News

Old bowling alley building in South Kona catches fire; $1.7 million reported in damages

When crews arrived on scene, flames were visible from the second story and there was heavy smoke, a press release from the fire department indicated.

Charles ‘Sparky’ Kawamoto Swim Stadium in Hilo reopens

The facility closed Oct. 14 for planned repairs to the pool pump’s bearings and mechanical seal. However, it was discovered that additional repairs were necessary after the pump was removed and disassembled, necessitating a longer closure.

‘Heroes and Helpers’ bring holiday joy to keiki in need

The fourth annual Catholic Charities Hawai’i event also fosters positive relationships between youth and the officers and other first responders involved. A total of 50 teens and young children from Hilo participated.

Deadline extended for county impact grant program

Applicants can now submit their proposals for research, programs, or projects that have a positive impact on Hawaiʻi Island communities until Feb. 5, 2025.

Charter school offers programs on agricultural land while awaiting permits to build new campus

Students continue to learn from the land while Connections Public Charter School applies for a special use permit to build a permanent building on its agricultural campus in Kaʻūmana.

Big Island Now poll: What is the top story for 2024?

These past 12 months have been packed with change on Hawaiʻi Island. From Kimo Alameda defeating incumbent Mayor Mitch Roth in the general election to the removal of the iconic Jaggar Museum at Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park.

Panaʻewa Rainforest Zoo in Hilo taking precautions to protect animals from bird flu

The Hawai’i County-owned facility has 300 animals, including 75 birds representing 29 species.

Kaʻū Hospital expands to ensure more access to services for rural community

Staff, hospital leadership, legislators and community members attended a groundbreaking celebration for the expansion project, which is estimated to be complete by mid-2026.

National Weather Service issues coastal flood statement for weekend

Best chance for impacts — which will include flooding of normally dry beaches, minor coastal erosion and saltwater inundation — will occur especially during the early morning high tides and daybreak from midnight through late Sunday.

Can you ID person of interest in 2 incidents at same residence in Hawaiian Beaches

Hawai‘i Island police are looking for a person of interest who seems to be a repeat offender when it comes to helping himself to items at a home in the Puna subdivision.

3 inmates escape from Hale Nani reintegration facility in Pana‘ewa

Joseph Fernandez, Kawai Pomroy and Clyde Loa all were last seen at 4:27 p.m. Friday afternoon. Anyone who might have information about their whereabouts is urged to contact police immediately.

Big Island keiki is state’s first flu-related child death of 2024-25 flu season

Medical and exposure history pointed to seasonal influenza as the most likely cause of illness. This case is not thought to be associated with the recent wastewater detection of H5 avian influenza in Hilo.

Cops invite families to an afternoon of cocoa and Christmas cheer

Families and keiki are invited to get to know their Kona Community Policing Officers over a cup of cocoa next Saturday.

Hilo man sentenced to 10 years on 5 felony drug, firearms charges in connection with 2022 Keaukaha drug bust

36-year-old Seth Spidell was arrested April 21, 2022, following the execution of a narcotics and firearms search warrant at a residence on Kauhane Avenue that found more than 18 pounds of meth, a pistol, 2 handguns and more. He pleaded guilty to the charges in September.

Volcano Watch: It’s all about perspective; how to interpret an interferogram

Volcanologists use interferograms to detect unrest by observing how the surface of a volcano is deforming in response to migrating magma beneath the ground. But while interferograms can be beautiful and informative, they are also difficult to interpret.

Puna man charged after allegedly killing dog, hitting woman with hammer

41-year-old Henry Tangitau of Pāhoa faces charges of first-degree terroristic threatening, second-degree unlawful imprisonment, first-degree curelty to animals, others in connection with a domestic incident Tuesday at a residence in Leilani Estates.

Training program teaches volunteers how to rescue animals during Big Island disasters

This spring, the Hawaiʻi Animal Kuleana Alliance will host an all-encompassing, intensive training program for animal rescue and recovery during disasters and everyday emergencies.

Contract finally awarded to dredge volcanic debris that left Pohoiki Boat Ramp landlocked in 2018

The state Division of Boating and Ocean Recreation awarded a $9.2 million contract to dredge Pohoiki Bay to Goodfellows Bros., the lowest bidder on the project.

Update: Red flag warning canceled for leeward Big Island

As winds begin to decrease and relative humidity rebounds, the threat of critical fire weather has diminished.

Update: Wind advisory canceled as trade winds fall below advisory thresholds

Winds in North and South Kohala, Kaʻū and the interior of the Big Island will continue to decrease into the weekend as high pressure to the north of the islands weakens.
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