News
Hawaiʻi County Democrats elect Pono Kekela as interim committee chairman
Born and raised in Hilo, Kekela graduated from Waiākea High School and went on to receive a business degree at Midland University in Nebraska. He moved back to Hilo in January 2020 and now owns marketing and communications company Kekela Enterprises and is active in Hui ‘Ohana, the Hawai‘i Island Native Hawaiian Chamber of Commerce.
House bill funding invasive parakeet removal on Kaua‘i draws widespread support
House Bill No. 2329 allocates $150,000 to establish a one-year pilot program to reduce the population of rose-ringed parakeets on the Garden Isle.
Top 20 things to do on Big Island for Feb. 15-21: Pana‘ewa Stampede Rodeo, Streetlight Cadence, pancake breakfast and so much more
Just because Valentine’s Day was Wednesday doesn’t mean you still can’t celebrate with your sweetie this weekend, too. There’s plenty happening around the island that would make for a great date or outing with family and friends.
High bacteria count advisory issued for 4 Mile beach in Hilo
The Hawai’i Department of Health Clean Water Branch issued the advisory because potentially harmful microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, protozoa or parasites could be present in the water.
High surf warning in effect through Friday for Big Island’s north- and west-facing shores
According to the National Weather Service in Honolulu, a significant, extra-large northwest swell will arrive late tonight and rapidly build down the island chain Thursday.
Senate bill on legalizing adult-use cannabis moves forward
Lawmakers listened to testimony from a variety of groups ranging from state agencies, marijuana dispensaries to cannabis users.
Update: Hawaiian Electric initiates rolling outages throughout Big Island
The request for conservation is prompted by the unavailability or reduced output of several large generators.
Kona travelers miss work, doctor appointments due to closed airport runway
Hawai‘i Department of Transportation announced the airport’s sole runway was closed due to delays in repairing cracks discovered in the asphalt on Jan. 16. The airport shut down for several hours after the cracks were initially discovered.
State prevails in multimillion-dollar federal lawsuit over Big Island housing development
The state announced victory in a multimillion-dollar lawsuit brought by Nevada developer DW Aina Leʻa Development, LLC, surrounding the Villages at Aina Leʻa project in Waikōloa on Feb. 13.
Hilo man accused of stealing mail, forging checks scheduled to appear in court
The charges stem from a report of mail stolen from a mailbox in November 2023, including the victim’s checks.
Cupid Crew to make special Valentine’s delivery to residents of Yukio Okutsu State Veterans Home
AARP volunteers in East Hawai’i created 200 handmade Valentine’s Day cards that were given to the Hawai’i County Nutrition Program to be distributed Wednesday with residents’ meals.
Military convoys scheduled this week on Big Island
Convoy leaders will continually assess conditions and pull over on permissible straight-aways to allow island motorists to pass safely and reduce backed up traffic.
Update: Kona airport runway expected to reopen at 1:30 p.m.
The airport’s sole runway was closed at midnight and expected to reopen at 6 a.m. to allow crews to repair cracks found in the asphalt in January.
DLNR to auction off leases for west Kaua’i cabins
The state Department of Land and Natural Resources has announced plans to hold an auction in April for annual leases for seven Kokee cabins.
Senate Committee to hear testimony on bill to legalize recreational marijuana
Senate Bill 3335 legalizes adult-use cannabis as well as establishes the Hawaiʻi Cannabis Authority and Cannabis Control Board within the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs to regulate all aspects of the cannabis plant.
Update: 51-year-old woman from Hilo found in good health
Deirdre Ichimura was found in good health Monday morning in Hilo.
Rainbow Friends Animal Sanctuary seeks donations to help upgrade water system
A generous donor has offered to match any size donation up to $5,000 through Feb. 29 so the sanctuary can keep the animals in need it shelters hydrated.
15-year-old runaway found, runs away again
Rikar is a 5-foot-7 Pacific Islander, 130 pounds, with a dark complexion and slim build, black hair and brown eyes. Have you seen him?
Rockne Freitas Way sign at Hawai‘i Community College Pālamanui unveiled, dedicated
The road is named for the late Hawaiʻi CC chancellor who played a major role in developing the campus.