Hawai‘i County Council may create tax tier for luxury second homes worth more than $4 million

Heavy rain is possible as early as Saturday, but most likely Sunday into Monday; flash flooding appears to be most likely for Maui County and the Big Island, particularly windward locations, and strong winds are most likely to impact Kaua‘i and Maui County.

Due to concerns regarding the Housing and Homelessness Fund’s effectiveness, the Hawaiʻi County Council is seeking a detailed understanding before considering extending the program, which is set to end in 2027.

We’re taking a different approach this week, highlighting what you might call a “featured item” or “must go”; Hilo Education Arts Repertory Theatre — or HEART — is hosting its 5th Anniversary Benefit Concert and Fundraiser at the beginning of next week, and now more than ever, the youth theatre program needs your help. Find this and more in this week’s top 10 things to do on the Big Island.

The proposed Tier 3 would impact about 842 parcels primarily in West Hawai‘i, with an estimated value of $5.3 billion, according to Hawaiʻi Countyʻs real property tax administrator.

The new advisory is in place through 6 p.m. today (Feb. 5); a high surf advisory previously in place for northern shores of the Big Island was also canceled and northwest swell is on the downward trend.

Grand opening set for Feb. 13 at new location on the Maka‘ala Street campus, with festivities including giveaways, refreshments and entertainment; current store location will remain open through Feb. 7.

The discussion will focus on the national wildfire insurance crisis, triggered by wildfires throughout the United States during the past 5 to 8 years.

Hawaiʻi State Judiciary reports people statewide are receiving alleged Department of Motor Vehicles text messages saying that unless payment is made for unpaid traffic citations, the recipient’s driving privileges and vehicle registration will be suspended, and they will be assessed an additional fee.

Fourth annual Research Day allowed about 100 undergraduate and graduate students, researchers, faculty and staff to share their work with state legislators through informational displays, demonstrations and interactive activities.

The restriction was prompted by the prolonged lack of rain.

We’re taking a different approach this week, highlighting what you might call a “featured item” or “must go”; Hilo Education Arts Repertory Theatre — or HEART — is hosting its 5th Anniversary Benefit Concert and Fundraiser at the beginning of next week, and now more than ever, the youth theatre program needs your help. Find this and more in this week’s top 10 things to do on the Big Island.

Free communitywide cultural and educational gathering planned for Feb. 22 in downtown Hilo.

Dive deeper into the park’s history and learn about the young local men who worked in the Great Depression-era federal jobs program to create much of the Big Island national park’s infrastructure and the legacy they left behind with a new online StoryMap sharing their contributions.

Enjoy worship, testimony, connection and community from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. today (Feb. 1) at Moʻoheau Bandstand in beautiful downtown Hilo along the shore of Hilo Bay.

More than 250 players along with 1,000 spectators attended the event Jan. 24-25 at Hualani Baseball Park in the Keaukaha community in Hilo.