East Hawai‘i News
Scheduled Hawai‘i Island lane closures on state roadways for Aug. 10-15
In observance of Statehood Day, Aug. 15, there will be no contraflow and lane closures unless otherwise permitted. Lane closure schedules can change at any time without notice. All projects are weather permitting.
Big Island firefighters respond to third Hāmākua wildfire in as many days
Hawai‘i Fire Department personnel responded Saturday afternoon to a small wildfire near the 21-mile marker of Highway 19 near Pōhakupuka. Firefighters also battled 2 separate blazes about 15 to 20 miles north and west of there the prior 2 days that burned a total of less than about 330 acres.
UPDATE: Wildfire near Pa‘auilo that ignited Friday afternoon now 75% contained
Hawai‘i County Mayor Kimo Alameda reports that less than 180 acres have burned between mile markers 36 and 39 of Highway 19 in Hāmākua; Hawai’i Fire Department personnel continue to respond to the blaze makai of the highway.
Salvation Army serves up breakfast — and comfort — to those sheltering in Hilo during tsunami warning
Hilo Temple Corps officers, volunteers and community partners served breakfast to more than 400 people at the Waiākea High School shelter in Hilo, including Hawai‘i County employees and stranded cruise ship passengers and staff.
High surf advisory in effect this weekend for south-facing shores of Big Island
Large breaking waves of 7 to 10 feet are forecast by Aug. 8 along the southern shores of the island, with wave heights increasing to between at least 10 and 14 feet by Aug. 9.
UPDATE: Coastal flooding now likely through late Sunday night along Big Island shorelines
The extension comes as National Weather Service forecasters also issued a high surf advisory for south-facing shores of the state that will be in effect from early Friday morning to early the morning of Aug. 11.
High school, college students ages 14 to 22 invited to enter 2025 Letter to My Parents contest
Essays or letters should be no more than 1,000 words and include a constructive proposal for how to maintain or improve their relationships with their parents. Submissions will be judged on bravery, reflection and their proposals.
UPDATE: 13-year-old girl previously reported as endangered runaway located
Brislee K. Bello was found the morning of Aug. 7 in good health.
Puna man faces drug charges after VICE-East operation
52-year-old Davin Antonio was arrested following narcotics search warrants in Ainaloa on Monday.
Public comment sought about how to improve draft of Hawaiʻi’s climate action plan
The Climate Action Pathways first draft was developed based on community feedback gathered at more than 80 public events throughout Hawaiʻi.
Top 10 things to do on Big Island for Aug. 8-14: SPAM Musubi Day, Hana No‘eau Hawaiian Arts Festival, Keiki & Dog Fun Day, plus more
This week’s top 10 is a celebration of diversity once again — for events and activities — with everything from observing the fifth annual SPAM Musubi Day to the Hana No‘eau Hawaiian Arts Festival and a tail-wagging good time for keiki and their furry best friends. Check out this week’s top 10 things to do on the Big Island now!
1,000 genki balls will clean the Liliʻuokalani pond in Hilo today
Liliʻuokalani Gardens is one of 20 sites in Japan and Hawaiʻi that are participating in an international genki ball toss for the 16th World EM Mudball Day.
UH-Hilo, Big Island nonprofit partner to promote equality, acceptance for people living with developmental disabilities
The annual Autism Awareness Walk moves the community towards acceptance, inclusion, and innovative support for those with developmental disabilities.
Groundbreaking research reveals potential underwater reservoir off Hawaiʻi Island coast
Scientists investigated the potential vast underground reservoir of fresh water beneath Hawaiʻi Island’s ocean floor, potentially revolutionizing the understanding of island hydrology and offering new fresh water sources.
Scheduled Hawai‘i Island lane closures on state roadways for Aug. 3-8
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.
Ready to serve for generations to come: Improved Waiākea Uka Park reopens
Construction and improvements began in May 2023. Main elements of the about $12 million park improvement project were a new 4,400-square-foot community center, increased parking, a walking path and a realigned ballfield with a new concession building, comfort station, dugouts and scorekeeper’s booth.
Police ID 1 of 2 women found dead within twisted canopy of downed banyan tree in Hilo
She is identified as 35-year-old Trisha Almazan of Kea‘au, whose older sister says had a contagious smile and was always there to help someone in need no matter if she was struggling herself.
Long-awaited improvement project to Hilo Wastewater Treatment Plant begins this month
The Hilo Wastewater Treatment Plant will soon undergo a $337 million upgrade, addressing long-overdue infrastructure needs to ensure safe and efficient waste management for at least 30,000 residents.
Volcano Watch: Distant vs. local earthquakes and tsunami response times in Hawai‘i
Tsunami waves generated by distant earthquakes take hours to reach the Hawaiian Islands, giving people time to evacuate vulnerable areas. Local tsunami, however, do not need to travel far to reach our shores, leaving a much shorter time to respond.
Top 10 things to do on Big Island for Aug. 1-7: 808 Day, art exhibits, Back to the 80s and more
Hey, Mom and Dad! We know you’ve had them home all summer and are probably looking forward to the beginning of the school year. But this IS the last weekend before keiki return to class, so why not take them on one more journey or have one final quest? Huh? Sounds like a good idea, you say? Need some ideas? Well why don’t you look at that. We just so happen to have a few upcoming events to recommend that might be perfect.
