North Hawaii News
Heavy rains move through North Hawaiʻi
Flood advisory was issued until early the morning of Jan. 28 for an area including portions of the the Hāmākua Coast and leeward Kohala.
Waimea is ready to welcome thousands as the cherry trees begin to blossom
The 32nd Waimea Cherry Blossom Festival features a full lineup of multi-cultural activities from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. next Saturday.
Accusations of misconduct and exclusions postpone Hawaiʻi County funding to nonprofits
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.
Nonprofit helps keiki dive into their creativity through songwriting
“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.
Māhukona Beach Park reopens
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.
Top 10 things to do on Big Island for Jan. 23-29: ManaFest, King Tide Tour, Winemaker Dinner Series, Shakespeare in Paradise and more
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.
More than 20 DUI arrests made during 2nd week of 2025 on Big Island roads
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.
University of Hawai‘i community colleges lower summer tuition
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.
Hilo autism advocate developed alert cards to assist first responders, help people with disabilities
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.
12 motorists arrested for DUI during week of Jan. 1-5 on Big Island roads
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.
Scheduled Big Island lane closures for Jan. 19-24
In observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, on Monday, there will be no Highway 130 morning contraflow or lane closures unless otherwise permitted. Lane closures can change at any time without notice. All projects are weather permitting.
Top 10 things to do on Big Island for Jan. 16-22: KWXX Hoʻolauleʻa, volcano comedy, ‘Aloha Spirit Rising,’ Keiki Fun Run/Walk and more
If ever there was a week when “variety” best fit the top 10 things happening around the Big Island, this would be it. From an hour of volcano stand-up comedy to the return of the KWXX Hoʻolauleʻa, there definitely is something for everyone. Check em out today!
Hawaiʻi artists showcase showstopping woodwork in Waimea
Hawaiʻi Wood Guild displays the best of the best island artisans during its 39th annual Invitational Masters Show at Isaacs Art Center at Hawaiʻi Preparatory Academy.
New tool helps Subaru researchers better understand formation, evolution of universe
Called the Prime Focus Spectrograph, it features about 2,400 prisms scattered across the extremely wide field of view available at the Subaru Telescope’s primary focus, allowing for simultaneous spectroscopic observation and dramatically enhancing its efficiency.
New residential program for integrated clinical care recognizes housing as health care
Partnership with Hope Services Hawaiʻi and ʻOhana Health Plan offers transitional housing and structured support in Hilo meant to serve most vulnerable ʻOhana members experiencing homelessness.
December 2024 traffic crash leads to elderly Waimea man’s death
84-year-old Colin Perry died after suffering internal injuries following a collision between his Toyota Tacoma and a Honda Pilot and him being pinned between the two vehicles Dec. 15, 2024, north of the intersection of Māmane Street and Māmalahoa Highway.
Hawaiʻi County makes it more convenient than ever to pay for vehicle registration, licensing
The county’s Vehicle Registration and Licensing Division now accepts payments via credit and debit cards as well as the mobile payment services Apple Pay and Google Pay.
Hawaiʻi police recovered over 500 grams of illicit fentanyl across the Big Island in 2024
The Hawai‘i Police Department recovered 562.94 grams of illicit fentanyl in 2024, which is enough to potentially kill 281,470 people.
Keiki invited to audition for a musical as part of a free theatre training program in Hilo
The I Heart Youth Theatre program is a ten-week, tuition-free musical theater arts program for youth, with classes, workshops and rehearsals that lead up to a full-scale production of Disney’s classic musical, “The Little Mermaid.”
Summer Fun Program 2025 seeks employees
Available positions are activity aide I, which is paid $17.50 per hour, and activity aide II, paid at an hour rate of $19. Completed applications must be submitted to the Recreation Division or postmarked by Feb. 28.
