Here is your fast news headlines for Big Island today:

Mountain View Man Charged with Attempted Methamphetamine Distribution and Possession of Unserialized Firearms

A 30-year-old man from Mountain View, identified as Daniel Keith Kia‘i Tavares, has been charged with attempted distribution and possession of methamphetamine and prohibited possession of unserialized firearms. This announcement was made by Prosecuting Attorney Kelden Waltjen. According to police reports, Tavares was found in a parked vehicle on Akolea Road in Hilo on March 4, 2023. Subsequently, a vehicle narcotics search warrant was executed, leading to the recovery of approximately 12 ounces of methamphetamine and two P80 framed, unserialized, and unregistered handguns. Tavares was also arrested on an unrelated bench warrant at the time of his arrest.

Tavares is currently in custody and has been scheduled to appear in Hilo District Court on Tuesday afternoon. The charges against him include Promoting a Dangerous Drug in the First Degree, Attempted Promoting a Dangerous Drug in the First Degree, Promoting a Dangerous Drug in the Second Degree, Place to Keep Pistols and Revolvers, Carrying or Possessing a Loaded Firearm on a Public Highway, Carrying or Use of a Firearm in Commission of a Separate Felony, Place to Keep Ammunition, Ownership or Possession of Ammunition Prohibited, Ownership or Possession of Firearm Prohibited, and Manufacturing, Purchasing, or Obtaining Firearm Parts to Assemble a Firearm Having No Serial Number. The most severe of these charges, such as Promoting a Dangerous Drug in the First Degree, Attempted Promoting a Dangerous Drug in the First Degree, and Carrying or Use of a Firearm in Commission of a Separate Felony, are class A felony offenses, which carry a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison.

Officer Andrew Springer, South Hilo Patrol, initiated the case, while Detective Kimo Keli‘ipa‘akaua of the Area I Criminal Investigation Section handled the felony investigation for the Hawaii Police Department. Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Patrick Muñoz is currently prosecuting the case. The Prosecuting Attorney's office reminds everyone that Tavares is presumed innocent until proven guilty in court. Anyone with information regarding illegal narcotics distribution is encouraged to contact the Hawai‘i Police Department Vice Section in East Hawai‘i at (808) 934-8423, West Hawai‘i at (808) 329-0423, or Crime Stoppers at (808) 961-8300.

Wind Advisory Continued For Hawai'i Island

Hawaii Island residents have been advised to brace themselves for strong winds on Wednesday and Thursday, according to a message from the Hawaii County Civil Defense Agency. The National Weather Service has issued a Wind Advisory for all districts of Hawaii Island, with sustained winds of 25 to 35 MPH and localized gusts over 50 MPH expected.

Residents have been urged to secure all outdoor items, as the strong winds can cause trees and utility lines to be impacted and driving conditions may become difficult. In addition, the National Weather Service has issued a High Wind Warning for the Summits of Hawaii Island through Sunday, which means sustained winds of 70 to 90 MPH with higher gusts are forecasted for areas above 8,000 feet.

Due to the High Wind Warning and winter weather conditions, summit roads may be closed to the public. Hawaii County Civil Defense Agency advises residents to stay tuned to their radios for updates and changes in weather conditions.

The agency urges residents to take the necessary precautions to stay safe during this weather event.

Historic Hawai‘i Foundation Invites Community Stakeholders to Discuss Hilo Preservation and Beautification Grants Program

The Historic Hawai‘i Foundation has extended an invitation to the community stakeholders to attend a meeting discussing the Hilo Preservation and Beautification Grants Program. The meeting will take place on Thursday, March 30, 2023, from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. at the Mokupāpapa Discovery Center located at 76 Kamehameha Ave in Hilo, Hawai‘i. Attendees can look forward to refreshments being served during the meeting.

The Hilo Preservation program was established by the Historic Hawai‘i Foundation four years ago in partnership with preservation funders. The program aims to celebrate and preserve the historic places in Hilo. In 2019, a stakeholders' roundtable discussion helped set the goals and focus for the program. Since then, the foundation has provided $875,000 in financial assistance to 15 projects, including commercial buildings in the downtown core, museums, parks, and public gathering places, to aid preservation and beautification efforts.

The upcoming stakeholders meeting is intended to provide an update on the program, discuss the results and impacts for the Hilo community, examine ways to enhance the program or areas of focus, identify potential projects and requirements that could be supported, and provide details on the next steps and how to apply for a grant. The foundation hopes attendees will provide input on how the program can benefit the Hilo community and its historic places.

Those interested in attending the stakeholders meeting are asked to RSVP by emailing [email protected] before March 20.

Hawaiʻi County Offers Assistance to Those with Misprinted Identification Cards

Hawaiʻi State Department of Transportation has revealed that several Driver's Licenses and State Identification Cards distributed in February 2023 were misprinted due to a hardware change by Thales, the card vendor. A total of 2,450 cards were affected, with 353 belonging to Hawaiʻi Island residents. The error involved the large "Hawaiʻi" text on the front of the cards.

To rectify the situation, the County of Hawaiʻi Vehicle Registration and Licensing Division will be contacting those affected with further instructions for card replacement via direct mailing. Residents who received their Hawaiʻi Driver's License or State Identification Card in February 2023 are encouraged to double-check their cards to ensure they don't have a misprinted credential.

Hawaiʻi Island residents with the misprinted credentials will need to exchange their cards at a designated Driver's Licensing Office based on their listed address. No appointments are necessary, and affected individuals will receive assistance through the process. The County of Hawaiʻi apologizes for any inconvenience and will work with the State to avoid similar issues in the future.

If any resident received a misprinted credential and did not receive a letter detailing the exchange process by March 20, 2023, or those who received the letter but have questions should call 808-961-2335 for further assistance.

Attempted Murder Investigation Initiated by Hawai’i Island Police, Suspect Sought

Hawai’i Island police have launched an attempted murder investigation after a shooting incident in Ocean View on Tuesday, March 7, 2023. Authorities are requesting public assistance in locating 44-year-old Ronald Patrick Keahonui Kahihikolo, who is wanted in connection with the incident.

The shooting occurred around 7:00 a.m. on Tuesday, when Ka‘ū patrol officers responded to a domestic dispute report on Outrigger Drive in Ocean View. A 42-year-old woman was shot during the dispute and sought medical attention at the Ocean View Fire Station. She was later transported to Kona Community Hospital and is now in stable condition.

Area II Juvenile Aid Section personnel are currently investigating the incident.

Kahihikolo is wanted for attempted murder and also has numerous outstanding bench warrants. He is described as being 5 feet 7 inches tall, 215 pounds, with black hair and brown eyes, and has a distinctive "greed" tattoo on his right cheek near his eye.

Police are advising the public not to approach Kahihikolo and to immediately contact authorities if they see him.

Anyone with information on the incident or Kahihikolo's whereabouts is urged to contact the Hawai’i Police Department via non-emergency number (808) 935-3311 or Detective Blayne Matsui at (808) 326-4646 ext. 304 or email [email protected]. Tipsters who wish to remain anonymous can also call the island-wide Crime Stoppers number at (808) 961-8300, where they may be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000. Crime Stoppers does not record any calls or subscribe to caller ID.

County Calendar:

County Council Meeting Date: 03/08/2023 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM  Location: Hawaiʻi County Building 25 Aupuni Street Hilo, Hawaii 96720

Cultural Resources Commission Meeting Date: 03/08/2023 10:00 AM  Location: Online Meeting

Road Work: March 4 - March 10

— 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 44 and 46, vicinity of Kapapala Ranch Road on Monday, March 6, through Friday, March 10, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. for vegetation cutting.

2) NORTH OF PAHALA (WEEKEND 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, March 4, and Sunday, March 5, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. for vegetation cutting.

3) CAPTAIN COOK (WEEKEND WORK)

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 Saturday, March 4, and Sunday, March 5, 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, March 6, through Friday, March 10, from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., for Kuakini Drainage Improvements.

— HAWAII BELT ROAD (ROUTE 19) —

1) HAKALAU

Single lane closure on Hawaii Belt Road (Route 19) possible in either direction between mile markers 14 and 17, vicinity of Kolekole Beach Park to Kauniho Road, on Monday, March 6, through Friday, March 10, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., for tree trimming and vegetation removal.

2) 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, March 6, through Friday, March 10, from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. for paving.

3) 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, March 6, through Friday, March 10, from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. for core sampling in preparation for repaving.

— QUEEN KAAHUMANU HIGHWAY (ROUTE 19) —

1) KAMUELA (WEEKEND WORK)

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 Saturday, March 4, and Sunday, March 5, 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 1 and 4, Milo Street and the advance directional sign for Shower Drive, on Saturday, March 4, and Sunday, March 5, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. for vegetation cutting.

2) KEAAU

Single lane closure on Keaau-Pahoa Road (Route 130) possible in either direction between mile markers 3 and 6, the Adopt A Highway sign and Orchidland Drive, on Monday, March 6, through Friday, March 10, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. for vegetation cutting.

— MAMALAHOA HIGHWAY (ROUTE 190) — 

1) WAIKOLOA (WEEKEND AND WEEKLY WORK)

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 Saturday, March 4, through Friday, March 10, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. for vegetation cutting.

2) NORTH KONA Single lane closure on Mamalahoa Highway (Route 190) possible in either direction between mile markers 18 and 26, on Monday, March 6, through Friday, March 10, from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. for the Mamalahoa Highway Safety Improvements, East and West Puuwaawaa Ranch.

3) NORTH KONA Single lane closure on Mamalahoa Highway (Route 190) possible in either direction between mile markers 21 and 26, vicinity of Puu Kamanu Loop, on Monday, March 6, through Friday, March 10, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. for mowing.

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

— AKAKA FALLS ROAD (ROUTE 220) — 

1) HONOMU (WEEKEND AND WEEKLY WORK)

Single lane closure on Akaka Falls Road (Route 220) possible in either direction between mile markers 2 and 4, No. 5 Bridge Road to vicinity of Akaka Falls State Park, on Saturday, March 4, through Friday, March 10, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. for vegetation cutting.

— KOHALA MOUNTAIN ROAD (ROUTE 250) — 

1) KOHALA

Single lane closure on Kohala Mountain Road (Route 250) possible in either direction between mile markers 9 and 13, vicinity Puuhue Road, on Monday, March 6, through Friday, March 10, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. for paving.