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Lane closure begins today on Banyan Drive in Hilo for tree removal
The southbound lane of Banyan Drive, between Banyan Way and Kamehameha Avenue, will be closed 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday as the banyan tree is removed.
Native Hawaiians invited to apply for up to $350 in grocery gift cards
Next week, members of the Hawaiian Council’s outreach team will be on Maui and Hawai‘i Island to provide in-person assistance for eligible Native Hawaiian residents currently receiving SNAP benefits.
Police renew request for info about unsolved 1987 murder in Hilo
Hilo patrol officers responded at about 10 p.m. May 1, 1987, to a home in the 500 block of Kanoelehua Avenue for the report of a missing female; officers learned that Ebisuzaki, who was visiting the home, was last seen leaving the residence at 9:15 p.m. She never returned.
Major change takes off: Southwest rolls out assigned seating in Honolulu, more
Assigned seating went live Tuesday (Jan. 27) in Honolulu and throughout Southwest’s network, opening the book to the airline’s next chapter; the change followed the final Southwest open seating flight from Honolulu and a gate celebration the night before.
University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa online nursing program gets high national marks
The university’s flagship campus placed No. 62 out of the top 209 online master’s in nursing programs recognized in the 2025 U.S. News and World Report rankings of the nation’s best online programs.
West Coast Health Alliance endorses American Academy of Pediatrics recommended keiki immunizations
The 2026 annual update to the immunization schedule was based on a thorough and deliberate review of medical evidence; these recommendations continue to thoughtfully consider specific disease risks and health care delivery in the United States.
Hawai‘i Island police officer recognized as Ka‘ū District Officer of the Year and Top Enforcer
A seven-year veteran of the department and a Kaʻū resident, the officer has served the Kaʻū community since 2021.
Zonta Club of Hilo Barbra An Pleadwell Scholarship applications now available
The scholarship is for female Hawai‘i Island or O‘ahu residents enrolled as full-time students at a college or university and high school seniors; preference for the two $2,500 scholarships is given to women’s studies and/or communications majors, who demonstrate financial need.
Hawai‘i students ‘taste the rainbow’ with special fresh, locally sourced salad
The hue-tiful menu item highlighted the continued farm-to-school efforts by Hawaiʻi Department of Education and its commitment to student wellness.
Rep. Tokuda to kick off series of statewide town hall meetings in Waimea
The lawmaker will discuss policies affecting Hawaiʻi, address concerns about the Trump administration and answer questions from community members.
Grand opening of Zippy’s 4th Las Vegas branch showcases Hawaiian traditions, spirit
The grand opening in Las Vegas featured a traditional Hawaiian blessing and the ceremonial untying of a maile lei by Zippy’s Chief Executive Officer Jason Higa.
Father of 3 young children and former Big Island chef dies in Bangor, Maine plane crash
Nick Mastrascusa was widely known as a parent, coach and friend, and is survived by his “dearest Natalia” and their three young children.
Hawai‘i Island police renew request for help finding missing kupuna
The 82-year-old is considered endangered due to her age.
Big Island programs selected to receive funding through Kahu ʻĀina program
Hawai‘i Tourism Authority invests in locally driven initiatives that heal, restore and reconnect people with place in an effort to bridge culture and conservation throughout the islands.
Call for artists: Kona Coffee Cultural Festival seeks submissions for 2026 signature art
Celebrate the art of Kona coffee — let your creativity brew! Art piece selected will be featured on all official 2026 festival merchandise, marketing and promotional materials.
Hawaiʻi Keiki Caucus 2026 legislative package to be presented this week to state lawmakers
Hawaiʻi Keiki Caucus — established in 1994 — is a bipartisan collaborative effort among state legislators, community leaders and youth-centered organizations dedicated to advancing policies that improve the lives of Hawaiʻi’s young people.
2026 Homeless Point in Time Count begins on Big Island
The goal of the federally mandated survey — which offers a snapshot of homelessness — is to identify and count individuals and families residing in places not meant for human habitation; more than 50 volunteers and staff are participating in this year’s initiative.
Magnitude-4.2 quake strikes southern portion of Big Island
More than 320 “Felt Reports” were made within the first 45 minutes after the temblor, with it being felt widely around the Big Island; aftershocks are possible within the coming days to weeks.
Hele-On will not offer transit services Feb. 1, urges passengers to plan ahead
All County of Hawai’i Mass Transit Agency employees and contractors will be participating in a training to ensure compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Mariners looking for emaciated humpback whale impacted by entanglement off Maui
NOAA is asking Maui’s boaters and water enthusiasts to be on the look out for a recently-entangled, 40-foot female humpback whale off the Lahaina shoreline of Maui.
