Good Samaritan takes a wild ride
“I just didn’t want to die on Valentine’s Day. I don’t think my kids would’ve been happy about it.”
Ka‘u man facing robbery, kidnapping charges
Police have charged a Ka‘u man with numerous offenses stemming from a kidnapping and assault investigation that occurred in Pahala earlier this week.
Concert Review: Kainani Kahaunaele delivers a soaring show at the Kahilu Theatre
The five-time Na Hoku award winner offered a five-star performance last Saturday on Kahilu TV’s livestream broadcast.
West Hawaii beaches reopened following closure after tsunami watch cancellation
UPDATE: Hawaii County reported Friday morning that all beaches in West Hawaii have reopened.
Bill asks feds to assess lands for national forest designation
Legislation directing the U.S. Forest Service to assess the potential for Hawaii lands to be declared a national forest has been introduced by Hawaii’s Congressional Delegation.
Hawaii Prep defeats Kamehameha 4-1 in girls soccer finale
It wasn’t another state championship — not even close.
House passes resolutions to form Maunakea management working group
The state House of Representatives on Thursday passed a pair of resolutions calling for the formation of a working group to develop recommendations for the future of Maunakea governance.
Mayor honors Norman Sakata as living treasure marks 95 years
Living treasure Norman Sakata marked his 95th birthday Tuesday with special recognition for his never-ending service to the Big Island community.
Energov moving forward: Planning and permit system set to go live July 26
A multi-agency software system designed to streamline the planning and building permit process is now scheduled to go live at the end of July, five years after the project first began.
Daniel K. Inouye Highway extension project progressing despite lack of funding
A record of decision marking the completion of the environmental review process for the long-delayed extension of Daniel K. Inouye Highway is expected this fall.
Hometown Heroes: Nonprofit keeping K-9s safe on the job
Editor’s note: Each Wednesday, West Hawaii Today is publishing a story about individuals, groups or organizations that have helped make life better for others in our community during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Roth releases ‘bare bones’ budget: Mayor’s first budget plan reflects cutbacks, uncertainty at Legislature
Faced with uncertainty and cutbacks at the state level, Mayor Mitch Roth on Monday released the first proposed budget of his term, described by staff as a “bare bones” plan as the county grapples with the fiscal aftermath of the coronavirus pandemic.
Police seek IDs of suspects in Kona theft
Big Island police are asking for the public’s assistance in identifying two women who stole a shopper’s backpack from the men’s section of a discount department store last month in Kona
Na‘alehu woman, 59, reported missing
The Hawaii Police Department is asking the public’s assistance in locating a 59-year-old Na‘alehu woman who was reported missing.
County to return 50K COVID tests to state, action not expected derail post-arrival testing effort
Confusion surrounding a state donation of rapid COVID-19 test kits to the Big Island will not affect the county’s post-arrival testing program, officials say.
Support grows for more in-person instruction after spring break
More students could soon return to public schools across Hawaii as the state Department of Education works to bring additional keiki to campus for in-person instruction.
State fines pair of aquarium fishers record $272K
The Board of Land and Natural Resources voted unanimously Friday to fine two Big Island aquarium fishers $272,000 in civil fines stemming from an illegal aquarium fishing incident in Kona in 2020.
Police arrest 19 for suspected drunken driving
Big Island police arrested 19 motorists for suspected drunken driving Feb. 15 and Sunday. Two of the drivers were involved in traffic crashes.
Hearing set for felon accused of numerous gun, drug crimes
A judge has denied a bail reduction or release without bail for a 39-year-old Kona man who was arrested Thursday in Puna for numerous firearms and drug offenses.
Fastest option preferred for Pohoiki ramp
Although the board of the Department of Land and Natural Resources discussed three options last week for restoring commercial ocean access in Puna, locals and lawmakers agree that there is only one option that makes sense.