News
Precursory activity begins for Episode 27 of ongoing Kīlauea summit eruption
“Sustained lava fountaining is likely to begin on June 29 or 30 [Sunday or Monday] based on the current rate of summmit inflation, but could begin sooner if precursory activity escalates.” — Hawaiian Volcano Observatory
Puna Geothermal Venture to start ‘Repower Project’ to boost renewable energy use, lower prices
Under the project, 12 aging generating units will be replaced with three modern generators to produce more power while decreasing its emissions footprint and electric costs to customers.
Scheduled Hawai‘i Island lane closures on state roadways for June 28-July 4
Lane closure schedules can change at any time without notice. All projects are weather permitting. Check to see if any of the planned closures will impact your commute during the next week.
Public Utilities Commission approves temporary rate increase for Young Brothers
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%.
Police arrest 17 motorists for DUI during week of June 16-22 on Big Island roads
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.
Police seek help identifying witness in ongoing South Kohala assault investigation
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?
Kailua-Kona man faces numerous offenses following execution of narcotics search warrant at his home
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.
Hawaiʻi County issues 3-month voluntary compliance order for coconut rhinoceros beetle host materials
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.
Police warn public about phone scammers impersonating officers
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.
Brown water advisory issued at Honokōhau Harbor in West Hawai‘i
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.
Big Island man arrested after search warrant yields drugs, illegal firearms, suspected meth lab
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.
UPDATE: 60-year-old Ocean View man struck by van in downtown Hilo succumbs to injuries
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.
Teachers say retaliation reason for job nonrenewal at Laupāhoehoe Community Public Charter School
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.
‘Looking really good’: Engineer blown away by dredging progress at Pohoiki
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.
Volcano Watch: Where does Kīlauea tephra go? The answer is blowin’ in the wind
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.
Hawai’i County police chief apologizes for his ‘premature’ resignation; hopes to keep his job
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.
Coastal flood statement issued for Big Island shorelines
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.
Hawaiian Airlines continues to address ‘cybersecurity event’
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.
Still time to enter 2025 Kailua Village Independence Day Parade
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.
He dreamed of sailing the Pacific, but his sloop never left the Kona Coast before running aground
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..
