🌱 How officials are deciding Naalehu Cemetery’s future after Lala’s destruction

Good morning to you Hilo! Catch up on our news and events right here. Keep reading to stay in the know. ☀️

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In today's newsletter:

• How officials are deciding Naalehu Cemetery's future after Lala's destruction
• Police seek witnesses after deadly Highway 137 motorcycle crash near Pahoa
• How Hilo-bound seniors can use the new free Direct to UH

Also on today's calendar: The Aloha Reset: Breathe & Unwind Class at SCP Hilo Hotel and 9 more events.

Today's riddle: What do you call a one-legged Big Foot? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

• Tuesday: Increasing cloudiness, with a high of 86 and low of 71 degrees. 🌶 Hot!
• Wednesday: Cloudy, temps: high: 85, low: 71.
• Thursday: Some sun, then turning cloudy, with a high of 84 and low of 70 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

• Naalehu cemetery recovery continues after Lala flooding (hawaiitribune-herald.com subscription) — Hilo-based county officials are still painstakingly recovering and identifying remains after Hurricane Lala's devastating flooding damaged about 175 burial plots at Naalehu Cemetery in Kaʻū. Archaeologists, Civil Defense and Public Works are sifting debris, cataloging recovered items in refrigerated storage, and planning another community meeting as they weigh long-term options for the vulnerable cemetery's future and flood risk.
   

• Motorcyclist dies weeks after critical Hwy 137 crash in Pahoa (hawaiinewsnow.com) — A Pahoa motorcyclist injured in a Sept. 5 Highway 137 crash has died after initially being treated in Hilo and then medevacked to Oʻahu. Police say speed, alcohol, and drugs may be factors, and note he was not wearing a helmet as they continue investigating this 25th traffic fatality of the year.
   

• New free UH program 'Direct to UH' streamlines college applications for Hawaii seniors (hawaiinewsnow.com) — Big Island families with Class of 2027 seniors should know a new free "Direct to UH" program can streamline applications to campuses including UH Hilo, UH Mānoa, and community colleges. Eligible public and participating charter school students can get counselor help with applications and financial aid, but must apply by May 1 for fall admission opportunities.
   

📸 Around Hilo

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🗓 Upcoming Events in Hilo

Add your event to our calendar and newsletter!

★ Featured events ★

Wednesday September 30
• Kupuna Watch Meeting in Hilo →
  Prince Kuhio Plaza, 111 E Puainako St, Hilo
  9:00 am

Want to see your event featured? Click here!

Other local events

Wednesday September 30
• The Aloha Reset: Breathe & Unwind Class at SCP Hilo Hotel →
  Hilo HI
  11:00 am
• Study Abroad Alumni Panel →
  Kilohana Academic Success Center, 200 W Kawili St, Hilo
  12:00 pm
• Shine & Design →
  Campus Center Plaza, 200 W Kawili St, Hilo
  12:30 pm
• Ocean Resin Scene - Hilo →
  HouseMart Ben Franklin Crafts, 333 Kilauea Avenue, Hilo
  1:00 pm
Thursday October 1
• Hilo Coffee With a Cop →
  Prince Kuhio Plaza, 111 E Puainako St, Hilo
  8:00 am
• Spring 2027 Graduation Priority Deadline →
  UH Hilo Cashier's Office, Office of the Registrar, 200 W Kawili St, Hilo
  2:00 pm
• ACECH Big Island General Membership Meeting - 4th Quarter →
  Engineering Partners Training Room, 455 E Lanikaula St, Hilo
  4:45 pm
• Keaau Elders Quorum Sports activity →
  The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1373 Kilauea Avenue, Hilo
  5:30 pm
Friday October 2
• Kuleana & Community Talk Story: Philanthropy with Malu Debus →
  Kilohana: The Academic Success Center, 200 W Kawili St, Hilo
  12:00 pm
• Basic Hand Lettering - Hilo →
  HouseMart Ben Franklin Crafts, 333 Kilauea Avenue, Hilo
  4:00 pm
• FRIDAY NIGHT MARKET AT THE HILO TOWN MARKET →
  Hilo HI
  5:00 pm

📣 Hilo Shout Outs!

Want to say something great about someone in town? Click here to submit your Shout Out to Patch AM! It's free!

Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.

💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

• ⚠️ Magnitude 2.78 earthquake reported
  Sep 28 at 1:35 AM HST: 2.78 magnitude earthquake occurred near Pāhala, Hawaii. (Nextdoor )
• PSPS update as of 5 p.
  m. on Sept 27, 2026: Power was restored around 4:30 p.m. to all customers in the Pukalani, Upcountry Maui area who were impacted by a PSPS outage… (Nextdoor )

• Wendy's posted a job opening for Crew Member in Hilo. Apply here.
• Target posted a job opening for General Merchandise, Closing, Fulfillment (T2682) in Hilo. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Hilo here.

🗞 Nearby News

Mountain View

• UPDATE 5: High wind advisory canceled for Kohala, high surf advisory canceled : Big Island Now (bigislandnow.com)
• Photo Essay: Hurricane Nolo Spares Hawaiʻi The Worst Of Its Wrath (civilbeat.org)

Ok Hilo! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: Hop Squatch! (Thank you Terri R. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!

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