Community

Hawaiʻi Island police are asking for the public’s help to identify a suspect who was captured on video discarding a stolen wallet at a Kailua-Kona shopping center.

The Rebuild America’s Schools Act of 2026 targets $130 billion in federal funding throughout 5 years for school infrastructure funding.

Papakōlea Community Development Corporation is awarding $5,000 micro-grants for individuals and $10,000 grants to organizations.

Valentine’s Day is Saturday (Feb. 14), and there are several events and activities happening this weekend around the island that will make great date options. So good that Cupid himself approves. Check them out now!

The Big Island is invited to help celebrate the 17th birthday for one of Pana’ewa Rainforest Zoo’s binturongs — often called “bearcats”; she was born Feb. 9, 2009, at the Hilo zoo.

The cold, wet and rainy day in Volcano didn’t stop any of those who participated in the nonprofit’s Aloka the Peace Dog Walk for Peace this past weekend from showing their support for compassion, love and peace.

The study led by a University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa researcher — published Feb. 10 in Nature Communications — found the scourge killing native Hawaiian birds was present at 63 of 64 sites tested statewide, including areas with very different bird communities.

Athletes from throughout Hawai‘i will compete in basketball, bowling and track and field in June in Minneapolis.

The state junior team program is aimed at identifying elite junior golfers in each state and providing them with an opportunity for further development; Leo Saito and Jake Otani of Hilo were named as members of the 2026 team.

Hawaiʻi Care Choices is collaborating with North Hawaiʻi Hospice to expand its palliative care program to individuals with serious illnesses in Hāmākua, Waimea, North Kohala, and South Kohala.

All Big Island students in grades kindergarten through 12 are eligible to submit designs for the contest, but don’t wait; the deadline to enter is this Friday (Feb. 13).

Scouts will launch cookie booths Feb. 20 statewide for the world’s largest girl-led entrepreneurial program, which this year includes a new flavor to satisfy customer cravings.

The upgraded facility at Kona Community Hospital in Kealakekua expands access and care for oncology services in West Hawai‘i.

The show — with a raw honesty and contemporary relevance — explores themes of loneliness, truth, mental health and the universal desire to be seen and understood; it opens Friday (Feb. 13) at East Hawaiʻi Cultural Center in downtown Hilo.

“The Rose Award recognizes women in our community who have made a significant impact on the lives of others through their employment, volunteer activities and associations.” said Zonta Club of Hilo President Laurie Higashi.

This comprehensive course — with online and in-person sessions — covers vital components of emergency preparedness and response, including triage and first aid, search and rescue and fire suppression and safety.

Big Island residents are invited Feb. 21 to Prince Kūhiō Plaza in Hilo for the chance to connect with top employers, grow their professional network, access education and training resources and more.

The blood bank welcomes donors at Outrigger Kona Resort and Spa in Keauhou for first Kona blood drive of 2026.

The Blood Bank of Hawaiʻi will be hosting a blood drive at its new West Hawaiʻi location, the Outrigger Kona Resort and Spa, on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday this week.

Residents are invited to help shape the future management of Mauna Kea with workshops scheduled in Waimea, Nāʻālehu and Kailua-Kona this month.