$1.35 billion operating and capital budgets for Hawai‘i County pass final reading with amendments

The operating budget and new tax rates for Hawai‘i County will go into effect on July 1, 2026.

The work on the project will run Mondays through Fridays, from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m., with an expected completion date of Aug. 27.

Law enforcement is pumping up its presence and escalating enforcement efforts along the highway to hopefully get the point across that threatening public safety will not be tolerated, especially in response to a deadly increase in fatal traffic crashes and resulting deaths.

It was the third fatal crash since Jan. 1 on Saddle Road compared with none during the same time period last year; the Thursday morning, June 4, crash also marked the 15th fatality this year and second within 24 hours on Big Island roadways.

Waves of 7 to 10 feet were forecast for all south facing shores of all Hawaiian Islands, but they have fallen below advisory levels.

Chezare Torres of Hilo made his initial court appearance with bond maintained at $85,000.

A quick look at news stories from throughout the state and beyond.

Hawaiʻi County Office of Housing and Community Development implemented standardized procedures, strengthened internal controls and formalized policies to support consistent program administration, with formal adoption of administrative rules will follow completion of Chapter 11 revisions; the original performance audit was issued in February 2023.

The Hawaiʻi Department of Land and Natural Resources said no citations have been issued at this time over the deaths of two state birds with the incident still under investigation.

Water has been shut off to customers in the area of Old Māmalahoa Highway between eateries Pi‘ilani Kitchen and What’s Shakin’, along with the lower portion of Kula‘imano Homestead Road.

A quick look at news stories from throughout the state and beyond.

It’s another week full of a unique variety of fun events, activities and more on the Big Island. Check out the top 10 things to do now!

Additional events throughout the state, including other University of Hawaiʻi campuses, also are being planned.

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.

A quick look at news from throughout the state and around the Big Island.