East Hawai‘i News

Paving project starts this week, covering nearly 2 miles of Kāwili Street in Hilo

The project will occur in phases — between Kanoelehua Avenue and Pūʻainakō Street — and all work will happen from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. on weekdays, weather permitting.

Sponsors sought to provide nutritious meals for keiki during summer break from classes

Schools, public agencies, churches and private nonprofit organizations can apply to be U.S. Department of Agriculture Summer Food Service Program sponsors; participating organizations receive reimbursements for serving meals to children and teenagers 18 years old and younger at approved sites to children and teenagers.

Full day of live music, fellowship and family-friendly fun at Big Island Gospel Jam Festival

Enjoy worship, testimony, connection and community from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. today (Feb. 1) at Moʻoheau Bandstand in beautiful downtown Hilo along the shore of Hilo Bay.

Hawaiʻi County to host free household hazardous waste collection events

Collection events are planned for 7:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. Feb. 7 at Afook-Chinen Civic Auditorium in Hilo and Feb. 14 at West Hawaiʻi Civic Center in Kailua-Kona.

Police congratulate participants of 4th annual HI-PAL Tee Ball/Coach Pitch Baseball Tournament

More than 250 players along with 1,000 spectators attended the event Jan. 24-25 at Hualani Baseball Park in the Keaukaha community in Hilo.

Pāhoa pool closed because of tephra from recent Kīlauea lava fountaining episode

Ash and Pele’s hair continue to collect in the pool as it is blown from the roofs of nearby structures, trees and across open areas of the park; integrity of the pool’s filtration system also is in question.

Big Island Hele stations once again want to ‘Fuel the Future’ with 3rd annual fundraiser

Money raised through the annual event will again go to Public Schools of Hawai‘i Foundation, benefiting public school teachers throughout the state with grants so they can implement new, innovative programs for their students.

Volcano Watch: When it rained rocks; tephra falls far and wide during Kīlauea Episode 41

Strong updrafts coupled with light winds blowing to the east and north sent lava fragments — called tephra — from those molten rock geysers over much of Puna, into Hilo and falling along the eastern edge of Kaʻū; learn more now!

Coastal flood statement in effect through Monday for Big Island

The National Weather Service has issued a coastal flood statement for the Big Island, warning of minor flooding and erosion along north- and west-facing shores through February 2.

Top 10 things to do on Big Island for Jan. 30-Feb. 5: Ancient site restoration, multi-universe journey, regal tea party and more

Get ready for a week that invites you to events from helping restore an ancient Hawaiian village site in the Valley of the Kings to expressing your opinions during a town hall meeting hosted by U.S. Congresswoman Jill Tokuda.

Lane closure begins today on Banyan Drive in Hilo for tree removal

The southbound lane of Banyan Drive, between Banyan Way and Kamehameha Avenue, will be closed 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday as the banyan tree is removed.

Police renew request for info about unsolved 1987 murder in Hilo

Hilo patrol officers responded at about 10 p.m. May 1, 1987, to a home in the 500 block of Kanoelehua Avenue for the report of a missing female; officers learned that Ebisuzaki, who was visiting the home, was last seen leaving the residence at 9:15 p.m. She never returned.

2026 Homeless Point in Time Count begins on Big Island

The goal of the federally mandated survey — which offers a snapshot of homelessness — is to identify and count individuals and families residing in places not meant for human habitation; more than 50 volunteers and staff are participating in this year’s initiative.

Hele-On will not offer transit services Feb. 1, urges passengers to plan ahead

All County of Hawai’i Mass Transit Agency employees and contractors will be participating in a training to ensure compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

New artificial intelligence degree debuts later this year at University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo

The new degree and its courses reflect the College of Business and Economics response to workforce demand for artificial intelligence and analytics skills, and University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo’s broader commitment to interdisciplinary education and responsible artificial intelligence development.

University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo welcomes inaugural online doctor of pharmacy cohort

Twelve aspiring pharmacists hailing from Oʻahu, Hawaiʻi Island, Kauaʻi and Puerto Rico are enrolled in the online program’s first cohort.

Residents should remain vigilant, seek assistance if needed following fallout from Episode 41 of Kīlauea eruption

Hawai‘i County Civil Defense advises the public that tephra can pose a health hazard and irritate the skin, eyes and respiratory system; tephra was reported to have fallen Jan. 24 in communities including Volcano Village, Mauna Loa Estates, ʻŌhiʻa Estates, Mountain View, Fern Acres, Kurtistown, ʻĀinaloa, Hilo, Hawaiian Paradise Park, Hawaiian Beaches and Pāhoa.

12 more motorists arrested for DUI from Jan. 12-18 on Big Island roads; total stands at 37 for year

Major crash numbers so far in 2026 have increased by 22.73% from the 44 within the first couple of weeks in 2025; Hawai’i Police Department Traffic Services Section discovered 54 major crashes reported already this year as of Jan. 18.

UPDATE No. 5: National Weather Service cancels ashfall advisory for Big Island

Satellite imagery and web cameras no longer show significant ash falling near Kīlauea volcano because of Episode 41 of lava fountaining in the ongoing episodic summit eruption; the episode lasted more than 8 hours before abruptly ending just before 7:30 p.m. Saturday (Jan. 24).

Endangered 13-year-old runaway sought by Big Island police

Eva Napoleon was last seen about 5 p.m. Jan. 23 in the 2500 block of ʻĀinaola Drive in Hilo. Do you know where she is?
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