Hawai'i State News
12 motorists arrested for DUI during week of April 20 to April 26 on Hawai‘i County roads
As of April 26, there have been 273 DUI arrests compared with 302 during the same period last year.
Mokulele Airlines increase fares amid rising fuel prices
Mokulele Airlines will increase fares by an average of $10 on all Hawaiʻi routes to ensure the continuation of essential 100 daily interisland flights.
Shidler College of Business host night of mentorship, recognition for 500 students
The 65th annual Business Night honored student achievement with awards totaling $122,500 and provided mentorship opportunities with business professionals.
House Democrats pass several bills advancing majority priorities
Hawaiʻi House of Representatives Majority Caucus celebrated the passage of bills that preserve social services, strengthen the economy and support Native Hawaiian families.
Advocates call for justice, awareness for missing, murdered Indigenous women, girls and māhū
Advocates call for better data, supportive interventions when it comes to violence affecting Indigenous and LGBTQIA2S+ groups across Hawaiʻi.
State sells bonds to support investments in schools, transportation systems, facilities
The Hawaiʻi Department of Budget and Finance sold $1.94 billion of bonds for infrastructure investment.
Artificial Intelligence safety act passed by Hawaiʻi State Legislature
The landmark legislation would establish some of the nation’s first consumer protections and transparency requirements for conversational artificial intelligence services, particularly for minors and individuals seeking mental health or crisis support.
School bus used for disabled students stolen from Ocean View
Authorities in Hawaiʻi are investigating the brazen theft of a school bus from Ocean View Estates and its later recovery at a property, where surveillance footage captured several suspects.
‘Big Mama’ back in Salish Sea after winter humpback whale migration in Hawaiʻi
The Pacific Whale Watch Association said iconic humpback whale BCY0324 known as “Big Mama” has safely returned to local waters after her winter migration in Hawaiʻi.
BG Wealth Sharing Ltd. accused of violating state securities laws
A cease-and-desist order alleges violations of state securities laws through unregistered cryptocurrency-backed investments with BG Wealth Sharing Ltd.
Legislature passes package of health-related bills to strengthen access, care statewide
Key measures include restrictions on e-cigarettes, expanded prescriptive authority for psychologists, and a $1.8 million program for cancer screening.
Mauna Kea telescope helps researchers reveal changes in interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS
Observations suggest the comet’s chemistry changed as it passed near the sun, providing new clues to how materials in interstellar comets differ from those in comets formed in this part of the cosmic neighborhood.
Hawaiian monk seal Kaʻiwi gives birth to 7th pup at Kaimana Beach on O‘ahu, prompting coordinated safety response
Officials remind the public that maintaining a respectful distance is the most important thing they can do to protect the endangered monk seals and community.
Associate Justice Vladimir Devens becomes new Hawaiʻi Supreme Court chief justice
Devens was sworn in Tuesday morning, as the sixth Hawaiʻi Supreme Court chief justice during an informal ceremony.
Office of Hawaiian Affairs backs bill to release $55M in overdue Public Land Trust funds
The Office of Hawaiian Affairs is supporting a measure approved by a state legislative conference committee that would release $55 million in Public Land Trust funds currently withheld under an annual payment cap.
University of Hawaiʻi commencement ceremonies begin this Saturday
Graduates from the University of Hawaiʻi’s 10 campuses will celebrate commencement from Saturday, May 9 to Saturday, May 16.
Public invited to review draft statewide preservation plan
30-day review period now open for Papahana Kāʻeuʻeu: Hawaiʻi’s Plan for Living Heritage Stewardship, which will guide how state, county agencies, Native Hawaiian organizations and communities work together to identify, protect and steward Hawaiʻi’s historic and cultural resources from 2026 through 2034.
Volunteers urgently needed to teach financial literacy throughout Hawai‘i
Hawai‘i public schools, beginning with the class of 2030, will require the completion of financial literacy education to graduate, with implementation starting in the 2026–27 academic year; Junior Achievement of Hawai‘i provides a ready-to-implement solution, with proven curriculum and volunteer support.
L&L Hawaiian Barbecue brings taste of Hawaiʻi to fast-growing Georgia community
L&L Hawaiian Barbecue continues to expand its East Coast presence with the opening of its newest location in Duluth, Georgia, offering a taste of Hawaiʻi’s iconic “plate lunch.”
Business briefs for May 4: Hannemann retiring, elevated island dining, Rome flight and A Day at the Beach
A quick look at business news from around the Big Island, throughout the state and elsewhere.
