West Hawai‘i News

Hot Rides Expo and Hilo Bay Blast once again offer full day of events, including live music, food trucks, keiki activities and vintage, classic and futuristic vehicles rolling into bayfront, plus a fantastic fireworks show accompanied by live music. Meanwhile, the annual Independence Day Parade and Independence Day Extravaganza fireworks exhibition return to downton Kailua-Kona for everyone’s 4th of July evening enjoyment.

Permits can be purchased through 8 p.m. July 4 for $25 by those 18 years old and older at TNT Tents in Hilo, Kona and Keaʻau.

However, Hawaiʻi County reports that scrap metal and appliance recycling will be unavailable on the holiday

Jayers Ko, a tattoo artist from Hong Kong now residing in Kona, specializes in areola-nipple tattoos to help breast cancer survivors and other surgery patients in the journey of personal healing and transformation.

Hilo Patrol Officer Lawrence Kobayashi, South Kohala Patrol Officer Landon Takenishi and Area II Traffic Enforcement Unit Sgt. Thomas Koyanagi were honored for their efforts and dedication in the fight against impaired driving to reduce injuries and deaths on Big Island roadways.

Police responding to the scene determined the teen was driving south on Queen Ka‘ahumanu Highway in West Hawai‘i in a black 2023 Toyota Camry, when it veered off the roadway, struck several large rocks and overturned multiple times.

Open call issued for musicians through July 25. The Beyond the Mic music showcase will feature four rising Hawai‘i Island selected solo artists or music groups to have their voices and stories elevated.

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.

A total of 449 drivers have been arrested for DUI on Big Island roadways so far this year, a decrease of 3.23% compared with the 464 police took into custody within the same time period in 2024.

The unidentified man is thought to be a ride-share driver and between 6 foot and 6-foot-3, 180 and 200 pounds, with a mustache and goatee. Do you know who he is?

54-year-old William Kaohu was arrested at about 6 a.m. June 26 after Hawai‘i Police Department’s Vice West Section recovered more than 12 pounds of methamphetamine, about 2 pounds of marijuana, 3 ounces of cocaine, a .22-caliber Marlin Glenfield Model 60 rifle and more during their search of his residence in the 74-700 block of Pāʻia Place in Kailua-Kona. He was charged later that day with 13 drug, firearms and other offenses.

The order — effective July 1 through Sept. 30 — applies to parts of West Hawaiʻi where the invasive beetle has been detected in the past 6 months on Hawaiʻi Island. Residents and business operators in this area are asked not to transport materials that can host the invasive insects and their larvae in an effort to thwart their spread.

Fraudsters in widespread scam are using names of actual department personnel and claiming those they call owe money for missed court appearances or outstanding warrants.

Beach and harbor users are advised to stay out of water when it appears brown or murky, especially following storms or heavy rain as it might contain higher-than-normal levels of pollutant. If the water is brown, turn around.

Don’t miss your chance to be part of one of Kona’s most beloved traditions and come together as a community to celebrate freedom, island style.

Partnership with Get Ready Hawai‘i strengthens support for West Hawai‘i keiki and ʻohana. Culminates on Aug. 2 with End-of-Summer Celebration in front of Regal Theater.

Diversity and culture are on display in this week’s top 10 things to do on the Big Island, from the types of events and activities happening to the people and places they represent.

Kids ages 5 to 18 years old are eligible to show off their singing chops as part of a duet, group, band or individual during this free musical showcase and competition in collaboration with Grammy-nominated local musician LT Smooth, the Hearo Foundation and University of the Nations.

The event is intentionally informal, with no agenda. Those who attend can talk about a wide range of topics, ranging from personal stories to discussing neighborhood issues.

Entry at Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park will be free during the 64th annual Hawaiian Cultural Festival from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday.