Big Island Now Daily Briefing

Welcome to the BigIslandNow.com daily brief. Today, we’re covering a controversial festival in Pāpaʻikou that can move forward under strict new conditions, a sobering economic forecast for Hawaiʻi driven by surging oil prices, a call for state-level reform after a two-year battle to protect ancestral burial sites in Hawaiian Paradise Park, and a new state loan program to help condo associations with critical repairs. Plus, a look at today’s weather.

Welcome to the BigIslandNow.com daily brief. Today, precursory lava flows have resumed at Kīlauea's summit with episode 47 forecasted at any time, we’ve got a full lineup of events for the week ahead, a water shutoff is scheduled for parts of Honoka‘a, a Washington man faces federal charges for throwing a rock at an endangered monk seal on Maui, and new Point‑in‑Time Count data shows progress in reducing family homelessness on Hawai‘i Island.

Welcome to the BigIslandNow.com daily brief. Today, a landmark artificial intelligence safety bill is headed to the governor’s desk, setting new consumer protections for minors and mental health users. Police are renewing their plea for information on a fisherman who vanished more than a year ago. A school bus used for students with disabilities was stolen from Ocean View, and authorities are looking for additional suspects. And there’s a feel-good story: a legendary humpback whale known as “Big Mama” has returned to the Salish Sea after wintering in Hawaiʻi. Plus, we have all the ways to celebrate Mom this weekend.

Welcome to the BigIslandNow.com daily brief. Today we’re covering a state securities case against two individuals accused of running an unregistered crypto investment scheme, a package of health bills headed to the governor, a major land acquisition in lower Puna to preserve the Kumukahi area, opportunities for high school students at a West Hawai‘i hiring blitz, and a look at some of the top events happening on the island this weekend, including a chocolate festival and a charity walk. Plus, auditions are coming up for a community production of “Seussical.”

Welcome to the Big Island Now daily briefing. Today, we're tracking the next round of wet weather moving in, a new opportunity for storm-affected families to replace lost food benefits, and a local astronomer returning home to share her story from the summit of Mauna Kea.

Welcome to the Big Island Now daily briefing. Today, we're covering a local brand's big Fashion Week opportunity, a chance to talk story with Police Chief Mahuna, major plans for a struggling shopping center, a week honoring educators and students, community response to recent storms, and an important food recall. Let's get into it.

Welcome to the Big Island Now daily briefing. Today, we're tracking a significant kona storm bringing damaging winds and heavy rain, detailing a record-breaking volcanic event and its widespread fallout, reviewing a series of criminal justice reform bills moving through the legislature, and providing an update on a notable earthquake off the Kaʻū Coast.

Welcome to the Big Island Now daily briefing. Today, we're tracking a powerful storm that's changing plans across the island, from event cancellations to a rare winter advisory on the summits. We'll also have a look at the state's newly advanced budget.

Welcome to the Big Island Now daily briefing. Today we're covering a public health alert for Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, a phone service issue at a Kona police station, cleanup efforts following the latest Kīlauea eruption, a look at volunteerism across generations, and important travel advisories due to our active weather pattern.

Welcome to the BigIslandNow.com daily brief for Monday, March 9, 2026. Today we're tracking a major storm approaching the islands, a public health alert about a measles exposure, and a heartening rescue of an injured cat. We'll also have a quick look at today's weather.