Community

University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo commencement scheduled for Dec. 20; all 10 University of Hawaiʻi campuses throughout the state will host spring commencement services in May 2026.

New team option and an expanded online catalog for Santa’s Gift Shoppe make fulfilling kids’ and families’ holiday wishes through this annual U.S. Postal Service holiday program easier this year.

Due to unexpected equipment malfunctions, the Hawai‘i County Department of Water Supply is requiring customers to reduce water use by at least 25%.

The money, coming from Hawai‘i County’s Affordable Housing Production Program, is part of the program’s grant awards for the 2025-26 fiscal year.

Fifty keiki enjoyed a fun-filled shopping spree alongside law enforcement officers for the ninth annual Heroes and Helpers event.

The County of Hawaiʻi is hosting an American Red Cross lifeguard certification course this January at Hilo’s NAS Swimming Pool, offering comprehensive training from deep-water skills to CPR.

As Hawaiʻi County prepares for 2026, residents are urged to enhance their disaster response skills through free Community Emergency Response Team training that will take place in January.

The West Coast Health Alliance, alongside major health organizations, strongly recommends continuing routine hepatitis B vaccinations for newborns.

Join U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz in a statewide telephone town hall on Dec. 11 to discuss key federal issues impacting Hawaiʻi.

Hawaiʻi County Mayor Kimo Alameda said he is advocating for state funding to support construction of a North Kona hospital, a Puna alternate route to ease traffic and ways to address cost of living.

Each of the 50 keiki who participated during the Dec. 6 event received a $125 Target gift card and were allowed to purchase anything they had on their holiday wish lists while their “Hero” partners helped.

The 28-year Hawai‘i Island police force veteran has had an exemplary career, with him again and again stepping up and showing off his longstanding commitment to public safety, community partnerships and youth outreach.

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.

The Hawai’i-based brands partnered to give some extra aloha and holiday cheer to people on several flights Thursday (Dec. 4) by greeting them with complimentary peppermint macadamia cookies on World Cookie Day.

It seems as the island is in a very festive mood already this holiday season — and we do mean very; from traditional things to do to several events that are new, there are myriad ways to get into the holiday spirit during the upcoming week. Check them out now!

More than 60 lighted entries — including many festively decked out trucks and other big rigs — are set to parade through Waimea, lighting up the historic community for a holiday show like none other on the island.

The new outpatient medical facility in Kona is meant to be a companion to the planned $400 to $500 million hospital to be built by Queen’s Health Systems.

While several supporters testified in favor of the bill, business owners, the Department of Environmental Management and Mayor Kimo Alameda expressed economic and waste management concerns.

Kunane Dreier is this year’s winner, tabbed and celebrated for his outstanding contributions to HIV services in Hawai‘i.

Hawai‘i Island singing group will compete Dec. 14 for title of top act in the televised talent competition celebrating Hawai‘i’s next generation of artists, musicians, dancers and creators, plus a $10,000 grand prize.