East Hawai‘i News
Community college students can take next step in education aided by new University of Hawaiʻi scholarship
“This scholarship is one example of the new strategies we are testing to expand access, increase enrollment, strengthen educational attainment and help build the workforce our state needs. It is good for our students and good for Hawaiʻi,” said University of Hawaiʻi President Wendy Hensel.
Volcano Watch: What caused the major shake-up May 22 on the Big Island?
The base of Mauna Loa sitting on top of the old oceanic crust is only 6 miles below sea level, so the major magnitude-6.0 earthquake the night of Friday, May 22, happened deeper than the volcano — even deeper than the base of the ocean crust, which is bent downward by the weight of the Hawaiian Island chain.
Top 10 things to do on Big Island for May 29-June 4: Punk rock, Hawaiian music fest, keiki camps, “WHAAM!” and more
A great variety of events, activities, festivals and more is once again available for people of all ages; check out this week’s top 10 to see what piques your interests!
Next ‘Talk Story with the Chief’ scheduled this week in Hilo
Free monthly events are aimed at strengthening communication and connection between police leadership and the community.
‘Party with a purpose’ during WHAAM! at Wainaku
Tickets are limited, so don’t wait to get yours for this pop art-inspired fundraiser celebrating food, art, music and the creative community hosted by Hawai‘i Island Art Alliance in partnership with Ola Brew.
13 lane closures scheduled through May 29 on Big Island state roadways
Lane closure schedules can change at any time without notice. All projects are weather permitting.
Experience java jumpin’ fun this June during annual Kaʻū Coffee Festival
Sip, savor and enjoy the unique coffee and regional flavor of the Big Island’s most southern district during the 17th annual festival from June 14-20.
2 elderly men found dead under suspicious circumstances less than day apart at different homes on same Puna road
Autopsies will be performed Wednesday, May 27, on both victims to determine the exact causes of death for the men discovered deceased in separate incidents on Papaya Farms Road; investigations into both deaths are active and ongoing.
Management plan of polluted Hilo Bay watershed moving forward with $2 million federal grant
For decades, polluted rain runoff, untreated sewage in groundwater and other factors have led to poor water quality in Hilo bay and its sub-watersheds.
Hawaiʻi Community College grad’s bright future helped by unexpected scholarship after Lahaina wildfire
Troy Branco-Liu for most of his life never imagined leaving Lahaina. However, after the 2023 Maui wildfire upended his community, a University of Hawaiʻi scholarship opened a door the Lahainaluna High School graduate never expected, an opportunity to start over at Hawaiʻi Community College in Hilo on the Big Island, which would ultimately change the course of his future.
UPDATE: Hawaiian Electric ends public safety power shutoff watch for parts of Big Island
No safety power shutoffs were implemented during the past few days as the electric utility monitored weather conditions in areas at high risk of wildfire exposure, especially with a wind advisory that was previously in place for the same locations.
Police charge man with alleged homicidal thoughts, and multiple firearms
38-year-old Michael Gardner of Mountain View faces several firearms charges following his arrest during a May 21 incident that spurred significant public safety concerns.
University of Hawai‘i at Hilo honors employees during annual awards celebration
“Mahalo to the faculty and staff recognized at University of Hawai‘i at Hilo’s 2026 End of the Year Awards Celebration for their excellence in teaching, service, innovation and care for our campus,” says a post on the University of Hawai‘i at Hilo Facebook page, adding it’s their work that makes a lasting impact every day.
After 8 years, Pāhoa Elementary School master plan to expand, modernize facilities finally moves forward
The public is invited to comment on all the planned phases of the Pāhoa Elementary School expansion by May 31.
GALLERY: Keaʻau High kicks off graduation weekend with 280 diplomas on Thursday
Adorned in red robes, Keaʻau High School graduates took center stage on the football field as they embarked on their next chapter, inspired by a keynote from Hawaiʻi’s Teacher of the Year, Judith “Elise” Hannigan, who urged them to become the authors of their own stories.
Volcano Watch: Kīlauea all tied up at 47 episodes
Episode 47 of lava fountaining during the ongoing episodic summit eruption of the Big Island volcano tied the 1983-86 initial phase of the Pu‘u‘ō‘ō eruption on Kīlauea, which had a total of 47 events, for the most fountaining episodes ever recorded — so far — at the volcano; so how do these historic eruptions compare?
International diplomats experience science and culture atop Mauna Kea on Big Island
The visit, coordinated through the U.S. Department of Defense’s annual Defense Attaché Orientation Program, gave the 50-some diplomats a chance to learn how University of Hawaiʻi researchers and international partners help drive some of the world’s most important astronomical discoveries.
Top 10 things to do on Big Island for May 22-28: Graduation Celebration Concert, Lord of the Juggling Rings, Tropicaliente 4, free climbing day and more
This weekend marks the unofficial beginning of summer, with Memorial Day on Monday, May 25, and the Big Island, especially Puna, has plenty to do for revelers looking to celebrate during the long holiday break.
Hawaiʻi Youth Poet Laureate program returns to the Hilo Palace Theater
Punahou School student Safa Ahmed as the 2026 Hawaiʻi Youth Poet Laureate, which is a program to connect young voices and writers from across all islands.
Private land could be taken by eminent domain for widening of narrow road in Puna
With parties unable to reach an agreement, a resolution allows Hawaiʻi County to pursue the taking of private property to improve Government Beach Road.
