Hawai'i State News
Military officials, community members discuss the future as military land leases near expiration
Convened by the Hawaiʻi Coordination Cell, 150 participants gathered to discuss community concerns on military lease renewals, emphasizing the impacts to the environment and culture.
UHERO study: Building condo tower leads to hundreds of existing homes becoming available
The University of Hawaiʻi Economic Research Organization’s study examined a concept known as housing filtering, a process in which new construction sets off a chain of moves that frees up existing homes across the market.
Understanding flood insurance coverage as stormy weather continues
The first powerful kona low that slammed into Hawaiʻi a week ago and now its sequel this week remind everyone that flooding can happen outside designated high-risk flood zones; that’s why all homeowners and renters are strongly encouraged to consider purchasing and maintaining flood insurance.
WATCH: Hawai‘i National Guard deploys about 200 members to support counties during kona low 2
“The collaboration between the governor and all four county mayors allowed the state of Hawaiʻi Department of Defense to improve our ability to respond to this unprecedented kona low storm,” Hawaiʻi Adjutant General Maj. Gen. Stephen Logan on Saturday, March 21.
State tourism officials: No reason to cancel or postpone upcoming travel to Hawaiʻi
The islands remain safe and welcoming, and after two kona lows in a week, weather conditions are expected to improve early next week; Kauaʻi and Oʻahu already are seeing improving conditions.
‘We will miss him’: Kauaʻi community mourns death of part-time island resident and Hollywood icon Chuck Norris
Martial arts, TV and movie icon Chuck Norris’s sudden passing on Kauaʻi has left the close-knit North Shore community and fans around the world in mourning.
Aloha United Way supports 45 organizations helping residents facing financial instability
This year, Aloha United Way has distributed over $760,000 to programs that address food security, housing stability, workforce development and other essential needs.
At the frontlines: Salvation Army Hilo unit, others statewide stand ready as second kona low impacts islands
Nonprofit’s emergency disaster services positioned to respond to evolving needs as storm moves through; donations requested to help fund statewide support for vital relief efforts and supplies.
Coast Guard, partners rescue 7 people, 1 dog from life-threatening Oʻahu flash flooding
Five people and the furry friend were extricated Friday morning from a rooftop in the Waialua area; the other two people — who wrote ‘SOS’ in the sand — were stranded near Yokohama Bay because the road washed out. Everyone and the dog were taken to safety at U.S. Coast Guard Air Station Barbers Point in Kapolei, Oʻahu.
Sherry Bird confirmed as deputy chief of Hawaiʻi Police Department
In a historic milestone for the Hawaiʻi Police Department, Assistant Police Chief Sherry Bird has been confirmed as its first female deputy chief.
UPDATE: SNAP replacement benefits application deadline extended
The deadline extends households within specific areas of the state impacted by prolonged power outages associated with the kona low weather event from March 13 to March 15
All state departments on Oʻahu close early due to severe weather conditions
Catastrophic flooding from second Kona low storm prompts proactive power shutoff for thousands on Oʻahu.
Youth urge Hawaiʻi Legislature to take action and end sale of disposable e-cigarettes
Lawmakers, students and advocates participate in “Take Down Tobacco” national day of action to stand up and speak out against Big Tobacco’s toll in Hawai‘i.
U.S. Senate bipartisan resolution welcoming Japanese prime minister co-sponsored by Hirono
The measure welcoming Sanae Takaichi reaffirms the strong and enduring alliance between the two nations, applauds Japan for reaching defense spending equal to 2% of its gross domestic product and expresses strong support for joint efforts to address regional and global challenges to national, economic and energy security.
Icon Chuck Norris suddenly dies after being hospitalized on Kaua‘i for medical emergency
The action movie star and legendary martial artist just celebrated his 86th birthday March 10 on the Garden Isle; he was hospitalized Wednesday, March 18, just a day before his death.
Volcano Watch: Pele, Lono and Hiʻiaka remind us of nature’s power
Living in such a dynamic place as Hawaiʻi Island, it’s important to try to be aware and prepared for natural events that affect us; nature will continue to reshape the land in Hawaiʻi, and the recent Episode 43 lava fountaining fallout and kona low are recent reminders about how impactful such natural events can be.
Finance exec with Big Island roots selected as new Kamehameha Schools trustee
Finance executive Eric Yeaman, who grew up in Hōnaunau on the west side of the Big Island, was selected by Hawaiʻi probate court to to fill the Ke Kula ʻo Kamehameha Board of Trustees seat previously occupied by term-limited Robert Nobriga, whose second term ended June 30, 2025.
New partnership expands American Sign Language access at University of Hawaiʻi Mānoa games
American Sign Language students connect with University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa Athletics to volunteer their time to sign the national anthem, cheerleader chants, university fight song and more during games.
Several transportation-related bills passed by state House seek to make Hawaiʻi roads safer
“These bills reflect our committee’s priorities: making streets safer, improving enforcement and traffic safety and ensuring the well-being of our residents,” said House Transportation Committee Chairperson Rep. Darius Kila of Oʻahu in a state House release about the measures.
Konawaena High will transition to distance learning during storm repairs
Hawai‘i Department of Education reports majority of instructional space at Konawaena requires professional cleaning and structural repairs following last weekend’s kona low; department continues damage assessments at campuses statewide.
