East Hawaii News
New boat lift project at Hilo Harbor gets $525K capital improvment funding boost
“This is more than an equipment upgrade — it’s an investment that enhances our harbor’s operational capabilities and strengthens our disaster preparedness. The new lift will allow us to launch our vessel quickly and safely to protect our shores and support our community.” — Big Island state Sen. Lorraine R. Inouye, who represents Hawai’i Senate District 1,
Volcano Watch: Water in Kīlauea — and its role in its eruptions
Some of the Big Island’s past explosive eruptions happened when magma erupted through groundwater or lake in a summit crater. Read this week’s ‘Volcano Watch’ to learn more now.
Top 10 things to do on Big Island for Aug. 15-21: A Hawaiian cultural festival, beach cleanup, theatre open house, Disco Dance Party and more
Despite the heat, this time of year is great for getting out and going before everyone’s schedules overflow with work, school activities, sports and — yes, it’s only just a few months away now — the holiday season. So don’t miss the full slate of activities and events happening during the next several days around the island.
Big Island ag producers, landowners can participate in 2025 USDA conservation survey
Local National Agricultural Statistics Service representatives will visit operations and properties on the Big Island this month and in September to determine if they meet eligibility criteria for the survey.
Schatz stop on Big Island includes discussion about local priorities, federal policy and its impacts
U.S. senator from Hawai’i speaks with several Hawai’i Island chambers of commerce; nearly 250 residents turn out for community meeting in Waimea
School bus service changes to Hilo route raise student safety concerns
Concerned Hilo parents are voicing safety concerns as Ground Transport Inc. alters a longstanding school bus route, requiring children to walk miles uphill from Wainaku Gym instead of being dropped closer to their homes on Kaiwiki Road.
Puna, Waiākea communities invited to share ideas to improve conservation
The feedback from those who attend these working group meetings helps U.S. Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service guide conservation priorities in the local communities for the upcoming fiscal year.
Honoka‘a motorcyclist killed after being ejected from bike in Mountain View crash
The motorcyclist is identified as Hapaki Teixeira, who was transported to Hilo Benioff Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead Aug. 11 at 10:08 p.m.
Wildfires in Paʻauilo impact two farms run by kupunahine over the weekend
A GoFundMe has been created to help restore essential farm operations and protect local food production and reforestation efforts for two family-run farms.
Scheduled Hawai‘i Island lane closures on state roadways for Aug. 10-15
In observance of Statehood Day, Aug. 15, there will be no contraflow and lane closures unless otherwise permitted. Lane closure schedules can change at any time without notice. All projects are weather permitting.
Big Island firefighters respond to third Hāmākua wildfire in as many days
Hawai‘i Fire Department personnel responded Saturday afternoon to a small wildfire near the 21-mile marker of Highway 19 near Pōhakupuka. Firefighters also battled 2 separate blazes about 15 to 20 miles north and west of there the prior 2 days that burned a total of less than about 330 acres.
UPDATE: Wildfire near Pa‘auilo that ignited Friday afternoon now 75% contained
Hawai‘i County Mayor Kimo Alameda reports that less than 180 acres have burned between mile markers 36 and 39 of Highway 19 in Hāmākua; Hawai’i Fire Department personnel continue to respond to the blaze makai of the highway.
Salvation Army serves up breakfast — and comfort — to those sheltering in Hilo during tsunami warning
Hilo Temple Corps officers, volunteers and community partners served breakfast to more than 400 people at the Waiākea High School shelter in Hilo, including Hawai‘i County employees and stranded cruise ship passengers and staff.
High surf advisory in effect this weekend for south-facing shores of Big Island
Large breaking waves of 7 to 10 feet are forecast by Aug. 8 along the southern shores of the island, with wave heights increasing to between at least 10 and 14 feet by Aug. 9.
UPDATE: Coastal flooding now likely through late Sunday night along Big Island shorelines
The extension comes as National Weather Service forecasters also issued a high surf advisory for south-facing shores of the state that will be in effect from early Friday morning to early the morning of Aug. 11.
High school, college students ages 14 to 22 invited to enter 2025 Letter to My Parents contest
Essays or letters should be no more than 1,000 words and include a constructive proposal for how to maintain or improve their relationships with their parents. Submissions will be judged on bravery, reflection and their proposals.
UPDATE: 13-year-old girl previously reported as endangered runaway located
Brislee K. Bello was found the morning of Aug. 7 in good health.
Puna man faces drug charges after VICE-East operation
52-year-old Davin Antonio was arrested following narcotics search warrants in Ainaloa on Monday.
Public comment sought about how to improve draft of Hawaiʻi’s climate action plan
The Climate Action Pathways first draft was developed based on community feedback gathered at more than 80 public events throughout Hawaiʻi.
Top 10 things to do on Big Island for Aug. 8-14: SPAM Musubi Day, Hana No‘eau Hawaiian Arts Festival, Keiki & Dog Fun Day, plus more
This week’s top 10 is a celebration of diversity once again — for events and activities — with everything from observing the fifth annual SPAM Musubi Day to the Hana No‘eau Hawaiian Arts Festival and a tail-wagging good time for keiki and their furry best friends. Check out this week’s top 10 things to do on the Big Island now!
