East Hawaii News

Residents of upper Waiākea Uka in Hilo are urged to cut water usage by 25% immediately, as the Department of Water Supply investigates a potential main break.

The Hawaiʻi County Council honored Fire Chief Kazuo Todd with a resolution that expressed the council’s profound condolences and recognized his decades of dedicated service to the county and the state.

Crews will shut off water for customers along Kaiwiki Road from Kōpaʻa Road to the mauka end from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 13.

There is an eclectic emulsion of events coming next week around the Big Island, each promising an exciting escape from the everyday bustle. Check out our top 10 things to do on the Big Island now!

That advisory was the last advisory, watch or warning to end or be canceled since late last week when the National Weather Service started issuing inclement and severe weather statements and products because of anticipated impacts from what was likely not a “classic” kona low.

The scheduled operations including projects for invasive species control, aerial mapping of vegetation, seed collection and more; the park “regrets” any noise impact to residents and visitors.

Motorists are advised to exercise caution and follow flagmen instructions for traffic control on Hawaiʻi Belt Road, south of Donola Drive.

A team of Kealakehe students are working to get to the top 8 teams of the written debate competition, which would allow them to debate in New York City and compete for $10,000 grand prize.

Hilo residents near Makaʻala Street may have discoloration next week as a fire hydrant flow test by the Department of Water Supply occurs at Home Depot on Wednesday.

Another round of moisture makes its way into the state and will likely persist tonight and linger through Tuesday, with Big Island and Kauaʻi having the greatest potential for excessive rain and flooding; winds also will pick up today at lower elevations on Big Island.

An easterly wind fetch generated by lowering pressures south and west of the islands will significantly increase easterly wind wave swell; surf of 10 to 12 feet is forecast, causing strong breaking waves and strong currents that will make swimming dangerous.

Peak monthly high tides combined with higher-than-predicted water levels will continue to lead to minor flooding along shorelines and in low-lying coastal areas, with flooding still most likely near the daily peak high tides early in the morning.

Radar indicated at 1:26 p.m. that heavy rain — still generally falling at a rate of 1 to 2 inches per hour, with the heaviest rates between Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park and Pāhoa, including portions of Pāhoa-Kalapana Road and Highway 11.

“Storms like this are unpredictable and potentially dangerous, so we urge the public to be prepared,” said Hawai‘i County Mayor Kimo Alameda. “The picture right now looks like the biggest risk is to Puna and Hilo communities, but that could shift to Ka‘ū or to Kona coast communities by later this weekend.”

Since Dec. 23, 2024, the north and south vents within Halemaʻumaʻu Crater, inside Kaluapele, the summit caldera, have erupted in 39 lava fountaining episodes.

Lane closure schedules can change at any time without notice. All projects are weather permitting.

Local sponsors step forward each year to create scholarships that reflect their own values, journeys and hopes for the next generation — and 2026 marks the program’s most generous year yet.

Emergency repair work on Hawaiʻi Belt Road (Route 19) will cause multiple single-lane closures beginning Jan. 5 through Jan. 27, weather permitting.

The most wonderful time of year has come and gone, but that doesn’t mean there’s nothing to do around the island. There just isn’t as much hustle and bustle as there was in December; so take some time to relax and enjoy yourself instead of running around on all those busy sidewalks.

Hilo resident Wayland Leong Sr. has been charged with multiple counts of criminal property damage related to incidents of shattered glass, with damages totaling an estimated value of $12,500.