Hawai'i State News
State attorney general closes out probe into deadly August 2023 Lahaina wildfire
Hawaiʻi Attorney General Anne Lopez also officially handed over the responsibility for future wildfire analysis, mitigation and coordination efforts as those duties now belong to the new state fire marshal and Hawaiʻi Wildfire Management Organization.
House leadership appointments, committee assignments announced for 33rd Hawaiʻi Legislature
West Hawai‘i state Rep. Kirstin Kahaloa named majority caucus leader for 2025-26 term; several Big Island lawmakers assigned chairmanships or vice chairmanships of committees.
Hawai‘i drivers to pay more for annual vehicle safety inspections beginning July 1
The Hawaiʻi Department of Transportation said the 75-cent increase is needed to cover the vendor costs to administer and manage the safety check program.
Board of Regents approves Matt Elliott as next athletics director at University of Hawaiʻi Mānoa
UH President Wendy Hensel said about the selection of Matt Elliott at the next athletics director at the University of Hawaiʻi Mānoa: “From beginning to end, Matt was the guy.”
Hawaiʻi ranks second in the nation for school lunch nutrition
Hawaiʻi is setting the standard for other states in improving the quality of school meals, emphasizing local food sourcing, farm-to-school initiatives and fresh fruit and vegetable programs.
Volcano Watch: Six Months of Halemaʻumaʻu Lava Fountains
There is much to appreciate about the ongoing Kīlauea summit eruption as it approaches its 6-month anniversary on June 23. The stunning episodic lava fountains and lava flows erupting within Halemaʻumaʻu crater in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park have provided island residents and visitors with safe and accessible viewing opportunities. However, volcanic hazards are always present.
Voyaging canoes Hōkūleʻa and Hikianalia reach the doldrums in journey to Tahiti
Hōkūleʻa and Hikianalia, the voyaging canoes of the Polynesian Voyaging Society, have reached the Intertropical Convergence Zone that is commonly known as the doldrums as they continue their journey from Hilo to Tahiti.
Hawai‘i Island police chief Ben Moszkowicz applies to be interim chief of Honolulu Police Department
After Joe Logan unexpectedly announced his retirement earlier this month as chief of the Honolulu Police Department, Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi strongly recommended Ben Moszkowicz to be the interim chief.
University of Hawaiʻi program for women in geosciences ends due to Trump Administration’s funding cuts
“I think the biggest impact of this termination is the loss of professional development opportunities for women. STEM is hemorrhaging women.” — Barbara Bruno of the University of Hawaiʻi
Hawaiʻi on the Hill showcases state’s unique culture and business landscape
The 9th annual Hawaiʻi on the Hill event in Washington, D.C., spotlighted over 90 Hawaiʻi businesses and nonprofits to congressional leaders and the D.C. community, while fostering discussions on policy support for Hawaiʻi’s unique business landscape.
Lt. Gov. Sylvia Luke signs law to establish state Broadband Office, expand digital navigator program
The landmark legislation strengthens the state’s commitment to closing the digital divide and ensuring all Hawaiʻi residents have access to reliable internet and the digital skills needed to thrive.
State legislature designates September as Hawaiian History Month
The measure honors the enduring legacy of Queen Liliʻuokalani and recognizes the many contributions of the Native Hawaiian community to Hawaiʻi’s past, present and future.
Hawaiʻi State Legislature passed 320 bills; Gov. Green intends to veto 19 of them
Green is not required to veto every bill indicated on the Intent-to-Veto list, but he cannot veto a bill that is not included and he has until July 9 to issue final vetoes.
VIDEO: Dangers at China Walls and Spitting Caves shown on dramatic state footage
The dangers of jumping into the water in the Spitting Caves and China Walls area on O’ahu also can apply to other similar areas around the Hawaiian islands.
Hawai‘i County mayor proclaims June 3, 2025, Maia Kealoha Day for 8-year-old star in ‘Lilo & Stitch’
Maia Kealoha of Kona is just getting started. She already filmed another movie, “The Wrecking Crew,” with stars Jason Mamoa and Morena Baccarin.
Federal funding cuts threaten safety, resilience for Hawaiʻi coastal communities
Funding cuts will jeopardize the research and tools that are essential for predicting sea-level rise and informing infrastructure plans, heightening the vulnerability of communities.
Hawaiʻi agriculture inspectors capture ball python in Kaimukī backyard
Snakes are illegal to import or possess in Hawaiʻi since they pose a serious threat to Hawaiʻi’s environment with no natural predators.
Hōkūleʻa and Hikianalia departure from Hilo delayed until Tuesday due to weather
The Polynesian Voyaging Society announced that the Hōkūleʻa and Hikianalia will now depart from Hilo on Tuesday morning after postponing the voyage due to weather conditions.
Chemical substance detected in sample at Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park water system
The chemical detected is 1-chloro-4-(trifluoromethyl)-benzene (PCBTF) within the Volcano Catchment Chlorinator, which is owned by the U.S. Department of the Interior. PCBTF is an industrial solvent that is currently not regulated in drinking water, meaning there is no established federal or state maximum contaminant level or state environmental action level.
‘Our shared kuleana’: State leaders honor those who protect Hawaiʻi from invasive species
The challenges are many and the battle rages on against familiar foes such as little fire ants, coqui frogs, albizia trees and others, as well as new enemies including coconut rhinoceros beetles, but all hope is not lost. There are dedicated community members — including a Big Island teacher — on the front lines making great strides in the fight.
