BigIslandNow.com: “The top stories on the Big Island for 2025.”
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Russ Roberts (https://hawaiinewsjournal.com
NewsPolice search for 15-year Kailua-Kona runaway last seen Christmas Day
Hawai’i State NewsState warns public about potential phishing threat masquerading as Hawaiʻi agencies
The top stories on the Big Island for 2025
Kīlaueaʻs dramatic episodic eruption, the unexpected death of the Hawaiʻi County Fire Chief and a new hospital for West Hawai‘i were among the top news of the year.December 31, 2025 · 8:36 AM HST
CommunityFirst Sugar Showdown Gingerbread House Building Contest a resounding success
CommunityWaikōloa Village Evacuation Traffic Study public meeting scheduled early next month
In Case You
Missed It:
Missed It:
Dr. Billy Bergin — keeper of the paniolo spirit — named Living Treasure of Hawai‘i
Police ask for tips in disappearance 2 years ago of Pāhoa man
County announces early park closures for New Year’s Eve
4-time Nā Hōkū Hanohano Award winner Kawaʻa releases debut solo album…
HPD updates email address to enhance security and identify official messages
Hawai‘i launching free safe driving app to help reduce crashes, save lives
Public meeting scheduled to discuss upcoming munitions cleanup in South Kohala
Hawai‘i joins multistate settlement against luxury auto manufacturer
First statewide emergency siren test in 2026 scheduled
Business Monday: Ecovillage Tour showcases Big Island’s sustainable farms…
New research into Cookiecutter shark bridges Hawai‘i knowledge with modern science
Hawai‘i Island police investigate suspected drowning of man visiting from Japan
Hirono, 24 other U.S. senators urge Trump to help taxpayers get their full refunds
WATCH: ‘Superkilonova’; a star so nice, it explodes twice
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Big Island News
December 31, 2025 · 1:46 PM
Police search for 15-year Kailua-Kona runaway last seen Christmas Day
Vivianna Arsenault was reported as a runaway Tuesday, Dec. 30 and was last seen in Kailua-Kona around 3 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 25 in a red jacket and black shorts.
December 31, 2025 · 1:00 PM
State warns public about potential phishing threat masquerading as Hawaiʻi agencies
Cybercriminals are creating deceptive web addresses to trick users into providing sensitive personal information or login credentials.
December 31, 2025 · 12:00 PM
First Sugar Showdown Gingerbread House Building Contest a resounding success
More than 50 keiki — accompanied by their parents and guardians — gathered Dec. 17 for a festive evening of gingerbread house building and decorating; It was an evening filled with smiles, laughter, frosting and holiday spirit.
December 31, 2025 · 11:00 AM
Waikōloa Village Evacuation Traffic Study public meeting scheduled early next month
The meeting is an opportunity for residents to provide input and learn about the federally funded study, which is intended to mitigate the risk of harm to people and property in fire-vulnerable Waikōloa Village area.
December 31, 2025 · 9:00 AM
Dr. Billy Bergin — keeper of the paniolo spirit — named Living Treasure of Hawai‘i
The Waimea veterinarian, rancher and historian — who founded the Paniolo Preservation Society and authored the acclaimed ‘Loyal to the Land’ book series — joins the ranks of those who have enriched Hawai‘i’s cultural, artistic and humanitarian landscape.
December 31, 2025 · 7:00 AM
Police ask for tips in disappearance 2 years ago of Pāhoa man
Kelly Gravitt, a 37-year-old Pāhoa resident and veteran with a Purple Heart, has been missing since since May 2023.
December 31, 2025 · 6:38 AM
UPDATE: All lanes open on Māmalahoa Highway near 56-mile marker in South Kohala
All lanes are open on Māmalahoa Highway after a traffic accident near Waikelehua Place caused wires to block both lanes of traffic earlier this morning in South Kohala.
December 31, 2025 · 6:16 AM
High surf advisory in effect through New Year’s Eve for northern shores of Big Island
Overlapping, medium-period northwest and north-northwest swells will maintain advisory-level surf, with little change through this evening
December 31, 2025 · 6:00 AM
County announces early park closures for New Year’s Eve
Hawai‘i County Parks and Recreation appreciates the public’s understanding and anticipates resuming normal operations New Year’s Day, Jan. 1, 2026.
December 31, 2025 · 5:00 AM
The top stories on the Big Island for 2025
Kīlaueaʻs dramatic episodic eruption, the unexpected death of the Hawaiʻi County Fire Chief and a new hospital for West Hawai‘i were among the top news of the year.
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Local Entertainment
December 31, 2025 · 3:00 AM
4-time Nā Hōkū Hanohano Award winner Kawaʻa releases debut solo album ‘Mānaiakalani’
Maui native, Grammy nominee and top 20 finalist on Season 25 of NBC’s “The Voice” features 13 Hawaiian mele on his new album, including original compositions and select favorites, honoring the people, places and moments that shaped him throughout his life and musical journey.
December 29, 2025 · 1:00 AM
Toastmasters annual conference to feature Kauaʻi cultural practitioner, ‘Chief of War’ star
Kauaʻi native Kaina Makua portrays Kamehameha I in the Apple TV+ series and is co-founder and executive director of West Kauaʻi nonprofit and social enterprise Kumano I Ke Ala, where he leads initiatives dedicated to restoring ancestral relationships to ʻāina through education, food systems revitalization and Hawaiian language immersion.
December 28, 2025 · 1:00 AM
‘Analogue’ is 2025 Hawaiʻi Word of the Year
The University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa Department of English’s choice is meant to highlight the enduring value of human-centered thinking, creativity and interpretation in an age of rapidly growing artificial intelligence.
December 27, 2025 · 11:00 AM
Fireworks permits now available so you can light up your New Year’s Eve party
Several vendors are located around the island to help you ring in 2026 with a bang; Hawai’i Fire Department offers tips to make sure your party doesn’t end in fire, injuries or worse.
December 25, 2025 · 7:24 AM
15 holiday happenings for Dec. 25-Jan. 1, 2026: Holiday brunch and dinner, mochi pounding and jammin’ parties, plus more
Now that the most wonderful day of the year and all the festivities that go with it are finally winding down, it’s time to change gears and look ahead at parties for New Year’s. Be sure to check out this week’s holiday happenings!
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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 Volcano Blog
Volcano Watch: ‘It’s a twister! Or is it?’ Unraveling Kīlauea’s volcanic whirlwinds
December 27, 2025 · 3:00 AM HST
Livestream of Kīlauea eruption shows 2 men walking through volcano’s restricted area
December 25, 2025 · 5:23 AM HST
UPDATE: Lava geysers reach 1,400 feet before Episode 39 of ongoing Kīlauea eruption ends after about 6 hours
December 24, 2025 · 4:34 AM HST
Ocean Blog
High bacteria count advisory issued at Kolekole Gulch in East Hawai‘i on Hāmākua Coast
December 24, 2025 · 6:21 PM HST
2 men rescued from life raft near Molokaʻi after their vessel begins taking on water
December 17, 2025 · 9:10 PM HST
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
Maui Now
Kīlauea eruption pauses; next lava fountaining possible Jan. 7-14
The ongoing Halemaʻumaʻu eruption at Kīlauea is paused, per an announcement from the US Geological Survey’s Hawaiian Volcano Observatory at 9:06 a.m.
OHA announces capital improvement project grant program to foster Native Hawaiian wellbeing
The Office of Hawaiian Affairs has announced the launch of a new capital improvement project grant program aimed at strengthening Native Hawaiian wellbeing through long-term infrastructure. The CIP grants are designed to support Hawaiʻi-based organizations and government agencies in the design and construction of projects previously approved for funding by the Hawaiʻi State Legislature. According […]
Kīhei man reported missing by family; last seen Dec. 12
The Maui Police Department is seeking the public’s help with any information on the whereabouts of Joshua Jacinto, 35, of Kīhei.
Cybersecurity Alert: Phishing threat masquerading as Hawaiʻi departments
Cybercriminals are creating deceptive web addresses to trick users into providing sensitive personal information or login credentials.
Hawaiʻi’s largest multispecialty medical group marks 65 years of physician-led care
Kaiser Permanente Hawaiʻi celebrated the 65th anniversary of Hawaiʻi Permanente Medical Group with a special gathering and an official proclamation honoring the physician group’s decades of service, innovation, and leadership in health care.
Kaua‘i Now
UPDATE: Kaua‘i Fire Department says online firecracker permits temporarily suspended
Suspension caused by high demand and limited inventory from local retailers.
Nighttime work scheduled for Kūhiō Highway (Hardy-Oxford) Waterline Project
Work will take place in the center two lanes on Kuhio Highway between Oxford and Hardy streets — no left-hand turns will be allowed into side streets or businesses; one northbound lane and one southbound lane will remain open.
Kaua‘i Fire Department urges fire safety this New Year’s Eve
“We’re asking everyone to celebrate responsibly and keep safety front and center this New Year’s Eve,” said Kaua‘i Fire Chief Michael Gibson. “Adults should closely supervise children, make sure everyone understands the risks and remember that fireworks should never be held or thrown.”
Maui native Kamalei Kawaʻa, a top 20 finalist on Season 25 of ‘The Voice,’ releases debut solo album
Four-time Nā Hōkū Hanohano Award winner and Grammy nominee features 13 mele on his new album, including original compositions and select favorites, honoring the people, places and moments that shaped him throughout his life and musical journey.
UPDATE: High surf advisory extended for northern, western shorelines of Ni‘ihau, Kaua‘i
Overlapping, medium-period northwest and north-northwest swells will maintain advisory-level surf with little change through Wednesday evening (Dec. 31); advisory now in effect until 6 p.m.
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