Hawai'i State News
UH study: Rising seas eating away at underground infrastructure in Hawaiʻi, globally
According to the study, led by UH coastal geologist Shellie Habel, cities with buried infrastructure are most at risk for corrosion and system failures due to interaction with this shallower and saltier groundwater.
Native Hawaiian snails now recognized by the state
Gov. Josh Green signed into law House Bill 1899, which recognizes nine native snail species as state snails. Hawai‘i Island’s snail is Hini hini kua mauna (Succinea konaensis).
Business Monday: Kona Village named among the best new resorts in North America and Europe in 2024
In a lifestyle article published in “Esquire” magazine on April 9, Kona Village, located nine miles north of Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport, was the only Hawai‘i hotel named among the 41 best new hotels in North America and Europe for 2024.
Big Island fentanyl arrests and recovery stats for March
The 107.18 total grams of illicit fentanyl recovered by Hawai‘i Police Department in March was enough to kill 53,590 Hawai‘i Island residents.
Conversation about Big Island’s official name sparks minor moniker controversy
The Hawai‘i Board of Geographic Names during its April 2 meeting began a discussion about possibly changing the island’s official name in the U.S. Geological Survey’s Geographic Names Information System, or GNIS.
Dept. of Health urges public to take added precautions following dengue case on O‘ahu
The Hawai‘i Department of Health is asking for support in reducing the potential for the spread of dengue by transmission, following a confirmed case in Hale‘iwa on O‘ahu.
Hōkūleʻa crew to return to ocean for circumnavigational voyage of the Pacific in 2025
After consulting with science and weather experts, community partners and voyaging leadership, PVS has decided to keep the canoes primarily in Hawaiian waters until next year when severe El Niño weather conditions settle down.
University of Hawai‘i biomedical research grants pump millions into state economy
National Institutes of Health funding awarded to researchers supports employment and purchase of research-related goods, services and materials.
Hilo Benioff Medical Center breaks ground on expansion project
The $80 million project will help alleviate the state’s hospital bed shortage on Hawai‘i Island.
Mayor Roth presents 2024-2025 budget to Hawaiʻi County Council
The proposed total operating budget of $888,082,546 emphasizes sustainability and growth, with a noteworthy increase in General Fund revenue.
Sign up for ‘Ohana Wa’a Laulima’s inclusive canoe race by April 28
‘Ohana Wa’a Laulima is a non-profit canoe club based in Hilo created to provide opportunities to individuals with all levels of disabilities and skill levels to learn how to canoe paddle in a safe and welcoming team environment.
Caltech Submillimeter Observatory decommissioning to restart
The next steps in the decommissioning include completing interior deconstruction and removal of the observatory dome.
O‘ahu hālau captures overall win in 61st annual Merrie Monarch Hula Festival
The hālau’s score was 1,201.
State restricts imports of cattle from areas with avian influenza cases
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention currently considers the effect on human health as low risk even in areas on the mainland where HPAI infections in animals have occurred.
Judicial Council again extends deadline to apply for State Ethics Commission seat
The Ethics Commission addresses ethical issues involving legislators, registered lobbyists and state employees.
US senator tours Hilo, visiting hula hālau, small businesses and $4.8M paving project
Sen. Hirono first visited with Lahainaluna students participating in the 61st Annual Merrie Monarch Festival who are being hosted by the YMCA of Hawai‘i Island.
High wind warning remains in effect for leeward Kohala
A strong high pressure system to the north of the islands, combined with a trough to the northwest, is producing strong and gusty trade winds.
Merrie Monarch Ho‘ike Night more than simple showcase of hula, folk dance
The prequel to the festival’s 3 days of hula competition, which kick off at 6 p.m. Thursday with the individual Miss Aloha Hula contest, also celebrated Native Hawaiian culture by honoring 40 years of efforts by ‘Aha Pūnana Leo to revitalize and normalize ‘Ōlelo Hawai‘i (Hawaiian language). The festival also collected donations to help recovery efforts in Lāhainā, Maui, after a deadly wildfire devastated the community in August 2023.
Kaua‘i hālau to take stage at Merrie Monarch: ‘We’re not performers; we’re storytellers’
In 2022, Hālau Ka Lei Mokihana o Leināʻala – led by kumu hula Leināʻala Pavao Jardin – took first place in every category in which it competed.
