News from October 2021


Big Island Times area weekly mass times

The following parishes in the Big Island Times coverage area hold weekly mass at these designated times.


One Pahoa teacher pledges to teach Critical Race Theory despite controversy by week ending Sept. 25

Critical Race Theory will be taught by one teacher in Pahoa who’s signed an online pledge from the Zinn Education Project by the week ending Sept. 25.


Robert "Bob" Alan Fox

Dr. Robert Alan “Bob” Fox, 78, of Hilo, Hawaii died on the 1st of October 2021 at home.


Milnor Fook Cheong Lum

Milnor Fook Cheong Lum, 94, a long-time resident of Pana'ewa, died September 30, 2021, in Hilo.


Wayne Kamealani Campbell

Wayne Kamealani Campbell, 68, of Hilo, died on Friday, September 24, 2021 at Life Care Center of Hilo.


Herbert Hisaya Kiyabu

Herbert Hisaya Kiyabu, 83, of Hilo, died Monday, September 20, 2021 at home.


Elena "Maria" Corpuz Lopez

Elena “Maria” Corpuz Lopez, 93, of Pahoa, died on Monday, September 13, 2021 at Hilo Medical Center.


No new teachers in Pahoa sign pledge on Oct. 6 to teach Critical Race Theory

There were no new teachers in Pahoa who signed the pledge on Oct. 6, according to an online pledge from the Zinn Education Project.


Hawaii County requests feedback for solutions to mitigate effects of climate change

Hawaii County is asking the public to help identify solutions to mitigate and adapt to the effects of climate change.


Lava continues to erupt from the Kilauea volcano, spreading hazardous vog and ashfall in the area

The Kīlauea volcano is erupting, according to the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory (HVO).


Visual artist contest, a conference on early learning, Reiki, and farmers market all on the Big Island this weekend

Locals and visitors can spend the upcoming weekend participating in these various events on the Big Island.


No new teachers in Pahoa sign pledge on Oct. 5 to teach Critical Race Theory

There were no new teachers in Pahoa who signed the pledge on Oct. 5, according to an online pledge from the Zinn Education Project.


‘Educators Make the World go ‘Round’: Honokaa High and Intermediate School Principal discussing leading during a pandemic

When Rachelle Matsumura became principal of Honokaa High and Intermediate School (HHIS) seven years ago, she never imagined she would be leading her school through a lasting pandemic.


No new teachers in Pahoa sign pledge on Oct. 4 to teach Critical Race Theory

There were no new teachers in Pahoa who signed the pledge on Oct. 4, according to an online pledge from the Zinn Education Project.


Hawaii County COVID-19 cases averaged 48 per day over past week

New COVID-19 cases in Hawaii County were down 28% over the past two weeks, with the average number of daily cases over the past week reaching 48, according to data from the State of Hawaii Department of Health.



No new teachers in Pahoa sign pledge on Oct. 3 to teach Critical Race Theory

There were no new teachers in Pahoa who signed the pledge on Oct. 3, according to an online pledge from the Zinn Education Project.


Mayor's Eleventh Supplementary Emergency Proclamation

WHEREAS, Chapter 127A Hawaiʻi Revised Statutes, provides for the establishment of emergency management and disaster relief, including the Mayor having direct responsibility and authority over emergency management within the County


Mayor's Eleventh Supplementary Emergency Proclamation

WHEREAS, Chapter 127A Hawaiʻi Revised Statutes, provides for the establishment of emergency management and disaster relief, including the Mayor having direct responsibility and authority over emergency management within the County;


Kīlauea Eruption Recovery Update -- October 2021

The County of Hawai‘i's Disaster Recovery Division is providing this monthly update on projects and programs to support recovery and building community resilience in Puna following the 2018 eruption.