News from November 2021


Emma-Jay Anela Frias

Emma-Jay Anela Frias, 70, of Hilo and formerly of Kahalu’u, Oahu died Nov. 2 at the Hilo Medical Center.


Jesse Bruce McBraun

Jesse Bruce McBraun, 51, of Keaau, HI, died at the Hilo Medical Center on Monday, November 1, 2021.


Kamren Anthony Seiji Flores

Mr. Kamren Anthony Seiji Flores, age 19, of Hilo, Hawaii, died October 17, 2021 in Virginia.


Kevin Furuli

Mr. Kevin Furuli, age 57, of Hilo, Hawaii, died October 15, 2021 at home.


Hawaii County Regenerative Agriculture, Water, Energy & Environmental Management Committee will meet Nov. 16

Hawaii County Regenerative Agriculture, Water, Energy & Environmental Management Committee will meet at 2 p.m., Tuesday, Nov. 16.


Hawaii County Human Services and Social Services Committee will meet Nov. 16

Hawaii County Human Services and Social Services Committee will meet at 1 p.m., Tuesday, Nov. 16.


Schatz attends COP26: 'We are now on the cusp of making the biggest climate action in U.S. history'

U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz (D-HI) traveled to Scotland for the United Nations climate conference, called COP26, representing the U.S. and Hawaii.


Hawaii Diaper Bank is helping low-income families with basic needs: 'There is no federal assistance for diapers and wipes'

Hawaii Diaper Bank, founded by Jessica Histo in 2016, has made over 850,000 donations since its inception, of which over 250,000 were diapers, which were given to 15 partner organizations, serving an average of 320 children per month.


Hawaii County Public Works and Mass Transit Committee will meet Nov. 16

Hawaii County Public Works and Mass Transit Committee will meet at 10 a.m., Tuesday, Nov. 16.


Hawaii County Finance Committee will meet Nov. 16

Hawaii County Finance Committee will meet at 9:30 a.m., Tuesday, Nov. 16.


Hawaii County Parks and Recreation and Public Safety Committee met Nov. 16

Hawaii County Parks and Recreation and Public Safety Committee will meet at 9 a.m., Tuesday, Nov. 16.


Re-use Hawaii's deconstruction manager: 'Once I saw what Re-use Hawaii did and their mission, I was hooked'

"One man’s trash is another man’s treasure" is a well-known phrase that applies to scavenger hunters combing the beach for trinkets.


DUI stats for the week of Nov. 9

The Hawai'i Police Department has issued the following press release:During the week of November 1, 2021, through November 7, 2021, Hawai‘i Island police arrested 27 motorists for driving under the influence of an intoxicant.


Hawaii County's COVID-19 cases averaged 20 per day over past week

New COVID-19 cases in Hawaii County were down 36% over the past two weeks, with the average number of daily cases over the past week reaching 20, according to the State of Hawaii Department of Health.


Alzheimer's Awareness Month activities planned by Tutu's House

Tutu's House has issued the following press release:During the month of November, Tutu’s House will promote Alzheimer’s disease awareness with two special virtual presentations:The Six Pillars of Brain Health with Maureen Garry on Friday, Nov. 12 at 10 am to 11:30 am.



Don't miss Big Island events coming up this week

Every Tuesday, join the Hilo Toastmasters Club online through Zoom between noon and 1 p.m.


Robert Joseph Ricci

Robert Joseph Ricci, 84, of Honokaa, died October 28, 2021, at his residence.


William Keaupuni o'olohuio o kalakaua Townsend

Mr. William Keaupuni o’olohuio okalakaua “Chuco” “Will” Townsend, age 39, of Hilo, Hawaii, died October 18, 2021 at the Hilo Medical Center.


Jeffrey Tetsuo Sumi

Jeffrey Tetsuo Sumi, 66, of Hilo, died October 18, 2021, at Hilo Medical Center.