News
State: Review your existing insurance policies and consider flood coverage
“With the recent local forecasts including possible flooding and strong winds, we are reminded that natural disasters can be unpredictable, and flooding can happen anytime and anywhere,” said acting state Insurance Commissioner Jerry Bump.
Big Island residents encouraged to sign up for emergency alerts
Alerts through the Everbridge notification system are issued for natural disasters, road closures and other emergency-related public service announcements.
Volcano Watch: Assembly of volcano scientists to gather in Hilo
Volcano scientists from around the world will gather from Feb. 9-14 in Hilo for the American Geophysical Union Chapman Conference on Caldera-forming Eruptions at Basaltic Volcanoes: Insights and Puzzles from Kīlauea 2018 and Beyond.
University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo researchers confirm sewage leaking into Keaukaha waters
The newly published study reveals sewage from cesspools and the Hilo Wastewater Treatment Plant is entering Keaukaha’s coastal waters faster than previously recorded.
Brown water advisory canceled for Big Island after almost a week
The advisory was issued Jan. 31 by the Hawaiʻi Department of Health Clean Water Branch for the entire island because of stormwater runoff entering coastal waters from heavy rains associated with the significant winter storm that moved through the state at the end of last week.
Bill aimed at keeping illegal ahi off people’s plates to be considered by full U.S. Senate
The lllegal Red Snapper and Tuna Enforcement Act would support Hawaiʻi fisherman and expose anyone trying to pass off cheap tuna for high-quality Hawaiʻi ahi.
Top 10 things to do on Big Island for Feb. 7-13 + 5 date ideas ahead of Valentine’s Day Weekend
Love is in the air on the Big Island. Several of this week’s top 10 things to do already are Valentine’s Day-related, but we’re giving you a few early date ideas in case you want to plan ahead and make reservations to surprise your sweetie. Lovers of culture and history, conservation and the environment, community and music have plenty of options, too, this week.
Hilton Grand Vacations gives on-the-spot job offers in Waikōloa
Variety of positions were available, including sales and marketing, housekeeping, guest services, maintenance, food and beverage and more. Walk-ins were welcome.
Hawaiʻi County to host blessing Friday for new safety sign at Boiling Pots
The public is invited to a blessing and unveiling of the new sign that warns visitors about the dangers of the water at Boiling Pots.
Hawai‘i County Council roundup: Resolution adopted urging humane action to deal with potential avian flu outbreak
Resolution 61-25, introduced by Councilwoman Heather Kimball, said the intent behind the measure was to use the council meeting as a forum to create public awareness around best practices for poultry raising with respect to avian flu.
Groundbreaking dinosaur exhibit debuts in Hilo, diving into prehistoric oceans and its creatures
Expedition Dinosaur: Into the Deep debuts at ʻImiloa from Feb. 7 to May 4 with animatronics, fossils and interactive displays that immerse visitors in prehistoric waters.
20-year-old woman dies in officer-involved shooting on Maui after threatening police with knife
Maui police said during a press conference Tuesday in Wailuku that had the woman survived the Feb. 1 Pukalani incident, she would have been charged with first-degree attempted murder.
New report offers insights into struggles of small businesses on Oʻahu
University of Hawaiʻi Economic Research Organization’s “Investigating and Tackling Barriers and Needs for Small Business Success in Honolulu” also provides roadmap to address those hurdles, which include gaps in financial access, workforce development, market competition and technological innovation.
Elderly woman critically injured in Hilo traffic crash dies
86-year-old Yvonne Mira of Hilo died Feb. 3 at The Queen’s Medical Center in Honolulu, less than a week after the single-vehicle crash off Kaʻūmana Drive.
Taking a stand: Nationwide grassroots initiative organizes protests against Trump policies
A peaceful protest is scheduled for 5 p.m. Feb. 5 along Queen Ka‘ahumanu Highway, south of Henry Street, near The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints temple.
Update: High surf advisory extended for east-facing shores of Big Island
National Weather Service forecasters in Honolulu forecast surf up to 12 feet, causing strong breaking waves and strong currents that will make swimming and certain other ocean activities dangerous.
Police encourage members of public to complete community satisfaction survey
This is your chance to provide feedback about how Hawai‘i Police Department is doing. You can take the survey until 4 p.m. Feb. 28.
State funding lapses for Puna road study to find another route for evacuations, growing traffic
Hawai‘i County Council initially failed to pass the original funding bill for the study in January 2024, which would have accepted the state’s $1 million and a $500,000 county match. The council ultimately passed its own bill in March 2024, with a $1 million county match, that expanded the scope of the study months before state funding lapsed on June 30, 2024.
Update: Vector control at Gilbert Kahele Recreation Area not for little fire ants
Hawaiʻi County clarified that vector control operations, which caused the park to be temporarily closed Tuesday morning, involved treatment for Argentine ants. No little fire ants have been detected at the park off Daniel K. Inouye Highway, also known as Saddle Road.
Episode 8 erupts in Kīlauea caldera following 6-day pause in activity
Big Island volcano roars back into action with lava fountains peaking at up to 330 feet at times within the first few hours after the newest eruptive activity began just before 10 p.m. the night of Feb. 3. Vigorous fountains were still erupting from both vents inside the caldera by almost 11:30 a.m. Tuesday, continuing to feed lava flows onto the crater floor.
