Written test for driver’s permit now available online
Gov. Josh Green and the four county mayors have announced the availability of a new online option to take the written learner’s permit test.
Free Plant People Road Show in Kona next month
KAILUA-KONA — Featuring five Big Isle mom and pop nurseries, the Plant People Road Show heralds the coming of spring during its first show of 2025 on Feb. 1.
Temporary employees sought for Summer Fun Program
The Hawaii County Department of Parks and Recreation is now accepting employment applications for temporary positions in the 2025 Summer Fun Program.
‘Shakespeare in Paradise’
The Kamuela Philharmonic invites the public to experience an enchanting afternoon of orchestral beauty and Shakespeare-inspired classics at at 2 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 26, at the Kahilu Theatre in Waimea.
Middle school essays sought for National Civics Bee Hawaii
Chamber of Commerce Hawaii has announced that the 2025 National Civics Bee Hawaii is now open to students statewide in grades 6-8, including those in public, private and charter schools as well as those who are homeschooled.
Park named executive director of the JCCIH
The Japanese Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Hawaii has announced the appointment of Leelen Park as its new executive director.
People’s Choice awards presented to Banyan Drive Art Stroll winners
Watercolorist Ron Louie took first place Saturday in the 5th Banyan Drive Art Stroll art exhibit with his misty view of a torii titled “Grand Entrance.” Louie will receive a gift certificate from Hilo Hawaiian Hotel.
HPD to host its first-ever Keiki Fun Run/Walk in Kona
Hawaii Police Department’s Kona Community Policing Section, in collaboration with the Hawaii Island Police Activities League (HI-PAL), is holding the first-ever Keiki Fun Run/Walk in Kona on Saturday morning.
Five Scouts reach highest rank
John Farias, 18, Justin Imamura, 18, Dylan Matsui, 17, Eli Yamaki, 17, and Yuma Kamuro, 16, were presented Scouts BSA’s highest rank of Eagle Scout by Scoutmaster Byron Fujimoto at a Court of Honor held in July at Honpa Hongwanji Hilo Betsuin’s Sangha Hall, sponsor of Scouts BSA Troop 23.
Hawaii Energy announces appliance trade-up program in Ka‘u
Hawaii Energy, the state’s energy conservation program, in partnership with Recycle Hawaii has announced an appliance trade-up program for old refrigerators and freezers for residents in Ka‘u.
KTA opens new pharmacy in Hilo
KTA Super Stores has announced the opening of KTA Pharmacy, Ponahawai, the first stand-alone pharmacy location under the KTA Super Stores brand.
Hamakua officer honored for outstanding work
For his investigative skills resulting in the recovery of stolen property in multiple cases during his first two months on solo patrol, Hamakua Patrol Officer Kaleb Caves was honored last month with the Haweo Award during a ceremony held at Hawaii County Council chambers in Hilo.
Schedule set for Banyan Drive Art Stroll
The fifth Banyan Drive Art Stroll features exhibits, awards, prizes, entertainment and activities throughout the Banyan Drive area from noon to 6 p.m. Saturday.
Lawmakers to speak at Waimea town meeting
Public policy leadership changes within the state Legislature and Hawaii County Council will be in the spotlight at Waimea Community Association’s Town Meeting this Thursday in the Jerry Nelson Conference Room of the W.M. Keck Observatory Waimea headquarters at 65-1120 Mamalahoa Highway.
‘Mu‘u + Mo‘olelo’ opens Friday
Wailoa Center in Hilo will present “Mu‘u + Mo‘olelo,” a multimedia mu‘umu‘u exhibit, beginning Friday.
Tree trimming scheduled at Keaau Transfer Station
Hawaii County’s Department of Environmental Management has scheduled tree trimming along the driveway entrance to the Keaau Transfer Station between 8 a.m. and 4:45 p.m. daily from Jan. 14-16.
Kilauea puts on ‘outstanding’ show in HVNP
It’s a “Pele Kalikimaka” in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, according to Jessica Ferracane, the park’s spokeswoman, referring to the eruption that started early Monday morning within Kilauea volcano’s Halema‘uma‘u crater.
SingAlong Messiah set for Saturday in Hilo
All are invited to the 15th Annual Tom McAlexander Community SingAlong Messiah at 4 p.m. this Saturday at the Church of the Holy Cross, 440 W. Lanikaula St. in Hilo. It is a free event.
Honokaa residents win AARP volunteer award
Honokaa residents Miles Okumura and Lynn Higashi have been selected by AARP — the nonprofit organization for people 50 and older — to receive the 2024 AARP Hawaii Andrus Award for Community Service, the association’s most prestigious and visible state volunteer award for community service.
Hilo Elks host New Year’s Eve benefit dance party
Community members are invited to the Hilo Elks Lodge to dance “Under the Stars” in a semi-formal ball from 8 p.m. to midnight on New Year’s Eve.
