East Hawaii News
Blood drive in Hilo offers donors chance to win 2 roundtrip tickets from Alaska Airlines
Blood donations from the Hilo community are essential to ensuring a stable blood supply across the state, with each donation having the potential to save three lives.
Hawaiʻi County to hold blessing for Highway 137 project to repair lava damage
The long-awaited road project in Pāhoa will begin construction in late September, according to Hawaiʻi County’s public works department.
Restriping on Keaʻau-Pāhoa Road switches to day schedule due to seabird fledgling season
The alternating single-lane closure on Kea‘au-Pāhoa Road at the intersection of Shower Drive, will take place Monday through Friday, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Matthias Kusch sworn in as new Hawai’i Island state representative
Gov. Josh Green appointed Kusch on Aug. 30, 2024, to fill the House District 1 vacancy created upon the passing of Rep. Mark M. Nakashima.
Take the dive and get connected to the deep ocean during ‘Pilina Kai Lipo’ in Hilo
The event runs from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. today, and engages the community with the deep ocean by highligthing NOAA Ocean Exploration efforts to further understand what lies beneath the surface of Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument. Don’t miss your chance. Today is the last day.
Hilo man’s federal probation revoked after narcotics warrant turns up meth, pot, pistol and more
48-year-old Chico Martines, whose residence is near Hilo Intermediate School, made his initial court appearance Friday. His bail was maintained at $560,000 and he remains detained, awaiting a preliminary hearing set for Sept. 10.
Car crashes through Hilo home’s living room, injuring 7-year-old boy
71-year-old Wayne Okutsu of Hilo, who was driving the car, was arrested for first-degree negligent injury and is being detained at the East Hawai‘i Detention Facility in Hilo. The investigation is ongoing.
21-year-old man endangered and missing
Jaykob Ahu is 5-foot-11, 135 lbs and Hawaiian. If you have seen him or know where he is, contact Big Island police immediately.
Storm surge of aloha sweeps across social media as Big Island communities step up to help neighbors in Hone’s aftermath
It was a wave of “braddahs and sistahs coming together to help out each other” with food, appliances, rides, repairs, spiritual needs or even just getting people in touch with others who could help.
Standing together: New overnight safe space, food trailer dedicated at Salvation Army in Hilo
The new low-barrier shelter space is open from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. nightly for homeless and has 25 beds on a first-come, first-served basis. The new food trailer will offer nutritious meals for those who stay at the shelter as well as mobilize for emergencies, disasters and community events.
Pāhoa motorcyclist critically injured in ʻĀinaloa crash, flown to Honolulu hospital
The motorcyclist was struck by a pickup truck. At this time, police believe that speed and impairment are factors in the crash.
Less restrictions around Big Island for Labor Day Weekend with no threat of tropical cyclones
Waipiʻo Valley Access Road will reopen to residents with a valid driver’s license; all camping permits issued by the Hawai‘i County Department of Parks and Recreation remain valid.
‘Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over’: Drive safely this Labor Day Weekend
There have been 19 fatal crashes resulting in 21 fatalities this year on the Big Island as of Aug. 27. Impairment from alcohol or drugs was a factor in 63% of those crashes.
Top 10 things to do on Big Island for Aug. 29-Sept. 4: Canoe races, food drive, fungi, Ladies That Rock and more
Labor Day Weekend is right around the corner, and it doesn’t look like there’s any hurricanes to get in the way to stop you from getting out and going to see what’s happening around the island.
Meeting scheduled for upcoming Age Group 10 and Under Basketball League
The Age Group 10 and Under Basketball League is scheduled to start play Sept. 16, with games Monday through Thursday.
Hilo man caught at scene of active burglary, rams police vehicle with stolen truck, leads officers on slow-speed chase
33-year-old Gilbert K. Mata III is charged with first-degree criminal property damage, first-degree theft and several other offenses in connection with the incident that happened Sunday and started at a residence in Hawaiian Paradise Park.
Nonprofit helps handful of houseless Hilo residents find shelter during Hurricane Hone
As much as 18 inches of rain fell in some areas of East Hawai‘i, flooding roads in the Ka‘ū District and the Bayfront area in Hilo.
More than ‘just another raining day’ on the Big Island: Hone starts to make an impact
“On its current track, Hone will brush past the southern slopes of the Big Island tonight into Sunday morning, bringing the potential for heavy rainfall, damaging winds and large surf. Expect strong and gusty easterly winds and periods of heavy showers to continue Sunday into Monday as Hone passes south of the smaller islands.” — National Weather Service Hawai‘i Area Synopis from 12:08 p.m. today
Update: Heavy showers continue to move ashore, prompting extension of flood advisory for parts of East, North Hawai‘i
Some locations that will experience flooding include Hilo, Hawaiian Paradise Park, Kapa‘au, Honoka‘a, Pāpa‘ikou, Honomū, Pepe‘ekeo, Mountain View, Glenwood, Hakalau, Volcano, Nīnole, Kea‘au, Laupāhoehoe, Hawaiian Acres, ‘Ō‘ōkala, Orchidlands Estates, Pa‘auilo and Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park.
Tropical Storm Hone will be at Big Island’s doorstep tonight; you only have till midday to make last-minute prep
Regardless of knowing and how many times in advance of hurricane season, which runs from June 1 through Nov. 30 in the Central Pacific, that people are told it’s impossible to precisely — 100% without a doubt, right on the money, no ifs, ands or buts — predict the movement of hurricanes, tropical storms and tropical depressions, many still seem to enjoy living on the edge.
