Victoria Budiono, Author at Honolulu Star-Advertiser

Affordable rental units open in Kapolei

Victoria Budiono — Mon, 23 Dec 2024 10:05:00 +0000

Parkway Village at Kapolei, a major affordable rental housing initiative under the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit Program, celebrated its grand opening Tuesday, marking a significant milestone in addressing Oahu’s housing crisis. The first 167 units are now available to house individuals and families.

Good Neighbor Fund: Tori Richard employees embrace holiday spirit

Victoria Budiono — Sun, 22 Dec 2024 10:05:00 +0000

Since 2019, Honolulu-based clothing company Tori Richard has celebrated the holiday season by supporting families in need through Helping Hands Hawai‘i’s Adopt-a-Family program.

Collecting debris from the fatal plane crash is NTSB’s focus

Victoria Budiono — Fri, 20 Dec 2024 10:05:00 +0000

The National Transportation Safety Board said its investigation into Tuesday’s Kamaka Air crash that left two young Oahu pilots dead remains in its early stages, with current efforts focused on collecting airplane debris from a heavily damaged area of the building where the plane went down.

Police, first responders surround Honolulu supermarket amid barricade situation

Victoria Budiono — Fri, 20 Dec 2024 04:30:00 +0000

Don Quijote supermarket on Kaheka Street was forced to close around 5:45 p.m. Wednesday as at least a dozen police vehicles, Emergency Medical Service units and Honolulu Fire Department trucks surrounded the area after a man barricaded himself inside the store.

New 3-story facility aiding homeless families opens in Wahiawa

Victoria Budiono — Thu, 19 Dec 2024 10:05:00 +0000

Family Promise of Hawaii has expanded its efforts to support homeless families by opening a new center in Wahiawa, following the recent launch of its innovative temporary housing center in Moiliili.

Man surrenders following 5-hour standoff at Don Quijote

Victoria Budiono — Thu, 19 Dec 2024 04:30:00 +0000

UPDATE

Report calls for inclusive recovery for Filipino survivors of Lahaina fire

Victoria Budiono — Tue, 17 Dec 2024 10:05:00 +0000

A comprehensive report by Maui grassroots organization Tagnawa and the Hawai‘i Workers Center highlights the deep disparities, resilience and urgent needs of Filipino survivors of the Aug. 8, 2023, Lahaina fires.

Community groups rally support for families this holiday season

Victoria Budiono — Mon, 16 Dec 2024 10:05:00 +0000

As the holiday season unfolds, nonprofits and local organizations across Hawaii are ramping up efforts to support those most in need. From rebuilding homes destroyed in the devastating Aug. 8, 2023, Maui wildfires to providing critical health care services for children, these initiatives reflect the community’s response during this time of need.

Siblings help other families by creating cycle of kindness

Victoria Budiono — Sun, 15 Dec 2024 10:05:00 +0000

Two young siblings raised with a strong emphasis on community service are carrying forward a family tradition of giving back, particularly during the holiday season.

Hale Moiliili high-rise to offer Hawaiian Home Lands’ housing

Victoria Budiono — Sat, 14 Dec 2024 10:05:00 +0000

Construction has begun on Hale Moiliili, a high-rise rental apartment complex that will be the state’s only affordable housing project exclusively serving beneficiaries of the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands.

Oahu youth basketball coach pleads guilty to child sex crimes

Victoria Budiono — Sat, 14 Dec 2024 10:05:00 +0000

A former youth basketball coach was convicted after pleading guilty to 12 offenses related to child sex crimes that could result in him spending the rest of his life in prison.

Hawaii secures over $6M to bridge digital divide

Victoria Budiono — Fri, 13 Dec 2024 10:05:00 +0000

Hawaii on Thursday received more than $6 million from the federal government to implement its Digital Equity Plan, part of a nationwide effort to address barriers to internet access and use. The funding is provided through the $1.44 billion State Digital Equity Capacity Grant Program, created under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.

New Honolulu facility offers interim housing, services to families

Victoria Budiono — Fri, 13 Dec 2024 10:05:00 +0000

Family Promise of Hawaii officially unveiled Thursday its new facility on Young Street, designed to provide both emergency shelter and comprehensive support services for families experiencing homelessness.

Maui County files for dismissal of election suit

Victoria Budiono — Wed, 11 Dec 2024 10:05:00 +0000

A motion filed by the Maui County Clerk seeks to dismiss a lawsuit challenging the results of the Nov. 5 general election, arguing that former Maui County Council member Kelly King, who lost to incumbent Tom Cook, failed to provide evidence of any errors or wrongdoing.

UH, Navy, Marines team up on resource management

Victoria Budiono — Tue, 10 Dec 2024 10:05:00 +0000

The University of Hawaii and the Department of the Navy signed Monday an unprecedented 10-year agreement aimed at safeguarding natural and cultural resources on Navy and Marine Corps installations in the state.

Good Neighbor Fund: Clinic’s mission aligns with helping families

Victoria Budiono — Sun, 08 Dec 2024 10:05:00 +0000

The Fertility Institute of Hawaii is marking its 12th year of supporting Helping Hands Hawai‘i’s Adopt-a-Family program, which brings holiday cheer to 500 local families in need of extra support this season.

FEMA seeks vacant lots for temporary housing for Maui fire survivors

Victoria Budiono — Sat, 07 Dec 2024 10:05:00 +0000

The Federal Emergency Management Agency is reaching out to property owners in West Maui, seeking vacant lots to place temporary housing units for wildfire survivors.

Local crime boss’s cause of death still a mystery

Victoria Budiono — Wed, 04 Dec 2024 10:05:00 +0000

The U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Hawaii, announced Tuesday that no determination of foul play or suicide has been made in the death of Honolulu businessman and crime boss Michael J. Miske Jr.

Mid-Pacific accepts cryptocurrency

Victoria Budiono — Mon, 02 Dec 2024 10:05:00 +0000

Mid-Pacific Institute has announced a new policy allowing cryptocurrency donations, highlighting the school’s commitment to embracing innovation and broadening opportunities for inclusive philanthropy.

Hawaii crime boss Miske found dead at detention center

Victoria Budiono — Mon, 02 Dec 2024 10:05:00 +0000

Honolulu businessman Michael J. Miske Jr., 50, was found dead Sunday at the Federal Detention Center in Honolulu, where he had been held since his arrest in 2020 and was awaiting sentencing in January.

Honolulu crime boss Michael Miske found dead at FDC

Victoria Budiono — Sun, 01 Dec 2024 23:12:00 +0000

Honolulu crime boss Michael J. Miske Jr., 50, was found dead today at the Federal Detention Center in Honolulu, where he was being held while awaiting sentencing in January.

Good Neighbor Fund: Hawaii student finds holiday joy in volunteering

Victoria Budiono — Sun, 01 Dec 2024 10:05:00 +0000

Honolulu Community College student Tiffany Nunies started volunteering with Helping Hands Hawaii in September, contributing to the organization’s Adopt a Family program. The initiative connects donors with families in need, providing essential items such as food, clothing, toys and household goods.

Injured hiker rescued at Maunawili Trail

Victoria Budiono — Fri, 29 Nov 2024 00:17:00 +0000

On Wednesday at 9:35 p.m., the Honolulu Fire Department responded to a 911 call reporting an injured hiker on the Maunawili Trail in Kailua.

1 suspect still wanted in Chinatown vandalism case

Victoria Budiono — Thu, 28 Nov 2024 23:46:00 +0000

One suspect is still at large for alleged criminal property damage of a Chinatown building.

Good Neighbor Fund kicks off holiday drive to help needy Hawaii families

Victoria Budiono — Thu, 28 Nov 2024 10:05:00 +0000

The Good Neighbor Fund, a charitable collaboration between Helping Hands Hawaii, the Honolulu Star-Advertiser and First Hawaiian Bank, today kicks off its annual campaign dedicated to supporting local families and individuals facing financial hardships, especially during the holiday season.

Par Hawaii to invest $90 million in renewable-fuel transformation

Victoria Budiono — Fri, 22 Nov 2024 10:05:00 +0000

A petroleum refinery in the James Campbell Industrial Park officially began its transition into the clean- energy sector with a blessing ceremony Thursday, marking the start of its efforts to adopt more sustainable energy practices and work toward Gov. Josh Green’s goal of achieving 100% renewable energy by 2045.

EPA amends 2023 Red Hill order

Victoria Budiono — Fri, 22 Nov 2024 10:05:00 +0000

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the Navy and the Defense Logistics Agency on Tuesday finalized amendments to the 2023 Red Hill Administrative Consent Order with the aim to “improve public outreach during closure and cleanup of the Red Hill Bulk Fuel Storage Facility, as well as continued efforts to safeguard drinking water at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam.”

Red Hill Registry launches virtual focus groups

Victoria Budiono — Thu, 21 Nov 2024 10:05:00 +0000

The University of Hawaii is hosting virtual focus groups to help shape the development of the Red Hill Registry, a new initiative aimed at connecting those affected by the Red Hill water crisis with resources and tracking health impacts over time.

Major coral relocation effort completed on Hawaii island

Victoria Budiono — Wed, 20 Nov 2024 10:05:00 +0000

A team of conservation divers has successfully removed and relocated nearly 11 years’ worth of coral growth from a decommissioned offshore fish farm pen that was towed into the Honokohau Small Boat Harbor on Hawaii island last week.

Local artists to highlight Oahu’s culture through public art initiative

Victoria Budiono — Tue, 19 Nov 2024 10:05:00 +0000

Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi and the Wahi Pana project team Monday announced the launch of Wahi Pana: Storied Places, a public art initiative that will showcase the history and culture of Oahu’s landmarks.

Gov. Green calls Kennedy’s choice as HHS leader ‘insane’

Victoria Budiono — Sat, 16 Nov 2024 10:05:00 +0000

Gov. Josh Green has “severe reservations” and is strongly criticizing President-elect Donald Trump’s choice of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to lead the Department of Health and Human Services.

Youth invited to participate in Climate Action Summit

Victoria Budiono — Fri, 15 Nov 2024 10:05:00 +0000

Children, teens and young adults are invited to attend the Youth Climate Summit on Saturday at the state Capitol.

Toxic fire suppressant spills reviewed

Victoria Budiono — Fri, 15 Nov 2024 10:05:00 +0000

The Department of Defense Office of Inspector General released a management advisory report Thursday detailing concerns about the Navy’s handling of spills involving thousands of gallons of aqueous film- forming foam concentrate — a toxic fire suppressant containing “forever chemicals” — at Red Hill from 2019 to 2022.

FEMA extends assistance to Maui survivors; Schatz asks for further aid

Victoria Budiono — Thu, 14 Nov 2024 10:05:00 +0000

The Federal Emergency Management Agency has approved Hawaii’s request to extend Financial Assistance and Direct Temporary Housing Assistance for an additional year, now through Feb. 10, 2026. Originally, the 18-month assistance period was scheduled to end on Feb. 10, 2025.

DHHL receives over $72 million for broadband connectivity expansion

Victoria Budiono — Wed, 13 Nov 2024 10:05:00 +0000

The state Department of Hawaiian Home Lands has received a more than $72 million grant from the National Telecommunications and Information Administration’s Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program to expand high-speed internet access for Native Hawaiian households.

Plaque near McKinley statue addresses misrepresentation

Victoria Budiono — Tue, 12 Nov 2024 10:05:00 +0000

The Association of Hawaiian Civic Clubs unveiled a new plaque Monday at the President William McKinley High School campus. The plaque, placed near the statue of the school’s namesake, seeks to address Hawaii’s contested annexation history and the statue’s representation of it.

Maui court strikes down new shoreline management rules

Victoria Budiono — Sun, 10 Nov 2024 10:05:00 +0000

Maui Environmental Court Judge Kirstin Hamman ruled against the Maui Planning Commission’s recently updated special management area rules, siding with the Maui Tomorrow Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to environmental preservation.

Office of Hawaiian Affairs incumbents secure reelection

Victoria Budiono — Wed, 06 Nov 2024 10:50:00 +0000

Three incumbent trustees of the Office of Hawaiian Affairs retained their seats on Wednesday, while a former Native Hawaiian congressman also secured a spot on the board.

Hotel workers, Hilton reach tentative agreement

Victoria Budiono — Sun, 03 Nov 2024 10:05:00 +0000

The 40-day strike by workers at the Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort appears to be nearing an end after Hilton and UNITE HERE Local 5 announced a tentative agreement on a new contract late Saturday.

Hilton, hotel workers reach tentative agreement to end strike

Victoria Budiono — Sun, 03 Nov 2024 07:00:00 +0000

UNITE HERE Local 5 officials said they have reached a tentative contract deal with the Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort to end the 40-day strike by hotel workers.