Hawai'i State News

University of Hawaiʻi study finds microalgae could fuel state’s renewable energy future

Tiny, sun-powered organisms found in freshwater pools could soon fuel Hawaiʻi’s sustainable future.

New Hawaiʻi law strengthens protections for LGBTQIA+ families, modernizes parentage statutes

Hawaiʻi State LGBTQ+ Commission Vice Chairman and Legislative Lead Michael Golojuch Jr. says the enactment of Act 298 as of Jan. 1 “brings Hawaiʻi’s parentage laws into the present and centers the best interests of the keiki, regardless of their parents’ gender, sexual orientation or marital status.”

50 years ago Kaho‘olawe Nine protest helped spark rebirth of sacred island

Two events were held Sunday to mark the 50th anniversary of a watershed moment that eventually led the U.S. military to stop bombing Kaho’olawe and put the island at the center of the Hawaiian rights movement.

Oceanography, atmospheric science, tourism at University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa ranked among top 12 in U.S.

The rankings were released by the Shanghai Ranking Consultancy; the annual Global Ranking of Academic Subjects released by Shanghai Ranking Consultancy is considered one of the most comprehensive and objective assessments of university performance by discipline.

Measure to reunite, protect immigrant families co-introduced in U.S. Senate by Hawaiʻi’s Hirono

The Reuniting Families Act would reduce visa backlogs, boost efficiency throughout the immigration process and ensure a fairer, more humane process for immigrant families.

Big Island state senators among leadership, committee chairpersons for upcoming legislative session

Senate President Ronald D. Kouchi said the body realigned chairpersons and committee assignments for the upcoming 2026 session because of the retirement of O‘ahu Sen. Henry Aquino.

Key legislation, Hawai‘i priorities advanced in U.S. Senate by Schatz throughout 2025

During the past year, the Democratic U.S. senator from Hawai‘i worked to protect federal funding for the islands amid national cuts, secured more than $1 billion to support Maui’s recovery, improve infrastructure, expand high-speed internet throughout the state.

Legislation introduced by Hawai‘i U.S. senator would protect, expand Social Security

More than 280,000 people in Hawai‘i, or more than 1 in 6 residents, rely on Social Security benefits; the SAFE Social Security Act, introduced by U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz, will increase benefits for seniors in Hawai‘i and throughout the United States.

University of Hawaiʻi study reveals critical new details about diversity of ocean’s most abundant bacteria

Understanding SAR11 marine bacteria is vital because they are one of the main drivers of the global ocean’s life-support system; they move and recycle the carbon and nutrients that sustain all other marine life.

Hawai‘i Government Employees Association: Alleged assault should be call to action for state Education Department

Union demands action by Hawai’i Department of Education after alleged assault on Moanalua High School Assistant Athletic Director Natalie Iwamoto following a preseason basketball game earlier this month at the Honolulu school.

‘Ohina Labs 2025 Greenlight Award winner announced

‘Shop Local’ by Katelyn Chong was selected as the winning short film script during the first year the annual intensive workshop was paired with ‘Ohina’s inaugural Producers Lab.

Volcano Watch: Hauʻoli Makahiki Hou; roundup of fireworks from Kīlauea’s fountains

Since Dec. 23, 2024, the north and south vents within Halemaʻumaʻu Crater, inside Kaluapele, the summit caldera, have erupted in 39 lava fountaining episodes.

Proposed federal LEAP Act would raise loan cap for graduate students

After the GOP spending bill slashed student loan limits for healthcare professionals, Hawai‘i U.S. Rep. Jill Tokuda and colleagues introduced the legislation to level the playing field.

Public Utilities Commission approves Hawaiian Electric wildfire mitigation plan

The commission said the approval is a major step toward improving public safety and resilience of Hawaiʻi’s electric grid; these actions together reflect the commission’s commitment to reduce wildfire risk while preparing for the possibility of future disasters.

First 5 Hawaiʻi website: New statewide eligibility screener for families launches

Online resource platform aims to strengthen early childhood and family support throughout the islands.

Members of state House Finance Committee visit Big Island, visit several projects, programs

State lawmakers engage with communities and assess priority projects during several site visits from Dec. 9-11 that provided a glimpse into Hawaiʻi Island’s priorities.

State warns public about potential phishing threat masquerading as Hawaiʻi agencies

Cybercriminals are creating deceptive web addresses to trick users into providing sensitive personal information or login credentials.

Dr. Billy Bergin — keeper of the paniolo spirit — named Living Treasure of Hawai‘i

The Waimea veterinarian, rancher and historian — who founded the Paniolo Preservation Society and authored the acclaimed ‘Loyal to the Land’ book series — joins the ranks of those who have enriched Hawai‘i’s cultural, artistic and humanitarian landscape.

4-time Nā Hōkū Hanohano Award winner Kawaʻa releases debut solo album ‘Mānaiakalani’

Maui native, Grammy nominee and top 20 finalist on Season 25 of NBC’s “The Voice” features 13 Hawaiian mele on his new album, including original compositions and select favorites, honoring the people, places and moments that shaped him throughout his life and musical journey.

Hawaiʻi governor appoints acting chair of DLNR with Dawn Chang out on medical leave

DLNR’s Deputy Director Ryan Kanaka‘ole will serve as acting chair and director of the state agency in the absence of Dawn Chang.
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