New report confirms 2025 was Hawai‘i’s second driest, warmest year on record

Due to concerns regarding the Housing and Homelessness Fund's effectiveness, the Hawaiʻi County Council is seeking a detailed understanding before considering extending the program, which is set to end in 2027.

We're taking a different approach this week, highlighting what you might call a "featured item" or "must go"; Hilo Education Arts Repertory Theatre — or HEART — is hosting its 5th Anniversary Benefit Concert and Fundraiser at the beginning of next week, and now more than ever, the youth theatre program needs your help. Find this and more in this week's top 10 things to do on the Big Island.

The proposed Tier 3 would impact about 842 parcels primarily in West Hawai‘i, with an estimated value of $5.3 billion, according to Hawaiʻi Countyʻs real property tax administrator.

The new advisory is in place through 6 p.m. today (Feb. 5); a high surf advisory previously in place for northern shores of the Big Island was also canceled and northwest swell is on the downward trend.

Grand opening set for Feb. 13 at new location on the Maka‘ala Street campus, with festivities including giveaways, refreshments and entertainment; current store location will remain open through Feb. 7.

Good was was fatally shot by a U.S. Immigrations and Customs Enforcement officer last month in Minneapolis, Minn.; letter emphasizes that the Justice Department's decision not to investigate represents a broader trend.

The discussion will focus on the national wildfire insurance crisis, triggered by wildfires throughout the United States during the past 5 to 8 years.

Heavy rain is possible as early as Saturday, but most likely Sunday into Monday; flash flooding appears to be most likely for Maui County and the Big Island, particularly windward locations, and strong winds are most likely to impact Kaua‘i and Maui County.

The northwest swell impacting the state is on the downward trend and will continue to slowly lower today. Surf has dropped below warning levels, triggering the earlier warning to be canceled and a downgraded advisory put in its place.

Village Harvest doesn't just glean, or gather, from trees — it makes them, and you can help with their creation, too; air layering events are happening islandwide.