West Hawai‘i News
Special Election for Puna District Held Today
A special election is being held today for voters in the Puna district who were unable to vote due to two polling locations closing due to Hurricane Iselle on primary election day.
Governor Extends Emergency Proclamation to October
The extension of the proclamation is ostensibly in response to the widespread damage and ongoing disaster recovery efforts on Hawai’i Island.
Puna Geothermal: “No Need” for Civil Defense’s Gas Alert
Puna Geothermal Venture today released a statement contradicting “reports by commentators” that warned residents of an uncontrolled release of hydrogen sulfide from the plant.
Hawaii Red Cross Continues Overnight Shelter in Pāhoa
The Hawaiʻi Red Cross Shelter at the Pāhoa Community Center on Hawaiʻi Island remains open to support those impacted by Tropical Cyclone Iselle.
UPDATE: Hanabusa’s Special Election Delay Denied in Court
Hanabusa was seeking a temporary restraining order to delay the special election planned for Friday at Keonepoko Elementary School. Judge Greg Nakamura ruled against it.
UPDATES: Big Island Power Outage Status
The number of customers without power stands and current areas of focus.
Some Big Isle Parks Remain Closed Due to Iselle
“Our Big Island staff continue to support Hawaii County efforts to assist the Puna community with downed tree removals and clearings.”
VIDEO: Flyover Footage of Big Island Storm Damage
Drone footage of some of the damage sustained by Hurricane Iselle on the Big Island.
Perseid Meteor Shower May Be Visible Despite ‘Super Moon’
Viewing will be best between midnight and dawn in the eastern sky, according to the Bishop Museum Planetarium. The Perseid Meteor Shower happens around mid-August each year.
UPDATE: Hurricane Recovery and Assistance Operations
Updates on the Big Island’s power outages, recovery efforts, supply centers, shelters, damage reports, cell phone service, park closures, and the voting location on Friday.
Hawai’i County 2014 Primary Election Results
The results of the 2014 primary election for Hawai’i County, without the results from Puna due to damage from Hurricane Iselle. Puna will decide who will be US senator due to the tight race between Hanabusa and Schatz.
Special Election in Storm-Affected Puna Will Name US Senator
The votes could make a difference in the US Senate race where just 300 votes separate Brain Schatz from Colleen Hanabusa in the Democratic primary.
Post-Storm Supplies Available at Centers Around East Hawai’i
Supplies include water, ice (for preserving food), and other supplies and services.
PHOTOS: Hurricane Iselle – Before & After
A chronological series of images from Big Island Now staff and readers of Hurricane Iselle’s effects on the Big Island.
Primary Election Summary
Gov. Abercrombie concedes to David Ige, while US Senator Schatz scrapes past Hanabusa to hold the senate seat — but that’s contingent on delayed votes in Puna reflecting the current results.
Storm Postpones Election for Two Big Island Polling Places
Roads leading to polling places at the Hawaiʻi Paradise Community Center and Keoneopoko Elementary School remained closed on Friday afternoon. Voting for those in the affected areas will be done by absentee ballot.
Roads Blocked, Power Out in Large Sections of Puna
Fallen trees disrupt road access in Hawaiian Paradise Park and Volcano as tropical storm Iselle moves west across the state.
24-Hour Rainfall Totals for Hawai`i Island
24-hour rainfall totals ending at 8 a.m. on Friday, Aug. 8, show more than 14 inches of rain at Saddle Quarry and Kulani …
Weakened Iselle Drenches Big Island
Flash-flood warnings extended as Tropical Storm Iselle brings heavy rainfall to the Big Island.
CONTAINED: Hydrogen Sulfide Release at Puna Geothermal
Residents near Puna Geothermal Venture advised to remain indoors or evacuate the area.
