News
Potentially fatal virus discovered in dolphins, whales across the Pacific
Prior to its discovery in 10 whale and dolphin host species across the Pacific, the virus was found in only a single marine mammal worldwide, a Longman’s beaked whale stranded on Maui in 2010.
Big Island’s Rep. Jeanné Kapela introduces sex trafficking bill to protect keiki
House Bill 550 would would require the Hawai‘i Department of Education to offer training for teachers, educational officers and school-based behavioral health specialists on sex trafficking prevention and response.
Update: State cancels high bacteria notification for Keaukaha Beach in Hilo
The Hawai‘i State Department of Health reports that water sample retesting results showed enterococci levels no longer exceed the threshold level.
VIDEO: Rare interaction between pilot whales and young humpback off Kona coast
Guests aboard a vessel with the touring company Hawaiian Adventures Kona watched the wildlife encounter on Tuesday during the morning whale watch tour.
43-year-old’s bomb threat causes evacuation of Hilo shopping center
A man, identified as 43-year-old Ebn Wandell of Hilo, walked into a management office and stated he had a bomb in the bag he was carrying, police said.
Kona man charged after punching female gas station clerk, stealing cash
John Bull Macomber, 51 of Kona, was arrested and charged with robbery, assault and drug offenses.
Environmental Legislative Caucus announces 2023 bill package for Hawai’i
The 2023 Environmental Legislative Caucus package includes bills to establish green fees, create a tax credit for cesspool conversion and implement a soil health initiative.
Hawaiian monk seal dies at Kona’s mammal hospital following shark bite
A Hawaiian monk seal died at Ke Kai Ola, the Marine Mammal Center’s hospital in Kailua-Kona after suffering a severe shark bite.
23 motorists arrested for DUI this past week in Hawai‘i County
Twenty-three motorists were arrested for driving under the influence of an intoxicant during the week of Jan. 16-22, according to Hawai‘i Police Department.
Kaua‘i planning director ‘shocked’ by Coco Palms resort revelations
Kauai’i County Planning Director Kaʻāina Hull vented during a meeting that saw developers and opponents of a new hotel address the Kaua‘i Planning Commission.
UPDATE: High surf advisory for west-facing shores of Big Island
A high surf advisory is in effect until 6 a.m. Friday for west-facing shores of the Big Island.
Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau National Park hosting evening talk with geologist Frank Trusdell
Geologist Frank Trusdell will talk about the historic 2022 eruption of Mauna Loa and what we’ve learned from it.
U.S. Army Secretary tours Pōhakuloa Training Area on Big Island
Christine E. Wormuth, the U.S. Secretary of the Army, toured Pōhakuloa Training Area, which wants to extend its lease that expires in 2029 with the State of Hawaiʻi.
Big Island man free after decades imprisoned for murder, rape he didn’t commit
A Hilo judge ordered the immediate release of Albert “Ian” Schweitzer on Tuesday, ending Schweitzer’s 130-year sentence more than 20 years after it began.
Pāhoa man armed with screwdriver, wrench charged with robbing fast food restaurant
Rancey Sonny Kawika Lee, 35 of Pāhoa, was charged after an armed robbery of a fast food restaurant in a shopping center in Pāhoa.
Ocean View man charged with stealing a Jeep and possessing methamphetamine
Benjamin Kawika Jerin-Kealoha, 46 of Ocean View, was charged with stealing a Jeep rental car, resisting an order to stop and methamphetamine possession following his arrest on Jan. 21 in Kona.
People causing endangered nēnē deaths, said Hawaiʻi State division of wildlife
Fifty years ago nēnē, a rare goose and the Hawaiʻi State bird, was a species on the brink of extinction, with fewer than 30 geese in the wild statewide. They are still endangered and federally protected.
Hawaiʻi Land Trust names new steward, educator for Māhukona on Big Island
Keone Emeliano has joined the Hawaiʻi Land Trust as the new steward and educator of Māhukona on the Kohala Coast of the Big Island.
Puna Geothermal Venture to hold community meeting in Pāhoa on Big Island
Puna Geothermal Venture will host its first community meeting in 2023 on Jan. 31 at 4 p.m. at the Pāhoa Neighborhood Facility.
Big Island residents urged to complete survey for 2023 Hawaiʻi Housing Planning Study
The 2023 Hawaiʻi Housing Planning Study will identify current housing conditions; present demographic and economic characteristics of Hawaiʻi’s households; measure housing needs and preferences; provide updated information on the overall housing inventory; and summarize rental housing data.
