News
Hemp retailers, distributors must register business with state of Hawai‘i starting in January
The registration requirement takes effect on Jan. 1, 2026. A registration fee of $50 is good for five years.
Hawaiʻi’s 2-1-1 helpline for aid during federal government shutdown experiencing high volume
The Hawaiʻi Relief Program is providing support for housing and utility payments, Hawaiian Electric is offering different programs for payments and Aloha United Way is connecting residents to resources.
New eruptive episode at Kīlauea approaching
Models forecast an eruption window for Nov. 4–8, with Nov. 5-7 most probable.
UH law school to bring information on admissions, programs to Hilo next week
University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa’s William S. Richardson School of Law is visiting neighbor island communities to connect with prospective students across the state.
Fire breaks out at affordable housing complex on Hawai‘i Island
Residents at an apartment complex in Pepe‘ekeo were evacuated Monday night after a fire broke out in one of the units.
Kona Coffee Cultural Festival kicks off Friday highlighting island’s oldest farmers
Ray Chickao Kunitake, 88, will be the Grand Marshal for the Lantern Parade that kicks off the 10 days of festivities.
Office of Hawaiian Affairs to vote on $6.1 million relief plan due to federal government shutdown
If the funding vote passes, about 14,000 Native Hawaiians could qualify for $350 payments, while another 1,000 furloughed federal workers may be eligible for $1,200 in assistance.
Hawai’i Community College sees second-largest enrollment jump in UH system
Hawaiʻi Community College in Hilo has achieved an impressive 8.7% surge in enrollment this fall, marking renewed momentum in education on Hawaiʻi Island.
Hawaiʻi Island to honor Vietnam War veteran posthumously awarded Medal of Honor
On Veterans Day, Nov. 11, 2025, the County of Hawaiʻi will honor the legacy of Sgt. 1st Class Rodney James Takashi Yano, a Medal of Honor recipient, with a program at the West Hawaiʻi Veterans Cemetery.
Police charge Canadian visitor with sexual assault of minor
A Canadian male has been charged with sexual assault of a minor after connecting with the minor on an online game, which has led police to remind parents and guardians to monitor kids’ online activities.
West Hawaiʻi students to connect with different careers at third annual ClimbHI Exposure Fair
Nearly 500 students will attend the third annual West Hawaiʻi Exposure Fair, which will connect youth with career paths in an innovative “speed-dating” format.
Community invited to get involved in 3rd annual Amazing Shake Competition at Waikōloa Elementary and Middle School
Waikōloa Elementary and Middle School is looking for judges for this year’s semi-final rounds.
Libraries become collection hubs for food donations today through Friday
All twelve state library branches on Hawaiʻi Island are accepting food donations in response to SNAP disruptions and the federal shutdown.
Business Monday: Immigration enforcement impacting production at some small Kona coffee farms
Most farmers who spoke with Big Island Now say they didn’t have direct interaction with Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents who were reportedly on the island several times this year, conducting arrests. But those farmers noticed a lack of workers during the coffee picking season that runs from August to December, resulting in less crop.
Collection of gift-filled shoeboxes for Operation Christmas Child coming up in Kona
The project is part of the Samaritan’s Purse organization, where shoeboxes filled with school supplies, hygiene items and toys will be shipped to keiki around the world, along with a message about Jesus Christ.
University of Hawai‘i joins national AI project to better monitor volcanoes, wildfires, more
The $25.6 million initiative, called Sage Grande, is being led by the National Science Foundation. As part of the work, experts will be placing 300 advanced sensor systems in locations across the country to monitor the environment and provide faster warnings for natural disasters such as wildfires, floods, and volcanic eruptions.
Rep. Ed Case appoints new Hawai‘i district director
Kekoa Kaluhiwa follows Jacqueline Conant, who retired after 25 years of federal government service, including 11 years in Case’s Congressional office.
Coast Guard cutter arrives at new homeport in Honolulu after restorative maintenance
The crew of Coast Guard Cutter Hollyhock (WLB 214) arrived at their new homeport in Honolulu Oct. 14 after 806 days of restorative maintenance.
Iconic Ali‘i Drive in Kona changed forever after loss of 80-foot tree
The demise of the tree began on Oct. 24, when one of its overarching branches broke in the middle of the night.
Vulcans women’s cross-country posts best PacWest Championships finish in 15 years
University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo placed No. 7 at the 6K event, finishing with 165 points and an average time of 23:31. It was the highest finish at the conference meet since finishing No. 6 in the 2010 PacWest Championships.
