News

Monk seal finds shady spot under beach chairs along Maui’s North Shore

On Monday, a monk seal was observed moving quickly up a crowded beach along Maui’s North Shore, where it settled about 20 feet from beachgoers.

Hawaiʻi Police Department promotes 23-year veteran Lt. William Derr to rank of captain

After years of improving relationships between police and the community as a whole, Lt. William Derr has been promoted to captain for the North Kohala District beginning today.

13 new state laws and Big Island’s no feeding feral animals on county property take effect Jan. 1

Hawaiʻi’s new first-in-the-nation climate impact fee to be paid by tourists will take effect Jan. 1, but for now it will not include cruise ship passengers due to an 11th hour ruling by a federal appeals court.

Top 10 things to do on Big Island for Jan. 2-8: Live in the Lobby, envisioning 2026 possibilities, getting funky and more

The most wonderful time of year has come and gone, but that doesn’t mean there’s nothing to do around the island. There just isn’t as much hustle and bustle as there was in December; so take some time to relax and enjoy yourself instead of running around on all those busy sidewalks.

First 5 Hawaiʻi website: New statewide eligibility screener for families launches

Online resource platform aims to strengthen early childhood and family support throughout the islands.

Members of state House Finance Committee visit Big Island, visit several projects, programs

State lawmakers engage with communities and assess priority projects during several site visits from Dec. 9-11 that provided a glimpse into Hawaiʻi Island’s priorities.

Police search for 15-year Kailua-Kona runaway last seen Christmas Day

Vivianna Arsenault was reported as a runaway Tuesday, Dec. 30 and was last seen in Kailua-Kona around 3 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 25 in a red jacket and black shorts.

State warns public about potential phishing threat masquerading as Hawaiʻi agencies

Cybercriminals are creating deceptive web addresses to trick users into providing sensitive personal information or login credentials.

First Sugar Showdown Gingerbread House Building Contest a resounding success

More than 50 keiki — accompanied by their parents and guardians — gathered Dec. 17 for a festive evening of gingerbread house building and decorating; It was an evening filled with smiles, laughter, frosting and holiday spirit.

Waikōloa Village Evacuation Traffic Study public meeting scheduled early next month

The meeting is an opportunity for residents to provide input and learn about the federally funded study, which is intended to mitigate the risk of harm to people and property in fire-vulnerable Waikōloa Village area.

Dr. Billy Bergin — keeper of the paniolo spirit — named Living Treasure of Hawai‘i

The Waimea veterinarian, rancher and historian — who founded the Paniolo Preservation Society and authored the acclaimed ‘Loyal to the Land’ book series — joins the ranks of those who have enriched Hawai‘i’s cultural, artistic and humanitarian landscape.

Police ask for tips in disappearance 2 years ago of Pāhoa man

Kelly Gravitt, a 37-year-old Pāhoa resident and veteran with a Purple Heart, has been missing since since May 2023.

UPDATE: All lanes open on Māmalahoa Highway near 56-mile marker in South Kohala

All lanes are open on Māmalahoa Highway after a traffic accident near Waikelehua Place caused wires to block both lanes of traffic earlier this morning in South Kohala.

County announces early park closures for New Year’s Eve

Hawai‘i County Parks and Recreation appreciates the public’s understanding and anticipates resuming normal operations New Year’s Day, Jan. 1, 2026.

The top stories on the Big Island for 2025

Kīlaueaʻs dramatic episodic eruption, the unexpected death of the Hawaiʻi County Fire Chief and a new hospital for West Hawai‘i were among the top news of the year.

4-time Nā Hōkū Hanohano Award winner Kawaʻa releases debut solo album ‘Mānaiakalani’

Maui native, Grammy nominee and top 20 finalist on Season 25 of NBC’s “The Voice” features 13 Hawaiian mele on his new album, including original compositions and select favorites, honoring the people, places and moments that shaped him throughout his life and musical journey.

Classical music festival brings well-rounded art experiences to Big Island next week

Big Island residents can engage with world-class talent and enjoy performances by local and international artists with the Hawaiʻi International Music Festival from Jan. 4 to Jan. 12, 2026

HPD updates email address to enhance security and identify official messages

The Hawaiʻi Police Department has transitioned its email domain to @hawaiipolice.gov, improving security and helping ensure accurate communication.

Federal authorities arrest 2 Big Island men in decades-long illegal fireworks case

Two East Hawai‘i men were charged with running an illegal fireworks distribution network on Hawaiʻi Island that allegedly operated for nearly a decade.

Authorities seek to identify suspects in livestock theft near Old Saddle Road

Hawaiʻi Island police are asking for the public’s help to identify two men involved in the theft of livestock on Nov. 20 near Old Saddle Road.
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