News
Nurses at Queen’s North Hawai‘i Community Hospital ratify new contract
The vote not only averts a possible 3-day strike that was set to begin today, Hawai‘i Nurses’ Association also says it gives the nurses improved nurse-to-patient staffing ratios and wages closer to their colleagues at Queen’s Health Systems’ two O‘ahu hospitals.
University of Hawaiʻi community colleges among the top of their class
The university’s statewide system of 7 community colleges was recently ranked 11th in the nation in a 2025 Wallethub analysis, which evaluated 653 colleges nationwide on 18 metrics, including tuition, graduation and transfer rates and post-graduation earnings.
39th annual Hawaiʻi Kūpuna Hula Festival and craft fair now just a month away
Nearly 300 kūpuna from Hawai‘i Island, Molokaʻi and Japan will perform during the event Sept. 10-11 at OUTRIGGER Kona Resort & Spa in Keauhou on the west side of the Big Island.
Nonprofit purchases 3 acres in Volcano to grow cat sanctuary now helping only kittens
Erin Young, founder of the Volcano Cat Sanctuary, has plans to expand the operation into a tourist destination like the successful one of the Maui County island of Lānaʻi.
Scheduled Hawai‘i Island lane closures on state roadways for Aug. 17-22
Lane closure schedules can change at any time without notice. All projects are weather permitting. Will any of these planned closures impact your commute or fun? Take a look and plan ahead now.
Update: Missing mother and 2-year-old daughter found safe
Police reported the mother and toddler found this afternoon.
ALTRES employees grant supply wishes for teachers at 2 Big Island charter schools
A total of 14 educators from Kua O Ka Lā Public Charter School in Hilo and Ke Kula ʻO Nāwahīokalaniʻōpuʻu Iki Lab Public Charter School in Keaʻau had their curated lists fulfilled as part of the employment and human resources administration company’s annual Back-to-School Drive.
Mauna Kea state authority visits Nāʻālehu to collect public input for strategic framework draft
“We need everyone’s help at every step,” said John Komeiji, board chair of the Mauna Kea Stewardship and Oversight Authority “We are searching for answers because we do not have them all.”
Big Island motorists urged to plan ahead for Labor Day Weekend: ‘Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over’
There have been 14 fatal crashes on the Big Island so far this year, resulting in 15 fatalities, and alcohol or drug impairment was a factor in half of them.
Emergency repairs underway on Kaiwiki Road in Hilo
Repairs are necessary because of an increased road depression; the public is advised to drive with caution in the work zone and follow all posted signs and directions from traffic personnel.
Hawaiʻi County reduces building permit backlog, approval wait times
Changes made as a result of Mayor Kimo Alameda’s permitting task force improved the permit review process; local contractors, business owners are noticing a difference.
Express opinions on tourism, share ideas for the future during a virtual meeting this month
Residents are invited to talk about the future of Hawaiʻi’s tourism by sharing their insights in free online sessions hosted by the Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority.
Team Rubicon mitigates wildfire risks in west Hawai’i
Team Rubicon volunteers bring innovative strategies to ease risk of wildfire and increase resilience for both ecosystems and residents.
New boat lift project at Hilo Harbor gets $525K capital improvment funding boost
“This is more than an equipment upgrade — it’s an investment that enhances our harbor’s operational capabilities and strengthens our disaster preparedness. The new lift will allow us to launch our vessel quickly and safely to protect our shores and support our community.” — Big Island state Sen. Lorraine R. Inouye, who represents Hawai’i Senate District 1,
Hawai‘i County fights subpoena from state Attorney General for investigative files on 4 disciplined police officers
Hawai‘i County Prosecuting Attorney Kelden Waltjen confirmed receiving the criminal cases involving the four officers and forwarded them to the state Attorney General for an impartial review.
Volcano Watch: Water in Kīlauea — and its role in its eruptions
Some of the Big Island’s past explosive eruptions happened when magma erupted through groundwater or lake in a summit crater. Read this week’s ‘Volcano Watch’ to learn more now.
Top 10 things to do on Big Island for Aug. 15-21: A Hawaiian cultural festival, beach cleanup, theatre open house, Disco Dance Party and more
Despite the heat, this time of year is great for getting out and going before everyone’s schedules overflow with work, school activities, sports and — yes, it’s only just a few months away now — the holiday season. So don’t miss the full slate of activities and events happening during the next several days around the island.
Hōkūleʻa and Hikianalia arrive at Bora Bora
The happiness and celebration of their arrival at small South Pacific island — their final port of call in French Polynesia before heading to the Cook Islands — was almost an inverse of the emotional farewell Hōkūleʻa and Hikianalia received as they departed Aug. 7 from Tautira, Tahiti.
‘Ho‘ohana’: Registration open for this year’s Hawaiʻi Island Early Childhood Conference
The theme for the 2025 conference — slated for Sept. 12-13 in Kailua-Kona — focuses on practical tools and thoughtful reflections to support the kindergarten entry assessment domains.
Hawai‘i Island police warn public about phone scammers impersonating officers
The Hawai‘i Police Department is warning the Big Island community about a widespread phone scam where callers are pressuring people to pay fines for missed court appearances or outstanding warrants.
