West Hawai‘i News
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!
Student at Kona school allegedly threatens another student with violence involving firearm
Hawai‘i Police Department initiated a terroristic threatening investigation March 11 following the alleged verbal threats made by a teenage girl at Kona Pacific Charter School in Kealakekua.
State voluntary pause extended 90 days for interisland transport of poultry, other bird species
Surveillance of avian influenza, or bird flu, continues, and while no other birds have become ill from the virus, it has been detected in waste water on the Big Island and Kauaʻi. So officials, out of an abundance of caution, said extending the pause is prudent at this time.
Police search for Ocean View man considered armed and dangerous
Andrew Amon, 29, is wanted for four outstanding warrants for his arrest and for questioning in regards to other investigations ongoing in the Hawaiʻi Ocean View Estates subdivision.
Update: 65-year-old Kailua-Kona woman with medical condition found in good health
Phyllis Santiago was located the afternoon of March 11 in Kailua-Kona.
Hawaiʻi County reaches COVID hazard pay agreements with employee unions
Mayor Kimo Alameda signed contracts with Hawaiʻi Government Employees Association and Hawaiʻi Fire Fighters Association this week to provide their members 2 years of hazard pay. Tentative agreements are being finalized with State of Hawaiʻi Organization of Police Officers and United Public Workers.
Nearly 30 motorists arrested for DUI during week of Feb. 24-March 3
Hawai‘i Police Department officers have made a total of 171 arrests of motorists driving under the influence of an intoxicant during the first two full months of the year. While it’s just 3 more than during the same time period in 2024, it represents a 1.8% hike in DUI citations.
End of an era: Last Kona Brewers Festival to benefit 17 nonprofits
Started by the nonprofit Ke Kai Ala Foundation, the festival has given $1.8 million to community groups over the 30 years the event has been hosted.
Top 10 things to do on Big Island for March 7-13: Final Kona Brewers Festival, KS Hawai‘i Hōʻike, YAS Fest, Redeeming Māhū and more
Many of the events and activities around the Big Island during the next week will focus on tradition, talent and taddies. Check out this week’s top 10 things to do now!
Vibrant Hawaiʻi fosters resilience in remote areas of Big Island with 20 new hubs
Communities can address vulnerabilities and prepare for emergencies through the expanding Vibrant Hawaiʻi Resilience Hub network.
Hilo, Kona residents could experience temporary outage of Spectrum Voice 911 service Thursday
Spectrum will be performing scheduled maintenance beginning at 12 a.m. tonight until 12 p.m. Thursday, causing a potential temporary outage of 911 services.
