Stories by Laura Ruminski

Nonprofit connects keiki and the ocean

Smiles and laughter were plentiful as 39 keiki from Pahoa were treated to an afternoon on the water off Kawaihae Saturday with For Children to Flourish, a nonprofit connecting local youth to the ocean.

Renewable energy project in the works

A community meeting was held Wednesday to provide updates about the Kalaoa Solar Project, a proposed 40-acre renewable energy facility on state Department of Hawaiian Home Lands property in Kalaoa.

Kona man pleads guilty in 2022 armed robbery

A 28-year-old Kona man who was indicted in 2022 on two dozen charges stemming from an alleged armed robbery that was followed by a car crash and the man reportedly shooting at a police officer pleaded guilty to two charges on Tuesday.

Council approves homeless funding

Allocation of nearly $10 million for homeless service providers came one step closer to reality Tuesday as the County Council’s Legislative Approvals and Acquisitions Committee unanimously advanced a resolution to a full council hearing.

Kona man sentenced in 2022 stabbing case

A Kailua-Kona man who pleaded guilty to two counts of second-degree murder and two counts of first-degree assault in connection with stabbings in Hilo and Kona in 2022 was sentenced Wednesday by Circuit Court Judge Robert D.S. Kim.

Volunteer firefighter sues county

A Big Island volunteer firefighter who was injured in 2021 while battling a long-burning underground fire in Ka‘u has filed a lawsuit against the department and three ranking individuals.

‘A day to show respect’

On the 11th day of the 11th month at 11:11 a.m. Don Brown, adjutant of DAV Chapter-7 blew the pu signaling the start of Veterans Day Ceremony at the West Hawaii Veterans Cemetery followed by a Hawaiian blessing by Kumu Keala Ching.

Buckets and badges happening in Kona

High atop a 10 foot scaffold, police officers beckoned shoppers at the Kona Walmart to donate money for West Hawaii Special Olympics Friday at Badges and Buckets, formerly known as Cop on Top.

HONOUR for the homeless

Over 20 homeless individuals and volunteers along with seven police officers spent Thursday morning painting all of the gates at Old Kona Airport Park as participants in the fourth HOUNOUR program.

Next annual HONOUR project on Thursday, Nov. 9

The Kona Community Policing Section will be holding its annual HONOUR (Homeless Outreach Nurturing Our Community) project on Thursday, Nov. 9 at 8 a.m. The HONOUR project was created to provide the Kona homeless population with the opportunity to serve the community through community service-based projects while working together with other community volunteers and leaders. The goal is to provide each individual the opportunity to feel empowered and rehabilitated through teamwork and accomplishment.