Community
Super Guide for where to watch today’s Big Game
Looking for a place to grab a seat, some food and maybe a drink or two during Super Bowl LX this afternoon? We’ve got you covered with this extensive list of venues simply showing the game and others hosting watch parties.
Uncle Ben Kaili spent his life bringing music, joy to the Big Island and beyond
Big Island musicians and Hawaiian music lovers mourn the loss of Ben Kaili, a legenday slack key guitarist from Hilo.
Parker School in Waimea now accepting applications for its new preschool
New Parker Preschool serves keiki ages 2 to 5 years old, with a target opening date of August this year; it was established to extend Parker School’s educational continuum while addressing the growing need for high-quality child care for faculty, staff and families in the broader Waimea community.
Hawai‘i County Parks and Rec seeks summer pool lifeguard applicants
Applicants must be 18 years old by the deadline, with additional job requirements including a current lifeguarding certification and successful completion of a swimming and skills test; deadline to apply is March 31.
Hawaiʻi LGBT Legacy Foundation accepting applications for 2026 Rainbow Legacy Scholarships
Scholarship recipients are awarded $2,000 to support education-related expenses; applicants must be rooted in Hawaiʻi LGBT Legacy Foundation’s vision of hope, equality, unity and service to the betterment of Hawaiʻi and the people who live here.
Hawaiʻi public libraries challenge state’s keiki to ‘Read for the Gold’ in February
Readers in grades kindergarten through 12 participating in the winter reading challenge that runs through Feb. 22 can win prizes from U.S. Olympic figure skating champion Kristi Yamaguchi.
Police: Make sure your Big Game plans are super; fans don’t let fans drive drunk
Everyone is urged to celebrate Super Bowl LX safely by making a plan before festivities begin. The most important step is having a sober ride in advance, whether that means designating a sober driver, using a taxi service or calling for a rideshare.
Put a little love in the mailbox this Valentine’s Day
While text messages disappear, a Valentine’s card endures; a handwritten message also carries thought — and heart — spanning miles.
Hawaiʻi County, state urge preparation ahead of impending inclement weather
Residents and visitors alike should be storm ready before the arrival of the expected wicked weather this weekend and into early next week that could bring heavy rainfall, flooding and strong, gusty winds to parts of the Big Island and elsewhere throughout the islands.
Members of state Senate Judiciary Committee advance bill creating civil rights helpline
Committee members also moved forward Senate Bill 2203, which would prohibit law enforcement officers from wearing a mask or facial covering.
Annual Nā Leo Hiehie o ke Koʻolau Hawaiian language speech competition ignites keiki voices
Number of students in kindergarten through high school participating topped 100 this year during first event of Hawaiian language speech competition, at Windward Community College on Oʻahu had 120 student participants from kindergarten through high school sharing memorized passages and original speeches delivered entirely in ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi during the event at Hale ʻĀkoakoa (Campus Center), and hundreds of more are registered to participate in upcoming competitions on other islands, including Kauaʻi.
Hawaiʻi Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs warns about phone scam
Fraudsters impersonate state officials and government agencies, making false threats of investigations, targeting medical professionals, in an attempt to obtain sensitive personal information.
Applications now being accepted for 2026-27 AlohaCare Foundation scholarships
AlohaCare members — or their family members — are eligible to apply; the application period is open through March 16.
West Hawai‘i Region of Hawai‘i Health Systems Corporation to celebrate opening of new infusion center on Big Island
The expanded center will double the hospital’s treatment capacity from 6 to 12 chairs and significantly enhance patient privacy, safety and comfort, with additional features such as privacy barriers, negative-pressure isolation room for higher‑risk patients, dedicated waiting area for families and more.
State seeks applicants for 2 impending vacancies on Hawaiʻi Ethics Commission
Commission members serve on a voluntary basis; terms will run 4 years from July 1 through June 30, 2030. Applications are due by Feb. 13.
Performance audit requested for housing, homelessness programs funded by Hawaiʻi County
Due to concerns regarding the Housing and Homelessness Fund’s effectiveness, the Hawaiʻi County Council is seeking a detailed understanding before considering extending the program, which is set to end in 2027.
Top 10 things to do on Big Island for Feb. 6-12: Show some HEART for Hilo youth theatre; plus, Super Bowl parties and more
We’re taking a different approach this week, highlighting what you might call a “featured item” or “must go”; Hilo Education Arts Repertory Theatre — or HEART — is hosting its 5th Anniversary Benefit Concert and Fundraiser at the beginning of next week, and now more than ever, the youth theatre program needs your help. Find this and more in this week’s top 10 things to do on the Big Island.
Goodwill Hawai‘i relocating Hilo store, donation center to new campus
Grand opening set for Feb. 13 at new location on the Maka‘ala Street campus, with festivities including giveaways, refreshments and entertainment; current store location will remain open through Feb. 7.
Hawaiʻi Wildfire Management Organization and partners to host free wildfire webinar
The discussion will focus on the national wildfire insurance crisis, triggered by wildfires throughout the United States during the past 5 to 8 years.
From campus to Capitol: University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa shares research with state lawmakers
Fourth annual Research Day allowed about 100 undergraduate and graduate students, researchers, faculty and staff to share their work with state legislators through informational displays, demonstrations and interactive activities.
