East Hawaii News
Salvation Army Hilo overnight safe space doubles in size, capacity
An additional 25 beds are now available at the Hilo Temple Corps in downtown for those in need — which has been open for a year — with the shelter ready to serve up to 50 overnight guests on a first-come-first-served basis.
Scheduled Hawai‘i Island lane closures on state roadways for Aug. 24-29
Lane closure schedules can change at any time without notice. All projects are weather permitting. Will any of these planned closures impact your commute or fun? Take a look and plan ahead now.
10.9M cubic yards of lava ejected during Episode 31 of Kīlauea summit eruption
Inclined lava fountains from north vent within Halemaʻumaʻu Crater inside the Big Island volcano’s caldera ejected molten rock 1,000 feet eastward toward the center of the crater for much of the 12.6 hours the latest eruptive episode.
Police seek Mountain View woman missing since morning of Aug. 21
27-year-old Kendra Lynn Masang was last seen the morning of Aug. 21 at a residence on Hibiscus Street in Mountain View. Have you seen her?
UPDATE: Water use restriction continues for residents from Āhualoa to Pōhākea in Hāmākua
Extension of the water restriction is because of a suspected second water main break; crews are working to repair the problem.
Episode 31 of ongoing summit eruption underway at Big Island’s Kīlauea volcano
Lava began fountaining from the north vent within Halemaʻumaʻu Crater at 2:04 p.m., with molten rock ejecting about 100 feet high, feeding multiple lava streams by 2:15 p.m. onto the crater floor.
Volcano Watch: Fringes and fractures for Episode 30
With the 30th episode, came one of the most significant changes since the eruption started—a new fissure in the caldera wall.
Top 10 things to do on Big Island for Aug. 22-28: Godzilla takes on the Palace, floating lantern ceremony nears, new paniolo TV series seeks supporters, plus more
This week’s got it all, Big Island — a radioactive reptile on the rampage brings his diverse character to the silverscreen in Hilo, an emotional evening event will fill waters in West Hawai’i with a soft glow to remember loved ones who passed and and an epic paniolo-style BBQ and music festival in Waimea will satisfy your taste-buds and pique your curiosity about a new cultural TV series. Check out our top 10 things to do on the island now!
2025 was hot summer for reading in Hawaiʻi
Participation in this year’s statewide Hawaiʻi State Public Library System’s Summer Reading Challenge surged 44%.
Pāhoa High and Intermediate School locked down after student sees alleged threat
Hawai‘i Police Department responded just before 10 a.m. Aug. 20; the reported anonymous threat was later determined to be false.
Hawaiʻi State Board of Education hosting public meetings on Big Island about potential statewide changes
The purpose of the meetings is to seek community input for expanding early childhood education and upgrading high school graduation criteria. Today, the Board will host a meeting at Kāʻu High and Pahala Elementary.
University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo has key role in developing AI suite to fuel scientific innnovation
Hilo campus partners with National Science Foundation, NVIDIA in $152M project — and will receive $1.4M in grant funding from that total — to be a top collaborator on cutting-edge, transformative artificial intelligence infrastructure.
Hawaiʻi Police Department recognizes the second Kaʻū Officer of the Quarter
Officer Taylor Au has been named Kaʻū’s Officer of the Quarter for his dedication and proactive efforts in the community.
Business Monday: Tea Hawaiʻi & Co. helps nurture growing industry on the Big Island
Nestled in the lush landscapes near Kīlauea’s summit, Eva Lee and Chiu Leong’s Tea Hawaiʻi & Co. has cultivated a thriving tea estate by embracing agroforestry and collaboration.
University of Hawaiʻi community colleges among the top of their class
The university’s statewide system of 7 community colleges was recently ranked 11th in the nation in a 2025 Wallethub analysis, which evaluated 653 colleges nationwide on 18 metrics, including tuition, graduation and transfer rates and post-graduation earnings.
Scheduled Hawai‘i Island lane closures on state roadways for Aug. 17-22
Lane closure schedules can change at any time without notice. All projects are weather permitting. Will any of these planned closures impact your commute or fun? Take a look and plan ahead now.
Update: Missing mother and 2-year-old daughter found safe
Police reported the mother and toddler found this afternoon.
Big Island motorists urged to plan ahead for Labor Day Weekend: ‘Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over’
There have been 14 fatal crashes on the Big Island so far this year, resulting in 15 fatalities, and alcohol or drug impairment was a factor in half of them.
Emergency repairs underway on Kaiwiki Road in Hilo
Repairs are necessary because of an increased road depression; the public is advised to drive with caution in the work zone and follow all posted signs and directions from traffic personnel.
Hawaiʻi County reduces building permit backlog, approval wait times
Changes made as a result of Mayor Kimo Alameda’s permitting task force improved the permit review process; local contractors, business owners are noticing a difference.
