Here is your fast news headlines for Big Island today:

Holualoa School Concern Continues: Sign-Waving Event to Raise Awareness

Holualoa Elementary School's ongoing emergency crisis remains unresolved a week after the Hawai'i State Teachers Association (HSTA) exposed the school's unsafe conditions. Classrooms P-2 and P-4 remain locked and uncleaned, with no efforts made by the Department of Education (DOE) to address the urgent issue. To raise awareness and demand immediate action, the Holualoa 'Ohana has organized a sign-waving event on March 2nd, urging for emergency repairs and long-term funding solutions. Despite requests for comment from the DOE, no timeline has been given for the renovation of the first two portables that are currently vacant, which involves removing carpets and prepping and painting classrooms with mold-inhibiting paint.

Ocean View: Department of Water Supply Provides Update on Well Repairs

Big Island Daily reported on Tuesday that the Department of Water Supply (DWS) had provided an update on the Hawaii Ocean View Estate (HOVE) water well, which has been down since mid-February. According to DWS, the HOVE well remains offline, but repairs are currently underway. The department expects the well to be returned to service within the next month or two. It should be noted that this particular well does not supply water directly to homes or businesses, but rather provides clean drinking water to public spigots and standpipes. The standpipe facility is reserved for commercial water haulers.

Pāhoa Elementary Receive CIP Support

Pāhoa Elementary School is set to receive a financial boost, as Governor Green has announced the release of $2 million in Capital Improvement Project (CIP) funding. The funding will be used to repair and improve the school's facility. This comes after a few weeks after Governors Office announced the release $2 million for Pāhoa Middle and High School.

Hawaiian Islands see nearly 38% increase in January 2023 visitor arrivals compared to last year

Hawaii's visitor statistics for January 2023 indicate an increase in visitor arrivals and spending, according to the Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism. The number of visitors arriving on the islands totaled 791,781, up 37.9% compared to January 2022. This also represents a 96.8% recovery in total visitor arrivals from January 2019. Visitors spent a total of $1.89 billion in January 2023, up 35.5% compared to January 2022 and 17.2% compared to January 2019. The majority of visitors arrived by air service, primarily from the US West and US East, with an average stay of 10.16 days. In a statement, Hawai'i Tourism Authority President, John DeFries, responded: "All four of our key performance indicators are trending in a good direction, all while visitor arrivals were down 3.2 percent in January 2023 compared to January 2019. As global travel is rebalanced and restored in the years ahead, it’s imperative that we maintain our proactive presence and communication in our key markets to amplify our statewide message of mālama Hawai‘i for the well-being of our community."

Governor Josh Green extends inter-island medical transportation proclamation following aircraft accident in January

Following an aircraft accident involving Hawai'i Life Flight in January, Governor Josh Green has extended a proclamation order for inter-island medical transportation. The order allows for the use of Hawai'i National Guard aircraft for hospital transport and has been extended until the end of March. The decision was made to ensure that critical medical services are not interrupted in the state.

County of Hawai'i: Wind and High Surf Advisory

The Hawaii County Civil Defense Agency has issued a Wind Advisory and High Surf Advisory for Tuesday, February 28 at 11 AM. The National Weather Service has warned of sustained winds of 25 to 30 mph with gusts up to 50 mph in the Northern and Southern portions of Hawaii Island including North and South Kohala, parts of Hamakua and Puna and Kau Districts until Wednesday. Meanwhile, the High Surf Advisory for east-facing shores of Hawaii Island will remain in effect until Thursday from Upolu Point in North Kohala to South Point in Kau. Swimmers, surfers and beach-goers are advised to follow the advice given by ocean safety officials and should not hesitate to avoid the water if in doubt. Beaches may also close without notice, so it is recommended to stay aware and updated for any changes that affect safety.

Possible drowning at Honaunau Boat Ramp in Kona district under investigation by Hawai’i Island police

A potential drowning incident in the Kona district is being investigated by the Hawai’i Island police. Officers responded to a report of a swimmer in distress at Honaunau Boat Ramp in South Kona on February 27th. CPR was performed on the swimmer, identified as Carol Mugleston, a 75-year-old from Layton, Utah, but she could not be resuscitated. She was pronounced dead at Kona Community Hospital at 1:13 p.m. An autopsy has been ordered to determine the cause of death, and police have initiated a coroner’s inquest investigation. Anyone with information about the incident is urged to contact the police department’s non-emergency line.

Hilo man identified as driver in fatal Pāhoa collision

Hawai’i Island Police have identified the man who was driving the 2005 Nissan Frontier pickup truck involved in a fatal single-vehicle traffic collision in Pāhoa on Sunday, February 26, 2023, as 41-year old John Crouse of Hilo. The incident, which took place on Highway 137 between the posted 13 and 14 Mile Markers, resulted in the death of the female passenger. According to the East Hawai’i Traffic Enforcement Unit, speed and inattention were the primary factors in the collision. The investigation remains pending as a Coroner’s Inquest, and the lead investigator can be contacted for further information. Anyone with tips or information regarding the incident may call Crime Stoppers anonymously to be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000.

Department of Public Works proposes traffic calming measures for Paniolo Avenue in Waikoloa

The Department of Public Works Traffic Division has identified three locations in need of traffic calming devices on Paniolo Avenue. Proposed measures for each location include inbound and outbound speed tables, rapid flash beacons, pavement legends, and raised crosswalks. An easement may be required at some locations due to narrow sidewalks and existing utilities. Additionally, existing pedestrian safety devices may be upgraded to include new street light poles and LED lights. The public is encouraged to provide feedback or ask questions regarding the proposed traffic calming devices by contacting the Paniolo Avenue Traffic Calming Device Options.

County Calendar:

No Commission or Council Meeting for Wednesday, March 1.

Community Calendar:

• Thursday, March 2, 2023 at 3:30pm - Holualoa School PTO Sign Waving Event to support Holualoa School on Queen Ka'ahumanu Hwy, by the LDS temple in Kona.

• Thursday, March 2, 2023 at 5:30pm - Waimea Community Association hybrid Town Meeting beginning at 5:30 p.m. at Tutu’s House for PWO Navigator Chadd Paishon To Share 30+-Year ‘Voyage’ of Na Kalai Wa’a. Email: [email protected]

• Friday, March 3, 2023 at 4:00pm - 8:00pm- Food Truck Friday @ Target Kona Parking Lot.

If you have an event and would like to add it on the calendar, email us [email protected]!

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.