Hey there, Hilo! Let's get started with what's happening in and around town. Read on and stay in the loop. ☀️
In today's newsletter:
Also on today's calendar: Basic Hand Lettering - Hilo and 8 more events.
Today's riddle: What do you call a belt that is made of watches? 🤔 (Answer below!)
1. County seeks dismissal of 'Sammy' lawsuit alleging officer was negligent in death of teen (hawaiitribune-herald.com subscription) — Hilo residents are watching closely as Hawaii County seeks to dismiss a negligence lawsuit over the 2024 police car collision that killed Hilo High School junior Samuel "Sammy" Mwarey on Kapiolani Street. In a recent hearing, a Hilo judge pressed county lawyers on whether the officer should have broader immunity, while the family's attorney argues she failed to use reasonable care; a trial is set for March 2027.
2. Hawaii National Guard rescues 19 people from flooding during Hurricane Nolo (stripes.com) — Hilo served as a key staging point as Hawaii National Guard and Coast Guard crews unloaded supplies at the local airport ahead of Hurricane Nolo and prepared high‑water vehicles for rescues. Over the weekend, Guard teams saved 19 people from flooding on Hawaii Island and transported them to a shelter in Naalehu, capping a year of repeated severe storms statewide.
3. 18 deputy sheriffs sworn in, including 5 assigned to Big Island sheriff divisions in Hilo, Kona : Big Island Now (bigislandnow.com) — Newly graduated deputy sheriffs are being assigned to Hilo and Kona, boosting law enforcement coverage on the Big Island. Three of the 18 new deputies will serve in the Hilo sheriff division after completing a six‑month training program, with more recruits expected soon. Residents can also find information about future application opportunities with the Department of Law Enforcement.
4. EV charging rises across Hawaiian Electric service areas (hawaiinewsnow.com) — EV drivers in Hilo are seeing much busier chargers, with Hawaiian Electric reporting a 40% to 80% jump in utilization at its Hilo Office site after adding more stations. Across Hawaiʻi, commercial and fast‑charging use is climbing as more residents switch to electric vehicles, with the utility upgrading equipment and expanding locations to keep pace with demand.
5. HECO customers weigh in on proposed rate increase (hawaiitribune-herald.com subscription) — Hilo households could see their electric bills rise if Hawaiian Electric's proposed base rate increase is approved, with typical customers statewide facing $8 to $12 more per month in 2027. The Public Utilities Commission is collecting testimony, including from a postponed Hilo meeting, as residents and advocacy groups argue over whether the utility should get more revenue through 2032.
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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: A waist of time. (Thank you Martin L. for sending it in!)
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