Featured
Māhukona Beach Park reopens
North Hawai‘i park was closed Jan. 6 so work could proceed for the demolition of the old pavilion, which had not been used for several years, because of safety concerns. Regular hours resume Jan. 25 from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily.
Volcano Watch: Recent lava fountains highlight Pele’s hair hazards
Wondering about that dusting of glittery threads on your property? Pele’s hair is the name for the strands of volcanic glass that are created when globs of liquid lava are stretched apart during an eruption.
‘Return-to-Home program’ proposed for houseless people to return to their home states
A bill introduced by 13 representatives in the state House calls for establishing a permanent “Return-to-Home program” with an as yet undetermined amount of funding to return homeless people in Hawaiʻi to their home states.
Hawai‘i County Council to hold special meeting about pick for Environmental Management director
The Hawaiʻi County Council confirmed eight of new Mayor Kimo Alameda’s selections to lead departments, but the appointment for director of Environmental Management was held up over concerns involving potential conflicts of interest.
Top 10 things to do on Big Island for Jan. 23-29: ManaFest, King Tide Tour, Winemaker Dinner Series, Shakespeare in Paradise and more
The Big Island is definitely not behind on delivering another packed schedule of events, festivals and activities. All the world’s a stage, so be sure to get out and be one of the actors.
Kīlauea ‘strikes back’ in fifth eruptive episode but then suddenly retreats
After less than a day of eruptive activity, Episode V of the Big Island volcano’s ongoing summit eruption — the shortest so far — ended early Thursday morning. Hawaiian Volcano Observatory scientists say a sixth episode coudl start sometime during the next few days if inflationary trends continue.
More than 20 DUI arrests made during 2nd week of 2025 on Big Island roads
23 motorists were arrested for DUI throughout the week of Jan. 6-12, nearly twice as many than were arrested the first week of 2025. There had been a total of 35 DUI arrests made by Jan. 12 in 2025, a 20.7% increase from the 29 by the same date in 2024.
Focused on thriving: State House Majority unveils its 2025 bill package
7-bill package championed by the caucus of 42 Democrats covers critical issues the state faces such as housing, homelessness, agriculture and biosecurity, economic development and public safety.
Master Gardeners plant sale combines with ʻŌhiʻa Love Fest at Sunday event in Hilo
Experts from across the state will be answering questions regarding Hawaiʻi agriculture and environmental issues during the combined plant sale and ōhiʻa festival this Sunday.
‘Episode V: The Volcano Strikes Back’
Ongoing episodic eruption within summit caldera of Big Island’s Kīlauea volcano that began Dec. 23, 2024, started its fifth eruptive event at about 3 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 21, after about 4 days on pause.
Affordable Shipping for All Act takes on unfair shipping practices
Hawai‘i Democrat U.S. Rep. Ed Case reintroduces House Resolution 380 to end what he calls “discriminatory and exclusionary” practices that drive up costs and make life harder for millions of Americans living in non-contiguous states and U.S. territories.
University of Hawai‘i community colleges lower summer tuition
Summer tuition will match fall and spring semester costs at just $131 per credit for Hawai‘i residents, which will allow students to save money, graduate faster and explore new interests while staying on track academically.
Hilo autism advocate developed alert cards to assist first responders, help people with disabilities
Rosalinda Larkin, founder of the Autism Support and Disability Center, has developed 3 IDs to assist first responders in emergencies that involve people with specific needs.
Gov. Green delivers State of the State address, again prioritizing tax cuts, housing
As he enters his third year in office, Gov. Josh Green told a joint session of the Hawaiʻi State Legislature: “Today, I am proud to report to you that the state of Hawai‘i is strong.”
Kaiser Permanente volunteers gather on Big Island to clear invasive species, restore historic fishpond and more
About 100 Kaiser Permanente physicians, providers, nurses, other clinical and administrative staff, and their family members volunteered at two Hawai‘i Island sites Monday as part of the 2025 Kaiser Permanente Hawai‘i Annual Day of Service – Hosted by Hawai‘i Permanente Medical Group on Martin Luther King Jr. Day.
Hawaiʻi Attorney General Lopez warns of sales of illegal tobacco products, mostly from China
Hawaiʻi Attorney General Anne Lopez is sending letters to more than 800 Hawaiʻi tobacco retailers and distributors about the distribution and sale of illegal tobacco products. Most of the products originate in China and include electronic smoking devices known as vapes or e-cigarettes and oral tobacco pouch products.
Additional inspection requirements aimed at preventing increasing spread of invasive species
U.S. Reps. Case and Tokuda reintroduce Hawai‘i Invasive Species Protection Act in effort to provide essential resources in battle against serious threats to state’s agriculture, environment and economy.
University of Hawai‘i seeks additional funding to operate weather stations throughout state
The University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa is partnering with the state’s Department of Land and Natural Resources to improve flood and wildfire early warning systems by installing 100 weather monitoring stations across the main Hawaiian Islands.
Two Big Island beach parks remain closed for debris cleanup following high surf
Kahalu‘u and Kohana‘iki Beach Parks remain closed for debris cleanup following high surf over the weekend.
12 motorists arrested for DUI during week of Jan. 1-5 on Big Island roads
DUI arrests increased nearly 1% overall throughout all of 2024 on the Big Island, with 964 compared with 955 from the year before. The number of drivers arrested for DUI involved in traffice crashes and those younger than 21 also increased.
