East Hawaii News
State shuts down Hilo eatery after multiple repeated food safety violations
Hiro’s Place in the KTA Center on East Puainako Street was shuttered Friday, being deemed an imminent health hazard to the public by Hawai‘i Department of Health.
Update: Brown water advisory canceled for Hilo Bay and along Hāmākua Coast
State health officials advised beachgoers and ocean enthusiasts 16 days ago to stay out of the waters in those areas that likely appeared brown or murky because of a threat of higher than normal pollutants from storm runoff.
Volcano Watch: Moving magma — what happens after a dike intrudes a rift zone?
When magma moves into the rift zone of a Hawaiian volcano, there is understandably a lot of excitement and apprehension. How far will the magma go? Will it erupt? But even long after the activity stops — regardless of whether it erupts — the subsurface magma continues to have a noticeable impact on the landscape.
Big Island high school graduation schedule announced for class of 2025
“The class of 2025 has shown focus, talent and drive. We’re proud of all our graduates as they take the next step in their journey, embodying our commitment to ensure they are globally competitive and locally committed.” — state Superintendent of Schools Keith Hayashi
Top 10 things to do on Big Island for March 28-April 3: Puna Hongwanji Rummage Sale, Cause for Paws, Buzzed and Bamboozled, Mad Hatter Tea Party, plus more
There’s once again a rich and great mix of interesting and engaging events that should get your toes tapping, your body moving and your brain working.
Lava skyrockets to more than 700 feet in Episode 15 of ongoing Kīlauea summit eruption
It took about 10 hours or so, but the vents inside Halemaʻumaʻu Crater within Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park once again did not disappoint, but officials warn there are some hazards to watch out for accompanying the roaring geysers of molten rock.
New $1 coin honors Native Hawaiian scholar, author, composer, hula practioner from Big Island
Mary Kawena Pukui, an influential Native Hawaiian scholar and author is honored with the new 2025 Native American $1 coin.
Hunt is on at KTA Super Stores on Big Island for chance to win iPad and $250 gift card
Be on the look out for for a giant egg with a QR code as you’re cruising the aisle at any of the 7 participating KTA Super Stores and KTA Express locations through April 20 as part of the grocer’s family-friendly annual Easter Egg Hunt tradition.
Business Monday: Kīlauea eruptions bring more tourists and locals to Volcano Village
Lava-related tourism revives local businesses while the community-led festival “Experience Volcano”cements the village’s status as a vibrant community hub.
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.
