Aloha! If you have an event you want to share on our newsletter, send us an email at [email protected]!

Here is your fast news headlines for Big Island today:

James Beard Foundation Recognizes Manago Hotel with National Honor

Manago Hotel, a longstanding establishment in Kona, has been recognized with a national honor by the James Beard Foundation. The Foundation, which celebrates excellence in the culinary industry and supports sustainability, equity, and community, announced that Manago Hotel is one of six recipients of its 2023 America's Classics Award. The award recognizes locally owned restaurants that have a timeless appeal and reflect the character of their communities.

Manago Hotel, which began as a humble restaurant selling udon, bread, jam, and coffee out of the owners' home in 1917, has been in continuous operation for over a century. The hotel and restaurant have survived and expanded over the decades, including through World War II, when the Army contracted Manago Hotel to feed soldiers. Today, the hotel still maintains its simplicity, with rooms that have no air conditioning or televisions, and a menu that features less than a dozen items.

The fourth generation of the family, sisters Britney and Taryn Manago, now run the hotel and restaurant. Britney grew up below the kitchen and returned to the family business after college in California. "This is the only thing I’ve ever really known that I’ve loved and wanted to always be a part of,” she says.

To be eligible for the America's Classics Award, establishments must have been in existence for at least 10 years. Manago Hotel has been a fixture in the Kona community for over a century and has been recognized by the James Beard Foundation for its timeless appeal and quality food that reflects the character of its community.

The James Beard Awards ceremony, where Manago Hotel and the other America's Classics Award recipients will be celebrated, will take place on Monday, June 5, 2023, at the Lyric Opera of Chicago.

Green Declares 2023 the Year of Kāhuli

Hawai‘i Governor Josh Green M.D. has declared 2023 as the Year of the Kāhuli, a move aimed at protecting the colorful native tree snails that once inhabited virtually every ecosystem across the state. The kāhuli is considered a jewel of the forest and has played a significant role in the natural and cultural life of Hawai‘i. However, climate change, predators, introduced invasive snails and chameleons, and human encroachment have put these native species at risk of extinction.

According to the proclamation, 60% of the kāhuli population has gone extinct from the forests they once called home for millions of years. In response, a snail lab operated by Dr. David Sischo of the DLNR Division of Forestry and Wildlife (DOFAW) feeds and keeps 40 species of rare native snails from five different islands safe until they can be returned to their forest homes. Last year, over 7,000 snails were released into the wild from the three labs, and more are expected to be released in the future.

Our native snails are critical to the overall health of native ecosystems, serving as "canaries in the coal mine" that provide early warnings when populations decline. In Hawaiian traditions, snails sing, and they represent voice in Hawaiian culture. The kāhuli will be celebrated throughout the year with a series of events, including the debut of the film Kāhuli, a special brew from Honolulu Beerworks called Kāhuli Brewli, and the second annual Kāhuli Festival at Bishop Museum in September. Conservation initiatives, captive rearing programs, and educational outreach will also be a focus. The Year of the Kāhuli aims to protect and steward Hawai‘i's native forests and ensure the survival of this culturally significant species.

St. Michael's Archangel Catholic Church Dedicates New Parish Center, names it after Grace Wilsey

The $5.5 million social hall within the center is named after Grace Wilsey, who suffers from a rare disorder but is an inspiration to the faith community. Grace's mother, Kristen, is a family friend of the Clintons. The new center, situated on the south-end of the church, is a testament to the perseverance and dedication of the parishioners and the wider community to rebuild and restore their place of worship.

Former President Clinton and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton attended the blessing of the Grace Parish Center at St. Michael The Archangel Catholic Parish in downtown Kailua-Kona, an event that marked the culmination of nearly 16 years of construction and fundraising efforts. The center was a long-time coming, after the original church was forced to close down due to the October 15, 2006 earthquake that shook Hawai'i Island. Construction efforts and fundraising started in 2013, and the main church was completed by 2015.

Manta Ray Public Hearing in Kona (Update)

The Department of Land and Natural Resources' recent proposal to alter regulations regarding Manta Ray activities has garnered mixed reactions among the public. A public meeting was held on Thursday at the West Hawaii Civic Center, where the DLNR presented their proposal and gathered feedback from attendees. While some opponents voiced concerns over the perceived government overreach and excessive rules, others were in favor of the proposed changes, citing the importance of preserving marine life and respecting Native Hawaiian culture. In fact, some Native Hawaiians in attendance were strongly supportive of the proposed changes. Despite the division in opinions, it's worth noting that a suit has already been prepared in case the proposal is enacted.

Police Seeking Runaway Serenity Salmo-Kaawa

Hawai‘i Island police are asking for the public’s assistance in locating 14-year-old Serenity Salmo-Kaawa who was reported as a runaway.

Salmo-Kaawa was last seen in the 500 block of Waianuenue Avenue in Hilo on Tuesday, February 21, 2023, around 8:00 a.m., wearing a black shirt, black shorts, and black shoes.

She is described as Hawaiian with a medium build, about 5 feet 2 inches tall, 180 pounds, with black hair and brown eyes.

Police ask anyone with information on her whereabouts to call the police department’s non-emergency line at (808) 935-3311.

Hawai`i Island Police Arrest 15 Motorists for DUI, Traffic Accidents Involved

During the week of February 13 to February 19, 2023, Hawai'i Island police arrested 15 motorists for driving under the influence of an intoxicant, with four of them being involved in a traffic accident. All the drivers were over 21 years of age. This year, there have been 145 DUI arrests so far, compared to 162 during the same period last year, showing a 2.4 percent decrease. However, the Hawai‘i Police Department's Traffic Services Section found 131 major collisions so far this year, a 31 percent increase compared to last year's 100.

To date, three fatal crashes have occurred, resulting in four fatalities, after reclassifying one fatal crash that was initially thought to be due to natural causes. One fatal crash had multiple deaths. This number is lower compared to last year, with five fatal crashes and seven fatalities, including one with multiple deaths. There was a decrease of 40 percent for fatal crashes and 42.9 percent for fatalities.

DUI roadblocks and patrols will continue throughout the island to ensure public safety.

Road Closures:

— VOLCANO ROAD/MAMALAHOA HIGHWAY (ROUTE 11) —

1) NORTH OF PAHALA

Single lane closure on Mamalahoa Highway (Route 11) possible in either direction between mile markers 46 and 50, vicinity of Kapapala Ranch Road on Monday, Feb. 20, through Friday, Feb. 24, from 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. for vegetation cutting.

2) NAALEHU (WEEKEND AND WEEKLY WORK)

Single lane closure on Mamalahoa Highway (Route 11) possible in either direction between mile markers 62 and 66, vicinity of Naalehu Driver Licensing Station and Hao Springs Road, on Saturday, Feb. 18, through Monday, Feb. 20, from 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. for mowing and grass cutting.

3) OCEAN VIEW

Single lane closure on Mamalahoa Highway (Route 11) possible in either direction between mile markers 70 and 71, vicinity of Kahuku Ranch Road, on Monday, Feb. 20, through Friday, Feb. 24, from 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. for mechanical mowing.

4) CAPTAIN COOK (WEEKEND AND WEELY WORK)

Single lane closure on Mamalahoa Highway (Route 11) possible in either direction between mile markers 106 and 109, vicinity of Honaunau Elementary School and Koa Road, on Saturday, Feb. 18, through Monday, Feb. 20, from 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. for mowing.

— KUAKINI HIGHWAY (ROUTE 11) —

1) HONALO

Single lane closure on Kuakini Highway (Route 11) possible in either direction in the vicinity of mile marker 114, near West Honalo Road, on Tuesday, Feb. 21, through Friday, Feb. 24, from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., for Kuakini Drainage Improvements.

— HAWAII BELT ROAD (ROUTE 19) —

1) PAPAIKOU TO PEPEEKEO (WEEKEND AND WEEKLY WORK)

Single lane closure on Hawaii Belt Road (Route 19) possible in either direction between mile markers 9 and 11, vicinity of Onohi Loop/Kahalii Place and Old Mamalahoa Road (near Makea Stream), on Saturday, Feb. 18, through Friday, Feb. 24, from 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., for mowing and grass cutting.

2) HAKALAU (WEEKEND AND WEEKLY WORK)

Single lane closure on Hawaii Belt Road (Route 19) possible in either direction between mile markers 12 and 14, vicinity of Kolekole Beach Park, on Saturday, Feb. 18, through Friday, Feb. 24, from 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., for tree trimming and shoulder work.

3) HAKALAU TO NINOLE (WEEKEND WORK)

Single lane closure on Hawaii Belt Road (Route 19) possible in either direction between mile markers 14 and 16, vicinity of Kolekole Beach Park and Umauma Stream, on Saturday, Feb. 11, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., for vegetation cutting

4) LAUPAHOEHOE

Single lane closure on Hawaii Belt Road (Route 19) possible in either direction between mile markers 23 and 28, Kapehu Road to vicinity of Stevens Road, on Tuesday, Feb. 21, through Friday, Feb. 24, from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. for paving.

5) KAMUELA

Single lane closure on Hawaii Belt Road (Route 19) possible in either direction between Mud Lane and Iokua Place on Tuesday, Feb. 21, through Friday, Feb. 24, from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. for core sampling in preparation for repaving.

— KAWAIHAE ROAD (ROUTE 19) —

1) KAMUELA (WEEKEND AND WEEKLY WORK)

Single lane closure on Kawaihae Road (Route 19) possible in either direction between mile markers 58 and 60, vicinity of Ko Uka Street and Ohina Street, on Saturday, Feb. 18, through Monday, Feb. 20, from 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., for shoulder work.

— KEAAU-PAHOA ROAD (ROUTE 130) —

1) KEAAU (WEEKEND AND WEEKLY WORK)

Single lane closure on Keaau-Pahoa Road (Route 130) possible in either direction between mile markers 0 and 3, Volcano Road and the Adopt A Highway sign, on Saturday, Feb. 18, through Friday, Feb. 24, from 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. for vegetation cutting.

— MAMALAHOA HIGHWAY (ROUTE 190) —

1) KAMUELA

Roving single lane closure on Mamalahoa Highway (Route 190) possible in either direction between mile markers 2 and 12, vicinity of the Waimea Kohala Airport and past Waikoloa Road, on Tuesday, Feb. 21, from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. for installation of “animal crossing” signs.

2) WAIKOLOA

Single lane closure on Mamalahoa Highway (Route 190) possible in either direction between mile markers 6 and 10, Saddle Road to vicinity of Waikoloa Road, on Monday, Feb. 20, through Friday, Feb. 24, from 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. for mowing.

3) NORTH KONA

Single lane closure on Mamalahoa Highway (Route 190) possible in either direction between mile markers 18 and 26, on Tuesday, Feb. 21, through Friday, Feb. 24, from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. for the Mamalahoa Highway Safety Improvements, East and West Puuwaawaa Ranch.

4) NORTH KONA

Single lane closure on Mamalahoa Highway (Route 190) possible in either direction between mile markers 21 and 25, vicinity of Puu Kamanu Loop, on Monday, Feb. 20, through Friday, Feb. 24, from 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. for mowing.

— KOHALA MOUNTAIN ROAD (ROUTE 250) —

1) KOHALA (WEEKEND AND WEEKLY WORK)

Single lane closure on Kohala Mountain Road (Route 250) possible in either direction between mile markers 7 and 9, vicinity of Kohala Ranch Road, on Saturday, Feb. 18, through Monday, Feb. 20, from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. for tree trimming.

2) KOHALA (WEEKEND WORK)

Single lane closure on Kohala Mountain Road (Route 250) possible in either direction between mile markers 13 and 15, vicinity Puuhue Road, on Monday, Feb. 20, through Friday, Feb. 24, from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. for tree trimming and shoulder work