Hawai'i State News
‘No Hate in the 808’: State commissions launch campaign to combat discrimination
“This collaboration reflects our shared commitment to equity, dignity and inclusion for all people in Hawaiʻi,” said a joint statement from the partnering commissions involved with the statewide initiative. “Together, we are sending a clear message: discrimination is unlawful, unacceptable and will not be tolerated.”
Hawaiʻi lawmakers reach agreement to preserve promised tax relief for working families
The final version of income tax measure maintains tax cuts passed in 2024 for joint filers earning less than $350,000, heads of household less than $262,500 and single filers less than $175,000, preserving critical financial relief for Hawaiʻi’s working and middle-income households.
New office launched at University of Hawaiʻi to boost research capacity throughout state
Hawaiʻi Established Program to Stimulate Competitive Research/Institutional Development Award Office was created to help faculty and students from higher education institutions located in the office’s jurisdiction, which encompasses all of Hawaiʻi, to expand research efforts while enhancing the impact and visibility of Hawaiʻi-based research throughout the nation.
Big Island Now news briefs for April 29: Drinking Water Week, signwaving for safer roads, National Library Week and more
A quick look at news happening throughout the island, state and nation.
Big Island Now news briefs for April 28: Stronger Hawaiʻi, customer communication, Agency of the Year, Jones Act
A quick look at news happening throughout the island, state and nation.
U.S. Department of Agriculture awards grant to Hawaiʻi for specialty crops
With applications opening from May 8 to June 8, these funds will support up to eight innovative projects that reinforce Hawaiʻi’s standing in the specialty crop market both nationally and internationally.
Several Hawaiian plant species newly discovered, rediscovered during Native Plant Month
Find of five new species and rediscovery of several species previously thought lost are detailed in the new “Rare Plant Program 2025 Island Highlights” report, giving Hawaiian plant enthusiasts a great deal to celebrate during Native Plant Month in April.
More than 40 top public high school seniors from throughout Hawai‘i named Citizen-Scholars
This year’s Hawai‘i County awardee is Marley McIntyre from Honoka’a High and Intermediate School; McIntyre plans to attend Harvard University.
Historic Hōkūleʻa maiden deep-sea voyage launched 50 years ago May 1
It was the first time in about 600 years a voyaging canoe sailed the ancient sea road of Kealaikahiki and disproved theories of accidental drift.
U.S. Navy aircraft joins search for missing crewman 1,200 miles off Big Island
With support from partner agencies, the U.S. Coast Guard is urgently searching for a 59-year-old crewman who fell overboard.
UPDATE: Judge maintains bail on Kansas man accused of stabbing Kona boat captain
Avery Nissen, a 21-year-old from Overland Park, Kansas, has been charged with attempted murder and felony assault following a catamaran incident in Kona.
Big Island Now news briefs for April 27: Gas price limit, hazmat transport, ballot order, Dress for Success
A quick look at news happening throughout the island, state and nation.
Fraud losses in 2025 increased by 25% to $79.6 million compared with previous year
A Big Island woman almost became a victim to a cryptocurrency kiosk scam, a growing trend; Federal Bureau of Investigations and Federal Trade Commission reports also reveal the state ranks fifth in the nation among per-capita fraud losses.
Hawai‘i bucks national increasing trend for gas prices with decrease at pump during past week
Prices shortly after 8 a.m. Monday at Hilo and other Big Island gas pumps ranged from $5.19 per gallon on the low end to as much as $5.69 per gallon; prices at the pump for neighbor islands decreased 10.6 cents per gallon from last week’s average $5.64 per gallon.
Hirono, 8 Democratic colleagues urge funding for critical forest research program
Letter comes as President Donald Trump’s administration attempts to close several U.S. Forest Service research facilities, including Institute of Pacific Islands Forestry in Hilo on Big Island.
Mānoa campus of University of Hawaiʻi earns recognition nationally for beauty
“This recognition reflects what our students, faculty and community experience every day at [University of Hawaiʻi at] Mānoa: a campus where natural beauty, culture and academic excellence come together in a unique way,” said University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa Interim Provost Vassilis Syrmos.
Update about February cybersecurity incident at University of Hawaiʻi Cancer Center
Deadlines near for free enrollment in credit monitoring and identity theft insurance for people who might have been impacted by the incident.
New wave of indigenous leaders redefine philanthropy through culture, community
A virtual Hōʻike will showcase a new generation of Indigenous leaders, who are the latest participants of Philanthropono.
Hawai‘i unemployment rate at 2.3% in February
Number of jobs increased by 2,100 from yea-to-year; rate ticks up slightly from January.
Hawai’i Visitors and Convention Bureau appoint leaders for regenerative tourism model
New leadership positions aim to help move Hawaiʻi tourism into a Destination Futures Enterprise that blends culture, data intelligence, and global collaboration for sustainable tourism.
