Hawai'i State News
Lowell moves away from Hawaiian Islands; heavy rainfall to linger over portions of Big Island
As of Tuesday morning, it is 230 miles north-northwest of Līhu‘e.
Immunization recommendations aim to address the rising case numbers of COVID-19, influenza, RSV
West Coast Health Alliance recommends vaccines for children, adults and health care workers for the 2026-2027 respiratory virus season.
University of Hawaiʻi team create a tracker to share vital insights into rainfall, wind speed across the state
In the wake of Hurricane Lowell, a new website shares most recent rainfall, wind speed data that are a major concern across the Hawaiian Islands.
Funding released toward Tropical AgTech Center project in Hilo
The main goals of the Tropical AgTech Center are to improve the profitability of small farms on Hawaiʻi Island and to increase exports from the state.
Hawai‘i Department of Transportation statewide stream cleanups roundup: Hawai‘i Island
Crews on Aug. 16 began clearing Kainahola Stream in Kapaʻa along Kapaʻa Bypass Road; an estimated completion date will be released as work progresses.
$2M award to be used to develop artificial intelligence tools to protect food production systems
The 4-year project, a partnership between University of Hawaiʻi and University of Nebraska, began Sept. 1 and will combine artificial intelligence, environmental sampling, advanced genetic analysis and high-resolution chemical analysis to identify and monitor potential risks to aquaculture, livestock and agricultural systems.
15-day extension granted to US Navy, NASA on final environmental impact statement for Pacific Missile Range Facility, Kōkeʻe observatory
Granting the 15-day extension provides a 45-day acceptance period, the maximum allowable time by state law; the state now has until Sept. 29 to decide on impact statement connected with an application to renew a lease for the Kauaʻi state lands on which the facilities sit.
Flood watch in effect Sunday evening through Tuesday afternoon for entire state
Moisture along the eastern flank of Hurricane Lowell will bring periods of heavy rain to the main Hawaiian Islands late Sunday through Tuesday.
Applications now being accepted for Legacy Land Conservation Program land acquisition grants
The Legacy Land program since its inception in 2005 facilitated contributions of more than $73 million from the State Land Conservation Fund for acquisition of 55 properties and more than 31,000 acres statewide.
Hawaiʻi County Council defers bill to increase monthly sewer rates, create new hotel class to pay for rising wastewater costs
A 2026 sewer rate study by wastewater consulting service FG Solutions found that the annual revenue from monthly sewer fees amounts to only about 52% of the Hawaiʻi County wastewater division’s costs to maintain and operate the system.
Hawai‘i REALTORS 2026 Fair Housing Keiki Art Contest now open statewide
Keiki in grades K-8 throughout the state are encouraged to learn about fair housing and submit art for a chance to win prizes.
Volcano Watch: September is National Preparedness Month
The past year in Hawai‘i has shown disasters such as hurricanes, volcanic eruptions, earthquakes and more can happen with little or no warning; steps you take to prepare for any emergency can help you be better prepared overall.
Three Big Island educators recognized for commitment to students, contributions to school communities
Haley Agbayani, Matthew Moustakas, and Adam Tuifagu, have been recognized as 2027 Complex Area and Charter School Teachers of the Year, with a chance to become the Hawaiʻi State Teacher of the Year this month.
Dengue virus detected in wastewater sample from Hawaiʻi Island
The Department of Health is not currently tracking any active dengue cases in Hawaiʻi County.
News briefs for Sept. 2: AEDs installed, Keauhou Community Day, strengthening bilateral ties and nearly $30M coming to state
A quick look at news stories happening throughout the state and beyond.
Public input sought for update to University of Hawaiʻi Mauna Kea master management plan
“We invite the community to take some time to review the proposed revisions, ask questions and share their manaʻo, their perspectives with us,” said University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo Center for Maunakea Stewardship Executive Director Greg Chun.
News briefs for Aug. 31: New law office, cutter comes home, mariners rescued and more
A quick look at news stories from throughout the state and Pacific region.
Polynesian Voyaging Society inducts 6 new Pwo navigators
Four Native Hawaiian women among the inductees, marking a historic new chapter in the legacy of Master Navigator Mau Piailug and future of leadership in Polynesian voyaging.
Office of Hawaiian Affairs delivers $1.5M-plus in assistance through kona low relief programs
The agency continues to deliver — nearly 6 months after severe kona lows in March caused flooding and damage in communities throughout Hawaiʻi — emergency and recovery assistance to Native Hawaiian beneficiaries through a coordinated group of relief programs.
Former New York City fire chief to keynote at 2026 Hawai‘i Tourism Conference
Joseph Pfeifer will recount Hawai‘i’s support for 9/11 families nearly 25 years ago and share lessons in emergency response during the conference slated for Sept. 24-25 on O‘ahu.
