Hawai'i State News
Longtime Kōloa Rum Co. president, chief executive officer Bob Gunter steps down
The Kaua‘i distillery’s Chief Commercial Officer Robert Ramer succeeds Gunter as chief operating officer, overseeing day-to-day operations while continuing its growth and expansion into the next chapter.
Severe weather washes away more than quarter of million dollars in state tourism revenue
Number of visitors statewide in March decreased 1.7% from the same month a year before, with Big Island visitor stats following same downward trend; visitor spending throughout islands falls 1.6% from March 2025.
News briefs for May 3: Poi, new board member, film tax credit, Rocket League champs
A quick look at news happening throughout the island, state and nation.
Simple ocean model predicts El Niño 15 months in advance
The University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa model predicts the development of a strong El Niño, more than 35.6 degrees warmer than normal over the equatorial eastern Pacific Ocean, toward the end of this year.
Hawaiʻi House of Representatives celebrates inaugural Laulau Day
“Laulau is more than a beloved island staple; it carries deep cultural and historical meaning,” said Oʻahu state Rep. Darius Kila. “Preserving and promoting traditional Hawaiian foods helps honor Native Hawaiian culture and ensures these practices continue to be understood and passed on.”
USS Missouri marks 40 years since recommissioning with ceremony, exhibit
Veterans reunite aboard their ship four decades later at Pearl Harbor to honor service, legacy and enduring spirit of the Mighty Mo.
News briefs for May 1: Appliance replacement, festival winners and more
A quick look at news happening throughout the island, state and nation.
Southwest Airlines boosts ‘Ohana Rewards loyalty program with new benefits for members
Opportunity for loyalty program members to fly four one-way interisland flights and earn 1 one-way interisland flight brings more perks, more convenience, stronger interisland connections.
Volcano Watch: Kīlauea summit eruptions outside Halemaʻumaʻu Crater
These past eruptions outside Halemaʻumaʻu are evidence that such eruptions could also occur in the future; and while there have been ongoing earthquakes beneath Kīlauea’s summit, they are not indicative of an imminent eruption along the south rim of Halemaʻumaʻu.
University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo celebrates National Public Garden Day with guided tours
Celebrate National Public Gardens Day at the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo Botanical Garden with free tours and a unique chance to explore rare tropical plant collections this May.
Senate, House money committees approve state supplemental budget bill
The measure was finalized Thursday evening, April 30, in a joint conference committee; it now goes up for final reading in both chambers before heading to Hawaiʻi Gov. Josh Green’s desk for his signature.
Search suspended for fishing vessel crewman more than 1,200 miles offshore of Hawai‘i
Search efforts began after a report from Korea Mission Coordination Center at 5 p.m. Sunday, April 26, that a crewman aboard the Republic of a Korea-flagged fishing vessel was reported missing at 12:15 p.m. Sunday, about 1,200 miles southeast of the Big Island.
Study reveals robust seasonal cycles among vast diverse ocean microbial communities
The study by University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa oceanographers provides new insight into how high levels of biodiversity are maintained in the open ocean.
Historic row from Washington State to Maui launches May 1
The four-man crew: Joshua Dukes, Greg Anderson, Johnny Martinez, and Wilton Ngotel; will attempt the 3,100 mile transpacific crossing without sails, engines, or a support vessel, relying entirely on teamwork and physical strength to navigate one of the world’s most demanding environments.
University Hawaiʻi at Mānoa releases names of all three finalists for chancellor
The University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa has announced its third and final candidate for the flagship campus. Candidates include Vassilis L. Syrmos, Amy Sueyoshi and W. John Kao.
First step to achieving their goals: Video series highlights University of Hawai‘i Community College transfer success
The message throughout every story of each of the seven students is the same: you don’t need to have everything figured out to begin; students can start where they are — and go beyond.
Delegates from Polynesian Voyaging Society, Kamehameha Schools conclude 10-day visit to Taiwan
Events and site visits around the East Asia island advanced relationships, educational partnerships and logistical preparations for the anticipated arrival of traditional Polynesian voyaging canoes Hōkūleʻa and Hikianalia in spring 2027.
‘No Hate in the 808’: State commissions launch campaign to combat discrimination
“This collaboration reflects our shared commitment to equity, dignity and inclusion for all people in Hawaiʻi,” said a joint statement from the partnering commissions involved with the statewide initiative. “Together, we are sending a clear message: discrimination is unlawful, unacceptable and will not be tolerated.”
Hawaiʻi lawmakers reach agreement to preserve promised tax relief for working families
The final version of income tax measure maintains tax cuts passed in 2024 for joint filers earning less than $350,000, heads of household less than $262,500 and single filers less than $175,000, preserving critical financial relief for Hawaiʻi’s working and middle-income households.
New office launched at University of Hawaiʻi to boost research capacity throughout state
Hawaiʻi Established Program to Stimulate Competitive Research/Institutional Development Award Office was created to help faculty and students from higher education institutions located in the office’s jurisdiction, which encompasses all of Hawaiʻi, to expand research efforts while enhancing the impact and visibility of Hawaiʻi-based research throughout the nation.
