Hawai'i State News
Now on review: Public can access Draft Statewide Long-Range Land Transportation Plan online
Public comment sought on draft state plan and Hawaiʻi Island regional plan; plans provide comprehensive framework to guide transportation investment, policy and decision-making.
Blood test for highly aggressive form of breast cancer advanced by new research
A multi-university team — including University of Hawaiʻi Cancer Center — developed a simpler way to find and track inflammatory breast cancer.
Hawaiʻi Youth Poet Laureate program returns to the Hilo Palace Theater
Punahou School student Safa Ahmed as the 2026 Hawaiʻi Youth Poet Laureate, which is a program to connect young voices and writers from across all islands.
Briefs for May 20: Food options expand for schools, state employee earns national award, advocates celebrate the Green Fee
Statewide partnerships will expand locally-source meals in schools, the state Director of Communications earned a national honor and advocates are energized by the effects of the green Fee.
Mālama Honua Disaster Fund will support Native Hawaiian homeowners impacted by March kona low storms
Office of Hawaiian Affairs launches the fund Friday, May 22, providing limited number of $10,000 repair grants; informational Zoom webinar set for 11:30 a.m. Wednesday, May 20.
Briefs for May 19: Submit input on future wildfire policy, state employees train in trauma-informed care, vaping and effects on mental health
Statewide news regarding future wildfire recovery policy, the first cohort of state employees certified in trauma-informed care and research on the effects of vaping on mental health.
Rental assistance available for those impacted by kona low flooding
Residents of Hawaiʻi County could be eligible for assistance if their home is unsafe to live in because of damage caused by the flooding; approved applicants receive an initial rental award of up to 2 months of rent.
State, University of Hawaiʻi secure more than $322K for plant pathogen detection, biosecurity innovation
Hawaiʻi Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity officials say the projects to be funded with the federal grant dollars are intended to help move Hawaiʻi toward a more proactive, technology-driven biosecurity framework capable of addressing increasingly complex global agricultural threats.
Hōkūleʻa to make Japan stops in 2027 as part of Moananuiākea Voyage
Polynesian Voyaging Society traditional Hawaiian voyaging canoe will return to the island nation for the first time in 20 years; dates will tentatively be from April to September next year.
Opportunity Zones 2.0 Market Activation Summit set to convene at beginning of June
Local leaders, developers, investors and community stakeholders are invited to attend the upcoming summit and can register now.
Business briefs for May 18: Medicaid fraud, new nonstop flight, company honored, ‘Fuel the Future,’ NIL bill nixed
A quick look at business-related news stories from throughout the state.
Hawai‘i high school students can apply now for summer culinary training cohort
Deadline to apply is May 29 for Cohort 22: Culinary Foundations through partnership between Culinary Institute of the Pacific and Culinary Institute of America; but don’t wait, seats are limited.
Hawaiʻi briefs for May 17: Spring commencement, funds released, locally-sourced foods, Stories from the Field
A brief look at several stories from throughout the state.
‘He Lei Hoʻokahi’ marks 100 years of summer sessions at University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa
Special restaging of 2026 Merrie Monarch Festival Hōʻike performance also honors Kumu Hula Darrell Lupenui.
State alerts Hawaiʻi health professionals to fraud scheme targeting license holders
The Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs said scammers have recently targeted current and former nursing license holders, with dentists, pharmacists and other health professionals also at potential risk.
Riders of Honolulu Skyline on Great Futures Day will transform commutes into support for Hawaiʻi youth
Boys & Girls Club of Hawaiʻi celebrates 50 years with communitywide initiative Monday, May 18, to lift up programs that serve island children and teens.
June 2 is filing deadline for Hawaiʻi candidates running for public office in 2026
Prospective candidates are encouraged to review the 2026 Hawaiʻi Candidate’s Manual.
Gov. Josh Green signs new law limiting corporate political spending in Hawaiʻi
The new law, that goes into effect next year, establishes new restrictions on political spending activities by corporations and other “artificial persons” organized under Hawai’i law.
Hawaiʻi Island police initiate a murder investigation after fatal assault
Michael Alan Torres Jr., 57, died at Queen’s Medical Center on Oʻahu due to injuries from an assault in Hilo at 5:11 p.m. on Saturday, May 9.
Controversial Falls on Fire festival permitted to continue in Pāpaʻikou, but with conditions
The Windward Planning Commission approved a special use permit for property owner, Andrew Tepper, who has agreed to comply with conditions such as noise control, road management, fire and food safety, and cultural consultation.
