Updated 1/21/21, 12:00 p.m.
Hawaii County Mayor Mitch Roth was released from Hilo Medical Center Wednesday afternoon in good health. Roth was admitted into Hilo Medical Center after suffering a heart attack on January 9 in South Kohala.
Doctors have been monitoring Roth's progress after he had a pacemaker and defibrilator implanted the day before.
"I'm excited to return to the comfort of my own home and the care of my wife, Noriko," Roth said. "Although I realize that much healing is yet to be done, I am confident that I will be able to return to full swing in no time."
Roth will continue to rest at home until he is medically cleared to return to work.
Where we stand
The state Department of Health reported 119 new cases and three new fatalities on Thursday.
According to the state's numbers, O?ahu had 66, Maui 30, Hawai?i Island 16, and Kaua?i, Lanai and Moloka?i had no new cases. 7 residents were diagnosed out of state.
The latest state count brings the O?ahu total to 20,133, Hawai?i County 2,108, Maui 1,531, Kaua?i 176, Lanai 106, and Moloka?i 25. The number of out-of-state cases totals 660.
Since the pandemic began, the state has tallied 24,739 cases. The death toll stands at 328.
Andrew Martin apponted as new Maui County prosecutor
Maui Mayor Michael Victorino appointed Andrew Martin as the county's new prosecuting attorney on Wednesday.
Martin has been a deputy prosecuting attorney for the county since February 2015. According to the County, his responsibilities have included administrative oversight of attorneys in Circuit Court, Family Court, Felony Screening, Appelate and Vehicular Homicide and Road Safety Units.
Martin was previously with Maui's Department of the Prosecuting Attorney between 2005 and 2010. Between 2010 and 2015, he was in private practice in Wailuku.
"Mr. Martin is highly qualified to lead our team of prosecuting attorneys and legal support staff, and he comes with a wealth of experience," said Victorino. "I am confident [he] will serve our residents well and strengthen law enforcement throughout Maui County."
"This is the greatest honor of my career," said Martin. "My 84 fellow employees are the hardest-working, most dedicated group of individuals I have ever had the privilege of working with. Together, we are going to give Maui County a modern, forward-thinking department that will continue to pursue justice with integrity and build upon our successful victim-centered approach."
Martin's appointment will need to be confirmed by the Maui County Council.
In December, the County Council removed the previous prosecutor, Don Guzman, over claims of violence in the workplace.
State public library system hits digital milestone
The Hawaii Public Library system hit a major milestone during the pandemic -- through it's digital offerings.
Since 2005, residents could access thousands of books and audiobooks through the library's website. When the pandemic hit, libraries across the state were forced to close -- leading residents to the digital collection.
"It was the library's best kept secret," said Stacey Aldrich, state librarian. "But when the pandemic hit, we significantly expanded our digital collection."
Last week, the library announced one million ebooks were checked out in 2020 -- an accomplishment only achieved by 101 other libraries worldwide.
"We've never searched one million items before. It's the first time we've ever circulated that many," Aldrich said. "I think what it demonstrates is how important access to books was during the pandemic, even if it was digital."
"I think it's very significant that so many people were logging in and becoming users. And then also reading a lot of books that were available from the collection."
Aldrich says the library also allows people to stream other media online.
The most popular ebook and audiobook borrowed in 2020 through the state library system was Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone.
More information about the library's digital offerings can be found at librarieshawaii.org
-- HPR's Casey Harlow
Lawmakers react to U.S. rejoining Paris Climate Agreement
One of President Joe Biden's first actions in office was rejoining the Paris Climate Agreement. When former President Donald Trump pledged to withdraw the U.S. from the agreement, Hawaii was one of the 25 states to continue participation and meeting climate goals under the accord.
The U.S. officially withdrew from the agreement on November 4, 2020.
State and congressional lawmakers praised President Biden's action Wednesday.
"By rejoining the Paris Agreement, President Biden and Vice President Harris are sending a strong signal to the world: America is back," Senator Brian Schatz said.
"During our absence from the world stage, the climate crisis has only grown more dire. We're already seeing the devastating effects of climate impacts here at home and abroad. While U.S. cities, states, and businesses have remained committed to the Agreement's goals, most nations are not on track to reach the targets we set five years ago."
Governor David Ige welcomed the federal government's return to the Paris Climate Agreement.
"The climate crisis is a globcal challenge and a global opportunity, one for which the United States is ready to resume its mantle thanks to the persistent leadership of Hawaii and our fellow states," Ige said.
"Hawaii is a national leader in climate action, embracing the principles and goals of the Paris Agreement in law and igniting a race to 100% renewable electricity among the states and the world. Even with the most dire economic conditions since World War II, Hawaii is on track to become a resilient, carbon-free economy."
