It's that time of year, when Mayors submit their budgets to County Councils. In Hawaii County, the main headline from Mayor Billy Kenoi's budget is a proposal to raise property taxes. From the Big Island, HPR's Sherry Bracken tells us more.

A troublesome visitor has landed on the west side of the Big Island of Hawaii. The little fire ant has been on the Hilo side of Hawaii Island, on Maui, and Kaua'i, for years. And now, as of just a few months ago, it's appeared in Kona. From Hawaii Island, HPR's Sherry Bracken tells us more.

Since 2002, the Big Island Drug Court has provided a path for non violent criminals to become productive members of society. One of the requirements of the stringent process is for participants to help their community. From Hawaii Island, HPR's Sherry Bracken tells us about one such work project.

This is graduation time for everybody from kindergarten to college.  Hawaii Community College designs some of their end of year ceremonies for both East Hawaii and West Hawaii students to be uniquely Hawaiian.  HPR's Sherry Bracken was at the West Hawaii ceremony and tells us more.

Hawaii Island has three major acute care hospitals.  Those are facilities that can take care of patients suffering a severe injury, illness, or trauma.  Kona Community Hospital serves patients from the Ka'u District through North Kona, and has been improving its services.  HPR's Sherry Bracken gives us an update.