Hawai'i State News
Dead whale removed from Kaua’i beach; buried at undisclosed location
The sperm whale’s burial location on Kauaʻi is not being publicized to avoid the taking of body parts of a protected species, which is illegal under federal and state laws.
‘The Voice’ of University of Hawai’i Athletics Jim Leahey has died
Jim Leahey announced sports for the university for over 40 years.
COVID-19 remains global health emergency, but pandemic is at a transition point, World Health Organization says
During WHO’s International Health Regulations Emergency Committee on Friday, officials concurred the pandemic continues to constitute a public health emergency of international concern.
Keiki Caucus outlines priorities for 2023 state legislative session
The legislative priorities of the Keiki Caucus for 2023 include a bill introduced by Big Island state Rep. Jeanné Kapela.
Kaua’i beach closed to remove 120,000-pound beached whale
Three excavators have been working to try to remove the 56-foot-long, 120,000-pound deceased sperm whale from a beach on Kaua’i.
Little fire ants invading Kaua‘i; Big Island already knows their destruction
Little fire ants are native to Central and South America, but have colonized the globe. Kaua‘i is now grappling with several back-to-back infestations.
Pigs destroy 62 albatross eggs at Kaua’i refuge nesting sites
A Laysan Albatross was rescued at Kīlauea Point National Wildlife Refuge on Kaua’i in what experts believe was due to a pig destroying her egg and causing yoke to get on her feathers.
Video: Dead sperm whale washes ashore at Kaua‘i beach, officials responding
Native Hawaiian practitioners have been conducting cultural protocols as heavy equipment is attempting to move the 56-foot, 60-ton carcass onto the beach.
Federal funds sought for Mauna Loa eruption’s damage, expenses
The request for a federal disaster declaration comes on the heels of one-day, onsite inspection Jan. 5 by an 11-person team of state and federal emergency management officials of damages and impacts caused by the eruption of Mauna Loa.
Big Island police chief, county prosecutor committed to finding ‘Unknown Male No. 1’ in Dana Ireland case
New DNA evidence in the case excluded Albert “Ian” Schweitzer, whose conviction was overturned Tuesday. DNA found on key evidence belongs to another unknown individual.
Big Island’s Rep. Jeanné Kapela introduces sex trafficking bill to protect keiki
House Bill 550 would would require the Hawai‘i Department of Education to offer training for teachers, educational officers and school-based behavioral health specialists on sex trafficking prevention and response.
Environmental Legislative Caucus announces 2023 bill package for Hawai’i
The 2023 Environmental Legislative Caucus package includes bills to establish green fees, create a tax credit for cesspool conversion and implement a soil health initiative.
People causing endangered nēnē deaths, said Hawaiʻi State division of wildlife
Fifty years ago nēnē, a rare goose and the Hawaiʻi State bird, was a species on the brink of extinction, with fewer than 30 geese in the wild statewide. They are still endangered and federally protected.
Gov. Green’s inaugural State of the State outlines bold action, concrete plans for Hawaiʻi
Hawaiʻi Gov. Josh Green delivered his inaugural State of the State address Monday to a joint session of the 32nd Hawai‘i State Legislature, pledging to take on housing, climate change, homelessness and poverty; and he presented his plan about how to tackle these long-standing, challenging issues.
Lifeguard beats out pros to win Eddie Aikau Big Wave Invitational at Waimea Bay on Oʻahu
Oʻahu lifeguard Luke Shepardson won the Eddie Aikau Big Wave Invitational held Sunday at Waimea Bay on Oʻahu’s North Shore.
December rainfall totals vary from mostly above to mostly below average
The U.S. Geological Survey’s rain gauge at Kawainui Stream had the highest monthly total of 15.03 inches, or 112% of average, and the highest daily total of 9.23 inches on Dec. 19.
Green to deliver inaugural State of the State address this week
The public can watch the speech live in person at the Capitol in Honolulu or via several outlets on the internet.
UH-Hilo’s Peat named PacWest Defender of the Week for Jan. 9-15
This is the second time this season the 6-foot-11 sophomore forward-center for the Vulcans has received the honor.
Lawmakers pressed to tackle sex trafficking by Native Hawaiian women, girls advocates
As the 2023 State Legislative session ramps up, will policymakers tackle a crisis of violence against Native Hawaiian women and girls?
Gov. Green orders flags at half-staff for funeral services of Princess Kawānanakoa
The princess, who died on Dec. 11, 2022 at age 96, will lie in state at ‘Iolani Palace on Sunday for the public memorial and on Monday there will be her private funeral at Mauna ‘Ala.
