News
Gov. Green delivers State of the State address, again prioritizing tax cuts, housing
As he enters his third year in office, Gov. Josh Green told a joint session of the Hawaiʻi State Legislature: “Today, I am proud to report to you that the state of Hawai‘i is strong.”
Kaiser Permanente volunteers gather on Big Island to clear invasive species, restore historic fishpond and more
About 100 Kaiser Permanente physicians, providers, nurses, other clinical and administrative staff, and their family members volunteered at two Hawai‘i Island sites Monday as part of the 2025 Kaiser Permanente Hawai‘i Annual Day of Service – Hosted by Hawai‘i Permanente Medical Group on Martin Luther King Jr. Day.
Hawaiʻi Attorney General Lopez warns of sales of illegal tobacco products, mostly from China
Hawaiʻi Attorney General Anne Lopez is sending letters to more than 800 Hawaiʻi tobacco retailers and distributors about the distribution and sale of illegal tobacco products. Most of the products originate in China and include electronic smoking devices known as vapes or e-cigarettes and oral tobacco pouch products.
Additional inspection requirements aimed at preventing increasing spread of invasive species
U.S. Reps. Case and Tokuda reintroduce Hawai‘i Invasive Species Protection Act in effort to provide essential resources in battle against serious threats to state’s agriculture, environment and economy.
University of Hawai‘i seeks additional funding to operate weather stations throughout state
The University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa is partnering with the state’s Department of Land and Natural Resources to improve flood and wildfire early warning systems by installing 100 weather monitoring stations across the main Hawaiian Islands.
Man with eye injury medivaced from fishing vessel off O‘ahu shores
A U.S. Coast Guard helicopter crew hoisted the man from the vessel and transported the patient to Queen’s Medical Center in Honolulu.
Two Big Island beach parks remain closed for debris cleanup following high surf
Kahalu‘u and Kohana‘iki Beach Parks remain closed for debris cleanup following high surf over the weekend.
12 motorists arrested for DUI during week of Jan. 1-5 on Big Island roads
DUI arrests increased nearly 1% overall throughout all of 2024 on the Big Island, with 964 compared with 955 from the year before. The number of drivers arrested for DUI involved in traffice crashes and those younger than 21 also increased.
‘A critical step forward’: Highway 137’s restoration underway in Lower Puna
Puna’s road to recovery doesn’t begin with just one road though. At the same time Hawaiʻi County announced restroration work was underway on Highway 137, officials also said a contract was awarded for the next road project in Lower Puna, which will be the reconstruction and realignment of 4.5 miles of Pohoiki Road also inundated by lava in 2018.
Business Monday Column: Oysters and Pearls my new favorite food at Four Seasons Hualālai
Chef de Cuisine Chris Damskey was brought on during the renovation of ‘ULU last year to elevate the dining experience and create Noio, a sushi bar led by Nuri Piccio.
Kīlauea remains on break — for now
Hawaiian Volcano Observatory reports that If that relatively high rate of inflation being recorded by instruments at the summit now continues and magma remains high in the vent — as indicated by peristent strong glow at night — there is a high probability a fifth fountaining episode could begin sometime between Jan. 21 and Jan. 24.
Three west side beaches close after high surf
Kahlauʻu Beach Park, Kohanaʻiki Beach Park and Mahukona Beach Park are closed for the day.
Scheduled Big Island lane closures for Jan. 19-24
In observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, on Monday, there will be no Highway 130 morning contraflow or lane closures unless otherwise permitted. Lane closures can change at any time without notice. All projects are weather permitting.
Ka‘ū octogenarian artist Ed Kayton says he will keep creating until he kicks the bucket
On Jan. 24 and 25, longtime artist Ed Kayton will have his first solo exhibit in 25 years at Big Island Living, a teak, hardwood furniture and art gallery in Kona.
Update: High surf warning canceled for West Hawaiʻi
National Weather Service in Honolulu says surf heights have fallen below warning and advisory levels.
Kīlauea hits pause on eruption for fourth time
Lava within Halemaʻumaʻu Crater continues to slowly move. Crustal overturns are expected in the hours following the pause. Both vents might continue to glow, and degassing currently remains at a high level.
Honoring those who ‘inspire future generations’
U.S. Sen. Mazie Hirono of Hawai‘i joins 21 other Senate Democrats, including fellow Hawai’i U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz, introducing resolution celebrating women who serve in combat roles.
Keaukaha Homestead transitions to fresh leadership after centennial celebration
A transformative 100th year as Keaukaha Homestead inspires collaboration, celebration and advocacy for Native Hawaiians.
Who will have final say over Mauna Kea decisions? State or stewardship authority?
Senate Bill 6, introduced by Sen. Lorraine Inouye, states the Board of Land and Natural Resources shall supersede the Mauna Kea Stewardship and Oversight Authority for all lands designated under the state conservation district.
Nurses unions, legislators, others join forces to ensure safe patient care standards in Hawai‘i
The coalition says there is an urgent need for reforms to improve patient care and strengthen the state’s health care system, and unlike many other states with mandated patient-to-nurse ratios, the islands lack these vital protections. Studies have shown every patient added to a nurse’s workload increases patient mortality rates by 7%.
