Hawai'i State News
Hawaiian Airlines names Diana Birkett Rakow as new CEO
She will be Hawaiian Airline’s first female CEO, succeeding Joe Sprague, who will retire after a distinguished career in aviation.
Hawaiʻi Gov. Green orders flags to fly at half-staff for Patriot Day
Patriot Day honors the nearly 3,000 individuals — civilians and first responders — who were tragically killed in the terrorist attacks on 9/11, 24 years ago.
New ‘Green Fee’ tax in Hawaiʻi raises questions about how it will be spent, and even if parts of it are constitutional
Hawai‘i will introduce a unique ‘Green Fee’ for visitors starting January, aiming to raise $100 million annually for climate resilience and sustainable tourism, but cruise ships operators have sued over its constitutionality.
High surf warning issued for all north- and east-facing shores on the Big Island
Hurricane Kiko’s approach has prompted a high surf warning for Hawaiʻi Island’s north- and east-facing shores until Wednesday.
Mexican national sentenced to 12 months for third illegal reentry after two DUI convictions
Abraham Moreno Garcia has been sentenced to a year in federal prison after his third illegal reentry into the U.S. and multiple DUI arrests, including one in Kona in 2024.
Acting Hawai‘i Gov. Luke issues emergency proclamation ahead of Hurricane Kiko
The disaster emergency relief period will commence immediately and continue through Sept. 19, unless extended or terminated earlier.
Navy begins extraction of two WWII mooring platforms from USS Arizona hull
This meticulous effort highlights a significant chapter in history and underscores a commitment to honoring the legacy of the more than 900 sailors and Marines laid to rest within the memorial.
Update #8: Kiko enters Central Pacific Basin as category 4 Hurricane, now 1,000 miles from Hilo
The projected forecast has the eye of category 4 Hurricane Kiko passing north of the Hawaiian Islands, beginning on Tuesday, but potentially dangerous swells are expected to begin reaching the Big Island by Sunday.
Sea turtle nesting increases, sparking hope for threatened species
Small actions can make a big impact on these endangered sea turtles’ survival, and volunteer efforts and guidelines can protect them during this critical time.
Polynesian Voyaging Society and ALOHA Collection launch special edition collab honoring Hōkūleʻa’s 50th
The limited-edition collection debuted at a public launch event on Aug. 20 at Bishop Museum’s Kaiwiʻula Night Market. The limited-edition collection is available online while supplies last.
Hawai‘i federal lawmakers introduce resolution recognizing history, significance of Mauna Loa Observatory
Introduction comes after Trump Administration announced plans to cancel lease for essential government office connected to Mauna Loa Observatory.
Visitor arrivals, spending on the Big Island slightly decreases from last year
Changes across the islands, price increases and shifts in travel may be part of the differences in visitor numbers and spending statewide.
Volcano Watch: Cracks in the 2018 Kīlauea lava delta; what do they mean?
Recently spotted cracks in the delta demonstrate the instability of solid lava along the coastal edge; the new cracks are alarming and have led people to wonder what they mean.
Two monk seal pups given new outlook on life after receiving care at Ke Kai Ola on Big Island
“For an endangered species like the Hawaiian monk seal, every patient matters,” said Dr. Sophie Whoriskey, associate director of Hawaiʻi Conservation Medicine at the Marine Mammal Center.
Innovative materials developed by Big Island researchers for space exploration on display at Smithsonian
“Futures in Space” — which opened July 28 at the National Air and Space Museum in Washington — features two launchpad pavers and an interlocking brick made of sintered Hawaiian basalt and developed by Pacific International Space Center for Exploration Systems.
Beat the School Jam this year with these tips from Hawaiʻi Department of Transportation
“Let’s all welcome the new school year safely and calmly,” said the state Transportation Department.
State of Hawaiʻi adopts updates to food safety code
The code updates — which align with the 2022 U.S. Food and Drug Administration Model Food Code — are aimed at expanding opportunities for homemade food producers, and are part of Act 195 signed into law in 2024 by Gov. Josh Green.
UH enters new partnership connecting academics with real-world challenges
The five-year agreement facilitates collaborative research between students and forensic experts, who are working to recover and identify U.S. personnel.
New study reveals rapid pace of ocean acidification in Pacific waters near Hawaiʻi
Oceanographers from the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa have found that ocean acidification is intensifying more rapidly below the surface near Hawaiʻi than previously thought, posing a significant threat to marine ecosystems.
Two companies jump on board to move inter-island fiber infrastructure forward
The state’s first open-access, carrier-neutral inter-island fiber infrastructure is set to connect all islands with cutting-edge technology by late 2026.
