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BREAKING UPDATE: Triple murder suspect found hiding in cave in Puna; taken into custody without incident
The suspect, 36-year-old Jake Baker, was captured on Red Road in Kaimu near Kalapana, according to a resident who took video of the arrest.
News briefs for May 28: Cultural festival, food and wine fest, marketing workshop, scholarship winners
A brief look at news and events happening throughout the state and around the Big Island.
Penesa of Samoa blazes to victory, claims 2026 World Fireknife Championship crown
Falaniko Solomona Penesa of Samoa claimed the top spot in the elite men’s division, outperforming Hikitahi Piokoe of Arue, Tahiti, who placed second, and Kenshi Jordan of Ishigaki, Japan, who finished third.
Petroglyph boardwalk reopens at national historical park in North Kona
The boardwalk was closed for several months for repairs.
Top 10 things to do on Big Island for May 29-June 4: Punk rock, Hawaiian music fest, keiki camps, “WHAAM!” and more
A great variety of events, activities, festivals and more is once again available for people of all ages; check out this week’s top 10 to see what piques your interests!
Hawaiʻi County to host earthquake informational meeting
Hawaiʻi County Civil Defense received more than 200 damage reports as of Wednesday, with eight homes considered destroyed.
Friend identifies 2 of the 3 elderly men killed in Puna murder spree
Don Hyatt said his friends, Bob Shine, 69, and Chitta Morse, 79, were two of the victims. Suspect Jacob Baker remains on the lam.
Kapena to release new single ‘Not Living for the Likes’
Island-pop single by the renowned Hawaiʻi music group encourages listeners to find self-worth beyond social media validation, online comparison and pressure of digital approval.
Monthly Kūpuna Watch meeting scheduled this week in Kona
Kūpuna Watch is an outreach program where police discuss crime and traffic trends, the importance of reporting elder abuse, as well as ways to identify and prevent financial and internet crimes.
Next ‘Talk Story with the Chief’ scheduled this week in Hilo
Free monthly events are aimed at strengthening communication and connection between police leadership and the community.
‘Party with a purpose’ during WHAAM! at Wainaku
Tickets are limited, so don’t wait to get yours for this pop art-inspired fundraiser celebrating food, art, music and the creative community hosted by Hawai‘i Island Art Alliance in partnership with Ola Brew.
Community invited to learn more about draft Nā Ala Hele Program Plan
In April, the Department of Land and Natural Resources released a draft of the Program Plan Update.
‘Lives are devastated’: Extent of damages from South Kona quake continue to come into focus
Hawai‘i County Civil Defense reports to Honolulu media outlet that it had received 143 damage reports — 34 of which were for major damage, including 5 homes destroyed — from the magnitude-6.0 earthquake that struck shortly before 10 p.m. Friday, May 22, on west side of Big Island.
13 lane closures scheduled through May 29 on Big Island state roadways
Lane closure schedules can change at any time without notice. All projects are weather permitting.
Experience java jumpin’ fun this June during annual Kaʻū Coffee Festival
Sip, savor and enjoy the unique coffee and regional flavor of the Big Island’s most southern district during the 17th annual festival from June 14-20.
2 elderly men found dead under suspicious circumstances less than day apart at different homes on same Puna road
Autopsies will be performed Wednesday, May 27, on both victims to determine the exact causes of death for the men discovered deceased in separate incidents on Papaya Farms Road; investigations into both deaths are active and ongoing.
20-year-old faces robbery charges after alleged theft at Hilo Shopping Center
Bronson Kaʻena Histo has been charged with second-degree robbery for allegedly stealing jewelry at a kiosk and injuring a sales clerk.
Gov. Green releases $4M for improvements to Hilo International Airport
The money will support planning and design work of the T-Hangar and West Ramp improvements.
Scientist at University of Hawaiʻi Cancer Center receives national award for life-saving research
Dr. Michele Carbone, a renowned researcher at the University of Hawaiʻi Cancer Center, has been awarded the prestigious 2026 Szent-Györgyi Prize for Progress in Cancer Research.
UPDATE: Road reopens in Hilo following traffic crash
The area of Lanikaula Street near Kino‘ole Street was closed for about three hours.
