East Hawai‘i News

Expect delays on Keaʻau-Pāhoa Road (Highway 130) from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. today due to trench paving by the Hawaiʻi County Department of Water Supply.

Flood watch extended through Monday, March 23, for Hawai’i Island only because of lingering moisture left by the departing kona low — the second of back-to-back kona lows in the past 2 weeks — and a trough aloft that will produce conditions for another round of rainfall.

The rain is mostly over Maui County this morning, with the storm expected to slide southeast toward Hawai‘i Island later today.

The islands remain safe and welcoming, and after two kona lows in a week, weather conditions are expected to improve early next week; Kauaʻi and Oʻahu already are seeing improving conditions.

However, a flood watch remains in place until 6 p.m. Sunday for the island as impacts from a second kona low in a week is still expected to impact the Big Island.

Nonprofit’s emergency disaster services positioned to respond to evolving needs as storm moves through; donations requested to help fund statewide support for vital relief efforts and supplies.

Zodice Madeyski faces serious charges following a violent altercation that caused injuries to 70-year old man during the kona low weather event.

This storm is not expected to be as severe as the powerful kona low that slammed into the island last weekend; however, be aware that areas that flooded during the first storm could flood faster with additional rainfall because of ground saturation.

Hāmākua Energy will share its plans and provide a recap of the company’s activities in the past quarter during the virtual community information meeting.

Have a good time this weekend and beyond; don’t let the weather weigh you down too much. Check out this week’s top 10 things to do for some good tunes, outdoor fun, entrepreneur wisdom, eco-art and more.

31-year-old Shalton Estocado’s bail was maintained at $160,000 and he was ordered Wednesday, March 18, to appear March 30 for an appointment of counsel hearing; he faces 3 counts of second-degree theft, 3 counts of habitual property crime and 2 counts of third-degree promoting a dangerous drug.

Hawaiian Electric reports crews are working through hazardous and complex conditions to repair overhead and underground electrical infrastructure; more rain forecast later this week also could delay restoration efforts.

Kymahni Mata, 13, was found by Hawaiʻi Police Department after being reported as missing at 2:45 p.m March 17.

Kole Race-Joaquin, 43, was charged with theft and unauthorized vehicle control and could face a mandatory prison term if convicted.

Hawaiʻi police ask for the public’s assistance in finding 44-year-old Sarah Hurst, last seen in Hilo’s Waiākea Uka area on Thursday, March 5.

Hawaiʻi Police Chief Reed Mahuna is hosting a talk story in Honokaʻa on March 17 to strengthen ties between police and residents.

Organization and its volunteers deliver more than 600 meals to impacted residents and first responders throughout the state.

Radar indicated at 9:13 p.m. heavy rain over all of the Big Island, falling at 1 to 3 inches per hour; several stream gauges remain above flood warning thresholds islandwide, and life-threatening flash flooding was ongoing, with reports of highway closures and flooding in local communities.

The department is celebrating the 2026 installment of the special observance by helping customers learn how to identify and fix common household water leaks; events to be hosted in Hilo and Kailua-Kona, with chances for prizes.

Lane closure schedules can change at any time without notice. All projects are weather permitting.