Hawai'i State News

While land-based Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement officers supplement the work of the marine patrol units as needed, it’s up to the oceangoing patrols to be on the water regularly. Marine patrol units are now active on are now active on O‘ahu, Maui, Kaua‘i and Hawai‘i Island.

Electric utility urges vigilance as it received 10 fraud reports since mid-June from businesses on Oʻahu saying scammers threatened to diconnect power. Two businesses were scammed into making cash payments.

The 54-year-old was officially charged on June 26 with possessing with intent to distribute and manufacture methamphetamine, possessing with intent to distribute cocaine, unlawful possession of firearms, and unlawful possession of explosives.

The double-hulled wa‘a now are anchored off Papeʻetē, Tahiti, departing Taputapuātea early because of forecasted weather. They are expected to spend about a month in French Polynesia before continuing on the Moananuiākea Voyage, with subsequent stops this year in the Cook Islands, Sāmoa, Tonga and Aotearoa — the Māori name for New Zealand.

State board OK’d limited temporary rate hike of 18.1%, effective from July 1 through Dec. 31, based on an assessment of the minimum amount necessary to allow the company to continue providing essential interisland shipping services while commissioners complete a review of the firm’s pending general rate increase request of 25%.

The airline reported shortly before 8 a.m. today (June 26) that some of its information technology systems were affected by the ‘event.’ Flights have continued to operate safely and guest travel has not been impacted.

“We are monitoring the unfolding events in the Middle East and remain prepared to address any concerns that may arise,” said Department of Law Enforcement Director Mike Lambert in an announcement Tuesday.

The annual report evaluates all 50 states and the District of Columbia on 50 key indicators of health system performance, including access to care, health outcomes, equity, and prevention.

Comments from Aloha State U.S. senators, representatives come day before Islamic Republic’s missile counterattack on U.S. base in Qatar following President Donald Trump ordered bombings of three Iranian nuclear sites June 21. Lawmakers question the legality of U.S. operation and express concern about becoming tangled in another Middle East quagmire.

The crew of the Polynesian voyaging canoe, Hōkūleʻa sighted distant lights on the horizon, Saturday—marking their first visual confirmation of land since departing Hilo on June 3.

State, county and nonprofit organizations involved in wildfire prevention and mitigation say following the devastating and deadly wildfires in in August 2023 that destroyed Lahaina, killing more than 100 people, and other blazes on the Big Island the same day, people in Hawai‘i are beginning to understand the risks they, their families and their livlihoods face when wildfires loom.

The $7.4 million, 5-year subscription to EAB Navigate360 and EAB Edify will serve as the cornerstore of a new student success initiative at the university’s 10 campuses aimed at closing the achievement gap, improving student retention and increasing graduation rates.

The event — a partnership between Hawai‘i U.S. Sen. Mazie Hirono and and Chamber of Commerce Hawai‘i — provides members of the Hawai‘i business community the opportunity to meet directly with congressional leaders while also showcasing their products.

Hawaiʻi Attorney General Anne Lopez also officially handed over the responsibility for future wildfire analysis, mitigation and coordination efforts as those duties now belong to the new state fire marshal and Hawaiʻi Wildfire Management Organization.

West Hawai‘i state Rep. Kirstin Kahaloa named majority caucus leader for 2025-26 term; several Big Island lawmakers assigned chairmanships or vice chairmanships of committees.

The Hawaiʻi Department of Transportation said the 75-cent increase is needed to cover the vendor costs to administer and manage the safety check program.

UH President Wendy Hensel said about the selection of Matt Elliott at the next athletics director at the University of Hawaiʻi Mānoa: “From beginning to end, Matt was the guy.”

Hawaiʻi is setting the standard for other states in improving the quality of school meals, emphasizing local food sourcing, farm-to-school initiatives and fresh fruit and vegetable programs.

There is much to appreciate about the ongoing Kīlauea summit eruption as it approaches its 6-month anniversary on June 23. The stunning episodic lava fountains and lava flows erupting within Halemaʻumaʻu crater in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park have provided island residents and visitors with safe and accessible viewing opportunities. However, volcanic hazards are always present. 

Hōkūleʻa and Hikianalia, the voyaging canoes of the Polynesian Voyaging Society, have reached the Intertropical Convergence Zone that is commonly known as the doldrums as they continue their journey from Hilo to Tahiti.