Hawai'i State News
Two new warning sirens on Big Island part of monthly test set for 11:45 a.m. on Thursday
The May 1 siren test for Hawaiʻi will be coordinated with a test of the Live Audio Broadcast segment of the Emergency Alert System.
Hawaiʻi Pacific Export Council appoints new Executive Committee
Byron Goo, CEO of Tea Chest Hawaiʻi, will serve as chair of the nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting U.S. exports and international trade development.
State board approves three conservation grants for land acquisition on Big Island
The Hawaiʻi Board of Land and Natural Resources has approved $7 million for five grants to be paid out from the Land Conservation Fund.
New banana bread recipe featuring local ʻulu flour being served in Hawaiʻi public schools
Participating Hawaiʻi public schools served ʻulu banana bread for breakfast this month using local ʻulu flour supplied by the Hawaiʻi ʻUlu Cooperative.
State funding secured for Puna alternate route study
Big Island lawmakers once again secured $1.5 million to fund the Puna Alternate Study after funding lapsed last year.
State: Vog, sulfur dioxide still potential health hazards even while Kīlauea summit eruption paused
Health officials encourage the public to keep a close eye on Hawaiʻi air quality data as volcanic gas emissions remain elevated. Air quality can change quickly, depending on the amount of gas being released from the Big Island volcano, wind direction and other weather conditions.
‘It’s a way of living’: UH study connects spearfishing to wellness, culture, community
University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa researchers highlight in new study how practice deeply rooted in Hawaiian tradition promotes food security, physical activity, cultural identity and community well-being.
Scientists, cultural practitioners continue to learn while collaborating to save coral reefs
Kahaluʻu Bay will take a strategic pause as the sacred coral ecosystem undergoes a crucial spawning period from May 11-19, 2025, a collaborative initiative praised for reviving cauliflower coral populations devastated by climate change.
A study finds public health may be more supported by spearfishing, culturally significant traditions
A University of Hawaiʻi study reveals that integrating more traditional practices can be an effective way to support health and wellness across the islands.
Community shows ‘unwavering support’ for University of Hawaiʻi, donating more than $800K on Giving Day
Contributions, 36% more than last year, affirm the essential role all disciplines play in advancing knowledge, fostering creativity and building stronger bonds at all 10 of the university’s campuses statewide.
State: Plan ahead for busy Easter, Merrie Monarch travel
State Department of Transportation personnel at Hilo International Airport have worked with Transportation Security Administration staff in anticipation of the increased number of travelers heading to the Big Island for the 62nd annual Merrie Monarch Festival.
Second case of measles confirmed in Hawaiʻi
The case is an adult member of the household of the child on Oʻahu who was previously confirmed to be infected April 7 after both recently returned to the state from traveling internationally. The adult is no longer contagious and the child has since fully recovered. No new suspected measles cases have been reported as of April 17.
Legislation looks to TAME extreme weather, wildfires with help of AI
Bipartisan TAME Extreme Weather and Wildfires Act introduced in U.S. Senate by Hawai’i Democrat Schatz and Montana Republican Sheehy would use artificial intelligence to better protect communities from increasing toll of extreme weather and wildfires.
Statewide telephone town hall slated for early May to be hosted by Schatz
U.S. senate, a Hawai‘i Democrat, will give updates about his work in Washington. He will also take questions from constituents throughout the state about their concerns.
No new suspected measles cases reported following confirmed case on O‘ahu
No new suspected measles cases have been reported after the Hawai‘i Department of Health confirmed the illness in a child and presumptive case in an adult from O‘ahu.
Hawaiʻi Supreme Court to bring a case to Hilo as part of civics education program
Students from five Hawaiʻi Island schools will watch oral arguments along with the Supreme Court in “State of Hawaiʻi v. Charles Zuffante” on Thursday.
University of Hawaiʻi program inspires youth on neighbor islands to pursue careers in medicine, health
The University of Hawaiʻi’s Huakaʻi Initiative will run a hands-on program at Hilo High School on April 22 to give students an opportunity to learn more about the medical and health fields.
Measles case confirmed in child on Oʻahu
The unvaccinated child was traveling internationally with their parents and developed symptoms shortly after returning to Hawaiʻi. Another household member is now exhibiting similar symptoms and being evaluated for possible infection.
Senate passes Hirono resolution designating April as ‘National Native Plant Month’
The US Senate unanimously passed a resolution led by Sen. Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI), designating April 2025 as “National Native Plant Month.”
DOGE threatens Hawaiʻi culture with cuts to the National Endowment for the Humanities
The NEH grants support Kindergarten through 12th grade education, lifelong learning and programs like Hawaiʻi History Day, Hawaiʻi State Poet Laureate and Try Think.
