Hawai'i State News

Taro, beer and more: Several new state laws go on the books New Year’s Day

Courts will also have more power to prevent abusers who use the system to continue to attack and abuse their victims and keiki who are 14 years old will be able to authorize their consent for health care and services surrounding pregnancy, family planning and sexually transmitted infections. These laws and more go into effect Jan. 1 as the Hawai‘i Legislature gears up for its 2025 session, which starts Jan. 15.

US Coast Guard, Hawai‘i Life Flight transport patient from Kona to Honolulu

The Hawai‘i Department of Health at about 1 p.m. Wednesday requested assistance from U.S. Coast Guard Joint Rescue Coordination Center Honolulu watchstanders with a non-maritime emergency medical transport for a 44-year-old patient in Kona experiencing a severe abdominal condition.

Christmas bird count focuses on endangered forest species in Big Island reserve

The volunteer bird counters also helped set and replenish traps that help keep predators like rats, cats and mongoose away from the birds.

Economic bottom line: ‘Buckle up for the years ahead’

Despite steady local forecast path so far, Hawaiʻi’s economic outlook becomes unclear as federal policy changes loom with incoming Trump Administration introducing broad uncertainty.

2024 Quality of Life and Well-Being Dashboard highlights economic strain, health disparities, more

The new interactive online resource is more than a collection of data about the quality of life and well-being of Hawaiʻi’s residents — a researcher and University of Hawaiʻi educator says it’s a call to action to tackle the state’s most pressing challenges.

Hawai‘i Department of Taxation adjusts for tax cuts with updated employer withholding tables

The Hawai‘i Department of Taxation has updated its income tax withholding tables to reflect upcoming changes in a new state law.

Study finds seagliders in Hawaiʻi can help residentsʻ accessibility, environment

A study commissioned by the Hawai’i Seaglider Initiative has found that 78% of Hawai’i residents support the introduction of an interisland sea glider service, according to an announcement.

Thousands of pounds of nets, derelict fishing gear removed off Hawai‘i Island coastline

The state divisions of Aquatic Resources and Boating and Ocean Recreation have been working together since 2021 through its Rapid Response Program to provide funding to nonprofits throughout Hawaiʻi to aid in marine debris cleanup efforts.

Species of red algae discovered outside Papahānaumokuākea marine monument creates more questions

Chondria tumulosa earned the reputation for being a ‘nuisance alga’ because of its mat-forming behavior, ability to spread rapidly and unknown origin, which have posed significant challenges for reef conservation.

New scholarship program aims to uplift Hawaiʻi LGBTQIA+ youth

The Rainbow Legacy Scholarship application is still open for LGBTQIA and MVPFAFF+ youth planning a secondary education.

Gov. Josh Green aims to create a safer, more affordable Hawaiʻi in 2-year budget plan

Gov. Josh Green prioritizes housing, health care, education and biosecurity in Executive Biennium Budget.

Just like Roland Cazimero, his double-necked guitar breaks the mold of tradition with fans traveling to see it in person regularly

The Brothers Cazimero emerged during the Hawaiian Renaissance of the 1970s to tour the globe for decades.

Big Island keiki is state’s first flu-related child death of 2024-25 flu season

Medical and exposure history pointed to seasonal influenza as the most likely cause of illness. This case is not thought to be associated with the recent wastewater detection of H5 avian influenza in Hilo.

Green signs emergency proclamation in response to red flag warning

The proclamation enables rapid deployment of resources to mitigate risks in an effort to address existing and potential impacts caused by inclement weather conditions, in this case critical fire weather that could lead to wildfires.

Study: Peak energy requirements for humpback moms-to-be coincide with migration, fasting

The University of Hawai’i-led research team determined the energy costs of the first two-thirds of pregnancy are negligible, comprising 0.01% to 1.08% of the energy used. The majority of energy needs come in the third trimester, when requirements spike to 98.2%.

Bird flu detected in Hawaiʻi County

H5 avian influenza was detected in influent collected Dec. 2 at Hilo Wastewater Treatment Plant. This is the first time the bird flu was detected on the Big Island and the first detection of H5 avian influenza on a neighbor island.

University of Hawai‘i announces 2024 Word of the Year

The department’s choice acknowledges the complex nature of what lies ahead, a press release from the university’s English Department states.

Flags ordered at half-staff in remembrance of those whose lives were cut short in Pearl Harbor attack

Dec. 7, 1941, truly was a day of infamy and a day the United States shall never forget: “May we all recommit to fulfilling the future they fought for — one grounded in freedom, democracy, equality and opportunity for all,” said U.S. President Joe Biden in a presidential proclamation.

The role of regional kitchens in feeding Hawaiʻi’s students

Kona sate Rep. Kirstin Kahaloa, chairwoman of the state House Committee on Agriculture and Food Systems and who was recently part of a panel dicussion about regional kitchens, says these facilities would use local farm products to prepare meals at public schools: “Students will be nourished when they can eat food grown from their communities.”

Hawaiʻi Island’s Kahele elected chairman of Office of Hawaiian Affairs Board of Trustees

Board voted 8-1 in favor of the 50-year-old former state and U.S. lawmaker to succeed Carmen ‘Hulu’ Lindsey, who had the post for the past 4 years.
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