Community Corner

🌱 Ready to guard Hilo’s pools next summer? Start certification in January

Also, don't miss Hilo Town Hall with Dr. Frescas on the Hilo Patch calendar

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Thursday December 11th Patch AM
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Cheers Hilo! We’re back, helping you stay up to date with what’s happening. Let's take on the day together! ☀️

In today's newsletter:

  • Ready to guard Hilo’s pools next summer? Start certification in January
  • Which Hilo streets will shut down overnight next week?
  • How a new UH Hilo partnership could boost student graduation rates

Also on today's calendar: Zako Ryan & JJ Curry — HILO TOWN MARKET and 1 more event.

Find out what's happening in Hilofor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Today's riddle: What did one tuna say to the other after getting caught stealing files from work? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

Find out what's happening in Hilofor free with the latest updates from Patch.

  • Thursday: Partly sunny, with a high of 83 and low of 64 degrees.
  • Friday: Mostly sunny, temps: high: 84, low: 64.
  • Saturday: Partly sunny, with a high of 84 and low of 65 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Lifeguard Certification Course In Hilo Starts In January (bigislandvideonews.com) — If you’ve ever thought about becoming a lifeguard in Hilo, a county-run American Red Cross certification course starts in January 2026 at the NAS Swimming Pool. Teens 15 and older can enroll, but must first pass a December 29 swim evaluation. The $123 course runs four Fridays and includes deep-water training and required CPR gear.
   

2. Road closures necessary for Hawaiian Electric to replace utility poles around Big Island (bigislandnow.com) — Hilo drivers should prepare for overnight closures of West Kawailani Street between Kimo and Ho'onanea streets on Dec. 18–19, with access for Mikihala Street residents only when it’s safe. Hawaiian Electric crews will be replacing utility poles, and motorists are urged to expect delays and use Haihai Street or West Pūʻainakō Street as alternate routes.
   

3. UH Hilo joins UH System's renewed push to improve student outcomes (hawaii.edu) — UH Hilo is partnering with the National Institute for Student Success to overhaul policies and support systems so more local students can make it from enrollment to graduation. This four‑month review will produce a tailored “playbook” to improve retention, advising, early alerts, and high‑failure courses, with some changes rolling out as soon as recommendations are finalized.
   

4. Fall 2025 commencement schedule set for University of Hawaiʻi 4-year campuses : Big Island Now (bigislandnow.com) — Families and friends in Hilo can mark their calendars for the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo fall commencement, set for 9 a.m. on Dec. 20 at the Vulcan Gymnasium. The schedule also includes ceremonies at UH West Oʻahu and UH Mānoa, with campus websites offering more detailed graduation information.
   

5. 10 invasive animals that snuck into Hawaii in 2025 (spectrumlocalnews.com) — Several invasive animals, including multiple skunks and an opossum, were captured at Hilo Harbor this fall as inspectors responded to repeated sightings around Pier 1 and nearby roads. State agriculture and biosecurity teams trapped the animals, tested them for rabies, and kept extra traps in place as a precaution, underscoring how cargo ships continue to bring unwanted critters into Hilo and other Hawaiʻi ports.
   

📸 Around Hilo

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🗓 Upcoming Events in Hilo

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🗓 Events Nearby

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Applauding the recent landscaping install at the entrance to the Grand Naniloa!
    Shade loving, dappled low light ground orchids and cordyline! (Nextdoor Waianuenue/Ainako)
  • University of Hawai'i posted a job opening for Assistant Professor (Administration of Justice)(#0082009) in Hilo. Apply here.
  • KTA Super Stores posted a job opening for Produce Clerk, Puainako Hilo in Hilo. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Hilo here.

Ok Hilo! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: I could get canned for this!
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!

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