West Hawai‘i News

‘Ho‘ohana’: Registration open for this year’s Hawaiʻi Island Early Childhood Conference

The theme for the 2025 conference — slated for Sept. 12-13 in Kailua-Kona — focuses on practical tools and thoughtful reflections to support the kindergarten entry assessment domains.

Big Island ag producers, landowners can participate in 2025 USDA conservation survey

Local National Agricultural Statistics Service representatives will visit operations and properties on the Big Island this month and in September to determine if they meet eligibility criteria for the survey.

Pancho & Lefty’s authorized to reopen after passing follow-up inspection

The eatery in downtown Kailua-Kona was allowed to reopen Aug. 12 after successfully completing several mandatory corrective actions to take care of multiple food safety violations found last week during a routine food safety inspection, which included cockroaches seen on food-contact surfaces and in ready-to-eat food.

Kona man indicted on nearly 30 charges for ‘significant acts’ of sexual assault, domestic violence

28-year-old Weston Duarte faces a total of 26 offenses; he remains in custody at Hālawa Correctional Facility, a state prison, in Honolulu on the basis of a pending parole violation; a $350,000 bench warrant for his arrest also was issued upon his indictment.

High surf advisory remains in effect for south-facing shores

Waves of 10 to 14 feet are forecast this morning, decreasing to 8 to 12 feet this afternoon and 7 to 10 feet Monday for those shorelines in Puna, Kaʻū, North and South Kona and North and South Kohala. Flooding of beaches that are normally dry, minor coastal erosion and saltwater inundation also will be an issue with continued coastal flooding.

Scheduled Hawai‘i Island lane closures on state roadways for Aug. 10-15

In observance of Statehood Day, Aug. 15, there will be no contraflow and lane closures unless otherwise permitted. Lane closure schedules can change at any time without notice. All projects are weather permitting.

Another Kailua-Kona restaurant shuttered because of multiple food safety violations

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.

High surf advisory in effect this weekend for south-facing shores of Big Island

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.

UPDATE: Coastal flooding now likely through late Sunday night along Big Island shorelines

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.

High school, college students ages 14 to 22 invited to enter 2025 Letter to My Parents contest

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.

Public comment sought about how to improve draft of Hawaiʻi’s climate action plan

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

Top 10 things to do on Big Island for Aug. 8-14: SPAM Musubi Day, Hana No‘eau Hawaiian Arts Festival, Keiki & Dog Fun Day, plus more

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!

Kenichi Pacific in Kona reopens after passing follow-up health inspection

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.

Groundbreaking research reveals potential underwater reservoir off Hawaiʻi Island coast

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.

UPDATE: Wind advisory again extended for North Hawai’i, parts of Kaʻū and Puna

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.

Scheduled Hawai‘i Island lane closures on state roadways for Aug. 3-8

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.

‘It’s everyone’s kuleana’: State urges public to remain vigilant as dangerous wildfire weather continues

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.

State shutters Kenichi Pacific in Kailua-Kona for multiple food safety violations

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.

Burn ban issued for parts of Hawaiʻi Island as threat of critical fire weather continues

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.

Top 10 things to do on Big Island for Aug. 1-7: 808 Day, art exhibits, Back to the 80s and more

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.
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