News
Hawaiʻi briefs for May 17: Spring commencement, funds released, locally-sourced foods, Stories from the Field
A brief look at several stories from throughout the state.
‘He Lei Hoʻokahi’ marks 100 years of summer sessions at University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa
Special restaging of 2026 Merrie Monarch Festival Hōʻike performance also honors Kumu Hula Darrell Lupenui.
Flood advisory issued as moderate to locally heavy rainfall soaks parts of East Hawai‘i
Some locations that will experience flooding include Hawaiian Paradise Park, Pāhoa, Hawaiian Acres, Orchidland Estates, Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, Kalapana, ʻĀinaloa, Leilani Estates, Fern Acres, Eden Roc, Fern Forest, Nānāwale Estates, Hawaiian Beaches, Isaac Hale Beach Park and the former Kapoho area.
State alerts Hawaiʻi health professionals to fraud scheme targeting license holders
The Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs said scammers have recently targeted current and former nursing license holders, with dentists, pharmacists and other health professionals also at potential risk.
Riders of Honolulu Skyline on Great Futures Day will transform commutes into support for Hawaiʻi youth
Boys & Girls Club of Hawaiʻi celebrates 50 years with communitywide initiative Monday, May 18, to lift up programs that serve island children and teens.
Kona’s international billfish tourney canceled for 2026, but organizers hope it will be back
The Hawaiian International Billfish Tournament that started in 1959 was unable to take place this year due to skyrocketing prices for jet and diesel fuel.
US Postal Service celebrates National Mailbox Improvement Week
The spring cleaning effort for mailboxes encourages customers to help carriers ensure mail, packages and special deliveries arrive on time, safely and securely.
Water service interruption planned along Hawaiʻi Belt Road in Kalaʻoa
Temporary water shutoff slated for May 19 to connect a new waterline along the highway, affecting customers between Puʻukala Road and Lamaola Homestead Road, as well as for all services along Puʻukala Road.
Hawai‘i Fire Department engine damaged after rolling over onto Highway 11 in Ka‘ū
One of the fire engine’s tires apparently blew out, causing the emergency vehicle to lose control, strike a nearby embankment and then roll onto its side; one person was reported injured.
June 2 is filing deadline for Hawaiʻi candidates running for public office in 2026
Prospective candidates are encouraged to review the 2026 Hawaiʻi Candidate’s Manual.
Gov. Josh Green signs new law limiting corporate political spending in Hawaiʻi
The new law, that goes into effect next year, establishes new restrictions on political spending activities by corporations and other “artificial persons” organized under Hawai’i law.
UPDATE: Previously missing endangered 69-year-old woman located in Hilo
Darlene Mae Lewi was reported missing Thursday, May 14, after last being seen earlier that morning in Eden Roc; she was found Friday, May 15.
Some instability lingers from passing storm, but only few heavy showers flared up so far on Big Island
Chance of heavy showers and thunderstorms will continue to diminish Saturday, May 16, as the low pressure system drifts eastward and weakens.
Man dies after struck by multiple vehicles near Highway 130, Orchidland Drive intersection
Big Island police seek drivers of the vehicles that fled the area where the pedestrian was killed late Friday night, May 15, in Keaʻau.
Capt. Edwin Buyten graduates from Northwestern’s police leadership program
Capt. Edwin A. Buyten of the Hawaiʻi Police Department has reached a major milestone in his 24-year career by completing the prestigious 22-week School of Police Staff and Command program at Northwestern University’s Center for Public Safety.
Caturday at Scruffee’s: Hawaiʻi Island Humane Society hosts free adoption event in Hōlualoa today
Find the purr-fect furry companion and pay no adoption fees for cats older than 6 months during an event from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Animal Community Center’s cat barn; the special event is an effort to free up shelter space.
Maintenance work to temporarily close Pololū Trail and Lookout
The Protect Pololū ʻOhana, a group of mostly lineal descendants of Pololū, will lead volunteer maintenance efforts.
Police investigate second double fatality on Daniel K. Inouye Highway in 10 days
Police urge motorists to drive responsibly after a two-car collision on Saddle Road near the 13-mile marker left two dead and four injured Friday afternoon.
Volcano Watch: How are scientists predicting ongoing lava episodes at Kīlauea’s summit?
Fountaining episodes have recentuly occurred at the Big Island volcano once the system has regained the volume of magma lost during the previous episode.
UPDATE: Police investigate traffic accident on Highway 130 in Keaʻau, Saddle Road reopens in South Hilo
Motorists are urged to avoid Highway 130 in Keaʻau between the intersections of Orchidland Drive and Paradise Drive due to a traffic accident for the next 3 hours.
