East Hawaii News

Get ready for a week that invites you to events from helping restore an ancient Hawaiian village site in the Valley of the Kings to expressing your opinions during a town hall meeting hosted by U.S. Congresswoman Jill Tokuda.

The southbound lane of Banyan Drive, between Banyan Way and Kamehameha Avenue, will be closed 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday as the banyan tree is removed.

Hilo patrol officers responded at about 10 p.m. May 1, 1987, to a home in the 500 block of Kanoelehua Avenue for the report of a missing female; officers learned that Ebisuzaki, who was visiting the home, was last seen leaving the residence at 9:15 p.m. She never returned.

The goal of the federally mandated survey — which offers a snapshot of homelessness — is to identify and count individuals and families residing in places not meant for human habitation; more than 50 volunteers and staff are participating in this year’s initiative.

All County of Hawai’i Mass Transit Agency employees and contractors will be participating in a training to ensure compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

The new degree and its courses reflect the College of Business and Economics response to workforce demand for artificial intelligence and analytics skills, and University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo’s broader commitment to interdisciplinary education and responsible artificial intelligence development.

Twelve aspiring pharmacists hailing from Oʻahu, Hawaiʻi Island, Kauaʻi and Puerto Rico are enrolled in the online program’s first cohort.

Hawai‘i County Civil Defense advises the public that tephra can pose a health hazard and irritate the skin, eyes and respiratory system; tephra was reported to have fallen Jan. 24 in communities including Volcano Village, Mauna Loa Estates, ʻŌhiʻa Estates, Mountain View, Fern Acres, Kurtistown, ʻĀinaloa, Hilo, Hawaiian Paradise Park, Hawaiian Beaches and Pāhoa.

Major crash numbers so far in 2026 have increased by 22.73% from the 44 within the first couple of weeks in 2025; Hawai’i Police Department Traffic Services Section discovered 54 major crashes reported already this year as of Jan. 18.

Satellite imagery and web cameras no longer show significant ash falling near Kīlauea volcano because of Episode 41 of lava fountaining in the ongoing episodic summit eruption; the episode lasted more than 8 hours before abruptly ending just before 7:30 p.m. Saturday (Jan. 24).

Eva Napoleon was last seen about 5 p.m. Jan. 23 in the 2500 block of ʻĀinaola Drive in Hilo. Do you know where she is?

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

Volcanic ash and tephra, including glass strands of Pele’s hair, had fallen as far away as Hilo and at least Pāhala by early Saturday evening.

Funding will be used for construction of the new Hawaiʻi Island Portuguese Chamber of Commerce facility, which will serve as a hub for cultural preservation, educational programming and community gatherings.

Hawaiian Electric will replace two power poles on Kīlauea Avenue near Aupuni Street in downtown Hilo, resulting in lane closures.

“Swingposium” is an immersive experience with taiko, jazz, and swing dance recounts the resilience of Japanese Americans in World War II internment camps.

The free, family-friendly festival Saturday night (Jan. 17) features four stages, more than 20 bands and more than 40 food and craft vendors; among highlights of this year will be the first KWXX Hoʻolauleʻa performance by High Watah and return of legendary duo Ho‘onu‘a.

The capital improvement funds announced by Big Island state Sen. Lorraine Inouye will be used for construction, improvements and maintenance at the Big Island center in Hilo, helping ensure a safe and supportive space for keiki and families in East Hawaiʻi.

If you’re looking to be serenaded or just want to listen to some great live music, several Big Island venues — including all of Downtown Hilo for one night — have you covered during the upcoming week.

It is yet to be determined if temblor swarms following Episode 40 of the Big Island volcano’s ongoing episodic eruption that began Dec. 23, 2024, will impact lava fountaining activity at the surface.