Hawai'i State News
Study reveals human impact on whales, dolphins in Pacific Islands
In the study, researchers from the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa provided insights into human-caused trauma and infectious diseases found in more than 65% of investigated strandings.
Annual audit process will safeguard student activity funds
Hawaiʻi State Department of Accounting and General Services will ensure financial integrity and proper use of funds across selected schools.
Power source behind mysterious cosmic flashes pinpointed by astronomers as black holes
Observations of AT 2024wpp, including data from the W. M. Keck Observatory on the Big Island, reveal that luminous fast blue optical transients are driven by extreme stellar destruction — not supernovae
Public urged to comment on proposed Trump changes to Endangered Species Act
Conservational Council of Hawai‘i explained there are 4 different rule changes that the council says will significantly change the way species such as the Hawaiian monk seal, brown booby, hawksbill sea turtle and more are protected.
Three Hawaiʻi men arrested as part of federal operation to identify child sex predators
In a nationwide operation, the Department of Justice has arrested 293 child sexual abuse offenders and located more than 205 child victims.
2026 budget informational briefing schedule set by state Senate Ways and Means panel
The purpose of the briefings is to ensure public dollars are being spent responsibly and on priorities that meet the needs of Hawai’i’s residents prior to the start of the legislative session.
Helmsley awards more than $2.2M to advance UH medical training, research
The grants — one to University of Hawaiʻi Cancer Center for the new groundbreaking Ho‘ōla Early Phase Clinical Research Center and the other to John A. Burns School of Medicine to upgrade simulation and training resources — reinforce Helmsley’s commitment to strengthening health infrastructure and workforce capacity in Hawaiʻi.
Renewed partnership of HPH, KS reaffirms commitment to improve Hawaiʻi’s well-being
The partnership between Hawai‘i Pacific Health and Kamehameha Schools started 6 years ago and is aimed at working collaboratively to leverage the collective strengths in health care and education to create healthier communities throughout the state.
Expanded federal travel ban set to go into effect New Year’s Day denounced by state senator
“The expansion of the travel ban is as a political distraction, diverting attention from real homeland security concerns like human trafficking, drug smuggling and organized crime,” said Oʻahu state Sen. Jarrett Keohokalole, chairman of the Hawaiʻi Senate Commerce and Consumer Protection Committee.
Astronomers sharpen universe’s expansion rate, deepening cosmic mystery
New results — which were made using a variety of ground and space-based telescopes including W. M. Keck Observatory atop Mauna Kea — strengthen the “Hubble tension,” a cosmic disagreement that could point to new physics governing the universe.
Organizations say new SNAP limits mean higher costs, fewer choices for Hawaiʻi families
With nearly 1 in 3 Hawai‘i families already not able to get enough food, local anti-hunger and public health organizations say the real barrier to healthy eating is affordability, not banning sugary products.
Hawai‘i Green Infrastructure Authority honored as Financial Ally Goal Achiever
Better Buildings & Better Plants partners saved more than $24 billion in energy costs to date, and financial allies extended $41 billion for projects that improve energy performance.
Balloon as big as football field flies over Antarctica, aimed at deciphering mystery of dark matter
Unlocking the mystery of dark matter would help to get a grasp on what most of the universe is actually made of and potentially reveal fundamental new physics that could revolutionize the understanding of how everything works.
Greenish glow of interstellar visitor Comet 3I/ATLAS revealed in new Gemini North image
Community observing program Shadow the Scientists took the public on a tour of the famous interstellar visitor — sporting a holiday hue — with live observations from the Gemini North telescope control room on the Big Island.
Volcano Watch: Highlighting the hazards after 1 year of Kīlauea’s episodic summit fountaining
Visitors to Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park on the Big Island, where the volcano is located, see remarkable views during the episodic eruptions within the summit, but the latest episode — No. 38 — reminds us how quickly hazards associated with this dynamic activity can change.
U.S. Senate passes fiscal year 2026 defense bill that includes key Hirono-led provisions
The fiscal year 2026 National Defense Authorization Act includes more than $1.1 billion for infrastructure in Hawai‘i and includes language encouraging the U.S. Army to fully develop and communicate plans for leased training lands — such as those at Pōhakuloa on the Big Island.
E Ala E Hawaiian Cultural Center awarded $210K grant to support fellowship program
The fellowship program is aimed at young Native Hawaiian adults and based in the Washington, D.C., metropolitan region, equipping them with mentorship, cultural grounding, professional development and opportunities to serve their community at the national level.
Mauna Kea discoveries reveal hidden worlds around accelerating stars once too faint to see
Groundbreaking research from W. M. Keck Observatory and Subaru Telescope highlight continued leadership in imaging new worlds by Big Island’s Mauna Kea.
Next gen scientists will get help tackling urgent issues, more with grant from Moore Foundation
The $2 million grant supports a University of Hawaiʻi program that will support 11 postdoctoral scholars from 2025 to 2028 who will work in astronomy, oceanography, life sciences, geophysics, atmospheric science and other fields vital to Hawaiʻi and the Pacific region.
New political action committee aimed at electing inclusive, equality-driven leaders
Non-partisan HOKU PAC will work to elect leaders throughout Hawaiʻi who advance equality, protect civil rights and ensure all people — regardless of gender identity, sexual orientation or background — can live with dignity, safety and respect.
