Hawai'i State News
News briefs for June 20: Celebrating chefs, cold brew and wine, ‘Hawaiian Soul’ and more
A quick look at news from throughout the state, region and beyond.
Investigation in public corruption case becomes even more thorough with new information
The biweekly update from Attorney General Anne Lopez reveals that the corruption case has become more complex during the investigation.
Antarctic expeditioner, Mānoa undergrad from Big Island set to become University of Hawaiʻi regent
Hawaiʻi Gov. Josh Green appointed Eric Pōmaikaʻi Gee, the only U.S. citizen selected to participate in a 2025 Antarctic expedition led by explorer Robert Swan, to the board, pending confirmation by the Hawaiʻi Senate.
Dengue virus case involving Oʻahu visitor detected, expected risk of transmission low
The Department of Health detected a travel-related case of dengue virus and is conducting inspections and mosquito control in the affected area.
National Weather Service warns of high surf along Hawaiʻi Island’s south shores
Powerful swells have surged along Big Island’s southern shores, prompting the NWS to issue a high-surf advisory through Friday morning.
FEMA reminds residents that help continues after registration deadline
Late applications for disaster assistance related to the Kona Low storms are considered case by case and are not guaranteed.
Trustees for Office of Hawaiian Affairs decide now not right time to purchase TV station
Trustees did, however, emphasize discussing the proposal itself reflects an important and evolving conversation about the future of Native Hawaiian ownership, influence and participation within major economic and communications sectors.
Visionary leader sought to fuel Hawaiʻi’s workforce future
University of Hawaiʻi seeks person to fill newly created position of associate vice president for workforce development, serving as primary architect for cohesive workforce strategy throughout all 10 of its campuses.
Office of Hawaiian Affairs expands civic engagement efforts for 2026 elections
Office plans statewide congressional debate and trustee candidate forums.
University of Hawaiʻi oceanographers report first live observations of the elusive goblin shark
Previously thought confined to specific regions, researchers using advanced deep-sea technology have now documented these iconic creatures near Jarvis Island and the Tonga Trench.
Nara Organics recalls infant formula sold in Hawaiʻi due to potential contamination
Nara Organics has issued a recall for its powdered infant formula from Target stores in Hawaiʻi and nationwide, due to potential contamination by Clostridium botulinum, a bacteria linked to infant botulism.
On Kauaʻi: William Sinclair charged with 28 offenses: murder, attempted murder, possession of illegal weapons
State prosecutors asked for no bail saying the 51-year-old was a flight risk and danger to the community, but the Fifth Circuit Court judge kept bail at $1.5 million.
Free Maunakea observatory tour for Hawaiʻi residents shows up-close work of astronomers, scientists
As residents explore the summit through the exclusive Kamaʻāina Observatory Experience they learn firsthand from experts about groundbreaking space research.
Hawaiʻi Emergency Management to undergo leadership transition beginning July 1
David Lopez takes the helm as the new administrator of the Hawaiʻi Emergency Management Agency next month, following the departure of James Barros.
Residents urged to stay alert after invasive coconut rhinoceros beetles detected on Maui
Coconut rhinoceros beetles damage palm fronds and they pose a direct threat tor local food security, making it critical to detect beetles as early as possible.
Trump Administration continues attacks on pristine Pacific marine monuments
President signs new proclamation to open Mau and Ho‘omalu Zones of Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument, Islands Unit of Mariana Trench Marine National Monument and Rose Atoll Marine National Monument to commercial fishing.
Kaimana Scholarship recipients to be honored by Hawai‘i Medical Service Association
The 15 high school seniors students awarded throughout the state will each receive $5,000 in financial assistance; all to be honored during special event June 14 on Oʻahu.
Text scam targets Big Island residents with fake traffic violation summons
The Hawaiʻi Police Department warns residents of a sophisticated text scam impersonating Hawaiʻi District Court officials, pressuring victims with threats of court appearances and fines.
Construction industry in Hawai‘i marks second-strongest first quarter in past decade
However, a significant decrease in single-family and multi-family housing activity raises concern.
Kauaʻi man mourned by friends following his murder at Hanalei restaurant
37-year-old Federico’s head chef Sergio “Tito” Reyes is remembered as a person who loved cars, DJing, arts, the beach, his job, his friends and his family, whom he regularly sent money to in Guatemala.
