Big Island Gazette

12/17/2025

12/16/2025

Mayor Alameda Lowers Flags in Honor of Fire Chief Kazuo Todd

Mayor Kimo Alameda has ordered that all flags on County of Hawaiʻi property are to be flown at half-staff in honor of Fire Chief Kazuo Todd, who died Sunday morning.

Flags are to remain at half-staff from Monday, Dec. 15 until sunset on Friday, Dec. 19.

Chief Todd became Fire Chief in April 2021 and served the Fire Department for 21 years.

Prior to his appointment as Fire Chief, he held leadership roles in fire prevention and auxiliary services, including six years as battalion chief. Additionally, he served as the chair of the Hawaiʻi State Fire Council.

12/16/2025

TRAFFIC EMERGENCY ZONE HEARING: HAWAIʻI BELT ROAD VICINITY OF MILE POSTS 3 TO 15

HILO, Hawaiʻi – The Hawaiʻi Department of Transportation (HDOT) is providing notice of its intent to declare a traffic emergency zone on Hawaiʻi Belt Road (Route 19), for emergency roadway repair work at various locations between Wainaku (mile post 3) and Hakalau (mile post 15). This notice is pursuant to Hawai‘i Revised Statutes Section 264-1.5.

A recent field investigation showed roadway surface distresses and depressions progressively worsening in the area, along with slope changes and deep-seated failures extending below the roadway base. Emergency mitigation measures include patching open cracks and fixing depressed pavement areas, along with slope stabilization.

Immediate repairs are expected to begin in January and are expected to take up to two weeks to complete. There will also be an evaluation to determine permanent repairs. Details of the investigation and evaluation will be released when the study is completed.

A traffic emergency zone declaration allows HDOT to expedite procurement and permitting to take action to construct improvements to protect access to the state highway. Anyone wishing to comment on the designation of Hawaiʻi Belt Road may do so through a virtual public meeting to be conducted within 24 hours of the designation.

The meeting will be on Tuesday, Dec. 16 at 10 a.m., over Microsoft Teams. Click https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/23831221059114?p=fQ5PGRJDivPv2OcDoF to join or call 1 808-829-4853 using conference pin 111 330 69 #.

12/15/2025

Rest in Aloha Chief Todd.

12/15/2025

Photos from todayʻs U.S. Renal Care Kona Coast Clinic dedication today located at 74-5588 Palani Road in Kailua-Kona.

12/14/2025

Hawaiʻi County Mourns the Passing of Fire Chief Kazuo Todd

HILO - Mayor Kimo Alameda issued the following statement on the passing of Fire Chief Kazuo Todd, who died Sunday morning from natural causes:

“It is with deep sadness that the County of Hawaiʻi announces the passing of Fire Chief Kazuo Todd. Chief Todd was a respected leader in our community and a devoted husband, father, and public servant. For more than two decades, he served our County with dedication and integrity. His unwavering commitment to public safety created an enduring legacy that will continue to protect and uplift our island. We extend our deepest condolences to his family, friends, and our Fire Department ʻohana during this difficult time.”

Chief Todd, who was 45 years old, was appointed as Fire Chief in April 2021 and served the Fire Department for 21 years. Prior to his appointment as Fire Chief, he held leadership roles in fire prevention and auxiliary services, including six years as battalion chief. He was chair of the Hawaiʻi State Fire Council, and a member of the Hawaiʻi Fire Chiefs Association and the International Association of Fire Chiefs.

12/14/2025

U.S. Renal Care Kona Coast Clinic opening presentatiions with Emcee Roger Bayudan.

Introduction of distinguished guests with Pliny Arenas.

Statement by U.S. Renal Care CEO Mark Caputo.

Blessing by Kahu Dan Akaka Jr.

Maile lei cutting by Mayor Kimo Alameda.

12/14/2025

U.S. Renal Care Kona Coast Clinic opening presentations with Emcee Roger Bayudan.

Introduction of distinguished guests with Pliny Arenas.

Statement by U.S. Renal Care CEO Mark Caputo.

Blessing by Kahu Dan Akaka Jr.

Maile lei cutting by Mayor Kimo Alameda.

12/14/2025

U.S. Renal Care Kona Coast Clinic Open House is happening today at 74-5588 Palani Road, Suite 129.

12/14/2025

Hawaii Board Votes to Change Official Name of Hawaii Island

At its Dec. 10 meeting, the Hawaii Board on Geographic Names voted to change the official name of the “Island of Hawaii” to simply “Hawaii,” bringing it in line with every other island in the state.

At its Dec. 10 meeting, the Hawaii Board on Geographic Names voted to change the official name of the “Island of Hawaii” to simply “Hawaii,” bringing it in l...

12/13/2025

Mayor Kimo Alameda weekly update.