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Deadline extended for county impact grant program
Applicants can now submit their proposals for research, programs, or projects that have a positive impact on Hawaiʻi Island communities until Feb. 5, 2025.
Charter school offers programs on agricultural land while awaiting permits to build new campus
Students continue to learn from the land while Connections Public Charter School applies for a special use permit to build a permanent building on its agricultural campus in Kaʻūmana.
Big Island Now poll: What is the top story for 2024?
These past 12 months have been packed with change on Hawaiʻi Island. From Kimo Alameda defeating incumbent Mayor Mitch Roth in the general election to the removal of the iconic Jaggar Museum at Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park.
Panaʻewa Rainforest Zoo in Hilo taking precautions to protect animals from bird flu
The Hawai’i County-owned facility has 300 animals, including 75 birds representing 29 species.
Kaʻū Hospital expands to ensure more access to services for rural community
Staff, hospital leadership, legislators and community members attended a groundbreaking celebration for the expansion project, which is estimated to be complete by mid-2026.
National Weather Service issues coastal flood statement for weekend
Best chance for impacts — which will include flooding of normally dry beaches, minor coastal erosion and saltwater inundation — will occur especially during the early morning high tides and daybreak from midnight through late Sunday.
Can you ID person of interest in 2 incidents at same residence in Hawaiian Beaches
Hawai‘i Island police are looking for a person of interest who seems to be a repeat offender when it comes to helping himself to items at a home in the Puna subdivision.
3 inmates escape from Hale Nani reintegration facility in Pana‘ewa
Joseph Fernandez, Kawai Pomroy and Clyde Loa all were last seen at 4:27 p.m. Friday afternoon. Anyone who might have information about their whereabouts is urged to contact police immediately.
Big Island keiki is state’s first flu-related child death of 2024-25 flu season
Medical and exposure history pointed to seasonal influenza as the most likely cause of illness. This case is not thought to be associated with the recent wastewater detection of H5 avian influenza in Hilo.
Cops invite families to an afternoon of cocoa and Christmas cheer
Families and keiki are invited to get to know their Kona Community Policing Officers over a cup of cocoa next Saturday.
Hilo man sentenced to 10 years on 5 felony drug, firearms charges in connection with 2022 Keaukaha drug bust
36-year-old Seth Spidell was arrested April 21, 2022, following the execution of a narcotics and firearms search warrant at a residence on Kauhane Avenue that found more than 18 pounds of meth, a pistol, 2 handguns and more. He pleaded guilty to the charges in September.
Volcano Watch: It’s all about perspective; how to interpret an interferogram
Volcanologists use interferograms to detect unrest by observing how the surface of a volcano is deforming in response to migrating magma beneath the ground. But while interferograms can be beautiful and informative, they are also difficult to interpret.
Puna man charged after allegedly killing dog, hitting woman with hammer
41-year-old Henry Tangitau of Pāhoa faces charges of first-degree terroristic threatening, second-degree unlawful imprisonment, first-degree curelty to animals, others in connection with a domestic incident Tuesday at a residence in Leilani Estates.
Training program teaches volunteers how to rescue animals during Big Island disasters
This spring, the Hawaiʻi Animal Kuleana Alliance will host an all-encompassing, intensive training program for animal rescue and recovery during disasters and everyday emergencies.
Contract finally awarded to dredge volcanic debris that left Pohoiki Boat Ramp landlocked in 2018
The state Division of Boating and Ocean Recreation awarded a $9.2 million contract to dredge Pohoiki Bay to Goodfellows Bros., the lowest bidder on the project.
Study: Peak energy requirements for humpback moms-to-be coincide with migration, fasting
The University of Hawai’i-led research team determined the energy costs of the first two-thirds of pregnancy are negligible, comprising 0.01% to 1.08% of the energy used. The majority of energy needs come in the third trimester, when requirements spike to 98.2%.
Kona man sentenced to 20 years in prison following fatal 2022 car crash
The Kona man pleaded no contest in the case in August.
Bird flu detected in Hawaiʻi County
H5 avian influenza was detected in influent collected Dec. 2 at Hilo Wastewater Treatment Plant. This is the first time the bird flu was detected on the Big Island and the first detection of H5 avian influenza on a neighbor island.
Public can weigh in about study to restore Kahaluʻu Bay during meeting in Kona
Cindi Punihaole, the longtime director of the Kahalu‘u Bay Education Center, said the large number of users “were loving the bay to death.”
Orchid Isle Orchestra to perform holiday concert ‘Earth, Snow and Fire’ in Hilo
The orchestra will feature 34 musicians, including high school and college students, community members, professionals and some playing in their first concert.