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Business Highlight: Body Glove - Hawai'i

Body Glove - Hawaii, a popular tour company on Big Island, is featured in Big Island Daily's Business Highlight. The company offers two tour boats, the Kona Explorer and the Kanoa II, each with unique features and amenities. The Kona Explorer is a 41 ft. super raft with comfortable bench seating, tons of shade, and a restroom. It is equipped with twin Suzuki 350s for a fast and fun adventure, and can go to farther snorkel sites than most vessels. The Kanoa II, on the other hand, is a 65-ft. luxury catamaran with two decks, including one completely shaded with booth seating and another partially shaded with bench seating. This vessel boasts a 15-ft. high jump and a 20-ft. water slide, and is fully equipped with three restrooms, two fresh water showers, and a full-service bar. It is also wheelchair-friendly, with a spacious lower deck that allows for a full range of movement.

Body Glove Cruises is dedicated to providing sustainable tours that conserve and nurture the environment. They continuously re-examine their processes to find new, innovative ways to reduce their impact on the environment. Founded in 1991, they offer a kama'aina rate for locals and can be contacted at 1.800.551.8911. 15% off on the whale and dinner. $98 on the snorkel!

Kona-Kohala Chamber Host Luncheon

The Kona Chamber of Commerce hosted its latest luncheon on Thursday, featuring multiple sessions with panel discussions on various topics, including housing and permitting, water development, and astronomy.

The luncheon was well-attended, with local business owners and community leaders gathering to hear from a range of experts and officials. One of the most highly-anticipated sessions was the housing and permitting panel, moderated by Dennis Boyd, the Kona-Kohala Chamber of Commerce Board Chair.

The panel included Hawaii County Mayor Mitch Roth, Hawaii County Planning Director Zendo Kern, Hawaii County Housing Administrator Susan Kunz, and Hawaii County Public Works Director Stephen Pause. The panelists discussed the current state of housing and permitting on the island, as well as their priorities for improving the situation.

Another session focused on water development, and was moderated by Jacqui Hoover, the Kona-Kohala Chamber of Commerce Government Affairs Committee Chair. The panel included Mayor Roth, Hawaii County Deputy Managing Director Bobby Command, Hawaii County Department of Water Supply Manager-Chief Engineer Keith Okamoto, and Natural Energy Lab of Hawaii Authority Executive Director Greg Barbour.

The final session focused on astronomy, and was moderated by Ross Wilson, the Kona-Kohala Chamber of Commerce Economic Development Committee Chair. The panel included Mayor Roth, Hawaii County Director of Research & Development Doug Adams, Center for Maunakea Stewardship Executive Director Greg Chun, W.M. Keck Observatory Chief of Operations & Associate Director of External Affairs Rich Matsuda, and University of Hawaii Institute for Astronomy Director Doug Simons.

Hawaii Island Police Arrest 18 for DUI in a Week

From February 20 to February 26, 2023, Hawaii Island police arrested 18 drivers for operating a vehicle under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Among those arrested, one was involved in a traffic collision and one was under the age of 21.

Since the beginning of the year, 164 DUI arrests have been made, representing a 9.9 percent increase compared to the same period in 2022.

According to the Hawaii Police Department's Traffic Services Section, there have been 147 major traffic accidents so far this year, a 31 percent increase from the 116 reported during the same period in 2022.

Although four fatal crashes have occurred resulting in five fatalities (one of which was reclassified as a natural death), there has been a decrease of 33.3 percent in fatal crashes and a 37.5 percent decrease in fatalities compared to the same period in 2022, which had six fatal crashes resulting in eight fatalities, including one with multiple deaths.

DUI checkpoints and patrols will continue to be carried out throughout the island to ensure public safety.

Hawaii Island Police Seek Public's Help in Finding Missing Man Ralpheal Alfred Kanani Silva

Hawaii Island police are renewing their plea for the public's assistance in locating Ralpheal Alfred Kanani Silva, a 44-year-old resident of Hilo who has been missing since November 22, 2018. Silva's family and friends have not seen or heard from him since he was last spotted on Auwae Road in Hilo.

Silva is described as being 5 feet 6 inches tall, weighing 190 pounds, with brown hair and brown eyes. Authorities urge anyone with information on Silva's whereabouts to contact the police department's non-emergency number at (808) 935-3311, or Captain Rio Amon-Wilkins of the Area I Criminal Investigation Division at (808) 961-2251 or via email at [email protected].

Tipsters who prefer to remain anonymous can also provide information by calling the island-wide Crime Stoppers hotline at (808) 961-8300. All tips to Crime Stoppers are kept confidential.

Hawaii Island police seeks public's help in identifying person of interest in Kea'au theft

The Hawaii Island Police Department is asking the public for help in identifying a man who is a person of interest in a theft that occurred at a Kea'au retail store earlier this month.

On Friday, February 17, 2023, at approximately 7:15 p.m., an unidentified male was caught on video surveillance in a restricted area within a business located on Old Volcano Road in Kea'au. A number of items were found to be missing from the area soon after the man was seen.

According to police reports, the man is believed to be in his 20s, with a thin build and a fair complexion. He has dark-colored hair and was last seen wearing a pink hooded jacket.

Anyone with information that can help identify the individual is urged to contact Officer Gregory Horton at (808) 965-2716 or email [email protected]. Alternatively, individuals can call the police department's non-emergency line at (808) 935-3311.

Tipsters who wish to remain anonymous may also call Crime Stoppers at (808) 961-8300. They may be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000. All calls to Crime Stoppers are kept confidential, and the program is run by ordinary citizens who seek to promote public safety.

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.