Community

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.

Committee members also moved forward Senate Bill 2203, which would prohibit law enforcement officers from wearing a mask or facial covering.

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.

Fraudsters impersonate state officials and government agencies, making false threats of investigations, targeting medical professionals, in an attempt to obtain sensitive personal information.

AlohaCare members — or their family members — are eligible to apply; the application period is open through March 16.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

The discussion will focus on the national wildfire insurance crisis, triggered by wildfires throughout the United States during the past 5 to 8 years.

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.

Hawai‘i Island keiki in kindergarten through sixth grade can submit original artwork depicting this year’s theme “Make Every Drop Count.”

Mālama Honua Home Improvement/Renovation Program is a pilot grant project for income-qualified Native Hawaiian homeowners ineligible for traditional loans because of income or credit limitations; the agency is seeking a nonprofit partner to administer the program.

Free communitywide cultural and educational gathering planned for Feb. 22 in downtown Hilo.

New 2-year pilot program requires mediation before non-payment of rent eviction filings.

The U.S. Army briefing also will review the Army Corps’ 3Rs public safety program to help prevent injuries due to possible unexploded ordnance in the region.

The Bellman family, which owned the shopping center since at least 1984, sold the property in October for $4.39 million.

More than 250 demonstrators were also gathering to honor the lives of Renee Good and Alex Pretti, who were recently killed by federal law enforcement in Minneapolis.

Five of the university flagship campus subject areas placed in the top 1% around the globe while another four garnered 2% honors in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings by Subject.