Good evening, Hawaii. Gov. Josh Green appointed Joje May Mizuno to fill the District 29 seat of the state House of Representatives, formerly held by her husband, John Mizuno; Maui County officials closed multiple roads after heavy rainfall and flooding on Tuesday; and the state Department of Health announced that a child under the age of 18 died from influenza, marking the first pediatric death in Hawaii during the 2023-2024 influenza (or flu) season. Read about the important stories you need to know.
Your Weather Planner
A cold front will stall out and weaken over the eastern end of the state today. High Surf Advisories remain in effect for north and west-facing shores until Thursday evening with large-breaking waves of 15 to 20 feet. Weather will improve through the afternoon as high pressure builds into the region and it dries out tonight. Mostly dry conditions begin on Thursday and will last through the weekend.
Watch the latest news from across the country.
Today's Big Stories
1. Green taps another Mizuno for vacant House seat
In seeking a suitable candidate to fill the District 29 seat of the state House of Representatives formerly held by John Mizuno, who left to become the new state coordinator on homelessness, Gov. Josh Green opted for someone well acquainted with both the Legislature and her predecessor’s office — Mizuno’s wife Joje May Mizuno.
Mizuno served as her husband’s chief of staff for the last 17 years. Prior to that, she was a legislative aide for state Rep. Felipe “Jun” Abinsay. In her time at the legislature, Mizuno led the Hawaii Outstanding Advocates for Children and Youth Day Month for six years, and drafted House Bill 274, establishing Patriot Day in Hawaii, honoring the victims of 9/11 and supporting U.S. servicemen and women.
Mizuno serves on Neighborhood Board No. 16, (Kalihi Valley) and is a member of the Congress of Visayan Organizations, the Aloha Medical/Goodwill mission and other community organizations.
The appointment is effective immediately.
2. Multiple roads on Maui remain closed after heavy rainfall and flooding
Maui County officials closed multiple roads after heavy rainfall and flooding on Tuesday, according to a news release.
Forecasts from the National Weather Service said the current cold front would weaken and dissipate over the eastern end of the state by Wednesday. On Thursday, mostly dry conditions will begin, continuing into early next week. A high wind warning will remain in effect until 6 p.m. for Haleakala summit.
The road closures include portions of South Kihei Road. During the heavy rain, the storm overflow released excess water, destroying a portion of South Kihei Road and washing away the waterline near Isana restaurant in the 500 block. As a result, South Kihei Road — from Ohukai Road to Maui Bay Villas — is closed to motorists except for local traffic. South Kihei Road traffic detours will go up Ohukai Road to Piilani Highway and back down via Waipuilani Road. The Maui County Department of Water Supply is repairing the road, which is expected to take up to three days.
Other closures include:
- South Kihei Road and Kulanihakoi Street
- Hana Highway and Hanakai Street
- Piilani Highway from Mile Marker 19 to 21 in Kaupo
- Kaonoulu Street from Alulike Street to South Kihei Road
- Kenolio Dog Park in Kihei
- Kanaha Beach Park at Kaa Point
3. Department of Health announces first pediatric death from the flu for the 2023-2024 season
The state Department of Health announced that a child under the age of 18 died from influenza, marking the first pediatric death in Hawaii during the 2023-2024 influenza (or flu) season.
The child was an Oahu resident, but the DOH said it would not be releasing any other details in order to protect the privacy of the family, according to a news release.
“We are always especially saddened to announce the death of a child in our community. Our thoughts and condolences are with the family at this difficult time,” said Dr. Kenneth Fink, Director of Health. “If you or your loved ones have not received the flu vaccine this season, I hope you will consider doing so.”
According to the DOH, there has been a rise in flu and RSV cases in recent weeks. This coincides with continued COVID-19 cases. In Hawaii, flu transmission is year round.
4. No Hele-On bus or paratransit services on Jan. 21
Hele-On fixed route and Kakoo paratransit service riders will need to find an alternate mode of travel on Jan. 21 since all Hawaii County Mass Transit Agency employees and contractors will undergo a mandatory Americans With Disabilities Act training that day.
The annual training ensures compliance with the ADA and requirements set by the U.S. Department of Justice, according to a release.
Taxis, Lyft and Uber are alternative transportation options available to residents. A list of taxi companies is available on the Hele-On Bus website under Hilo Taxi and Kailua-Kona Taxi tabs.
Regular bus service will resume at 3:15 a.m. Jan. 22.
Call 808-961-8744 or TDD: 711 or visit the Hele-On website for more information.
5. Hikers rescued in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and cited
A male and female hiker initially called 911 on Sunday morning saying they were out of food and water and their phones were running out of power.
At the time, Mauna Loa was closed above 10,000 feet because of severe winter weather and high winds.
According to park officials, a search-and-rescue ranger from Hawaii Volcanoes NP and a helicopter pilot deployed and located the couple around 11,000 feet on the slopes of Mauna Loa.
Darkness and continuing hazardous conditions prevented the pilot from flying up that night. The pair was extracted one at a time on Monday morning.
“The search-and-rescue mission could have been prevented if the hikers had followed explicit directions to check in and pick up their permit from the park’s backcountry office,” said Hawaii Volcanoes National Park Chief Ranger Jack Corrao in the release.
The pair was cited for entering the area without a permit, along with two other hikers from Oahu who had accompanied the rescued pair but separated from them. The latter were able to hike out on their own.
6. Schatz voices support for failed resolution
The U.S. Senate voted Tuesday to table controversial Resolution 504 but not before Sen. Brian Schatz, D-Hawaii, expressed qualified support for the measure’s intent to shed light on potential human rights violations and the use of U.S. military weapons in Gaza.
The resolution, introduced by Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., would have called on the state department to provide a report on possible Israeli human rights violations and the United States’ role in ongoing Israeli military actions in Gaza. It would also have called for the secretary of state to disclose steps the United States took to distance itself from such violations and certify that it had not assisted Israeli forces implicated in human rights violations.
Schatz said he could not take part in Tuesday’s vote because of an “unavoidable absence” but would have voted in favor of motions to advance the resolution and the legislative vehicle for the continuing resolution.
The Senate voted to table resolution, essentially killing it, on a 72-11 vote.
“I believe this resolution is a blunt instrument for a very complex debate about the war in Gaza,” Schatz said. “But it is so far the only available avenue to register our concerns with both the Israeli government’s conduct of the war — which has resulted in over 24,000 civilian casualties — and the undermining of congressional oversight around arms transfers. For that reason, I would have voted in favor of discharging it from the Senate Foreign Relations Committee for debate on the floor."
Schatz emphasized the need for an end to the ongoing conflict and argued in favor of a supplemental package that includes continued aid for Ukraine.
U.S. Sen. Mazie Hirono, D-Hawaii, was among the 11 senators who voted against tabling the resolution.
Your Notes for Tomorrow
Wednesday, Jan. 17
- Court hearing for former Honduran president charged with drug trafficking
- Sundance Film Festival begins
- BAFTA film awards nominations announced
- Clothes worn by Sarah Jessica Parker, Princess Diana and Grace Kelly at auction
- What: The Four Tops
- Where: Blue Note Hawaii | Outrigger Waikiki Beach Resort, 2335 Kalakaua Ave., Honolulu | 808-777-4890
- Details: The legendary Four Tops performs four shows on the Blue Note stage featuring their hits “Baby I Need Your Loving” and “I Can’t Help Myself (Sugar Pie, Honey Bunch),” 6:30 and 9 p.m. Jan. 18. Tickets.
- What: Nick Swardson
- Where: Maui Arts & Cultural Center | One Cameron Way, Kahului | 808-242-7469
- Details: Comedian, actor, writer and producer Nick Swardson boasts a long list of credentials. He performs 7:30 p.m. Jan. 18. Tickets.
- What: Coffee with a Cop
- Where: Various venues
- Details: Kona Community Policing is back in the new year to reconnect and talk story over a cup of coffee at the following venues and dates: 8-10 a.m. Jan. 18 at Kona Heaven Coffee Co., Coconut Grove Marketplace, 75-5805 Alii Dr.; 8-10 a.m. Jan. 19 at Kona Mountain Coffee, 73-4038 Hulikoa Dr. Call the Kona Community Policing with any questions at 808-326-4646, ext. 257, 258 or 259.
- What: ‘The White Hawaiian’ starring Eric Gilliom
- Where: Porter Pavilion, Anaina Hou Community Park | 5-2723 Kuhio Hwy., Kilauea | 808-828-2118
- Details: Popular isle entertainer, Eric Gilliom, takes audiences through the challenges of growing up biracial, the love of family and navigating the entertainment industry on this personal comedic journey, 5:30 p.m. Tickets.
For more on these and other events, see this week's HI Out & About.
In Case You Missed It
Freshman hitter Louis Sakanoko fired off a serve in Friday's sweep of Emmanuel University at the Stan Sheriff Center. (Spectrum News/Brian McInnis)
Hawaii volleyball's Louis Sakanoko gets Big West honor after 9-ace binge
Louis Sakanoko went from unknown to renown in record time.
The Hawaii men’s volleyball hitter from France was named the Big West Freshman of the Week on Monday after he stirred up the Stan Sheriff Center with a program-record-tying nine aces in a sweep of Emmanuel (Ga.) University.
Sakanoko, a French junior national team player making his first collegiate start, lofted a series of jump heaters that dived violently to the court, causing startled Lions players to shank them out of bounds repeatedly – one off the head of the libero, Nicklas Eichenberger. He came close to dethroning Costas Theocharidis for the UH single-match record set at USC on March 1, 2002, in the speedy 25-7, 25-8, 25-18 decision in front of 4,774 (5,903 tickets issued).
“I’m pretty happy about that,” Sakanoko said of being informed of his feat after the match, and expressed a desire to go for 10 in the future. “I’m happy about making the show here for all the fans.”