Hawai'i State News
State news briefs for June 21: Monk seal pup relocated, 4th annual Hawaiʻi Made, mental health licensure
A quick look at news happening throughout the state.
National report recognizes Hawaiʻi State LGBTQ+ Commission
The commission received national recognition in the 2026 LGBTQ+ State Business Climate Index, published this month by Out Leadership, which highlighted Hawaiʻi’s efforts to foster inclusion and support LGBTQ+ residents and families.
Teen on Kauaʻi with Down Syndrome turns beach sand messages into business
Katrina Louise Martinez and her daughter, Ella Joy Marinez, have turned a loving habit of crafting sand messages into a unique company, Sand Scribletz.
Hateful, threatening message posted on social media about Big Island state lawmaker
The message, posted the morning of June 16 on Facebook, was attached to an invite by Puna state Sen. Joy San Buenaventura to community members for them to join her for a party June 20 in Kea‘au.
Hawaiʻi Medical Service Association awards $75K in scholarships to 15 high school seniors from throughout islands
Kealakehe High School senior Giselle Minez-Cruz and Makua Lani Christian Academy senior Aysha Pham were the 2026 Kaimana Scholars from Hawaiʻi County.
State releases first comprehensive children, youth fiscal map
New resource provides detailed analysis of public investments supporting keiki from prenatal years through young adulthood.
News briefs for June 20: Celebrating chefs, cold brew and wine, ‘Hawaiian Soul’ and more
A quick look at news from throughout the state, region and beyond.
Investigation in public corruption case becomes even more thorough with new information
The biweekly update from Attorney General Anne Lopez reveals that the corruption case has become more complex during the investigation.
Antarctic expeditioner, Mānoa undergrad from Big Island set to become University of Hawaiʻi regent
Hawaiʻi Gov. Josh Green appointed Eric Pōmaikaʻi Gee, the only U.S. citizen selected to participate in a 2025 Antarctic expedition led by explorer Robert Swan, to the board, pending confirmation by the Hawaiʻi Senate.
Dengue virus case involving Oʻahu visitor detected, expected risk of transmission low
The Department of Health detected a travel-related case of dengue virus and is conducting inspections and mosquito control in the affected area.
National Weather Service warns of high surf along Hawaiʻi Island’s south shores
Powerful swells have surged along Big Island’s southern shores, prompting the NWS to issue a high-surf advisory through Friday morning.
FEMA reminds residents that help continues after registration deadline
Late applications for disaster assistance related to the Kona Low storms are considered case by case and are not guaranteed.
Trustees for Office of Hawaiian Affairs decide now not right time to purchase TV station
Trustees did, however, emphasize discussing the proposal itself reflects an important and evolving conversation about the future of Native Hawaiian ownership, influence and participation within major economic and communications sectors.
Visionary leader sought to fuel Hawaiʻi’s workforce future
University of Hawaiʻi seeks person to fill newly created position of associate vice president for workforce development, serving as primary architect for cohesive workforce strategy throughout all 10 of its campuses.
Office of Hawaiian Affairs expands civic engagement efforts for 2026 elections
Office plans statewide congressional debate and trustee candidate forums.
University of Hawaiʻi oceanographers report first live observations of the elusive goblin shark
Previously thought confined to specific regions, researchers using advanced deep-sea technology have now documented these iconic creatures near Jarvis Island and the Tonga Trench.
Nara Organics recalls infant formula sold in Hawaiʻi due to potential contamination
Nara Organics has issued a recall for its powdered infant formula from Target stores in Hawaiʻi and nationwide, due to potential contamination by Clostridium botulinum, a bacteria linked to infant botulism.
On Kauaʻi: William Sinclair charged with 28 offenses: murder, attempted murder, possession of illegal weapons
State prosecutors asked for no bail saying the 51-year-old was a flight risk and danger to the community, but the Fifth Circuit Court judge kept bail at $1.5 million.
Free Maunakea observatory tour for Hawaiʻi residents shows up-close work of astronomers, scientists
As residents explore the summit through the exclusive Kamaʻāina Observatory Experience they learn firsthand from experts about groundbreaking space research.
Hawaiʻi Emergency Management to undergo leadership transition beginning July 1
David Lopez takes the helm as the new administrator of the Hawaiʻi Emergency Management Agency next month, following the departure of James Barros.
