Volcano Watch: Pele, Lono and Hiʻiaka remind us of nature’s power

The action movie star and legendary martial artist just celebrated his 86th birthday March 10 on the Garden Isle; he was hospitalized Wednesday, March 18, just a day before his death.

Living in such a dynamic place as Hawaiʻi Island, it’s important to try to be aware and prepared for natural events that affect us; nature will continue to reshape the land in Hawaiʻi, and the recent Episode 43 lava fountaining fallout and kona low are recent reminders about how impactful such natural events can be.

Finance executive Eric Yeaman, who grew up in Hōnaunau on the west side of the Big Island, was selected by Hawaiʻi probate court to to fill the Ke Kula ʻo Kamehameha Board of Trustees seat previously occupied by term-limited Robert Nobriga, whose second term ended June 30, 2025.

American Sign Language students connect with University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa Athletics to volunteer their time to sign the national anthem, cheerleader chants, university fight song and more during games.

Electric utility reported in 6 p.m. update Thursday, March 19, that about 99% of affected customers on Hawaiʻi Island, Oʻahu and in Maui County now have power; about 960 Big Island customers still remained without power.

This storm is not expected to be as severe as the powerful kona low that slammed into the island last weekend; however, be aware that areas that flooded during the first storm could flood faster with additional rainfall because of ground saturation.

Hawai‘i Police Department thanks the public for its patience while the situation was remedied.

“These bills reflect our committee’s priorities: making streets safer, improving enforcement and traffic safety and ensuring the well-being of our residents,” said House Transportation Committee Chairperson Rep. Darius Kila of Oʻahu in a state House release about the measures.

Hāmākua Energy will share its plans and provide a recap of the company’s activities in the past quarter during the virtual community information meeting.

Chuck Norris, the 86-year-old iconic film star and martial artist, was hospitalized in Kauaʻi for a medical emergency on March 18, sparking concerns among fans.

The action movie star and legendary martial artist just celebrated his 86th birthday March 10 on the Garden Isle; he was hospitalized Wednesday, March 18, just a day before his death.

The Waikōloa museum’s Island Science Lecture Series continues today, March 19, with Jessica Nagasako, who will share some recent science updates from the Mauna Kea observatory and answer the question, ‘How do we get that data?’

Have a good time this weekend and beyond; don’t let the weather weigh you down too much. Check out this week’s top 10 things to do for some good tunes, outdoor fun, entrepreneur wisdom, eco-art and more.

The featured movie “Dog Man” will be shown from 5 to 7 p.m. on March 18 in the cafeteria at Waikōloa Elementary and Middle School.

The department is celebrating the 2026 installment of the special observance by helping customers learn how to identify and fix common household water leaks; events to be hosted in Hilo and Kailua-Kona, with chances for prizes.