East Hawaii News
Laupāhoehoe Transfer Station to close for up to 10 months beginning this month
Construction will address structural and safety concerns and while improving the user experience from April 21 to early 2026
Gas station fundraiser will fuel dreams for local athletes
Drivers can donate to the 20th annual “Fueling Dreams” fundraiser, which supports Special Olympics Hawaiʻi athletes and programs, from April 14 to May 26.
University of Hawaiʻi program inspires youth on neighbor islands to pursue careers in medicine, health
The University of Hawaiʻi’s Huakaʻi Initiative will run a hands-on program at Hilo High School on April 22 to give students an opportunity to learn more about the medical and health fields.
DOGE threatens Hawaiʻi culture with cuts to the National Endowment for the Humanities
The NEH grants support Kindergarten through 12th grade education, lifelong learning and programs like Hawaiʻi History Day, Hawaiʻi State Poet Laureate and Try Think.
Business Monday: Two festivals bring attention to growing Big Island cacao industry
The 12th annual Big Island Chocolate Festival aims to advance Hawaiʻi’s cacao industry, while the 4th annual Hilo Chocolate Festival highlights local grown and made cacao and chocolate.
Parks and recreation announce 2025 Summer Fun programs for keiki
Summer Fun gives keiki a chance to recreate this summer with programs available islandwide offering arts and crafts, games, music, dance, special events and excursions.
Wind advisory: Forecast calls for gusts up to 50 mph for parts of Big Island
Wind advisory in effect until 10 p.m. today (April 6) for North and South Kohala as well as parts of Kaʻū and Puna, including South Point, Pāhala and Kalapana.
About 1,000 people in Hilo participate in nationwide ‘Hands Off’ protest of Trump, Musk
Indivisible Hawaiʻi hosted four Big Island protests as part of the “Hands Off! National Day of Action” against the funding cuts, job cuts, immigration tactics and other policies being taken by President Donald Trump’s administration and the Department of Government Efficiency run by billionaire Elon Musk.
Nāhuku lava tube comfort station upgrades complete
Facility within Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park open to use before visitors head out into the park, which is especially nice now that visitor center restrooms are zipped up for renovations.
Scheduled Hawai‘i Island lane closures on state roadways for April 5-11
Lane closure schedules can change at any time without notice. All projects are weather permitting. Check now to see if any of your travel plans will be impacted.
Swells happen: High surf warning in effect for north- and east-facing shores
Strong, breaking waves of 20 to 26 feet are expected by this afternoon along north-facing shores, with breakers of 10 to 15 feet forecast along eastern shorelines through 6 p.m. Sunday on the Big Island.
Hawai‘i Police Department Vice Section detective found guilty of perjury
William Brown will return May 23 to Hilo Circuit Court for sentencing. Perjury is a Class C felony. He faces a maximum sentence of 5 years in prison.
Top 10 things to do on Big Island for April 4-10 and beyond: Mana Music Quartet, Mark Yamanaka, Big Island Chocolate Fesitval, Laupāhoehoe Music Festival and more
There’s once again some great events and activities happening around the Big Island during the upcoming week — and even further out. Be sure to check all of them out now!
Man sought for questioning in connection with Puna beach incident
He is described as between 5-foot-7 and 5-foot-9, weighing 140 to 160 pounds, Caucasian, with a short brown beard, tan complexion and short brown hair.
National Park Service reports volcanic material falling on Highway 11 in Kaʻu
Hawaiʻi County Civil Defense Agency advises drivers do not stop, do not get out of the vehicle and keep all windows rolled up.
64-year old Hilo man charged for failure to register as sex offender
Everett T.K. Akimseu is charged with seven counts of failure to comply with covered offender registration requirements, according to the Office of the Prosecuting Attorney.
Creative Media Summit ignites momentum for Hawai‘i Island’s creative economy
More than 150 stakeholders came together last week at the Arc of Hilo to collaborate during Hawai’i County’s first event focused on launching a thriving Big Island creative sector.
Update: Missing 67-year-old Orchidland man found in good health
Michael Durham, who was previously reported March 28 as an endangered missing person, was located March 29.
Update: Hilo man charged with murder after alleged stabbing of an elderly woman
The 30-year-old remains in police custody on $2.02 million bond.
Scheduled Hawai‘i Island lane closures on state roadways for March 29 through April 4
Lane closure schedules can change at any time without notice. All projects are weather permitting. Check now to see if any of your travel plans will be impacted.
