Hawaii
Big Island news — at a glance — for July 12 – West Hawaii Today
Chancellor chosen for
Hawaii Community College
Susan Kazama has been named the next Hawaii Community College chancellor, effective July 19.
Kazama has been serving as the interim chancellor at HCC since July 1, 2023.
“Susan Kazama is a home-grown chancellor who is dedicated to serving the diverse communities of the Hawaii Island,” said Erika Lacro, University of Hawaii vice president for community colleges, in a press release. “She brings her broad experience and commitment to the University of Hawaii to the position, and she will continue the work of this past year of reaching out to the local employers to ensure Hawaii Community College is training students for the local workforce needs.”
Kazama began her work in the UH system in 1987, starting as a librarian at UH Maui College and Honolulu Community College. She spent 12 years at UH Manoa’s Hamilton Library before accepting the library director position at Kapiolani Community College in 2001.
She served as interim vice chancellor for academic affairs at Kapiolani Community College and Honolulu Community College until 2021, when she became a program coordinator for continuing education at Kapiolani.
“I am so grateful to have this opportunity to return home and serve the kauhale (group of houses comprising a Hawaiian home) and the community that I grew up in,” Kazama said in the press release. “… I look forward to working with the dedicated faculty, staff, administrators and our community, to continue supporting our students and ensuring everyone who wants to pursue higher education has the opportunity to do so.”
Born and raised in Hilo, Kazama graduated from Waiakea High School and earned a master’s in library science and a bachelor’s degree in psychology from UH Manoa.
Police: Ocean View
homicide victim died of multiple blows to the head
Police say an autopsy performed this morning on the body of Adam Santos found that the 51-year-old man died due to the trauma of multiple blows to the head.
Investigators say they have no motive for the killing, and no suspects have been identified.
Santos was last seen alive at his Ocean View home on June 22. He was reported missing June 30.
In reponse to an anonymous tip, officers went to a vacant lot adjacent to Santos’ home on July 2 to find a makeshift grave site and unearthed Santos’ remains.
Police are asking for anyone with information regarding this investigation to contact Detective Donovan Kohara at (808) 960-3118 or donovan.kohara@hawaiicounty.gov.
Those who prefer to remain anonymous can call Crime Stoppers at (808) 961-8300 and may be eligible to a reward of up to $1,000.
Kilauea began a new episode of lava fountaining at its summit today, prompting an ashfall advisory for parts of Hawaii Island.
The Hawaiian Volcano Observatory said Episode 46 started at 8:17 a.m. inside Halemaʻumaʻu crater, with activity confined to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.
The volcano remains at watch alert level and orange aviation color code, indicating heightened unrest with increased potential for eruption hazards.
The National Weather Service issued an ashfall advisory through 8 p.m. for areas downwind of the summit, including Volcano and Mountain View.
Light and variable winds shifting southeast are expected to carry volcanic gas and ash across the summit region and toward the north and northwest areas.
Tephra, including ash and Pele’s hair, is most likely within about 3 miles of the vents, but lighter material can travel much farther.
Officials said impacts are expected to be limited, though ash particles can irritate eyes and lungs, especially for those with respiratory conditions.
Residents are urged to limit exposure by staying indoors when possible, closing windows and doors and wearing masks and eye protection if going outside.
People with water catchment systems should cover and disconnect them to prevent contamination.
Anyone observing ashfall is encouraged to report conditions to the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory at hawaiiash.science/report_form.
HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – One of the world’s premier adaptive surfing events is getting underway in Waikiki.
AccesSurf Hawaii is hosting the 2026 Hawaii Adaptive Surfing Championships this week, with competition beginning Tuesday, May 5, and running through Friday, May 8, at Queen’s Surf Break.
Now in its 18th year, the championships are part of the Adaptive Surfing Professionals World Tour and bring together more than 90 adaptive surfers from around the world competing across multiple divisions.
Organizers said the championships highlight not only elite competition, but also community, culture and inclusion.
“The Hawaii Adaptive Surfing Championships is a powerful gathering of athletes, community and purpose,” said AccesSurf Executive Director Zoe Lewis. “We are proud to host this in Waikiki, where adaptive surfers can compete at an elite level while also experiencing the culture, community and spirit of Hawaii.”
Events began Monday with an opening ceremony at the Duke Kahanamoku Statue, kicking off a week of competition and activities.
In addition to the surf competition, the week includes special events such as the Hawaiʻi premiere of The Incredible Paulk on May 6 and a community pau hana gathering on May 7.
Surf competition runs daily from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. and will also be streamed live online.
The public is invited to attend and support the athletes, with the week wrapping up Friday with an awards ceremony.
Copyright 2026 Hawaii News Now. All rights reserved.
The 2026 Hawaii high school baseball playoffs begin on May 6th with the opening round in the Division I bracket, with the Division II bracket starting May 7th.
High School On SI has brackets for every classification and division in the Hawaii high school baseball playoffs.
The 2026 HHSAA state championship games will be on May 9th.
2026 Hawaii High School Baseball Division I Playoff Bracket, Schedule, Scores (HHSAA) – May 4, 2026
Matchups are as follows:
Pearl City vs. Moanalua
Pac-Five vs. Kaiser
King Kekaulike vs. Hilo
Kamehameha Hawai’i vs. Kailua
2026 Hawaii High School Baseball Division II Playoff Bracket, Schedule, Scores (HHSAA) – May 4, 2026
Matchups are as follows:
Waipahu vs. Hawaii Prep
Seabury Hall vs. Damien
Honoka’a vs. Castle
Kauai vs. Kapolei
More Coverage from High School On SI
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