed live via the Waimea Community Association Facebook page and YouTube channel.

Members of the Alameda Cabinet expected to participate include the full spectrum of county programs and services, from Parks and Recreation and Environmental Management to Planning, Public Works, Mass Transit, emergency services and more.

The agenda includes time for questions, which are welcome in advance by emailing to WaimeaCommunityAssociation@gmail.com.

A brief public safety update by South Kohala Community Policing officers and preview of important community events for the coming month also will be provided during the meeting.

March’s spotlighted nonprofit is Hawai‘i Island United Way, which actively supports more than two dozen diverse community service organizations around the island that benefit keiki to kūpuna, as well as environmental and cultural programs.

Email Waimea Community Association President Mary Beth Laychak at WaimeaCommunityAssociation@gmail.com or visit the association’s website for more information about the meeting or the association itself.

Alameda and his Cabinet will host another talk story from 5 to 7 p.m. March 19 at the Waikōloa School Cafeteria. Everyone is invited to attend that meeting, as well, and light refreshments will be provided.

Once you get there, it’s automatic. The party makes its way from the parking lot along the same trail you’ve hiked a thousand times or more to find the perfect riverside chill spot to sunbathe, spread out and be able to get into the waters of the Wailuku River.

There’s something different about this trip though; a small change based on its size, but one that could have an enormous impact.

Glaring back at you from the side of the trail is a new sign listing nearly 30 dates of when people died near the same place you’re standing and the words “Do not go beyond this point,” stark reminders of the countless stories you’ve heard before about the dangers of the Wailuku River and what can happen when you ignore or disrespect them.

After seeing the sign, do you keep going — ignoring its message like you have time and time before, risking harm or worse — or do you heed the warning and turn around?

Hawai‘i County Councilwoman Jenn Kagiwada of Hilo is hosting a town hall meeting at 5 p.m. Nov. 25 online via Zoom to share and discuss new signage she hopes will encourage more safety among those who use the Boiling Pots and Rainbow Falls sections of the state park located along the Wailuku River on the north side of the East Hawai‘i community.

The new signage also is aimed at discouraging people from entering the river’s often turbulent and dangerous waters.

Modeled after signage installed in 2022 at the popular ‘Olomana trail on the windward side of O‘ahu, where 6 hikers fell to their deaths throughout the past 13 years, the new posts at the Hilo park would list the dates of when people died in the area and warn visitors to not proceed.

The ‘Olomana trail sign was posted just 2 years ago and there has been only one fall since. No no one else has died.

Rainbow Falls and Boiling Pots are popular attractions along the Wailuku River, the longest river in Hawai‘i County and the state’s largest river by volume.

They are separate sections of Wailuku River State Park. Each welcomes thousands of residents and island visitors annually.

The 2007 Hawai‘i State Parks Survey prepared by the Hawai‘i Tourism Authority, the latest figures found in a quick Google search, showed 211,200 visited the park that year, with 157,900 counted at Rainbow Falls and 53,300 checking out Boiling Pots.

Boiling Pots is a succession of large pools connected by underground flow or cascades, where waters roll and bubble as if they’re boiling. The exposed hexagonal columns that line the pools were formed by the slow cooling of basalt lava.

Rainbow Falls is renowned for the rainbow that often appears when sunlight refracts through the mist created as the river’s waters cascade 80 feet down the falls.

They share the Wailuku River, but the two areas also have a more grizzly link — both have kill counts.

Statistics provided by Kagiwada revealed 27 people have died during the past 29 years after entering the Wailuku’s “waters of destruction,” as its name means in Hawaiian, flowing through the parks — some of their bodies never to be found.

The river doesn’t discriminate. Its victims — almost evenly locals and visitors — came from a wide variety of backgrounds. Some were strong swimmers. Others were elite athletes. Lifeguards have also succumb to the river.

The youngest was 14 years old and the oldest in his 80s.

The most recent was 42-year-old Stanley Walker II of Pensacola, Fla., who went missing the afternoon of Sept. 17 in the waters of the Wailuku River.

Witnesses reported an unidentified man — later identified as Walker — entering the water at Boiling Pots and immediately being pulled under the rapids. They lost sight of him and he never resurfaced.

His lifeless body was later found about 30 feet underwater in one of the pools and extricated by Hawai‘i Fire Department rescue personnel.

“The hope in creating this new signage is to encourage those who visit these scenic areas to be mindful of the dangers that exist and honor the memories of those who have died by not entering the water,” said Kagiwada.

The signs are under development and would be installed by the Hawai‘i Department of Land and Natural Resources Division of State Parks.

Register for the Zoom meeting here. Call Kagiwada’s office at 808-961-8272 with questions.

All temporary warning signs have been removed.

Original post at 9:38 p.m. Nov. 9: The Hawaiʻi Department of Health Clean Water Branch issued a wastewater discharge advisory late Sunday afternoon urging the public to stay out of waters near Kailua Pier in Kailua-Kona on the west side of the Big Island.

Wastewater was discharged into Kailua Bay, and a comfort station is closed with cleanup in progress by maintenance personnel.

The pubic is advised to remain out of the water until warning signs have been removed from the area.

For more details, click here.

In a medical breakthrough, engineers at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa have developed microscopic soft robots that can work as a team inside the human body, opening new possibilities for minimally invasive procedures.

The announcement was made in a University of Hawaiʻi news release on Sunday.

The new technology could allow doctors to guide several tiny, flexible robots independently through the body’s complex network of tubes and vessels. This advancement could make it possible to deliver medicine to multiple locations, perform several tasks simultaneously during medical procedures and conduct procedures remotely.

“Living on islands means many of our residents have to travel long distances, sometimes even between islands, for specialized medical procedures, but these tiny robot swarms could eventually help us deliver advanced care more locally and less invasively,” said study co-author and Department of Mechanical Engineering Assistant Professor Tianlu Wang in a statement.

“This technology could be particularly valuable for our kūpuna and residents in remote areas who might otherwise need to make challenging trips to major medical centers for certain treatments.”

The key innovation lies in how these robots interact differently with the surrounding tissue, allowing doctors to control each one separately using magnetic fields generated by a single external magnet. These robots can squeeze through tight spaces and adapt their shape to fit the body’s natural pathways, similar to how an octopus can change its form to move through small openings.

‘Cargo’ delivery

Using medical imaging technology, researchers successfully demonstrated their system by navigating multiple robots through a complex artificial model of body vessels. The robots could deliver “cargo” to different locations and even modify fluid flow within these passages. This development could lead to more efficient and less invasive medical procedures, particularly in hard-to-reach areas of the body.

Instead of performing multiple procedures, doctors might eventually deploy several robots at once to accomplish various tasks simultaneously. The research team envisions this technology could be adapted for various types of miniature soft robots, opening new possibilities for medical treatments and diagnostic procedures in the near future.

The breakthrough research was an international collaboration between UH Mānoa, Max Planck Institute for Intelligent Systems in Germany, ETH Zurich in Switzerland, and Koç University in Turkey. It was published on November 6, in Science Advances.

A video of the process of the robot procedure is available here: https://spaces.hightail.com/receive/oEe50rxoql

According to a press release about the the day-long free festival, the event was hosted by ʻImiloa in partnership with community groups Lonoa Honua and ʻOhana Waʻa and over 1,000 people turned out.

“We are so grateful to see our community come together at ʻImiloa for this meaningful event,” said ʻImiloa Executive Director, Kaʻiu Kimura in a statement.

“The ʻIkuwā Festival strengthens our understanding of our interdependence with the environment, from the mountains to the sea, and honors the voices of the past
and present.”

This year’s theme, “Hoʻōla Lāhui Manu: Who is Your Flock?” highlighted the importance of honoring and protecting Hawaiʻi’s native bird species. These manu (birds) hold significant ecological and cultural roles in Hawaiian life, from guiding navigators to symbolizing cherished values in Hawaiian traditions.

Participants engaged in learning about the crucial efforts to safeguard endangered species, with presentations on conservation efforts and the role of birds in maintaining the balance of Hawaiʻi’s delicate ecosystem.

“The ʻIkuwā season is a time of deep reflection, where the land speaks to us through the sounds of storms, the cries of birds, and the crash of waves,” shared Kekuhi Kealiʻikanakaʻoleohaililani, owner and creator of Lonoa Honua.

“Today, we embraced that resounding energy and reflected on the harmony of
living with the earth. From the waʻa to the manu, every element plays a role in our survival and our stories.”

Festival highlights included hula performances, storytelling sessions, and interactive cultural workshops. Community members participated in hands-on activities, including
traditional Hawaiian crafts, Makahiki games, and oli (chant) competitions. The day also featured local vendors, food stalls, and presentations on Hawaiian navigation and environmental stewardship.

“The canoe serves as a powerful reminder of our collective responsibility to each other and to the ʻāina,” said ʻOhana Waʻa Board Member, Pōmai Bertelmann.

“The shared experience of voyaging brings people together, and this festival is a reflection of that unity.”

The ʻIkuwā Festival was made possible by the generous support of the Ama OluKai Foundation and KS Kaiaulu.

The event concluded with the community departing with a renewed sense of mālama ʻāina (care for the land) and a deeper understanding of their role in protecting Hawaiʻi’s native birds and natural resources, the press release stated.

According to a police statement, at 6:40 a.m. on Friday, Kona patrol officers were dispatched to the 84-4500 block of Māmalahoa Highway for a report of a man walking on the roadway with a gun. Before the officers arrived on scene, several other callers contacted police dispatch that the man was shooting at vehicles as they passed his location.
 
Upon arriving on scene, officers located the man walking on Māmalahoa Highway carrying what appeared to be a rifle. Officers disarmed the man without incident and took him into custody, arresting him for two counts of first-degree terroristic threatening.

The firearm was then inspected and identified as a break barrel BB/pellet gun.
 
While speaking with witnesses and victims at the scene, officers were contacted by an employee of Hookena Elementary School who reported that children were playing outside the school when a staff member observed the man with the rifle staring into the schoolyard.

The school staff took the children into the school, placing the Hookena Elementary School on lockdown. 
 
On Saturday, Oct. 19, Cho was charged with first-degree terroristic threatening.
 
His bail was set at $5,000 and he is slated to make his initial court appearance in Kona District Court on Monday, Oct. 21.
 
Anyone who witnessed this incident or is an unidentified victim is asked to contact Officer Dane Shibuya Jr. at (808) 326-4646, ext. 253.

The nēnē, tagged 595, had been killed in an apparent hit and run earlier that morning in a location just after the crosswalk between the Liliʻuokalani Gardens and the Moku Ola parking lot. 

The 12-year-old male nēnē was sprawled only feet away from one of the park’s “SLOW Endangered Wildlife” signs, which was posted underneath the 10 miles per hour speed limit sign. 

“What else is there that one could do? I really don’t know what else we could have done to prevent this awful occurrence,” said K.T. Cannon-Eger, president of the Friends of Liliʻuokalani Gardens. “There is a similar problem in the national park and Keaukaha — people are driving too fast for the conditions.”

It was the second nēnē this year to die at the popular Hilo park. In April, 595 and his partner, tagged NTC, lost their gosling to toxoplasmosis, an infection spread only in the feces of feral cats, according to the Department of Land and Natural Resources. 

The state Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement has stepped up patrol in Lili‘uokalani Park and cited individuals for violating state endangered and threatened species laws, which prohibit the feeding of protected wildlife. This includes providing cat food, which nēnē may eat.

Jordan Lerma, a biologist with Nēnē Research and Conservation, said that although 595 was struck by a car, the regular feeding of the feral cat colony also contributed to his death since the nēnē have been crossing the street to get to the cat food being placed near the Moku Ola and Hilo Hawaiian parking lots. 

“Cat-feeding folk are leaving the food on the other side of the street since they can do it without being seen and the nēnē found it quickly,” Lerma said. “This was a particularly tough death, because 595 has spent most of his adult life in Hilo and is the most sighted bird in our database. His partner will most likely lay eggs soon, so it’s all around heartbreaking.”

NTC was seen near the site of 595’s death, which is common for the bird that mates for life. NTC and 595 also had a chick nicknamed Orion and banded as NYN, which was abducted from another Hilo park several years ago. While Orion was recovered and returned to its parents, the chick ultimately was released into a bird sanctuary, according to the state.

Staff from the state Division of Forestry and Wildlife monitored NTC on Thursday to ensure she stayed safely away from the road. 

“Since people have been regularly feeding nēnē in the park for many months now, they’ve grown accustomed to humans,” state biologist Raymond McGuire said in a press release. “This is a primary reason we’ve pleaded with folks to stop feeding feral cats.” 

The Division of Forestry and Wildlife received the call about the 6 a.m. incident before its offices opened. A staff member responded and picked up the bird. The division plans to test the dead nēnē for toxoplasmosis.

“I have talked with cat feeders and many of them do tell me they are deeply troubled by all the events regarding cats and nēnē,” Lerma said. “There are feeders that bring the cat food, watch the cats eat and pick up anything left before leaving, which is much better than just leaving the food there.”

The nēnē population was once estimated at 25,000 in the mid-1800s and was reduced to 30 birds on the Big Island by 1949. After a considerable international effort by wildlife biologists, the population now narrowly breaks 1,000, according to the state Department of Land and Natural Resources.

The state wildlife division has opened an investigation into the hit and run and is encouraging anyone who may have seen the vehicle early Thursday morning to report it, or for the person who hit the bird to step forward.

Witnesses can call the state conservation enforcement division at 800-643-DLNR or they can call the local branch office in Hilo at 808-933-3460.

“This is a place where people are crossing the road, and where children often run ahead of their parents. People should be traveling slowly,” Cannon-Eger said. “This is another reminder to slow down, take it easy, enjoy the view and to pay attention.” 

This is the first detection of CRB on the island since October 2023 when a Waikoloa resident reported finding a total of six grubs (larvae) in a decaying palm tree stump, the department said.

As reported in a recent press release, the trap that the CRB was found in this week is located about 200 yards from the earlier detection.

The department says it has set 30 traps around Waikoloa and has been conducting routine monitoring with the assistance of volunteer area residents.

Additionally, the Big Island Invasive Species Committee has set traps, as has the University of Hawai‘i, whose traps have cameras that allow real-time monitoring.

The pheromone traps are used for early detection of infestations. The traps do not attract all CRB in the area and are not effective as an eradication method. Surveillance for CRB has been ongoing on all islands, including traps at airports, harbors and other strategic locations.

The Department of Agriculture and CRB Response teams are now focusing on eradication efforts in the area where the beetle was found. Initial surveys in the immediate area did not detect obvious signs of CRB damage in palm trees.

“CRB surveillance on Hawai‘i Island has been ongoing and early detection is key to prevent the establishment of breeding populations,” said Sharon Hurd, chairperson of the Hawai‘i Board of Agriculture in a statement. “We ask everyone to keep an eye out for CRB, especially in their compost and mulch piles which are major breeding grounds of the beetle.”

The department asks all residents on all islands to be vigilant when purchasing mulch, compost and soil products, and to inspect bags for evidence of entry holes.

An adult beetle is about 2-inches long, all black and has a single horn on its head. CRB grubs live in decomposing plant and animal waste. Adult CRB prefer to feed on coconut and other larger palms and are a major threat to the health of these plants.

Residents may go to the CRB Response website at:  https://www.crbhawaii.org/ to learn more about how to detect the signs of CRB damage and how to identify CRB life stages. 

Reports of possible CRB infestation may also be made to the state’s toll-free Pest Hotline at (808) 643-PEST (7378).

The CRB is a large scarab beetle that was first detected on O‘ahu in 2013. The beetle has since been detected in many neighborhoods on O‘ahu and was detected on Kaua‘i in May 2023, where collaborative eradication efforts continue. CRB grubs were found in Kīhei, Maui, in November 2023, but have not been detected on the island since.

CRB is a serious pest of palm trees, primarily coconut palms, as the adult beetles bore into the crowns of the palms to feed on the trees’ sap. New unopened fronds are damaged in this way and when fully opened, may break and fall unexpectedly. If CRB kill or damage the growing point of the palm, the tree may die. Secondary fungal or bacterial pathogens may also attack the wounds caused by CRB, thereby killing the tree as well. Tree mortality after CRB attack has been reported to be anywhere from 10 percent to 50 percent. Dead trees then become a safety hazard as they may fall unexpectedly after the trunk rots, potentially resulting in bodily injury or property damage. 

CRB is a major pest of palms in India, the Philippines, Palau, Fiji, Wallis and Futuna, Nukunono, American and Western Samoa and Guam. It is still not known exactly how the beetles arrived in Hawai‘i.

All three children, who are estimated to be in eighth grade at a nearby school, were subsequently arrested the following day, on Sept. 13, and charged with first-degree terroristic threatening.

Steven Dunn, the Head of School, noted the video was not a direct threat because it was posted publicly on TikTok and not sent to the school.

In a recent interview, he said the children posted a video taken on the campus at around 4 p.m. on Sept. 12, when one of them “very quietly” mentioned a shooting in the school. 

“I felt like, in order to fulfill my responsibility as a head of school, and ultimately responsible for the safety of our students, that law enforcement needed to be involved in this,” he said.

According to Dunn, a Parker School student saw the video on the social media platform and shared it with his teacher, who immediately brought it to Dunn’s attention. Dunn then reported the incident to police the next day, on Sept. 13, and the children were arrested within hours. 

Although Dunn did not share exactly what was said in the video, which has since been deleted, he called it “heartbreaking” that anyone would make a statement suggesting a shooting. He mentioned it may have been stated because “they thought it was funny.” 

“I don’t know their motivation. Just for me, it’s just tragic that it’s entered into the community kind of as humor, given things that are happening across the country,” he said.

Dunn, who has been leading the K-12 school for five years, said it’s the first time there has been an incident like this, at least since he’s been running the school.

“We’ve not had anything remotely close to this,” he said. 

He noted that while the students were on campus, there was no indication that any of the children were saying anything threatening.  

“It was only 18 hours later, or 20 hours later that we were notified that the video was posted online, which included the language of shooting,” Dunn said. 

He said that  “nobody felt unsafe in those moments,” especially since the school often has people that come onto the campus because it is located in the center of Waimea and near a public park.

Dunn says the incident has sparked the school to look at its safety practices.

“We’re certainly thinking about how we can best live up to our promise to families and students to keep them safe,” he said. 

The Hawai’i Police Department shared general information about the incident in a recent press release, which said the juveniles were on school property when they made the “verbal threat.” After being identified, the  suspects were arrested, charged, and released to the custody of their parents.

“Police take threats of violence extremely seriously, especially those directed towards students and schools,” the department said in the statement.

Detectives from the police department’s Juvenile Aid Section are continuing the investigation.  Hawaiʻi County Police Detective Sheldon Nakamoto did not respond to an email request on Monday for further information about the incident.

First-degree terroristic threatening is a class C felony, punishable by up to five years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000. However, the penalties for youths charged with the offense often differ in the juvenile justice system. 

According to a Washington Post database, there have been 417 school shootings since the 1999 Columbine High School massacre in Colorado. 

Less than two weeks ago, on Sept. 6, a 16-year-old student fatally shot a 15-year-old student in the bathroom at Joppatowne High School in Maryland.

Two days before that, on Sept. 4, four people were killed and nine more were hospitalized in a school shooting at Apalachee High School in Winder, Georgia. The accused shooter is 14-year-old Colt Gray, who is a student at the school. 

On Monday, Sept. 16, an 11-year-old middle school student was charged with a felony after threatening to commit a mass shooting at Creekside Middle School in Port Orange, Florida, according to CNN.

The story says detectives found the 11-year-old had fake guns and other weapons, as well as a list of people he wanted to kill. But the child reportedly says it was “all a joke.”

The one-way traffic pattern will be in effect from noon to 3 p.m. between Lehua Street and Kika Street.

The festivities are in observance of the annual United Nations International Day of Peace, or World Peace Day.

The festival will feature Honoka’a businesses, food trucks, craft vendors, a splash tank and live music, according to the Facebook page for the event.

The festival is scheduled for noon to 5 p.m, and at 3 p.m. the Italian restaurant Cafe il Mondo will host a 1970s-themed costume dance party.
 

The statement says Troy Dwayne Toledo was observed operating a vehicle, which was later found to have over 35 grams of methamphetamine, drug paraphernalia, a loaded Marlin brand lever-action rifle, a model 1886 lever-action rifle, and in excess of 300 rounds of ammunition.

It also noted Toledo is scheduled for preliminary hearing in Hilo District Court on Tuesday afternoon. He remains in custody in lieu of $641,000 bail.

The attorney’s office listed all Toledo’s charges: Promoting a Dangerous Drug in the First Degree (possess an ounce or more of methamphetamine), Attempted Promoting a Dangerous Drug in the First Degree (attempted distribution of one-eighth ounce or more of methamphetamine), Promoting a Controlled Substance In, On or Near Public Parks (Happiness Gardens and/or Lili‘uokalani Gardens and/or Hilo Bayfront Beach), Possession of a Firearm with Intent to Facilitate Commission of Felony Drug Offense, Carrying or Possessing a Loaded Firearm on Public Highway, Place to Keep Loaded Firearms Other Than Pistols and Revolvers,
two counts of Ownership or Possession of Firearm Prohibited, two counts of Ownership or
Possession of Ammunition Prohibited, Promoting a Dangerous Drug in the Third Degree
(possess any amount of methamphetamine) and Driving Without a License.

The most serious offense, Possession of a Firearm with Intent to Facilitate the
Commission of a Felony Drug Offense is a class A felony offense which carries a penalty of a
twenty-year prison term.

Promoting a Dangerous Drug in the First Degree and Attempted Promoting a Dangerous Drug in the First Degree are also both class A felony offenses which carry a penalty of either a twenty-year prison term or ten years probation and up to twenty-four months in jail.

“The charges are merely allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and
until proven guilty,” the office said.

As also stated in the announcement, the felony investigation was handled by the Area I Vice Section, Hawai‘i Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Elyssa Correia Keltner.

The office asks anyone having information concerning illegal narcotics distribution
to call the Hawai‘i Police Department Vice Section in East Hawai‘i at (808) 934-8423, West Hawai‘i at (808) 329-0423, or Crime Stoppers at (808) 961-8300.

As of 5 a.m., Tropical Storm Hone was located 260 miles southeast of Hilo, moving west at 15 miles per hour with sustained winds of 65 miles per hour. Dangerous surf, high winds, and flooding rains are anticipated to affect Hawai‘i Island throughout the day.

The following weather alerts remain in effect:

• Flood Watch for all of Hawai‘i Island
• High Surf Warning for east-facing shores
• Red Flag Fire Weather Warning for areas of west Hawai‘i

In response to the storm, the following precautions have been taken:

• Waipi‘o Valley Access Road is closed until further notice.
• Overnight camping at Whittington and Punalu‘u Beach Parks is canceled.
• Hele-On Bus Service has canceled all routes through the weekend. For a detailed list of affected routes, please visit the County of Hawai‘i Civil Defense website at https://hawaii-county-civil-defense-agency-hawaiicountygis.hub.arcgis.com.

The Hawaiʻi County Emergency Operations Center is fully activated to manage the response to Tropical Storm Hone. Parks staff are on standby to assist in opening public shelters should they become necessary.

How to Best Prepare for Tropical Storm Hone:

1. Secure Outdoor Items: High winds can turn outdoor furniture, plants, and other items into projectiles. Secure or bring them indoors.
2. Stay Informed: Keep tuned to local radio, television, and official online sources for real-time updates.
3. Prepare for Power Outages: Charge your electronic devices, ensure you have fresh batteries, and gather necessary supplies such as flashlights, water, and non-perishable food.
4. Avoid Unnecessary Travel: Roads may become hazardous due to flooding and debris. Stay off the roads unless absolutely necessary.
5. Review the Hawaiʻi County Hazard Map: Familiarize yourself with potential hazards in your area by visiting the Hawaiʻi County Hazard Map. This resource will help you identify areas at risk of flooding, high surf, and other storm-related dangers.
6. Shelter Information: Public shelters will be opened if needed. The locations will be announced through Civil Defense messaging platforms.  

“We ask that everyone remain vigilant and prioritize their safety during this time,” said Mayor Mitch Roth in the Saturday morning statement.

“Our Emergency Operations Center is fully activated, and we are working closely with all relevant agencies to ensure the safety and well-being of our community. Please prepare now and look out for your neighbors, especially our kupuna and those who may need extra assistance.”

In a press release Wednesday, the county said it secured the temporary respite area which was established earlier this month in Downtown Hilo.

The current respite area set up off Ponahawai Street will be dismantled and moved to a new site off Kuawa Street on Wednesday, July 31, 2024. The new site will only serve the former canal occupants still utilizing the respite area at this time.

“This temporary respite and transition area has provided dozens of individuals with a safe and dignified space to receive the critical services and care needed to exit homelessness. We are thankful for the cooperation and teamwork among the various County agencies and nonprofit service providers who remain committed to making this effort a success,” said Mayor Mitch Roth in a statement.

The temporary respite area was established July 5, 2024, for several dozen unsheltered individuals occupying the area in and around a storm drain in Downtown Hilo in anticipation of the U.S Army Corps of Engineers’ scheduled assessments of the drainage system.

As of Monday, July 29, 2024, 14 tents providing shelter for 22 individuals remained at the respite area. Two people have secured housing.

The Kuawa Street site will continue to provide netted Quickshades for occupants to store their items and receive vital services. As each person continues to receive the necessary support to transition from the canal area to permanent or emergency housing, their space in the respite area will be dismantled and removed.

Security measures will remain in place to monitor the respite area and ensure compliance with rules and laws. Individuals who violate these rules will be removed from the area and will face enforcement actions.

Following the move of the temporary respite area, the Ponahawai Street site will be returned to its previous condition and then restored for recreational use.

Looking ahead, the County of Hawaiʻi, in collaboration with The Salvation Army Hawaiian and Pacific Islands Division, anticipates the opening of a new emergency overnight cot sleeping shelter for 25 individuals in Downtown Hilo in late August.

Persons experiencing homelessness who may want/need access to community resources, should connect with the Hawaii County Homeless Engagement (HCHE) Hui by visiting https://neighborhoodplaceofpuna.org/hche/ or by calling (808) 501 -1413, ext. 3.

In partnership with the County of Hawai’i, the HCHE Hui is currently a pilot program inclusive of street outreach around Hawai’i Island to reach homeless individuals who may want/need access to community resources. Current HCHE Hui Partner Agencies include Neighborhood Place of Puna, HOPE Services Hawai’i, Project Vision Hawai’i and Going Home Hawai’i. 

56 year-old Pio Kapeli was sentenced on Monday, July 29, the Hawaiʻi Island Office of the Prosecuting Attorney said in a press release.

The office said Kapeli remained in custody on $221,000.00 bail throughout the proceedings. At the time of the commission of the attempted distribution of methamphetamine offense, Kapeli was also on felony probation for theft and assault crimes.

On April 29, 2024, Kapeli entered a “guilty” plea to the offense of Attempted Promoting
a Dangerous Drug in the Second Degree. According to police reports, on January 31, 2024, Kapeli was contacted by police while seated on the stage area of the Mo‘oheau Bandstand with a backpack between his legs. Following the execution of a narcotics search warrant, vice officers recovered over four ounces of methamphetamine within Kapeli’s backpack.

Attempted Promoting a Dangerous Drug in the Second Degree (knowingly distribute any
dangerous drug, methamphetamine, in any amount) is a class B felony which carries a maximum penalty of a ten-year prison term.

The investigation was conducted by the Area I Vice Section, Hawai‘i Police Department.
The cases were prosecuted by Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Elyssa Correia Keltner.

“The Office of the Prosecuting Attorney remains dedicated to the pursuit of justice with
integrity and commitment,” the office said to conclude the statement.

The office asks anyone with information concerning illegal narcotics distribution
to call the Hawai‘i Police Department Vice Section in East Hawai‘i at (808) 934-8423, West Hawai‘i at (808) 329-0423, or Crime Stoppers at (808) 961-8300.

Yellow and black diamond-shaped signs will be displayed at organizations on O‘ahu and Hawai‘i Island, signaling the launch of the Safe Spaces for Youth Pilot Project. The initiative aims to provide outreach and prevention services for youth in need of immediate help and safety. 

“Our youth have told us that they need safe places to go when it is not safe for them at home or to get help with problems like bullying and mental health,” said Hawaii Youth Services Network Executive Director Judith Clark in a statement. “They will now have safe places in their local communities where they can seek help.”

The local Safe Place initiative is part of a national network of Safe Place programs in 38 states and the District of Columbia. According to the county announcement, more than 22,000 community businesses and organizations nationwide display the yellow Safe Place sign in an effort to make help readily available for youth.

Safe Place locations include libraries, YMCAs, fire stations, public buses and social service facilities. Safe Place locations currently include The Salvation Army in Hilo and at Hale Kipa in Honolulu. Additional Safe Place sites are being recruited and trained.

Safe Place is a partnership funded by the Hawai‘i State Office of Youth Services, Hale Kipa, The Salvation Army Family Intervention Services and Hawaii Youth Services Network. As part of this pilot project, Hawaiʻi will launch the nationally recognized Safe Place program.

Through public and private partnerships, Safe Place provides a consistent system of response for youth experiencing homelessness and crisis. Providing young people with clearly identified locations and contact numbers to access needed services is critical for their safety and well-being,” said Office of Youth Services Executive Director Leanne Gillespie.

More than 1.5 million youth run away from home each year due to abuse, neglect, family conflicts and other issues, according to the statement made by Amanda Stevens, a public information officer with the department of human services.

“The Safe Place program offers a crucial option for young people who feel they have nowhere to turn. We encourage local businesses and organizations to become Safe Place sites. By displaying the Safe Place sign, you can make a difference in a young person’s life,” wrote Stevens.

To learn more about becoming a Safe Place site, contact:

• O‘ahu: Phillip Humphrey at phumphrey@halekipa.org or 808-999-SAFE
• Hawai‘i Island: Henry Aina Jr. at henry.aina.jr@usw.salvationarmy.org or 808-959-5855

“Join us in making a difference. Your support is crucial. Together, we can ensure every young person has a safe place to turn when they need it most,” Stevens wrote.

According to Hawai‘i Fire Department, crews responded to the incident at 6:15 p.m. As firefighters arrived on scene, they reported smoke and flames were visible as it moved southwest. The blaze was 100 yards from Waikōloa Gardens and Pua Melia Street.

Companies 16, 14, 9, and Chopper 2 responded to brush fire rapidly spreading in a Southwest direction. Best access was made through Quarry Road as the terrain was rough with dry grass covering gulches and uneven grounds.

Multiple engines, tankers, brush trucks, and Chopper 2 made initial attacks on all perimeters while simultaneously protecting housing structures. Two brush trucks will remain in the area overnight to monitor for any hot spots. 

The cause is unknown, however, fire officials say children from the nearby housing complex are known to play in the area.

Original post: Hawaiʻi County officials reported a small brush fire in Waikōloa at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, which spread to 70 acres before being contained.

“The fire has spread to approximately 70 acres, and Hawaiʻi Fire Department crews have reported that it is predominantly contained with units surrounding it,” according to a county a update sent ten minutes later at 7:40 p.m.

According to officials, several hot spots remain. Firefighting operations will continue throughout the night to ensure the fire is fully extinguished.

Pua Amelia Street is currently closed and will remain closed until further notice to ensure public safety and allow firefighters to conduct their operations without obstruction.

Currently, no structures are threatened, thanks to the winds pushing the fire southward, away from residential areas.

Hawaiʻi County officials report they continue to monitor the situation closely. Updates will be provided as more information becomes available.

Residents are urged to avoid the affected area to allow emergency personnel to manage the situation effectively.

Key Points:

• Fire Location: Waikōloa
• Current Burn Area: Approximately 70 acres
• Containment Status: Predominantly contained
• Fire Spread Direction: South, away from residential structures
• Road Closure: Pua Amelia Street
• Operations: Continuing throughout the night

The County will provide an update pending any substantial changes to current conditions. Residents in the area are asked to remain vigilant and follow all safety instructions provided by emergency personnel.

Carmella French was initially reported as a runaway and was last seen on Ali`i Drive within the vicinity of the Fish Hopper on July 23, 2024 at approximately 5:30 p.m. It has been reported that Carmella has been diagnosed with a medical condition(s) that classifies her as being endangered. 

French is described as a local female, approximately 5-feet and 3-inches tall, 230 pounds with black hair and hazel eyes.  She was last seen wearing a black Calvin Klein shirt, green shorts and white shoes.

Police ask anyone with any information on her whereabouts to call the Police Department’s non-emergency line at 808-935-3311, or Officer Melissa D’angelo at 808-939-2520.

“Rep. [Mark] Nakashima’s legacy of service, dedication to education and commitment to sustainable energy will continue to inspire us all,” said Hawai‘i Gov. Josh Green after it was announced July 11 that the 61-year-old Big Island state lawmaker had died. “He was a gentle yet fierce advocate for the residents of Hawai‘i, and we honor his memory and his contributions to our community and state.”

Green, a resident of Kaʻū, was a colleague of Nakashima’s in the Hawai‘i Legislature. After serving in the state House from 2004 to 2008, he was elected as a state senator and served there from 2008 to 2018.

Nakashima, a Honokaʻa Dragon for life, was first elected in 2008 to the state House District 1 seat, which represents Hāmākua, Kaʻūmana and a portion of Hilo. Nakashima was even seeking another 2-year term at the time of his death, running unopposed in this year’s election cycle.

The governor honored his fellow Big Islander and late lawmaker’s dedicated public service and commitment to community and state, which Green said was evident in his work and leadership, by ordering the U.S. and Hawaiʻi state flags to be flown at half-staff from sunrise July 12 until sunset Monday at all state offices and agencies and the Hawaiʻi Army National Guard.

It seems like such a small and simple way to show respect and honor for such an esteemed government official — almost a given for someone who Green and his colleagues, family, friends and constituents say leaves behind a legacy of leadership and community advocacy.

So reading in an email — and seeing in a submitted photo — sent to Big Island Now that the flags at Kona Community Aquatic Center were still flying full-mast Saturday, despite the governor’s flag order, was curious.

Especially when the order was being observed at other government buildings around the Big Island, including the West Hawai‘i Civic Center, as seen in another submitted photo.

Why would the order not be followed at just one government building? Is there a penalty for not complying with a governor’s flag order? Are there rules or laws pertaining to the display and use of the U.S. flag?

Those were just a few of the questions that came to mind when that email and those pictures popped into my inbox during the weekend. So I started searching and reaching out to officials for answers.

Gov. Green’s Deputy Chief of Staff Lori Abe said his office doesn’t receive flag order complaints very often at all.

Hawai‘i County Parks and Recreation Director Maurice Messina also said that, as far as he is aware, the flag fiasco at the Kona pool is an isolated incident. He has never received a notice or complaint about any of his department’s facilities not following flag orders.

So if anything, I thought it would be a good chance to learn about flag etiquette.

Before we get into it, the flags were lowered by Monday morning at the Kona pool, as seen in a photo sent by the Kona resident who let us know about the situation. County officials also said the flags were not left at full mast on purpose.

The email came from a regular user of the aquatic center who noticed the flag flop and found it disrespectful that the facility was not in compliance — not only to the late Nakashima but to the men and women who fought to defend our country and the principles and freedoms upon which it was founded.

He did mention it to other swimmers but said no one else seemed to be that concerned or upset.

The email writer said he’s used the pool since 2003 and this wasn’t the first time the flags there have not been lowered to half-staff when an order was issued. He said he has mentioned it to county officials including Mayor Mitch Roth and others in the past, but received no response and nothing was done.

Messina said this was the first time he’d heard about the facility not following flag orders.

My first question: Do the flags have to be lowered at county buildings? After all, the governor’s order says only at “all state offices and agencies.”

Yes. Section 7f of the U.S. Flag Code states that no other flag or pennant can be displayed above the U.S. flag. Therefore, when the U.S. flag is flown at half-staff, other non-national flags should also be flown at the same level.

That actually answered another question, too, whether there was an actual law surrounding the use and display of the U.S. flag. There is.

Laws related to the flag are detailed in federal code, which was established to inform civilians and civilian groups or organizations of how the flag should be treated.

Flag manufacturer Gettysburg Flag Works says: “It is intended to provide guidance and is not obligatory. It carries no civil or criminal penalties for ‘misuse’ of the flag. Individuals are not acting illegally when using the flag according to their own rules. The flag code is only required to be followed on public or government buildings.”

That brought up my next inquiry. If it’s required to be followed on government buildings, if it’s not, are there penalties?

According to Toni Schwartz, public information officer with the Hawai‘i Department of the Attorney General, state law does not list any penalty or enforcement mechanism for not following a flag-lowering order.

And the American Legion website says the flag code just lays out guidelines for proper flag etiquette. There are no penalties for violating any of its provisions.

There also actually is no mention of any penalty or violation in the code itself either.

“When we receive a flag order from the governor’s office, we send out an email to all of our divisions, including cemetery staff, to ensure that the order is followed,” Messina said Monday morning. “Unfortunately, mistakes do sometimes happen.”

With a department of more than 500 personnel and 300-plus facilities, perfection isn’t always possible. That doesn’t mean, however, Messina and his staff don’t strive for it.

“As a [U.S.] Navy veteran, I take pride in our department following all flag protocols, including the nighttime flying protocols of our flags, so I take personal responsibility for this isolated incident, and we will ensure our communication gets better within our department,” he said.

Messina’s Navy service included numerous capacities ranging from combat to the Judge Advocate General, or JAG, Corps as a legal specialist, where he earned his degree in criminal justice. He also is a current mentor with the Big Island Veterans Treatment Court.

“Rep. Nakashima was a friend and staunch supporter of the Hawai‘i County Parks Department and no disrespect was intended,” Messina said.

Cyrus Johnasen, Roth’s executive assistant, said: “The mayor’s office stands behind director Messina’s statements.”

“As soon as this was brought to my attention, I contacted our aquatics supervisor and the flags were flown in accordance with the governor’s order,” Messina said. “We also completed an inventory of all of our sites islandwide today that have either flags or flagpoles to ensure everyone is on our internal distribution list so that a situation like this will not repeat.”

As sunset approached and the flag order neared its end Monday, it made sense why this situation would be seen as disrespectful. However, in this writer’s honest opinion, with no ill intent behind the flags being forgotten and no penalties to be assessed, it’s a better time to focus on the meaning behind the flag.

There’s so much to divide us today — a former U.S. president was shot in an apparent assassination attempt during the weekend — that symbols such as the U.S. flag shouldn’t be used to further those causes. Instead, they should bring us together like they are intended.

The actual origins of the first American flag are unknown, but I think we’ve all heard the story that it was sewn by Philadelphia seamstress Betsy Ross.

Old Glory has inspired many.

Perhaps most notably our national anthem, which was written by amateur poet Francis Scott Key in September 1814 after he was inspired by the sight of the flag still flying over Baltimore’s Fort McHenry following a British bombardment during the American Revolution.

“The Star-Spangled Banner” officially became the national anthem in 1931.

The flag also was what inspired The Pledge of Allegiance, written in 1892 by James B. Upham and Francis Bellamy and first published in a magazine called The Youth’s Companion.

Old Glory can be found in some of the most remote places on Earth, including at the top of Mount Everest. It was placed there in 1963 by Berry Bishop. It’s even in outer space. Neil Armstrong posted the U.S. flag on the moon in July 1969 during one of six manned moon landings as part of the Apollo program.

“There’s probably no bigger symbol for patriotism in the U.S. than the American flag,” says the Wounded Warrior Project on its website. “We pledge our allegiance to it at school, government meetings and citizenship ceremonies. We wave the symbol of freedom and liberty at parades and sporting events and even planted it on the moon.”

So let’s honor the legacy of Big Island state Rep. Mark Nakashima — and all those who came before him who served, fought and died for our rights, freedoms and way of life — by coming together and committing and dedicating ourselves to serve our communities, state and nation — our cultures and society — to make them better places for all.

That’s what celebrating a symbol of freedom like the U.S. flag is all about.

This is the opinion of Big Island Now writer Nathan Christophel and does not necessarily reflect the opinions of Big Island Now or Pacific Media Group.