News
Office of Elections moves into state Capitol ahead of Election Day
The Capitol in Honolulu is now a hive of activity to support the Aug. 8 state primary elections; well more than 100,000 ballots already arrived as of July 30 by mail.
Business Monday: Colorful orchids breathe a fresh energy to a new Hilo cafe
Faii Metawee and Caleb Houck have opened Blooms Café in Hilo, which has homemade foods and drinks that feature local flavors and seasonal specials, along with beautiful, unique orchids for sale.
Permanent Child & Family Service facility to expand essential support and resources for Hawaiʻi Island
Child & Family Service will offer more access to domestic violence support, comprehensive sexual abuse treatment, mental health counseling, and other family-centered resources.
Vital Boxing empowers Puna youth with free training, competitive events
On Saturday, Vital Boxing hosted the first annual “Battle in Puna,” giving young athletes from Big Island, Oʻahu and California a chance to showcase their skills in a USA Boxing Hawaiʻi event.
Hawai‘i’s monthly test of its emergency warning system scheduled
The siren test will be coordinated with a test of the Live Audio Broadcast segment of the Emergency Alert System.
Laupāhoehoe Swimming Pool to close Aug. 3 for electrical upgrades
The Hawaiʻi County Department of Parks and Recreation expects the maintenance project to take about two weeks.
Police offer back-to-school traffic safety tips
Increased traffic around schools during morning arrival and afternoon dismissal is expected as a new school year begins this week, and everyone is encouraged to slow down, stay alert and exercise extra caution.
UPDATE 2: Hawaiian Electric ends public safety power shutoff watch; no outages implemented
Wind speeds decreased below advisory levels and humidity is increasing out of hazardous ranges throughout Hawaiian Electric’s service territories.
News briefs for Aug. 2: Disaster case referrals, paid leave, academic honors, Feehan tribute and more
A quick look at news happening on the Big Island, throughout the state and beyond.
District 5 candidates for Hawaiʻi County Council bring distinct knowledge, experiences to race
With Council Member Matt Kānealiʻi-Kleinfelder unable to pursue re-election due to term limits, five political newcomers are competing for the open seat representing the Upper Puna district.
Konawaena High campus ready to welcome students back for new school year
“We have a safe, healthy place that we get to welcome everybody back to, and we have a new place, so it’s going to make new memories … ,” said the West Hawai‘i school’s Principal Ami Akeo, speaking about the campus’ state following repairs after damage caused by the March kona low storms.
Lane closures scheduled through Aug. 7 on several roadways around Big Island
Closures are planned for weekdays, unless otherwise noted; All projects are weather permitting and lane closure schedules can change with little to no notice.
51-year-old Ocean View woman dead following early morning 2-vehicle collision in Ocean View
The 51-year-old victim was identified as Stephanie Ann Mello, who was pronounced dead at 6:51 a.m. Aug. 1 at Kona Community Hospital.
Hawaiʻi legislators, advocates celebrate immigrant justice laws, honor lives lost to immigration enforcement
A gathering July 28 — organized by Campaign for Immigrant Justice, led by American Civil Liberties Union of Hawaiʻi, Hawaiʻi Coalition for Immigrant Rights and The Legal Clinic — centered on celebration, remembrance and a renewed commitment to protecting Hawaiʻi’s immigrant communities.
Efforts to address growing need for autism diagnosis, services expands at University of Hawaiʻi
Mānoa flagship campus appoints internationally recognized clinical psychologist and autism researcher Meghan Miller, who has nearly two decades of experience in neurodevelopment disabilities, to lead its Center on Disability Studies.
Wind advisory previously issued for Big Island summits canceled
However, Hawaiian Electric continues to watch conditions in areas of Maui and the Big Island that are most at risk of wildfire, with public safety power shutoffs still possible.
Funding for Keaukaha gym renovations secured after years of dilapidation, deferred maintenance
Construction is expected to begin at the end of 2027, with the renovated Kawānanakoa Gym to be completed by the end of 2028.
Det. John Kari with Hawaiʻi Police Department honored for exceptional work during child exploitation case
The 13-year veteran of the department received the Hāweo Award during a ceremony in Hilo.
3 candidates running for open Kona District County Council seat talk housing, parks, infrastructure
Mark Henriques, Edgar “Eddie O” Ombac and Manu Powers are vying for the open seat now occupied by Rebecca Villegas, who is not able to run for re-election due to term limits.
Fourth case of the intestinal illness cyclosporiasis confirmed in Hawaiʻi
The Hawaiʻi Department of Health said the latest individual with cyclosporiasis, an intestinal illness caused by a microscopic parasite in food, traveled internationally before returning to Hawaiʻi prior to getting sick.
