News

After a period of relative stability, COVID-19 activity again is on the rise in Hawaiʻi, according to the latest data from the Hawaiʻi Department of Health. The data show activity at a medium level, meaning the virus is circulating at higher levels than would be expected based on historic trends.

A 3rd Circuit Court judge accepted the guilty plea of Joseph Tibbs for the following charges: two counts of first-degree promotion of child abuse and four counts of first-degree sexual assault.

Silicone elastomers are used in items such as artificial muscles and medical implants and need to bend, stretch, and move with the human body without deteriorating over time.

Hilo Orchid Farm blends tradition with innovation at its wholesale nursery that grows about 600 different species of the flowering plants.

The women were extricated from deep within the tangled debris of the downed banyan tree, which fell the afternoon of July 12 on Kilauea Avenue, with preliminary observations indicating they were likely struck by falling tree limbs; police do not suspect foul play at this time and autopises will be conducted later this week to determine their exact cause of death.

The Neighbor Island Medical Scholars Program aims to alleviate physician shortages in rural areas by giving high school students hands-on education and real clinical experience.

An estimated 1.8 billion gallons of lava erupted during the episode, covering approximately 80% of the crater floor.

A joint letter submitted to the state’s Public Utilities Commission filed on June 3 informed the commissioners that Hawaiian Electric received an offer to sell energy and capacity by Hu Honua as a Qualified Facility under the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act.

28-year-old Ha‘aheo Chan of Mountain View faces charges in connection with two new separate incidents involving alleged vehicle theft and assault.

The July 19 temblor that caused the tsunami watch excitement struck roughly 45 miles northeast from the epicenter of a 1952 magnitude-9 earthquake that did trigger a destructive Pacific tsunami that caused damage in Hawai‘i, including on the Big Island.

48-year-old Sarah Coultas and her daughter Violet Coultas-Benson were last seen together at 4 p.m. July 6 at the top of Miloli‘i Road in South Kona. Do you have any information about their whereabouts? Police are asking for your help to find them.

Governor signs emergency proclamation, activates Hawai‘i National Guard to respond when needed to help, as wildfire threat expectd to increase heading into hottest months of summer, exacerbating already existing abnormally dry and drought conditions throughout much of the state, including most of the Big Island.

Lane closure schedules can change at any time without notice. All projects are weather permitting. Check to see if any of the planned closures will impact your commute during the next week.

Hawai‘i Island police so far this year have arrested 497 motorists for driving under the influence of an intoxicant on Big Island roadways; a total of 964 DUI arrests were made during all of last year.

37-year-old Aysa Kalei Delos Santos was sentenced July 17 in Hilo Circuit Court to 10 years each for second-degree promoting a dangerous drug and second-degree attempted promoting a dangerous drug, with the sentences to run concurrently, or at the same time.

Reed Mahuna will temporarily replace departing Chief Ben Moszkowicz until the Hawaiʻi County Police Commission conducts a search and selects a new chief.

16-year-old Erlyen Sangau was last seen at 3 p.m. July 16 on Leila Road in Volcano, wearing a pink T-shirt and black skirt with floral designs.

He Hoʻomaka Hou Ana O Puna empowers women who have survived past trauma through cultural reconnection and supportive group healing.

The project, part of critical infrastructure improvements for the Kona hospital funded by the state, will expand, resurface and pave the parking lot with the goal of improving parking access and safety.

Mauna Loa is now quiet, so it’s a good opportunity to remember the 1950 Southwest Rift Zone eruption — the volcano’s most recent eruption to cause significant damage.