News

We’re taking a different approach this week, highlighting what you might call a “featured item” or “must go”; Hilo Education Arts Repertory Theatre — or HEART — is hosting its 5th Anniversary Benefit Concert and Fundraiser at the beginning of next week, and now more than ever, the youth theatre program needs your help. Find this and more in this week’s top 10 things to do on the Big Island.

The proposed Tier 3 would impact about 842 parcels primarily in West Hawai‘i, with an estimated value of $5.3 billion, according to Hawaiʻi Countyʻs real property tax administrator.

The new advisory is in place through 6 p.m. today (Feb. 5); a high surf advisory previously in place for northern shores of the Big Island was also canceled and northwest swell is on the downward trend.

Grand opening set for Feb. 13 at new location on the Maka‘ala Street campus, with festivities including giveaways, refreshments and entertainment; current store location will remain open through Feb. 7.

The discussion will focus on the national wildfire insurance crisis, triggered by wildfires throughout the United States during the past 5 to 8 years.

Hawaiʻi State Judiciary reports people statewide are receiving alleged Department of Motor Vehicles text messages saying that unless payment is made for unpaid traffic citations, the recipient’s driving privileges and vehicle registration will be suspended, and they will be assessed an additional fee.

Fourth annual Research Day allowed about 100 undergraduate and graduate students, researchers, faculty and staff to share their work with state legislators through informational displays, demonstrations and interactive activities.

The restriction was prompted by the prolonged lack of rain.

Hawai‘i Island keiki in kindergarten through sixth grade can submit original artwork depicting this year’s theme “Make Every Drop Count.”

The state agency hosted more than 30 in-person and online community listening sessions from September to December 2025 throughout the Hawaiian Islands, allowing residents to share ideas for tourism that preserve cultural, historic and environmental resources, while supporting community well-being, ensuring alignment with each island’s unique identity and values.

The report, prepared by Cannabis Public Policy Consulting, shows that Hawaiʻi’s regulated medical cannabis system captures approximately 86% to 87% of all cannabis spending by registered patients and that monthly medical cannabis sales total about $5.3 million.

Published by the University of Hawai‘i Sea Grant College Program, this first-of-its-kind report uses plain language, along with easy-to-interpret maps and figures, to summarize statewide rainfall, temperature, and drought conditions over the past year.

Mālama Honua Home Improvement/Renovation Program is a pilot grant project for income-qualified Native Hawaiian homeowners ineligible for traditional loans because of income or credit limitations; the agency is seeking a nonprofit partner to administer the program.

Management of the national 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 as well as to maintain backcountry facilities.

The warning was originally supposed to be in effect until 6 p.m. today (Feb. 4); however, forecasters in Honolulu report winds atop both summits have decreased to below warning thresholds.

Free communitywide cultural and educational gathering planned for Feb. 22 in downtown Hilo.

New 2-year pilot program requires mediation before non-payment of rent eviction filings.

72-year-old Antoinette Amii and a 56-year-old Neilla Lee, who were tenants of the former factory building that was converted into an apartment building, died in the November 2025 blaze.

The new chief was born and raised on Oʻahu, served 35 years with the San Diego Police Department and will start March 9 on Kauaʻi.

Fifteen U.S. senators are trying to overturn a federal rule that ends abortion counseling and abortion care for veterans, including in cases of rape or when a pregnancy threatens the health of the veteran.