News
HPD Warns Against Phone Scams Asking for Bail Money
Hawaiʻi police are warning the public about continuing phone scams that attempt to deceive unsuspecting people for assistance in obtaining bail money for a family member who is incarcerated and needs immediate assistance.
NOAA Looking For a Few Good Whale-Counting Volunteers
NOAA’s Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary is looking for volunteers to help count whales this season.
HPD Renews Request for Help in Finding Missing Kona Man
Authorities are renewing their request for the public’s assistance in locating a missing Kona man.
DLNR Reminds Public to Respect Lake Waiau
State officials remind visitors to respect the surroundings of Lake Waiau after photos surfaced on social media of a woman throwing large rocks into the body of water, located in the Mauna Kea Ice Age Natural Area Reserve.
Apparent Drowning Victim on Christmas Day Identified
Authorities have identified the victim of a possible drowning that occurred in the Kalapana area on Christmas day, as Oscar Odom, 41, of Puna.
Many UH Classes Move Online for First 2 Weeks of Spring Semester
The 10 campuses of the University of Hawaiʻi will temporarily move many spring 2022 in-person courses to online for the first two weeks of the semester because of the record surge of COVID-19 cases in Hawaiʻi due to the highly contagious Omicron variant.
County Solid Waste Facilities to Close in Observance of New Year Holiday
County transfer stations, recycling centers, and landfill will be closed on Saturday, Jan. 1, in observance of the New Year holiday.
County Reduces Indoor Gathering Limit Ahead of New Year’s Eve
Hawaiʻi County has reduced the indoor gathering limit to 10 as COVID-19 cases continue to surge statewide.
824 New COVID Cases Reported Statewide
The Hawaiʻi Department of Health reported 824 new COVID-19 cases Tuesday, bringing the statewide total to 104,597. No fatalities were reported.
CDC Recommends Shortening Quarantine, Isolation Periods in COVID-19 Cases
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends shortening the quarantine and isolation periods for individuals diagnosed with COVID-19.
Public Safety Update: 51 inmate tests at HCCC, three positives
The latest testing updates received for the correctional facilities were published Monday, Dec. 27.
Mayor Suspects he has Omicron Variant
On Monday, Dec. 27, Roth’s office issued a press release stating that the first-term mayor tested positive for COVID-19 over the Christmas weekend and, speaking with Big Island Now later that day, Roth said he suspects he came down with the highly communicable strain that hit O‘ahu earlier this month and is at the heart of the state’s recent surge in new cases.
Hawai‘i County Mayor Tests Positive for COVID-19
Hawai‘i County Mayor Mitch Roth tested positive for COVID-19 over the Christmas weekend, his office said in a press release Monday, Dec. 27.
HPD Reminds Public of Fireworks Rules Ahead of New Year’s Eve
Illegal aerial fireworks are a common sight in Hawaiʻi skies in days leading up to New Year’s Eve.
1,384 New Cases Reported Statewide
The Hawaiʻi Department of Health reported 1,384 new COVID-19 cases Monday, bringing the statewide total to 103,773. No fatalities were reported.
HMC Welcomes Christmas Baby
Hilo Medical Center announced the birth of Christmas baby Kyrie Laʻa-Guerpo-Joaquin.
Temporary Closures Scheduled at Kaloko-Honokōhau National Historical Park
Temporary closures are scheduled at Kaloko-Honokōhau National Historical Park this week for helicopter operations to remove invasive, non-native vegetation in the area.
Fire Hydrant Flow Test Scheduled in Keaʻau
The Department of Water Supply will be conducting a fire hydrant flow test is scheduled in Keaʻau on Tuesday, Dec. 28, affecting customers within Shipman Industrial Park.
Fire Department Releases Additional Details About Possible Kalapana Drowning
Big Island police continue their investigation of a possible Christmas Day drowning in Puna.
Annual SOKO Artists Studio Tour Set for Feb. 26-27.
Art lovers or anyone else is invited to tour 20 artists in their studios at 15 locations along the winding and scenic Māmalahoa Highway from Keauhou throughout South Kona to Hōnaunau during the seventh annual SOKO Artists Studio Tour from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Feb. 26 and 27.
