Madeleine Valera

2 days ago | civilbeat.org | Madeleine Valera

Micronesians are less likely to get mammograms than women overall in Hawaiʻi. Community advocates say public health officials need to break down barriers to early screening. Ermina George was lying on her stomach one evening last spring when she felt it — an uncomfortable lump in her right breast. It made her nervous, but she didn’t run to the doctor. Like many Micronesian women, the 64-year-old was used to putting the needs of her family above her own, even when it came to her health.

2 days ago | civilbeat.org | Madeleine Valera

One officer was trapped in the burning vehicle, Chief Joe Logan said. The man shot and critically injured by Honolulu police on Tuesday in Mākaha had been wanted for a previous assault on a law enforcement officer, Chief Joe Logan said at a media briefing Wednesday. The 38-year-old man, whose name is being withheld by police, rammed an unmarked police vehicle that was following him, setting it on fire. Both officers in the car opened fire, injuring the suspect, Logan said.

3 days ago | civilbeat.org | Madeleine Valera

The county prosecutor also plans to review a fatal police shooting Sunday at the Keʻehi Boat Harbor. Honolulu police officers’ use of force was justified when they shot and killed a man who picked up an unattended police rifle during a standoff in a Pearl City neighborhood in June 2023, according to Honolulu Prosecuting Attorney Steve Alm. No charges will be filed against the officers, who feared for their safety as well as that of those around them, Alm said.

1 week ago | civilbeat.org | Madeleine Valera

Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi has previously recommended Hawaiʻi County Police Chief Ben Moszkowicz for the role. Honolulu Police Deputy Chief Rade Vanic will serve as interim chief while the police commission searches for outgoing Chief Joe Logan’s permanent replacement, commissioners decided Wednesday. Logan announced his retirement at the beginning of the month after receiving pressure from Mayor Rick Blangiardi to step down.

1 week ago | civilbeat.org | Madeleine Valera

The former chief of psychiatry files suit, saying severe understaffing is contributing to a dangerous work environment. As a staff psychiatrist at Hawaiʻi State Hospital, Brenton Yuen, said he has witnessed assaults on staff members by patients. Just three weeks ago, he said he saw a newly arrived intoxicated patient swing at several staff members and shove a nurse to the floor. “She hit her head on the floor and another staff member got struck in the head,” Yuen said.