News
Toyota Hawaiʻi awards free 2026 Corolla to Oʻahu student
The dealership’s Cap & Corolla Giveaway supports students, recent graduates and first-time vehicle buyers.
UPDATE: Aliʻi Drive in North Kona now open after traffic investigation
After being closed for several hours, the roadway now is open.
Young trailblazers: Friends of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park receives $175K to fuel youth program
Nonprofit Friends group — dedicated to supporting the Big Island national park’s interpretive, educational and conservation efforts — was granted $150,000 from the National Park Foundation and $25,000 was donated by Helen Wright to support transformative Guardians of the Trails.
UPDATE: Highway 19 at Kāʻawaliʻi Gulch reopens to all traffic after collision
Hawaiʻi Belt Road (Highway 19) at Kāʻawaliʻi Gulch is now open to all traffic.
Monthly meeting of Kūpuna Watch in Puna scheduled at beginning of week
Kūpuna Watch is designed to promote safety awareness, strengthen communication between police and residents and support efforts to keep neighborhoods safe, particularly for seniors.
Measures expanding healthcare access, relieving medical debt become law with governor’s signature
These reforms — which Hawai‘i Gov. Green signed during two separate ceremonies — help ensure people receive screenings, treatment and support they need without risking financial stability.
Most of Big Island sees above average rainfall last month, with 10 sites having wettest June on record
Several locations on the leeward side, on the other hand, didn’t fare as well, with much of the Kona and Kohala coasts, slopes and interior higher elevations recording below average rainfall for June.
Hawai‘i County Democrats tradition continues 70-some years later with 2026 Primary Grand Rally
Hawai‘i Gov. Josh Green, Hawai‘i County Mayor Kimo Alameda will headline the pre-election event, which will be campaign central July 25 with dozens of Democratic candidates making their cases to voters before ballots arrive for the Aug. 8 state primary elections.
Nearly 145K free summer meals served by end of June by state Education Department
More than 52,000 breakfasts and 93,000 lunches were served as of June 30 at 74 participating public schools via U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Seamless Summer Option.
Registration open for 2026 ‘Ohana Shoreline Fishing Tournament
Completed registration forms must be mailed to the Recreation Division Office at 799 Pi‘ilani St. in Hilo, postmarked by July 31; no late entries will be accepted.
New legislation strengthens governance and supports conservation
Gov. Josh Green signed SB 2494, which extends statue of limitations for bribery offenses and SB 3253, which recognizes the Hawaiʻi Conservation Sanctuary as a model for ecosystem restoration.
Small spatter bursts erupt from north vent ahead of Kīlauea Episode 51 lava fountaining
Next episode most likely to begin July 11 or 12; however, Hawaiian Volcano Observatory reports deflation began Saturday morning at the summit, and if that trend continues, fountaining could be pushed back.
Wildland fire south of Waikōloa Village continues
All roads in the Waikōloa area are open; however, Hawai‘i County Civil Defense urges drivers to exercise caution when driving through the area as crews continue to fight the fires and vehicles and equipment could be traveling on or crossing roadways.
Wave of ancient quasars from dawn of universe discovered by astronomers
W. M. Keck Observatory atop Mauna Kea on the Big Island and European Space Agency Euclid mission double known population of these extremely luminous distant galactic cores powered by supermassive black holes, including the two most distant ever found.
Strong carbon management, progress toward net-zero emissions demonstrated by Hawai‘i airports
State’s largest 5 commercial airports achieve global Level 3 airport carbon accreditation milestone, driving toward 2045 emissions goal.
Lane closures scheduled through July 17 on several roadways around Big Island
Remember: Lane closure schedules can change without notice and are weather permitting.
Wildland fire south of Waikōloa and not a threat; firefighters continue battling blaze overnight
Closure of Waikōloa Road, from Paniolo Avenue to Highway 190 (Māmalahoa Highway/Hawai‘i Belt Road), continued throughout the night; however, Waikōloa Road, from Paniolo Avenue to Queen Ka‘ahumanu Highway open to all traffic.
Measures related to Hawaiʻi film industry, state’s ‘blue economy’ become law with Green’s signature
Hawaiʻi Gov. Josh Green earlier this week signed state Senate Bill 2580, now Act 185, which broadens access to the state’s film tax credit, as well as Senate Bill 2907, now Act 186, centralizing marine affairs oversight.
News briefs for July 10: Alumni Makers’ Market, Alaska Air Group is No. 1, safer drinking water and more
A quick look at news from throughout the state and beyond.
Decomposed human remains found on Big Island ID’d as previously reported missing, endangered woman
The woman was initially reported missing on June 3, 2026.
