East Hawaii News
7 new corrections officers assigned to HCCC on Big Island after 13 graduate state’s basic recruit class
Graduates of Hawaiʻi Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation’s Basic Corrections Recruit Class 25-01 are beginning their careers in facilities throughout the state after completing 8 weeks of training that included more than 300 hours of classroom instruction and physical training.
Devoted teachers empowering students: 3 Big Island educators honored for earning national certification
Ha‘aheo Elementary School teacher John Crommelin, Pa‘auilo Elementary and Intermediate School teacher Andrea Wilson and Waiākea Elementary School teacher Leilani Yamauchi now part of elite group of teachers statewide certified through National Board for Professional Teaching Standards.
More than 200 DUI arrests made on Big Island so far in 2025, another 15 last week
That’s a 2.03% increase from 2024, with Hilo leading the pack 79 DUI arrests followed by Kona with 71, Puna with 33, South Kohala with 15 and North Kohala with 2, rounding out the top five. Big Island police say DUI roadblocks will continue islandwide.
Creative Media Summit to build foundation for thriving Big Island media ecosystem
Island youth and residents have consistently voiced a desire for more opportunities in the creative industries. The Hawai‘i Island Creative Media Summit is designed to connect like-minded creatives, build pathways for learning and collaboration and strengthen a circular economy that prioritizes locals helping locals.
All Foodland stores statewide now part of ‘DA BUX’ Double Up Food Bucks program
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, recipients who get “DA BUX” benefits receive an access card they swipe before their electronic benefits transfer, or EBT, card at checkout to get 50% off qualifying fruits and vegetables grown in Hawaiʻi at participating grocery stores.
Top 10 things to do on Big Island for March 21-27: ‘The Little Mermaid,’ Big Island Art Fair, Inspiration of Unity and more
Take a dive under the sea and catch ‘The Little Mermaid’ during its opening weekend at the historic Palace Theater in Downtown Hilo or check out they myriad other events and activities happening around the Big Island during the next several days. There’s sure to be something that will float everybody’s boat, from tadpoles to even the most seasoned of groupers.
Grand jury indicts alleged getaway driver of police shooter; bail remains at $3 million
Probable cause documents filed on Monday provide more detail about the shooting and the three-day manhunt that ended in Christopher Lucrisia, the alleged shooter of the officer, dying in a shootout with police on Sunday.
Sluggish but steady: Episode 14 of Kīlauea summit eruption off to slow start
The newest eruptive phase of the ongoing eruption inside Halemaʻumaʻu Crater within Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park began just before 9:30 a.m. today (March 19), but the signature tall lava fountains the the active phases have become known for are expected later this afternoon.
Carving a new path: Hawai‘i Community College butchery course graduates inaugural class
The groundbreaking course aims to strengthen Hawai‘i’s local food systems by preparing a new generation of skilled professionals in sustainable meat processing.
Is today the day? When will the next episode of Kīlauea’s summit eruption begin?
It’s been 7 days, a whole week, since Episode 13 ended, which seems to be just the right amount of time lately for the Big Island volcano to recharge. Hawaiian Volcano Observatory says new lava geysers could erupt in the vents within Halemaʻumaʻu Craterbefore as early as today.
Hawai‘i County Department of Water Supply briefs: Leaking waterline repairs, hydrant flow tests, poster contest deadline extended
Water Supply crews are fixing a leaking waterline near Camp Honokaia until 2:30 p.m. today. Fire hydrant flow tests are slated for tonight and the night of March 25 in different locations in Kailua-Kona. And learn more about the annual keiki poster contest.
Total of nearly 190 DUI arrests made on Big Island roadways so far this year
There have been 186 DUI arrests on the island in 2025, an increase of nearly 3% from the 181 motorists arrested for driving under the influence of an intoxicant by the same time in 2024. Another 15 drivers, including 6 who were not even legally old enough to drink, were arrested the week of March 3-9.
Business Monday: Big Island chef delivering organic meals while supporting local farmers, ranchers
Chef Jasmine Silverstein says her Meals in a HeartBeet business is “locally sourced, but globally inspired.”
3 Big Island principals nominated for 2025 Masayuki Tokioka Excellence in School Leadership Award
Hilo Union Elementary School Principal Bryan Arbles, Keonepoko Elementary School Principal Kasey Eisenhour and Hōnaunau Elementary School Principal Noreen Kunitomo are among 15 principals statewide to receive the honor and who could win $25,000.
Update: Investigation continues into how suspect in police shooting evaded capture
The suspect, who reportedly shot a police officer in Hilo, eluded capture till Sunday afternoon.
Hunt for man who reportedly shot Vice officer ongoing; rewards stand at $21K
Hawai‘i Island police think Lucrisia, who is wanted for first-degree attempted murder, might be injured based on evidence collected at the scene of Friday’s shooting, which happened in the parking lot outside First Hawaiian Bank near Prince Kūhiō Plaza in Hilo.
Update: Reward climbs to possible $21K for info leading to capture, arrest of manhunt suspect
FBI matches U.S. Marshals Service reward offer for total of $20,000, Hawai‘i Island Crime Stoppers also continues to provide up to $1,000 reward as search continues for 39-year-old Christopher Lucrisia of Puna, who reportedly shot Big Island police officer twice Friday morning
‘We’re going to find you’: Hunt for Puna man who reportedly shot police officer in head continues into second day
Hawai‘i County Mayor Kimo Alameda, Hawai‘i Police Chief Ben Moszkowicz vow to bring Christopher Lucrisia, who is considered to be armed and dangerous, into custody. Meanwhile, Silas Zion, who drove the truck they fled in after the shooting, was arrested Friday evening.
Puna regenerating economy with new cultural, entrepreneurial community hub
Hale Hālāwai o Puna aims to deepen community connection and cultural engagement by offering demonstrations and promoting sustainable tourism that values the land and its traditions.
Hilo man sentenced to 30 years for 2022 kidnapping of 2 teens, sexual assault of 15-year-old Kona girl
54-year-old Duncan Mahi pleaded no contest Dec. 31, 2024, as part of a plea deal to first- and second-degree kidnapping and first-degree sexual assault in the case that prompted the Big Island’s second-ever MAILE AMBER Alert.
