Seven of the nine seats are contested, with top vote-getters advancing to the November general election.

As Hawaiʻi island prepares to enact a ban on single-use plastic serviceware, a coalition in Hilo is rolling out the nation’s first comprehensive city-wide reuse program with over $3 million in seed funding.

The Hilo community has been crying out for better protections from the state Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity.

Community members around Hawaiʻi say the only way to get the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity to do its job is by forcing its hand.

The Hawaiʻi County seat is heavily rural with a unique set of challenges.

Big Island’s second-largest population center is facing a range of major challenges.

“We need to be increasing water stations, as well as putting a cap on how much water delivery companies can increase their prices during water emergency situations.”

“The increase in homeless people is exhausting our first responders, community resources and business owners.”

“Residents care about clean water and environmental protection, but many are struggling with the cost of living and cannot afford a cesspool conversion that may cost tens of thousands of dollars.”

“The Homelessness and Housing Fund is not functioning as intended and we need to determine quickly if adjustments can be made or if we need a new approach.”