“Hawai’i County proposed budget bills move forward–first readings in May.”
Views expressed in this Hawaii Island, Maui, and Kauai news update are those of the reporters and correspondents. Accessed on 19 April 2026, 2354 UTC.
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CommunityDepartment of Education to open A+ after-school program registration
CommunityHawai‘i Police Department officer among 253 grads from FBI National Academy
Hawai‘i County proposed budget bills move forward; first readings in May
The Hawaiʻi County Council can’t move forward with the budget until the finance director provides the net taxable real property for the upcoming fiscal year.April 19, 2026 · 5:00 AM HST
Hawai’i State NewsNTSB releases preliminary findings on Airborne Aviation helicopter crash that killed 3…
ActivitiesWaimea to host 3-day art fair featuring ‘Signs of Spring’ contest
In Case You
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Donʻt get hooked: University of Hawaiʻi Maui College presents real-life phishing stories
Hawaiʻi Coffee Association works on strategic plan, welcomes new executive director
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Kanakaʻole, Zane ʻohana transform Hawaiian cultural practices into captivating visual…
Direct2UH gets $400K boost from national grant program aimed at simplifying path to…
22 lane closures scheduled during week of April 18-24 on Big Island state roadways
Big Island Now news briefs for April 18: National Native Plant Month, Jams World 2026 Chat…
26-year-old scuba diver from Honolulu victim of possible drowning at Honokōhau Harbor
Switch to natural gas offers only modest gains, but big risks for Hawaiʻi energy costs
Zonta local, international STEM awards given to University of Hawai‘i student
Consumer Alert: Public warned about investment scams on Meta platforms
2026 Big Island Chocolate Festival debuts free Chocolate Farmers Market, promises sweet…
Volcano Watch: Fountains and festivities; Kīlauea erupts Episode 44 as Merrie Monarch…
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Big Island News
April 19, 2026 · 1:00 PM
Department of Education to open A+ after-school program registration
Ensure eligibility documents are ready for the after-school program registration on April 22.
April 19, 2026 · 8:00 AM
Hawai‘i Police Department officer among 253 grads from FBI National Academy
“The experience strengthened my leadership perspective and reinforced the importance of collaboration, accountability and service,” said Capt. Levon Stevens. “I look forward to bringing these insights back to Hawai‘i County as we continue working to serve our community with integrity and professionalism.”
April 19, 2026 · 5:00 AM
Hawai‘i County proposed budget bills move forward; first readings in May
The Hawaiʻi County Council can’t move forward with the budget until the finance director provides the net taxable real property for the upcoming fiscal year.
April 19, 2026 · 3:00 AM
University of Hawaiʻi to lead new Pacific reef research institute
“This new institute combines [University of Hawaiʻi]’s strengths in cutting-edge, ocean-related research and our collaborative, place-based approach to working with resource managers throughout Hawaiʻi and the Pacific to protect our vital coral reefs,” said University of Hawaiʻi Interim Vice President for Research and Innovation Chad Walton.
April 19, 2026 · 1:00 AM
New podcast spotlights Hawaiʻi Island ʻōpio choosing to build future at home
Vibrant Hawaiʻi is introducing the podcast this year with renewed intention — to challenge the long-standing narrative that Hawaiʻi’s most promising ʻōpio must leave the island to succeed.
April 18, 2026 · 4:15 PM
NTSB releases preliminary findings on Airborne Aviation helicopter crash that killed 3, seriously injured 2 on Kauai’s North Shore
The preliminary report by the National Transportation Safety Board did not provide a cause of the crash, but said the pilot reported severe vibrations and loss of directional control while making a turn.
April 18, 2026 · 3:00 PM
Waimea to host 3-day art fair featuring ‘Signs of Spring’ contest
Discover the vibrant world of local art at the Big Island Art Fair in Waimea, taking place April 23 to 25 at Kahilu Town Hall.
April 18, 2026 · 1:00 PM
Donʻt get hooked: University of Hawaiʻi Maui College presents real-life phishing stories
“Phishing remains the most effective attack method in 2026 because it targets the one element that can’t be easily patched: people,” said University of Hawaiʻi Chief Information Officer Jodi Ito.
April 18, 2026 · 11:00 AM
Hawaiʻi Coffee Association works on strategic plan, welcomes new executive director
Abigail Munoz with Monarch Coffee was unanimously elected by the board, “and she was absolutely the right person for this role,” said Hawaiʻi Coffee Association President Ryson Nakamasu.
April 18, 2026 · 9:00 AM
Express yourself via short letter, small card during National Card and Letter Writing Month
U.S. Postal Service encourages customers to “mail a little more often,” and special occasions such as Mother’s Day, Father’s Day or other personally significant moments present an ideal opportunity to combine thoughtful expression with written communication.
UPCOMING FEATURED EVENTS:
Every Wednesday · 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Ukulele Lessons with Kris Fuchigami
Every Friday · 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm
*Couples Lomilomi Massage* with Malama Honua Massage Therapy.
Sat, Apr 25, 2026 · 7:30 am – 9:00 am
Race for the Reef 5k
Local Entertainment
April 19, 2026 · 1:00 AM
New podcast spotlights Hawaiʻi Island ʻōpio choosing to build future at home
Vibrant Hawaiʻi is introducing the podcast this year with renewed intention — to challenge the long-standing narrative that Hawaiʻi’s most promising ʻōpio must leave the island to succeed.
April 17, 2026 · 5:00 AM
2026 Big Island Chocolate Festival debuts free Chocolate Farmers Market, promises sweet shindig
The new event showcases local cacao growers and chocolate makers; 3-day festival also includes educational activities, farm tour, college student chocolate competition, grand gala and much more.
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.
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: Fountains and festivities; Kīlauea erupts Episode 44 as Merrie Monarch begins
April 17, 2026 · 3:00 AM HST
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
Ocean Blog
University of Hawaiʻi to lead new Pacific reef research institute
April 19, 2026 · 3:00 AM HST
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
Maui Now
New data tool gives side-by-side comparison of House and Senate budget drafts
Hawaiʻi Appleseed Center for Law & Economic Justice has announced a major update to its Hawaiʻi Budget webpage, giving advocates, policymakers, and community members a powerful new tool to track the state’s supplemental budget process in real time.
University of Hawaiʻi to lead new Pacific reef research institute
“This new institute combines [University of Hawaiʻi]’s strengths in cutting-edge, ocean-related research and our collaborative, place-based approach to working with resource managers throughout Hawaiʻi and the Pacific to protect our vital coral reefs,” said University of Hawaiʻi Interim Vice President for Research and Innovation Chad Walton.
NTSB releases preliminary report on Kauaʻi helicopter crash that killed 3, injured 2
The preliminary report by the National Transportation Safety Board did not provide a cause of the crash, but said the pilot reported severe vibrations and loss of directional control while making a turn.
Hāna farmers face years of recovery for crops lost in Kona storm
Some farmers say they won’t know how bad the damage is until they see how their storm-impacted trees fare when harvest time rolls around.
Maui Weather Forecast for April 19, 2026
An upper-level trough will will bring increased high clouds and renewed chances for isolated heavy showers and thunderstorms this afternoon and Monday. Light…
Kaua‘i Now
Hawaiʻi Coffee Association welcomes new executive director to help drive strategic planning initiatives forward
Abigail Munoz with Monarch Coffee was unanimously elected by the board, “and she was absolutely the right person for this role,” said Hawaiʻi Coffee Association President Ryson Nakamasu.
Kaua’i firefighters douse early morning blaze in Waimea
Early Sunday, Kauaʻi firefighters swiftly brought a blaze at an abandoned building on ʻŌla Road under control. No injuries were reported.
Endangered Hawaiian owl found sick on Kauaʻi’s North Shore dies from malnutrition
The death of an endangered native Hawaiian owl from malnutrition highlights the species’ fragility and the critical role public awareness plays in wildlife rescue efforts on Kauaʻi.
Top mini golf players prepare for U.S. Open on Kauaʻi next month
Kauaʻi mini golfers encouraged to register for the U.S. Open coming to Anaina Hou Community Park Saturday, May 16.
Phishing stories to be presented during final cybersecurity clinic in University of Hawaiʻi Maui College series
“Phishing remains the most effective attack method in 2026 because it targets the one element that can’t be easily patched: people,” said University of Hawaiʻi Chief Information Officer Jodi Ito.
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