Hawai'i State News

Advocates call for better data, supportive interventions when it comes to violence affecting Indigenous and LGBTQIA2S+ groups across Hawaiʻi.

The Hawaiʻi Department of Budget and Finance sold $1.94 billion of bonds for infrastructure investment.

The landmark legislation would establish some of the nation’s first consumer protections and transparency requirements for conversational artificial intelligence services, particularly for minors and individuals seeking mental health or crisis support.

Authorities in Hawaiʻi are investigating the brazen theft of a school bus from Ocean View Estates and its later recovery at a property, where surveillance footage captured several suspects.

The Pacific Whale Watch Association said iconic humpback whale BCY0324 known as “Big Mama” has safely returned to local waters after her winter migration in Hawaiʻi.

A cease-and-desist order alleges violations of state securities laws through unregistered cryptocurrency-backed investments with BG Wealth Sharing Ltd.

Key measures include restrictions on e-cigarettes, expanded prescriptive authority for psychologists, and a $1.8 million program for cancer screening.

Observations suggest the comet’s chemistry changed as it passed near the sun, providing new clues to how materials in interstellar comets differ from those in comets formed in this part of the cosmic neighborhood.

Officials remind the public that maintaining a respectful distance is the most important thing they can do to protect the endangered monk seals and community.

Devens was sworn in Tuesday morning, as the sixth Hawaiʻi Supreme Court chief justice during an informal ceremony.

The Office of Hawaiian Affairs is supporting a measure approved by a state legislative conference committee that would release $55 million in Public Land Trust funds currently withheld under an annual payment cap.

Graduates from the University of Hawaiʻi’s 10 campuses will celebrate commencement from Saturday, May 9 to Saturday, May 16.

30-day review period now open for Papahana Kāʻeuʻeu: Hawaiʻi’s Plan for Living Heritage Stewardship, which will guide how state, county agencies, Native Hawaiian organizations and communities work together to identify, protect and steward Hawaiʻi’s historic and cultural resources from 2026 through 2034.

Hawai‘i public schools, beginning with the class of 2030, will require the completion of financial literacy education to graduate, with implementation starting in the 2026–27 academic year; Junior Achievement of Hawai‘i provides a ready-to-implement solution, with proven curriculum and volunteer support.

L&L Hawaiian Barbecue continues to expand its East Coast presence with the opening of its newest location in Duluth, Georgia, offering a taste of Hawaiʻi’s iconic “plate lunch.”

A quick look at business news from around the Big Island, throughout the state and elsewhere.

The Kaua‘i distillery’s Chief Commercial Officer Robert Ramer succeeds Gunter as chief operating officer, overseeing day-to-day operations while continuing its growth and expansion into the next chapter.

Number of visitors statewide in March decreased 1.7% from the same month a year before, with Big Island visitor stats following same downward trend; visitor spending throughout islands falls 1.6% from March 2025.

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

The University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa model predicts the development of a strong El Niño, more than 35.6 degrees warmer than normal over the equatorial eastern Pacific Ocean, toward the end of this year.