East Hawaii News
‘Episode V: The Volcano Strikes Back’
Ongoing episodic eruption within summit caldera of Big Island’s Kīlauea volcano that began Dec. 23, 2024, started its fifth eruptive event at about 3 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 21, after about 4 days on pause.
Discover power of biochar during meeting in Puna
Biochar is speculated to have been used as a soil supplement thousands of years ago in the Amazon River basis, where regions of fertile soil called ‘terra preta,’ or ‘dark earth,’ were created by indigenous people.
University of Hawai‘i community colleges lower summer tuition
Summer tuition will match fall and spring semester costs at just $131 per credit for Hawai‘i residents, which will allow students to save money, graduate faster and explore new interests while staying on track academically.
Hilo autism advocate developed alert cards to assist first responders, help people with disabilities
Rosalinda Larkin, founder of the Autism Support and Disability Center, has developed 3 IDs to assist first responders in emergencies that involve people with specific needs.
12 motorists arrested for DUI during week of Jan. 1-5 on Big Island roads
DUI arrests increased nearly 1% overall throughout all of 2024 on the Big Island, with 964 compared with 955 from the year before. The number of drivers arrested for DUI involved in traffice crashes and those younger than 21 also increased.
‘A critical step forward’: Highway 137’s restoration underway in Lower Puna
Puna’s road to recovery doesn’t begin with just one road though. At the same time Hawaiʻi County announced restroration work was underway on Highway 137, officials also said a contract was awarded for the next road project in Lower Puna, which will be the reconstruction and realignment of 4.5 miles of Pohoiki Road also inundated by lava in 2018.
Kīlauea remains on break — for now
Hawaiian Volcano Observatory reports that If that relatively high rate of inflation being recorded by instruments at the summit now continues and magma remains high in the vent — as indicated by peristent strong glow at night — there is a high probability a fifth fountaining episode could begin sometime between Jan. 21 and Jan. 24.
Scheduled Big Island lane closures for Jan. 19-24
In observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, on Monday, there will be no Highway 130 morning contraflow or lane closures unless otherwise permitted. Lane closures can change at any time without notice. All projects are weather permitting.
Kīlauea hits pause on eruption for fourth time
Lava within Halemaʻumaʻu Crater continues to slowly move. Crustal overturns are expected in the hours following the pause. Both vents might continue to glow, and degassing currently remains at a high level.
Keaukaha Homestead transitions to fresh leadership after centennial celebration
A transformative 100th year as Keaukaha Homestead inspires collaboration, celebration and advocacy for Native Hawaiians.
Volcano Watch: Peering into a crystal ball — What tiny crystals can tell us about their trip through the magma chamber
When magma cools prior to eruption, crystals grow and develop chemical zones that record changes in the environment around them. Scientists study chemical differences in these zones, which can provide information about the magma, including its temperature, composition and more.
Police seek man suspected of taking items without permission from vehicle while owner used ATM
The alleged theft happened just before 8 p.m. Dec. 18, 2024, in a bank parking lot on Pauahi Street in Hilo. The unidentified man suspected in the incident fled toward Aupuni Street after being confronted by the vehicle’s owner and a bystander.
Top 10 things to do on Big Island for Jan. 16-22: KWXX Hoʻolauleʻa, volcano comedy, ‘Aloha Spirit Rising,’ Keiki Fun Run/Walk and more
If ever there was a week when “variety” best fit the top 10 things happening around the Big Island, this would be it. From an hour of volcano stand-up comedy to the return of the KWXX Hoʻolauleʻa, there definitely is something for everyone. Check em out today!
New tool helps Subaru researchers better understand formation, evolution of universe
Called the Prime Focus Spectrograph, it features about 2,400 prisms scattered across the extremely wide field of view available at the Subaru Telescope’s primary focus, allowing for simultaneous spectroscopic observation and dramatically enhancing its efficiency.
Central Fire Station personnel, equipment to temporarily relocate
The nearly 90-year-old building in downtown Hilo is the county’s oldest fire station and is in need of significant repair. Hawaiʻi County Department of Public Works Building Division crews will conduct repairs — to preserve the integrity of the building’s exterior — after fire department personnel relocate.
Update: High bacteria count notification also now canceled for Honoli‘i Cove north of Hilo
There now are no longer any active high bacteria count notifications for any East Hawai’i beaches or waters.
Second Hale Nani escapee back in custody
Kawai Pomroy was arrested without incident at about 2:45 p.m. Tuesday by park rangers in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Meanwhile, Clyde Takeshi Talosaga Loa Jr. remains at large and should be considered armed and dangerous. Joseph Fernandez was apprehended Dec. 18, 2024.
Kīlauea awakens: 200-foot lava fountain emerges with 4th eruptive episode underway
Hawaiian Volcano Observatory reported the newest eruptive activity in the Big Island volcano’s summit caldera began at about 9:15 a.m. Wednesday, with a small lava flow exiting the north vent following low-level continuous lava spattering that started at about 5:40 a.m. from the same vent.
Watch the teaser: What happens when a comedian walks into a volcano?
Comedian Ben Miller, and 2023 artist-in-residence at Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park on the Big Island, brings his hourlong show ‘Stand-Up Science Presents: Volcano’ to Kona and Hilo.
Longtime Hawaiʻi County Council member Sue Lee Loy to tackle new challenges in State Legislature
A new session of the Hawai‘i Legislature begins today and so does the next public service chapter of a former Hawai‘i County Council member.