News
State House panels to review wildfire prevention bill introduced by Speaker Nakamura
House Bill 1064 would extensively update Hawaiʻi’s fire protection laws with recommendations.
Nearly 500 humpback whales seen from Big Island shores during first of 3 ocean counts
On the islands of Kaua‘i, O‘ahu, Molokaʻi and Hawai‘i, volunteers collected data from 30 sites.
Lava lake overturns in ‘spectacular’ show after Episode 6 of Kīlauea eruption ends
Hawaiian Volcano Observatory says a new eruptive episode in the Big Island volcano’s summit caldera could begin sometime between Jan. 27 and Jan. 31. The north vent continued to glow strongly the night of Jan. 26 in Halema‘uma‘u Crater, indicating magma remains close to the surface.
Business Monday: Joe’s Big Island Jeep Rental encourages responsible exploration
With a fleet of 45 Jeeps with models ranging from Wranglers to Rubicons to Hybrids, the rental car agency encourages responsible exploration of Hawai‘i Island from the summit of Mauna Kea to the rugged coastline.
Update: Big Island flood advisory canceled
A flood advisory means minor flooding is imminent or occurring.
Biomarker testing, pancreatic cancer research could help extend lives of Hawaiʻi cancer patients
In 2025, more than 9,000 residents in Hawaiʻi will be diagnosed with cancer, with more than 2,000 residents expected to die from the disease, according to the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network. Projections in 2025 mark an uptick in cases, but a decline in deaths compared to 2024.
Waimea is ready to welcome thousands as the cherry trees begin to blossom
The 32nd Waimea Cherry Blossom Festival features a full lineup of multi-cultural activities from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. next Saturday.
Accusations of misconduct and exclusions postpone Hawaiʻi County funding to nonprofits
With questions about the fair allocation of funds, the Hawaiʻi County Council will vote on the appropriation of $10.5 million for nonprofits addressing housing and homelessness this Friday.
‘Kāholo’: Kīlauea definitely moved fast during Episode 6 of summit eruption
Hawaiian Volcano Observatory says another eruptive event could start within the next 1 to 2 days if the inflation rate at the Big Island volcano’s summit stays similar to that during Episode 5. The tiltmeter at Uēkahuna bluff started recording the start of inflationary tilt at 1 p.m. Jan. 25.
Update: Episode 6 of Kīlauea summit eruption done just 13 hours after it started
Hawaiian Volcano Observatory reports lava fountains and flows from the north vent in the southwest portion of Halemaʻumaʻu Crater stopped at 12:36 p.m. Livestream images an hour later showed only a crater shrouded by volcanic gas and steam.
Working to make the promise of ‘justice for all’ reality
Hawaiʻi Supreme Court Chief Justice Recktenwald delivers final State of the Judiciary address, reporting he will pass a strong, resilient and thriving Judiciary to next generation of leaders.
‘The floor is lava’ again: New fountain erupts, beginning 6th episode of activity in Kīlauea summit
Episode 6 of the Big Island volcano’s latest eruption, which began the week of Christmas 2024, is underway as lava flows onto the crater floor from a geiser that started at about 11:28 p.m. Jan. 24.
Nonprofit helps keiki dive into their creativity through songwriting
“I’m Hawaiian” was written by third grade students at Kohala Elementary a few years ago and was recorded by guitarist John Keawe for Kid Pan Alley, a nonprofit organization founded by American folk musician Paul Reisler.
Update: Flood advisory canceled for parts of Hāmākua, Hilo
Radar shows heavy rain has diminished and flooding is no longer expected to pose a threat.
Māhukona Beach Park reopens
North Hawai‘i park was closed Jan. 6 so work could proceed for the demolition of the old pavilion, which had not been used for several years, because of safety concerns. Regular hours resume Jan. 25 from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily.
Volcano Watch: Recent lava fountains highlight Pele’s hair hazards
Wondering about that dusting of glittery threads on your property? Pele’s hair is the name for the strands of volcanic glass that are created when globs of liquid lava are stretched apart during an eruption.
‘Return-to-Home program’ proposed for houseless people to return to their home states
A bill introduced by 13 representatives in the state House calls for establishing a permanent “Return-to-Home program” with an as yet undetermined amount of funding to return homeless people in Hawaiʻi to their home states.
Hawai‘i County Council to hold special meeting about pick for Environmental Management director
The Hawaiʻi County Council confirmed eight of new Mayor Kimo Alameda’s selections to lead departments, but the appointment for director of Environmental Management was held up over concerns involving potential conflicts of interest.
Top 10 things to do on Big Island for Jan. 23-29: ManaFest, King Tide Tour, Winemaker Dinner Series, Shakespeare in Paradise and more
The Big Island is definitely not behind on delivering another packed schedule of events, festivals and activities. All the world’s a stage, so be sure to get out and be one of the actors.
Kīlauea ‘strikes back’ in fifth eruptive episode but then suddenly retreats
After less than a day of eruptive activity, Episode V of the Big Island volcano’s ongoing summit eruption — the shortest so far — ended early Thursday morning. Hawaiian Volcano Observatory scientists say a sixth episode coudl start sometime during the next few days if inflationary trends continue.
