West Hawaii News

Konane Zager, owner of the vessel Waiʻaka, will be fined the maximum penalty of slightly more than $10,000 and lose his commercial marine license for violation in May 2025.

The total number of DUI arrests in 2025 decreased by 6.74% compared with the 964 recorded in 2024; fatal crashes and fatalities also decreased on island roadways last year.

Lane closure schedules can change at any time without notice. All projects are weather permitting.

The change is aimed at enforcing safe driving habits and enhancing safety of motorists traveling between mile posts 78 and 92.6, in the vicinity of Waikōloa Beach Drive and Keāhole Airport Road.

HFS has helped since 2012 relieve some of the financial stress that comes with pursuing a college degree by awarding more than 130 scholarships to student members, totaling more than $355,000.

About 60 volunteers took part in the cleanup along Keala O Keawe Road, collecting about 15 bags of trash that resulted in a noticeable improvement to the area.

There is an eclectic emulsion of events coming next week around the Big Island, each promising an exciting escape from the everyday bustle. Check out our top 10 things to do on the Big Island now!

Radar showed at about 6:30 p.m. that heavy rain over the area diminished; flooding is no longer expected to pose a threat.

A team of Kealakehe students are working to get to the top 8 teams of the written debate competition, which would allow them to debate in New York City and compete for $10,000 grand prize.

The festival announced the key updates as momentum builds for the 31st annual event slated for March 14 at King Kamehameha Kona Beach Hotel in Kailua-Kona; tickets go on sale Jan. 10.

3 Kona canoe clubs lead construction effort and launch GoFundMe campaign to raise funds for the project.

“Storms like this are unpredictable and potentially dangerous, so we urge the public to be prepared,” said Hawai‘i County Mayor Kimo Alameda. “The picture right now looks like the biggest risk is to Puna and Hilo communities, but that could shift to Ka‘ū or to Kona coast communities by later this weekend.”

Lane closure schedules can change at any time without notice. All projects are weather permitting.

Local sponsors step forward each year to create scholarships that reflect their own values, journeys and hopes for the next generation — and 2026 marks the program’s most generous year yet.

After years of improving relationships between police and the community as a whole, Lt. William Derr has been promoted to captain for the North Kohala District beginning today.

The most wonderful time of year has come and gone, but that doesn’t mean there’s nothing to do around the island. There just isn’t as much hustle and bustle as there was in December; so take some time to relax and enjoy yourself instead of running around on all those busy sidewalks.

Vivianna Arsenault was reported as a runaway Tuesday, Dec. 30 and was last seen in Kailua-Kona around 3 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 25 in a red jacket and black shorts.

The meeting is an opportunity for residents to provide input and learn about the federally funded study, which is intended to mitigate the risk of harm to people and property in fire-vulnerable Waikōloa Village area.

While the The Nature Conservancy helps coral reef growth with quick, short-term responses, ʻĀkoʻakoʻa Reef Restoration Program focuses on long-term reef health.

More than 1,000 toys were donated and subsequently distributed to The Salvation Army and Boys & Girls Club to help ensure 1,000 keiki throughout West Hawaiʻi received holiday gifts this Christmas season.