Hawai'i State News

Comments from Aloha State U.S. senators, representatives come day before Islamic Republic’s missile counterattack on U.S. base in Qatar following President Donald Trump ordered bombings of three Iranian nuclear sites June 21. Lawmakers question the legality of U.S. operation and express concern about becoming tangled in another Middle East quagmire.

The crew of the Polynesian voyaging canoe, Hōkūleʻa sighted distant lights on the horizon, Saturday—marking their first visual confirmation of land since departing Hilo on June 3.

State, county and nonprofit organizations involved in wildfire prevention and mitigation say following the devastating and deadly wildfires in in August 2023 that destroyed Lahaina, killing more than 100 people, and other blazes on the Big Island the same day, people in Hawai‘i are beginning to understand the risks they, their families and their livlihoods face when wildfires loom.

The $7.4 million, 5-year subscription to EAB Navigate360 and EAB Edify will serve as the cornerstore of a new student success initiative at the university’s 10 campuses aimed at closing the achievement gap, improving student retention and increasing graduation rates.

The event — a partnership between Hawai‘i U.S. Sen. Mazie Hirono and and Chamber of Commerce Hawai‘i — provides members of the Hawai‘i business community the opportunity to meet directly with congressional leaders while also showcasing their products.

Hawaiʻi Attorney General Anne Lopez also officially handed over the responsibility for future wildfire analysis, mitigation and coordination efforts as those duties now belong to the new state fire marshal and Hawaiʻi Wildfire Management Organization.

West Hawai‘i state Rep. Kirstin Kahaloa named majority caucus leader for 2025-26 term; several Big Island lawmakers assigned chairmanships or vice chairmanships of committees.

The Hawaiʻi Department of Transportation said the 75-cent increase is needed to cover the vendor costs to administer and manage the safety check program.

UH President Wendy Hensel said about the selection of Matt Elliott at the next athletics director at the University of Hawaiʻi Mānoa: “From beginning to end, Matt was the guy.”

Hawaiʻi is setting the standard for other states in improving the quality of school meals, emphasizing local food sourcing, farm-to-school initiatives and fresh fruit and vegetable programs.

There is much to appreciate about the ongoing Kīlauea summit eruption as it approaches its 6-month anniversary on June 23. The stunning episodic lava fountains and lava flows erupting within Halemaʻumaʻu crater in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park have provided island residents and visitors with safe and accessible viewing opportunities. However, volcanic hazards are always present. 

Hōkūleʻa and Hikianalia, the voyaging canoes of the Polynesian Voyaging Society, have reached the Intertropical Convergence Zone that is commonly known as the doldrums as they continue their journey from Hilo to Tahiti.

After Joe Logan unexpectedly announced his retirement earlier this month as chief of the Honolulu Police Department, Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi strongly recommended Ben Moszkowicz to be the interim chief.

“I think the biggest impact of this termination is the loss of professional development opportunities for women. STEM is hemorrhaging women.” — Barbara Bruno of the University of Hawaiʻi

The 9th annual Hawaiʻi on the Hill event in Washington, D.C., spotlighted over 90 Hawaiʻi businesses and nonprofits to congressional leaders and the D.C. community, while fostering discussions on policy support for Hawaiʻi’s unique business landscape.

The landmark legislation strengthens the state’s commitment to closing the digital divide and ensuring all Hawaiʻi residents have access to reliable internet and the digital skills needed to thrive.

The measure honors the enduring legacy of Queen Liliʻuokalani and recognizes the many contributions of the Native Hawaiian community to Hawaiʻi’s past, present and future.

Green is not required to veto every bill indicated on the Intent-to-Veto list, but he cannot veto a bill that is not included and he has until July 9 to issue final vetoes.

The dangers of jumping into the water in the Spitting Caves and China Walls area on O’ahu also can apply to other similar areas around the Hawaiian islands.

Maia Kealoha of Kona is just getting started. She already filmed another movie, “The Wrecking Crew,” with stars Jason Mamoa and Morena Baccarin.