National News Update. According to National Public Radio (NPR), former U.S. President Jimmy Carter dies at age 100.
You can find updates to this breaking story at NPR.org or at https://trendsingeopolitics.blogspot.com
Meanwhile on Hawaii Island, “Alameda’s work on fenanyl task force led to the job where he can make an ever bigger difference.”
Views expressed in this Hawaii Island, Maui, and Kauai News summary are those of the reporters and correspondents. Accessed on 29 December 2024, 2300 UTC.
Content and Source: https://bigislandnow.com/
Please click link or scroll down to read your selections. Thanks for joining us today.
Russ Roberts (https://hawaiinewsdigestonline.com).
NewsUpdate: Civil Defense reports Kahaluʻu, Magic Sands beaches to reopen
Hawai’i State NewsFirefighters extinguish two-story Puna blaze late Saturday night
Alameda’s work on fentanyl task force led to the job where he can make an even bigger difference
Wally Lau, co-founder of the Hawaiʻi Island Fentanyl Task Force, said of Hawai’i County Mayor Kimo Alameda: “No matter where he’s at, he is a motivator and a do-er who can excite people.”December 29, 2024 · 1:00 AM HST
Top 10 things to do on Big Island for Dec. 29-Jan. 1, 2025: Whole lot of fun planned to celebrate New Year’s — together
Hawai’i State News‘More than a canoe’: Hōkūleʻa a symbol of resilience, revival, cultural pride…
East Hawaii NewsFountains increase to 60 to 100 feet high as Kīlauea eruption shows more vigor
In Case You
Missed It:
Missed It:
Kīlauea summit caldera eruption continues with low fountaining, spattering, short lava…
Signs of survival offer hope for Hawaiʻi’s most endangered native forest birds
Measure seeking study of feasibility for designating Lahaina as National Heritage Area…
Taro, beer and more: Several new state laws go on the books New Year’s Day
More vigorous fountaining reported at Kīlauea
19 motorists arrested for DUI on Big Island roads the week before Christmas
Monthly rain summary: Hawai‘i Island drenched in early November
Volcano Watch: Kīlauea summit erupts again
Māhukona Beach Park to close for demo of pavilion and restrooms
The Grind Session coming to Hilo
Fireworks permits now available for New Year’s Eve celebrations
After close call with toddler, park implores visitors: Keep keiki close, stay out of…
Big Island News
December 29, 2024 · 10:26 AM
Update: Civil Defense reports Kahaluʻu, Magic Sands beaches to reopen
Hawaiʻi County agency made the announcement after the last surf-related advisory for the Big Island’s western shores was canceled early Sunday morning.
December 29, 2024 · 10:01 AM
Top 10 things to do on Big Island for Dec. 29-Jan. 1, 2025: Whole lot of fun planned to celebrate New Year’s — together
As another year comes to a close, revelry and talk of auld lang syne will abound — reminiscing about times long past for old times’ sake. But no matter what you do to celebrate this New Year’s, be safe, be responsible and do it together.
December 29, 2024 · 8:38 AM
Firefighters extinguish two-story Puna blaze late Saturday night
The 600-square-foot structure on Alapai Street appeared to be under construction but unfinished.
December 29, 2024 · 5:00 AM
‘More than a canoe’: Hōkūleʻa a symbol of resilience, revival, cultural pride, stewardship, peace, hope
Polynesian Voyaging Society prepares to mark 5 decades of legendary iconic traditional double-hulled voyaging canoe reviving the Hawaiian culture, advocating for the environment and renewing a connection to the Earth and ocean.
December 29, 2024 · 3:00 AM
Poll results: Big Island Now readers pick clear winner for top 2024 story. Do you know what it is?
Kimo Alamedaʻs victory for mayor and changes in short-term rental regulations came in second and third.
December 29, 2024 · 1:00 AM
Alameda’s work on fentanyl task force led to the job where he can make an even bigger difference
Wally Lau, co-founder of the Hawaiʻi Island Fentanyl Task Force, said of Hawai’i County Mayor Kimo Alameda: “No matter where he’s at, he is a motivator and a do-er who can excite people.”
December 28, 2024 · 8:04 PM
Fountains increase to 60 to 100 feet high as Kīlauea eruption shows more vigor
If fountaining continues, it is possible heights will increase as more gas-rich lava erupts. However, it is not possible to estimate how high fountains could get or how long fountaining will last.
December 28, 2024 · 3:22 PM
Kīlauea summit caldera eruption continues with low fountaining, spattering, short lava flows
The low level eruptive activity has gone on for more than a day, after the eruption resumed Thursday evening. Eruptions in the summit region typically last about a week to more than a year. This eruption began during the early morning of Dec. 23.
December 28, 2024 · 1:48 PM
Signs of survival offer hope for Hawaiʻi’s most endangered native forest birds
An estimated 47,000 people engaged in bird-related education events during 2024, proclaimed by Gov. Josh Green as “Makahiki o nā Manu Nahele: The Year of the Forest Birds,” all with the goal of raising awareness about Hawaiian forest birds and their plight.
December 28, 2024 · 7:35 AM
Measure seeking study of feasibility for designating Lahaina as National Heritage Area signed by Biden
Benefits of receiving a National Heritage Area designation include economic development opportunities, environmental restoration, quality of life improvement and more. The bicameral legislation passed the U.S. House on Dec. 4 and the U.S. Senate on Dec. 16 before being sent to the president’s desk.
Ironman
Kona’s Kaiden Lieto following in dad’s footsteps, seeking Ironman world title despite brain surgery
November 17, 2024 · 1:00 AM HST
How did the local Ironman athletes fare at the Ironman World Championship in Kona?
October 26, 2024 · 10:09 PM HST
Kaiden Lieto finishes first Ironman World Championship in under 10 hours
October 26, 2024 · 10:06 AM HST
UPCOMING FEATURED EVENTS:

Every Tuesday · 9:00 am – 2:30 pm
Farmers Market

Every Tuesday · 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Ukulele Lessons with Kris Fuchigami

Tue, Dec 31, 2024 · 7:00 pm – 1:00 am
Koa’s Lounge Grand Opening NYE Party
Local Entertainment
December 29, 2024 · 10:01 AM
Top 10 things to do on Big Island for Dec. 29-Jan. 1, 2025: Whole lot of fun planned to celebrate New Year’s — together
As another year comes to a close, revelry and talk of auld lang syne will abound — reminiscing about times long past for old times’ sake. But no matter what you do to celebrate this New Year’s, be safe, be responsible and do it together.
December 20, 2024 · 2:02 PM
12 things the Big Island gave us to do during the 5 days before Christmas
Enjoy the full slate of what our truly loved Big Island gave to us to do this year for the holidays. It is much better than a partridge in a pear tree or 4 calling birds. At least in our opinion.
December 10, 2024 · 7:00 AM
Orchid Isle Orchestra to perform holiday concert ‘Earth, Snow and Fire’ in Hilo
The orchestra will feature 34 musicians, including high school and college students, community members, professionals and some playing in their first concert.
December 9, 2024 · 9:46 PM
Top 10 things to do on Big Island for Dec. 9-13: ‘The Nutcracker,’ photos with Santa, Christmas chocolates and cocktails, candlelight memorial and more
There are several upcoming festive events scheduled this week at island venues in celebration of the Yuletide season. Check out our top 10 things to do now!
December 8, 2024 · 8:23 AM
West Hawai‘i County Band, other Kona groups offering sounds of season
Looking for some music to get into the holiday mood? These choral and instrumental ensembles have upcoming concerts, including two today, that are sure to make your season more merry.
Big Island Polls
Poll results: Big Island Now readers pick clear winner for top 2024 story. Do you know what it is?
December 29, 2024 · 3:00 AM HST
Big Island Now poll results: Mixed feelings felt about Hawaiian Electric’s Public Safety Power Shutoff program
September 1, 2024 · 5:49 PM HST
Big Island Now poll results: Services just as important to consider when looking at building a new Kona hospital
August 4, 2024 · 3:00 AM HST
Hawai’i Volcano Blog
Fountains increase to 60 to 100 feet high as Kīlauea eruption shows more vigor
December 28, 2024 · 8:04 PM HST
Kīlauea summit caldera eruption continues with low fountaining, spattering, short lava flows
December 28, 2024 · 3:22 PM HST
Volcano Watch: Kīlauea summit erupts again
December 27, 2024 · 6:09 AM HST
Ocean Blog
Update: Civil Defense reports Kahaluʻu, Magic Sands beaches to reopen
December 29, 2024 · 10:26 AM HST
‘More than a canoe’: Hōkūleʻa a symbol of resilience, revival, cultural pride, stewardship, peace, hope
December 29, 2024 · 5:00 AM HST
US Coast Guard medevacs man from vessel 8 miles offshore of Honoka‘a
December 26, 2024 · 1:00 AM HST
Update: All high surf advisories canceled for Big Island
December 24, 2024 · 7:20 AM HST
Maui Now
First Day Hike set for Makapu‘u Point amid cultural New Year’s observances
Sunrise on New Year’s Day is at 7:09 a.m., and hikers planning to participate in the annual First Day Hike at Makapu‘u Point Lighthouse Trail in East O‘ahu should get there early to be on top in time for dawn on the first day of 2025.
2 days left to empty the shelters; Are your pets prepared for New Year’s?
The busiest day of the year for the Maui Humane Society is traditionally Jan. 2, with an increase in lost pets brought in following fireworks, according to an organization newsletter.
Kīlauea volcano eruption continues
The eruption at Kīlauea volcano that began on Monday, Dec. 23, continues this morning. Over the past day, vents in the southwest portion of the caldera have continued producing a fan of lava flows covering the southwest portion of the crater floor, with the vigor of lava fountaining increasing over the past day.
New transient accommodations law goes into effect Jan. 1, along with other legislation
A portion of a bill enacted to curb vacation rentals in residential areas will go into effect Jan. 1 and expand the scope of the transient accommodations tax law to include certain shelters and vehicles with sleeping accommodations.
Maui Weather Forecast for December 29, 2024
A front dissipating over the western end of the state, coupled with an upper level trough moving down the island chain, will enhance trade wind showers…
Kaua‘i Now
Kauai Weather Forecast for December 29, 2024
A front dissipating over the western end of the state, coupled with an upper level trough moving down the island chain, will enhance trade wind showers…
Kauai Surf Forecast for December 29, 2024
The current northwest (310-330) swell will gradually fade through midweek. The High Surf Advisory for west facing shores of the Big Island has been cancelled. A…
3rd annual Youth Climate Class starts in January 2025
“The class is not your typical classroom experience; it’s a transformative journey for high school students to explore their role as change-makers in the fight against climate change,” said Kaua‘i County Office of Economic Development Director Nalani Brun.
Results are in for top 2024 story on Kaua‘i
As we close out 2024, here are the stories that were top of mind of Kauaʻi Now readers this past year.
Education department’s pilot program serves locally grown squash in Kaua‘i cafeterias
The local food nonprofit Mālama Kaua‘i prepared and distributed 200 pounds of locally grown kabocha squash to four public schools.
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