North Hawaii News

Nine Hawaiʻi County nonprofits will receive $10.1 million for 15 projects using funding from Tier 2 residential property taxes.

Egg shortages and the fear of depopulation has local poultry farmers urging the State of Hawaiʻi to consult with them and develop an avian flu response plan as the virus spreads to chickens, cows and humans on the mainland.

“Crews are working hard to ensure roadways are clear and to restore power to traffic intersections,” said Hawaiʻi County Mayor Kimo Alameda. “We ask residents to remain off roadways, if possible, as weather conditions worsen and to stay connected to our emergency notifications.”

Hawaiian Electric urges customers to be prepared for possibility of extended outages. Several Hawaiʻi County and state facilities and parks closed because of inclement weather.

Department of Water Supply says to prepare by setting aside drinking water ahead of time to meet essential needs during a prolonged power outage that disrupts water service and having alternate emergency sources of potable water.

Actions were taken by staff, personnel and crew at the facilities throughout the state to make sure they are ready for impacts. Airports will remain open unless there is damage to runway or terminal facilities.

Hawai‘i Police Department is closing the road in Hāmākua on the east side of the Big Island because of the flood watch that will be in effect for the island associated with the approaching major winter storm.

Unusually strong winter storm expected to pass just north of Kaua‘i, dragging cold front up through entire state, with tropical moisture and instability provided by strong southerly kona winds.

Hawai‘i Island kindergarteners through sixth graders to create art with the theme of, “Being Water Wise is…,” for a contest through the County Department of Water Supply.

Eight out of 45 Hawaiʻi VEX robotics teams have an opportunity to compete at the highest level in the world-class event after qualifying in regionals last weekend.

Flood advisory was issued until early the morning of Jan. 28 for an area including portions of the the Hāmākua Coast and leeward Kohala.

The 32nd Waimea Cherry Blossom Festival features a full lineup of multi-cultural activities from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. next Saturday.

With questions about the fair allocation of funds, the Hawaiʻi County Council will vote on the appropriation of $10.5 million for nonprofits addressing housing and homelessness this Friday.

“I’m Hawaiian” was written by third grade students at Kohala Elementary a few years ago and was recorded by guitarist John Keawe for Kid Pan Alley, a nonprofit organization founded by American folk musician Paul Reisler.

North Hawai‘i park was closed Jan. 6 so work could proceed for the demolition of the old pavilion, which had not been used for several years, because of safety concerns. Regular hours resume Jan. 25 from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily.

The Big Island is definitely not behind on delivering another packed schedule of events, festivals and activities. All the world’s a stage, so be sure to get out and be one of the actors.

23 motorists were arrested for DUI throughout the week of Jan. 6-12, nearly twice as many than were arrested the first week of 2025. There had been a total of 35 DUI arrests made by Jan. 12 in 2025, a 20.7% increase from the 29 by the same date in 2024.

Summer tuition will match fall and spring semester costs at just $131 per credit for Hawai‘i residents, which will allow students to save money, graduate faster and explore new interests while staying on track academically.

Rosalinda Larkin, founder of the Autism Support and Disability Center, has developed 3 IDs to assist first responders in emergencies that involve people with specific needs.

DUI arrests increased nearly 1% overall throughout all of 2024 on the Big Island, with 964 compared with 955 from the year before. The number of drivers arrested for DUI involved in traffice crashes and those younger than 21 also increased.