North Hawai‘i News

There have been 19 fatal crashes resulting in 21 fatalities this year on the Big Island as of Aug. 27. Impairment from alcohol or drugs was a factor in 63% of those crashes.

Labor Day Weekend is right around the corner, and it doesn’t look like there’s any hurricanes to get in the way to stop you from getting out and going to see what’s happening around the island.

“On its current track, Hone will brush past the southern slopes of the Big Island tonight into Sunday morning, bringing the potential for heavy rainfall, damaging winds and large surf. Expect strong and gusty easterly winds and periods of heavy showers to continue Sunday into Monday as Hone passes south of the smaller islands.” — National Weather Service Hawai‘i Area Synopis from 12:08 p.m. today

Some locations that will experience flooding include Hilo, Hawaiian Paradise Park, Kapa‘au, Honoka‘a, Pāpa‘ikou, Honomū, Pepe‘ekeo, Mountain View, Glenwood, Hakalau, Volcano, Nīnole, Kea‘au, Laupāhoehoe, Hawaiian Acres, ‘Ō‘ōkala, Orchidlands Estates, Pa‘auilo and Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park.

Regardless of knowing and how many times in advance of hurricane season, which runs from June 1 through Nov. 30 in the Central Pacific, that people are told it’s impossible to precisely — 100% without a doubt, right on the money, no ifs, ands or buts — predict the movement of hurricanes, tropical storms and tropical depressions, many still seem to enjoy living on the edge.

A tropical storm watch remains in effect for the entire Big Island as Hone is expected to bring increasing wind and the possibility of excessive rain to parts of the island this weekend. The storm was moving west at 16 mph. Its maximum sustained winds increased, now at 50 mph, up from 45 mph earlier this morning.

The newest detail to develop overnight was that once the storm passes by the Big Island, it is forecast to intensify, reaching hurricane strength late Sunday into Monday as it moves south of Kaua‘i and O‘ahu.

The latest forecast track issued at 5 p.m. today by the Central Pacific Hurricane Center in Honolulu shows Tropical Storm Hone’s center still passing south or possibly near the Big Island on Saturday night into Sunday morning as a strong tropical storm.

The nonprofit North Hawai‘i health care organization recently welcomed new chief executive officer John White, who arrived July 1 and began his duties July 8.

There’s something for everyone during the next 7 days on the Big Island, so get out there and have a good time.

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

We decided to bring you our weekly top 10 things to do on the island a day early so you can plan ahead for your Independence Day ventures. There’s plenty to do, from rubber duckie races, the release of honu into the Pacific and a classic car show to, of course, everyone’s favorite, fireworks displays.

You might think there won’t be much going on during the week leading up to the big July 4 blowout, which is next Thursday. Are you kidding? You shouldn’t have any issues finding something to do during the next 7 days on the Big Island.

Another head-to-head matchup between former state Sen. Laura Acasio and incumbent state Sen. Lorraine Inouye, both of Hilo, is on the ballot, as well as a race for a new face to fill the seat being vacated by longtime legislator state Rep. Richard Onishi, who is retiring this year.

Get ready for a week filled with theater, music, comedy and just plain fun on the Big Island.

Primary Election Day is Aug. 10. Voters should receive their ballots in the mail by July 23.

Closure schedules can change at any time, without notice. All projects also are weather permitting.

Also don’t miss three cultural events coming up at Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, the opening of a new culinary market in Waikōloa and a slew of other events and activities.

There is plenty to do around the island during the next week. If you’re looking for something else, don’t miss Jeremy Enslow’s “Strength” art show at The Exhibit in Hilo in celebration of Pride Month or the Kona Daifukuji Orchid Club’s 39th annual Show & Sale either. Plus, catch the live performance of Fourever Fab in honor of The Beatles.

The Big Island certainly isn’t calming down heading into the summer months. In fact, it looks like the enterainment, festival, music and event scenes are heating up.