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District 1: Incumbent Heather Kimball seeks re-election for 4th and final term against two challengers
Kimball is being challenged by retired entrepreneur Ren del Rosario and UFC Hall of Famer BJ Penn.
Motorcyclist from Hilo dies days after Highway 11 crash
After being flowing to a hospital on Oʻahu on July 30, 64-year-old Clifford Gouveia died four days later from his injuries.
June 2026 visitor spending, arrivals slightly increase
Preliminary state statistics show total visitor spending in June was $1.98 billion, a 0.6% increase from June last year, with 858,577 total visitors last month, up 0.2% compared with 857,102 visitors in June 2025.
Kona Community Hospital achieves national trauma care recognition
Kona Community Hospital has achieved Level 3 trauma center verification from the American College of Surgeons, becoming the first in the Hawaiʻi Health Systems Corporation to earn this status.
UPDATE: Route 19 reopened to drivers after road closure
Route 19 in Hawaiʻi is now open to all traffic following its closure.
Hilo man in critical condition after Mountain View shooting; suspect arrested
Authorities arrested Mountain View resident Kawika Ah Nee on suspicion of attempted murder after a shooting in Hilo.
Applications open for initial Hawaiʻi Green Fee funding opportunities
Workshops will be held statewide to help organizations interested in applying understand the process and technical requirements.
New original TV series celebrates the values that shape Hawaiʻi
The first episode of “Hānau Ka Mele” from Nā Leo TV will reveal how mele carries history, identity, and aloha across generations through the Lim Family.
New grab-n-go food pop-ups to help bridge gap during temporary Friendly Fridge closure
Food will be ready to eat and offered first come, first served from 1 to 3 p.m. each Saturday in August; community volunteers are working to relocate the Fridge as soon as possible.
Hawai‘i State Chief Justice Vladimir P. Devens honored in formal investiture ceremony
The new chief justice was sworn in on May 5, when he took the oath of office administered by then-Acting Chief Justice Sabrina S. McKenna.
Hawai‘i Island police continue high-visibility enforcement on Daniel K. Inouye Highway
Between July 31 and Aug. 2, officers assigned to these enforcement efforts issued 283 citations.
Ha‘aheo Elementary School reopens after 3-year, $25 million project to expand campus in North Hilo
The school’s students will return to a renovated campus that has nearly double its education space with three new buildings.
University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa oceanographers find Hawaiian corals can possibly adapt to future heat stress
Researchers used high-resolution modeling that includes small-scale processes to examine projected heat stress on coral reefs during the 21st century.
District 2 incumbent for Hawai‘i County Council faces 4 challengers
Jennifer “Jenn” Kagiwada is seeking re-election for a third two-year term, but she has competition from Blaine Bautista, JoNelle Fukushima, Wendy Botelho and William Halversen.
Application deadline extended for fall classes at most University of Hawaiʻi campuses
Nine of the university system’s campuses — including all 7 community colleges, University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo and University of Hawaiʻi-West Oʻahu — extended their application deadline to Aug. 14, with classes beginning Aug. 24.
Education briefs for Aug. 3: Japanese studies, student satisfaction, men’s soccer and more
A quick look at education news from around the Big Island and throughout the state.
Office of Elections moves into state Capitol ahead of Election Day
The Capitol in Honolulu is now a hive of activity to support the Aug. 8 state primary elections; well more than 100,000 ballots already arrived as of July 30 by mail.
Business Monday: Colorful orchids breathe a fresh energy to a new Hilo cafe
Faii Metawee and Caleb Houck have opened Blooms Café in Hilo, which has homemade foods and drinks that feature local flavors and seasonal specials, along with beautiful, unique orchids for sale.
Permanent Child & Family Service facility to expand essential support and resources for Hawaiʻi Island
Child & Family Service will offer more access to domestic violence support, comprehensive sexual abuse treatment, mental health counseling, and other family-centered resources.
Vital Boxing empowers Puna youth with free training, competitive events
On Saturday, Vital Boxing hosted the first annual “Battle in Puna,” giving young athletes from Big Island, Oʻahu and California a chance to showcase their skills in a USA Boxing Hawaiʻi event.
