In Case You Missed It

The man was positively identified as Bryan Coppola of Bethlehem, Conn., who reportedly became distressed while snorkeling with a family member the afternoon of Dec. 26 in waters at Ho‘okena Beach Park, a nearly 11-mile drive south of Captain Cook.

In the wake of the tragic Cristmas Eve accident, Hawaiʻi lost an esteemed emergency physician, Dr. Judy Fitzgerald, who left an indelible mark on patients and colleagues across the island.

Any unused Hawaiʻi Emergency Food Assistance Program balance cannot be carried over or reissued in 2026 and will be expunged at the end of the year.

U.S. District Court Judge Jill Otake earlier this week dismissed a majority of claims challenging the state’s Act 96 and denied a plaintiff motion for a preliminary injunction to stop the act from taking effect.

Now that the most wonderful day of the year and all the festivities that go with it are finally winding down, it’s time to change gears and look ahead at parties for New Year’s. Be sure to check out this week’s holiday happenings!

On the one-year anniversary of Kīlauea’s rare episodic eruption, viewers watching the live feed at the summit were shocked to see two men walk in front of the camera that is in a restricted area.

While criminal charges were not being filed following the death of a Hawai‘i Island police K9, the department has taken steps to ensure the tragedy never happens again.

A severely burned body was discovered in a residence in the 92-9200 block of Reef Parkway; the victim’s identity and cause of the blaze also remain under investigation, with an autopsy ordered to determine the victim’s exact cause of death.

Theresa Chang completed an incredible journey from addiction to academic success, accepting her bachelor of arts degree in communication from University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo during the Dec. 20 fall commencement ceremony.

The Hawaiʻi Fire Department and the Todd family invite the community to honor Fire Chief Kazuo S.K.L. Todd, who died unexpectedly on Dec. 14 at age 45.

The most recent eruptive event at the summit of the Big Island lasted about 8.1 hours less than the first episode that started the eruption a year ago on Dec. 23, 2024, but produced higher fountains and more lava output.

Hawaiʻi Lt. Gov. Sylvia Luke says the OK for Connect Kākou to receive Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment program funding is an important step toward bringing better internet connectivity options to communities throughout the state.

The announcement was made via a message from Kamehameha Schools Board of Trustees and Chief Executive Officer Livingston Wong; the full cost of education for every student — including those on the Big Island — instead would be borne by the private school’s $15 billion endowment.

Jordin Trevena-Garon is wanted in connection with three counts of second-degree assault, which took place in 2023.

New developments in the 15-year-old murder cold case of Amber Jackson have led to the arrest warrant for a 57-year-old man who may now be on the Big Island.

The remains were identified as a man from Volcano, who was reported missing on Christmas Day in 2015.

The rare ongoing eruption within Halema’uma’u Crater inside the summit caldera of the Big Island volcano began Dec. 23, 2024, with Episode 39 expected any day now.

Gov. Green emphasized that the budget is designed to be both optimistic and pragmatic, advancing Hawai‘i’s key priorities while safeguarding against federal uncertainty.

Hawaiʻi health officials have issued a warning about deteriorating air quality due to lingering volcanic gases from Kīlauea, urging residents and visitors to limit exposure to the vog.

One of the homes broken into was tented for fumigation.