East Hawaii News

‘Beyond just commerce’: 2025 Hawaiʻi Business Mākeke features community in practice

Vendor lineup highlights 60 businesses ‘rooted in purpose’ plus community organizations, cultural practitioners and grassroots initiatives that often collaborate with them behind the scenes.

Scheduled Hawai‘i Island lane closures on state roadways for July 12-18

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.

State reaffirms commitment to future without traffic fatalities, serious injuries,

Can you Vision Zero? Hawaiʻi Department of Health initiative developed in response to devastating impacts of tragic traffic deaths and raise awareness about how residents with shared vision to stop them can help.

Revitalize Puna returns this weekend for free 12th activation community event

Event — hosted in collaboration between Hawai‘i County Civil Defense, Hawai‘i County Council District 4 and Hawai‘i County Disaster Recovery Division — will focus on disaster preparedness and include recovery updates.

Volcano Watch: Snowshoeing on Kīlauea? High fountain episodes pose new challenges to volcano monitoring

While it is challenging that a small portion of the Kīlauea monitoring network is impacted by the ongoing summit eruption, Hawaiian Volcano Observatory says maintaining the network during eruptions comes with the job when it’s monitoring one of the most active volcanoes on Earth.

Final phase of demolition underway at site of former Uncle Billy’s Hilo Bay Hotel on Banyan Drive

The first phase of the project involved demolition and removal of all aboveground structures, which was completed in December 2024, while this phase is focused on comprehensive site preparation at ground level and below.

Top 10 things to do on Big Island for July 11-17: Women’s Ministry Group Rummage Sale, Hilo Brewfest, Hilo Hawaiian Music Festival and more

Often included in the top 10 are big ticket events, festivals and activites; this week’s does, too, but we wanted to make sure you, our awesome readers, knew about a somewhat smaller event that is just as big based on its purpose. Check out the top 10 now!

Hawaiian Electric ends Public Safety Power Shutoff watch with improving weather conditions

Hawaiian Electric only initiated the proactive power shutoff program for communities at high risk of wildfires once on Maui; otherwise, any other power outages during the utility’s watch period from July 5 through today were unrelated to the program.

Kea‘au man faces charges in several 4th of July Weekend incidents that started in West Hawai‘i, ended in East Hawai‘i

20-year-old Lasty Jessy is charged with first-degree robbery, first-degree theft, unauthorized control of a propelled vehicle and other offenses in connection with an alleged car theft the evening of 4th of July at Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport and a police chase and 2-vehicle car crash fewer than 2 days later in Hilo.

Grand Canyon University coaches to bring a club sports clinic to Big Island next week

High school athletes on the Big Island can sharpen their skills at free sports clinics hosted by Grand Canyon University in Hilo and Kona on Tuesday and Wednesday next week.

Water service could be impacted by potential Public Safety Power Shutoff as Hawaiian Electric continues to monitor wildfire risk

Water customers are reminded to prepare in the event of any prolonged power outage as Hawai‘i County Department of Water Supply relies on the Hawaiian Electric power grid to distribute water. Meanwhile, the electric utility remains in “watch” mode in case proactive power outages are necessary for high-exposure communities in Maui and Hawaiʻi counties.

Strong winds persist in driest areas of Big Island, continuing elevated wildfire danger

National Weather Service extended a wind advisory in effect for North Kohala and portions of South Kohala, North Kona, Hāmākua, Kaʻū and Puna, adding the summits of Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa, as ridge of high pressure to north of state will keep same locations parched and primed for fires under the right conditions, despite National Weather Service not expected to issue any watches or warnings.

Grab your fishing pole: 27th annual ‘Ohana Shoreline Fishing Tournament is this August

Hawai‘i County Parks and Recreation invites Big Island anglers to cast a few lines from Aug. 15-17 for a chance to win some great prizes and awards while enjoying their favorite pastime and family fun. 

Tree trimming, removal maintenance project scheduled this week at Liliʻuokalani Gardens

Scheduled to begin July 8, the project at the Hilo park is aimed at enhancing public safety in the park by addressing trees that pose immediate risk and require removal or significant canopy reduction.

Sparking prevention: Officials urge caution with wildfire risk heightened in Big Island areas under wind advisory

Hawai‘i County Civil Defense asks public in those locations to be careful with use of open flames, fire and hotwork activity as well as avoid parking vehicles on dry grass after travel.

Wind advisory in effect through Monday for north-northwest, south-southeast portions of Big Island

The National Weather Service Honolulu forecast office area forecast discussion from shortly before 4 a.m. today said fairly dry conditions with lower humidity levels coupled with those stronger winds also could produce elevated fire weather conditions over leeward areas late this morning into the afternoon.

‘KōCreate’ initiative launches in August with bold vision for how communities shape their futures

‘KōCreate: Designing Homegrown Futures’ will take island residents who particiapte on a 6-month journey, preparing them to lead change grounded in local strengths, lived experience and collective vision.

Construction of new Pāhala wastewater collection system begins next week

The new infrastructure marks a major milestone in efforts by Hawaiʻi County to close large capacity cesspools in Kaʻū. Work gets underway July 7 and will entail connecting the 109 properties now served by large capacity cesspools to the new system, among other work.

Scheduled Hawai‘i Island lane closures on state roadways for July 5-11

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.

Driver of truck involved in April incident in Hawaiian Beaches sought by police

The suspect is a white man in his mid-40s, 6 feet tall, 190 pounds, with clean-cut short white hair and white facial hair, possibly unshaven. Have you seen him?
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