Hawaiʻi Island

The Trump administration has fired thousands of probationary employees from federal agencies. HPR's Maddie Bender reports on the impact on a Hawai’i Island forest and a beloved birdwatching program.

Invasive species and introduced diseases have transformed farming in the famed Kona coffee region. Now the Trump administration is pulling federal support for research into solutions. HPR's Savannah Harriman-Pote reports from Hawaiʻi Island.

This winter, Manu Powers of Sea Quest Hawaii dealt with low staffing and high surf advisories.

HPR continues to track the local impact of federal funding freezes. HPR's Savannah Harriman-Pote speaks to a Hawaiʻi Island group that has had its funding for a wildfire prevention project pulled.

It’s Kimo Alameda's turn to drive the bus for the Hawaiʻi Island. The Conversation talked to him about his legislative priorities this session and his plans as the new mayor.

State lawmakers are moving along measures to curb crimes on farms, including those that would establish a “stand your ground” law to give farmers and ranchers more ability to defend themselves. HPR's Mark Ladao has more.

A pilot project to clear non-conviction marijuana possession arrest records on Hawaiʻi Island is underway. HPR's Ashley Mizuo reports on the effort.

An annual festival celebrating all things ʻōhiʻa is pairing up with plant lovers on Hawaiʻi Island for the first time. The East Hawaiʻi Master Gardeners program is helping to put on the 'Ōhi'a Love festival and plant sale this Sunday in Hilo. The Conversation spoke to Laura Rieber, the coordinator for the East Hawaii Master Gardener program, about how ʻōhiʻa awareness and a native plant sale go hand in hand.

Some Hawaiʻi Island lawmakers want the state to come up with a humane plan to manage avian flu. The Hawaiʻi County Council has introduced a resolution urging the state Department of Agriculture to work with local poultry farmers to develop a plan. The resolution was heard in a council committee meeting on Tuesday.

The Hawaiʻi County Council could urge the state Legislature to implement a universal free school meals program for public school students statewide.