Hawai'i State News
New centralized Commerce and Consumer Affairs phone number will improve public access
The new number brings multiple state divisions onto a unified call center platform, improving call routing, case tracking and consumer support.
‘Analogue’ is 2025 Hawaiʻi Word of the Year
The University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa Department of English’s choice is meant to highlight the enduring value of human-centered thinking, creativity and interpretation in an age of rapidly growing artificial intelligence.
State Department of Accounting and General Services now hiring in West Hawaiʻi
Newly created office serves Hawaiʻi Island’s west and north coasts, and a wide range of jobs are available, such as office assistants and trade workers, with monthly salaries between about $3,500 to $6,700, plus state benefits.
State-led incentive program offers $50 reward for annual well-child exams
Med-QUEST families can participate in the Hawaiʻi Child Wellness Incentive Program, which encourages preventive care and supports the long-term well-being of keiki across the islands.
Residents across Big Island mourn the loss of beloved, dedicated emergency physician
In the wake of the tragic Cristmas Eve accident, Hawaiʻi lost an esteemed emergency physician, Dr. Judy Fitzgerald, who left an indelible mark on patients and colleagues across the island.
Schatz co-authors bipartisan bill to expand VA services to vets in Freely Associated States
The Caring for Veterans and Strengthening National Security Act would require U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to provide U.S. veterans in the Freely Associated States of Palau, Micronesia and the Marshall Islands with access to the health care and benefits all American veterans should receive.
Governor announces appointments, reappointments to boards, commissions
Each of the panel members bring deep experience in water resource management, ethics, agriculture and community development to critical areas of state service.
Households reminded to use $250 in state food support benefits before they expire
Any unused Hawaiʻi Emergency Food Assistance Program balance cannot be carried over or reissued in 2026 and will be expunged at the end of the year.
State’s new ‘Green fee’ will be allowed to take effect as scheduled after court ruling
U.S. District Court Judge Jill Otake earlier this week dismissed a majority of claims challenging the state’s Act 96 and denied a plaintiff motion for a preliminary injunction to stop the act from taking effect.
UH Mānoa oceanographers reveal the lifecycle behind summertime photosynthetic microbes
A UH Mānoa study dives into the mystery and the origin of the swirls of color appearing in the North Pacific Ocean each summer.
Salvation Army Angel Tree program unwraps holiday joy for thousands of families in need
Holiday wishes were fulfilled for a total of 16,435 youth and seniors throughout The Salvation Army Hawaiian & Pacific Islands Division, but the need is growing and continues beyond the holidays; consider setting up your own Virtual Red Kettle campaign before the end of the year to help.
Arakaki of Keaʻau, Downie of Hilo qualify for 2nd year in row for U.S. Amateur Four-Ball championship
Duo from Big Island shot a 6-under-par total score of 66 on Dec. 22 at Wailuā Golf Course in Līhuʻe, Kauaʻi, to top the field and clinch their return to the spring championship, which will be hosted in May 2026 at Desert Mountain Club in Scottsdale, Ariz.; will be one of 128 teams competing in championship.
Giant clam populations stable, abundant when supported by cultural stewardship
A new study revealed that marine areas managed by local villages support higher giant clam population densities compared to federally designated no-take reserves.
State lends support to community resilience projects throughout islands, American Samoa
The state energy office next year will support the launch of five new Energy Technology Innovation Partnership Project initiatives in Hawaiʻi — including two on the Big Island — and American Samoa, strengthening energy reliability and security.
UPDATE: Lava geysers reach 1,400 feet before Episode 39 of ongoing Kīlauea eruption ends after about 6 hours
The most recent eruptive event at the summit of the Big Island lasted about 8.1 hours less than the first episode that started the eruption a year ago on Dec. 23, 2024, but produced higher fountains and more lava output.
Funding approval moves expansion of reliable broadband forward in Hawaiʻi
Hawaiʻi Lt. Gov. Sylvia Luke says the OK for Connect Kākou to receive Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment program funding is an important step toward bringing better internet connectivity options to communities throughout the state.
Kamehameha Schools eyes tuition-free education starting with 2026-27 academic year
The announcement was made via a message from Kamehameha Schools Board of Trustees and Chief Executive Officer Livingston Wong; the full cost of education for every student — including those on the Big Island — instead would be borne by the private school’s $15 billion endowment.
Police searching on Big Island for Gregory Glaser who is wanted in cold murder case on Kauaʻi
New developments in the 15-year-old murder cold case of Amber Jackson have led to the arrest warrant for a 57-year-old man who may now be on the Big Island.
Consumer threats, online scams may surge during the holiday season
State officials warn of new technology that may threaten online victims with more sophisticated scams.
Kīlauea volcano’s rare eruption at summit, with 38 episodes and counting, hits 1-year anniversary
The rare ongoing eruption within Halema’uma’u Crater inside the summit caldera of the Big Island volcano began Dec. 23, 2024, with Episode 39 expected any day now.
