Hawai'i State News

Hawai‘i County Prosecuting Attorney Kelden Waltjen expressed disappointment over the passage of three of the House bills that he says “will only further diminish the public’s trust in the criminal justice system.”

Severe weather also results in shuttering of all state offices and services, schools including University of Hawaiʻi campuses and activities, Hawaiʻi Legislature, state parks, several areas within Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park and public libraries on the Big Island.

Rainfall totals could reach 15 inches or more, with winds reaching 40 miles her hour with gusts up to 60 miles per hour in some areas of the state, increasing the risk of flash floods, landslides and dangerous debris.

Travel to the summits of Mauna Loa and Mauna Kea should be postponed until high wind, winter weather subside by Sunday. Flood watch in effect for all of Hawaiʻi Island.

Several scam text messages claim to be from a “Hawai‘i Department of Motor Vehicles”; state reminds public that there is no “Hawai‘i Department of Motor Vehicles” and there are no toll roads in the islands.

Starting this month, self-service bag tag stations will help streamline the travel experience by cutting down lobby wait times and congestion.

Mandated reporters play a vital role in safeguarding children and at-risk people; the new online program is a comprehensive and accessible resource designed to ensure people required by law to report suspected abuse or neglect have the knowledge and tools necessary to carry out this critical responsibility.

Featuring the late Dennis Kamakahi, this intergenerational masterpiece finally arrives March 13 — for the first time since its original release — on all major digital platforms.

“These findings show that the wildfire’s psychological toll is not confined to the areas that burned,” said the new study’s lead author and University of Hawaiʻi Economic Research Organization professor Ruben Juarez in a release about the study’s findings. “The social and economic disruption — especially housing instability and income disruption — is driving much of the distress we see across the community.”

The $10 billion budget prioritizes investments that support local families, strengthen essential public services, and build long-term resilience for Hawaiʻi’s communities.

One Hawaiʻi family embodies the trend, showing how service shared across generations is shaping the future of Red Cross volunteerism; demographic estimates show people of all ages — from Gen Z to the Silent Generation — help make up the nearly 1,900 volunteers who support the American Red Cross in the Pacific Islands Region.

‘Most small businesses don’t realize they’re a target until it’s too late,’ said University of Hawaiʻi Kapi‘olani Community College assistant professor of information technology and cybersecurity and session lead David Stevens in announcing the clinic. ‘You don’t need a big budget to protect yourself, but you do need to know where your risks are.’

State lawmakers must look inward, however, and ensure the state is living within its means before asking taxpayers to do the same; So while taking this action, they acknowledge revenues are declining as state costs for many programs rise because of action by U.S. Congress.

Outdoor recreation — including camping, hunting, hiking, mountain biking, etc. — and boating or other water activities during inclement weather put not only yourself but first responders at greater risk in an emergency.

Kupu’s steward program is seeking applicants interested in educating visitors and protecting natural and cultural sites with positions available across the state.

The study found paddling connects people to their health, ancestors, environment and sense of purpose.

From 2,550 submissions from across Hawaiʻi, 427 students were recognized in the 2026 Regional Scholastic Art Awards.

Hawai’i’s movie and television industry is resurging in 2026, with three major productions filming in the Aloha State.

A developing Kona storm is forecast to hit Hawaiʻi on Tuesday, March 10, bringing heavy rain, strong winds, and severe thunderstorms that could cause flash flooding and damaging winds.

Hawaiʻi Department of Health State Laboratories Division confirmed the case of measles in a vaccinated adult visitor to Oʻahu, who also visited Hawaiʻi Island; after arriving, the visitor became ill, sought medical care and is now recovering at a private residence on Oʻahu.