West Hawaii News
Lava skyrockets to more than 700 feet in Episode 15 of ongoing Kīlauea summit eruption
It took about 10 hours or so, but the vents inside Halemaʻumaʻu Crater within Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park once again did not disappoint, but officials warn there are some hazards to watch out for accompanying the roaring geysers of molten rock.
Hunt is on at KTA Super Stores on Big Island for chance to win iPad and $250 gift card
Be on the look out for for a giant egg with a QR code as you’re cruising the aisle at any of the 7 participating KTA Super Stores and KTA Express locations through April 20 as part of the grocer’s family-friendly annual Easter Egg Hunt tradition.
More than 200 DUI arrests made on Big Island so far in 2025, another 15 last week
That’s a 2.03% increase from 2024, with Hilo leading the pack 79 DUI arrests followed by Kona with 71, Puna with 33, South Kohala with 15 and North Kohala with 2, rounding out the top five. Big Island police say DUI roadblocks will continue islandwide.
County Council passes pilot program to allow mobile vendors along a stretch of highway in Kona
Commercial vendors will be allowed to apply for a permit to operate within a 200-yard section on the ocean side of Ane Keohokālole Highway.
Creative Media Summit to build foundation for thriving Big Island media ecosystem
Island youth and residents have consistently voiced a desire for more opportunities in the creative industries. The Hawai‘i Island Creative Media Summit is designed to connect like-minded creatives, build pathways for learning and collaboration and strengthen a circular economy that prioritizes locals helping locals.
All Foodland stores statewide now part of ‘DA BUX’ Double Up Food Bucks program
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, recipients who get “DA BUX” benefits receive an access card they swipe before their electronic benefits transfer, or EBT, card at checkout to get 50% off qualifying fruits and vegetables grown in Hawaiʻi at participating grocery stores.
Top 10 things to do on Big Island for March 21-27: ‘The Little Mermaid,’ Big Island Art Fair, Inspiration of Unity and more
Take a dive under the sea and catch ‘The Little Mermaid’ during its opening weekend at the historic Palace Theater in Downtown Hilo or check out they myriad other events and activities happening around the Big Island during the next several days. There’s sure to be something that will float everybody’s boat, from tadpoles to even the most seasoned of groupers.
Update: 40-year-old Ocean View man wanted on 2 outsanding warrants, questioning in 2022 burglary arrested
40-year-old Robert “Tamatoa” Teinauri-Carman was located this morning in the vicinity of Highway 11 in Pāhala.
California man gets 20 years for stabbing his girlfriend with steak knife at Waikōloa resort
67-year-old Richard Lopez and his 64-year-old girlfriend of 17 years, who he stabbed multiple times, were visiting the island and staying at the Waikōloa Beach Marriot Resort on Sept. 1, 2022, when the incident happened.
Hawai‘i County Department of Water Supply briefs: Leaking waterline repairs, hydrant flow tests, poster contest deadline extended
Water Supply crews are fixing a leaking waterline near Camp Honokaia until 2:30 p.m. today. Fire hydrant flow tests are slated for tonight and the night of March 25 in different locations in Kailua-Kona. And learn more about the annual keiki poster contest.
Total of nearly 190 DUI arrests made on Big Island roadways so far this year
There have been 186 DUI arrests on the island in 2025, an increase of nearly 3% from the 181 motorists arrested for driving under the influence of an intoxicant by the same time in 2024. Another 15 drivers, including 6 who were not even legally old enough to drink, were arrested the week of March 3-9.
Business Monday: Big Island chef delivering organic meals while supporting local farmers, ranchers
Chef Jasmine Silverstein says her Meals in a HeartBeet business is “locally sourced, but globally inspired.”
3 Big Island principals nominated for 2025 Masayuki Tokioka Excellence in School Leadership Award
Hilo Union Elementary School Principal Bryan Arbles, Keonepoko Elementary School Principal Kasey Eisenhour and Hōnaunau Elementary School Principal Noreen Kunitomo are among 15 principals statewide to receive the honor and who could win $25,000.
Update: Investigation continues into how suspect in police shooting evaded capture
The suspect, who reportedly shot a police officer in Hilo, eluded capture till Sunday afternoon.
Hunt for man who reportedly shot Vice officer ongoing; rewards stand at $21K
Hawai‘i Island police think Lucrisia, who is wanted for first-degree attempted murder, might be injured based on evidence collected at the scene of Friday’s shooting, which happened in the parking lot outside First Hawaiian Bank near Prince Kūhiō Plaza in Hilo.
Update: Reward climbs to possible $21K for info leading to capture, arrest of manhunt suspect
FBI matches U.S. Marshals Service reward offer for total of $20,000, Hawai‘i Island Crime Stoppers also continues to provide up to $1,000 reward as search continues for 39-year-old Christopher Lucrisia of Puna, who reportedly shot Big Island police officer twice Friday morning
‘We’re going to find you’: Hunt for Puna man who reportedly shot police officer in head continues into second day
Hawai‘i County Mayor Kimo Alameda, Hawai‘i Police Chief Ben Moszkowicz vow to bring Christopher Lucrisia, who is considered to be armed and dangerous, into custody. Meanwhile, Silas Zion, who drove the truck they fled in after the shooting, was arrested Friday evening.
Hilo man sentenced to 30 years for 2022 kidnapping of 2 teens, sexual assault of 15-year-old Kona girl
54-year-old Duncan Mahi pleaded no contest Dec. 31, 2024, as part of a plea deal to first- and second-degree kidnapping and first-degree sexual assault in the case that prompted the Big Island’s second-ever MAILE AMBER Alert.
Bridging the gap: Kamaʻāina Observatory Experience returns, connecting Hawaiʻi residents with Mauna Kea observatories
Tour participants learn about the scientific, cultural and environmental importance of the mauna and then actually visit the inside of one of the telescopes atop the summit.
Top 10 things to do on Big Island for March 14-20: Sew Fine exhibit, Groundation live, flamenco, gaming and more
Whether it’s dancing, fashion, live music or even gaming, there’s something happening on the Big Island during the next week we’re sure anyone can enjoy. Check out the top 10 things to do on the Big Island now!
