West Hawaii News
Electric utility work to close one lane of highway in Hōlualoa this week
Hawaiian Electric crews will be replacing a utility pole, so one lane of Māmalahoa Highway will be closed from 10 p.m. Wednesday to 6 a.m. Thursday.
Hawaiʻi County invites the public to jingle bells and trek the trails
“Jingle Bells, Trek the Trails” is a free event that mixes holidays with health and wellness with vendors, activities, and a bicycle course for people to explore.
Gov. Josh Green aims to create a safer, more affordable Hawaiʻi in 2-year budget plan
Gov. Josh Green prioritizes housing, health care, education and biosecurity in Executive Biennium Budget.
‘Breaks my heart’: South Kona community reacts after fire destroys old bowling alley
Community members were saddened to learn Sunday that the 2-story building on Māmalahoa Highway — a landmark in Kainaliu — where so many special memories were made is now just a charred shell of its former self after the destruction wroght there by a raging fire.
Deadline extended for county impact grant program
Applicants can now submit their proposals for research, programs, or projects that have a positive impact on Hawaiʻi Island communities until Feb. 5, 2025.
Kaʻū Hospital expands to ensure more access to services for rural community
Staff, hospital leadership, legislators and community members attended a groundbreaking celebration for the expansion project, which is estimated to be complete by mid-2026.
National Weather Service issues coastal flood statement for weekend
Best chance for impacts — which will include flooding of normally dry beaches, minor coastal erosion and saltwater inundation — will occur especially during the early morning high tides and daybreak from midnight through late Sunday.
Cops invite families to an afternoon of cocoa and Christmas cheer
Families and keiki are invited to get to know their Kona Community Policing Officers over a cup of cocoa next Saturday.
Update: Red flag warning canceled for leeward Big Island
As winds begin to decrease and relative humidity rebounds, the threat of critical fire weather has diminished.
Update: Wind advisory canceled as trade winds fall below advisory thresholds
Winds in North and South Kohala, Kaʻū and the interior of the Big Island will continue to decrease into the weekend as high pressure to the north of the islands weakens.
Top 10 things to do on Big Island for Dec. 9-13: ‘The Nutcracker,’ photos with Santa, Christmas chocolates and cocktails, candlelight memorial and more
There are several upcoming festive events scheduled this week at island venues in celebration of the Yuletide season. Check out our top 10 things to do now!
West Hawai‘i County Band, other Kona groups offering sounds of season
Looking for some music to get into the holiday mood? These choral and instrumental ensembles have upcoming concerts, including two today, that are sure to make your season more merry.
O Christmas Tree, O Christmas Tree: Is that a branch or a snake?
Businesses, organizations and residents advocate for more “ʻāina-friendly” solutions to combat Christmas tree critters.
The role of regional kitchens in feeding Hawaiʻi’s students
Kona sate Rep. Kirstin Kahaloa, chairwoman of the state House Committee on Agriculture and Food Systems and who was recently part of a panel dicussion about regional kitchens, says these facilities would use local farm products to prepare meals at public schools: “Students will be nourished when they can eat food grown from their communities.”
Celebrate the season with the family in a Waikōloa Winter Wonderland
The forecast on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays through Dec. 21 and Dec. 23 at Kings’ Shops calls for a magical holiday celebration complete with falling snow choreographed to festive music and theatrical lighting with entertainment, special performances and more.
Hawaiʻi Island’s Kahele elected chairman of Office of Hawaiian Affairs Board of Trustees
Board voted 8-1 in favor of the 50-year-old former state and U.S. lawmaker to succeed Carmen ‘Hulu’ Lindsey, who had the post for the past 4 years.
KBIG-FM aims to make holiday season brighter for keiki who need it most
Help put a smile on a child’s face this year by donating to the annual KBIG-FM Toy Drive, which supports several organizations around the Big Island.
Helicopter searching for signs of invasive coconut rhinoceros beetle in Waikōloa
The flight, which started at 10 a.m. and will end at noon, is part of an effort to collect aerial imagery of palm trees in the Waikōloa area to identify potential damage caused by the invasive coconut rhinoceros beetle.
Big Island community serves up heaping helping of aloha for those in need
Orchid Isle Ford and Steve Marshall Group Fill the Ford Food Drive collects more than half-ton of food, $10,000 donated to The Food Basket, Hawai’i Island’s food bank, to help end hunger, increase food security around the island.
Public invited to inauguration of incoming Hawaiʻi County officials
Mayor-elect Kimo Alameda, Prosecuting Attorney-elect Kelden Waltjen and members of the Hawaiʻi County Council will be sworn in. If you can’t make it in person, the ceremony is also being livestreamed. Alameda, Waltjen and incoming Council Chairman Holeka Inaba will give remarks.