Community

The 2025 Aloha United Way report draws on more than 51,000 calls, texts and chats to the statewide 211 helpline.

Mark your calendar now and don’t miss Kohala Intergenerational Center’s free community event March 14, celebrating 20 years as a hub for education and connection, that will also include a farmers market and agricultural service booths.

Those interested in participating have until Feb. 25 to register.

Students who are selected each receive $20,000 throughout 4 years — or a pro-rated amount for fewer years — that can be applied to tuition, books, housing and other educational expenses; deadline to apply online is Feb. 23.

And that’s just a quick sample of the wide and, shall we say, unique variety of events and activities happening around the Big Island. Cure that ‘cabin fever’ and get out of the house to discover what we’re talking about.

Residents and business operators in the voluntary compliance area are asked not to transport coconut rhinoceros beetle host materials that include decomposing plant material, plant propagation material, other items comprised of decomposing organic plant material and several genera of live palm plants; order will remain in place through April 30.

Hawaiian Electric says public safety power shutoffs remain possible, however, for North and South Kohala on Big Island and Upcountry, Central and West Maui with wind advisory still in effect through Thursday morning (Feb. 19).

The teen was found in Hilo.

Mauna Kea Stewardship and Oversight Authority encourages broad community participation in these final sessions in Kaʻū and Kona to ensure the future stewardship of Mauna Kea reflects shared values, knowledge and responsibilities.

Free, full-day communitywide cultural and educational gathering centered on the coconut — often referred to as the ‘tree of life’ — slated for Sunday (Feb. 22) at Palace Theater

These popular events are intentionally informal — with no agenda — and conversation topics can range from sharing personal stories to discussing neighborhood issues.

These monthly sessions will rotate around Hawaiʻi Island and provide residents an opportunity to meet directly with Mahuna and district commanders to share concerns, ask questions and discuss public safety issues in an open, conversational setting; the first is scheduled for Tuesday (Feb. 17) in Waimea.

Advice for students from the man who plays King Kamehameha I in the Apple TV series: “You don’t need to go to college to be “somebody.” But how will you help your community? How do you contribute and bring value to the lives of others instead of just yourself? Don’t live for just yourself. You should be living for everybody. If everyone had that mindset, imagine the things we could do.”

School’s out, so keiki ages 7 to 14 years old are invited to learn about financial management, simulate a start-up business, break dance, rhythmic math fun and more at two locations filled with fun.

With the quick, unexpected support of the Hilo Elks Lodge, Olena’s Massage Center was able to reopen one month after a fire destroyed their downtown business last November.

Applications are due by 4 p.m. Feb. 27 and must be submitted online; this year marks the 21st year of the scholarship program, honoring Hawaiʻi high school seniors for all-around excellence and their commitment to well-being.

There will be 6 workshops total statewide, and they begin Feb. 24 on Oʻahu; Big Island classes are March 4 and 12, with the Kauaʻi workshop slated for April 1.

The cleaning project, which begins Monday (Feb. 16) is expected to last about 2 weeks, barring any unforeseen circumstances; the facility has been closed since Jan. 24 when volcanic ash and glass strands of Pele’s hair began falling into the pool during Episode 41 of lava fountaining from the ongoing episodic summit eruption of Kīlauea volcano.

Digital Navigators are available by appointment at all 50 public libraries throughout the state, offering free, personalized help with everyday technology needs to make it less stressful and more accessible.

Meet the Big Island’s most talented students, professional engineers and community experts while you discover the amazing world of engineering at the Waimea library.