East Hawai‘i News

The Hawai‘i Department of Land and Natural Resources Division of Boating and Ocean Recreation is proposing dredging and excavating most of the volcanic debris from the 2018 Kilauea eruption that landlocked the boat ramp, severely curtailing fishing, emergency services and other commercial, recreational and food subsistence activities that previously relied on ocean access there.

Residents, service providers, stakeholders, and other interested parties are encouraged to come have their say in the future of the property.

The state is hosting an online public meeting Wednesday to discuss the draft environmental assessment for the project that would reopen ocean access at the boat ramp in Puna.

Detectives charged 52-year-old Christopher Roy Howlind of Kurtistown with second-degree murder following the violent slaying of his mother-in-law, 58-year-old Teri Lynn Apple, in Orchidland Estates in Puna on the Big Island.

The 10-day event, from May 19-29, promises a roundup of events, food, entertainment and family fun, all in celebration of the Big Island community’s paniolo heritage and unique cultural blend.

Exactly five years ago, Kīlauea began to spew lava that would prove to be the most destructive eruption in Hawai‘i in two centuries.

Kalanikoa Street in Hilo on the Big Island is currently closed between Pi’ilani Street and Kuawa streets. Motorists are advised to avoid the area for the next four hours and to detour using Kanoelehua Avenue.

The “He Kaʻao No Aunty Edith Kanakaʻole” celebration starts at 10:30 a.m. with a welcoming ceremony in the UH-Hilo Performing Arts Center in Hilo on the Big Island followed by a ceremonial presentation of gifts and tributes.

Jsteyn Villanueva-Santos was located in Hilo. Big Island police thank the public for its assistance.

The Hawai‘i Police Department report that a 13-year-old runaway girl has been located in good health.

According to police, Puna patrol officers found 52-year-old Christopher Roy Howlind with a large sword covered in blood next to him at an Orchidland Estates residence on the Big Island early Friday afternoon, April 28, and a dead woman inside.

The Hawai‘i Board of Land and Natural Resources on Friday authorized the state Land Division to negotiate a development agreement with Banyan Drive Management of Hilo to conduct a $20 million renovation of the former Country Club Condominiums complex on Hilo’s iconic Banyan Drive on the Big Island.

The Island of Hawai‘i Visitors Bureau is seeking proposals from non-profit organizations to develop and operate a community cultural-based education program in the Keaukaha area that will help balance the preservation of cultural and natural resources with mindful visitation.

Big Island Singers, a new 33-member community choir under the direction of founder Douglas Albertson, presents “Love Songs in Spring” from Friday through Sunday, April 28-30, at several venues in Hilo.

It’s been almost five years since the 2018 lower East Rift Zone eruption of Kīlauea volcano and resulting lava flow landlocked the Pohoiki boat ramp, yet the battle continues for funding to dredge the beach and reopen access to the ocean.

The official Merrie Monarch Hawaiian Arts & Crafts Fair that showcases and supports more than 150 of Hawai‘i’s best artisans and creators will be open one more day, on Saturday, at the Afook-Chinen Civic Auditorium and Butler Buildings in Hilo on the Big Island.

Benjamin “Kawika” Jerin-Kealoha of Ka‘ū is also wanted in connection with other criminal investigations.

On Thursday night, a 21-year-old from Kāneʻohe, Oʻahu, was swept over by emotions when she was announced as the Miss Aloha Hula 2023 at the 60th Annual Merrie Monarch Festival on the Big Island.

With 1,148 points, Agnes Renee Leihiwahiwaikapolionāmakua Thronas Brown, who dances with Oʻahu hālau Ka Lā ʻŌnohi Mai O Haʻehaʻe, won the title of Miss Aloha Hula 2023 on Thursday during the first night of competition for the 60th Annual Merrie Monarch Festival in Hilo on the Big Island.

The historic and much-anticipated 60th Annual Merrie Monarch Festival officially kicked off at the Edith Kanaka‘ole Multi-Purpose Stadium in Hilo on the Big Island with a Hōʻike Night for the ages.