West Hawaii News
New Hawaiʻi County Parks and Recreation director highlights projects to finish, projects to begin
Work to improve Miloliʻi Beach Park and build the new Papaʻaloa play court is set to begin this March as the Hawaiʻi County Parks and Recreation focuses on creating safe recreational spaces and programs.
24 motorists arrested for DUI during week of Feb. 3-9 on Big Island
Police have made 106 arrests for driving under the influence of an intoxicant so far this year as of Feb. 9. That’s only 5 less, or a 4.5% decrease, from last year’s 111 DUI arrests during the same time period.
Update: High surf advisory for western shorelines extended through Friday morning
Surf of 6 to 8 feet is still expected along the west shores of the Big Island as a persistent west-northwest swell continues to fade overnight.
Top 10 things to do on Big Island for Feb. 14-20: Valentine’s Day soirées, stewardship and cultural events plus more
Cupid makes his rounds this weekend, and there is a variety of events around the Big Island to help the cherub of love hit his target so you score a bull’s-eye with your special someone. If you’re not feeling the love, don’t fret. There also are other events where Cupid’s arrow won’t necessarily fly.
Hawaiʻi County task force continues to combat opioid crisis with collaborative outreach
To honor all loved ones on Valentine’s Day, Hawaiʻi Island Fentanyl Task Force will be hosting a sign waving as a reminder to the community that prevention, treatment, and recovery are possible.
Update: High surf advisory extended for western shorelines of Big Island
A reinforcing large west-northwest will maintain advisory level surf through early Thursday morning along the Kohala and Kona coastlines.
Results from Hawai‘i County youth track and field meets
An estimated 650 youth ages 6 to 14 years old participated in the two events Feb. 1 at Waiākea High School in Hilo and Kealakehe High School in Kona
Overnight utility pole replacement in West Hawaiʻi reminds the public to report electric emergencies
Hawaiian Electric urges caution as crews replace a utility pole overnight on Māmalahoa Highway from Thursday evening to Friday morning.
On the job conservation: Hawaiian Adventures Kona recovers large ghost net during whale watching tour
Crew members of the ocean tour company’s vessel Artemis stepped up last week to remove a large mass of tangled marine debris — basically garbage — drifting off the Big Island’s Kona Coast while patient tour guests offered encouragement.
Annual live fire exercises slated this week at Kona and Hilo airports
Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting units will be testing response protocol at both airports will be from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 10 through Wednesday, Feb. 12.
Hawaiʻi County hiring summer lifeguards for swimming pools
Applicants must be 18 years old with current lifeguarding certification. They must also successfully have completed a swimming and skills test.
Hawai‘i Island lane closure schedule for week of Feb. 8-14
Motorists are reminded that schedules can change at any time, without notice. All projects also are weather permitting.
Be a team player: Police urge motorists to drive sober this Super Bowl Sunday
12 motorists were arrested the week of Jan. 27-Feb. 2 for driving under the influence of an intoxicant on Big Island roadways. A total of 88 DUI arrests had been made for the year by the end of last week.
Woman caught by video surveillance suspected of taking items from Kona business without paying
The suspect in the Dec. 29, 2024, theft is a local/Hawaiian woman possibly in her early 20s, between 5-foot-3 and 5-foot-5, weighing 130 to150 pounds.
Big Island residents encouraged to sign up for emergency alerts
Alerts through the Everbridge notification system are issued for natural disasters, road closures and other emergency-related public service announcements.
Hilton Grand Vacations gives on-the-spot job offers in Waikōloa
Variety of positions were available, including sales and marketing, housekeeping, guest services, maintenance, food and beverage and more. Walk-ins were welcome.
Top 10 things to do on Big Island for Feb. 7-13 + 5 date ideas ahead of Valentine’s Day Weekend
Love is in the air on the Big Island. Several of this week’s top 10 things to do already are Valentine’s Day-related, but we’re giving you a few early date ideas in case you want to plan ahead and make reservations to surprise your sweetie. Lovers of culture and history, conservation and the environment, community and music have plenty of options, too, this week.
Police encourage members of public to complete community satisfaction survey
This is your chance to provide feedback about how Hawai‘i Police Department is doing. You can take the survey until 4 p.m. Feb. 28.
Hele-On services unavailable Sunday
No buses or paratransit services will run today because of Americans With Disabilities Act training for all Hawaiʻi County Mass Transit employees and contractors. Regular services will resume Monday.
Top 10 things to do on Big Island for Feb. 1-6: Cherry blossoms, Year of the Snake, ‘Ohana stargazing and more
The winter storm that blew through the state at the end of the week fortunately didn’t blow away or wash out any of the multitude of events happening around the island, some of which are going on right now!
