Hawai'i State News
Special Olympics Hawaiʻi team wins 2 gold medals on Day 3 of 2026 Special Olympics USA Games
Hui ʻO Hawaiʻi has 16 Special Olympics Hawaiʻi athletes — including members from the Big Island — as well as two Unified Partners and their coaches representing the Aloha State in Minneapolis, Minn.
Two plant protein products recalled from Hawaiʻi shelves due to potential plastic contamination
Consumers urged to verify if they possess MorningStar Farms Buffalo Chik’n Nuggets or Hot and Spicy Sausage Patties, which are distributed to stores nationwide.
Enforcement begins July 1 for statewide hemp retailer and distributor registration requirements
All businesses selling or distributing manufactured hemp products in Hawaiʻi, including online and out‑of‑state entities serving Hawaiʻi customers, must maintain an active Office of Medical Cannabis Control and Regulation registration.
Statewide workshop series to help community organizations better access funding opportunities
Nearly $130 million in funding is available for statewide environmental priorities and projects through Green Fee opportunities.
Free virtual event to connect thousands of teachers with University of Hawai‘i science research
Science educators around the world will get a front-row seat to groundbreaking research and innovation from the university and the company PocketLab during a free virtual unconference in July.
Senate Bill 2239 signed into law, establishing updated automatic voter registration in Hawaiʻi,
“It may seem like a small change, but [automatic voter registration] will help modernize our election system, reduce administrative costs, improve the accuracy of voter rolls and make it easier for residents to participate in the democratic process. When more people have access to voting, our democracy is stronger,” said Oʻahu state Sen. Stanley Chang, chairperson of Hawaiʻi Senate Housing Committee and lawmaker who introduced the automatic voter registration measure.
Inaugural Aviation Day hosted by Hawaiian Airlines to spark student interest in aviation
About 500 students ages 13 to 18 years old attended the June 20 exploratory event aimed at fostering future generations of aviation professionals.
University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa ranked among world’s top universities by US News and World Report
Two subjects at the university’s flagship campus on O’ahu also placed in the world’s top 50. Another four were ranked in the world’s top 150.
State news briefs for June 21: Monk seal pup relocated, 4th annual Hawaiʻi Made, mental health licensure
A quick look at news happening throughout the state.
National report recognizes Hawaiʻi State LGBTQ+ Commission
The commission received national recognition in the 2026 LGBTQ+ State Business Climate Index, published this month by Out Leadership, which highlighted Hawaiʻi’s efforts to foster inclusion and support LGBTQ+ residents and families.
Teen on Kauaʻi with Down Syndrome turns beach sand messages into business
Katrina Louise Martinez and her daughter, Ella Joy Marinez, have turned a loving habit of crafting sand messages into a unique company, Sand Scribletz.
Hateful, threatening message posted on social media about Big Island state lawmaker
The message, posted the morning of June 16 on Facebook, was attached to an invite by Puna state Sen. Joy San Buenaventura to community members for them to join her for a party June 20 in Kea‘au.
Hawaiʻi Medical Service Association awards $75K in scholarships to 15 high school seniors from throughout islands
Kealakehe High School senior Giselle Minez-Cruz and Makua Lani Christian Academy senior Aysha Pham were the 2026 Kaimana Scholars from Hawaiʻi County.
State releases first comprehensive children, youth fiscal map
New resource provides detailed analysis of public investments supporting keiki from prenatal years through young adulthood.
News briefs for June 20: Celebrating chefs, cold brew and wine, ‘Hawaiian Soul’ and more
A quick look at news from throughout the state, region and beyond.
Investigation in public corruption case becomes even more thorough with new information
The biweekly update from Attorney General Anne Lopez reveals that the corruption case has become more complex during the investigation.
Antarctic expeditioner, Mānoa undergrad from Big Island set to become University of Hawaiʻi regent
Hawaiʻi Gov. Josh Green appointed Eric Pōmaikaʻi Gee, the only U.S. citizen selected to participate in a 2025 Antarctic expedition led by explorer Robert Swan, to the board, pending confirmation by the Hawaiʻi Senate.
Dengue virus case involving Oʻahu visitor detected, expected risk of transmission low
The Department of Health detected a travel-related case of dengue virus and is conducting inspections and mosquito control in the affected area.
National Weather Service warns of high surf along Hawaiʻi Island’s south shores
Powerful swells have surged along Big Island’s southern shores, prompting the NWS to issue a high-surf advisory through Friday morning.
FEMA reminds residents that help continues after registration deadline
Late applications for disaster assistance related to the Kona Low storms are considered case by case and are not guaranteed.
