Hawai'i State News

Visitors to Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park on the Big Island, where the volcano is located, see remarkable views during the episodic eruptions within the summit, but the latest episode — No. 38 — reminds us how quickly hazards associated with this dynamic activity can change.

The fiscal year 2026 National Defense Authorization Act includes more than $1.1 billion for infrastructure in Hawai‘i and includes language encouraging the U.S. Army to fully develop and communicate plans for leased training lands — such as those at Pōhakuloa on the Big Island.

The fellowship program is aimed at young Native Hawaiian adults and based in the Washington, D.C., metropolitan region, equipping them with mentorship, cultural grounding, professional development and opportunities to serve their community at the national level.

Groundbreaking research from W. M. Keck Observatory and Subaru Telescope highlight continued leadership in imaging new worlds by Big Island’s Mauna Kea.

The $2 million grant supports a University of Hawaiʻi program that will support 11 postdoctoral scholars from 2025 to 2028 who will work in astronomy, oceanography, life sciences, geophysics, atmospheric science and other fields vital to Hawaiʻi and the Pacific region.

Non-partisan HOKU PAC will work to elect leaders throughout Hawaiʻi who advance equality, protect civil rights and ensure all people — regardless of gender identity, sexual orientation or background — can live with dignity, safety and respect.

A U.S. Coast Guard MH-65 Dolphin helicopter crew from Air Station Barbers Point on Oʻahu located the men, safely hoisted them and brought them ashore to the air station in Kapolei, Oʻahu, the afternoon of Dec. 17.

Leo Saito and Jake Otani of Hilo win Boys 13-14 and 15-18 age divisions, respectively, after 36 holes at The Club at Kukui‘ula on Kaua‘i.

University of Hawaiʻi researchers note that Hawaiʻi’s better outcomes underscore the effectiveness of early public health interventions, strong community engagement and high vaccine uptake.

The discussion hosted by Ke One O Kākuhihewa, the Oʻahu Council of the Association of Hawaiian Civic Clubs, with support from Kanaeokana, will provide an opportunity for dialogue with the finalists.

Waikōloa native and graduate of Kealakehe High School Eric Pōmaikaʻi Gee was one of two Villars Institute Fellows selected for the Ice Station Expedition, a 2-week mission that took place this month; he now will begin sharing lessons from the expedition through school visits, community presentations and public outreach.

Hawai’i County Mayor Kimo Alameda will deliver the keynote address during the event set from 5 to 8 p.m. Jan. 22, 2026, at the Bishop Museum in Honolulu; attending and supporting the event is one way community members can help the organization fulfill its mission.

The increase is the third step from Act 114, which established a schedule to raise the minimum wage from $10.10 to $18 over the course of five and a half years.

Shareholders to receive $21.20 per share in cash, representing a 40% premium to closing price earlier this month; merger expected to close during the first quarter of 2026.

These advances allow researchers to see the sun’s magnetic landscape more accurately and improve predictions of solar activity that impacts life on Earth, including solar flares and coronal ejections that can disrupt satellites, power systems and communications.

After 4 weeks of show-stopping performances, emotional stories and unforgettable moments from throughout the pae ʻāina, the stage is set for one of the five finalists — including Pohai from the Big Island — to walk away with a $10,000 grand prize.

The bicameral legislation co-introduced by the U.S. senator from Hawai‘i recognizes the immense contributions of Southeast Asian refugees to the nation’s fabric and advocates for policies that would provide Southeast Asian Americans and refugee communities with greater opportunities to thrive.

Nonprofit Healthcare Association of Hawaiʻi’s CNA+ to LPN Bridge program enables working certified nurse aides to become licensed practical nurses without having to leave their jobs to attend school or take labs.

Senate Republicans, however, who have the majority, rejected the measure; the vote came after Schatz earlier during the week took to the Senate floor, saying President Donald Trump “is making people poorer, and he’s doing it on purpose,” in remarks about about various ways he said Trump is increasing prices of everything in the daily lives of Americans.

Hawai‘i State Federal Credit Union announces gifts of $25,000 each for the Hawai‘i Resilience Fund at Hawai‘i Community Foundation and Safety Net Fund at Aloha United Way as part of the statewide “Aloha for Hawai‘i” giving campaign.