Community

Quick takes on news happening around the Big Island and elsewhere throughout the state, nation and beyond.

The donations collected during 27th drive come at a particularly important time following the two kona lows that slammed into the state during the past 2 weeks and will help support organizations on the front lines responding to increased needs.

Several speakers are scheduled to give invaluable tips on brain aging and caregiving resources in Hawaiʻi County at Keaʻau Community Center this Saturday.

Mayor Kimo Alameda says ‘this is an exciting opportunity’ at the park off Daniel K. Inouye Highway, also known as Saddle Road, ‘that can benefit many people in our community’ and ‘has the potential to be a great business opportunity.’

The Hawaiʻi Agricultural Foundation and the Hawaiʻi Farm Bureau Federation have launched a coordinated relief effort to support farmers, ranchers and agricultural producers affected by the severe weather, flooding and prolonged heavy rains.

This year, Aloha United Way has distributed over $760,000 to programs that address food security, housing stability, workforce development and other essential needs.

Nonprofit’s emergency disaster services positioned to respond to evolving needs as storm moves through; donations requested to help fund statewide support for vital relief efforts and supplies.

The public meetings cover crime, traffic trends, reporting elder abuse, and identifying and preventing financial and internet scams.

In a historic milestone for the Hawaiʻi Police Department, Assistant Police Chief Sherry Bird has been confirmed as its first female deputy chief.

A winter storm watch has been issued for the Big Island summits, where a Kona storm is forecast to bring up to 10 inches of snow and winds of up to 70 mph this weekend.

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

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.

Hawai‘i Department of Education reports majority of instructional space at Konawaena requires professional cleaning and structural repairs following last weekend’s kona low; department continues damage assessments at campuses statewide.

Vibrant Hawaiʻi has launched an online aid request form, providing Hawaiʻi Island residents a streamlined way to report storm-related needs and access crucial recovery resources.

The National Weather Service has lifted the wind advisory for Hawaiʻi Island as conditions improve, though residents are urged to stay vigilant due to potential lingering gusts.

Organization and its volunteers deliver more than 600 meals to impacted residents and first responders throughout the state.

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.

‘Aloha Bricks ’26: Stories of Hawaiʻi’ exhibit also includes other LEGO-inspired creations that all will take over Castle Memorial Building beginning March 14.