West Hawai‘i News
UPDATE: Big Island woman now faces charges connected to crash that badly injured her pedestrian boyfriend
22-year-old Alaina Kainoa-Aukai of Ocean View remains in custody, charged with several offenses including attempted murder, assault and others following crash that happened after alleged domestic dispute between the couple.
House leadership appointments, committee assignments announced for 33rd Hawaiʻi Legislature
West Hawai‘i state Rep. Kirstin Kahaloa named majority caucus leader for 2025-26 term; several Big Island lawmakers assigned chairmanships or vice chairmanships of committees.
Top 10 things to do on Big Island for June 20-26: ‘Dirty Rotten Scoundrels,’ The Green, Junior Gamers Extravaganza and more
If you’re seeking an adventure — or even a misadventure — the Big Island has some upcoming events and activities that are sure to pique your interest. Check out this week’s top 10 things to do on the Big Island now!
Society for Kona’s Education and Art seeking help to revive its century-old historic facility
The Society for Kona’s Education and Art is calling for community support to raise $150,000 needed to repair its historic building, pausing its beloved art camps and workshops until the restoration is complete.
Hawaiʻi County to unveil Kona Open Space Network Draft Conceptual Plan
Community walk-through and talk story event scheduled June 28 for project aimed at connecting and preserving public open spaces in Kona by linking corridors such as trails, bike paths, shorelines and roadways that support multimodal access.
Big Island embraces Buddhist cultural tradition with 27 Obon celebrations this season
The Buddhist tradition of dance is meant to welcome, celebrate and appreciate ancestors and loved ones who have passed away.
Hong Kong Chop Suey in Captain Cook is closed for multiple food safety violations
The Department of Health issued a red “closed” placard to Hong Kong Chop Suey, 82-6066 Mamalahoa Hwy., for at least 10 critical food safety violations found on Thursday.
Hawaiʻi police arrest and charge wanted fugitive after Captain Cook crime spree
Junson Heckerz, 28, was arrested after a crime spree that included vehicle theft, burglary, and an officer-involved shooting in Captain Cook on Wednesday.
Milestone agreement to strengthen health care in West Hawaiʻi
The healthcare landscape of West Hawaiʻi is set for a major transformation as the Hawaiʻi Health Systems West Hawaiʻi Region, The Queen’s Health Systems, and Aliʻi Health Center unite under a shared workforce agreement to enhance specialty health care.
Ex-Konawaena Middle School teacher found guilty of sexually assaulting minor to be sentenced in August
John Lee Franks, 47, of Ocean View was convicted of continuous sexual assault of a minor younger than 14 years old and first-degree attempted sexual assault, both Class A felonies. The verdict was handed down May 29 after a 2-week bench trial in February.
Scheduled Hawai‘i Island lane closures on state roadways for May 31-June 6
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.
Police bust who they think is alleged ‘Barnacle’ bandit in possible parking violation scam
Officers through their investigation identified 29-year-old Emmy Cedeno Perez of Kailua-Kona as the alleged party responsible for a possible scam involving a device called “The Barnacle” that is placed on a vehicle windshield and meant to obstruct a driver’s view, temporarily imobilizing the vehicle, until a fine is paid to remove it.
Top 10 things to do on Big Island for May 30-June 5: Kaʻū Coffee Festival, Justin Morris & Company, Hilo Pride Kick-Off Party and more
What’s on the agenda for the upcoming weekend and next week? Well, there’s art exhibits, concerts, workshops, festivals and a lot more. Check out this week’s top 10 now!
Beware ‘The Barnacle’: Police warn Kona residents about possible parking violation scam
Hawaiʻi Island police are investigating after receiving multiple reports about a parking enforcement device known as “The Barnacle” being placed on vehicle windshields at the top of Napoʻopoʻo Road.
Hawaiʻi Army National Guard convoy activity continues this week on Big Island
Convoy activity began May 18 and will continue daily through the end of this week from Kawaihae Harbor to Pōhakuloa Training Area within the window of 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. as Guard prepares for annual training exercises.
Best of jazz and blues coming to Hawaiʻi Island stage
The Big Island Jazz and Blues Festival will have an incredible lineup including Chicago’s Steve Freund, New Orleans’ Bruce “Sunpie” Barnes and Hawaiʻi Island’s John Keawe and Larry Dupio.
Scheduled Hawai‘i Island lane closures on state roadways for May 27-30
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.
Hawaiʻi Island community police invite keiki to perform musical skills in new showcase
Aspiring musicians are encouraged to register for the inaugural HI-PAL Youth Music Showcase by July 1 before the performances on Saturday, Aug. 1 in Kailua-Kona.
Top 10 things to do on Big Island for May 23-29: Hōkūleʻa Hoʻolauleʻa, 21st annual Celebration of Life and more
It’s a Memorial Day Weekend full of culture and remembrance on the Big Island. There’s a comedy show, guacamole contest and even a showing of the silent movie that started it all at the Palace Theater in downtown Hilo 100 years ago coming up this week, too. Check out the top 10 now!
Scheduled Hawai‘i Island lane closures on state roadways for May 18-23
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.
