News
Big Island Invasive Species Committee to provide public update about coconut rhinoceros beetle
The informative session will provide education and raise awareness about the threats posed by beetle and actions necessary to protect Hawai‘i’s environment from the invasive insect.
Study: Debris cleanups through the years have reduced marine life entanglements
Nearly 90 Hawaiian monk seals were entangled in ghost nets between 2006 and 2014 in Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands.
Top 10 things to do on Big Island for Oct. 3-9: 3rd Aloha Shirt Festival, Shrek The Musical, celebrating Rosh Hashanah, Taste of the Philippines
There’s once again no lack of fun coming up around the Big Island. Check out our top 10 things to do on the island now!
‘Absolutely breathtaking’: Big Islanders awed by partial solar eclipse
Many across social media platforms posted their photos from the cosmic alignment that placed the moon between the sun and Earth, including Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park.
Deadly 2023 Lahaina wildfire ruled ‘accidental,’ caused by downed power line
Sparks from a broken overhead line ignited unmaintained vegetation off Lahainaluna Road morning of Aug. 8, 2023, leading to chain of events that leveled historic West Maui town and killing at least 102 people, according to an official origin-and-cause report released today by the Maui County Department of Fire and Public Safety.
Community invited to give feedback on new district park proposed in Hawaiian Paradise Park
The new park would be developed on a county-owned 20-acre parcel bordered by Kaloli Drive, 25th Avenue and 26th Avenue, and mainly serve residents of Hawaiian Paradise Park and greater Puna in support of healthy lifestyles and families.
Know where your vote goes: Sign up today to track your ballot
“We encourage all voters to sign up for ballot notifications. This will let voters know when to expect their mail ballot packet to be delivered, as well if their voted ballot has been received and accepted for counting.” — Hawai‘i Chief Election Officer Scott Nago
21 motorists arrested last week of September for DUI on Big Isle roads
Kona had the most DUI arrests last week with 10 followed by Hilo with 7. Puna had 3 and Ka‘ū rounded out the total with 1.
DHHL launches in-house permitting, fast-tracking its ability to get beneficiaries off the waitlist and into homes
In a milestone initiative, Department of Hawaiian Home Lands Director Kali Watson signed the program’s first in-house building permit for its Yorktown transitional housing project Monday, Sept. 30, 2024. This new approach is set to streamline the building permit process and will enable the department to advance on the development of more than 20 homestead projects statewide.
Hawai‘i to greet the dawn Wednesday with special solar spectacle
Second partial solar eclipse of the year visible from the islands will already be underway as the sun rises. Get a great picture from the solar showcase and send it to Big Island Now to have it included in a community photo gallery.
National park notifies public about planned flight operations during October
Management of the park requires the use of aircraft to monitor and research volcanic activity, conduct search-and-rescue missions and law enforcement operations, support management of natural and cultural resources and maintain backcountry facilities.
Update: Police name motorcyclist killed in Hilo crash
He was identified as 20-year-old Isaac Dakujaku of Hilo. The Hawai‘i Police Department Area I Traffic Enforcement Unit continues to investigate the 2-vehicle collision as a negligent homicide.
Brewing better bonds: Several events percolating around the Big Island for National Coffee With a Cop Day
Officers with Hawai‘i Police Department Community Policing Sections in Hilo, Pāhoa, Honoka‘a, Waimea and Kona invite the public to join them to get to know them, share personal stories or discuss neighborhood and community issues.
Voting equipment tested in-person ahead of Nov. 5 general election
The Hawai‘i Office of Elections says the logic and accuracy examination was administered by official observers who serve as “the eyes and ears” of the public and represent various political parties, community groups and interested individuals.
Appeals Court overtuns Kona man’s conviction of sexual assault of a minor; prosecution intends to challenge decision
The appeals court decision, filed on Sept. 10, comes almost two years after a jury found Joshua Masuda-Mercado of Kailua-Kona guilty of continuous sexual assault of a minor under the age of 14 and first-degree attempted sexual assault.
Hawai‘i County Council to discuss release of additional funds to start rehab of Hilo Wastewater Treatment Plant
Upgrades to the plant, which became operational in 1996, are part of an agreement the county entered into with the U.S. Environmental Protective Agency in April to address pollution discharge that was not meeting standards of the federal Clean Water Act.
Music legend Kris Kristofferson dies at 88 at home on Maui
Music legend Kris Kristofferson who is remembered as an artist, singer, songwriter, actor and activist, passed away peacefully surrounded by family in his home on Maui, Saturday, Sept. 28. He was 88 years old.
Public events for University of Hawai‘i president finalist start today, online survey live
Julian Vasquez Heilig will attend open houses and public forums on Kaua‘i, Hawai‘i Island and elsewhere this week.
Hawai‘i Island police renew request for help in finding Kona man
The man was reported missing by his family on the mainland.
Keauhou Community Day focused on ‘āina, culture, community at Keauhou Bay and Keauhou Shopping Center
Created in 2023 by former Miss Kona Coffee Shyla Victor, this year’s event reflected a commitment to stewarding ʻāina.