In Case You Missed It

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.

WATCH: Aloha for Alex; day of remembrance, action hosted at state Capitol

The vigil, organized by the American Civil Liberties Union of Hawaiʻi, Hawai‘i Coalition for Immigrant Rights and The Legal Clinic Hawai‘i, honored the life of 37-year-old Alex Pretti of Minneapolis, who was killed last week by federal agents, and spurred communitywide support for bills to protect due process and Hawaiʻi residents.

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.

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.

Hawaiʻi Gov. Josh Green shares successes, goals for 2026 during State of State address

With the State of Hawaiʻi having to try to make up for billions in federal cuts and actions to maintain services, Gov. Josh Green said he proposes no changes to tax cuts in 2026 but would ask to pause cuts for 2027-2029.

Hawai‘i Island police investigate theft along Ali‘i Drive in Kona

According to police, a male reported that he left his belongings, valued at $340, on the side of the road near the 78-6600 block of Aliʻi Drive to cross the street to help someone in need.

81 acres on Hilo-Hāmākua coast to be preserved in perpetuity

Hawaiʻi County made the $6.2 million purchase of the property with funding from its Public Access, Open Space and Natural Resources Commission program.

Police identify 37-year-old diver who likely drowned in Nāʻālehu

Hawai‘i Fire Department personnel searched by helicopter and located the missing diver, identified as Hilo resident Garrett Amaral, who was found unresponsive in the water 100 yards off shore.

Business Monday: Shop local at new Farmstand on Saturdays in Waikōloa Village

Organized by the local nonprofit Waikōloa Grows, members of the group organized the weekly Farmstand, where shoppers can find fresh, locally sourced food from farmers around the island.

New artificial intelligence degree debuts later this year at University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo

The new degree and its courses reflect the College of Business and Economics response to workforce demand for artificial intelligence and analytics skills, and University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo’s broader commitment to interdisciplinary education and responsible artificial intelligence development.
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