East Hawaii News

Hilo Airport had its second-driest December in the past 35 years and its driest calendar year since 1949; however, some sites in West Hawai‘i saw above-average rainfall to end 2025 and throughout the year.

Water sample testing results show that the enterococci bacteria levels no longer exceed the threshold level at the site about 12.5 miles north of Hilo.

In a public memorial attended by more than 200 people, Hawaiʻi County celebrated the life and legacy of Fire Chief Kazuo Todd who died unexpectedly in December at age 45.

The shutoff that will impact customers on ʻĀinaloa Drive, mauka of Waikahe Road; Hoaka Road, mauka of Māla‘ai Road; and Māla‘ai Road, Ala Waena Street and ʻAinakahele Street, including all side roads and lanes, is necessary for emergency repairs to a water main.

Smaller counter donations programs in 2022 and 2023 became permanent at all Hawaiʻi Pacific Parks Association park store locations in March 2024; there were $100,000 in direct donations in just the last 3 months of 2025.

Community leaders in Puna are promoting the safe use of wild pig meat in more cuisine as a way to solve issues posed by the invasive species and to enhance food security across the island.

The event returns to celebrate and honor Hawai‘i’s first astronaut, who died in January 1986 when the Space Shuttle Challenger exploded, and give all ages the chance to explore the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics during a fun day filled with science.

The total number of DUI arrests in 2025 decreased by 6.74% compared with the 964 recorded in 2024; fatal crashes and fatalities also decreased on island roadways last year.

Hilo residents and those from surrounding areas are encouraged to make donating blood their 2026 New Year’s resolution and make a difference, especially now when the blood bank is in urgent need of O-negative blood.

Explore the vibrant sixth annual Banyan Art Stroll in Hilo today from noon to 6 p.m., showcasing the talents of 12 artists through live demonstrations, unique displays

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

The victim was 43-year-old Caesare Brown of Hilo; police reclassified the investigation from negligent injury to negligent homicide following Brown’s death and continue to investigate.

Those who plan to enter a team into the T-Ball and Coach Pitch Baseball League and potential coaches must attend the mandatory meeting at 5 p.m. Jan. 14.

HFS has helped since 2012 relieve some of the financial stress that comes with pursuing a college degree by awarding more than 130 scholarships to student members, totaling more than $355,000.

Residents of upper Waiākea Uka in Hilo are urged to cut water usage by 25% immediately, as the Department of Water Supply investigates a potential main break.

The Hawaiʻi County Council honored Fire Chief Kazuo Todd with a resolution that expressed the council’s profound condolences and recognized his decades of dedicated service to the county and the state.

Crews will shut off water for customers along Kaiwiki Road from Kōpaʻa Road to the mauka end from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 13.

There is an eclectic emulsion of events coming next week around the Big Island, each promising an exciting escape from the everyday bustle. Check out our top 10 things to do on the Big Island now!

That advisory was the last advisory, watch or warning to end or be canceled since late last week when the National Weather Service started issuing inclement and severe weather statements and products because of anticipated impacts from what was likely not a “classic” kona low.

The scheduled operations including projects for invasive species control, aerial mapping of vegetation, seed collection and more; the park “regrets” any noise impact to residents and visitors.