East Hawai‘i News

Nonprofits pursuing projects that strengthen the Big Island’s future are invited to apply for fiscal year 2025-26 Impact Grants program funding.

While the situation has improved statewide compared with before the 2024-25 school year, 4 of the 9 school bus routes throughout the state still suspended are on the Big Island. Fortunately, offiicials report new drivers are being trained.

This is a week when each of the top 10 things to do on the Big Island has a vibe — a personality — all its own. A unique signature, if you will, the others don’t necessarily share or emulate. Check them out now to see for yourself!

Steering their 24-foot rowboat, “The Kraken,” Tim and Harrison Crockett conquered the Pacific Ocean while advocating for veterans through their initiative, Row To Recovery.

Hilo Orchid Farm blends tradition with innovation at its wholesale nursery that grows about 600 different species of the flowering plants.

The women were extricated from deep within the tangled debris of the downed banyan tree, which fell the afternoon of July 12 on Kilauea Avenue, with preliminary observations indicating they were likely struck by falling tree limbs; police do not suspect foul play at this time and autopises will be conducted later this week to determine their exact cause of death.

28-year-old Ha‘aheo Chan of Mountain View faces charges in connection with two new separate incidents involving alleged vehicle theft and assault.

The July 19 temblor that caused the tsunami watch excitement struck roughly 45 miles northeast from the epicenter of a 1952 magnitude-9 earthquake that did trigger a destructive Pacific tsunami that caused damage in Hawai‘i, including on the Big Island.

Governor signs emergency proclamation, activates Hawai‘i National Guard to respond when needed to help, as wildfire threat expectd to increase heading into hottest months of summer, exacerbating already existing abnormally dry and drought conditions throughout much of the state, including most of the Big Island.

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.

Hawai‘i Island police so far this year have arrested 497 motorists for driving under the influence of an intoxicant on Big Island roadways; a total of 964 DUI arrests were made during all of last year.

37-year-old Aysa Kalei Delos Santos was sentenced July 17 in Hilo Circuit Court to 10 years each for second-degree promoting a dangerous drug and second-degree attempted promoting a dangerous drug, with the sentences to run concurrently, or at the same time.

16-year-old Erlyen Sangau was last seen at 3 p.m. July 16 on Leila Road in Volcano, wearing a pink T-shirt and black skirt with floral designs.

He Hoʻomaka Hou Ana O Puna empowers women who have survived past trauma through cultural reconnection and supportive group healing.

Mauna Loa is now quiet, so it’s a good opportunity to remember the 1950 Southwest Rift Zone eruption — the volcano’s most recent eruption to cause significant damage.

A Hilo jury in September 2024 found Frank William Funes guilty of first-degree burglary and second-degree assault; he received the maximum penalties for both offenses, which the court ordered to be served consecutively.

Hiring events planned July 18-19 at post offices in Hōlualoa, Kailua-Kona, Kealakekua, Hilo and Waimea, with salaries for assistant rural carriers and rural carrier associates starting at $20.38 per hour, plus benefits.

There’s a ton of stuff happening this weekend and heading into the end of the month. We wanted to make sure we brought you some of the best, in our opinion. So take a look and check out what we came up with for this week’s top 10!

30-year-old Justin Yamauchi made his initial court appearance the afternoon of July 16 in Hilo District Court, where his bail was maintained at $135,000. He was ordered to appear July 18 for a preliminary hearing.

11-year-old Navaeh-Marie Serrano was located at 7 p.m. July 16 in good health.