Hawaiian language immersion programs throughout the islands are growing fast. Fast enough they are strained to keep up with the demand, needing more qualified teachers; a University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo program director and educator is dedicated to filling the gap.

The pool at William “Billy” Kenoi District Park was shuttered Jan. 24 when tephra — volcanic material including ash and volcanic glass Pele’s hair — from Episode 41 of the ongoing episodic summit eruption of Kīlauea volcano was carried by wind, making its way into the facility and surrounding areas.

Hawai‘i Police Department reports Monica Iaukea has been located after being reported missing the morning of Feb. 6.

James Fonseca was last seen at 3 p.m. Feb. 27 on Ala Oli Street in Hilo. Have you seen him? If you have, call police immediately.

Perhaps as expected, Congress is divided largely along party lines in reaction to the strikes on multiple sites in the capital of Tehran and other locations throughout Iran, with Democrats calling it ‘a war of choice’ that required approval from Congress and Republicans toeing the party line and supporting President Donald Trump’s actions.

The all-hazard Outdoor Siren Warning System for Public Safety is one part of the Hawaiʻi Statewide Alert and Warning System used to notify the public during emergencies.

Lane closure schedules can change at any time without notice. All projects are weather permitting.

The Hawaiʻi County Department of Parks and Recreation is conducting site preparations in Hilo Bayfront Park for a skate ramp donated by Dan Madsen, owner of Oasis Skateboards.

University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo doctorate candidate Nicholas ‘Kealiʻi’ Lum uses social media to unpack poetic soul of Hawaiian music, uncovering unique phrases that make songs distinct.

Matson is absorbing more shipping costs this year for the Hawaiʻi Foodbank to serve nearly a third of local households experiencing food insecurity.

Elika Akamai Nohoomakeaka Keiki Perry was arrested and charged in relation to Feb. 19 burglaries at Prince Kūhīo Plaza and at Long’s Drugs.

A virus infects coconut rhinoceros beetles from the inside, weakening and killing them before they reach adulthood. Therefore, by targeting larvae, the virus can suppress beetle populations with time while minimizing harm to non-target species.

Witnesses reported hearing the victim yell for help from the water and notified emergency responders.

University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resilience researchers also identified seven new groups of the native moths, which is a much more rare event that the discovery of a new species.

Animal lovers in Hilo are in for a treat as the “Lucky Charm Special” adoption event brings adorable puppies in search of their forever homes to Petco Hilo today.

Waimea on the Big Island plays host tonight for an experience that hasn’t been part of the live music scene for more than 100 years performed by the master of leo kiʻe kiʻe — Hawaiian falsetto — and a string ensemble.

Hawaiʻi’s economy is cautiously recovering from last year’s mild recession, spurred by modest gains in employment and construction, despite ongoing challenges.

Mauna Kea Stewardship and Oversight Authority — in its final stage of gathering public input for a new Comprehensive Management Plan for the Big Island mauna — encourages the public to participate and complete the survey; community input and ideas will help ensure Mauna Kea is protected for future generations.

Hundreds of community members come together in downtown Hilo for a day to celebrate niu — the coconut — as a symbol of life, resilience and cultural continuity.

Public meetings to discuss Hawai’i Department of Transportation Statewide Long-range Land Transportation Plan begin March 10; Hawaiʻi (Island) Long-Range Land Transportation Plans meetings are March 12.