East Hawai‘i News

Lum Family Enterprises and the Hawaiʻi County Department of Public Works have agreed to work together to come up with a fair solution for all parties about the widening of a Puna road before the matter comes before the County Council again on Aug. 5.

June continues to offer a full slate of events, activities and festivals around the island.

Hawai‘i Police Department advised motorists shortly before 9:30 p.m. June 16 to avoid the roadway at the intersection of Niuhi Street.

Mackenzie Valentin of Hilo was driving west in a 4-Runner multi-purpose vehicle when she lost control the morning of June 4, hydroplaned into the opposite lane and was broadsided by a Ford F-450 commercial truck.

“We have always believed that the best way to experience Hawaii is to truly get into it — its canyons, its waterfalls, its wild beauty. These two new tours let guests do exactly that, whether they’re seeking the ultimate adrenaline rush or a serene moment in the mist,” said Botanical World Adventures Managing Partner Mark Robinson.

Winners Rianne Angelique Kealohaokalani Kalama Empaynado and Mari Iwata were honored during the club’s Scholarship Dinner Reception, which also featured Hilo-born kānaka maoli surf journalist and communications and marketing professional Daniel Ikaika Ito as keynote speaker.

Tropic Care returns to Hawaiʻi Island from June 19 to 28 to offer free medical, dental and optometry services at sites in Keaʻau, Kaʻū and Kailua-Kona.

“This gathering is not only about remembrance — it is also about connection, conversation and collective action,” says information from an event flyer posted on Facebook.

Events in Hilo and North Kohala scheduled today, June 11, in observance of King Kamehameha Day, which honors King Kamehameha I — also known as King Kamehameha the Great — who in 1810 became the first ruler of a fully unified Kingdom of Hawai‘i.

Magnitude-4.7 about 14 miles east of Pāpa‘ikou was also likely related to stress from the weight of the island bending the Pacific plate; light shaking was reported, with no damage expected.

Hawaiʻi International Science Experience is hosting a five-day program designed to break barriers and connect local and global youth in STEM.

Kazama’s chancellorship — including as interim — is marked by an era of growth, stability and renewed momentum for Hawaiʻi Community College.

Electronic Processing and Information Center — Hawai’i County’s online portal for permits, plan submissions, inspections, payments and public records — will be unavailable from 1 a.m. June 11 through 8 a.m. June 12.

The nonprofit, along with KTA Super Stores, on June 5, 2026, treated staff and employees of Hawai’i County, first responders, hospital staff and other public servants around the Big Island to deliveries of aloha in the form of hundreds of donuts, celebrating the people making a positive difference in their communities.

Duke Escobar’s interest in medicine began in high school while taking a health academy course that introduced him to medical problem-solving through activities such as diagnosing cases from the TV show “House.”

Crews will mill the highway and install open-graded friction course to increase drainage capability of the pavement and reduce potential for hydroplaning.

Herman Kirklin was last seen about 1 a.m. Sunday, May 31, near Lehua Street in Fern Acres.

36-year-old Kade Smith, who was not injured in the deadly Wednesday, June 3, collision now officially faces charges of first-degree negligent homicide, manslaughter, operating a vehicle under the influence of an intoxicant, operating a motor vehicle after license suspended or revoked for operating a vehicle under the influence of an intoxicant and having no vehicle insurance.

The program makes nutritious meals available to keiki 18 years old and younger — at no charge — during the summer break between school years; meals will be provided Monday through Friday, June 8-July 17.

Naiomi Michael was reported as a runaway Sept. 19, 2025; the 16-year-old is 5-foot-7, 120 pounds, Hawaiian/mixed ethnicity, with a tan complexion, long hair — that is possibly bleached or colored — and brown eyes. Have you seen her?