Update: High bacteria count notification canceled for Pine Trees Beach on Big Island
The popular surfing beach in West Hawai‘i has historically met the acceptable beach threshold level and there is no known source of fecal contamination.
UH President David Lassner to retire at end of 2024
University of Hawaiʻi President David Lassner notified the Board of Regents and employees by email on Tuesday that he plans to retire at the end of 2024.
Hilo man charged with attempted distribution of methamphetamine, more
Following the execution of a narcotics search warrant on Delos Santos’ vehicle, VICE officers recovered 265.97 grams – or over a half pound – of methamphetamine, which was broken down into nine separate packets each containing approximately one ounce of methamphetamine.
University of Hawai‘i at Hilo, other UH universities earn high marks for grad rates, more
UH Hilo, UH Mānoa and UH West Oʻahu ranked among the top 1,500 four-year institutions by U.S. News out of approximately 2,640 four-year institutions nationwide and were graded on 13–19 measures (depending on ranking category) of academic quality, including graduation and retention rates, peer assessments, financial resources and student excellence.
Kūpuna share biocultural knowledge through new ‘Ike Kaiāulu’ video series
While the series is ongoing and will expand over time, the first four installments were recently released and feature experts in the fields of la‘au lapa‘au (medicinal plant collection), wood carving, kilo limu (seaweed observation), and stewardship of special areas.
Former Uncle Billy’s Hotel is now under 24-hour surveillance
The former Uncle Billy’s Hilo Bay Hotel now has 24-hour security as the state continues to deal with trespassers on the property.
UPDATE: Police locate missing 64-year-old man in Hilo
The Hawai’i Police Department says 64-year-old Pill Hwan Cha was found in good health.
Authorities identify five additional Lāhainā wildfire victims
This brings the total number of victims publicly identified to 74 of the estimated 97 fatalities, which is down from the death toll of 115 that had been reported for more than two weeks.
Waimea man indicted in Kona shooting
The suspect has a history of traffic violations and drug abuse. He was wanted by police in March 2021 on five outstanding warrants for bail jumping and criminal contempt of court related to drug charges.
Kīlauea summit eruption abruptly ends and is unlikely to restart
There have been five eruption events at the Kīlauea summit since 2020. Deputy Scientist-in-Chief David Phillips said this eruption ended similar to the one in June, which lasted June 7-19, suddenly.
Northwestern Hawaiian Islands Coral Reef Ecosystem Reserve Advisory Council seeks advisory council applicants
The council ensures public participation in reserve management and provides advice to the superintendent.
Photos: new growth signals recovery for Lāhainā’s historic banyan tree
Arborists, volunteering their time and expertise to saving the 150-year-old tree, indicate the growth is a positive sign for its long-term recovery.
A garage with three cars inside destroyed in early morning blaze in South Kohala
No one was home at the time of the fire and no injuries were reported.
Business Monday: Nearly century old building holds family coffee shop, memories
The family owned and operated Coffee Shack in Captain Cook resides in a nearly century-old building that held a school and Buddhist meetings. Now it offers customers fresh coffee from the owners’ farm, and a captivating view of the Kona Coast that overlooks Kealakekua Bay.
Big Island town to participate in nationwide ‘Arts for EveryBody’ project where local artists will celebrate culture and community
Vibrant Hawai’i, a local nonprofit, will support up to 12 artists in a year-long fellowship to create art that enhances collective well-being, celebrates cultural stories in Hawaiʻi, and strengthens community resilience.
Big Island Now poll no. 28: Did you make the trip to see the latest Kīlauea eruption?
The eruption at Kīlauea’s caldera that started on Sept. 10 stopped Saturday.
Gov. Green links Lāhainā fires to climate change during UN Sustainable Development Goals Summit
Gov. Josh Green spoke to a UN summit Sunday about the effects of climate change in Hawai’i and the state’s goals toward the organization’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals.
Kīlauea eruption daily update: Kīlauea summit is no longer erupting
The Hawaiian Volcano Observatory says the Sept. 10 Kīlauea summit eruption stopped on Saturday and is unlikely to restart.
Big Island Now poll No. 27 results: More than one solution needed to help extend life of West Hawai‘i landfill
Of the 900 total votes in our most recent poll, which asked people to weigh in on the best way to extend the life of the Big Island’s only remaining landfill, all of the above was the most popular answer, garnering 274 votes, or 30%.
Living on Kīlauea — one of world’s most active volcanoes — involves risk, mitigation efforts
The people living in Puna and Hawai’i County understand the risk. Knowing they aren’t in control and can’t stop nature from happening is the first step to becoming resilient in the face of future volcanic eruptions on the Big Island.





