Hawai'i State News

Customers can still access many services during the holiday closure by visiting the USPS website or self-service kiosks available in many retail lobbies throughout the nation.

Troy Branco-Liu for most of his life never imagined leaving Lahaina. However, after the 2023 Maui wildfire upended his community, a University of Hawaiʻi scholarship opened a door the Lahainaluna High School graduate never expected, an opportunity to start over at Hawaiʻi Community College in Hilo on the Big Island, which would ultimately change the course of his future.

Flags shall be flown at half-staff from sunrise until noon on May 25 at the Hawaiʻi State Capitol, all state offices and agencies, and the Hawaiʻi National Guard.

Hawaiʻi’s Preschool Open Doors program opens applications on May 29, offering tuition assistance for families with children ages 2 to 4 for the 2026-27 school year.

The need for general surgeons is especially high in rural and other underserved communities; there is a 14% shortage of surgeons in Hawai‘i overall, with Hawai‘i Island alone at a 40% shortage, forcing many residents to travel off-island to receive care they need.

Hawai’i County Civil Defense reported in an update at 7:54 a.m. Saturday, May 23, that the strong temblor caused rock slides, multiple road closures, power outages, structures to shift on their foundation and other property damage; crews continued to restore power and all roads are reopen.

Measure proposed by the 2 Hawaiʻi Democrats in the U.S. House expands federal money laundering laws to cover illegal movement of fireworks across state lines.

Hawaiʻi Department of Human Services says its electronic benefit transfer, or EBT, vendor Fidelity Information Services sent some beneficiaries SUN Bucks card instead of regular Kōkua card.

Gov. Josh Green also made several other appointments and interim appointments to state boards and commissions.

A quick look at news happening throughout the state and beyond.

Episode 47 of lava fountaining during the ongoing episodic summit eruption of the Big Island volcano tied the 1983-86 initial phase of the Pu‘u‘ō‘ō eruption on Kīlauea, which had a total of 47 events, for the most fountaining episodes ever recorded — so far — at the volcano; so how do these historic eruptions compare?

An average season for the region sees only 4 to 5 tropical cyclones — which include tropical depressions, tropical storms and hurricanes, so officials urge everyone to be prepared.

U.S. Census Bureau also reports fewer women in the same category gave birth during the past decade.

Public comment sought on draft state plan and Hawaiʻi Island regional plan; plans provide comprehensive framework to guide transportation investment, policy and decision-making.

A multi-university team — including University of Hawaiʻi Cancer Center — developed a simpler way to find and track inflammatory breast cancer.

Punahou School student Safa Ahmed as the 2026 Hawaiʻi Youth Poet Laureate, which is a program to connect young voices and writers from across all islands.

Statewide partnerships will expand locally-source meals in schools, the state Director of Communications earned a national honor and advocates are energized by the effects of the green Fee.

Office of Hawaiian Affairs launches the fund Friday, May 22, providing limited number of $10,000 repair grants; informational Zoom webinar set for 11:30 a.m. Wednesday, May 20.

Statewide news regarding future wildfire recovery policy, the first cohort of state employees certified in trauma-informed care and research on the effects of vaping on mental health.

Residents of Hawaiʻi County could be eligible for assistance if their home is unsafe to live in because of damage caused by the flooding; approved applicants receive an initial rental award of up to 2 months of rent.