Community

The study was prepared by ECOnorthwest through AARP’s Livable Communities Technical Advisors Program. It reports that rising housing costs and limited supply are making it harder for residents to remain in their communities as they age.

The Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority is inviting organizations to apply for funding to support cultural preservation, enhance community experiences, and promote major events throughout the islands.

Hawaii.com feature organizes events by island, helping visitors discover festivals, cultural experiences and local happenings and bringing real-time events and experiences directly into the trip-planning process.

It is a valuable opportunity to learn about funding pathways and connect directly with experts who can support the next steps of small businesses; only several spaces remain, so don’t wait, register today.

Hawaiʻi’s firearm registration report for 2025 reveals a notable 14.7% rise in permit applications alongside a slight decline in total firearm registrations, with a record percentage of imported firearms highlighting changing ownership trends.

Conservation stamp highlights the wild pig, while game bird stamp features the California valley quail, which was originally brought to the islands in 1818 as a gift to King Kamehameha.

Ensure eligibility documents are ready for the after-school program registration on April 22.

“The experience strengthened my leadership perspective and reinforced the importance of collaboration, accountability and service,” said Capt. Levon Stevens. “I look forward to bringing these insights back to Hawai‘i County as we continue working to serve our community with integrity and professionalism.”

“This new institute combines [University of Hawaiʻi]’s strengths in cutting-edge, ocean-related research and our collaborative, place-based approach to working with resource managers throughout Hawaiʻi and the Pacific to protect our vital coral reefs,” said University of Hawaiʻi Interim Vice President for Research and Innovation Chad Walton.

Vibrant Hawaiʻi is introducing the podcast this year with renewed intention — to challenge the long-standing narrative that Hawaiʻi’s most promising ʻōpio must leave the island to succeed.

Discover the vibrant world of local art at the Big Island Art Fair in Waimea, taking place April 23 to 25 at Kahilu Town Hall.

“Phishing remains the most effective attack method in 2026 because it targets the one element that can’t be easily patched: people,” said University of Hawaiʻi Chief Information Officer Jodi Ito.

Abigail Munoz with Monarch Coffee was unanimously elected by the board, “and she was absolutely the right person for this role,” said Hawaiʻi Coffee Association President Ryson Nakamasu.

U.S. Postal Service encourages customers to “mail a little more often,” and special occasions such as Mother’s Day, Father’s Day or other personally significant moments present an ideal opportunity to combine thoughtful expression with written communication.

Bishop Museum on Oʻahu will feature the works of Nālani Kanakaʻole, Sig Zane, Kūhaʻoʻīmaikalani Zane, whose creative practices are deeply rooted in hula ʻaihaʻa.

Building on the success of Direct2UH — the direct admissions initiative launched in October 2025 that offers free entry to Hawaiʻi public high school seniors based on their grade-point average — the grant will fund a unified admissions system with enhanced outreach and guidance.

A quick look at news happening throughout the island, state and nation.

New University of Hawaiʻi Economic Research Organization report finds that while natural gas is often far cheaper than oil on the mainland United States, Hawaiʻi faces higher costs because the fuel must be cooled, shipped across the ocean and converted back into gas.

Danielle Bartz, doctorate candidate in marine biology at University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa, was first awarded the $2,000 STEM Award from Zonta Club of Hilo, advancing her to the international level, where she won the $10,000 2026 Zonta International Women in STEM Award.

These scams include pump-and-dump scams, confidence scams and fraudulent cryptocurrency schemes that take advantage of victims to extract as much money from them as possible.