Hawai‘i Island police officer, fearing for his life, shoots at car careening toward him

That portion of the Kona roadway was previously closed April 4 because of a downed utility pole and electrical lines that resulted from an early morning traffic crash.

21-year-old Akira Kauilani of Kailua-Kona was arrested for reckless endangering, operating a vehicle under the influence of an intoxicant and other traffic-related offenses following the incident that happened just after 3 a.m. the morning of April 4 at the intersection of Konalani Street and Palani Road while police were responding to the scene of an early morning traffic crash.

Nonprofit based in Waimea on Big Island and dedicated to protecting Hawai‘i’s communities and natural resources from devastating effects of wildfires was one of just 5 organizations and individuals in the nation to be honored recently by National Association of State Foresters.

The suspect made his initial appearance in Hilo District Court on Thursday where the judge maintained bail at $140,000.

The cause of the fire is unknown at this time.

With help from the Oak Foundation Fund of the Hawai‘i Community Foundation, the Bezos Day 1 Families Fund, and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Hope Services Hawai‘i secured Kani Le‘a apartment complex for $2.7 million.

The restrictions will begin April 7 at Pūʻainakō Street and Kīlauea Avenue and Pūʻainakō Street and Kinoʻole Street.

Kīlauea summit has shown little net change in pressurization since the eruption began Dec. 23, 2024, indicating the summit has been in some level of equilibrium. As long as that equilibrium is maintained, the episodic eruption at the summit is likely to continue.

William Brown will return May 23 to Hilo Circuit Court for sentencing. Perjury is a Class C felony. He faces a maximum sentence of 5 years in prison.

49-year-old Juan Carlos Espinoza Lopez was sentenced April 3 for possessing with the intent to distribute methamphetamine and heroin, being an illegal immigrant in possession of a firearm and ammunition and illegal re-entry into the country. He was arrested in April 2024 in Ocean View.

There’s once again some great events and activities happening around the Big Island during the upcoming week — and even further out. Be sure to check all of them out now!

There’s once again a rich and great mix of interesting and engaging events that should get your toes tapping, your body moving and your brain working.

8 dancers from Hawai’i Irish Dance and 7 flaggers from Scully’s Pub in Waiki’i had the luck of the Irish on their side, being one of several groups from around the globe — including cast of ‘Riverdance 30’ — to be featured during special episode of RTE Ireland’s ‘The Late, Late Show.’

Take a dive under the sea and catch ‘The Little Mermaid’ during its opening weekend at the historic Palace Theater in Downtown Hilo or check out they myriad other events and activities happening around the Big Island during the next several days. There’s sure to be something that will float everybody’s boat, from tadpoles to even the most seasoned of groupers.

This enchanting Hilo Education Arts Repertory Theatre production of the timeless beloved Disney classic — which opens this weekend for a 3-week extended run — promises to bring the tale of mermaid princess Ariel and her underwater adventures to life with breathtaking performances, stunning visuals and unforgettable music.