Hawai'i State News

Funding cuts will jeopardize the research and tools that are essential for predicting sea-level rise and informing infrastructure plans, heightening the vulnerability of communities.

Snakes are illegal to import or possess in Hawaiʻi since they pose a serious threat to Hawaiʻi’s environment with no natural predators.

The Polynesian Voyaging Society announced that the Hōkūleʻa and Hikianalia will now depart from Hilo on Tuesday morning after postponing the voyage due to weather conditions.

The chemical detected is 1-chloro-4-(trifluoromethyl)-benzene (PCBTF) within the Volcano Catchment Chlorinator, which is owned by the U.S. Department of the Interior. PCBTF is an industrial solvent that is currently not regulated in drinking water, meaning there is no established federal or state maximum contaminant level or state environmental action level.

The challenges are many and the battle rages on against familiar foes such as little fire ants, coqui frogs, albizia trees and others, as well as new enemies including coconut rhinoceros beetles, but all hope is not lost. There are dedicated community members — including a Big Island teacher — on the front lines making great strides in the fight.

The new state funds complement a previous private donation of $25 million from Marc and Lynne Benioff, longtime champions of heath care and quality care for all who live on the Big Island. Construction of Keaʻau Benioff Medical Center is estimated to be completed in 2028.

May is recognized as Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Month for the fourth year in a row for the contributions these communities have made to the U.S.

15th annual ‘Abstract Only’ art exhibit seeks entries from Hawai’i and Shanghai in first-of-its-kind cultural exchange: ‘Art knows no borders, and artistic wealth should belong to everyone,’ Shanghai Abstract Painting Society President Xu Demin said in the call for submissions.

Record-setting lava fountain and plume heights were reached during Episode 23 of the Kīlauea summit caldera eruption. Given increasing airborne hazards associated with each new eruptive episode, Hawaiian Volcano Observatory is changing its episode notification types.

Kūkulu Kahua offers onetime support for emergency needs — such as rent, utilities and funeral expenses — paired with access to financial counseling and wraparound services designed to empower families on their journey toward economic resilience.

Puna state Sen. Joy San Buenaventura, chairwoman of the state Senate Committee on Health and Human Services, lauds passage of measures supporting some of state’s most at-risk keiki.

Sure, we get an extra day off each year on last Monday of May, but it’s important — necessary — to never forget who fought to give us right to have that extra time off and stop to reflect on how to carry their lives and legacies forward.

Hawai’i U.S. Sen. Hirono, New York Rep. Meng introduce bicameral resolution officially marking May 2025 as Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, honoring the significant contributions the communities have made and continue to make to the United States.

Lava fountains reach more than 1,000 feet, volcanic plume soars at least 5,000 feet before most recent phase of eruptive activity — that teased for several days — abruptly ends after just 6 hours and 10 minutes Sunday night.

Sen. Mazie Hirono, AARP will give updates and answer questions on the future of Social Security during a telephone town hall on Saturday, May 31.

Basic Corrections Recruit Class 25-03 was the third class to graduate from recruit training this year. It also is the first recruit class to graduate on a neighbor island.

Conservation groups and cultural practitioners are challenging President Trump’s April 17 proclamation that would allow U.S.-flagged vessels to fish commercially in the commercially protected Pacific Islands Heritage Marine National Monument.

A U.S. District Court blocked the Trump administration’s efforts to dismantle the Department of Education that would eliminate 50% of workforce.

While the Hawaiʻi Department of Health confirms no new measles cases, pertussis cases spike alarmingly with 108 reported, underscoring the critical need for vaccinations to curb these preventable diseases.

The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center in Honolulu said there is no tsunami threat to Hawaiʻi and no destructive Pacific-wide tsunami expected at this time.