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“Big Island man sentenced to 40 years after pleading guilty to sexually assaulting 2 teen girls.”

Views expressed in this Hawaii Island, Maui, and Kauai news update are those of the reporters and correspondents.  Accessed on 16 April 2026, 2328 UTC.

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Hawai‘i County Council begins budget discussions for upcoming fiscal year

Polynesian Voyaging Society honors 50th anniversary of Hōkūleʻa’s maiden voyage

GoFarm Hawaiʻi webinar to focus on planning for the future, including farm succession…

Hawaiʻi Energy distributes 182 energy-efficient appliances to Big Island households

Hawaiʻi businesses reminded to file their second quarter annual business reports

Hawaiʻi is new member of global effort to improve public health emergency response

26-year-old Big Island man dies in possible drowning at End of the World in West Hawai‘i

Magics Beach Grill authorized to reopen after correcting multiple critical violations

Partial monitoring network outage continues at Hawaiian Volcano Observatory

Don’t miss your chance to apply for Cohort 8 of Hawaiʻi Ag & Culinary Alliance…

Big Island state Rep. Jeanné Kapela co-hosts this year’s 17th annual Art at the…

Big Island Saturday severe weather updates: Flood watch remains in effect with renewed…

Kings’ Shops culinary event raises thousands for Waikōloa conservation initiative

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Big Island News 

April 16, 2026 · 1:00 PM

Hawaiʻi prevails: Federal case seeking to block state’s fossil fuel claims dismissed

A decisive ruling by U.S. District Court for the District of Hawaiʻi agreed with Hawai‘i’s argument that the United States lacks standing to sue for hypothetical allegations that imposing liability on fossil fuel companies will have some harmful future effects on the federal government.
April 16, 2026 · 12:52 PM

Big Island man sentenced to 40 years after pleading guilty to sexually assaulting 2 teen girls

The 45-year-old pleaded guilty in July 2025 to two counts of first-degree promotion of child abuse and four counts of first-degree sexual assault.
April 16, 2026 · 10:00 AM

Residents displaced by kona low storms can connect with housing, recovery support via Aloha United Way 211

Partnership with the state and Airbnb supports eligible households impacted by severe storms in March, including damages from winds, thunderstorms and extreme flooding.
April 16, 2026 · 9:47 AM

Hawai‘i State Attorney General urges residents to verify charities when donating to Kona low disaster relief efforts

The Tax and Charities Division within the Department of the Attorney General is reminding the public to carefully research before donating to or creating fundraising events.
April 16, 2026 · 9:07 AM

Centralized paid parking system starting at Hilo courthouse Friday

Parking at the Hilo courthouse will cost $1 per hour, with a minimum payment of $1.
April 16, 2026 · 5:37 AM

Big Island’s top student readers test their memory, teamwork in annual Quiz Bowl

“The Quiz Bowl was created for kids that have reading tattooed on their forehead,” said David Giff, chair of the Heluhelu Quiz Bowl steering committee. “They are avid readers who happen to be quite competitive.
April 16, 2026 · 5:00 AM

This is what Hawaiʻi County public safety departments proposed for their new budgets

Budget discussions before Hawai‘i County Council continue today with several departments outlining their priorities, including Parks and Recreation, Office of Aging and Environmental Management.
April 16, 2026 · 3:00 AM

Top 10 things to do on Big Island for April 17-23: Freaky Tiki, Uncle Charlie, Maisey Rika, HI-CAL DEAD, kickball, Earth Day cleanup and more

It’s another week with plenty to do around the Big Island, but if you’re a music enthusiast — or just like to listen to great tunes — several venues have events planned that are pitch perfect for you; check out this week’s top 10 things to do on the Big Island now!
April 16, 2026 · 1:00 AM

Art exhibit explores Mauna Loa as more than a geological structure

“36 Views of Mauna Loa” uses a diverse range of art mediums to explore the volcano and will be on display at the East Hawaiʻi Cultural Center until Friday, June 12.
April 15, 2026 · 6:22 PM

Federal aid unlocked for Hawaiʻi following severe Kona low storms

As FEMA collaborates with state and county officials, residents are urged to apply for assistance by June 7 to gain access to essential support and resources.

Merrie Monarch 

Photo galleries summarize a weekend of hula, moʻolelo and Hawaiian culture
Kāne from O‘ahu capture overall win at Merrie Monarch Festival’s hula competition in Hilo
PHOTO GALLERY: Sights and pageantry of 63rd annual Merrie Monarch Royal Parade
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UPCOMING FEATURED EVENTS:
Sat, Apr 18, 2026 · 9:00 am – 3:00 pm

KTA Puainako’s Customer Appreciation Day

Sat, Apr 25, 2026 · 7:30 am – 9:00 am

Race for the Reef 5k

Fri, May 1, 2026 · 10:00 am – 3:00 pm

Kubota Orange Days Sales Event in Kona

Local Entertainment 

April 16, 2026 · 3:00 AM

Top 10 things to do on Big Island for April 17-23: Freaky Tiki, Uncle Charlie, Maisey Rika, HI-CAL DEAD, kickball, Earth Day cleanup and more

It’s another week with plenty to do around the Big Island, but if you’re a music enthusiast — or just like to listen to great tunes — several venues have events planned that are pitch perfect for you; check out this week’s top 10 things to do on the Big Island now!
April 16, 2026 · 1:00 AM

Art exhibit explores Mauna Loa as more than a geological structure

“36 Views of Mauna Loa” uses a diverse range of art mediums to explore the volcano and will be on display at the East Hawaiʻi Cultural Center until Friday, June 12.
April 15, 2026 · 3:00 AM

Polynesian Voyaging Society honors 50th anniversary of Hōkūleʻa’s maiden voyage

A series of storytelling, educational initiatives, musical performances and fundraising efforts throughout this year will reflect on the legacy of the voyage and its enduring impact.
April 12, 2026 · 3:00 AM

Big Island’s Rhoda Magbitang tests her creativity on national TV’s ‘Top Chef’

The executive chef at the Mauna Lani resort’s CanoeHouse is taking on one of the biggest creative challenges of her career as she competes with other high-level chefs in Season 23 of the popular national television show.
April 12, 2026 · 1:00 AM

Big Island state Rep. Jeanné Kapela co-hosts this year’s 17th annual Art at the Capitol

The free, family-friendly event is open to the public and celebrates local art, performances and culture; this year’s theme is “Urban Canvases; Culture in Motion.”

Hawai‘i Business 

Hawaiʻi prevails: Federal case seeking to block state’s fossil fuel claims dismissed
GoFarm Hawaiʻi webinar to focus on planning for the future, including farm succession, land transition
Business Monday: Kona restaurants form group to provide jobs, help nonprofits, revive downtown
Hawaiʻi businesses reminded to file their second quarter annual business reports

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 

Partial monitoring network outage continues at Hawaiian Volcano Observatory
April 12, 2026 · 9:12 AM HST
Volcano Watch: Caldera clues; tephra deposits from Kīlauea’s past
April 10, 2026 · 6:59 AM HST
UPDATE: Episode 44 of lava fountaining at Kīlauea ended Thursday night; Highway 11 reopens
April 9, 2026 · 8:03 PM HST

Ocean Blog 

26-year-old Big Island man dies in possible drowning at End of the World in West Hawai‘i
April 12, 2026 · 11:44 AM HST
Soggy situation: 12 Big Island locations already recorded 2 or more inches of rain, including 2 with more than 11 inches
April 8, 2026 · 9:09 AM HST
Sound Bytes: Synchronous swimming (with robots); behind the Hawaiʻi Glider Challenge
April 6, 2026 · 3:00 PM HST
Upcoming Kiaʻi o ke Kai focus groups seek ocean users, stewards to participate, talk story
April 6, 2026 · 1:00 AM HST

Maui Now 

Kaiser Permanente Hawaiʻi offers Maui programs aimed to inspire the next generation of health care professionals

Kaiser Permanente will host its third Career Exploration Day on Saturday, April 25, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 1:45 p.m. at the Kaiser Permanente Wailuku Medical Office. The event is offered in partnership with STEMworks, a program of the Maui Economic Development Board, and is open to intermediate and high school students across Maui County.

Maui Marathon hosts elite runner Jordan Hogan for weekend appearances and half marathon race

Elite distance runner Jordan Hogan, one of the most accomplished American marathoners of the past decade, will take part in the 56th annual Maui Marathon race weekend, including community meet-and-greet opportunities and competition in the half marathon.

ILWU Local 142 endorses Bobby Pahia for Maui County Council

The Maui Division of the International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU) Local 142 has officially endorsed Bobby Pahia for the Maui County Council Upcountry residency seat, citing his deep roots in the community, lifelong commitment to working families, and strong alignment with the union’s priorities.

Input sought for management of Makawao State Forest Reserve on Maui

The DLNR Division of Forestry and Wildlife is seeking community input on a draft management plan for the Makawao State Forest Reserve on Maui. Feedback will help guide oversight of the area for the next 10 years.

Access restricted at Hoʻokipa Beach Park during first state high school championship surfing event

Access to the County of Maui’s Hoʻokipa Beach Park facilities will be restricted to competition use only from 5 p.m. Thursday, April 30, through 5 p.m. Saturday, May 2, 2026, to host the inaugural Hawaiʻi High School Athletic Association Surfing State Championships (HHSAA), the County Department of Parks and Recreation announced. The park will reopen for regular public access at 5 p.m. on May 2.

Kaua‘i Now 

Recovery from kona low storms gets boost with Trump OK to major disaster declaration

“I’m grateful to the president and FEMA for acting quickly to approve our request because it immediately unlocks the federal resources we need to support response and long-term recovery in our state,” said Hawaiʻi Gov. Josh Green.

Kauai Weather Forecast for April 16, 2026

A low pressure system lingers far to the north of Hawaii this morning, supporting continued light and variable winds with chances for light to moderate…

Kauai Weather Forecast for April 16, 2026

A low pressure system lingers far to the north of Hawaii this morning, supporting continued light and variable winds with chances for light to moderate…

Kauai Surf Forecast for April 16, 2026

A small, short-period, NNW swell fades this afternoon into tonight. Small background energy from the W this weekend into next week from Typhoon…

Kauai Weather Forecast for April 16, 2026

A low pressure system lingers far to the north of Hawaii this morning, supporting continued light and variable winds with chances for light to moderate…

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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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