East Hawaii News

There have been 64 DUI arrests made so far this year, an almost 19% decrease from the 79 from the same period in 2025; DUI roadblocks and patrols will continue islandwide.

Residents and visitors alike should be storm ready before the arrival of the expected wicked weather this weekend and into early next week that could bring heavy rainfall, flooding and strong, gusty winds to parts of the Big Island and elsewhere throughout the islands.

Police previously advised the public late Thursday night (Feb. 5) to stay out of that area in Hilo because of what they called a “structurally compromised” banyan tree; social media posts showed the tree to be on fire.

Like the “Did You Feel It?” earthquake reporting tool helps make maps of areas affected by shaking, the new tool helps scientists map areas affected by tephra fallout; observations will be used to assess the character and size of the eruption plumes from Kīlauea volcano on the Big Island, along with the dispersal pattern of tephra fall.

Heavy rain is possible as early as Saturday, but most likely Sunday into Monday; flash flooding appears to be most likely for Maui County and the Big Island, particularly windward locations, and strong winds are most likely to impact Kaua‘i and Maui County.

We’re taking a different approach this week, highlighting what you might call a “featured item” or “must go”; Hilo Education Arts Repertory Theatre — or HEART — is hosting its 5th Anniversary Benefit Concert and Fundraiser at the beginning of next week, and now more than ever, the youth theatre program needs your help. Find this and more in this week’s top 10 things to do on the Big Island.

Grand opening set for Feb. 13 at new location on the Maka‘ala Street campus, with festivities including giveaways, refreshments and entertainment; current store location will remain open through Feb. 7.

Hawai‘i Island keiki in kindergarten through sixth grade can submit original artwork depicting this year’s theme “Make Every Drop Count.”

Management of the national park requires the use of aircraft to monitor and research volcanic activity, conduct search-and-rescue missions and law enforcement operations, support management of natural and cultural resources as well as to maintain backcountry facilities.

Free communitywide cultural and educational gathering planned for Feb. 22 in downtown Hilo.

72-year-old Antoinette Amii and a 56-year-old Neilla Lee, who were tenants of the former factory building that was converted into an apartment building, died in the November 2025 blaze.

The project will occur in phases — between Kanoelehua Avenue and Pūʻainakō Street — and all work will happen from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. on weekdays, weather permitting.

Schools, public agencies, churches and private nonprofit organizations can apply to be U.S. Department of Agriculture Summer Food Service Program sponsors; participating organizations receive reimbursements for serving meals to children and teenagers 18 years old and younger at approved sites to children and teenagers.

Enjoy worship, testimony, connection and community from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. today (Feb. 1) at Moʻoheau Bandstand in beautiful downtown Hilo along the shore of Hilo Bay.

Collection events are planned for 7:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. Feb. 7 at Afook-Chinen Civic Auditorium in Hilo and Feb. 14 at West Hawaiʻi Civic Center in Kailua-Kona.

More than 250 players along with 1,000 spectators attended the event Jan. 24-25 at Hualani Baseball Park in the Keaukaha community in Hilo.

Ash and Pele’s hair continue to collect in the pool as it is blown from the roofs of nearby structures, trees and across open areas of the park; integrity of the pool’s filtration system also is in question.

Money raised through the annual event will again go to Public Schools of Hawai‘i Foundation, benefiting public school teachers throughout the state with grants so they can implement new, innovative programs for their students.

Strong updrafts coupled with light winds blowing to the east and north sent lava fragments — called tephra — from those molten rock geysers over much of Puna, into Hilo and falling along the eastern edge of Kaʻū; learn more now!

The National Weather Service has issued a coastal flood statement for the Big Island, warning of minor flooding and erosion along north- and west-facing shores through February 2.