West Hawaii News

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.

More than 500 fifth- and sixth-grade students from Konawaena Middle, Waikōloa Elementary, Waimea Elementary, Kanu o ka ‘Āina Elementary School as well as Kohala Elementary and Intermediate schools celebrated with carnival games, interactive displays from several community organizations and more.

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.

“This annual celebration brings our community together in the spirit of aloha and pride,” said Kailua Village Business Improvement District Executive Director Ross Wilson Jr. in an announcement about the festivities. “The business improvement district is proud to be one of the hosts of an event that honors our nation’s history while highlighting the vibrant culture of our island traditions.”

68-year-old Gordon McCormick was taken into custody on the charge of second-degree attempted murder following the incident because of the severity of the woman’s injuries. She remains in critical condition after being shot in the head.

Hot Rides Expo and Hilo Bay Blast once again offer full day of events, including live music, food trucks, keiki activities and vintage, classic and futuristic vehicles rolling into bayfront, plus a fantastic fireworks show accompanied by live music. Meanwhile, the annual Independence Day Parade and Independence Day Extravaganza fireworks exhibition return to downton Kailua-Kona for everyone’s 4th of July evening enjoyment.

Permits can be purchased through 8 p.m. July 4 for $25 by those 18 years old and older at TNT Tents in Hilo, Kona and Keaʻau.

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

Jayers Ko, a tattoo artist from Hong Kong now residing in Kona, specializes in areola-nipple tattoos to help breast cancer survivors and other surgery patients in the journey of personal healing and transformation.

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.

Police responding to the scene determined the teen was driving south on Queen Ka‘ahumanu Highway in West Hawai‘i in a black 2023 Toyota Camry, when it veered off the roadway, struck several large rocks and overturned multiple times.

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.

The unidentified man is thought to be a ride-share driver and between 6 foot and 6-foot-3, 180 and 200 pounds, with a mustache and goatee. Do you know who he is?

54-year-old William Kaohu was arrested at about 6 a.m. June 26 after Hawai‘i Police Department’s Vice West Section recovered more than 12 pounds of methamphetamine, about 2 pounds of marijuana, 3 ounces of cocaine, a .22-caliber Marlin Glenfield Model 60 rifle and more during their search of his residence in the 74-700 block of Pāʻia Place in Kailua-Kona. He was charged later that day with 13 drug, firearms and other offenses.