Hawai'i State News

Their artwork also was featured in the final exhibition for its exceptional craftsmanship, creativity and originality, and they now move on to the national level; 427 regional winners were chosen from 2,550 total submissions in this year’s art competition.

Quick takes on news happening around the Big Island and elsewhere throughout the state, nation and beyond.

Native Hawaiian households affected by Kona low storms can apply for direct disaster grants and home repair grants.

Māmalahoa Highway, or Route 11, is reduced to a single lane between Kaʻaluʻalu Road and Konohiki Street for resurfacing for the next five days.

The donations collected during 27th drive come at a particularly important time following the two kona lows that slammed into the state during the past 2 weeks and will help support organizations on the front lines responding to increased needs.

The Guard continues working with each of the state’s counties and Hawaiʻi Emergency Management Agency for any future requests for assistance.

Visitors are advised, however, to continue checking official county and state resources while confirming ahead of time directly with activity providers; officials also offer several updates and resources to find additional information.

Just more than 1,400 customers statewide, including about 1,200 mainly in Puna and South Hilo, remained without power as of Tuesday afternoon, March 24.

The state’s congressional delegation urges President Trump to approve Gov. Josh Green’s request for a disaster declaration, essential for crucial federal aid for recovery.

The two storms, which began on March 10 and March 19, brought catastrophic flooding, landslides, infrastructure damage and emergency evacuations across multiple Hawaiian islands .

The University of Hawaiʻi Foundation is rallying the state to help fundraise for relief for students, faculty, and staff affected by the flooding that caused over $1 billion in damages.

Hawaiʻi State Energy Office admitted to omitting the costs of importing liquefied natural gas fuel, turning purported savings for consumers into almost $1 billion in losses.

Ranches and agricultural businesses impacted by the recent storm systems can apply for one-time grants of $1,500 until Friday, March 27.

Convened by the Hawaiʻi Coordination Cell, 150 participants gathered to discuss community concerns on military lease renewals, emphasizing the impacts to the environment and culture.

The University of Hawaiʻi Economic Research Organization’s study examined a concept known as housing filtering, a process in which new construction sets off a chain of moves that frees up existing homes across the market.

The first powerful kona low that slammed into Hawaiʻi a week ago and now its sequel this week remind everyone that flooding can happen outside designated high-risk flood zones; that’s why all homeowners and renters are strongly encouraged to consider purchasing and maintaining flood insurance.

“The collaboration between the governor and all four county mayors allowed the state of Hawaiʻi Department of Defense to improve our ability to respond to this unprecedented kona low storm,” Hawaiʻi Adjutant General Maj. Gen. Stephen Logan on Saturday, March 21.

The islands remain safe and welcoming, and after two kona lows in a week, weather conditions are expected to improve early next week; Kauaʻi and Oʻahu already are seeing improving conditions.

Martial arts, TV and movie icon Chuck Norris’s sudden passing on Kauaʻi has left the close-knit North Shore community and fans around the world in mourning.

This year, Aloha United Way has distributed over $760,000 to programs that address food security, housing stability, workforce development and other essential needs.