West Hawai‘i News

Governor signs emergency proclamation, activates Hawai‘i National Guard to respond when needed to help, as wildfire threat expectd to increase heading into hottest months of summer, exacerbating already existing abnormally dry and drought conditions throughout much of the state, including most of the Big Island.

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.

Hawai‘i Island police so far this year have arrested 497 motorists for driving under the influence of an intoxicant on Big Island roadways; a total of 964 DUI arrests were made during all of last year.

The project, part of critical infrastructure improvements for the Kona hospital funded by the state, will expand, resurface and pave the parking lot with the goal of improving parking access and safety.

Hiring events planned July 18-19 at post offices in Hōlualoa, Kailua-Kona, Kealakekua, Hilo and Waimea, with salaries for assistant rural carriers and rural carrier associates starting at $20.38 per hour, plus benefits.

There’s a ton of stuff happening this weekend and heading into the end of the month. We wanted to make sure we brought you some of the best, in our opinion. So take a look and check out what we came up with for this week’s top 10!

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.