News
Roth signs measure expanding housing opportunities on Big Island
Bill 123 is aimed at increasing housing inventory around the Big Island, addressing the county’s housing shortage and enabling local families to stay in Hawai‘i. Each accessory dwelling unit can be up to 1,250 square feet in size.
‘Hard’ demolition underway of Uncle Billy’s Hilo Bay Hotel following inauspicious start
As demolition got underway Monday, it was postponed briefly because of a vehicle parked in a coned and taped-off section of an adjacent hotel had to be moved out of concern debris could fall on it. Then, the excavator sprung a hydraulic leak, temporarily shutting down work again.
Maunaulu parking lot, Nāpau Trail at Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park closed because of wildfire
The remote 78-acre Makaopuhi Fire was ignited by the Sept. 15 eruption of Kīlauea volcano. Fire activity has increased because of a lack of rainfall, low humidity and wind.
Meeting scheduled for interested 12U basketball coaches, team reps
Registration packets and information about league rules and format will be distributed. League play is expected to be from Nov. 25 to Jan. 27, 2025.
Update: Previously reported missing 80-year-old ‘at risk’ man located in good health
Daniel Eber was found at 11:30 a.m. today in Kea‘au.
Deadline for next round of Puna Strong grants nears
Funding is not limited to prospective grantees; any nonprofit organization that serves the Puna area is eligible to apply. The application deadline is 4 p.m. Oct. 10.
Joint Pacific Multinational Readiness Center training continues through Oct. 18
Pōhakuloa Training Area officials report efforts continue to mitigate any inconvenience the training might have for island residents.
Hawai‘i to receive restitution from toxicology lab following allegations of unnecessary drug testing
Hawaiʻi’s share of the restitution is directly related to identified instances wherein the lab had double-billed the Hawaiʻi Medicaid Program.
Puna town hall to gather input for upcoming legislative session, possible alternate route
State Sen. Joy A. San Buenaventura, Rep. Jeanne Kapela and Hawaiʻi County councilmember Matt Kanealiʻi-Kleinfelder will host a townhall on Oct. 9 at Mountain View Elementary. Legislators will discuss last session’s highlights and ask for public input for the next session, including a possible upper Puna alternate route. Highway 130 is the only major road […]
After Lāhainā fire ruled ‘accidental,’ survivors still want accountability, compensation
Some families are struggling to rebuild and plan for the future with the timing of the proposed $4 billion settlement for survivors up in the air.
Wildfire burning near Nāpau Crater in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park; Kīlauea not erupting
A U.S. Geological Survey overflight at about 11:30 a.m. on Monday confirmed that the plume and glow seen on a webcam near a recent eruption were due to a small wildfire.
Hilo Women’s Volleyball emerge undefeated from Northern California roadtrip
The Vulcans completed their four-game road trip with victories over Dominican, Academy of Art, Menlo and Jessup.
Gov. Josh Green proclaims Fire Prevention Week throughout Hawai‘i
Gov. Green signed the proclamation to heighten public awareness and promote proactive steps for preventing fires of all sorts.
Business Monday: Kona aquafarm raising tasty abalone with sustainable operation powered by deep ocean water
Big Island Abalone was founded in 1988 and is currently owned by KOWA since 2018. Now, it annually produces 100 tons of the delicacy, making it one of the largest commercial operations in the United States.
Ke Kai Ola in Kona saving Hawaiian monk seals for 10 years
Throughout the past decade, more than 50 Hawaiian monk seals have been treated at the Kona facility and released back into the wild.
Coast Guard medevacs 2 ailing men from cruise ship 50 miles off Cape Kumukahi
A cruise ship Friday night reported men experiencing heart attack-like symptoms and internal bleeding, respectively.
Big Islanders turn out for National Coffee With a Cop Day
“Mahalo to the dozens of people that came to coffee shops across the Big Island to talk story with members of Hawai‘i Police Department during this morning’s National Coffee With a Cop day! It was fantastic to see so many people … turn out from Puna to Waimea to Kona, Honoka‘a and Hilo! Working together, we make Hawai‘i County a safer place for us all.” — Hawai‘i Police Department
Chef Ippy Aiona to discuss local food at Discover Your Kuleana gathering in Waimea
The free community event, featuring Chef Ippy Aiona, will explore what it takes to bring local food from farm to table and why it’s people’s responsibility to support island agriculture.
Big Island lane closures for week of Oct. 5-11
The Hawaiʻi Department of Transportation provided the list of lane closures for the upcoming week, weather permitting.
Hawai‘i County Youth Commission to host first online town hall meeting today
Community members are encouraged to join the virtual event at 4 p.m. via Zoom to learn more about the commission and speak with some of its members.
