West Hawaii News

A state Health Department inspector observed violations at Pancho & Lefty’s Cantina & Restaurante including dead and live cockroaches on food-contact surfaces and in ready-to-eat food, unclean facilities and utensils and possible cross-contamination of refrigerated foods.

Large breaking waves of 7 to 10 feet are forecast by Aug. 8 along the southern shores of the island, with wave heights increasing to between at least 10 and 14 feet by Aug. 9.

The extension comes as National Weather Service forecasters also issued a high surf advisory for south-facing shores of the state that will be in effect from early Friday morning to early the morning of Aug. 11.

Essays or letters should be no more than 1,000 words and include a constructive proposal for how to maintain or improve their relationships with their parents. Submissions will be judged on bravery, reflection and their proposals.

The Climate Action Pathways first draft was developed based on community feedback gathered at more than 80 public events throughout Hawaiʻi.

This week’s top 10 is a celebration of diversity once again — for events and activities — with everything from observing the fifth annual SPAM Musubi Day to the Hana No‘eau Hawaiian Arts Festival and a tail-wagging good time for keiki and their furry best friends. Check out this week’s top 10 things to do on the Big Island now!

An inspector with the Hawai‘i Department of Health Food Safety Branch osbserved multiple criticial food safety violations July 30 at the Kailua-Kona restaurant, which was then immediately forced to close. It received its green “pass” placard Aug. 4.

Scientists investigated the potential vast underground reservoir of fresh water beneath Hawaiʻi Island’s ocean floor, potentially revolutionizing the understanding of island hydrology and offering new fresh water sources.

The advisory is now in effect until 6 p.m. today for North and South Kohala as well as northern and interior portions of North Kona and Hāmākua along with south and southeasten portions of Kaʻū and Puna, with sustained winds of 20 to 30 mph expected and gusts up to 50 mph.

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.

Red flag warnings are a call to action, said Hawaiʻi Emergency Management Administrator James Barros, and the state has seen how just a single spark can have devastating — and deadly — consequences.

Numerous live and dead cockroaches were observed on kitchen food-contact surfaces and in storage areas, plus equipment and facilities were not clean or maintained during a recent inspection of the restaurant located at Keauhou Shopping Center.

Hawaiʻi County Mayor Kimo Alameda signed an emergency proclamation July 31 that prohibits all outdoor burning, outdoor open flames and ‘hot work’ in an effort to reduce the risk of wildfire in areas of Big Island under red flag warning.

Hey, Mom and Dad! We know you’ve had them home all summer and are probably looking forward to the beginning of the school year. But this IS the last weekend before keiki return to class, so why not take them on one more journey or have one final quest? Huh? Sounds like a good idea, you say? Need some ideas? Well why don’t you look at that. We just so happen to have a few upcoming events to recommend that might be perfect.

Hawai‘i U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz launches guide to learn more about how major changes to health care, food assistance and other services, as well as education and taxes, will affect thousands of island residents because of the new fedeal tax law.

Shipping company’s operations at ports in Hilo, Kawaihae on Big Island and Nāwiliwili on Kaua‘i are open again; barges from Honolulu arrived at Kawaihae and Nāwiliwili on July 29, but not all cargo was discharged and none was loaded back from either port.

Aimed at helping communities recover from major disasters more quickly, the Reforming Disaster Recovery Act was introduced and written by Hawai‘i Democrat U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz and Maine Republican U.S. Sen. Susan Collins.

The Home Improvement Loan Program — or HILP — provides low-interest loans intended to help low- and moderate-income families repair, improve or modernize their primary residence; loan amounts range from $2,500 to $50,000 at a 3% simple interest rate to eligible homeowners.

Hawai‘i County officials ask residents, however, to exercise caution and stay out of the water, as coastal areas continue to be hazardous.

The Hulu Street Evacuation Drill is set up twice each year to help residents get familiar with the route before an emergency situation.