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Musicians from the Hilo High School Orchestra and Young Music Studio will join the Orchid Isle Orchestra for its 19th holiday concert at 6:30 p.m. tonight.
Join the Orchid Isle Orchestra for a collaborative, holiday concert tonight
Musicians from the Hilo High School Orchestra and Young Music Studio will join the Orchid Isle Orchestra for its 19th holiday concert at 6:30 p.m. tonight.
bigislandnow.com
December 15, 2025 at 10:43 PM
Congratulations to Officer Jenna Kosinski-Santos, named Ka‘ū Officer of the Quarter for her outstanding leadership.

#KaūOfficerOfTheQuarter #CommunitySafety
Officer Jenna Kosinski-Santos named Ka’ū Officer of the Quarter
“She’s a pro-active officer who has a gift of motivating those around her,” Ka‘ū District Acting Captain Pernell Hanoa said of Officer Jenna Kosinski-Santos
bigislandnow.com
December 15, 2025 at 9:00 PM
The flags will remain at half-staff till Dec. 19.
Flags on Hawai‘i County properties ordered to half-staff in honor of Fire Chief Kazuo Todd
Kazuo Todd became fire chief in April 2021 and served the Fire Department for 21 years.
bigislandnow.com
December 15, 2025 at 8:38 PM
In 2025, there have been 18 fatal crashes resulting in 20 deaths on the Big Island, which is a decrease in both categories from the same time period last year.

#BigIslandfatalcrashes
#HawaiiPoliceDepartment
Hawai’i Island DUI arrests drop slightly in early December, fatal crashes decrease
Hawaiʻi Island's effort to combat impaired driving is reflected in a 5.88% decrease in DUI arrests, with 849 incidents recorded through the end of 2025.
bigislandnow.com
December 15, 2025 at 7:00 PM
The Lyman ʻOhana Ranch in Puna is set to transform 300 acres of lava-damaged land through sustainable ranching and agriculture.
Business Monday: New Puna ranch to emphasize keiki education through its island-wide sustainability mission
The Lyman ʻOhana Ranch in Puna is set to transform 300 acres of lava-damaged land through sustainable ranching and agriculture.
bigislandnow.com
December 15, 2025 at 3:21 PM
"He truly cared for the community and wanted to bring what was best for everyone on the Big Island. My heart goes out to his family."

~Ben Clayton, Life Flight Network, about the unexpected death of Hawaiʻi Fire Chief Kazuo Todd at just 45
Hawai‘i Fire Chief Kazuo Todd remembered for his unwavering commitment to Big Island community
In just four years as Hawaiʻi Fire Chief, Kazuo Todd left behind a legacy of modernizing the department and upgrading its equipment while also serving as a leader to improve fire service across the state.
bigislandnow.com
December 15, 2025 at 2:57 PM
Donate unwrapped toys to children in need, supporting the Salvation Army's mission to spread joy across West Hawaiʻi during the "Fill a Cruiser Holiday Toy Drive" on Dec. 20
Second “Fill a Cruiser” donation event scheduled in Kona on Saturday
Donate unwrapped toys to children in need, supporting the Salvation Army's mission to spread joy across West Hawaiʻi during the "Fill a Cruiser Holiday Toy Drive" on Dec. 20
bigislandnow.com
December 15, 2025 at 1:00 PM
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.
Commercial real estate firm Alexander & Baldwin enters into $2.3B 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.
bigislandnow.com
December 15, 2025 at 11:00 AM
Utility pole repairs are in progress on Kawaihae Road. Repair work is expected to continue for several hours.

#KohalaDetour
#BigIslandNow
Detour in effect on Kawaihae Road for utility repairs following traffic collision
The Hawaiʻi Police Department advises motorists to use a detour on South Kohala as utility pole repairs continue following a recent collision.
bigislandnow.com
December 15, 2025 at 2:47 AM
A high surf warning was issued for the west-facing shores.

#highsurf
#bigislandnow
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.
bigislandnow.com
December 15, 2025 at 12:33 AM
HAPPENING NOW: Fire Chief Kazuo Todd, a respected leader in Hawaiʻi, has passed away at 45.

#FireChiefToddKazuo
#HawaiiCounty
Hawai’i County Fire Chief Todd Kazuo dies unexpectedly Sunday morning
Hawaiʻi County is mourning the unexpected passing of Fire Chief Kazuo Todd, who leaves behind a revered legacy of public safety and leadership.
bigislandnow.com
December 14, 2025 at 8:40 PM
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.
‘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.
bigislandnow.com
December 14, 2025 at 7:00 PM
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.
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.
bigislandnow.com
December 14, 2025 at 5:00 PM
"We collectively, as a state, recognized that agriculture is important. This is about protecting people and agriculture, and falls in line with food security."

~Sen. Tim Richards
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.
bigislandnow.com
December 14, 2025 at 3:00 PM
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.
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.
bigislandnow.com
December 14, 2025 at 1:00 PM
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.
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.
bigislandnow.com
December 14, 2025 at 11:00 AM
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.
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.
bigislandnow.com
December 14, 2025 at 12:00 AM
State Rep. Kusch is proposing the Passive Recreation Wilderness State Park as a natural, low-impact sanctuary that would be nearly 300 acres.
State Rep. Matthias Kusch to host meeting next week about proposed state park in Hilo
State Rep. Kusch is proposing the Passive Recreation Wilderness State Park as a natural, low-impact sanctuary that would be nearly 300 acres.
bigislandnow.com
December 13, 2025 at 9:00 PM
Hawai‘i State Federal Credit Union announces gifts of $25,000 each for the Hawai‘i Resilience Fund at Hawai‘i Community Foundation and Safety Net Fund at Aloha United Way as part of the statewide “Aloha for Hawai‘i” giving campaign.
Credit union shows support for nonprofits that provide critical services at risk of funding shortfall
Hawai‘i State Federal Credit Union announces gifts of $25,000 each for the Hawai‘i Resilience Fund at Hawai‘i Community Foundation and Safety Net Fund at Aloha United Way as part of the statewide “Aloha for Hawai‘i” giving campaign.
bigislandnow.com
December 13, 2025 at 7:00 PM
U.S. senator and Hawai'i Democrat answered questions about rising costs, federal funding, health care, education and more.
Schatz statewide telephone town hall draws more than 16K Hawai‘i residents to participate
U.S. senator and Hawai'i Democrat answered questions about rising costs, federal funding, health care, education and more.
bigislandnow.com
December 13, 2025 at 5:00 PM
Laura Roberts and Travis Aucoin are working on a DIY skatepark after facing delays from an incomplete environmental assessment that began in 2023. 
Kids wait, and wait, for skate park in Ocean View that has been mired in government red tape
Laura Roberts and Travis Aucoin are working on a DIY skatepark after facing delays from an incomplete environmental assessment that began in 2023. 
bigislandnow.com
December 13, 2025 at 3:04 PM
Lane closure schedules can change at any time without notice. All projects are weather permitting. Will any of these planned closures impact your commute or fun? Take a look and plan ahead now.
12 lane closures scheduled during week of Dec. 13-19 on Big Island state roadways
Lane closure schedules can change at any time without notice. All projects are weather permitting. Will any of these planned closures impact your commute or fun? Take a look and plan ahead now.
bigislandnow.com
December 13, 2025 at 1:00 PM
Updated data as of Dec. 11 show a sharp increase in flu test positivity and flu-related emergency room visits in Hawaiʻi, which is also experiencing its highest weekly respiratory-related 9-1-1 emergency medical services calls totals since July.
State urges residents to take precautions as flu cases surge throughout islands
Updated data as of Dec. 11 show a sharp increase in flu test positivity and flu-related emergency room visits in Hawaiʻi, which is also experiencing its highest weekly respiratory-related 9-1-1 emergency medical services calls totals since July.
bigislandnow.com
December 13, 2025 at 11:00 AM
So far this year, the Hawai‘i Wildlife Center, a rescue with headquarters in Kapa‘au, has rescued 1,441 seabirds across the state.
More than 1,000 native seabirds rescued in Hawai‘i during fallout season
So far this year, the Hawai‘i Wildlife Center, a rescue with headquarters in Kapa‘au, has rescued 1,441 seabirds across the state.
bigislandnow.com
December 13, 2025 at 1:00 AM
Three state agencies remain on alert after the sick wild endangered native duck was found Nov. 26 at Hanalei National Wildlife Refuge; confirmation and subtype ID pending.
State agencies on alert after discovery of 3rd possible case of highly pathogenic bird flu
Three state agencies remain on alert after the sick wild endangered native duck was found Nov. 26 at Hanalei National Wildlife Refuge; confirmation and subtype ID pending.
bigislandnow.com
December 13, 2025 at 1:00 AM