KAILUA-KONA — Human trafficking is a problem that persists in every corner of the world, even in a place described as paradise.

KAILUA-KONA — A Thanksgiving meal at Jackie Rey’s Ohana Grill has become an important holiday tradition for many on the Big Island.

KAILUA-KONA — Feeding the community a Thanksgiving feast isn’t always an easy task, but every year, the Kona Task Force on Feeding the Hungry steps up to the plate.

KAINALIU — Jerry Tracy has survived, literally, everything that has been thrown at him in his 28 years at the Aloha Theatre.

KAILUA-KONA — The recent changes to the county’s recycling program have left many with the question: what now?

KAILUA-KONA — Diana Delgado and Alex Perez were quick to show off the new bracelets on their arms to each other, seconds after completing them in a lauhala weaving class.

KAILUA-KONA — A 28-year-old woman suffered severe injuries following a two-vehicle collision Tuesday night on Highway 190 and is still in critical condition at North Hawaii Community Hospital.

KAILUA-KONA — Donna Monti believes reading is important, and she wants everyone to start as early as possible. For the babies being born at Kona Community Hospital, that head start begins before they even see the outside world for the first time.

KAILUA-KONA — Before the official school day begins at Kahakai Elementary School, class is already in session for a small group of students.

KAILUA-KONA — Four local artists have been working diligently this week to replace an old mural in the center of Kailua-Kona and bring a new work of art to life.

KAILUA-KONA — When former Family Support Hawaii director JoAnn Freed addressed the organization’s supporters and founders at their anniversary party recently, she had one thing to declare repeatedly: “We persist.”

KAILUA-KONA — Some things are better together, like robotics and astronomy.

KAILUA-KONA — Recent changes to the county’s two-bin recycling program have left customers of private recycling companies confused over the disposal of their HI-5 glass, plastic and aluminum containers.

KAILUA-KONA — From diving with tiger sharks to masterminding a spooky haunted house, there’s not much in life that Timothy Ewing fears.

KAILUA-KONA — At West Hawaii Community Health Center, a dose of art is part of the prescription for patients and visitors.

KAILUA-KONA — Through 200 years and waves of drastic change to Kailua-Kona and the Hawaiian islands, Mokuaikaua Church has stood, steady and absolute in its faith.

KAILUA-KONA — In the mostly rural communities of the Big Island, it’s important for those with disabilities to make sure their voices are heard by the people in power.

KEALAKEKUA — Students of Kona Pacific Public Charter School left school Friday with the only change to the campus being the lineup of pumpkins they spent the morning carving.

KAILUA-KONA — In its 50 years as a restaurant staple along Alii Drive, Huggo’s has always been about one thing — taking chances.