West Hawai‘i News
House advances state bill banning commercial aquarium fishing in Hawaiʻi County waters
The state Department of Land and Natural Resources said there already are measures in place to limit the harvesting of aquatic fish following a 2017 Hawaiʻi Supreme Court ruling.
Hawai‘i County Department of Water Supply to host Fix a Leak Week events
The department is celebrating the 2026 installment of the special observance by helping customers learn how to identify and fix common household water leaks; events to be hosted in Hilo and Kailua-Kona, with chances for prizes.
18 lane closures scheduled during week of March 14-20 on Big Island state roadways
Lane closure schedules can change at any time without notice. All projects are weather permitting.
Culinary Arts Waikōloa brings chefs, cocktails, live music to Kings’ Shops
An open-air tasting night experience returns at the end of this month to the shopping center in Waikōloa, when chefs from several restaurants will serve up bites, plus cocktails and mocktails, all to benefit Waikōloa Dry Forest Initiative; tickets are available now.
Hawaiʻi County facilities to close Friday, Saturday as strong kona low arrives
Severe weather also results in shuttering of all state offices and services, schools including University of Hawaiʻi campuses and activities, Hawaiʻi Legislature, state parks, several areas within Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park and public libraries on the Big Island.
Hawaiʻi County encourages public to prep now for impacts from incoming kona low
National Weather Service issued a flood watch in effect through Saturday afternoon (March 14) for Hawaiʻi Island as conditions are expected to become favorable; the storm could even produce brief and weak tornadoes in addition to isolated severe thunderstorms.
Public urged by state officials to be cautious outdoors and on water because of severe weather
Outdoor recreation — including camping, hunting, hiking, mountain biking, etc. — and boating or other water activities during inclement weather put not only yourself but first responders at greater risk in an emergency.
22 drivers arrested for DUI during week of Feb. 23 through March 1 on Big Island roadways
There have been 135 DUI arrests so far this year, a 19.16% decrease from the 167 DUI arrests by the same time last year.
17 lane closures scheduled during week of March 7-13 on Big Island state roadways
Lane closure schedules can change at any time without notice. All projects are weather permitting.
UPDATE: Police report both lanes open on Hualālai Road in Kona after temporary closure
The roadway was previously closed between Aloha Kona Drive and Kuakini Highway because of a traffic crash.
Kahaluʻu Beach Park in Kailua-Kona to be closed several days at beginning of May
The Kohala Centerʻs ReefTeach program and Hawaiʻi Department of Land and Natural Resources Division of Aquatic Resources ask and urge the public to refrain from swimming, snorkeling and surfing in Kahaluʻu Bay during the closure to support the successful reproduction, settlement and recruitment of new cauliflower coral, as well as give Kahaluʻu this brief — yet essential — time for rejuvenation.
Home, healthcare exhibitions scheduled for West Hawaiʻi this month
The 21st annual Home Expo Hawaiʻi is at the Kaleiopapa Convention Center on March 14 and 15, and the 2nd annual Healthcare Career Expo is at Kealakehe High School on March 25.
Top 10 things to do on Big Island for March 6-12: Hilo Steel Guitar Festival, Abled Hawaiʻi Artists exhibit, Ola Ka ʻĪ Kona and more
Music is in the air this week as several venues around the island are hosting concerts, live bands and even dance shows featuring a variety of tunes in several different styles; but that’s not all — check out this week’s top 10 now!
Four West Hawaiʻi police officers were honored for investigations, responses to crime in 2025
Kona Crime Prevention Committee honored
Officers Charles Caldwell-Kaʻai, Tyler Meno, Jason Cunefare, and Lawrence Matsumoto for exemplary work in 2025.
Hawaiian Electric to conduct islandwide aerial line inspections
The islandwide inspections will be conducted from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. March 10-13 in a Manuiwa Airways helicopter.
3 men arrested following firearms incident near Kailua-Kona residence
The residence where the gunshots were coming from is located in close proximity to a school and numerous homes in a nearby subdivision.
Hospitality company operating 4 Big Island restaurants shift to employee ownership plan
Employees at Luana Hospitality Group restaurants – Huggo’s, On the Rocks, Kai Eats + Drinks and Lava Lava Beach Club – now have a stake in the company’s future success.
Community invited to celebrate law enforcement during Officer of the Month luncheon
Hawaiʻi Police Department officers Jason Cunefare and Lawrence Matsumoto will be honored for their exemplary service.
Sign up today for The Kohala Center’s next stewardship experience at Kahalu‘u Bay and Beach Park
Those who attend will learn about Kahaluʻu as ʻāina lei aliʻi, the lands that adorn the chiefs, and what made Kahaluʻu so special for generations; participants also will engage in kilo, or intentional observation along the shoreline or in the water and moʻolelo, or oral history, of Kahalu‘u will be shared and a mo’olelo of the day will be collectively created.
14 lane closures scheduled during week of Feb. 28-March 6 on Big Island state roadways
Lane closure schedules can change at any time without notice. All projects are weather permitting.
