North Hawaii News

Participants in this year’s derby hosted by Hawai‘i Police Department Community Policing officers from North and South Kohala as well as Kona enjoyed a day of fishing, family and fun that included making gyotaku fish prints, a lucky number drawing and the chance to win a 2-night stay at the Hilton Waikōloa Village.

Can you Vision Zero? Hawaiʻi Department of Health initiative developed in response to devastating impacts of tragic traffic deaths and raise awareness about how residents with shared vision to stop them can help.

Often included in the top 10 are big ticket events, festivals and activites; this week’s does, too, but we wanted to make sure you, our awesome readers, knew about a somewhat smaller event that is just as big based on its purpose. Check out the top 10 now!

Hawaiian Electric only initiated the proactive power shutoff program for communities at high risk of wildfires once on Maui; otherwise, any other power outages during the utility’s watch period from July 5 through today were unrelated to the program.

Water customers are reminded to prepare in the event of any prolonged power outage as Hawai‘i County Department of Water Supply relies on the Hawaiian Electric power grid to distribute water. Meanwhile, the electric utility remains in “watch” mode in case proactive power outages are necessary for high-exposure communities in Maui and Hawaiʻi counties.

National Weather Service extended a wind advisory in effect for North Kohala and portions of South Kohala, North Kona, Hāmākua, Kaʻū and Puna, adding the summits of Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa, as ridge of high pressure to north of state will keep same locations parched and primed for fires under the right conditions, despite National Weather Service not expected to issue any watches or warnings.

Hawai‘i County Parks and Recreation invites Big Island anglers to cast a few lines from Aug. 15-17 for a chance to win some great prizes and awards while enjoying their favorite pastime and family fun. 

Hawai‘i County Civil Defense asks public in those locations to be careful with use of open flames, fire and hotwork activity as well as avoid parking vehicles on dry grass after travel.

The National Weather Service Honolulu forecast office area forecast discussion from shortly before 4 a.m. today said fairly dry conditions with lower humidity levels coupled with those stronger winds also could produce elevated fire weather conditions over leeward areas late this morning into the afternoon.

‘KōCreate: Designing Homegrown Futures’ will take island residents who particiapte on a 6-month journey, preparing them to lead change grounded in local strengths, lived experience and collective vision.

Lane closure schedules can change at any time without notice. All projects are weather permitting. Check to see if any of the planned closures will impact your commute during the next week.

As a last line of defense, Hawaiian Electric could implement a public safety power shutoff, proactively disconnecting power in high-risk areas to reduce the chance for igniting wildfires. the electric utility urges its customers to review emergency plans and take steps to protect their homes and businesses.

Girl Scouts of Hawaiʻi beginning in August will fund trained facilitators to lead troops in close geographic regions throughout the state, each serving about 10 troops and 150 girls. The approach expands on a successful model already in place at 25 Title I schools.

The Big Island has you covered in abundance when it comes to festivities in observance of the patriotic holiday, from annual rodeo and horse races in Waimea to the main events — ‘rocket’s red glare’ and ‘bombs bursting in air’ during professional fireworks shows over Hilo Bay and Kailua Bay. Check out this week’s top 10 for all the details.

The legacy of Hawaiian cowboys comes alive through exhilarating competitions and family-friendly festivities at the 61st Annual July 4 Rodeo and Horse Races at Parker Ranch this Friday.

However, Hawaiʻi County reports that scrap metal and appliance recycling will be unavailable on the holiday

Hilo Patrol Officer Lawrence Kobayashi, South Kohala Patrol Officer Landon Takenishi and Area II Traffic Enforcement Unit Sgt. Thomas Koyanagi were honored for their efforts and dedication in the fight against impaired driving to reduce injuries and deaths on Big Island roadways.

Open call issued for musicians through July 25. The Beyond the Mic music showcase will feature four rising Hawai‘i Island selected solo artists or music groups to have their voices and stories elevated.

Lane closure schedules can change at any time without notice. All projects are weather permitting. Check to see if any of the planned closures will impact your commute during the next week.

A total of 449 drivers have been arrested for DUI on Big Island roadways so far this year, a decrease of 3.23% compared with the 464 police took into custody within the same time period in 2024.