Hawai'i State News

“At a time when immigration arrests are spiking in Hawaiʻi, we’re demanding clarity on whether our police departments are helping carry out raids that instill fear in immigrant communities and whether they are doing so in ways that flout legal safeguards,” ACLU of Hawai‘i Legal Director Wookie Kim said, adding it is the duty of local governments to protect their residents, not act as an arm of federal immigration enforcement.

“This plan is the catalyst for creating a future that all people can thrive in,” said Hawaiʻi Youth Transportation Council Member Kawika Pegram. “Through this plan, we can harness the power of local industry, create meaningful jobs and invest in public infrastructure like never before.”

As a last line of defense, Hawaiian Electric could implement a public safety power shutoff, proactively disconnecting power in high-risk areas to reduce the chance for igniting wildfires. the electric utility urges its customers to review emergency plans and take steps to protect their homes and businesses.

The governor vetoed bills relating to tax credits, transportation, the state’s Major Disaster Fund, property, stadium facility and convention center naming rights and others. Leadership of the Hawai‘i Legislature said a special legislative session to attempt their override is not necessary.

The purpose is to combat agricultural crimes such as theft, trespassing and illegal hunting, and to enhance protection and security for local farmers and ranchers.

Essentially, gas pistoning is a shallow, degassing-driven rise and fall of a lava surface. Pistons often occur in narrow conduits, although they can happen in larger lava lakes and even in lava channels — and in bunches, as part of a series.

Hawaiʻi’s leadership is mobilizing to mitigate the effects of a newly passed Republican tax bill that will strip health care and food assistance from thousands of vulnerable residents.

Girl Scouts of Hawaiʻi beginning in August will fund trained facilitators to lead troops in close geographic regions throughout the state, each serving about 10 troops and 150 girls. The approach expands on a successful model already in place at 25 Title I schools.

As more Hawaiʻi drivers choose more fuel-efficient hybrid or all-electric vehicles, revenues from motor fuel taxes and other vehicle registration fees have declined, resulting in less funding to maintain the state’s roads, bridges and infrastructure. The road usage charge is a step to ensure long-term, sustainable funding for transportation.

The 2024 Recreational Boating Statistics Report revealed a nationwide fatality rate of 4.8 deaths per 100,000 registered recreational vessels, a 2% decrease from 2023. There were just 11 incidents total in Hawai‘i waters last year, with only 1 fatality.

New state measures involving dangerous dogs originally passed in 2024, partly due to the mauling death of a 71-year-old man who was just out for a walk on the Big Island.

“To fulfill the bold goals we’ve set in education, health, economic resilience and housing, we need both strong programs and strong people,” said Office of Hawaiian Affairs Chief Executive Officer Stacy Ferreira. “This budget ensures we have both.”

While land-based Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement officers supplement the work of the marine patrol units as needed, it’s up to the oceangoing patrols to be on the water regularly. Marine patrol units are now active on are now active on O‘ahu, Maui, Kaua‘i and Hawai‘i Island.

Electric utility urges vigilance as it received 10 fraud reports since mid-June from businesses on Oʻahu saying scammers threatened to diconnect power. Two businesses were scammed into making cash payments.

The 54-year-old was officially charged on June 26 with possessing with intent to distribute and manufacture methamphetamine, possessing with intent to distribute cocaine, unlawful possession of firearms, and unlawful possession of explosives.

The double-hulled wa‘a now are anchored off Papeʻetē, Tahiti, departing Taputapuātea early because of forecasted weather. They are expected to spend about a month in French Polynesia before continuing on the Moananuiākea Voyage, with subsequent stops this year in the Cook Islands, Sāmoa, Tonga and Aotearoa — the Māori name for New Zealand.

State board OK’d limited temporary rate hike of 18.1%, effective from July 1 through Dec. 31, based on an assessment of the minimum amount necessary to allow the company to continue providing essential interisland shipping services while commissioners complete a review of the firm’s pending general rate increase request of 25%.

The airline reported shortly before 8 a.m. today (June 26) that some of its information technology systems were affected by the ‘event.’ Flights have continued to operate safely and guest travel has not been impacted.

“We are monitoring the unfolding events in the Middle East and remain prepared to address any concerns that may arise,” said Department of Law Enforcement Director Mike Lambert in an announcement Tuesday.

The annual report evaluates all 50 states and the District of Columbia on 50 key indicators of health system performance, including access to care, health outcomes, equity, and prevention.