East Hawai‘i News

An estimated 6 million cubic yards of lava erupted and covered about 40% to 50% of the Halemaʻumaʻu Crater floor; An abrupt switch from deflation to inflation at the summit coincided with the end of Episode 53 fountaining, indicating another lava fountaining episode is likely.

Retesting showed levels of enterococci bacteria in the waters at the beach and surrounding areas no longer exceed the acceptable state threshold; brown water advisory continues for other waters off East Hawai‘i

National Weather Service forecasters in Honolulu reported early this morning (Aug. 12) that high water levels have fallen just below coastal flooding thresholds.

The preschool will be located behind the ‘Imiloa Astronomy Center, increasing access to early childhood care and Hawaiian language education in Hilo.

The rescheduled screening and discussion are scheduled for Aug. 29 at Hakalau Jodo Mission; RSVP for the screening and following discussion by emailing the mission today.

The Local Working Group advises Natural Resources Conservation Service, ensuring conservation programs are tailored to East Hawaiʻi’s unique needs; together, these stakeholders collaborate to strengthen conservation efforts throughout the region.

Big Island police updated the public earlier the morning of Aug. 9 after part of Kapuna Road was closed to traffic the evening of Aug. 8 after utility lines fell across the roadway.

Hawai‘i County Department of Environmental Management hosts these regular collection events at no charge to the public, allowing households to conveniently dispose of acceptable waste in a manner that protects public health and the environment.

The kitten’s story highlights Action 4 Animals and its mission of providing care and finding homes for at-risk animals.

The free community event is aimed at giving Puna’s youth a path to stay, work and thrive at home; businesses and employers who want to host a table should register by Aug. 6.

The Hawaiʻi County Council was going to vote Wednesday on whether to authorize condemnation of 3.74 acres of land to make Government Beach Road safer, but was asked to postpone the decision to allow for the agreement to be finalized with Lum Family Enterprises.

With County Council member Ashley Kierkiewicz unable to pursue re-election due to term limits, four candidates are running to represent Lower Puna.

The first episode of “Hānau Ka Mele” from Nā Leo TV will reveal how mele carries history, identity, and aloha across generations through the Lim Family.

The school’s students will return to a renovated campus that has nearly double its education space with three new buildings.

Faii Metawee and Caleb Houck have opened Blooms Café in Hilo, which has homemade foods and drinks that feature local flavors and seasonal specials, along with beautiful, unique orchids for sale.

Child & Family Service will offer more access to domestic violence support, comprehensive sexual abuse treatment, mental health counseling, and other family-centered resources.

On Saturday, Vital Boxing hosted the first annual “Battle in Puna,” giving young athletes from Big Island, Oʻahu and California a chance to showcase their skills in a USA Boxing Hawaiʻi event.

Wind speeds decreased below advisory levels and humidity is increasing out of hazardous ranges throughout Hawaiian Electric’s service territories.

With Council Member Matt Kānealiʻi-Kleinfelder unable to pursue re-election due to term limits, five political newcomers are competing for the open seat representing the Upper Puna district.

Construction is expected to begin at the end of 2027, with the renovated Kawānanakoa Gym to be completed by the end of 2028.