#Public Safety
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.
Hawai‘i County to post open position for fire chief in March
Daniel Volpe, who was appointed interim fire chief with the unexpected death of Kazuo Todd, said Thursday he plans to apply for the permanent chief position.
Hawaiian Electric ends public safety power shutoff watch the included South Kohala on Big Island
The electric utility made the move as weather conditions continue to improve; any power outages today were unrelated to the public safety power shutoff program.
High surf debris forces closures at several Kohala, Kona parks
Coastal facilities and parks in Kohala and Kona, including Kahaluʻu Beach and Kohanaiki Beach Park, are closed today due to debris from high surf.
Hawai‘i Island police warn public about uptick in vehicle break-ins in Kona
During December 2025, police responded to 12 reports of vehicles being unlawfully entered at parks, business areas, public parking lots and commercial zones, compared with five reports the previous month.
Hawai‘i Senate leaders announce priorities for this legislative session
Many of the priorities have been discussed over the past several sessions, including housing, healthcare, education, food security and more.
Pāpaʻikou Recycling and Transfer Station to close temporarily for tree trimming
The Pāpaʻikou Recycling and Transfer Station will temporarily close to honor life of Fire Chief Kazuo Todd. to ensure public safety during essential tree trimming operations.
Public memorial service for Hawai’i Fire Chief Kazuo Todd planned for Jan. 11 in Hilo
The Hawaiʻi Fire Department and the Todd family invite the community to honor Fire Chief Kazuo S.K.L. Todd, who died unexpectedly on Dec. 14 at age 45.
Officer Jenna Kosinski-Santos named Ka’ū Officer of the Quarter
“She’s a pro-active officer who has a gift of motivating those around her,” Ka‘ū District Acting Captain Pernell Hanoa said of Officer Jenna Kosinski-Santos
Hawai’i County Fire Chief Kazuo Todd dies unexpectedly Sunday morning at age 45
Hawaiʻi County is mourning the unexpected passing of Fire Chief Kazuo Todd, who leaves behind a revered legacy of public safety and leadership.
UPDATE: Brown water advisory lifted for Hilo Bay, Hāmākua Coast 22 days after issued
Hawaiʻi Department of Health originally issued the advisory Nov. 10 because of high surf, heavy rain resulting in stormwater runoff into the bay and along the coast.
Monthly statewide siren test, audio broadcast segment is scheduled for Monday
Outdoor siren and Emergency Alert System test is scheduled for 11:45 a.m. on Monday, Dec. 1, reminding residents to think about response to real emergencies.
Coconut Island temporarily closes after partial footbridge collapse Friday morning
There are no reports of injuries as of Friday morning.
Isaac Kepoʻokalani Hale Beach Park to reopen Nov. 12
County of Hawaiʻi is set to reopen the park on Wednesday, Nov. 12 following the closure for crane dredging at Pohoiki Boat Ramp.
Update: Aliʻi Drive reopens to all traffic on Sunday following the fallen fig tree branch
Hawaiʻi County Department of Public Works has reopened Aliʻi Drive near Kailua Wharf after addressing safety concerns following the collapse of a Moreton fig tree branch.
State to swear in 9 new adult corrections officers during ceremony at University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo
The event Oct. 17 will feature remarks from Hawaiʻi Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation leadership, including Director Tommy Johnson, and keynote speaker Hawai‘i County Council Chairman Holeka Inaba.
How does the federal government shutdown affect Hawaiʻi and Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park?
“We are now in a federal shutdown,” Hawaiʻi Gov. Josh Green said during his weekly update. “We know our people will suffer and struggle more.”
UPDATE: Police reopens 29th Avenue in Hawaiian Paradise Park
The Hawaiʻi Police Department has closed a major section of 29th Avenue in Hawaiian Paradise Park, Keaʻau, as they responded to an ongoing incident.
Canceled: High bacteria count notification at Kēōkea Beach Park in North Hawai‘i
Kēōkea Beach Park in North Hawaiʻi has reopened following confirmation from the Hawaiʻi State Department of Health that water quality meets safety standards after initial tests showed elevated bacteria levels.
Hawaiʻi Police Department recognizes the second Kaʻū Officer of the Quarter
Officer Taylor Au has been named Kaʻū’s Officer of the Quarter for his dedication and proactive efforts in the community.
