West Hawai‘i News

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.

West Hawaiʻif farmers, ranchers, foresters and landowners can get personalized advice and other assistance during a USDA workshop this Friday.

“Under the New Moon” brings Native Hawaiian culture and tradition to life every last Tuesday of the month at the Outrigger Resort in Keauhou.

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.

Proactive outreach and innovative problem-solving aimed at improving well-being of communities he serves have distinguished the Kona Community Policing Section officer, setting the 14-year Hawai‘i Police Department veteran apart and leading to him being honored.

A total of $10.5 million was awarded in 2024-25 to 15 projects by 9 nonprofits working to ensure homelessness is rare, brief and non-recurring on Hawaiʻi Island. Deadline to apply this year is 4 p.m. Aug. 29.

Combination of peaking monthly high tides and elevated water levels have continued to make afternoon high tides exceed height predictions by about a half-foot since Monday, with that trend not expected to change until this weekend.

The program — a joint effort between Hawai‘i and U.S. Department of Agriculture — is aimed at bridging a gap in nutrition many keiki throughout the islands experience during their summer break from school.

Community members who need to reach the station for non-emergency reasons are asked to call Hawai‘i Police Department’s non-emergency line at 808-935-3311. Call 9-1-1 in the event of an emergency.

Nonprofits pursuing projects that strengthen the Big Island’s future are invited to apply for fiscal year 2025-26 Impact Grants program funding.

This is a week when each of the top 10 things to do on the Big Island has a vibe — a personality — all its own. A unique signature, if you will, the others don’t necessarily share or emulate. Check them out now to see for yourself!

Suspect is seen on video surveillance picking up the wallet outside a Kailua-Kona shopping center, put it inside a gray Jeep Wrangler and then leave. Do you know her?

Work through 4 p.m. today and July 24 requires separate closures on Kuakini and Mamalahoa Highways while crews install new infrastructure. Motorists should plan accordingly.

The July 19 temblor that caused the tsunami watch excitement struck roughly 45 miles northeast from the epicenter of a 1952 magnitude-9 earthquake that did trigger a destructive Pacific tsunami that caused damage in Hawai‘i, including on the Big Island.

48-year-old Sarah Coultas and her daughter Violet Coultas-Benson were last seen together at 4 p.m. July 6 at the top of Miloli‘i Road in South Kona. Do you have any information about their whereabouts? Police are asking for your help to find them.