Hawai'i State News
America wouldn’t be America without Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, Pacific Islanders
Hawai’i U.S. Sen. Hirono, New York Rep. Meng introduce bicameral resolution officially marking May 2025 as Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, honoring the significant contributions the communities have made and continue to make to the United States.
Update: Episode 23 of ongoing Kīlauea summit eruption ‘one for the history books’
Lava fountains reach more than 1,000 feet, volcanic plume soars at least 5,000 feet before most recent phase of eruptive activity — that teased for several days — abruptly ends after just 6 hours and 10 minutes Sunday night.
Sen. Hirono, AARP to host telephone town hall
Sen. Mazie Hirono, AARP will give updates and answer questions on the future of Social Security during a telephone town hall on Saturday, May 31.
Graduation Day: Big Island gains 14 new adult corrections officers
Basic Corrections Recruit Class 25-03 was the third class to graduate from recruit training this year. It also is the first recruit class to graduate on a neighbor island.
Lawsuit challenges Trump order that opens protected marine monument to commercial fishing
Conservation groups and cultural practitioners are challenging President Trump’s April 17 proclamation that would allow U.S.-flagged vessels to fish commercially in the commercially protected Pacific Islands Heritage Marine National Monument.
Hawaiʻi leads coalition to halt Trump’s Department of Education cuts
A U.S. District Court blocked the Trump administration’s efforts to dismantle the Department of Education that would eliminate 50% of workforce.
While there has been no community spread of measles, an increase in pertussis raises health concerns
While the Hawaiʻi Department of Health confirms no new measles cases, pertussis cases spike alarmingly with 108 reported, underscoring the critical need for vaccinations to curb these preventable diseases.
No tsunami threat after 6.6-earthquake north of Papua New Guinea
The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center in Honolulu said there is no tsunami threat to Hawaiʻi and no destructive Pacific-wide tsunami expected at this time.
50-plus fatalities on state roads hard lesson to swallow as graduation season commences
It’s a tragic statistic to think about but stark reminder to prioritize safety and exercise caution on state and county roadways during such a celebratory season while the Aloha State honors the class of 2025.
Hive-minded: Bee-Coming Sustainable event highlights UH-Hilo beekeeping program
Foundational buzz of the event is a partnership between University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo College of Agriculture, Forestry and Natural Resource Management professor of entomology Lorna Tsutsumi and award-winning Chef Alan Wong, who also co-founded the university’s Adopt-A-Beehive with Alan Wong program.
Update: Kīlauea turns in bit of overtime before abruptly clocking out to end Episode 22
Most recent eruptive episode of the ongoing eruption in Halemaʻumaʻu Crater within Kaluapele, the summit caldera of the Big Island volcano, ended at 3:29 p.m. Friday, 10 hours and 16 minutes after another awesome display of high fountaining began.
Volcano Watch: What lurks beneath; learning from lava ooze outs
Dive beneath the solidified crust on the Halemaʻumaʻu Crater floor in this week’s edition of “Volcano Watch” to explore the complicated mix of molten material below.
2025 Central Pacific hurricane season outlook calls for 1 to 4 tropical cyclones
Despite near to below average forecast, officials — including Gov. Josh Green and those with the Central Pacific Hurricane Center — urge island residents to be vigilant and prepare now because any storm that develops has the potential to be the one that strikes.
Flags at half-staff in honor of fallen law enforcement officers
Gov. Josh Green takes action in observance of Peace Officers Memorial Day, May 15, and Police Week, which is May 11-17.
University of Hawai‘i at Hilo Vulcans hosting free basketball clinics throughout 808 state
“Basketball has been a tool for positive living here in the islands for several generations and it is our turn to pay it forward and do what we can to help grow the game,” Vulcans head basketball coach Kaniela Aiona said in an announcement for the clinics that will be hosted May 17-22 on 6 islands.
Department of Health fines Par Hawaiʻi for improper waste management
Par Hawaiʻi Refining received a notice of violation and order for failure to make hazardous waster determination and failure to properly ship and dispose of hazardous waste.
Roll up your sleeves and save lives: Donate at upcoming Blood Bank of Hawai‘i Hilo drive
The nonprofit blood bank was founded in 1941 and is committed to providing a safe and reliable supply of blood, blood products and related transfusion services to Hawai‘i’s patients. Make your appointment to donate today!
State urges parents of incoming 2025-26 seventh-graders to schedule well-child visits
Ensuring your child’s health and well-being with a well-child visit that includes a comprehensive physical exam is important as they prepare to make the transition from elementary to middle school. It also includes making sure they are up-to-date with immunizations.
Watch: Hawaiʻi pushed toward mild recession because of Trump policies, UHERO forecast shows
The organization’s 2025 second quarter forecast shows sharp increases in U.S. import tariffs, sweeping federal layoffs along with volatile fiscal and immigration policies are undermining consumer confidence, raising inflation expectations and worsening the business outlook — nationally and in Hawaiʻi’s visitor-dependent economy.
Vessel seized for alleged illegal longline fishing in state territorial sea off Big Island
52-year-old Konane Zager of Kona was cited for violating state code relating to prohibited longline fishing within waters of the Hawai‘i State Territorial Sea. He is scheduled to appear June 19 in Kona District Court.
