A hui hou

Looking back over the past four years and nearly 300 issues, it amazes me how much we’ve been able to cover in the North Hawaii News – from the deep Hawaiian culture to farmers and ranchers, creative educational endeavors, chefs, health, science and some memorable people in our region.

For the love of quilting

Mauna Kea Quilter in Waimea will meet from 9:30 a.m.-noon Jan. 12 in the meeting room of the Thelma Parker Memorial Library. The public is welcome to attend the monthly meetings the second Saturday of the month.

Blessing of the Pa’u Museum coming up

Paniolo Preservation Society will unveil their new heritage center at Pukalani Stables at a blessing event from 5-9 p.m. Jan. 19. All are welcome to attend and help perpetuate the pa’u traditions of the community.

Hawaii community celebration of Earl Bakken scheduled

From noon-4 p.m. Jan. 19, the community is invited to a Hawaii Celebration of Life for Earl Bakken at Kahilu Town Hall in Waimea. The legendary Medtronic founder and inventor of the first external, wearable, transistorized, battery-operated pacemaker played a major role in the creation of North Hawaii Community Hospital in Waimea and other community programs.

Laughter Therapy

Aloha and happy 2019 tomorrow as you read this last one for 2018! It will be short because I want to go surfing, golfing and bike riding! And if you think I can still do all that, you’re nuts!

7 more arrested for squatting in Leilani Estates

Hawaii Island Police in the Puna District continued with enforcement efforts in the Leilani Estates area on Friday and arrested and charged seven people wanted for outstanding warrants, the department said in a press release.

Shutting down a volcano

HILO — The partial closure of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park does not appear to be keeping tourists away from Volcano, to the relief of businesses that depend on them.

Dollars for disaster

HILO — The Hawaii County Council is being asked to add projects related to damage caused by recent disasters to the capital budget and accept funds for a recovery plan for Puna.

My Turn: Humane society taking too much credit for rescues

Let’s get real Mr. Atwood. I agree the islandwide response to the lava crisis in Puna was noble. It was a heroic effort with many risking their lives and freedom to save trapped animals. The community of Puna was caught with no emergency plan for their animals which was suggested to HIHS by the ASPCA when we experienced the 2014 lava event.

Dual DUI offender seeks probation

KEALAKEKUA — A Kailua-Kona man incarcerated on Oahu will undergo a physical exam as part of a bid to reduce his five-year sentence to probation in order to seek medical care.