News

Hawai‘i U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz launches guide to learn more about how major changes to health care, food assistance and other services, as well as education and taxes, will affect thousands of island residents because of the new fedeal tax law.

No major damages were reported, however, Hawai‘i County crews are still assessing after flooding occurred in parts of Hilo, including water entering Hilo Seaside Hotel.

Shipping company’s operations at ports in Hilo, Kawaihae on Big Island and Nāwiliwili on Kaua‘i are open again; barges from Honolulu arrived at Kawaihae and Nāwiliwili on July 29, but not all cargo was discharged and none was loaded back from either port.

Aimed at helping communities recover from major disasters more quickly, the Reforming Disaster Recovery Act was introduced and written by Hawai‘i Democrat U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz and Maine Republican U.S. Sen. Susan Collins.

The Home Improvement Loan Program — or HILP — provides low-interest loans intended to help low- and moderate-income families repair, improve or modernize their primary residence; loan amounts range from $2,500 to $50,000 at a 3% simple interest rate to eligible homeowners.

Hawai‘i County officials ask residents, however, to exercise caution and stay out of the water, as coastal areas continue to be hazardous.

Green said earlier Tuesday afternoon that the state was bracing for “significant damage along the coastlines.”

Hawaiʻi County has set up 180 roadblocks around the island to prevent people from going into tsunami zone areas.

County officials are telling the public to leave all coastal innundation zones around the island no later than 6:15 p.m. today; The first tsunami wave is expected to arrive at Big Island coasts about 7:17 p.m. today.

The Hulu Street Evacuation Drill is set up twice each year to help residents get familiar with the route before an emergency situation.

A 3rd Circuit Court judge granted the defense attorney’s motion to dismiss the two most serious charges: first-degree accomplice to attempted murder, a class A felony, and place to keep pistol or revolver, a class B felony.

West Hawaiʻif farmers, ranchers, foresters and landowners can get personalized advice and other assistance during a USDA workshop this Friday.

“Under the New Moon” brings Native Hawaiian culture and tradition to life every last Tuesday of the month at the Outrigger Resort in Keauhou.

Kunia Hassard, 39, is being charged with habitual property crime and arson in the second degree.

Clyde T.T. Loa faces more charges after escaping Hale Nani with two other inmates in a stolen car in December 2024.

No one was occupying a newly remodeled home during a garage fire in ʻĀinaloa on Monday morning.

Matson announced the decision in a July 14 letter to customers, citing a fire risk posed by the large lithium-ion batteries used to power the vehicles.

Renovations included a new community center, walking path and more onsite parking were added.

With a statewide regional kitchen master plan now in motion, the Hawai‘i Department of Education is turning its attention to transforming school menus to feature more locally grown and produced foods.

Additional weakening is expected today with the hurricane anticipated to weaken to a tropical storm later this morning. Forecasters say they expect little change in strength tonight and Thursday.