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Here is your fast news headlines for Big Island today:

60th Merrie Monarch Festival Announce Participants

The 60th Merrie Monarch Festival, Hawai‘i's most anticipated cultural event, is set to commence on April 9th in Hilo, and this year's event promises to be a grand affair. With 23 hālau hula from all over Hawaii participating, the festival will showcase the best of Hawaiian culture, tradition, and dance.

The festival features a competition among hālau hula, or schools, with contestants from across the state vying for the top prize. The participating hālau hula this year include Hālau Lilia Makanoe, Hālau Nā Mamo O Pu‘uanahulu, Keolalaulani Hālau ‘Ōlapa O Laka, Hālau Ka Liko Pua O Kalaniākea, Hālau Mōhala ‘Ilima, Hālau Keolakapuokalani, Hālau Kiawekūpono O Ka Ua, Hālau Hula ‘O Kahikilaulani, Hālau Nā Lei Kaumaka O Uka, Hālau Hula Kauluokalā, Keʻala ʻO Kamailelauliʻiliʻi, Hālau Ka Lei Mokihana O Leināʻala, Hālau Ka Lehua Pua Kamaʻehu, Hula Hālau ‘O Kamuela, Hālau Hiʻiakaināmakalehua, Hālau O Ka Hanu Lehua, Ka Lā ʻŌnohi Mai O Haʻehaʻe, Hālau Kekuaokalāʻauʻalaʻiliahi, Kawaiʻulaokalā, Hālau Hula O Kauhionāmauna, Ka Leo O Laka I Ka Hikina O Ka Lā, and Hālau Hula Ka Lehua Tuahine.

Additionally, the Miss Aloha Hula competition will be held, featuring the best hula dancers from across the state. This year's contestants are Meleana Kamalani Mirafuentes, Eva Rose Keaoʻōpuaikalaʻi Espinoza, Jazmine Nohealani Adams-Clarke, Pōhaikealoha Olikolani Artates, Breeze Ann Kalehuaonālani Vidinha Pavao, Tehani Kaleohoneonālani Barrett, Je’ani-Jade Kalamaolaikapohakea Pavao, Jill-Lyan Makanaokalani Mae-Ling Mamizuka, Agnes Renee Leihiwahiwaikapolionāmakua Thronas Brown, Karlee Pōhaikealoha Rita Chong Kee, Tayla-Nohealeimamo Kamaehukauikapono Taʻuhere Vaughan-Darval, and Pōlaʻa Kalaniʻelima Yim.

The festival, which runs from April 9th to April 15th, is a celebration of Hawaiian culture and traditions, and it attracts visitors from all over the world. With live performances, workshops, and exhibitions, it is an opportunity for people to immerse themselves in the rich and vibrant culture of Hawai‘i.

The Merrie Monarch Festival is a symbol of Hawai‘i's resilience, culture, and tradition. Despite the challenges of the pandemic, the festival has managed to maintain its significance and bring people together to celebrate the unique culture of the islands.

Coveted event tickets are sold out.

Clintons' Visit Kilauea

Last Wednesday, former President Bill Clinton, Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, and daughter Chelsea Clinton made their way to Hawai'i Volcano's National Park. The Clinton family was spotted walking through Nahuku, according to the National Park Service.

The National Park Service released a social media post thanking the Clintons for their visit.

The Clinton family has not released any statements about their visit to the park, but their presence was noticed by other visitors who were excited to see the famous family in person.

The Clintons' visit to Volcano was one of their many stops here on the Big Island. They also attended the St. Michael Archangel Church Parish Hall dedication on Thursday, showing their support for Grace Wiley, Chelsea Clinton's god-daughter, who the Parish Hall is named after.

No Tsunami Threat After Rattle in Papua New Guinea

On Saturday, February 25 at 11:30 AM, the Hawaii County Civil Defense Agency issued a Distant Earthquake message. The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center reported that an earthquake measuring 6.5 on the Richter scale had occurred near Papua New Guinea around 11:25 AM HST. However, there was no tsunami threat to the Island and State of Hawaii, according to PTWC. The Civil Defense Agency assured the public that they would be notified if conditions changed. The agency expressed gratitude for the public's attention and urged them to stay alert.

Free Residential Household Hazardous Waste Slated for March 4 & March 5 in Waimea and Pahoa

Household Hazardous Waste collection events will be held between 8:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. on the following dates and locations:

· Saturday, March 4, at the Spencer Kalani Schutte District Park (Waimea)

· Sunday, March 5, at the Pāhoa Recycling and Transfer Station.

The County of Hawai‘i’s Department of Environmental Management holds these regular collection events at no charge to the public, so households can conveniently dispose of acceptable household hazardous waste in a manner that protects both public health and the environment.

Acceptable household hazardous waste includes automotive fluids, used batteries, fluorescent bulbs, and pesticides. For a complete list of acceptable or unacceptable household hazardous waste, please visit our website at https://www.hawaiizerowaste.org/recycle/household-hazardous-waste/. In addition, the website includes other useful information on solid waste diversion and recycling.

These events are for household-generated and self-hauled waste only. Business, government agency, non-profit agency, or farm wastes are prohibited by law. No latex paint, electronic waste, or tires will be accepted.

Social/Physical Distancing Rules for Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) Collection Events:

These rules are for your safety and the safety of the staff conducting these events. Please kōkua, and thank you for doing your part to keep these events safe for all participants.

· Remain in your vehicle unless directed by authorized personnel.

· Prior to arriving at the event, place your HHW items in your trunk or truck bed. Make sure your trunk can be unlocked or opened remotely. If you don’t have a trunk or truck bed, it is preferred that you place your materials in the unlocked and unoccupied backseat area.

· Due to infection transmission hazard, ALL containers brought to the event will not be returned and should be disposable. If you want to keep your container, transfer the material into a safe disposable container prior to the event.

· To minimize interactions, please label your HHW items (if possible) and make sure that your HHW items are easily distinguishable and separate from anything else in your trunk or truck bed.

· 6-foot physical distancing is recommended. In addition, facial masks covering the nose & mouth are recommended.

· If you are under quarantine, feeling ill, or showing symptoms of illness, please consider postponing your participation in our event or designate someone else to drop off your materials.

If you have any questions regarding these HHW collection events, please contact Chris Chin-Chance, Recycling Specialist with the Department of Environmental Management, at (808) 961-8554 or email [email protected]. Mahalo for your kōkua in keeping our island a clean and safe paradise!

Fire Hydrant Test for Kealakehe Elementary School

Kealakehe Elementary School will undergo a fire hydrant flow test by the Department of Water Supply on Feb. 28, 2023, from 10 to 11 p.m. As a result, customers residing along Kealaka‘a Street, including all side roads and lanes between Palani Road and Manawale‘a Street, may experience slightly discolored and turbid water for a few hours following the test. Customers are advised to avoid washing clothes and to store water for drinking purposes until the water supply returns to normal. If any unexpected issues occur during or after the flushing period, please contact the District Supervisors, Joshule Johnston and Dustin Kaneta-Ogata, at 808-322-0600.

Road Work: 2/26 - 3/5

— VOLCANO ROAD/MAMALAHOA HIGHWAY (ROUTE 11) —

1) NORTH OF PAHALA (WEEKEND AND WEEKLY WORK)

Single lane closure on Mamalahoa Highway (Route 11) possible in either direction between mile markers 46 and 50, vicinity of Kapapala Ranch Road on Saturday, Feb. 25, and Sunday, Feb. 26, from 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and Monday, Feb. 27. through Friday, March 3, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. for vegetation cutting.

2) OCEAN VIEW (WEEKEND WORK) Single lane closure on Mamalahoa Highway (Route 11) possible in either direction between mile markers 70 and 71, vicinity of Kahuku Ranch Road, on Saturday, Feb. 25, and Sunday, Feb. 26, from 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. for mechanical mowing.

3) CAPTAIN COOK

Single lane closure on Mamalahoa Highway (Route 11) possible in either direction between mile markers 106 and 108, vicinity of Honaunau Elementary School and Nanaina Lani Place, on Monday, Feb. 27, through Friday, March 3, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. for vegetation cutting.

— 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 Monday, Feb. 27, through Friday, March 3, from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., for Kuakini Drainage Improvements.

— HAWAII BELT ROAD (ROUTE 19) —

1) PAPAIKOU TO PEPEEKEO (WEEKEND 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. 25, and Sunday, Feb. 26, from 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., for mowing and grass cutting.

2) HAKALAU (WEEKEND 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. 25, and Sunday, Feb. 26, from 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., for tree trimming and shoulder work.

3) 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 Monday, Feb. 27, through Friday, March 3, 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 mile markers 52 and 54, Mud Lane and Iokua Place, on Monday, Feb. 27, through Friday, March 3, from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. for core sampling in preparation for repaving.

— QUEEN KAAHUMANU HIGHWAY (ROUTE 19) —

1) KAMUELA

Single lane closure on Queen Kaahumanu Highway (Route 19) possible in either direction between mile markers 67 and 68, vicinity of the start of Queen Kaahumanu Highway and Kauna ʻOa Drive, on Monday, Feb. 27, through Friday, March 3, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., for shoulder work.

— KEAAU-PAHOA ROAD (ROUTE 130) —

1) KEAAU (WEEKEND 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. 25, and Sunday, Feb. 26, from 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. for mowing, mulching, and tree cutting.

2) KEAAU

Single lane closure on Keaau-Pahoa Road (Route 130) possible in either direction between mile markers 1 and 4, Milo Street and the advance directional sign for Shower Drive, on Monday, Feb. 27, and Friday, March 3, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. for vegetation cutting.

— MAMALAHOA HIGHWAY (ROUTE 190) —

1) WAIKOLOA (WEEKEND WORK) 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 Saturday, Feb. 25, and Sunday, Feb. 26, from 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. for mowing.

2) WAIKOLOA

Single lane closure on Mamalahoa Highway (Route 190) possible in either direction between mile markers 7 and 12, vicinity of Saddle Road to past Waikoloa Road, on Monday, Feb. 27, through Friday, March 3, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. for vegetation cutting.

3) NORTH KONA Single lane closure on Mamalahoa Highway (Route 190) possible in either direction between mile markers 18 and 26, on Monday, Feb. 27, through Friday, March 3, from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. for the Mamalahoa Highway Safety Improvements, East and West Puuwaawaa Ranch.

4) NORTH KONA (WEEKEND WORK) Single lane closure on Mamalahoa Highway (Route 190) possible in either direction between mile markers 21 and 25, vicinity of Puu Kamanu Loop, on Saturday, Feb. 25, and Sunday, Feb. 26, from 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. for mowing.

5) NORTH KONA Single lane closure on Mamalahoa Highway (Route 190) possible in either direction between mile markers 21 and 24, vicinity of Puu Kamanu Loop, on Monday, Feb. 27, through Friday, March 3, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. for vegetation cutting.

— AKAKA FALLS ROAD (ROUTE 220) —

1) HONOMU

Single lane closure on Akaka Falls Road (Route 220) possible in either direction between mile markers 2 and 3, No. 5 Bridge Road to vicinity of Akaka Falls State Park, on Monday, Feb. 27, through Friday, March 3, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. for vegetation cutting.

— KOHALA MOUNTAIN ROAD (ROUTE 250) —

1) 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 Saturday, Feb. 25, and Sunday, Feb. 26, from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. for tree trimming and shoulder work.