News

While text messages disappear, a Valentine’s card endures; a handwritten message also carries thought — and heart — spanning miles.

Residents and visitors alike should be storm ready before the arrival of the expected wicked weather this weekend and into early next week that could bring heavy rainfall, flooding and strong, gusty winds to parts of the Big Island and elsewhere throughout the islands.

In response to forecasts of severe weather headed for Hawaiʻi, Governor Josh Green has issued an emergency proclamation.

Committee members also moved forward Senate Bill 2203, which would prohibit law enforcement officers from wearing a mask or facial covering.

Number of students in kindergarten through high school participating topped 100 this year during first event of Hawaiian language speech competition, at Windward Community College on Oʻahu had 120 student participants from kindergarten through high school sharing memorized passages and original speeches delivered entirely in ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi during the event at Hale ʻĀkoakoa (Campus Center), and hundreds of more are registered to participate in upcoming competitions on other islands, including Kauaʻi.

Fraudsters impersonate state officials and government agencies, making false threats of investigations, targeting medical professionals, in an attempt to obtain sensitive personal information.

More than 165 Hawai‘i public school students took part in the long-running civic leadership program, debating legislation, drafting testimony and meeting directly with state lawmakers about issues that affect their daily lives.

Police previously advised the public late Thursday night (Feb. 5) to stay out of that area in Hilo because of what they called a “structurally compromised” banyan tree; social media posts showed the tree to be on fire.

AlohaCare members — or their family members — are eligible to apply; the application period is open through March 16.

Alaska Flight 255 left at just before 3 p.m. Thursday (Feb. 5) from Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport and was back in Alaska within just about 5.5 hours after pilots declared emergency and decided to turn around because of a reported maintenance issue.

Three Hawaiʻi Island police officers were discharged in 2025, with two of the the cases being forwarded to the Hawai‘i County Prosecuting Attorney.

The expanded center will double the hospital’s treatment capacity from 6 to 12 chairs and significantly enhance patient privacy, safety and comfort, with additional features such as privacy barriers, negative-pressure isolation room for higher‑risk patients, dedicated waiting area for families and more.

Like the “Did You Feel It?” earthquake reporting tool helps make maps of areas affected by shaking, the new tool helps scientists map areas affected by tephra fallout; observations will be used to assess the character and size of the eruption plumes from Kīlauea volcano on the Big Island, along with the dispersal pattern of tephra fall.

Hawaiʻi police are urgently requesting the public’s assistance in locating 17-year-old Laclyn Urbano-Pepee.

Good was was fatally shot by a U.S. Immigrations and Customs Enforcement officer last month in Minneapolis, Minn.; letter emphasizes that the Justice Department’s decision not to investigate represents a broader trend.

Commission members serve on a voluntary basis; terms will run 4 years from July 1 through June 30, 2030. Applications are due by Feb. 13.

Costco’s Mini Beignets Filled with Caramel are recalled in Hawaiʻi due to undeclared hazelnuts and filberts, posing a severe allergy risk.

Heavy rain is possible as early as Saturday, but most likely Sunday into Monday; flash flooding appears to be most likely for Maui County and the Big Island, particularly windward locations, and strong winds are most likely to impact Kaua‘i and Maui County.

Due to concerns regarding the Housing and Homelessness Fund’s effectiveness, the Hawaiʻi County Council is seeking a detailed understanding before considering extending the program, which is set to end in 2027.

We’re taking a different approach this week, highlighting what you might call a “featured item” or “must go”; Hilo Education Arts Repertory Theatre — or HEART — is hosting its 5th Anniversary Benefit Concert and Fundraiser at the beginning of next week, and now more than ever, the youth theatre program needs your help. Find this and more in this week’s top 10 things to do on the Big Island.