Hawai'i State News
State: Vog, sulfur dioxide still potential health hazards even while Kīlauea summit eruption paused
Health officials encourage the public to keep a close eye on Hawaiʻi air quality data as volcanic gas emissions remain elevated. Air quality can change quickly, depending on the amount of gas being released from the Big Island volcano, wind direction and other weather conditions.
‘It’s a way of living’: UH study connects spearfishing to wellness, culture, community
University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa researchers highlight in new study how practice deeply rooted in Hawaiian tradition promotes food security, physical activity, cultural identity and community well-being.
Scientists, cultural practitioners continue to learn while collaborating to save coral reefs
Kahaluʻu Bay will take a strategic pause as the sacred coral ecosystem undergoes a crucial spawning period from May 11-19, 2025, a collaborative initiative praised for reviving cauliflower coral populations devastated by climate change.
A study finds public health may be more supported by spearfishing, culturally significant traditions
A University of Hawaiʻi study reveals that integrating more traditional practices can be an effective way to support health and wellness across the islands.
Community shows ‘unwavering support’ for University of Hawaiʻi, donating more than $800K on Giving Day
Contributions, 36% more than last year, affirm the essential role all disciplines play in advancing knowledge, fostering creativity and building stronger bonds at all 10 of the university’s campuses statewide.
State: Plan ahead for busy Easter, Merrie Monarch travel
State Department of Transportation personnel at Hilo International Airport have worked with Transportation Security Administration staff in anticipation of the increased number of travelers heading to the Big Island for the 62nd annual Merrie Monarch Festival.
Second case of measles confirmed in Hawaiʻi
The case is an adult member of the household of the child on Oʻahu who was previously confirmed to be infected April 7 after both recently returned to the state from traveling internationally. The adult is no longer contagious and the child has since fully recovered. No new suspected measles cases have been reported as of April 17.
Legislation looks to TAME extreme weather, wildfires with help of AI
Bipartisan TAME Extreme Weather and Wildfires Act introduced in U.S. Senate by Hawai’i Democrat Schatz and Montana Republican Sheehy would use artificial intelligence to better protect communities from increasing toll of extreme weather and wildfires.
Statewide telephone town hall slated for early May to be hosted by Schatz
U.S. senate, a Hawai‘i Democrat, will give updates about his work in Washington. He will also take questions from constituents throughout the state about their concerns.
No new suspected measles cases reported following confirmed case on O‘ahu
No new suspected measles cases have been reported after the Hawai‘i Department of Health confirmed the illness in a child and presumptive case in an adult from O‘ahu.
Hawaiʻi Supreme Court to bring a case to Hilo as part of civics education program
Students from five Hawaiʻi Island schools will watch oral arguments along with the Supreme Court in “State of Hawaiʻi v. Charles Zuffante” on Thursday.
University of Hawaiʻi program inspires youth on neighbor islands to pursue careers in medicine, health
The University of Hawaiʻi’s Huakaʻi Initiative will run a hands-on program at Hilo High School on April 22 to give students an opportunity to learn more about the medical and health fields.
Measles case confirmed in child on Oʻahu
The unvaccinated child was traveling internationally with their parents and developed symptoms shortly after returning to Hawaiʻi. Another household member is now exhibiting similar symptoms and being evaluated for possible infection.
Senate passes Hirono resolution designating April as ‘National Native Plant Month’
The US Senate unanimously passed a resolution led by Sen. Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI), designating April 2025 as “National Native Plant Month.”
DOGE threatens Hawaiʻi culture with cuts to the National Endowment for the Humanities
The NEH grants support Kindergarten through 12th grade education, lifelong learning and programs like Hawaiʻi History Day, Hawaiʻi State Poet Laureate and Try Think.
The state warns of scamming salespeople claiming to sell green infrastructure
Hawaiʻi Green Infrastructure Authority employees do not sell solar systems, nor do they educate the public about its financing through cold-calling, door-to-door sales, door knocking, or anything similar.
Pre-flight ag inspections for domestic departures from Honolulu to take extra time
Staffing capacity issues mean travelers to the mainland, Alaska or Guam with flights out of Daniel K. Inouye International Airport will have fewer stations where their baggage can be checked for plants, insects and hazardous plant diseases.
About 1,000 people in Hilo participate in nationwide ‘Hands Off’ protest of Trump, Musk
Indivisible Hawaiʻi hosted four Big Island protests as part of the “Hands Off! National Day of Action” against the funding cuts, job cuts, immigration tactics and other policies being taken by President Donald Trump’s administration and the Department of Government Efficiency run by billionaire Elon Musk.
National association recognizes Hawai‘i Wildfire Management Organization as a top leader in wildfire mitigation
Nonprofit based in Waimea on Big Island and dedicated to protecting Hawai‘i’s communities and natural resources from devastating effects of wildfires was one of just 5 organizations and individuals in the nation to be honored recently by National Association of State Foresters.
Hawai’i Volcanoes releases body-worn camera footage from March 2025 officer involved shooting
The video is intended to help community members gain a better understanding of what occurred with the suspect, Isaiah Kaleo Jiaan Fourshey on March 4, 2025.
