News
UPDATE: Police recover bodies of 2 women from within downed banyan tree in Hilo
The women were extricated from deep within the tangled debris of the downed banyan tree, which fell the afternoon of July 12 on Kilauea Avenue, with preliminary observations indicating they were likely struck by falling tree limbs; police do not suspect foul play at this time and autopises will be conducted later this week to determine their exact cause of death.
UH Mānoa School of Medicine, Kaiser Permanente collaborate to inspire next generation of Hawaiʻi physicians
The Neighbor Island Medical Scholars Program aims to alleviate physician shortages in rural areas by giving high school students hands-on education and real clinical experience.
UPDATE: Episode 29 of the Halemaʻumaʻu eruption abruptly ends after 13 hours
An estimated 1.8 billion gallons of lava erupted during the episode, covering approximately 80% of the crater floor.
Big Island energy plant working on agreement with Hawaiian Electric to sell its power
A joint letter submitted to the state’s Public Utilities Commission filed on June 3 informed the commissioners that Hawaiian Electric received an offer to sell energy and capacity by Hu Honua as a Qualified Facility under the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act.
Man on probation for ATV, trailer thefts last year from Puna shools charged in two new separate incidents
28-year-old Ha‘aheo Chan of Mountain View faces charges in connection with two new separate incidents involving alleged vehicle theft and assault.
Tsunami watch issued for Hawai‘i, canceled less than an hour later after large quake off Russian coast
The July 19 temblor that caused the tsunami watch excitement struck roughly 45 miles northeast from the epicenter of a 1952 magnitude-9 earthquake that did trigger a destructive Pacific tsunami that caused damage in Hawai‘i, including on the Big Island.
Mother wanted for questioning in custodial interference probe, 6-year-old daughter missing since July 6
48-year-old Sarah Coultas and her daughter Violet Coultas-Benson were last seen together at 4 p.m. July 6 at the top of Miloli‘i Road in South Kona. Do you have any information about their whereabouts? Police are asking for your help to find them.
‘Our goal is simple — stop wildfires before they become disasters’
Governor signs emergency proclamation, activates Hawai‘i National Guard to respond when needed to help, as wildfire threat expectd to increase heading into hottest months of summer, exacerbating already existing abnormally dry and drought conditions throughout much of the state, including most of the Big Island.
Scheduled Hawai‘i Island lane closures on state roadways for July 19-25
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.
With still more than 4 months of 2025 to go, DUI arrests at 52% of 2024 annual total
Hawai‘i Island police so far this year have arrested 497 motorists for driving under the influence of an intoxicant on Big Island roadways; a total of 964 DUI arrests were made during all of last year.
Hilo man receives 10-year prison sentence nearly 2 years after police find more than half a pound of meth in his vehicle
37-year-old Aysa Kalei Delos Santos was sentenced July 17 in Hilo Circuit Court to 10 years each for second-degree promoting a dangerous drug and second-degree attempted promoting a dangerous drug, with the sentences to run concurrently, or at the same time.
Hawai‘i County Police Commission appoints Reed Mahuna as interim chief
Reed Mahuna will temporarily replace departing Chief Ben Moszkowicz until the Hawaiʻi County Police Commission conducts a search and selects a new chief.
Police looking for 16-year-old girl reported as runaway
16-year-old Erlyen Sangau was last seen at 3 p.m. July 16 on Leila Road in Volcano, wearing a pink T-shirt and black skirt with floral designs.
Big Island nonprofit helps females deal with domestic violence, homelessness, substance abuse
He Hoʻomaka Hou Ana O Puna empowers women who have survived past trauma through cultural reconnection and supportive group healing.
Work underway on Kona Community Hospital parking lot improvements
The project, part of critical infrastructure improvements for the Kona hospital funded by the state, will expand, resurface and pave the parking lot with the goal of improving parking access and safety.
Volcano Watch: Remembering a destructive Mauna Loa eruption 75 years ago
Mauna Loa is now quiet, so it’s a good opportunity to remember the 1950 Southwest Rift Zone eruption — the volcano’s most recent eruption to cause significant damage.
Pāhoa man sentenced to 15 years in prison for breaking into ex-girlfriend’s home, stabbing her several times in July 2021
A Hilo jury in September 2024 found Frank William Funes guilty of first-degree burglary and second-degree assault; he received the maximum penalties for both offenses, which the court ordered to be served consecutively.
U.S. Postal Service hiring rural carriers to fill positions in several Big Island communities
Hiring events planned July 18-19 at post offices in Hōlualoa, Kailua-Kona, Kealakekua, Hilo and Waimea, with salaries for assistant rural carriers and rural carrier associates starting at $20.38 per hour, plus benefits.
Kona judge reduces bail for man facing drug charges
The suspect was found with almost 2 ounces of suspected meth after his vehicle was searched at a gas station in Kona.
Top 10 things to do on Big Island for July 18-24: ‘Cabaret,’ Drag In July, Relay For Life, Pokémon Day, jazz, plus more
There’s a ton of stuff happening this weekend and heading into the end of the month. We wanted to make sure we brought you some of the best, in our opinion. So take a look and check out what we came up with for this week’s top 10!