The Kona Coffee Cultural Festival kicked off Friday with First Festival Friday and the Lantern Parade on Alii Drive. Fun continued Saturday with the Holualoa Village Coffee and Art Stroll followed by the UCC Hawaii Miss Kona Coffee Scholarship Competition.

Job stability. Competitive pay. Good benefits and retirement package. Strong union protection. It wasn’t that long ago that county jobs were considered plum positions, subject to intense competition and even political favoritism.

The fifth International Symposium on Anchialine Ecosystems is underway on Hawaii Island, where more than 125 scientists, students, community members, and resource managers, from across Hawaii and around the world, have gathered to share knowledge and information about anchialine pools.

Astronomers using a Maunakea observatory have discovered the closest known black hole to Earth.

A proposed new housing development in Honokaa received support from County Council members and residents on Wednesday.

The Kona Coffee Cultural Festival returns in full-force starting today with 10 days full of musical entertainment, artisans and crafters, farm tours, games and activities for the whole family, great food, a cup full of coffee events, and much more.

An affordable housing project in Waikoloa got nine thumbs up Tuesday, signaling an easy approval when the County Council meets later this month to take a final vote on the plan.

After hours of considering, approving and rejecting more than half a dozen amendments, the County Council voted Wednesday in favor of a bill prohibiting concealed firearms in certain places.

A measure that would have provided property tax relief for properties not currently under assessment caps was soundly defeated Wednesday by a County Council majority.

With 19 licenses to carry a concealed firearm issued and another 58 pending approval in Hawaii County, some Hawaii Island police officers are concerned they haven’t received proper training on encountering permit holders.