News

State board OK’d limited temporary rate hike of 18.1%, effective from July 1 through Dec. 31, based on an assessment of the minimum amount necessary to allow the company to continue providing essential interisland shipping services while commissioners complete a review of the firm’s pending general rate increase request of 25%.

A total of 449 drivers have been arrested for DUI on Big Island roadways so far this year, a decrease of 3.23% compared with the 464 police took into custody within the same time period in 2024.

The unidentified man is thought to be a ride-share driver and between 6 foot and 6-foot-3, 180 and 200 pounds, with a mustache and goatee. Do you know who he is?

54-year-old William Kaohu was arrested at about 6 a.m. June 26 after Hawai‘i Police Department’s Vice West Section recovered more than 12 pounds of methamphetamine, about 2 pounds of marijuana, 3 ounces of cocaine, a .22-caliber Marlin Glenfield Model 60 rifle and more during their search of his residence in the 74-700 block of Pāʻia Place in Kailua-Kona. He was charged later that day with 13 drug, firearms and other offenses.

The order — effective July 1 through Sept. 30 — applies to parts of West Hawaiʻi where the invasive beetle has been detected in the past 6 months on Hawaiʻi Island. Residents and business operators in this area are asked not to transport materials that can host the invasive insects and their larvae in an effort to thwart their spread.

Fraudsters in widespread scam are using names of actual department personnel and claiming those they call owe money for missed court appearances or outstanding warrants.

Beach and harbor users are advised to stay out of water when it appears brown or murky, especially following storms or heavy rain as it might contain higher-than-normal levels of pollutant. If the water is brown, turn around.

A preliminary investigation into Shannon Hostetler began six months ago, and his potential drug activity. After gaining enough probable cause, police were able to secure search warrants on the homes, located on a single parcel in Pāhoa.

Hawai‘i Island police identified the man as Terry Lytle. The investigation into the incident in which Lytle was injured also has been reclassified from a negligent injury to a negligent homicide.

Interim director at Laupāhoehoe Community Public Charter did not renew contracts for three educators despite significant teacher turn over and just before a new director starts on July 1.

Finn McCall with the Hawaiʻi Department of Land and Natural Resources Division of Boating and Ocean Recreation says crews look to be about halfway done with the excavation portion of the project to reopen ocean access to boat ramp that has been landlocked since 2018 eruption of Kīlauea; looks like they could be done ahead of schedule.

The spectacular series of Kīlauea eruptive episodes during the past 6 months has been remarkably safe for public viewing, but a simple change in wind or brief vent collapse could cause dramatic shift in the hazards produced by the volcano.

While Police Chief Ben Moszkowicz has support from the chair of the Hawaiʻi Island Police Commission and others, the State of Hawai‘i Organization of Police Officers said it thinks the chief is not loyal to the Big Island.

Peak monthly high tides combined with higher than predicted water levels will lead to minor flooding along shorelines and in low-lying coastal areas throughout the state, including the Big Island, through this evening.

The airline reported shortly before 8 a.m. today (June 26) that some of its information technology systems were affected by the ‘event.’ Flights have continued to operate safely and guest travel has not been impacted.

Don’t miss your chance to be part of one of Kona’s most beloved traditions and come together as a community to celebrate freedom, island style.

Engine failure doomed Jamie Kerr’s 25-foot boat called “Hula Baby” that ran into rocks and was removed and destroyed by a contractor hired by the state Division of Boating and Ocean Recreation..

Partnership with Get Ready Hawai‘i strengthens support for West Hawai‘i keiki and ʻohana. Culminates on Aug. 2 with End-of-Summer Celebration in front of Regal Theater.

Diversity and culture are on display in this week’s top 10 things to do on the Big Island, from the types of events and activities happening to the people and places they represent.

Kaia Fujinaka plans to major in kinesiology at California Polytechnic State University, where she will continue her research in biomechanics, motor control and rehabilitation science, seeking a future in occupational therapy.