91ֱ�� - Big Island News, Sports, Weather and Entertainment

Property tax hikes eyed: County faces $15 million budget deficit

Stefan Verbano — Sun, 17 May 2026 10:05:00 +0000

The 91ֱ�� County Council will hold a public hearing Tuesday to consider raising property tax rates for nonresidents and those with second homes in an effort to close the gap on an estimated $15 million budget shortfall.

The post Property tax hikes eyed: County faces $15 million budget deficit appeared first on 91ֱ��.

Bake stands rise in popularity

whtnone — Sun, 17 May 2026 10:05:00 +0000

Colorful roadside food stands have been popping up around Hilo in recent months.

The post Bake stands rise in popularity appeared first on 91ֱ��.

Odds of El Nino forming this summer increase

whtnone — Sun, 17 May 2026 10:05:00 +0000

An El Nino cycle is expected to begin this summer, though the strength of that cycle — and how it will impact 91ֱ�� — is still up for debate.

The post Odds of El Nino forming this summer increase appeared first on 91ֱ��.

Military leaders meet in Waikiki as land leases remain in limbo

whtnone — Sun, 17 May 2026 10:05:00 +0000

Military leaders in 91ֱ�� have increasingly used the islands as a training and weapons-testing ground for their troops and those of their allies as they prepare forces for a potential showdown with China in Taiwan and the South China Sea.

The post Military leaders meet in Waikiki as land leases remain in limbo appeared first on 91ֱ��.

Higher oil prices hurting 91ֱ��’s economy, UHERO report says

whtnone — Sat, 16 May 2026 10:05:00 +0000

91ֱ��’s near-term economic outlook “has worsened noticeably” as the war with Iran continues to push oil and consumer prices higher, according to the latest economic forecast by the University of 91ֱ�� Economic Research Organization, released today on Friday.

The post Higher oil prices hurting 91ֱ��’s economy, UHERO report says appeared first on 91ֱ��.

Partial funding allocated for Outpatient Care Center in Kona

whtnone — Sat, 16 May 2026 10:05:00 +0000

Plans for an Outpatient Care Center in Kailua-Kona are moving forward after $50 million was allocated for the project in the recent state budget, an investment in health care infrastructure that West 91ֱ�� Region of 91ֱ�� Health Systems Corporation CEO Clayton McGhan said is “much-needed” in the area.

The post Partial funding allocated for Outpatient Care Center in Kona appeared first on 91ֱ��.

Snorkeling at Pearl Harbor: Kash Patel’s travels add to focus on ethical issues

New York Times — Sat, 16 May 2026 10:05:00 +0000

Last summer, FBI Director Kash Patel capped a whirlwind South Pacific trip with a snorkel trip in 91ֱ��.

The post Snorkeling at Pearl Harbor: Kash Patel’s travels add to focus on ethical issues appeared first on 91ֱ��.

91ֱ�� attorney general defends Medicaid fraud enforcement

whtnone — Sat, 16 May 2026 10:05:00 +0000

91ֱ�� Attorney General Anne Lopez pushed back Thursday against claims leveled a day earlier by Vice President JD Vance that the state isn’t serious about combating Medicaid fraud.

The post 91ֱ�� attorney general defends Medicaid fraud enforcement appeared first on 91ֱ��.

Judo: Waiakea grad Sadanchikova wins bronze in Pan-Am junior championships

Conor Langs — Fri, 15 May 2026 10:05:00 +0000

One 2024 Waiakea High School graduate medaled on a global stage last month in South America.

The post Judo: Waiakea grad Sadanchikova wins bronze in Pan-Am junior championships appeared first on 91ֱ��.

Permit granted for Falls on Fire festival in Papaikou

Stefan Verbano — Fri, 15 May 2026 10:05:00 +0000

The controversial Burning Man-inspired festival known as “Falls on Fire” can continue to be held in Papaikou after the 91ֱ�� County Windward Planning Commission voted 4-1 on Thursday in favor of issuing a special use permit clearing the way for the event to proceed.

The post Permit granted for Falls on Fire festival in Papaikou appeared first on 91ֱ��.

20 years in the making: County purchases Honolulu Landing property

Stefan Verbano — Fri, 15 May 2026 10:05:00 +0000

91ֱ�� County Mayor Kimo Alameda announced Thursday that after more than two decades of advocacy, the 364-acre coastal Puna property known as Honolulu Landing had been acquired by the county for preservation.

The post 20 years in the making: County purchases Honolulu Landing property appeared first on 91ֱ��.

Trump says Xi is ‘all business’ as talks resume after Taiwan warning

whtnone — Fri, 15 May 2026 10:05:00 +0000

BEIJING — U.S. President Donald Trump and China’s Xi Jinping are set to meet on Today to wrap up a two-day state visit that has featured pomp and business deals but also a warning from Xi that mishandling the Taiwan issue could send relations spiraling.

The post Trump says Xi is ‘all business’ as talks resume after Taiwan warning appeared first on 91ֱ��.

Funds allocated for Waimea emergency center

whtnone — Fri, 15 May 2026 10:05:00 +0000

Plans for a new community emergency response center in Waimea are one step closer to becoming a reality after $5 million was allocated for the project in the state budget.

The post Funds allocated for Waimea emergency center appeared first on 91ֱ��.

91ֱ�� sticks with its mail-in voting system despite Trump’s order

whtnone — Thu, 14 May 2026 10:05:00 +0000

91ֱ�� officials say they plan to follow state law requiring mail-in voting this year while lawsuits proceed over President Donald Trump’s executive order that critics say would give the federal government unprecedented control over U.S. elections despite the Constitution’s guarantee that Congress and each state hold that authority.

The post 91ֱ�� sticks with its mail-in voting system despite Trump’s order appeared first on 91ֱ��.

91ֱ��less count dips slightly on Big Island

Stefan Verbano — Thu, 14 May 2026 10:05:00 +0000

The number of people experiencing homelessness in 91ֱ�� County dropped slightly over the past two years, according to data released Wednesday by a group of social service agencies.

The post 91ֱ��less count dips slightly on Big Island appeared first on 91ֱ��.

91ֱ�� lawmakers pave way for regular Young Brothers rate hikes

whtnone — Thu, 14 May 2026 10:05:00 +0000

Interisland cargo rates at 91ֱ��’s regulated monopoly service provider Young Brothers Ltd. could be going up in July after a 26% hike approved in November.

The post 91ֱ�� lawmakers pave way for regular Young Brothers rate hikes appeared first on 91ֱ��.

Trump and Xi meet, with a world in turmoil

New York Times — Thu, 14 May 2026 10:05:00 +0000

President Donald Trump and China’s leader, Xi Jinping, were meeting in Beijing on Thursday, beginning a high-stakes summit that will focus on trade, Iran, Taiwan and other points of contention.

The post Trump and Xi meet, with a world in turmoil appeared first on 91ֱ��.

Feds charge Washington man for throwing large rock at monk seal on Maui

whtnone — Fri, 15 May 2026 01:37:00 +0000

A 38-year old Washington man is facing federal criminal charges for throwing a rock at an endangered 91ֱ��an monk seal known as “Lani” in Lahaina May 5.

The post Feds charge Washington man for throwing large rock at monk seal on Maui appeared first on 91ֱ��.

Prep profile: Ivy League-bound Assi has had love for tennis since he arrived in Hilo

whtnone — Thu, 14 May 2026 10:05:00 +0000

State tennis champion as a junior.

The post Prep profile: Ivy League-bound Assi has had love for tennis since he arrived in Hilo appeared first on 91ֱ��.

Boys golf: Saito leads Big Island at states; Warriors, ‘Riders place top 3

Conor Langs — Thu, 14 May 2026 10:05:00 +0000

Another exciting season of 91ֱ�� high school boys golf wrapped up Wednesday at the challenging Kaneohe Klipper Golf Course on Oahu.

The post Boys golf: Saito leads Big Island at states; Warriors, ‘Riders place top 3 appeared first on 91ֱ��.

NCAA championship trophy in hand, the Rainbow Warriors return to Manoa

whtnone — Thu, 14 May 2026 10:05:00 +0000

By virtue of winning the Most Outstanding Player of the NCAA Final Four award, Louis Sakanoko was tasked with stepping off the bus first this afternoon holding the NCAA national championship trophy.

The post NCAA championship trophy in hand, the Rainbow Warriors return to Manoa appeared first on 91ֱ��.

Trump: If there’s no deal, ‘they’re going to be decimated’

New York Times — Wed, 13 May 2026 10:05:00 +0000

WASHINGTON — The United States could end the month-old ceasefire and resume its attacks on Iran, President Donald Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said Tuesday, a day after Trump dismissed Tehran’s latest offer to end the war as “garbage.”

The post Trump: If there’s no deal, ‘they’re going to be decimated’ appeared first on 91ֱ��.

US intelligence shows Iran retains substantial missile capabilities

New York Times — Wed, 13 May 2026 10:05:00 +0000

WASHINGTON — The Trump administration’s public portrayal of a shattered Iranian military is sharply at odds with what U.S. intelligence agencies are telling policymakers behind closed doors, according to classified assessments from early this month that show Iran has regained access to most of its missile sites, launchers and underground facilities.

The post US intelligence shows Iran retains substantial missile capabilities appeared first on 91ֱ��.

4 seniors awarded Wayne “Big Dog” Joseph Scholarship

Conor Langs — Wed, 13 May 2026 10:05:00 +0000

Four deserving winners of this year’s Wayne “Big Dog” Joseph Scholarship were announced at last week’s BIIF Track and Field Championships, as four local seniors were awarded $2,000 for outstanding excellence in academics and community service while being involved in track or cross country. This was the 20th year of the prestigious award.

The post 4 seniors awarded Wayne “Big Dog” Joseph Scholarship appeared first on 91ֱ��.

BIIF track and field: KSH sweeps, Schaut shines at championships

Conor Langs — Wed, 13 May 2026 10:05:00 +0000

KEA‘AU — Kamehameha-91ֱ�� began resurfacing its track prior to the start of fall sports with the idea that it would be finished in time for the football playoffs. Unfortunately, constant rain delays during the fall meant that the stadium wasn’t ready to host events until the spring — just in time for high school track and field season and for KSH to host last weekend’s BIIF championships.

The post BIIF track and field: KSH sweeps, Schaut shines at championships appeared first on 91ֱ��.

Kona CDP committee weighs in on STVRs measure

Stefan Verbano — Wed, 13 May 2026 10:05:00 +0000

A Kona community committee on Tuesday unanimously approved submitting testimony to the Leeward Planning Commission calling for revisions to a county bill that would expand short-term vacation rentals.

The post Kona CDP committee weighs in on STVRs measure appeared first on 91ֱ��.

‘Their legacy lives on’: County honors fallen law enforcement officers

Stefan Verbano — Tue, 12 May 2026 10:05:00 +0000

Rifle shots rang out across the grounds of the Hilo Police Station on Monday as an honor guard performed a 21-gun salute honoring fallen 91ֱ�� Police Department officers in a solemn commencement of 91ֱ�� County’s 2026 Police Week.

The post ‘Their legacy lives on’: County honors fallen law enforcement officers appeared first on 91ֱ��.

County halts plan to remove 37 trees from Honoka‘a park

whtnone — Tue, 12 May 2026 10:05:00 +0000

91ֱ�� County has paused plans to remove 37 trees in the Honoka‘a Sports Complex following pushback from the community.

The post County halts plan to remove 37 trees from Honoka‘a park appeared first on 91ֱ��.

Affordable housing project in Waikoloa Village is dedicated

whtnone — Tue, 12 May 2026 10:05:00 +0000

Na Hale Makoa, a 140-unit affordable workforce rental housing community in Waikoloa Village, was dedicated Friday.

The post Affordable housing project in Waikoloa Village is dedicated appeared first on 91ֱ��.

County approval sought for festival that has irritated neighbors

Stefan Verbano — Mon, 11 May 2026 10:05:00 +0000

The 91ֱ�� County Windward Planning Commission on Thursday will decide the fate of the “Falls on Fire” Festival — a controversial “Burning Man”-inspired gathering in Papaikou hosted by Pennsylvania video game executive Andrew Tepper.

The post County approval sought for festival that has irritated neighbors appeared first on 91ֱ��.

Tax cuts preserved, immigration enforcement limited as Legislature sends final bills to Green

whtnone — Mon, 11 May 2026 10:05:00 +0000

91ֱ�� taxpayers — except for the highest income earners — will continue to benefit from historic tax breaks after legislators wrapped up their 60-day session by increasing the state’s $1.6 billion “rainy day fund” by $50 million and adding new limits on county and state law enforcement cooperation with federal immigration enforcement efforts.

The post Tax cuts preserved, immigration enforcement limited as Legislature sends final bills to Green appeared first on 91ֱ��.

‘It’s gonna be very devastating’: Five 91ֱ�� Island early childhood education sites to close

whtnone — Mon, 11 May 2026 10:05:00 +0000

Laughter and squeals of joy filled the air on a recent Wednesday morning at the site of the Mountain View Ka Pa‘alana Preschool, where toddlers, parents and teachers gather to play, do crafts and learn four days a week.

The post ‘It’s gonna be very devastating’: Five 91ֱ�� Island early childhood education sites to close appeared first on 91ֱ��.

US, Iran no closer to ending war as Qatari tanker sails toward Strait of Hormuz

whtnone — Sun, 10 May 2026 10:05:00 +0000

A state of relative calm prevailed around the Strait of Hormuz on Saturday, after days of sporadic flare-ups, as the United States waited for Iran’s response to its latest proposals to end more than two months of fighting and begin peace talks.

The post US, Iran no closer to ending war as Qatari tanker sails toward Strait of Hormuz appeared first on 91ֱ��.

Legislative session adjourns with passage of tax relief, a song and farewells

whtnone — Sun, 10 May 2026 10:05:00 +0000

91ֱ�� lawmakers ended their 2026 legislative session Friday with final passage of a highly consequential and perhaps most heavily negotiated bill this year, which stood to uphold or repeal state income tax relief for the next five years.

The post Legislative session adjourns with passage of tax relief, a song and farewells appeared first on 91ֱ��.

When a squatter moves in, homeowners find little recourse

New York Times — Sun, 10 May 2026 10:05:00 +0000

Ian C. Chen was relaxing in his Bethesda, Maryland, bedroom last summer when he saw a U-Haul truck backing up the driveway to 8605 Burning Tree Road, a 7,500-square-foot brick-and-stone mansion next door that had gone into foreclosure in late 2024 and was, at the time, owned by a division of Citigroup. In early 2025, the bank had put the house on the market for $2.8 million, later reducing the price to $2.3 million.

The post When a squatter moves in, homeowners find little recourse appeared first on 91ֱ��.

Hilo tsunami clock memorial to be moved?

whtnone — Sun, 10 May 2026 10:05:00 +0000

The Hilo tsunami clock — a landmark along Kamehameha Avenue at the edge of the Grand Naniloa Golf Course — might find itself with new digs as part of the Waiakea Peninsula revitalization.

The post Hilo tsunami clock memorial to be moved? appeared first on 91ֱ��.

Bill seeking to ban new paid parking lots advances

Stefan Verbano — Sun, 10 May 2026 10:05:00 +0000

A 91ֱ�� County committee voted 6-3 last week to refer a bill that would ban the opening of new paid parking lots in many places around the island to the planning director and dual planning commissions for review.

The post Bill seeking to ban new paid parking lots advances appeared first on 91ֱ��.

History made: Dragons win first-ever baseball state championship

Conor Langs — Sat, 09 May 2026 10:05:00 +0000

HONOLULU — History was made Saturday night at Les Murakami Stadium.

The post History made: Dragons win first-ever baseball state championship appeared first on 91ֱ��.

Tehran could withstand blockade for four months, CIA report shows, as fighting flares

whtnone — Sat, 09 May 2026 10:05:00 +0000

(Adds response to CIA report paragraph 4)

The post Tehran could withstand blockade for four months, CIA report shows, as fighting flares appeared first on 91ֱ��.

Trump plans to fire FDA commissioner Marty Makary

New York Times — Sat, 09 May 2026 10:05:00 +0000

President Donald Trump has signed off on a plan to fire Dr. Marty Makary, commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration, after a series of clashes over vaping, oversight of the abortion pill and a series of new drug application denials that rattled biotech companies, according to a person briefed on the matter, who was not authorized to discuss it publicly.

The post Trump plans to fire FDA commissioner Marty Makary appeared first on 91ֱ��.

US Schools face a crisis as the number of children drops

New York Times — Sat, 09 May 2026 10:05:00 +0000

As American women have fewer babies each year, the number of young children in the United States is dwindling. The trend is now catching up to the nation’s public school districts.

The post US Schools face a crisis as the number of children drops appeared first on 91ֱ��.

‘I feel incredibly lucky to be a part of this team’: HAAS surfing opens eyes at states

Conor Langs — Sat, 09 May 2026 10:05:00 +0000

If you were following the recent 91ֱ�� High School Athletic Association (HHSAA) state surfing championships, you might have been surprised to see athletes from a small charter school in Pahoa capture two of the three individual boys championships. However, if you ask the staff and students at 91ֱ�� Academy of Arts and Sciences, they will tell you this is something the school has been working towards since it was established in 2001.

The post ‘I feel incredibly lucky to be a part of this team’: HAAS surfing opens eyes at states appeared first on 91ֱ��.

UHERO report finds persistent housing crisis in 91ֱ��

whtnone — Fri, 08 May 2026 10:05:00 +0000

The University of 91ֱ�� Economic Research Organization on Thursday released the 2026 91ֱ�� Housing Factbook, which shows that despite modest improvements in affordability, 91ֱ��’s housing market remains deeply out of reach for many local families.

The post UHERO report finds persistent housing crisis in 91ֱ�� appeared first on 91ֱ��.

Construction of Portuguese center in Hilo finally underway

whtnone — Fri, 08 May 2026 10:05:00 +0000

In 2007, Frank DeLuz III donated a plot of land with sweeping views overlooking Hilo Bay to the 91ֱ�� Island Portuguese Chamber of Commerce for one specific purpose: to build a cultural and educational center to preserve and share Portuguese history and culture on the island.

The post Construction of Portuguese center in Hilo finally underway appeared first on 91ֱ��.

91ֱ�� Ocean Stars, Imonen and Oka, claim Anaehoomalu Splash

Conor Langs — Fri, 08 May 2026 10:05:00 +0000

WAIKOLOA — More than 250 swimmers turned out at Anaehoomalu Bay on Saturday for the Anaehoomalu Splash, the opening event of the Big Island’s Triple Crown Swim Race Series.

The post 91ֱ�� Ocean Stars, Imonen and Oka, claim Anaehoomalu Splash appeared first on 91ֱ��.

‘It brought me to tears’: Ka Makani, Wildcats win island flag football titles

Conor Langs — Fri, 08 May 2026 10:05:00 +0000

HONOKA‘A — Two Big Island flag football powerhouses completed perfection on Wednesday night at Honoka‘a High.

The post ‘It brought me to tears’: Ka Makani, Wildcats win island flag football titles appeared first on 91ֱ��.

Truce faces test as US and Iran exchange strikes

New York Times — Fri, 08 May 2026 10:05:00 +0000

The United States attacked Iranian territory Thursday, testing a tenuous month-old ceasefire, even as Iranian officials said the two countries were discussing a plan to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and end the U.S. blockade on Iranian ports.

The post Truce faces test as US and Iran exchange strikes appeared first on 91ֱ��.

Legislature OKs demolition funds for Country Club

John Burnett — Fri, 08 May 2026 10:05:00 +0000

The state’s executive supplemental budget transmitted Wednesday to Gov. Josh Green contains $14 million in capital improvement project funds to demolish the former Country Club Condominium Hotel building in Hilo.

The post Legislature OKs demolition funds for Country Club appeared first on 91ֱ��.

91ֱ�� nonprofits face mounting challenges, report finds

whtnone — Fri, 08 May 2026 10:05:00 +0000

As 91ֱ�� lawmakers finalize state budget priorities and uncertainty looms over federal funding, a new statewide report is raising concerns about the stability of the nonprofit sector, which employs more than 1 in 10 workers and plays a critical role in supporting communities across the islands.

The post 91ֱ�� nonprofits face mounting challenges, report finds appeared first on 91ֱ��.

Commission OK’s rezoning plan for Pahoa town

Stefan Verbano — Thu, 07 May 2026 10:05:00 +0000

The 91ֱ�� County Windward Planning Commission voted unanimously Wednesday to approve a legislation package that would rezone parts of downtown Pahoa.

The post Commission OK’s rezoning plan for Pahoa town appeared first on 91ֱ��.