East Hawaii News

Hawai‘i Island police identified the man as Terry Lytle. The investigation into the incident in which Lytle was injured also has been reclassified from a negligent injury to a negligent homicide.

Interim director at Laupāhoehoe Community Public Charter did not renew contracts for three educators despite significant teacher turn over and just before a new director starts on July 1.

Finn McCall with the Hawaiʻi Department of Land and Natural Resources Division of Boating and Ocean Recreation says crews look to be about halfway done with the excavation portion of the project to reopen ocean access to boat ramp that has been landlocked since 2018 eruption of Kīlauea; looks like they could be done ahead of schedule.

The spectacular series of Kīlauea eruptive episodes during the past 6 months has been remarkably safe for public viewing, but a simple change in wind or brief vent collapse could cause dramatic shift in the hazards produced by the volcano.

Diversity and culture are on display in this week’s top 10 things to do on the Big Island, from the types of events and activities happening to the people and places they represent.

In addition to the new zoo admission fees, a revised fee schedule for stall rentals at Pana‘ewa Equestrian Center also is being implemented as part of rule changes Hawai‘i County is adopting at Hilo’s Pana‘ewa Recreational Complex.

A 59-year old female visitor in Nāʻālehu was in distress while swimming at Whittington Beach Park leading to bystanders bringing her to shore where she appeared to become unresponsive.

Spencer and Laura Ahuna started Big Island Guitars and Music Supply in the Hilo Shopping Center with seed money they won on “Wheel of Fortune.”

In preparation for the Kaiwilahilahi Bridge project, water service will be temporarily halted in the Pāpaʻaloa area on Tuesday, June 24 impacting residents and businesses in and around the area.

North and South Kohala as well as parts of Hāmākua, North Kona, Kaʻū and Puna will see sustained northeast winds of 15 to 30 mph throughout the day as trade winds gain strength from a tight pressure gradient created because of a surface high northeast of the state.

State, county and nonprofit organizations involved in wildfire prevention and mitigation say following the devastating and deadly wildfires in in August 2023 that destroyed Lahaina, killing more than 100 people, and other blazes on the Big Island the same day, people in Hawai‘i are beginning to understand the risks they, their families and their livlihoods face when wildfires loom.

Give your keiki the knowledge they need today to lead with strength tomorrow, and get essential information along with practical tools to prepare for disasters.

The project at the beach park just off Puhi Bay, between Chalk’s Beach and Hilo Yacht Club, in the Hilo coastal community is aimed at addressing concerns raised during a recent community meeting and includes repaving the park’s upper parking lot as well as its main entry road.

Lane closure schedules can change at any time without notice. All projects are weather permitting. Check to see if any of the planned closures will impact your commute during the next week.

The 12th annual Heiva I Keaukaha will bring Tahitian dancers from around the state to Hilo for a competition that displays the dynamic culture of Tahiti.

There have been 432 DUI arrests so far this year on Big Island roadways, a 3.79% decrease compared with the 449 made during the same period in 2024. Hawai‘i Police Department reports DUI roadblocks and patrols will continue islandwide.

While the eruptive event lasted just about 8 hours, lava was ejected to peak heights of well more than 1,000 feet Friday (June 20) from the north vent in Halemaʻumaʻu Crater at the Big Island volcano.

West Hawai‘i state Rep. Kirstin Kahaloa named majority caucus leader for 2025-26 term; several Big Island lawmakers assigned chairmanships or vice chairmanships of committees.

If you’re seeking an adventure — or even a misadventure — the Big Island has some upcoming events and activities that are sure to pique your interest. Check out this week’s top 10 things to do on the Big Island now!

Hawaiʻi County Department of Environmental Management crews will be out from 8:30 p.m. June 19 to 4 a.m. June 20 as part of ongoing efforts to maintain and assess underground sewer infrastructure.