East Hawai‘i News
Emergency water shut off to affect Keaʻau tomorrow
Department of Water Supply will be making urgent repairs to a leaking waterline, causing an emergency water shutoff to disrupt services along Milo Street and surrounding areas in Keaʻau.
Brown water advisory issued for Hilo Bay, Hamakua coast
The Hawaiʻi Department of Health urging beachgoers to avoid murky waters following recent rainfall to prevent bacterial infections like leptospirosis.
Popular tennis courts at Lincoln Park in downtown Hilo getting face-lift
Improvements will include a new playing surface, fixing cracks, leveling the playing surface and applying new court lines; work will necessitate closure of courts, which begins Monday, June 1.
Glow, spatter and short overflows: Kīlauea begins to gear up for historic Episode 48 fountaining
Hawaiian Volcano Observatory reported that the window for the next lava fountaining episode of the ongoing episodic eruption that began Dec. 23, 2024, is now between Saturday, May 30, and Monday, June 1.
Hawai‘i Island police officially charge 36-year-old Jacob Daniel Baker with several counts of murder
Baker now faces one count of first-degree murder and three counts of second-degree murder, which are directly connected with the killings of 69-year-old Robert Shine, 79-year-old Chitta Morse and 69-year-old John Carse, all from Puna; he remains behind bars and police said will not be eligible for release even if he was able to make bail for the initial property crime charges he also faces.
News briefs for May 30: Town hall, water polo, Pacific Music Institute, grazing land, Hilo Brewfest, Kona Tax Office and more
A quick look at news happening throughout the state and around the Big Island.
22 lane closures scheduled weekdays through June 5 on Big Island state roadways
Lane closure schedules can change at any time without notice. All projects are weather permitting.
Community college students can take next step in education aided by new University of Hawaiʻi scholarship
“This scholarship is one example of the new strategies we are testing to expand access, increase enrollment, strengthen educational attainment and help build the workforce our state needs. It is good for our students and good for Hawaiʻi,” said University of Hawaiʻi President Wendy Hensel.
Volcano Watch: What caused the major shake-up May 22 on the Big Island?
The base of Mauna Loa sitting on top of the old oceanic crust is only 6 miles below sea level, so the major magnitude-6.0 earthquake the night of Friday, May 22, happened deeper than the volcano — even deeper than the base of the ocean crust, which is bent downward by the weight of the Hawaiian Island chain.
Top 10 things to do on Big Island for May 29-June 4: Punk rock, Hawaiian music fest, keiki camps, “WHAAM!” and more
A great variety of events, activities, festivals and more is once again available for people of all ages; check out this week’s top 10 to see what piques your interests!
Next ‘Talk Story with the Chief’ scheduled this week in Hilo
Free monthly events are aimed at strengthening communication and connection between police leadership and the community.
‘Party with a purpose’ during WHAAM! at Wainaku
Tickets are limited, so don’t wait to get yours for this pop art-inspired fundraiser celebrating food, art, music and the creative community hosted by Hawai‘i Island Art Alliance in partnership with Ola Brew.
13 lane closures scheduled through May 29 on Big Island state roadways
Lane closure schedules can change at any time without notice. All projects are weather permitting.
Experience java jumpin’ fun this June during annual Kaʻū Coffee Festival
Sip, savor and enjoy the unique coffee and regional flavor of the Big Island’s most southern district during the 17th annual festival from June 14-20.
2 elderly men found dead under suspicious circumstances less than day apart at different homes on same Puna road
Autopsies will be performed Wednesday, May 27, on both victims to determine the exact causes of death for the men discovered deceased in separate incidents on Papaya Farms Road; investigations into both deaths are active and ongoing.
Management plan of polluted Hilo Bay watershed moving forward with $2 million federal grant
For decades, polluted rain runoff, untreated sewage in groundwater and other factors have led to poor water quality in Hilo bay and its sub-watersheds.
Hawaiʻi Community College grad’s bright future helped by unexpected scholarship after Lahaina wildfire
Troy Branco-Liu for most of his life never imagined leaving Lahaina. However, after the 2023 Maui wildfire upended his community, a University of Hawaiʻi scholarship opened a door the Lahainaluna High School graduate never expected, an opportunity to start over at Hawaiʻi Community College in Hilo on the Big Island, which would ultimately change the course of his future.
UPDATE: Hawaiian Electric ends public safety power shutoff watch for parts of Big Island
No safety power shutoffs were implemented during the past few days as the electric utility monitored weather conditions in areas at high risk of wildfire exposure, especially with a wind advisory that was previously in place for the same locations.
Police charge man with alleged homicidal thoughts, and multiple firearms
38-year-old Michael Gardner of Mountain View faces several firearms charges following his arrest during a May 21 incident that spurred significant public safety concerns.
University of Hawai‘i at Hilo honors employees during annual awards celebration
“Mahalo to the faculty and staff recognized at University of Hawai‘i at Hilo’s 2026 End of the Year Awards Celebration for their excellence in teaching, service, innovation and care for our campus,” says a post on the University of Hawai‘i at Hilo Facebook page, adding it’s their work that makes a lasting impact every day.
