BigIslandNow.com

“Hawai’i County Fire Chief Kazuo Todd dies unexpectedly Sunday morning at age 45.”

Views expressed in this Hawaii Island, Maui, and Kauai news update are those of the reporters and correspondents.

Accessed on 15 December 2025, 0045 UTC.

Content and Source:  “BigIslandNow.com.”

URL–https://bigislandnow.com/

Please check URL or scroll down to read your selections.  Thanks for joining us today.

Russ Roberts (https://hawaiinewsjournal.com).

In Case You
Missed It:

‘Hawai‘i to the World’ finale features top talent from throughout Hawai‘i

Schatz votes to protect people’s health care, prevent expected massive spike in…

Parks and Recreation announces dates for 2026 youth track and field meets

Credit union shows support for nonprofits that provide critical services at risk of…

Schatz statewide telephone town hall draws more than 16K Hawai‘i residents to…

12 lane closures scheduled during week of Dec. 13-19 on Big Island state roadways

State urges residents to take precautions as flu cases surge throughout islands

More than 1,000 native seabirds rescued in Hawai‘i during fallout season

State agencies on alert after discovery of 3rd possible case of highly pathogenic bird flu

WATCH: Hawai‘i U.S. senator urges passage of bipartisan Kids Off Social Media Act

Big Island bank teller indicted on embezzlement-related charges

University of Hawai‘i at Hilo fall commencement scheduled for Dec 20

Hawai‘i among several states being sued for failing to comply with federal election laws

Subscribe to our Newsletter

Stay in-the-know with daily or weekly

headlines delivered straight to your inbox.

Big Island News 

December 14, 2025 · 2:32 PM

High surf warning issued for west-facing shores of Big Island

A high surf warning has been issued for the Leeward Big Island’s west-facing shores, with forecasters predicting dangerously large waves of up to 12 feet.
December 14, 2025 · 1:00 PM

New artificial intelligence tool helps UH researchers unlock sun’s magnetic secrets

These advances allow researchers to see the sun’s magnetic landscape more accurately and improve predictions of solar activity that impacts life on Earth, including solar flares and coronal ejections that can disrupt satellites, power systems and communications.
December 14, 2025 · 10:40 AM

Hawai’i County Fire Chief Kazuo Todd dies unexpectedly Sunday morning at age 45

Hawaiʻi County is mourning the unexpected passing of Fire Chief Kazuo Todd, who leaves behind a revered legacy of public safety and leadership.
December 14, 2025 · 9:00 AM

‘Hawai‘i to the World’ finale features top talent from throughout Hawai‘i

After 4 weeks of show-stopping performances, emotional stories and unforgettable moments from throughout the pae ʻāina, the stage is set for one of the five finalists — including Pohai from the Big Island — to walk away with a $10,000 grand prize.
December 14, 2025 · 7:00 AM

Resolution marking 50 years of Southeast Asian diaspora in U.S. pushed by Hirono

The bicameral legislation co-introduced by the U.S. senator from Hawai‘i recognizes the immense contributions of Southeast Asian refugees to the nation’s fabric and advocates for policies that would provide Southeast Asian Americans and refugee communities with greater opportunities to thrive.
December 14, 2025 · 5:00 AM

Back home on the ranch: Two cows returned under new agriculture crimes law in Hawaiʻi

Under Duke’s Law, state legislation that went into effect July 1 to strengthen enforcement of ag crimes across Hawaiʻi, the first state search warrant was executed to retrieve farm animals.
December 14, 2025 · 3:00 AM

Hilo gains 8 new nurses graduating from innovative ‘earn-and-learn’ program

Nonprofit Healthcare Association of Hawaiʻi’s CNA+ to LPN Bridge program enables working certified nurse aides to become licensed practical nurses without having to leave their jobs to attend school or take labs.
December 14, 2025 · 1:00 AM

Yukumoto named interim Vulcans baseball coach

Yukumoto, a 1993 graduate of Hawai‘i Pacific University, has been associate head coach since 2019 after serving 13 seasons from 2006-18 as head coach at his alma mater, finishing with a 362-272-4 record and as all-time wins leader for the Sharks.
December 13, 2025 · 4:00 PM

Schatz votes to protect people’s health care, prevent expected massive spike in premiums

Senate Republicans, however, who have the majority, rejected the measure; the vote came after Schatz earlier during the week took to the Senate floor, saying President Donald Trump “is making people poorer, and he’s doing it on purpose,” in remarks about about various ways he said Trump is increasing prices of everything in the daily lives of Americans.
December 13, 2025 · 2:00 PM

Parks and Recreation announces dates for 2026 youth track and field meets

The meets are open to youth ages 6 to 14 years old and will be conducted Feb. 7 and 21, 2026, at Kealakehe High School in West Hawai‘i and Feb. 28 at Kamehameha High School in East Hawai‘i.

Ironman 

Get ready to roll: Aloha Skate Roller Draft Tournament to hit Big Island
November 6, 2025 · 1:00 AM HST
80-year-old grandmother becomes oldest woman to finish Ironman World Championship in Kona
October 19, 2025 · 5:00 AM HST
Big Island triathletes cross finish line at Ironman World Championship in Kona
October 11, 2025 · 10:11 PM HST
UPCOMING FEATURED EVENTS:
Sun, Dec 14, 2025 · 2:30 pm – 4:30 pm

Holidays In Harmony: A Christmas Concert by Kona Aloha Singers

Every Monday · 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm

Weekly Hula

Every Tuesday · 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm

Ukulele Lessons with Kris Fuchigami

Local Entertainment 

December 14, 2025 · 9:00 AM

‘Hawai‘i to the World’ finale features top talent from throughout Hawai‘i

After 4 weeks of show-stopping performances, emotional stories and unforgettable moments from throughout the pae ʻāina, the stage is set for one of the five finalists — including Pohai from the Big Island — to walk away with a $10,000 grand prize.
December 12, 2025 · 5:00 AM

Volcano Watch: Lava fountains of knowledge; events for January Volcano Awareness Month

Join Hawaiian Volcano Observatory staff and its partners Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo and Hawaiʻi County Civil Defense in January 2026 for a series of programs around the island that will discuss eruptions and earthquakes, how Hawaiian Volcano Observatory scientists monitor them and the hazards associated with them.
December 11, 2025 · 5:00 AM

20 holiday events around Big Island for Dec. 11-18: Punalights, Christmas hoedown, Waikōloa Christmas Parade plus a lot more

The holidays are in full swing around the Big Island, with another week of a variety of events, activities, concerts, performances and more in celebration of the season. Check them out now!
December 10, 2025 · 7:00 AM

Celebrate 33rd Christmas with the Chefs this weekend at OUTRIGGER Kona Resort & Spa

Those who attend will be treated to tasty temptations, dancing to live holiday tunes and stocked silent auction all in support of the local culinary industry’s future.
December 4, 2025 · 3:30 PM

30 holiday events around Big Island from Dec. 4-11: Seasonal markets, tree lightings, parades and more — even snow in Kona

It seems as the island is in a very festive mood already this holiday season — and we do mean very; from traditional things to do to several events that are new, there are myriad ways to get into the holiday spirit during the upcoming week. Check them out now!

Island Fish and Chips
Island Fish and Chips FOH & BOH Positions – FT & PT
Kona · 1 week ago
Hawaii Public Housing Authority
Housing Public Housing Supervisor V
Hilo · 6 days ago
Saarman Construction, Ltd.
Experienced Interior Painters – Occupied Homes
Hilo · 2 weeks ago

Looking for locally based talent?

Post a Job Listing

Big Island Polls 

Big Island Now poll results: County garage is answer to downtown Kona’s parking woes
June 1, 2025 · 3:00 AM HST
Big Island Now poll: What is solution to parking woes on Ali‘i Drive in Kailua-Kona?
May 18, 2025 · 3:00 AM HST
Reminder: Permanent restrictions remain on the transport of ʻŌhiʻa
April 19, 2025 · 1:55 AM HST

Hawai‘i Business 

Hilo gains 8 new nurses graduating from innovative ‘earn-and-learn’ program
Credit union shows support for nonprofits that provide critical services at risk of funding shortfall
Fourth-quarter forecast: Hawai‘i faces mild recession, weak recovery in 2026
Hawaiian Airlines surprises 14 nonprofits with combined 7M Atmos Rewards points

Hawai’i Volcano Blog 

Volcano Watch: Lava fountains of knowledge; events for January Volcano Awareness Month
December 12, 2025 · 5:00 AM HST
Steady glow continued overnight following Kīlauea eruption
December 10, 2025 · 10:24 AM HST
UPDATE: Episode 38 produces ash cloud over Puna, rare triple lava fountain; destroys 1 of 3 livestreaming webcams at Kīlauea summit
December 6, 2025 · 10:44 PM HST

Ocean Blog 

Links between land-sea nutrients, impacts found through new research involving UH
December 10, 2025 · 1:00 PM HST
UPDATE: Coastal flood statement to carry over another day, through Sunday morning
December 6, 2025 · 9:32 AM HST
Volunteers remove thousands of feet of fishing lines from west, north Hawaiʻi reefs
November 30, 2025 · 5:00 AM HST
Wave of resilience: Keaukaha community, schools to conduct tsunami evacuation exercise
November 20, 2025 · 5:00 AM HST

Maui Now 

Morning Mākeke announces one-day holiday market Dec. 20 in Kahului

After a long-awaited return, The Morning Mākeke will host its only market of the season — the Mele Kalikimaka Mākeke — on Saturday, Dec. 20 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Emmanuel Lutheran School in Kahului.

Malaria Maui Rotary welcomes Emergency Animal Care & Help, Dec. 16

The Maluhia Maui Rotary Club welcomes Ayla Mader, founder and executive director of EACH — Emergency Animal Care & Help — during its upcoming meeting on Dec. 16, from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Mader will explore the purpose of the organization, whose mission it is to provide low-income households of Maui with resources and emergency funding for the care of their pets.

Santa, the Grinch and furry friends come together for holiday pet photos on Maui

Aloha FurEver Pets Foundation will host a holiday photo fundraiser on Saturday, Dec. 20, at the West Side YMCA Resource Center in Lahaina. Pet owners are invited to bring their cats and dogs for festive photos with Santa and the Grinch.

Hana Hou Music Program announces fundraiser, upcoming winter session on Maui

The Hana Hou Music Program, a nonprofit that provides free music education and performances across Maui, has announced its annual end-of-year fundraising campaign and the launch of its first-ever 2026 Winter Session on Maui, along with a concert on Oʻahu to close out the year.

Keck Observatory observes first gravitationally lensed superluminous supernova

Astronomers have discovered the first-ever spatially resolved, gravitationally lensed superluminous supernova. The object, dubbed SN 2025wny, offers a rare look at a stellar cataclysm from the early Universe and provides a striking confirmation of Einstein’s theory of general relativity. The discovery relied on a chain of cutting-edge observatories collaborating on scientific breakthroughs.

Kaua‘i Now 

Hawai’i County Fire Chief Kazuo Todd dies unexpectedly Sunday morning at age 45

Hawaiʻi County is mourning the unexpected passing of Fire Chief Kazuo Todd, who leaves behind a revered legacy of public safety and leadership.

‘I just gobbled it all up’: Hawai‘i public school students get special ‘uala treat

Sweet potato bread part of the breakfast menu at 127 participating schools throughout the state made with locally sourced purple Okinawan sweet potato; nearly 1,700 pounds were distributed to the schools.

Alexander & Baldwin to go private in $2.3B definitive merger agreement

Shareholders to receive $21.20 per share in cash, representing a 40% premium to closing price earlier this month; merger expected to close during the first quarter of 2026.

High surf advisory issued for north and west-facing shores of Kaua’i and Ni’ihau

A high surf advisory is in effect from noon today until 6 p.m. on Dec. 15 for the north- and west-facing shores of Niʻihau and Kauaʻi, where waves are expected to reach up to 16 feet.

Schatz votes to extend Affordable Care Act tax credits to protect people’s health care

Senate Republicans, however, who have the majority, rejected the measure; the vote came after Schatz earlier during the week took to the Senate floor, saying President Donald Trump “is making people poorer, and he’s doing it on purpose,” in remarks about about various ways he said Trump is increasing prices of everything in the daily lives of Americans.

Discover more from Hawaii News Journal

Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.

Unknown's avatar

kh6jrm@gmail.com

I am the retired news director of Pacific Radio Group stations on the Island of Hawaii. I am a retired Lt. Col., USAF Reserve. I am a FCC-licensed Amateur Radio Operator, holding the Amateur Extra Class License. I am a substitute teacher for the state of Hawaii Department of Education.

Please leave a comment or opinion.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Discover more from Hawaii News Journal

Subscribe now to keep reading and get access to the full archive.

Continue reading

Exit mobile version