East Hawaii News

Hawaiian Electric will replace two power poles on Kīlauea Avenue near Aupuni Street in downtown Hilo, resulting in lane closures.

“Swingposium” is an immersive experience with taiko, jazz, and swing dance recounts the resilience of Japanese Americans in World War II internment camps.

The free, family-friendly festival Saturday night (Jan. 17) features four stages, more than 20 bands and more than 40 food and craft vendors; among highlights of this year will be the first KWXX Hoʻolauleʻa performance by High Watah and return of legendary duo Ho‘onu‘a.

The capital improvement funds announced by Big Island state Sen. Lorraine Inouye will be used for construction, improvements and maintenance at the Big Island center in Hilo, helping ensure a safe and supportive space for keiki and families in East Hawaiʻi.

If you’re looking to be serenaded or just want to listen to some great live music, several Big Island venues — including all of Downtown Hilo for one night — have you covered during the upcoming week.

It is yet to be determined if temblor swarms following Episode 40 of the Big Island volcano’s ongoing episodic eruption that began Dec. 23, 2024, will impact lava fountaining activity at the surface.

Hilo Airport had its second-driest December in the past 35 years and its driest calendar year since 1949; however, some sites in West Hawai‘i saw above-average rainfall to end 2025 and throughout the year.

Water sample testing results show that the enterococci bacteria levels no longer exceed the threshold level at the site about 12.5 miles north of Hilo.

In a public memorial attended by more than 200 people, Hawaiʻi County celebrated the life and legacy of Fire Chief Kazuo Todd who died unexpectedly in December at age 45.

The shutoff that will impact customers on ʻĀinaloa Drive, mauka of Waikahe Road; Hoaka Road, mauka of Māla‘ai Road; and Māla‘ai Road, Ala Waena Street and ʻAinakahele Street, including all side roads and lanes, is necessary for emergency repairs to a water main.

Smaller counter donations programs in 2022 and 2023 became permanent at all Hawaiʻi Pacific Parks Association park store locations in March 2024; there were $100,000 in direct donations in just the last 3 months of 2025.

Community leaders in Puna are promoting the safe use of wild pig meat in more cuisine as a way to solve issues posed by the invasive species and to enhance food security across the island.

The event returns to celebrate and honor Hawai‘i’s first astronaut, who died in January 1986 when the Space Shuttle Challenger exploded, and give all ages the chance to explore the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics during a fun day filled with science.

The total number of DUI arrests in 2025 decreased by 6.74% compared with the 964 recorded in 2024; fatal crashes and fatalities also decreased on island roadways last year.

Hilo residents and those from surrounding areas are encouraged to make donating blood their 2026 New Year’s resolution and make a difference, especially now when the blood bank is in urgent need of O-negative blood.

Explore the vibrant sixth annual Banyan Art Stroll in Hilo today from noon to 6 p.m., showcasing the talents of 12 artists through live demonstrations, unique displays

Lane closure schedules can change at any time without notice. All projects are weather permitting.

The victim was 43-year-old Caesare Brown of Hilo; police reclassified the investigation from negligent injury to negligent homicide following Brown’s death and continue to investigate.

Those who plan to enter a team into the T-Ball and Coach Pitch Baseball League and potential coaches must attend the mandatory meeting at 5 p.m. Jan. 14.

HFS has helped since 2012 relieve some of the financial stress that comes with pursuing a college degree by awarding more than 130 scholarships to student members, totaling more than $355,000.