East Hawai‘i News

Hawai‘i U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz launches guide to learn more about how major changes to health care, food assistance and other services, as well as education and taxes, will affect thousands of island residents because of the new fedeal tax law.

Shipping company’s operations at ports in Hilo, Kawaihae on Big Island and Nāwiliwili on Kaua‘i are open again; barges from Honolulu arrived at Kawaihae and Nāwiliwili on July 29, but not all cargo was discharged and none was loaded back from either port.

Aimed at helping communities recover from major disasters more quickly, the Reforming Disaster Recovery Act was introduced and written by Hawai‘i Democrat U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz and Maine Republican U.S. Sen. Susan Collins.

The Home Improvement Loan Program — or HILP — provides low-interest loans intended to help low- and moderate-income families repair, improve or modernize their primary residence; loan amounts range from $2,500 to $50,000 at a 3% simple interest rate to eligible homeowners.

Hawai‘i County officials ask residents, however, to exercise caution and stay out of the water, as coastal areas continue to be hazardous.

Kunia Hassard, 39, is being charged with habitual property crime and arson in the second degree.

Clyde T.T. Loa faces more charges after escaping Hale Nani with two other inmates in a stolen car in December 2024.

No one was occupying a newly remodeled home during a garage fire in ʻĀinaloa on Monday morning.

The Big Island Substance Abuse Council blends an array of health and social services with a thrilling athletic competition during the 11th Summer Jam in Hilo.

Nearly 230 student-athletes representing all 12 University of Hawai‘i at Hilo sports teams posted a combined record-high grade-point average of 3.32, topping last year’s previous combined record-high grade-point average of 3.28.

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.

Annual 3-month Operation Nasse — conducted by United States, Australia, France and New Zealand, Fiji, Solomon Islands, Tonga and Vanuatu — aimed at safeguarding marine resources of Pacific Island nations.

Hawai‘i Department of Land and Natural Resources says a contractor is scheduled to begin July 29 trimming and removing the massive tree that uprooted and toppled the afternoon of July 12, falling across Kilauea Avenue, a portion of nearby Calvary Chapel Hilo and — it was learned a week later — two women, apparently crushing them underneath. It’s been about 2 weeks since the tree collapsed and almost a week since the bodies of the two women were recovered from under its now tangled and mangled canopy.

A total of $10.5 million was awarded in 2024-25 to 15 projects by 9 nonprofits working to ensure homelessness is rare, brief and non-recurring on Hawaiʻi Island. Deadline to apply this year is 4 p.m. Aug. 29.

Combination of peaking monthly high tides and elevated water levels have continued to make afternoon high tides exceed height predictions by about a half-foot since Monday, with that trend not expected to change until this weekend.

‘Critical elements’ such as lithium, nickel, magnesium, platinum, iridium and rare earth elements, among others, have become important for our everyday lives — used in everything from solar panels, batteries and vehicles to power plants, medical devices and smartphones — and more than half of these resources formed in ancient volcanic systems.

The program — a joint effort between Hawai‘i and U.S. Department of Agriculture — is aimed at bridging a gap in nutrition many keiki throughout the islands experience during their summer break from school.

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!