East Hawaii News

There were no formal speakers, but there was plenty of laughter, hugs, music and food, with a few tears; it was almost like a family reunion of sorts, exactly how Kenoi’s youngest sister Kina Kenoi Sai said her brother would have wanted it.

The 45-year-old was last seen Thursday on Kanoelehua Avenue in Hilo before being located on Saturday.

More than 100 people submitted written testimony and dozens more turned out in person or via Zoom on Tuesday during a Hawai’i County Council committee meeting voicing concerns about a three-bill package aimed at ensuring all transient accommodation rentals on the island are operating safely, legally and under the same set of standards.

The Big Island will have the chance this weekend to bid aloha to former Hawai’i County Mayor William “Billy” Kenoi, who died 3 years ago after battling cancer, during a special celebration of life in Hilo. That’s just one of the many events and activities happening around the island during the next week.

The bill would have accepted and added into the County’s budget $1 million from the state, which Puna state Rep. Greggor Ilagan was able to get allocated as a line item in the state budget in 2021, and another $500,000 from County coffers for the Hawai‘i County Department of Public Works to do the study.

Data collected throughout a 6-month period which wrapped up at the end of December shows Waiuli, also known as Richardson Ocean Park, has an estimated monthly visitation of nearly 24,000 people while more than 10,000 are gauged to use Lehia, or King’s Landing.

East Hawai‘i was treated to a colorful show Tuesday evening as the sun set and into dusk with the appearance of rare wispy-like noctilucent clouds. The iridescent clouds thrilled and captivated those who saw them, in person and in photos on social media, hovering through the upper atmosphere.

Shortly after 5:40 p.m. Tuesday, Hilo patrol officers and Hawai‘i Fire Department personnel responded to a report of an unresponsive man fronting the Mo‘oheau Bus Terminal. The man was reportedly assaulted several minutes earlier.

There once again is plenty to do around the island this week for the entire family, including music, films, art, workshops and learning opportunities.

The Hawai’i County Department of Water Supply will conduct the test from 10 to 11 p.m. Jan. 18.

There is no infrastructure work planned at this time. Bill 107 only would put funds into the County budget for the study, which would be conducted to find an alternate route in and out of Puna to Hilo below Highway 130.

The Hawai‘i County Office of Housing and Community Development anticipates bidding out the project, which would focus on repairing the dilapidated old hospital’s roof and removing hazardous materials, including asbestos, sometime during the first three months of this year. Construction should begin sometime shortly after a contract is awarded.

The Big Island once again has no lack of activities, events, shows and entertainment lined up during the next week, including opera, horse camp for keiki, classes and more.

The road was closed several hours. More information will be provided as it becomes available.

Tyree Maurice Shaw, 46, is 5-foot-4, 173 pounds with a dark complexion, short black hair and brown eyes. He is known to frequent various locations around the Big Island.

The popular destination for Big Island residents and visitors alike was closed in September 2023 because of a rock fall and partial collapse.

A benefit of joining a gym is meeting other people who can support you in your fitness goals.

The heaviest rain is expected initially for Kaua‘i beginning late Sunday before spreading down the island chain Monday. A few thunderstorms will also be possible.

A negligent injury investigation was initiated and the officer involved in the incident, who was not injured, was placed on administrative leave pending investigation, which is standard procedure. The Office of Professional Standards also initiated an internal inquiry as a result of the collision.

It’s the beginning of a new year and there are plenty of events happening during the next week, giving residents and visitors alike the chance to start 2024 with music, comedy and more.