Good evening, Hawaii. Here are the main stories we’ve been following today.
Your Weather Planner indicates that trades weaken tonight with pop-up showers and storms expected Wednesday through Friday. A more typical trade pattern is projected to return this weekend with trades gradually strengthening into early next week.
For a comprehensive outlook, don’t forget to check your 7-day forecast. In today’s significant news:
1. **New Integrated Emergency Call Center Opens in Hilo**
Hawaii County has inaugurated a new Emergency Call Center in Hilo with a blessing and dedication ceremony held on Monday, coinciding with National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week, observed from April 13 to 19.
This new state-of-the-art facility spans 17,127 square feet on Mohouli Street and will function as a unified call center that houses dispatch personnel from both the police and fire departments.
The establishment of this center aims to improve emergency response capabilities and provides ample room for the future growth of both agencies.
Mayor Kimo Alameda remarked in a release, “After decades of planning, we now have a state-of-the-art facility where our police and fire dispatchers can work side by side. This new Emergency Call Center represents a major investment in public safety and, importantly, supports the essential around-the-clock work of these dedicated professionals.”
Construction of the $31 million facility commenced in late 2021, with Hensel Phelps Construction overseeing the project. The center includes a conference room, briefing room, training room, cafeteria, workout room, locker room, bathrooms, and showers, and is strategically designed to withstand earthquakes and hurricanes.
2. **DOH: No New Measles Cases Reported Following Confirmed Case on Oahu**
In health updates, the state Department of Health (DOH) has reported no new measles cases following last week’s confirmation of an unvaccinated child on Oahu having contracted the disease, with one household member also displaying symptoms.
Fortunately, the child has fully recovered, according to the DOH.
The department identified 92 individuals exposed to one or both measles cases and successfully contacted 88 of them. Most of those contacted had received vaccinations against measles or have shown other evidence of immunity.
However, DOH has instructed 10 individuals without evidence of immunity to isolate at home, and they are being actively monitored.
Additionally, the DOH has identified all individuals who may have been exposed in public environments, except for those present at the Daniel K. Inouye International Airport.
The public is reminded that exposure to measles may have occurred for those who visited the following locations on the specified dates:
– **Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL)**: C gates, customs, and baggage claim area on March 30 between 10:50 a.m. and 2 p.m.
– Terminal 2 departures, TSA checkpoints, and gate area for Delta flight 309 to Atlanta, Georgia, on April 4 between 1 and 7 p.m.
3. **Hawaii Nonprofits Offer Loan Relief and Counseling for Those Affected by Federal Layoffs and Funding Cuts**
In economic news, Hawaiian Community Assets and Hawaii Community Lending have announced a joint initiative to support Hawaii workers recently laid off by the federal government or impacted by federal funding cuts. They will provide loan relief options and emergency financial counseling.
A recent forecast by the University of Hawaii Economic Research Organization (UHERO) estimates over 2,200 federal worker layoffs and an additional 1,200 layoffs expected across the state due to government downsizing and cuts to federal programs. These steps will create significant challenges for local families already facing rising costs of food, housing, healthcare, and education.
In response, Hawaii Community Lending is offering relief options to current borrowers who have lost employment or income and can provide proof of financial hardship. Hawaii Community Assets will also offer emergency financial counseling to all laid-off federal workers and those affected by federal funding cuts, including HCL borrowers.
Furthermore, eligible beneficiaries will receive assistance in applying for the Office of Hawaiian Affairs Emergency Financial Assistance Program, anticipated to open in April.
HCA and HCL are set to release a series of educational videos in the coming weeks that will offer tools to prevent foreclosure. These vital resources will be conveniently accessible on the HCA and HCL websites and their social media platforms.
Those affected by layoffs and funding cuts can also seek employment opportunities through various state and county initiatives:
– **State of Hawaii** – Operation Hire Hawaii
– **City & County of Honolulu** – Federal-to-Municipal Workforce Timeline
– **County of Maui** – County jobs
– **County of Hawaii** – County jobs
– **County of Kauai** – County jobs
4. **Appeals Court Sides with State on Mosquito Release**
In environmental news, the Intermediate Court of Appeals has cleared the way for the state to continue its initiative to release millions of laboratory-augmented mosquitos in East Maui to combat avian malaria.
This ongoing release forms part of an Incompatible Insect Technique initiative, where male mosquitoes are infected with Wolbachia bacteria before being released into areas affected by mosquito-borne avian malaria.
In 2023, the state Board of Land and Natural Resources, having issued a finding of no significant impact, approved a final environmental assessment for the project.
However, the environmental advocacy group Hawaii Unites subsequently filed a claim in Environmental Court, asserting that the assessment was insufficient and that the board erred in its acceptance.
The Environmental Court upheld the board’s approval, concluding that both the assessment and the finding fulfilled statutory requirements.
5. **367 Firearms Collected at Amnesty Event**
Lastly, Oahu residents successfully turned in 367 firearms on Saturday, receiving nearly $38,000 in Foodland gift cards at a gun buyback event organized by the state Department of Law Enforcement.
Director Mike Lambert expressed, “We are working to make our community safer in many ways, including initiatives like this gun buyback program. These unwanted guns will never again be used, posing any type of threat to a loved one or an opportunity to be used in a crime.”
The amnesty event was part of ongoing efforts by Governor Josh Green to tackle gun violence across the state.
The Department of Law Enforcement partnered with the state Department of the Attorney General, Honolulu Police Department, and the Aloha Stadium Authority in this initiative.
Participants who surrendered automatic firearms of any type, semi-automatic rifles, or ghost guns received a $200 Foodland gift card, whereas those who exchanged handguns, rifles, bump stocks, or Glock switches received a $100 card.
—
Stay tuned for updates and further coverage on these critical developments across Hawaii.
image source from：https://spectrumlocalnews.com/hi/hawaii/evening-briefing/2025/04/15/hawaii-evening-briefing–april-15–2025
