West Hawaii News

The newly completed expansion — which took 2 years — more than doubles the size of the skatepark at Kailua Park in Kailua-Kona and includes new quarter pipes, rails, a pyramid and other obstacles.

New grant money increases available funding for state’s ongoing rehabilitation project to restore and upgrade Runway 17-35 — the West Hawai’i airport’s only runway — to meet modern standards and ensure its long-term reliability.

Hawaiʻi County has set up a permitting process for food trucks to operate legally along Ane Keohokālole Highway and it is providing a temporary space for Food Truck Fridays.

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.

28-year-old Weston Duarte was arrested the evening of July 10 after a car crash in Captain Cook following 9-1-1 text messages from his 35-year-old girlfriend to police saying he allegedly was armed, using methamphetamine, physically assaulted her and threatened to kill her.

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.

Hawaiian Electric crews will be replacing utility poles overnight July 10-11 between Waiaha Road and Water Pipe Road as well as near Helani Congregational Church.

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.

20-year-old Lasty Jessy is charged with first-degree robbery, first-degree theft, unauthorized control of a propelled vehicle and other offenses in connection with an alleged car theft the evening of 4th of July at Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport and a police chase and 2-vehicle car crash fewer than 2 days later in Hilo.

Each of the 7 informal events with no agenda — hosted from Keauhou to Kapaʻau — is an opportunity for the public to get to know the police officers who protect and serve their communities.

High school athletes on the Big Island can sharpen their skills at free sports clinics hosted by Grand Canyon University in Hilo and Kona on Tuesday and Wednesday next week.

Water sample testing results show enterococci bacteria levels no longer exceed the acceptable threshold level at both locations, which are about 23 miles apart along the West Hawai‘i coast.

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.

Treatment for these sites is underway, and detection surveys for other potential breeding sites are ongoing. Their discovery brings the total number of breeding sites for the invasive insect found on the Big Island to 3 since October 2023 when it was first detected here in Waikōloa.

ʻĀhikawa Street between Hōlū Street and Kiekie Street will be closed from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

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.

Hawai‘i Fire Department reports no one was injured in the single-story, 3-bedroom house fire that ignited sometime about 6 p.m. July 5 at 82-0954 Aka Ala St., forcing its husband-and-wife owners to evacuate.