North Hawaii News
Hawaiʻi County reaches COVID hazard pay agreements with employee unions
Mayor Kimo Alameda signed contracts with Hawaiʻi Government Employees Association and Hawaiʻi Fire Fighters Association this week to provide their members 2 years of hazard pay. Tentative agreements are being finalized with State of Hawaiʻi Organization of Police Officers and United Public Workers.
Big Island teacher focusing on biodiversity leading voting in America’s Favorite Teacher competition
Kiane Prietto from Kanu o ka ʻĀina hopes to end Hawaiʻi’s tenure as the extinction capital of the world as she vies for the title of: “America’s Favorite Teacher.”
Nearly 30 motorists arrested for DUI during week of Feb. 24-March 3
Hawai‘i Police Department officers have made a total of 171 arrests of motorists driving under the influence of an intoxicant during the first two full months of the year. While it’s just 3 more than during the same time period in 2024, it represents a 1.8% hike in DUI citations.
Mayor, Cabinet to discuss priorities and progress during Waimea town meeting
Members of the Alameda Cabinet expected to participate include the full spectrum of county programs and services, from Parks and Recreation and Environmental Management to Planning, Public Works, Mass Transit, emergency services and more.
Top 10 things to do on Big Island for March 7-13: Final Kona Brewers Festival, KS Hawai‘i Hōʻike, YAS Fest, Redeeming Māhū and more
Many of the events and activities around the Big Island during the next week will focus on tradition, talent and taddies. Check out this week’s top 10 things to do now!
Vibrant Hawaiʻi fosters resilience in remote areas of Big Island with 20 new hubs
Communities can address vulnerabilities and prepare for emergencies through the expanding Vibrant Hawaiʻi Resilience Hub network.
Update: Wind advisory extended through Thursday morning for much of Big Island
National Weather Service forecasters in Honolulu expect east winds to continue at 20 to 30 mph, with gusts up to 50 mph, for north, south, southeastern and interior portions of the island, including North and South Kohala as well as parts of Kaʻū and Puna.
Applications now being accepted for public pre-kindergarten program
The program currently operates 92 classrooms on 74 Hawai‘i Department of Education campuses statewide.
State launches backyard bird flu survey for flock owners and bird rescuers
The survey, conducted by the Hawaiʻi Department of Health, will collect critical information about the understanding of bird flu as well as practices and needs of those who keep poultry or care for rescued birds.
Monthly outdoor siren test was March 3
All statewide outdoor warning sirens sounded a 1-minute steady tone at 11:45 a.m. The public should contact Hawai‘i County Civil Defense at 808-935-0031 to report any siren operation issues.
UH Foundation helping students affected by Trump funding freezes, executive orders
Some graduate students at University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa and University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo lost their research funding and educational stipends as a result of stop work orders and freezes on federal grant funds.
New UH president visits Big Island campuses; emphasizes embracing AI, infrastructure upgrades, Native Hawaiian needs
Discussions covered key issues such as adopting new technology, staff development, transparency, student fees and expanding collaborative efforts.
State: Take precautionary measures against vog caused by Kīlauea eruption
People are urged to be aware of the conditions around them and how they could react to vog. They are also encouraged to access air quality data on the the state Health Department Clean Air Branch website and Hawai‘i Interagency Vog Information Dashboard for the most up-to-date information about vog.
Top 10 things to do on Big Island for Feb. 28-March 6: Art is on the menu — fine art, with plenty of live music opportunities and more
Even the most stalwart non-artsy type will have their interest piqued by the events on this week’s top 10 things to do around the island. Check them out right now!
18 motorists arrested for DUI during week of Feb. 17-23 on Big Island roads
There also have been 7 fatal crashes and 8 fatalities on Big Island roadways since the beginning of 2025, a 40% increase for fatal wrecks and 60% increase for traffic fatalities already in just less than 3 months.
Yellowstone Caldera Chronicles: What do Yellowstone and Hawaiʻi have in common? More than you might think
Despite their outward differences, the fundamental engines that power volcanism in both regions are quite similar. There’s a lot of aloha in southern Idaho and northwestern Wyoming.
Students from 9 Big Island schools to participate in Hawaiʻi District History Fair in Hilo
Students at every fair are tasked with producing a project on any historical or civic event that follows this year’s theme of “Rights and Responsibilities.”
Sen. Lorraine Inouye secures more state funding for Hilo airport improvements
Funds will go toward replacing cesspools with wastewater systems and for upgrades needed to the infrastructure on the tarmac at the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo.
Top 10 things to do on Big Island for Feb. 21-27: Steely Dead, Pickleball for Peace, Sour Hearts Club, JuggleFest and more
Who ever said life on the Big Island was boring? This is another one of those weeks that takes somewhat of a more, shall we say, eclectic turn as far as things to do around the island. We’re sure you can find something that will pique your interest.
A job fair will pair county residents with dozens of vacancies across the island in Hilo on Saturday
There will be educational and training resources, career coaching, and resume reviews offered to help participants along their career path.