East Hawaii News

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.

Tour participants learn about the scientific, cultural and environmental importance of the mauna and then actually visit the inside of one of the telescopes atop the summit.

State health officials report that enterococci levels at the popular surf spot north of Hilo no longer exceed acceptable levels.

Whether it’s dancing, fashion, live music or even gaming, there’s something happening on the Big Island during the next week we’re sure anyone can enjoy. Check out the top 10 things to do on the Big Island now!

Surveillance of avian influenza, or bird flu, continues, and while no other birds have become ill from the virus, it has been detected in waste water on the Big Island and Kauaʻi. So officials, out of an abundance of caution, said extending the pause is prudent at this time.

Andrew Amon, 29, is wanted for four outstanding warrants for his arrest and for questioning in regards to other investigations ongoing in the Hawaiʻi Ocean View Estates subdivision.

The makai lane of the bridge was closed and Hilo-bound traffic detoured since the afternoon of March 11 after emergency repairs were needed following an inspection earlier this week. 

John Lilly was last seen wearing an unknown colored tank top, gym shorts and sandals as he was leaving his Hawaiian Beaches home Feb. 18; however, he was only just reported as missing March 10.

Hawaiian Volcano Observatory reported geysers of molten rock ceased from north vent at 3:11 p.m. March 11 and then just 2 minutes later from south vent after just 12 hours and 37 minutes of eruptive activity in Halemaʻumaʻu Crater.

Father-daughter duo Laurent and Yaelle Olivier celebrate their South Pacific heritage and Hawaiian awa with the opening of Kava Republic in Hilo.

Hawaiʻi Department of Education reports that reinstatement of the Keaʻau route will bring the total of restored school bus routes to 123. Efforts to get the final 15 suspended routes back up and running are ongoing. 

Royden Daikawa was about 100 yards from shore early the afternoon of March 1, struggling to swim, after being swept off rocks by a rogue wave that struck the coastline near Government Beach Road in Pāhoa

Mayor Kimo Alameda signed contracts with Hawaiʻi Government Employees Association and Hawaiʻi Fire Fighters Association this week to provide their members 2 years of hazard pay. Tentative agreements are being finalized with State of Hawaiʻi Organization of Police Officers and United Public Workers.

37-year-old Jake Kiko is charged with first-degree hindering prosecution, a Class C felony, in connection with the search for 28-year-old Isaiah Fourshey, who allegedly shot and killed 25-year-old Latisha Soares on March 4 in Mountain View and later died following a police-involved shooting.

Hawai‘i Police Department officers have made a total of 171 arrests of motorists driving under the influence of an intoxicant during the first two full months of the year. While it’s just 3 more than during the same time period in 2024, it represents a 1.8% hike in DUI citations.

Several past eruptions were characterized by similar lava fountaining episodes, including at the start of the Puʻuʻōʻō eruption in 1983, the start of the Maunaulu eruption in 1969 and the 1959 Kīlauea Iki eruption.

Annette Hughes was found in good health at about 1:30 p.m. March 6 in Fern Forest.

Many of the events and activities around the Big Island during the next week will focus on tradition, talent and taddies. Check out this week’s top 10 things to do now!

Charges include unlawful imprisonment, felony assault, abuse and firearms offenses.

Communities can address vulnerabilities and prepare for emergencies through the expanding Vibrant Hawaiʻi Resilience Hub network.