News
High bacteria levels detected in waters off Hilo Bay and Spencer Beach Park
The Department of Health has collected another sample and is retesting the site.
Acting chief justice seeks public comment on nominees for Kona district court judge
The individual selected is subject to Senate confirmation.
Harbor pilot slips, falls into rough waters in ‘scary situation’ as cruise ship preps to enter Kaua‘i harbor
The pilot was reported to be climbing a rope ladder from a pilot boat alongside the 3,090-passenger cruise ship Emerald Princess on Tuesday when he slipped and fell into the water on its port — or left — side, triggering a “man overboard” emergency.
Department of Human Services extends disaster management program
Maui County to lead case management program that has supported 6,800 Maui wildfire survivors with FEMA-funded resources.
Bicameral measure aimed at rebuilding public schools nationwide introduced by Hirono, colleagues
The Rebuild America’s Schools Act of 2026 targets $130 billion in federal funding throughout 5 years for school infrastructure funding.
Micro-grants available for backyard gardens, aviaries and more
Papakōlea Community Development Corporation is awarding $5,000 micro-grants for individuals and $10,000 grants to organizations.
Top 10 Valentine’s events on Big Island: All of these date options are Cupid approved
Valentine’s Day is Saturday (Feb. 14), and there are several events and activities happening this weekend around the island that will make great date options. So good that Cupid himself approves. Check them out now!
Happy birthday, Keoki-Ann!
The Big Island is invited to help celebrate the 17th birthday for one of Pana’ewa Rainforest Zoo’s binturongs — often called “bearcats”; she was born Feb. 9, 2009, at the Hilo zoo.
Road closure scheduled on Māmalahoa Highway in Keauhou for utility work
Hawaiian Electric will close a portion of Māmalahoa Highway to replace a utility pole in Keauhou from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m tonight.
Hawaiian Electric ends public safety power shutoff watch the included South Kohala on Big Island
The electric utility made the move as weather conditions continue to improve; any power outages today were unrelated to the public safety power shutoff program.
UPDATE: High surf advisory extended until Thursday morning for eastern shorelines of Big Island
Strong trade winds continue to produce high surf along east-facing shore from North Hawai’i through Kaʻū; large breaking waves of 7 to 10 feet are still expected until 6 a.m. Thursday.
Big Island trio charged with drug, firearm offenses; granted supervised release
The 51-year-old man, his girlfriend and his 20-year-old son were being investigated by police for drug activity.
Action 4 Animals, community turn out to walk in solidarity with Buddhist monks on journey of peace
The cold, wet and rainy day in Volcano didn’t stop any of those who participated in the nonprofit’s Aloka the Peace Dog Walk for Peace this past weekend from showing their support for compassion, love and peace.
New study reveals avian malaria is widespread among Hawaiʻi bird communities
The study led by a University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa researcher — published Feb. 10 in Nature Communications — found the scourge killing native Hawaiian birds was present at 63 of 64 sites tested statewide, including areas with very different bird communities.
Winter weather advisory in place for Big Island summits
While the Mauna Kea Access Road is currently open, travel could be difficult as roads may be slippery.
Hawai‘i team heading to 2026 Special Olympics USA Games announced
Athletes from throughout Hawai‘i will compete in basketball, bowling and track and field in June in Minneapolis.
Bishop Museum to host first statewide kōnane tournament in modern history
Two Big Island competitors will participate in the inaugural Ka Makou Kōnane Invitational Tournament Finals on Friday.
$1.6M in federal funds earmarked for digitization of Bishop Museum collections
Funding part of a total $147 million in earmarks secured by Democrat Hawai‘i U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz.
Victim identified following weekend ATV crash on Hawai‘i Island
This is the fourth traffic fatality on Hawai‘i Island in 2026, compared to five this time last year.
2 Hilo junior golfers among 8 selected as members of 2026 Hawai‘i Junior Team
The state junior team program is aimed at identifying elite junior golfers in each state and providing them with an opportunity for further development; Leo Saito and Jake Otani of Hilo were named as members of the 2026 team.
