Hawai'i State News
Hawai‘i Primary Care Association names new CEO to strengthen healthcare access statewide
Emily Chung — who assumed her new role Jan. 5 — has more than 2 decades of public health leadership experience as well as a proven track record in advancing community well-being; she brings expertise and vision to the association’s mission.
Muʻumuʻu Month: Waipahu students curate University of Hawaiʻi fashion exhibit
The pieces on display as part of current the Historic Fashion Collection exhibit were selected by nearly 30 students at the Oʻahu high school, who could be the future of Hawaiʻi’s fashion industry; curating the exhibit introduces the teens to possible career paths ranging from designing to entrepreneurship and retail buying to sustainable fashion.
Congressional delegation introduce legislation to establish new national veterans cemetery in Hawaiʻi
The only national cemetery in Hawaiʻi is running out of space, and has been functionally closed for in-ground burials since 1991 — and it is expected to stop taking cremated remains by 2036.
Maui’s recovering tourism industry receives boost from return of the humpback whales
Watching the majestic humpback whales has become a tradition woven into the tourism economy of Maui Nui ever since they started coming back from near extinction in the 1970s due to successful conservation efforts.
PGA Tour Champions tourney at Hualālai celebrates 30 years, with inaugural champ Hale Irwin as ambassador
The tournament, now called the Mitsubishi Electric Championship at Hualālai, started with 17 professionals, and this year’s pro field is at 42, including defending champion Ernie Els of South Africa.
Annual statewide survey finds affordable housing still top concern for many residents
The winter 2025 edition of Hawai‘i Perspectives reveals 71% of residents surveyed agree the state should build more housing as quickly as possible; survey also finds 89% of respondents say military is ‘very’ or ‘somewhat’ important to state’s economy.
Hawaiʻi House Majority outlines top priorities for 2026 state legislative session
“Amid ongoing federal uncertainty, our priorities include expanding affordable housing, supporting Native Hawaiian families, ensuring essential social services remain uninterrupted, addressing workforce shortages and responsibly strengthening the state’s revenue base,” said state House Majority Leader Oʻahu state Rep. Sean Quinlan.
American Medical Association grants University of Hawaiʻi medical school $1.1M
The medical school was one of 11 teams selected to receive funding from the association’s Transforming Lifelong Learning Through Precision Education Grant Program.
Scholarships available for Native Hawaiians to attend Kūlana ʻĀina Culinary program
Office of Hawaiian Affairs and its partners Culinary Institute of the Pacific and Culinary Institute of America are providing support by offering the 5-day intensive program at Kapiʻolani Community College in Honolulu and financial assistance.
University of Hawaiʻi offers small business owners new series of free cybersecurity clinics
The clinics are aimed at helping Hawaiʻi’s sole proprietors and small business owners fortify their operations against online threats; the inaugural clinic — focusing on ‘cyber hygiene’ — is Jan. 21 via Zoom.
Military’s economic impact in Hawai‘i detailed by recently released state factbook
The publication offers data about defense spending, workforce trends and local business participation, plus more, throughout Hawai‘i.
University of Hawaiʻi President Hensel delivers inaugural systemwide address
Wendy Hensel, who began her tenure Jan. 1, 2025, as the university’s 16th president, framed the speech as an opportunity to reflect on progress while charting a clear path forward for the university.
Kaiser Permanente responds to proposed Hawai‘i Medical Service Association, Hawai‘i Pacific Health partnership
“We want to better understand how this proposed merger will meet the needs of Hawai‘i’s communities,” says a statement from the healthcare organization about the proposed partnership.
WATCH: Hayashi talks uncertain fiscal landscape with state Board of Education
State superintendent of schools reports to board that changes at federal level are an unknown variable in the budget equation for state heading into the 2026 legislative session, causing difficulty for Hawai’i education officials to find a solution.
Hawaiʻi Medical Service Association, Hawaiʻi Pacific Health propose new partnership to transform Hawaiʻi health care
Landmark proposal aims to strengthen care statewide and deliver long-term benefits for Hawaiʻi families by expanding access and improving affordability.
New interactive Economic Justice Data Dashboard launched by Hawai‘i Appleseed
The powerful online tool is designed to empower policymakers, advocates and community members with accessible, localized data about critical well-being metrics throughout the islands.
Hawai‘i Senate leaders announce priorities for this legislative session
Many of the priorities have been discussed over the past several sessions, including housing, healthcare, education, food security and more.
Intro of University of Hawaiʻi AI chatbots transforming student support systemwide
The chatbots, with names such as ‘Bow and Moa, are designed to be one of the many components that constitute a “common standard care” for University of Hawai’i students systemwide.
Hawai‘i public schools to include financial literacy requirement beginning next school year
To ensure Hawai‘i public school students are prepared for life after high school, the state will require students to complete a financial literacy educational opportunity beginning in the 2026-27 school year.
Fire Chief Kazuo Todd remembered for his efforts to leave the Big Island a safer, better place
In a public memorial attended by more than 200 people, Hawaiʻi County celebrated the life and legacy of Fire Chief Kazuo Todd who died unexpectedly in December at age 45.
