Community

The Hawaiʻi Board on Geographic Names, part of the State of Hawai‘i Office of Planning and Sustainable Development, officially voted to change the name during its meeting on Dec. 10.

Waikōloa native and graduate of Kealakehe High School Eric Pōmaikaʻi Gee was one of two Villars Institute Fellows selected for the Ice Station Expedition, a 2-week mission that took place this month; he now will begin sharing lessons from the expedition through school visits, community presentations and public outreach.

Project Hawai‘i has more than 2,400 children from the Big Island, Maui and O‘ahu on its Christmas list this year; that record breaking number, unfortunately, coincides with record low donations.

Hawai’i County Mayor Kimo Alameda will deliver the keynote address during the event set from 5 to 8 p.m. Jan. 22, 2026, at the Bishop Museum in Honolulu; attending and supporting the event is one way community members can help the organization fulfill its mission.

Two Coffee with a Cop events are scheduled for 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. on Wednesday in Hōlualoa and on Friday in Kailua-Kona.

The meeting will take place on O‘ahu, but it will be livestreamed, so anyone interested in listening in can be present.

During a press conference on Monday with Hawai‘i State Lt. Gov. Sylvia Luke at the Daniel K. Inouye International Airport, leaders talked about new airport technology tools and the full implementation of Akamai Arrival.

Musicians from the Hilo High School Orchestra and Young Music Studio will join the Orchid Isle Orchestra for its 19th holiday concert at 6:30 p.m. tonight.

“She’s a pro-active officer who has a gift of motivating those around her,” Ka‘ū District Acting Captain Pernell Hanoa said of Officer Jenna Kosinski-Santos

Hawaiʻi Island’s effort to combat impaired driving is reflected in a 5.88% decrease in DUI arrests, with 849 incidents recorded through the end of 2025.

In just four years as Hawaiʻi Fire Chief, Kazuo Todd left behind a legacy of modernizing the department and upgrading its equipment while also serving as a leader to improve fire service across the state.

Donate unwrapped toys to children in need, supporting the Salvation Army’s mission to spread joy across West Hawaiʻi during the “Fill a Cruiser Holiday Toy Drive” on Dec. 20

Hawaiʻi County is mourning the unexpected passing of Fire Chief Kazuo Todd, who leaves behind a revered legacy of public safety and leadership.

After 4 weeks of show-stopping performances, emotional stories and unforgettable moments from throughout the pae ʻāina, the stage is set for one of the five finalists — including Pohai from the Big Island — to walk away with a $10,000 grand prize.

Under Duke’s Law, state legislation that went into effect July 1 to strengthen enforcement of ag crimes across Hawaiʻi, the first state search warrant was executed to retrieve farm animals.

Nonprofit Healthcare Association of Hawaiʻi’s CNA+ to LPN Bridge program enables working certified nurse aides to become licensed practical nurses without having to leave their jobs to attend school or take labs.

The meets are open to youth ages 6 to 14 years old and will be conducted Feb. 7 and 21, 2026, at Kealakehe High School in West Hawai‘i and Feb. 28 at Kamehameha High School in East Hawai‘i.

State Rep. Kusch is proposing the Passive Recreation Wilderness State Park as a natural, low-impact sanctuary that would be nearly 300 acres.

Hawai‘i State Federal Credit Union announces gifts of $25,000 each for the Hawai‘i Resilience Fund at Hawai‘i Community Foundation and Safety Net Fund at Aloha United Way as part of the statewide “Aloha for Hawai‘i” giving campaign.

Lane closure schedules can change at any time without notice. All projects are weather permitting. Will any of these planned closures impact your commute or fun? Take a look and plan ahead now.