KLEI TV

Hawaiian Volcano Observatory research geologist Frank Trusdell is considered an authority on Mauna Loa.

There’s a new day coming for the Hawaii County Council, with a freshly minted chairwoman, three freshman members, newly named committees and a more progressive agenda.

(AP) — U.S. safety officials are calling for immediate inspection of certain Bell helicopters based on findings from their investigation into a crash in Hawaii. The National Transportation Safety Board said Friday that U.S. and Canadian regulators should require immediate inspections of hardware used to attach the tail booms to the fuselage on Bell 407 helicopters. The safety board says one of the hardware fittings used to attach the tail to the fuselage was missing and three others showed signs of cracking in the Hawaii crash, which injured the pilot and five passengers. The Bell 407 is a popular helicopter for sightseeing flights and for law enforcement and air ambulances.

HONOLULU — When Willette Kalaokahaku Akima-Akau looks out at the the lava flowing from Mauna Loa volcano and makes an offering of gin, tobacco and coins, she will be taking part in a tradition passed down from her grandfather and other Native Hawaiians as a way to honor both the natural and spiritual worlds.

State and county agencies continue to prepare for the impacts of a possible closure of the Daniel K. Inouye Highway.

Governor-elect Josh Green on Thursday announced nominees to serve as directors or deputy directors for 14 state departments in his cabinet.

The spectacle of incandescent lava spewing from Hawaii’s Mauna Loa has drawn thousands of visitors and is turning into a tourism boon for this Big Island town near the world’s largest volcano.

Lava watchers can get a closer and safer view of the Mauna Loa eruption through an alternate route intended to reduce parking on Daniel K. Inouye Highway.

HONOLULU — Prayer. Bombs. Walls.

UPDATED 3:42 p.m.