Community

The middle of October brings with it a variety of events and activities around the Big Island.

Alex Kuklenko claims 2024 Employee of the Year title, Lindsey Iyo named 2024 Manager of the Year and Craig Kawaguchi wins 2024 Supervisor of the Year award. They were among a total of 29 employees nominated for all three awards.

Dawn Patterson, Rachel Edrman, Napua Arakaki-Heen, Megan Brady and Syd Wang were awarded $10,000 total in microgrants.

The Hāmākua Agricultural Cooperative, formed in 1994 to help displaced sugar workers and their families, provided information about new opportunities at the Hāmākua County Fair.

Humanity Hale was created to provide healing through therapy and a variety of programs for kids and teenagers who have been abused or neglected, bullied, orphaned, living in broken homes or foster care — many of whom are dealing with depression, anxiety and self-harming.

Hawai’i Island police have closed Hualālai Street between Ululani Street and Kapiolani Street in Hilo and advise all traffic to avoid the area.

The unmanned aerial inspectors will enable the utility company to identify problems with electrical infrastructure more quickly.

Hawai‘i Island Humane Society bringing these nautically named fur babies to its first Puppy Pop-Up Adoption Event on Saturday at Petco in Kona.

Hāmākua Sugar Days Festival, hosted by the Honokaʻa Heritage Center, marks the 30th anniversary of the closing of the last local sugar plantation with events planned through Oct. 20.

DOCARE officers have opened an investigation into the hit and run that killed a 12-year old nēnē in the popular Hilo park on Thursday morning.

The Hawaiʻi Department of Health encourages parents and caregivers to create a safe sleeping environment for babies.

Some of the island’s first Halloween-related events are this weekend, along with other autumnal affairs in Waimea and Kea‘au. That’s not all. There’s plenty to do. Check out the top 10 now!

The LifeSmarts Competition is a free educational program that teaches students critical skills in personal finance, consumer rights and responsibilities, the environment, health and safety and technology.

Funding is not limited to prospective grantees; any nonprofit organization that serves the Puna area is eligible to apply. The application deadline is 4 p.m. Oct. 10.

“Mahalo to the dozens of people that came to coffee shops across the Big Island to talk story with members of Hawai‘i Police Department during this morning’s National Coffee With a Cop day! It was fantastic to see so many people … turn out from Puna to Waimea to Kona, Honoka‘a and Hilo! Working together, we make Hawai‘i County a safer place for us all.” — Hawai‘i Police Department

The free community event, featuring Chef Ippy Aiona, will explore what it takes to bring local food from farm to table and why it’s people’s responsibility to support island agriculture.

Community members are encouraged to join the virtual event at 4 p.m. via Zoom to learn more about the commission and speak with some of its members.

There’s once again no lack of fun coming up around the Big Island. Check out our top 10 things to do on the island now!

The new park would be developed on a county-owned 20-acre parcel bordered by Kaloli Drive, 25th Avenue and 26th Avenue, and mainly serve residents of Hawaiian Paradise Park and greater Puna in support of healthy lifestyles and families.

Officers with Hawai‘i Police Department Community Policing Sections in Hilo, Pāhoa, Honoka‘a, Waimea and Kona invite the public to join them to get to know them, share personal stories or discuss neighborhood and community issues.