Community

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.

“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.

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!

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.

Gaseous pillars and a sparkling star cluster, reminiscent of rain in ʻōhiʻa forests, featured in the image from Gemini North telescope atop Mauna Kea on the Big Island.

While all the spots are filled for wreath-making, there is still plenty of native flora that will be available for free during the Laʻau Love Fest at the West Hawaiʻi Civic Center on Saturday.

Secondary traffic crashes are the No. 1 cause of death nationwide for emergency responders.

While the longest federal government shutdown in the nation’s history ended last week, many residents continue to face financial strain as they await delayed pay and benefits.

The meeting is slated for 4 p.m. Nov. 25 at the Pāhoa Neighborhood Facility, located at 15-0322 Kauhale St., in Pāhoa.

Employees donate rice for local food banks; holiday recipe contest celebrates cooking with local ingredients