Hawai'i State News
Hawai‘i’s ‘Future of Work’ conference to feature statewide trends
Registration is open until Sept. 22 for the event that will take place on Sept. 24 at the Japanese Cultural Center of Hawai‘i in Honolulu.
Moananuiākea update: Change to Hōkūleʻa, Hikianalia sail plan due to weather, safety
Hōkūleʻa and Hikianalia will sail directly from Rarotonga, Cook Islands to Aotearoa (New Zealand), and postpone visits to American Samoa, Samoa and Tonga.
Erosion of democratic norms focus of state Senate committee informational briefing
The briefing at 10 a.m. Sept. 18 — which will feature information from University of Hawaiʻi Economic Research Organization professor Colin Moore — is part of a series of informational briefings about the rule of law in relation to the recent actions of President Donald Trump’s administration and how its decisions are impacting Hawaiʻi.
Kaiser Permanente hospital workers in Hawaiʻi vote on strike authorization
More than 1,900 Kaiser Permanente workers in Hawaiʻi are casting ballots this week to authorize a potential strike amid tense contract negotiations regarding staffing levels, wages and benefits disparities.
Governor proclaims Sept. 17 as Constitution and Citizenship Day in Hawaiʻi
Hawaiʻi Gov. Josh Green states in his proclamation that Constitution and Citizenship Day offers an opportunity to reflect on the shared commitment to democratic values, civic participation and protection of individual rights.
New agriculture maps help Hawaiʻi track crops, support sustainability, evaluate land-use changes
The high-resolution maps are a game-changer for tracking crops, assessing land use, responding to emergencies, and supporting food security in the state.
Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander youth face highest rate of sexual violence in Hawai’i
A study from the UH Mānoa Thompson School of Social Work revealed that NHPI girls and boys experience more unwanted sexual contact and nonconsensual sex compared to their peers.
7.5 magnitude earthquake strikes off Russia coast; no tsunami threat to Hawaiʻi
The earthquake was an aftershock of the magnitude 8.8 Kamchatka Peninsula earthquake that struck on July 29.
Hawaiʻi Supreme Court upholds Gov. Green’s use of emergency powers in affordable housing crisis
The plaintiffs brought a lawsuit challenging Gov. Josh Green’s 14 proclamations, arguing they exceeded his emergency authority, violated separation of powers principles, and violated the state constitution.
Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority awards programs perpetuating Hawaiian culture
The Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority has allocated $928,000 to its Kūkulu Ola program, funding 26 initiatives that bolster Native Hawaiian culture and tourism, including four Hawaiʻi Island programs.
Hawaiian Airlines names Diana Birkett Rakow as new CEO
She will be Hawaiian Airline’s first female CEO, succeeding Joe Sprague, who will retire after a distinguished career in aviation.
Hawaiʻi Gov. Green orders flags to fly at half-staff for Patriot Day
Patriot Day honors the nearly 3,000 individuals — civilians and first responders — who were tragically killed in the terrorist attacks on 9/11, 24 years ago.
New ‘Green Fee’ tax in Hawaiʻi raises questions about how it will be spent, and even if parts of it are constitutional
Hawai‘i will introduce a unique ‘Green Fee’ for visitors starting January, aiming to raise $100 million annually for climate resilience and sustainable tourism, but cruise ships operators have sued over its constitutionality.
High surf warning issued for all north- and east-facing shores on the Big Island
Hurricane Kiko’s approach has prompted a high surf warning for Hawaiʻi Island’s north- and east-facing shores until Wednesday.
Mexican national sentenced to 12 months for third illegal reentry after two DUI convictions
Abraham Moreno Garcia has been sentenced to a year in federal prison after his third illegal reentry into the U.S. and multiple DUI arrests, including one in Kona in 2024.
Acting Hawai‘i Gov. Luke issues emergency proclamation ahead of Hurricane Kiko
The disaster emergency relief period will commence immediately and continue through Sept. 19, unless extended or terminated earlier.
Navy begins extraction of two WWII mooring platforms from USS Arizona hull
This meticulous effort highlights a significant chapter in history and underscores a commitment to honoring the legacy of the more than 900 sailors and Marines laid to rest within the memorial.
Update #8: Kiko enters Central Pacific Basin as category 4 Hurricane, now 1,000 miles from Hilo
The projected forecast has the eye of category 4 Hurricane Kiko passing north of the Hawaiian Islands, beginning on Tuesday, but potentially dangerous swells are expected to begin reaching the Big Island by Sunday.
Sea turtle nesting increases, sparking hope for threatened species
Small actions can make a big impact on these endangered sea turtles’ survival, and volunteer efforts and guidelines can protect them during this critical time.
Polynesian Voyaging Society and ALOHA Collection launch special edition collab honoring Hōkūleʻa’s 50th
The limited-edition collection debuted at a public launch event on Aug. 20 at Bishop Museum’s Kaiwiʻula Night Market. The limited-edition collection is available online while supplies last.
