East Hawai‘i News

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.

People’s Choice Awards announced from Banyan Drive Art Stroll featured art exhibit

Artists displayed their best work featuring the theme “The Legacy of the Cherished Gardens.” Five People’s Choice Awards winners were chosen by those who attended the 5th Banyan Art Stroll on Jan. 11 in Hilo.

New residential program for integrated clinical care recognizes housing as health care

Partnership with Hope Services Hawaiʻi and ʻOhana Health Plan offers transitional housing and structured support in Hilo meant to serve most vulnerable ʻOhana members experiencing homelessness.

2025 Hawai‘i County youth track and field meet dates set

Entry forms and additional information are available at the Hawai‘i County Parks and Recreation website. Students who want to participate should first check if their school offers a track and field program.

Hawaiʻi County makes it more convenient than ever to pay for vehicle registration, licensing

The county’s Vehicle Registration and Licensing Division now accepts payments via credit and debit cards as well as the mobile payment services Apple Pay and Google Pay.

Hawaiʻi police recovered over 500 grams of illicit fentanyl across the Big Island in 2024

The Hawai‘i Police Department recovered 562.94 grams of illicit fentanyl in 2024, which is enough to potentially kill 281,470 people.

Keiki invited to audition for a musical as part of a free theatre training program in Hilo

The I Heart Youth Theatre program is a ten-week, tuition-free musical theater arts program for youth, with classes, workshops and rehearsals that lead up to a full-scale production of Disney’s classic musical, “The Little Mermaid.”

The Olson Trust donates $200,000 to Pacific Tsunami Museum

The contribution will be used to find more investors and shore up a revitalization plan as a long-term solution that will stabilize the museum’s future.

Summer Fun Program 2025 seeks employees

Available positions are activity aide I, which is paid $17.50 per hour, and activity aide II, paid at an hour rate of $19. Completed applications must be submitted to the Recreation Division or postmarked by Feb. 28.

Police search for a Kaʻū man who has not been seen in almost a month

Simon Varela, 34, was last seen in the Hawaiʻi Ocean View Estates subdivision at a residence in the 92-2100 block of Ocean View Parkway on Sunday, December 15, 2024.

Business Monday: Sound healing practitioner merges science, the unexplainable as alternative wellness practice

Samantha Shea uses crystal singing bowls to create a meditative, therapeutic experience and promote healing for clients across the Big Island.

Man’s body discovered hanging from tree in Hilo

A passerby reported shortly after 10 a.m. Saturday seeing the man, who Hawai‘i Island police say appeared to be in his 50s, hanging from a tree by Chong Street in the Kaʻūmana area. A coroner’s inquest investigation is underway.
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