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“Volcano Watch:  Pele, Kono and Hi’iaka remind us of nature’s power.”

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Accessed on 21 March 2026, 0059 UTC.

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In Case You
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Finance exec with Big Island roots selected as new Kamehameha Schools trustee

New partnership expands American Sign Language access at University of Hawaiʻi Mānoa…

Hawaiʻi County officials urge public to be storm ready ahead of second kona low

Several transportation-related bills passed by state House seek to make Hawaiʻi roads…

Rain from incoming Kona low expected this afternoon, flood watch issued through weekend

Top 10 things to do on Big Island for March 20-26: Toes tapping, feet hiking, business…

Konawaena High will transition to distance learning during storm repairs

Hilo man faces theft, drug charges following series of Jeep rim, tire thefts in Hilo area

Power restored to about 400 more Big Island customers; about 2,000 still remain in dark

Second Hawai‘i Island police officer pleads no contest in evidence tampering case

South Kohala officer Travis Wong’s integrity and dedication stand out in policing

Kona low storm on Big Island leaves behind property damage, cleanup and dead goats

Business Monday: New California owner hopes to revitalize The Shops at Mauna Lani

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Big Island News 

March 20, 2026 · 2:20 PM

UPDATE: SNAP replacement benefits application deadline extended

The deadline extends households within specific areas of the state impacted by prolonged power outages associated with the kona low weather event from March 13 to March 15
March 20, 2026 · 1:49 PM

Hilo man indicted in relation to charges of elder assault, robbery in emergency period

Zodice Madeyski faces serious charges following a violent altercation that caused injuries to 70-year old man during the kona low weather event.
March 20, 2026 · 12:01 PM

All state departments on Oʻahu close early due to severe weather conditions

Catastrophic flooding from second Kona low storm prompts proactive power shutoff for thousands on Oʻahu.
March 20, 2026 · 11:37 AM

Residents urged to prepare for potential impact of kona low storm

Hawaiʻi County is in Volcano today, March 20, offering guidance on tephra recovery and storm preparedness as a flood watch impacts the island through Sunday.
March 20, 2026 · 11:00 AM

Youth urge Hawaiʻi Legislature to take action and end sale of disposable e-cigarettes

Lawmakers, students and advocates participate in “Take Down Tobacco” national day of action to stand up and speak out against Big Tobacco’s toll in Hawai‘i.
March 20, 2026 · 9:00 AM

U.S. Senate bipartisan resolution welcoming Japanese prime minister co-sponsored by Hirono

The measure welcoming Sanae Takaichi reaffirms the strong and enduring alliance between the two nations, applauds Japan for reaching defense spending equal to 2% of its gross domestic product and expresses strong support for joint efforts to address regional and global challenges to national, economic and energy security.
March 20, 2026 · 7:04 AM

Icon Chuck Norris suddenly dies after being hospitalized on Kaua‘i for medical emergency

The action movie star and legendary martial artist just celebrated his 86th birthday March 10 on the Garden Isle; he was hospitalized Wednesday, March 18, just a day before his death.
March 20, 2026 · 5:00 AM

Volcano Watch: Pele, Lono and Hiʻiaka remind us of nature’s power

Living in such a dynamic place as Hawaiʻi Island, it’s important to try to be aware and prepared for natural events that affect us; nature will continue to reshape the land in Hawaiʻi, and the recent Episode 43 lava fountaining fallout and kona low are recent reminders about how impactful such natural events can be.
March 20, 2026 · 3:00 AM

Finance exec with Big Island roots selected as new Kamehameha Schools trustee

Finance executive Eric Yeaman, who grew up in Hōnaunau on the west side of the Big Island, was selected by Hawaiʻi probate court to to fill the Ke Kula ʻo Kamehameha Board of Trustees seat previously occupied by term-limited Robert Nobriga, whose second term ended June 30, 2025.
March 20, 2026 · 1:00 AM

New partnership expands American Sign Language access at University of Hawaiʻi Mānoa games

American Sign Language students connect with University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa Athletics to volunteer their time to sign the national anthem, cheerleader chants, university fight song and more during games.
UPCOMING FEATURED EVENTS:
Sun, Mar 22, 2026 · 2:00 pm – 5:00 pm

March for Justice for Epstein Victims

Every Monday · 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm

Weekly Hula

Every Tuesday · 9:00 am – 2:30 pm

Farmers Market

Local Entertainment 

March 20, 2026 · 7:04 AM

Icon Chuck Norris suddenly dies after being hospitalized on Kaua‘i for medical emergency

The action movie star and legendary martial artist just celebrated his 86th birthday March 10 on the Garden Isle; he was hospitalized Wednesday, March 18, just a day before his death.
March 19, 2026 · 7:00 AM

Canada-France-Hawaiʻi Telescope remote observer next up at Hawaiʻi Keiki Museum podium

The Waikōloa museum’s Island Science Lecture Series continues today, March 19, with Jessica Nagasako, who will share some recent science updates from the Mauna Kea observatory and answer the question, ‘How do we get that data?’
March 19, 2026 · 5:00 AM

Top 10 things to do on Big Island for March 20-26: Toes tapping, feet hiking, business thinking, art viewing and more

Have a good time this weekend and beyond; don’t let the weather weigh you down too much. Check out this week’s top 10 things to do for some good tunes, outdoor fun, entrepreneur wisdom, eco-art and more.
March 15, 2026 · 3:00 AM

Police to host HI-PAL free movie night in Waikōloa with showing of ‘Dog Man’

The featured movie “Dog Man” will be shown from 5 to 7 p.m. on March 18 in the cafeteria at Waikōloa Elementary and Middle School.
March 14, 2026 · 9:00 AM

Hawai‘i County Department of Water Supply to host Fix a Leak Week events

The department is celebrating the 2026 installment of the special observance by helping customers learn how to identify and fix common household water leaks; events to be hosted in Hilo and Kailua-Kona, with chances for prizes.

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Hawai‘i Business 

Top 10 things to do on Big Island for March 20-26: Toes tapping, feet hiking, business thinking, art viewing and more
Vibrant Hawaiʻi launches request for storm assistance form for Big Island residents
Business Monday: New California owner hopes to revitalize The Shops at Mauna Lani
How to creatively spotlight Hawaiʻi’s rarest birds? Put them on press-on nails

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: Pele, Lono and Hiʻiaka remind us of nature’s power

March 20, 2026 · 5:00 AM HST
Volcano Watch: Kīlauea Episode 43 reaches new lava fountain height record, causes tephra fallout on nearby communities

March 13, 2026 · 3:00 AM HST
‘Episode 43 produced some serious tephra’: Fallout from Kīlauea lava fountains blown as far as Hilo

March 11, 2026 · 2:00 PM HST

Ocean Blog 

18-year-old Big Island sailor makes waves in high-level, competitive sailing

March 7, 2026 · 5:00 AM HST
Kahaluʻu Beach Park in Kailua-Kona to be closed several days at beginning of May

March 6, 2026 · 1:00 PM HST
Sign up today for The Kohala Center’s next stewardship experience at Kahalu‘u Bay and Beach Park

March 1, 2026 · 3:00 PM HST
State warns of potential public health risks from whale carcass in waters off Kona Coast

February 26, 2026 · 5:38 PM HST

Maui Now 

Water Conservation Advisory issued for Maui and Molokaʻi

Due to anticipated inclement weather, the Department of Water Supply advises all residents and visitors on Maui and Molokaʻi to conserve water as a precaution.

County of Maui kona storm update: 1 p.m. March 20, 2026

MEMA, County Parks and Recreation and the American Red Cross will begin proactively opening shelters across Maui today. Shelters will provide cots, food, and water. Bring bedding, essential supplies and any necessary medications. Pets are allowed only if they are in crates. The length of shelter operations will depend on the severity of the weather. Additional shelter locations may open if needed.

Hawaiʻi airports remain open and operational

The Hawaiʻi Department of Transportation is aware of national news stories reporting that small airports nationwide may close or pause operations due to the partial shutdown of the Department of Homeland Security and funding of the Transportation Security Administration. HDOT is reassuring the public that all Hawai‘i airports are being staffed and will remain open and operational.

Rep. Tokuda postpones Lahaina Town Hall amid severe weather conditions

US Rep. Jill Tokuda (HI-02) announced the postponement of the upcoming community town hall in Lahaina as a second Kona low continues to impact the state with life-threatening flash flooding and emergency evacuations.

Council approves $12 million for emergency storm response, while damage estimates top $16 million

The Maui County Council voted 8-0 this morning to approve a reduced $12 million emergency appropriation to fund ongoing repair efforts and rising overtime costs from what is now being called March Kona Low Storm No. 1.

Kaua‘i Now 

UPDATE: Application deadline extends for SNAP replacement benefits

The deadline extends households within specific areas of the state impacted by prolonged power outages associated with the kona low weather event from March 13 to March 15

Nineteen visitors, which included 14 minors, were rescued from Uluwehi Trail on Thursday

The Kauaʻi Fire Departmen rescued 19 kayakers from Nevada, including 14 minors, stranded on the Uluwehi Trail amid severe weather conditions on Thursday afternoon.

Kauai Weather Forecast for March 20, 2026

In the big picture, two surface low pressure systems will move slowly northeastward through the northern Hawaii region into the weekend, producing…

Kauai Weather Forecast for March 20, 2026

In the big picture, two surface low pressure systems will move slowly northeastward through the northern Hawaii region into the weekend, producing…

Kauai Surf Forecast for March 20, 2026

A moderate, medium period north swell will build today and peak on Saturday as it shifts out of the north-northeast, which will keep moderate surf along…

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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.

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