Hilo joins cackling paddle boarding craze

It was a spooky good time Oct. 27 in Hilo Bay as witches took to the sea, launching from Coconut Island with hats on, throwing cackles and paddling into a squall.

Coral bleaching not as severe as predicted

KAILUA-KONA — A widespread coral bleaching event predicted by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration did impact reefs around Hawaii. But the agency said the bleaching wasn’t as severe as predicted.

Problem Kia driver sentenced

KAILUA-KONA — The 26-year-old driver of a white Kia Soul who gained notoriety on social media earlier this year for its driver’s “erratic and dangerous” actions will spend up to five years behind bars.

Piilani’s appeal now in judge’s hands

An attorney representing a company appealing the county’s denial of a Special Management Area permit to drill for and bottle water in Hilo argued in court Tuesday that the Windward Planning Commission’s decision was based on “speculation about things that could potentially happen.”

Obituaries for November 6

Terrance “Jason” Lee Everitt, 72, of Holualoa died Oct. 22 in Holualoa. Born in Warren, Ohio, he was a bartender and U.S. Navy veteran. Graveside services with military honors noon Wednesday, Nov. 20, at West Hawaii Veterans Cemetery. Online condolences: ballardfamilymortuaries.com. Survived by son, Trevor Everitt of London; brother, Tom Everitt of Las Vegas; sister, Tammy Agae of California; two grandchildren. Arrangements by Ballard Family Mortuary.

Food trucks and Amazon deliveries in national parks are a horrific idea

National parks were created more than a century ago to be refuges for flora and fauna and the land on which they depend for existence, to protect them all from the ravages of human development. They have become refuges for humans as well — places where people can disconnect from the clamor of modern society and commune briefly with the natural world while surrounded by spectacular beauty.