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Hawaiʻi Island police chief announces four leadership promotions
Effective May 1, the Hawaiʻi Police Department now has a new major, captain and two assistant chiefs.
Donate food or give online during 34th annual Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive
As the nation’s largest one-day food drive, Stamp Out Hunger offers a simple way for Hawaiʻi residents to make a meaningful difference.
Hawaiian Electric employees raise more than $330K for local charities in 2025
Funds totaling $48,697.69 raised by Hawaiʻi Island employees for Hawaiʻi Island United Way will support 36 health and human services programs that reach thousands of Hawaiʻi Island families and individuals each year.
Update: Portion of Highway 11 in Ka‘ū District reopens
It is unknown what caused the trees and utility lines to fall.
Waimea prepares: Community invited to critical town meeting about emergency readiness
Recent events such as the destructive kona lows in March underscore how quickly emergencies can escalate and how vital it is for communities — including Waimea — to be prepared, connected and informed.
Hilo Driver’s License Office relocating
The office is moving from its current location at Hawaiʻi Public Safety Building to the former Bank of Hawaiʻi branch location at 120 Pauahi St.
Vision to take physical shape: St. James’ Episcopal parish prepares to break ground on The Gathering Place
New multi-use community hub to expand food security efforts, youth programming and essential services in Waimea.
Volunteers urgently needed to teach financial literacy throughout Hawai‘i
Hawai‘i public schools, beginning with the class of 2030, will require the completion of financial literacy education to graduate, with implementation starting in the 2026–27 academic year; Junior Achievement of Hawai‘i provides a ready-to-implement solution, with proven curriculum and volunteer support.
Vector control planned May 5 at Gilbert Kahele Recreation Area
The operations will require the closure of the park off Daniel K. Inouye Highway, also known as Saddle Road, from 4 a.m. to noon.
Hawai‘i Department of Health EMS Branch receives national recognition
The branch has been named the 2026 National State EMS Office/Agency of the Year by the National Association of State Emergency Medical Services Officials.
L&L Hawaiian Barbecue brings taste of Hawaiʻi to fast-growing Georgia community
L&L Hawaiian Barbecue continues to expand its East Coast presence with the opening of its newest location in Duluth, Georgia, offering a taste of Hawaiʻi’s iconic “plate lunch.”
Business briefs for May 4: Hannemann retiring, elevated island dining, Rome flight and A Day at the Beach
A quick look at business news from around the Big Island, throughout the state and elsewhere.
Two Big Island athletes win titles in Hawaiʻi’s first state high school surfing championship
Students Felix Barton (bodyboarding) and Alex Ranne (longboard) of the Hawaiʻi Academy of Arts and Science in Pāhoa each made history by winning individual titles at the first Hawaiʻi High School Athletic Association surfing championship.
Business Monday: Hale Kanikapila brings new energy to a familiar space in downtown Hilo
Hale Kanikapila breathes new life into downtown Hilo, transforming the former site of Hilo Town Tavern into a vibrant hub for music, food, and community gatherings
Hawaiʻi Community College celebrates success of inaugural E ʻImi Pono fundraiser
The event, highlighting the institution’s role in preparing the Big Island’s workforce, drew more than 100 supporters on April 18 to the I Ola Nō Ke Kino Dining Room at the Manono campus in Hilo.
South Kona man dies from apparent drowning while picking ‘opihi
The man was found underwater 30 feet from the rocky Kona shoreline where he was last seen.
University of Hawai‘i leading state efforts to combat invasive species with grant-funded projects
The work targets some of the state’s most urgent challenges, including rapid ʻōhiʻa death, invasive mosquitoes that spread avian malaria, destructive food crop plant pests, invasive ants and beetles, and non-native plants and animals that damage forests and watersheds.
Longtime Kōloa Rum Co. president, chief executive officer Bob Gunter steps down
The Kaua‘i distillery’s Chief Commercial Officer Robert Ramer succeeds Gunter as chief operating officer, overseeing day-to-day operations while continuing its growth and expansion into the next chapter.
Severe weather washes away more than quarter of million dollars in state tourism revenue
Number of visitors statewide in March decreased 1.7% from the same month a year before, with Big Island visitor stats following same downward trend; visitor spending throughout islands falls 1.6% from March 2025.
News briefs for May 3: Poi, new board member, film tax credit, Rocket League champs
A quick look at news happening throughout the island, state and nation.
