News
Big Island police ask public for help with locating missing Kona man
Benjamin Lipman was last seen July 21 in the Hilo area. He is described as 5-foot-6, 160 pounds, with balding light brown/gray hair and brown eyes.
3-year-old Kona boy suffers critical head injuries in two-vehicle crash involving intoxicated driver
The 3-year-old was subsequently transported to an O‘ahu hospital, where he is currently listed in critical condition.
Laurel Swan named partner of WhiteSpace Architects
Swan lives in North Kohala and heads the Waimea branch of WhiteSpace Architects, which is designing projects including the new $15 million, 24,000-square-foot Hāmākua-Kohala Health Rural Health, Wellness and Teaching Center.
Hawaiʻi Medical Service Association celebrates 85th anniversary; now serves 780,000 members
The Hawaiʻi Medical Service Association has been providing access to high-quality, affordable healthcare for its members in Hawaiʻi since it was founded by social workers in 1938.
Demolition of former Uncle Billy’s in Hilo could begin by the end of this year
Because of recent actions by the Hawai’i County Council and Hawai‘i Gov. Josh Green, there is a mandate to fast track demolition of the abandoned 148-bedroom structure that formerly was Uncle Billy’s Hilo Bay Hotel along Banyan Drive.
Puna man sentenced to 10 years in prison on gun, drug charges stemming from 2020 traffic stop
Omar Kesment New, 46 of Puna, pleaded no contest in 2022 to ownership or possession prohibited of a firearm and third-degree promoting a dangerous drug — and was sentenced this week in Hilo Circuit Court.
Forbes ranks University of Hawaiʻi system among nation’s best employers for women
The University of Hawaiʻi System ranks No. 17 in the U.S. education industry on Forbes’ 2023 America’s Best Employers for Women list, highlighting the university’s commitment to an inclusive work environment.
Changemakers Hawai‘i has new initiative for a Native Hawaiian nonprofit organization
Changemakers Hawaiʻi, a Hilo-based Community and Economic Development Financial Institution for Native Hawaiian and underserved communities, will announce a new initiative to provide 1,000 hours of free fund development assistance for a Native Hawaiian nonprofit organization.
Volcano Watch: Scientists monitor Kīlauea with ocean noise
Ocean swells interact with the ocean crust below, creating continuous ocean noise that travels around the Earth, including through our active volcanoes here in Hawai‘i.
Why were oral arguments challenging permit of Thirty Meter Telescope deferred? Nobody will say
Despite a July 3 order setting July 28 as the date for oral arguments in the latest challenge to the Thirty Meter Telescope project on the Big Island’s Maunakea, the matter was deferred a week ago and nobody will say why or when the oral arguments will be heard.
Big Island police ask for help with finding missing 14-year-old boy
King Kehoe, who was reported as a runaway, was last seen at about 2 p.m. July 26 in the area of Kalapana Gardens in Puna on the Big Island.
New Hawaiʻi County sustainability office officially established with Roth’s signature
The new office will work toward implementing policies and programs to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, promote renewable energy, enhance energy efficiency, protect biodiversity and fortify infrastructure against the impacts of climate change.
Escaped inmate from Hilo’s Kūlani Correctional Facility caught 50 minutes later
A 31-year-old inmate at Kūlani Correctional Facility escaped from the Hilo facility, but he was on the lam for only 50 minutes before being caught.
Top 20 things to do on the Big Island July 27-Aug. 2: Hilo Orchid Show gala, Volcano Festival, Comedy Show
We all need a few laughs, something beautiful to admire and a little more fun so why not check out the Volcano Festival, a comedy show in Kona and the Orchid Show gala preview party. Here’s your Top 20 events on the Big Island this week.
Hawaiian Telcom to award $140,000 in digital equity grants to local nonprofits
Hawaiian Telcom marks its 140th year of service by committing $140,000 in digital equity grants to local nonprofits to expand broadband internet access across the state.
National Marine Sanctuary Foundation awards $2 million in coral restoration grants throughout U.S. Pacific islands
The grants will support projects that directly contribute to coral restoration progression in the U.S. Pacific Islands by providing the means for capacity building and/or restoration implementation.
Hele-On to offer free bus passes to high school students this upcoming school year
With ongoing staffing shortages for school bus drivers, the state will partner with counties for the second year in a row to provide transportation for students attending Hawai‘i public schools.
Hawai‘i-issued limited-purpose driver licenses recognized in Florida
The Hawai‘i Department of Transportation worked with Florida officials to clear any misconceptions about Hawai‘i’s limited-purpose driver licenses
Aloha Theatre offers audition workshop for ‘The Play That Goes Wrong’
Aloha Theater is hosting a two-hour audition workshop on July 29 to help participants prepare for “The Play That Goes Wrong.” Newcomers to acting are encouraged to attend.
