Hawai'i State News
What new Hawai’i laws are taking effect on New Year’s Day?
Several new State of Hawai’i laws are set to take effect on Jan. 1, 2023 that relate to areas including tobacco taxes, catalytic converters, ethics training, fireworks, ranked-choice voting and even balloons.
Mauna Loa forests, natural area reserves dodged lava bullet
Years of restoration work and ungulate control efforts in the Pu‘u Maka‘ala Natural Area Reserve could have been undone had lava flows gone a different direction.
High surf advisory for west-facing shores canceled
The National Weather Service in Honolulu reports that surf has fallen below advisory levels.
Big Island backyard fireworks are popular, but be safe while ringing in 2023
Fireworks are entertaining but they also can be dangerous. There are plenty of examples from the past few years throughout Hawaiʻi of mishaps and injuries. Stay safe by using common sense.
Big Island youth in foster care revel in Teen Day activities
More than 20 teenagers ranging from 12 to 17 years old had the chance last month to rub shoulders with judges, attorneys, social workers and others while learning about their rights and the services available to them.
Congressional spending bill has provisions to help Hawaiʻi small businesses, tourism
The recently passed $1.7 trillion Fiscal Year 2023 Omnibus Appropriations bill includes several initiatives to strengthen Hawaiʻi’s dominant tourism and small business economies and assist Hawai’i workers with their retirements.
$2.7 million in grants to help small-scale agriculture throughout Hawaiʻi
More than 130 of the grants awarded through the Hawai‘i Department of Agriculture’s Micro-Grants for Food Security Program are coming to the Big Island.
Gov. Green appoints state’s first director of Wellness and Resilience, 6 others
Tia Roberts Hartsock was appointed by Hawaiʻi Gov. Josh Green as the state’s first Director of the Office of Wellness and Resilience.
After four days, search ends for man who went missing while swimming in waters off a Kaua‘i beach
The search for 56-year-old Prakash Shroff was suspended Wednesday afternoon after a four-day effort by land, air and sea to find him.
Sen. Hirono pushed for legislation to help Native Hawaiian survivors of sexual violence
The legislation, led by Sen. Mazie Hirono of Hawaiʻi and signed by President Biden, provides funding to Native Hawaiian survivors of all types of sexual and gender-based violence.
State marks 125 years of cooperative efforts on forestry and agriculture
Although two separate state departments exist today, the Department of Land and Natural Resources and the Department of Agriculture continue to maintain similar land stewardship principles that complement one another.
County prosecutor’s office seeks public input on legislative initiatives
Throughout the past year, the office has met with community groups, neighborhood watches, community stakeholders and Big Island residents about their concerns and interests. Now the office is inviting members of the public to take its 2023 legislative initiatives survey.
‘Shop With A Cop’ brings holiday joy to keiki in West Hawai‘i
Sixty-one children were selected for this year’s event at Target Kona.
National Adoption Day: All in the ‘ohana for these ‘Forever Families’
The Hilo Family Court hosted its fifth annual Adoption Day celebration earlier this month.
Comment period ends soon about mosquito ‘birth control’ to combat avian malaria
The public has until Friday, Dec. 30, to comment on a request from the state to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for an emergency exemption from the federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act.
Green extends emergency proclamation in response to Hawai‘i Life Flight accident
The governor extended the disaster emergency relief period through Jan. 6, 2023.
Puna man charged in connection with alleged burglary, car thefts
The alleged incidents were reported in November and December.
DLNR enforcement recruits donate gifts for Toys for Tots
The 42 men and women of recruit class 22-01 collected more than 80 new toys, books and games for the annual toy drive.
Hawaiʻi Senate committee releases public briefings schedule for state budget
The purpose of the public briefings is to provide the space for state and county agencies to present their budget requests to the Ways and Means committee prior to the start of the 2023 Hawaiʻi State legislative session.
Search continues for missing swimmer off ‘Anini Beach on Kauaʻi
Multiple agencies continue their search for a missing California man who was apparently swept out to sea Sunday afternoon while swimming at ‘Anini Beach on Kauaʻi.
