Community
American Civil Liberties Union of Hawaiʻi supports ‘strike’ to stop U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement violence
There are more than 300 registered actions and events set for today throughout the nation, calling on people, organizations and communities to “strike” and demand a stop to federal government-sponsored violence being inflicted by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, or ICE, agents against peaceful protestors in Minneapolis, Minn., and elsewhere.
Hawai‘i Island police welcome graduates of 103rd recruit class
The four new officers completed six months of academic instruction and four months of field training.
Second person with Big Island ties identified as a victim in private jet crash in Maine
Among the six people who died in the Sunday plane crash was 34-year-old Shelby Kuyawa, who had worked at two resorts on the Big Island and was currently a level-three sommelier.
Top 10 things to do on Big Island for Jan. 30-Feb. 5: Ancient site restoration, multi-universe journey, regal tea party and more
Get ready for a week that invites you to events from helping restore an ancient Hawaiian village site in the Valley of the Kings to expressing your opinions during a town hall meeting hosted by U.S. Congresswoman Jill Tokuda.
Native Hawaiians invited to apply for up to $350 in grocery gift cards
Next week, members of the Hawaiian Council’s outreach team will be on Maui and Hawai‘i Island to provide in-person assistance for eligible Native Hawaiian residents currently receiving SNAP benefits.
Hawai‘i Island police officer recognized as Ka‘ū District Officer of the Year and Top Enforcer
A seven-year veteran of the department and a Kaʻū resident, the officer has served the Kaʻū community since 2021.
Zonta Club of Hilo Barbra An Pleadwell Scholarship applications now available
The scholarship is for female Hawai‘i Island or O‘ahu residents enrolled as full-time students at a college or university and high school seniors; preference for the two $2,500 scholarships is given to women’s studies and/or communications majors, who demonstrate financial need.
Hawai‘i students ‘taste the rainbow’ with special fresh, locally sourced salad
The hue-tiful menu item highlighted the continued farm-to-school efforts by Hawaiʻi Department of Education and its commitment to student wellness.
Big Island programs selected to receive funding through Kahu ʻĀina program
Hawai‘i Tourism Authority invests in locally driven initiatives that heal, restore and reconnect people with place in an effort to bridge culture and conservation throughout the islands.
Call for artists: Kona Coffee Cultural Festival seeks submissions for 2026 signature art
Celebrate the art of Kona coffee — let your creativity brew! Art piece selected will be featured on all official 2026 festival merchandise, marketing and promotional materials.
2026 Homeless Point in Time Count begins on Big Island
The goal of the federally mandated survey — which offers a snapshot of homelessness — is to identify and count individuals and families residing in places not meant for human habitation; more than 50 volunteers and staff are participating in this year’s initiative.
Hawai‘i Island police investigate theft along Ali‘i Drive in Kona
According to police, a male reported that he left his belongings, valued at $340, on the side of the road near the 78-6600 block of Aliʻi Drive to cross the street to help someone in need.
Business Monday: Shop local at new Farmstand on Saturdays in Waikōloa Village
Organized by the local nonprofit Waikōloa Grows, members of the group organized the weekly Farmstand, where shoppers can find fresh, locally sourced food from farmers around the island.
New artificial intelligence degree debuts later this year at University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo
The new degree and its courses reflect the College of Business and Economics response to workforce demand for artificial intelligence and analytics skills, and University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo’s broader commitment to interdisciplinary education and responsible artificial intelligence development.
University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo welcomes inaugural online doctor of pharmacy cohort
Twelve aspiring pharmacists hailing from Oʻahu, Hawaiʻi Island, Kauaʻi and Puerto Rico are enrolled in the online program’s first cohort.
Hula Halau Manaola closes Mitsubishi Electric Championship at Hualālai with hula auana
Colors of gold washed over the golf course Saturday as dancers from Hula Halau Manaola, under the direction of Kumu Hula Nani Lim Yap, took to the green for their closing performance at sunset.
Governor releases $200K for Hawaiʻi Island Portuguese Chamber of Commerce Cultural and Educational Center
Funding will be used for construction of the new Hawaiʻi Island Portuguese Chamber of Commerce facility, which will serve as a hub for cultural preservation, educational programming and community gatherings.
UPDATE: High bacteria advisory canceled for swimming area at Onekahakaha Beach in Hilo
Hawai‘i State Department of Health officials report that water retesting results showed enterococci levels no longer exceed the acceptable threshold; the advisory was originally issued Jan. 21.
Big Island environmentalist explores Amazon Rain Forest’s vital connection to world in documentary series
Heather Murata created a documentary series that spotlights the Amazon Rain Forest’s global impact through a Hawaiʻi-rooted perspective.
Hawaiʻi Lions holding 17th annual eyeglasses, hearing aids and new food drive
The program encourages residents to comb through dresser drawers and closets and donate any unused eyewear and hearing aids, which will be sorted, cleaned and donated to people in need.
