Hawai'i State News
Hawaiʻi public libraries challenge state’s keiki to ‘Read for the Gold’ in February
Readers in grades kindergarten through 12 participating in the winter reading challenge that runs through Feb. 22 can win prizes from U.S. Olympic figure skating champion Kristi Yamaguchi.
Put a little love in the mailbox this Valentine’s Day
While text messages disappear, a Valentine’s card endures; a handwritten message also carries thought — and heart — spanning miles.
Governor issues emergency proclamation as heavy rain, strong winds threaten Hawai’i
In response to forecasts of severe weather headed for Hawaiʻi, Governor Josh Green has issued an emergency proclamation.
Members of state Senate Judiciary Committee advance bill creating civil rights helpline
Committee members also moved forward Senate Bill 2203, which would prohibit law enforcement officers from wearing a mask or facial covering.
Annual Nā Leo Hiehie o ke Koʻolau Hawaiian language speech competition ignites keiki voices
Number of students in kindergarten through high school participating topped 100 this year during first event of Hawaiian language speech competition, at Windward Community College on Oʻahu had 120 student participants from kindergarten through high school sharing memorized passages and original speeches delivered entirely in ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi during the event at Hale ʻĀkoakoa (Campus Center), and hundreds of more are registered to participate in upcoming competitions on other islands, including Kauaʻi.
Hawaiʻi Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs warns about phone scam
Fraudsters impersonate state officials and government agencies, making false threats of investigations, targeting medical professionals, in an attempt to obtain sensitive personal information.
Student delegates take helm at state Capitol during Secondary Student Conference
More than 165 Hawai‘i public school students took part in the long-running civic leadership program, debating legislation, drafting testimony and meeting directly with state lawmakers about issues that affect their daily lives.
Applications now being accepted for 2026-27 AlohaCare Foundation scholarships
AlohaCare members — or their family members — are eligible to apply; the application period is open through March 16.
Alaska Airlines flight diverted back to Anchorage, Alaska, while on its way to Big Island
Alaska Flight 255 left at just before 3 p.m. Thursday (Feb. 5) from Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport and was back in Alaska within just about 5.5 hours after pilots declared emergency and decided to turn around because of a reported maintenance issue.
Volcano Watch: New ‘Is Tephra Falling?’ citizen science tool launched in Hawaiʻi
Like the “Did You Feel It?” earthquake reporting tool helps make maps of areas affected by shaking, the new tool helps scientists map areas affected by tephra fallout; observations will be used to assess the character and size of the eruption plumes from Kīlauea volcano on the Big Island, along with the dispersal pattern of tephra fall.
Police ask public’s assistance in finding missing 17-year-old in Hilo
Hawaiʻi police are urgently requesting the public’s assistance in locating 17-year-old Laclyn Urbano-Pepee.
Civil rights probe into death of Minneapolis resident Renee Good urged by Hirono, colleagues
Good was was fatally shot by a U.S. Immigrations and Customs Enforcement officer last month in Minneapolis, Minn.; letter emphasizes that the Justice Department’s decision not to investigate represents a broader trend.
State seeks applicants for 2 impending vacancies on Hawaiʻi Ethics Commission
Commission members serve on a voluntary basis; terms will run 4 years from July 1 through June 30, 2030. Applications are due by Feb. 13.
Hazelnut and filbert allergen concern causes recall of Costco Mini Beignets
Costco’s Mini Beignets Filled with Caramel are recalled in Hawaiʻi due to undeclared hazelnuts and filberts, posing a severe allergy risk.
Heavy rain and strong trade winds expected this weekend as more active weather develops
Heavy rain is possible as early as Saturday, but most likely Sunday into Monday; flash flooding appears to be most likely for Maui County and the Big Island, particularly windward locations, and strong winds are most likely to impact Kaua‘i and Maui County.
UPDATE 2: High surf warning downgraded to advisory for West Hawaiʻi
The new advisory is in place through 6 p.m. today (Feb. 5); a high surf advisory previously in place for northern shores of the Big Island was also canceled and northwest swell is on the downward trend.
Hawaiʻi Wildfire Management Organization and partners to host free wildfire webinar
The discussion will focus on the national wildfire insurance crisis, triggered by wildfires throughout the United States during the past 5 to 8 years.
Text scam targeting people statewide threatens drivers over nonexistent traffic fines
Hawaiʻi State Judiciary reports people statewide are receiving alleged Department of Motor Vehicles text messages saying that unless payment is made for unpaid traffic citations, the recipient’s driving privileges and vehicle registration will be suspended, and they will be assessed an additional fee.
From campus to Capitol: University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa shares research with state lawmakers
Fourth annual Research Day allowed about 100 undergraduate and graduate students, researchers, faculty and staff to share their work with state legislators through informational displays, demonstrations and interactive activities.
Island draft destination management action plans to be shared by Hawai‘i Tourism Authority
The state agency hosted more than 30 in-person and online community listening sessions from September to December 2025 throughout the Hawaiian Islands, allowing residents to share ideas for tourism that preserve cultural, historic and environmental resources, while supporting community well-being, ensuring alignment with each island’s unique identity and values.
