Hawai'i State News
50-plus fatalities on state roads hard lesson to swallow as graduation season commences
It’s a tragic statistic to think about but stark reminder to prioritize safety and exercise caution on state and county roadways during such a celebratory season while the Aloha State honors the class of 2025.
Hive-minded: Bee-Coming Sustainable event highlights UH-Hilo beekeeping program
Foundational buzz of the event is a partnership between University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo College of Agriculture, Forestry and Natural Resource Management professor of entomology Lorna Tsutsumi and award-winning Chef Alan Wong, who also co-founded the university’s Adopt-A-Beehive with Alan Wong program.
Update: Kīlauea turns in bit of overtime before abruptly clocking out to end Episode 22
Most recent eruptive episode of the ongoing eruption in Halemaʻumaʻu Crater within Kaluapele, the summit caldera of the Big Island volcano, ended at 3:29 p.m. Friday, 10 hours and 16 minutes after another awesome display of high fountaining began.
Volcano Watch: What lurks beneath; learning from lava ooze outs
Dive beneath the solidified crust on the Halemaʻumaʻu Crater floor in this week’s edition of “Volcano Watch” to explore the complicated mix of molten material below.
2025 Central Pacific hurricane season outlook calls for 1 to 4 tropical cyclones
Despite near to below average forecast, officials — including Gov. Josh Green and those with the Central Pacific Hurricane Center — urge island residents to be vigilant and prepare now because any storm that develops has the potential to be the one that strikes.
Flags at half-staff in honor of fallen law enforcement officers
Gov. Josh Green takes action in observance of Peace Officers Memorial Day, May 15, and Police Week, which is May 11-17.
University of Hawai‘i at Hilo Vulcans hosting free basketball clinics throughout 808 state
“Basketball has been a tool for positive living here in the islands for several generations and it is our turn to pay it forward and do what we can to help grow the game,” Vulcans head basketball coach Kaniela Aiona said in an announcement for the clinics that will be hosted May 17-22 on 6 islands.
Department of Health fines Par Hawaiʻi for improper waste management
Par Hawaiʻi Refining received a notice of violation and order for failure to make hazardous waster determination and failure to properly ship and dispose of hazardous waste.
Roll up your sleeves and save lives: Donate at upcoming Blood Bank of Hawai‘i Hilo drive
The nonprofit blood bank was founded in 1941 and is committed to providing a safe and reliable supply of blood, blood products and related transfusion services to Hawai‘i’s patients. Make your appointment to donate today!
State urges parents of incoming 2025-26 seventh-graders to schedule well-child visits
Ensuring your child’s health and well-being with a well-child visit that includes a comprehensive physical exam is important as they prepare to make the transition from elementary to middle school. It also includes making sure they are up-to-date with immunizations.
Watch: Hawaiʻi pushed toward mild recession because of Trump policies, UHERO forecast shows
The organization’s 2025 second quarter forecast shows sharp increases in U.S. import tariffs, sweeping federal layoffs along with volatile fiscal and immigration policies are undermining consumer confidence, raising inflation expectations and worsening the business outlook — nationally and in Hawaiʻi’s visitor-dependent economy.
Vessel seized for alleged illegal longline fishing in state territorial sea off Big Island
52-year-old Konane Zager of Kona was cited for violating state code relating to prohibited longline fishing within waters of the Hawai‘i State Territorial Sea. He is scheduled to appear June 19 in Kona District Court.
Update: Kīlauea’s Episode 20 erupts with lava fountains of 500-plus feet, but lasts less than 5 hours
Latest episode of sustained geisers of molten rock in Halemaʻumaʻu Crater at the Big Island volcano’s summit was shortest since eruption began Dec. 23, 2024.
State: Make sure you’re covered before disaster strikes
Hawai‘i Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs Insurance Division reminds island residents to review insurance policies in preparation for upcoming 2025 hurricane season, which begins June 1.
Travelers reminded to be REAL ID ready by May 7
The Hawai‘i Department of Transportation reminds domestic travelers that on May 7, 2025, you must have a REAL ID or acceptable alternative to avoid delays at the security checkpoints at the airport.
Hawaiʻi legislature passes biosecurity bill
The Hawaiʻi State Senate and House of Representatives announced Friday the passage of House Bill 427, aimed at strengthening the state’s biosecurity system to combat invasive species and protect the islands’ environment and agriculture.
Gov. Josh Green to sign “green fee” into law
The climate impact fee will increase taxes for travelers to help bolster disaster mitigation and sustainability projects in Hawaiʻi in the face of climate threats.
Mellon Foundation to stabilize state humanities councils with $15 millon in emergency funding
Hawaiʻi Council for the Humanities to receive a $250,000 grant amid a $65 million federal budget cut affecting state humanities councils nationwide.
Prince David Kawānanakoa, a respected figure in Hawai‘i’s ali‘i lineage, has passed away
Gov. Josh Green has ordered that the flags be flown at half-staff at all state offices and agencies effective immediately until sunset on Friday, May 9.
State passes a bill to expand free school meal access
The bill will help ALICE families, who earn too much to qualify for free meals at school, yet not enough to provide their children with consistent breakfast and lunch.
