Community

Individual and team registration options available from Nov. 24 through Dec. 22 for Elementary (grades 3-5) and Intermediate (grades 6-8) groups. Season runs Jan. 26 through March 11, 2026.

Studio, 1-bedroom and 2-bedroom apartments will be available for residents earning up to 50% of the area median income, with the first units anticipated to be ready in early 2026.

Hawai‘i Tropical Fruit Growers named recipients of its annual appreciation awards during the recent 35th annual Hawai‘i International Tropical Fruit Conference at Hilo Hawaiian Hotel.

The Kona Open Space Network Conceptual Plan is a community-initiated goal of the Kona Community Development Plan to connect and preserve public open spaces by linking corridors such as trails, bike paths, shorelines, and roadways that support multimodal access.

Electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids now account for 15% of new vehicle registrations; utility continues work to enhance charging equipment reliability.

There will be a three-day Ho‘olaule‘a starting Friday night, marking the completion of the sanctuary restoration, as well as marking the 205th anniversary of the congregation.

The bill that passed the Hawaiʻi County Council on Wednesday included amendments to address community concerns about the number of hens allowed, coop requirements and the prohibition of selling eggs or birds.

The annual festival — now in its 33rd year — celebrates blossoming of the historic cherry trees planted in 1972 in Church Park Row, the festival’s headquarters. Fred Nonaka helped plant them and now at 89 years old, he’s still on pruning duty. Meanwhile, his wife Nancy Nonaka was the spark behind the many cultural demonstrations and hands-on activities offered each year at Kamuela Hongwanji Mission.

Kaiser Permanente Hawaiʻi has awarded $263,000 in grants to bolster food security and health equity in the islands, supporting programs such as the Food Basket’s DA BUX.

Hawaiʻi County Mass Transit now has 16 vehicles in its Hele-On Kakoʻo Paratransit Services fleet, helping increase on-time performance and reliability for users.

Rooted in compassion and opportunity, the Kruschel Endowment to Reduce Insecurity will provide direct assistance to University of Hawai’i at Hilo students facing financial hardship, focusing on such basic needs as housing, food, transportation, communication, technology and access to essential resources.

Organization responds to 20% more home fires during the holiday months, many of which are sparked by cooking accidents, unattended candles or unsafe decorations.

Wailuku River State Park (Rainbow Falls and Boiling Pots) in Hilo and Kekaha Kai State Park in Kona will begin charging parking fees for nonresidents and commercial vehicles; Hawaiʻi residents, however, will continue to receive free parking.

Hawai‘i joins the nation this year in observing the annual Smokeout today (Nov. 20), and Hawaiʻi Department of Health encourages island residents to use this date to quit — even if it is for a day.

The holidays are officially upon us as we head into Thanksgiving week, and the top 10 definitely reflects the most wonderful time of the year, with several events celebrating Turkey Day 2025 and another holiday market. Be sure to check them out now!

“Time is of the essence when a tsunami threatens Hawai‘i Island, so we encourage everyone living, working or learning in coastal areas to know and practice their escape routes,” said Hawaiʻi County Mayor Kimo Alameda.

There will be two Big Island locations community members can find the big red vending machines to donate to people in need; one will be at Prince Kūhiō Plaza in Hilo and the other at Queens’ Marketplace in Waikōloa.

Funds are part of a total $120,000 the organization granted to several nonprofits throughout the islands; Food Basket to use award to help fulfill food security needs of Big Island residents coping with increasing prices.

“By bringing the Family Resource Center directly into our communities, we’re able to meet families where they are, offer immediate assistance and build relationships that strengthen the well-being of our keiki and ʻohana.” — Neighborhood Place of Puna Executive Director Paul Normann

Dr. Michael Aronowitz hosting Game Night with Lasting Benefits this weekend that will teach participants some of the skills and tools needed to sustain any kind of connection.