Hawai'i State News
Hawai‘i Energy launches new residential rebates in time for summer
Rebates are available to residential electric utility ratepayers on Hawaiʻi Island, Lāna‘i, Maui, Moloka‘i and O‘ahu only. They are available on a first-come, first-served basis and are subject to availability of funds.
Hawai’i Gov. Green signs into law 10 bills supporting local agriculture
On Wednesday, Hawai’i Gov. Josh Green signed 10 bills into law that support local agriculture, including a bill that expands the coffee labeling and advertising requirements.
Hawai‘i educators join thousands in Florida “Freedom to Learn” rally
The National Education Association, the Hawaiʻi State Teachers Association’s parent organization, held a Freedom to Learn rally to demand that politicians stop banning books and politicizing public education.
A challenge for Honolulu Harbor’s Pier 7 redevelopment: What to do with historic Falls of Clyde?
The Hawaiʻi Department of Transportation is working to redevelop Honolulu Harbor’s Pier 7, which has been vacant and inactive for the past 14 years after Bishop Museum closed the Hawaiʻi Maritime Center.
Master developer named for project to create 10,000 affordable housing units in Hawai‘i
The announcement of the new Ka Lei Momi Redevelopment Project master developer follows Hawai‘i Gov. Josh Green signings bills that offer relief to the housing shortage, support for people facing homelessness and a supportive housing pilot program.
International scientists offer new approach for selecting coral species for reef restoration
An international team of scientists, led by a University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa researcher, has created an innovative approach to selecting key coral species that will best maintain ecosystem functions critical for reef health.
Hawaiʻi State Capitol adding metal detectors; becomes 38th state with this security
Beginning July 10, the Hawai’i State Capitol will add metal detectors to its security measures, joining 37 state capitols that already have them.
Hawai‘i observatories play crucial role adding color to new space mission
After twelve years of planning, the European Space Agency on July 1 launched its Euclid satellite from Cape Canaveral, Fla., with the goal of answering those and many other questions, and it will get a big — and colorful — helping hand from three observatories in Hawai‘i, including two on the Big Island.
WATCH: US Congressman Case of Hawai‘i honored for leadership in ocean policy
The National Marine Sanctuary Foundation recently gave its prestigious 2023 Leadership Award to Case, who continues the fight for ocean-based climate solutions, sustainable climate ready fisheries management and international cooperation and coordination in saving the world’s oceans.
NHAAPI women entrepreneurs in Hawaiʻi are driven by values, but need funding
The report is based on applications submitted by 343 women from five different Hawaiian islands in the summers of 2021 and 2022.
Hawaiʻi Gov. Green signs $37.2 billion biennium operating budget; extends family tax credits
On Friday, Hawaiʻi Gov. Josh Green signed a $37.3 billion biennium state operating budget for fiscal years 24 and 25 and a bill that extends family tax credits for five years.
AARP grants given to 3 Hawai‘i groups, part of program to make communities more livable
Grantees will implement quick-action projects that help communities become more livable by improving public places; transportation; housing; digital connections; diversity, equity and inclusion; and more, with an emphasis on the needs of adults age 50 and older.
City, County of Honolulu cited by Department of Health for Kailua Bay wastewater permit violations
Between April 2023 and May 2023, the City and County of Honolulu discharged effluent from the wastewater treatment plant in exceedance of daily National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permit limits for enterococci on 13 occasions, including exceeding the monthly permit limit for the month of April.
University of Hawaiʻi president calls Supreme Court’s ruling on affirmative action ‘beyond disappointing’
University of Hawai’i President David Lassner called the U.S. Supreme Court decision striking down affirmative action in college admissions “beyond disappointing.”
UH Mānoa receives academic, research, sustainability honors
UH’s flagship campus ranked No. 66 among U.S. institutions (out of nearly 4,000 colleges and universities in the country) and No. 386 in the world (out of more than 25,000 worldwide colleges and universities), according to the Quacquarelli Symonds rankings released June 27.
Honolulu couple charged in Waikīkī fentanyl overdose that led to death of Big Island man
Honolulu couple Avery Garrard and Keina Drageset were arrested on June 23, each on a charge of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of Fentanyl, resulting in the deaths of Steven Berengue, 53 of Kailua-Kona, and Joseph Iseke, 44, of Kailua, O‘ahu.
Kiwanis Kūpuna Spelling Bee names preliminary winners; still time to compete
The top three spellers from each of the preliminary competitions will be eligible to compete in the Kiwanis Kupuna Spelling Bee Finals Competition on July 29, 2023, at 1 p.m. at Lanakila Multipurpose Center, Honolulu.
$2.7M reinvested by Hawai‘i Tourism Authority to support natural resource preservation, Hawaiian culture
Since 2010, HTA has provided nearly $13.3 million to support 370 programs that preserve Hawai‘i’s natural resources and more than $12.5 million to support nearly 360 community organizations and programs that focus on perpetuating Hawaiian culture.
124-year-old nonprofit Child & Family Service announces leadership changes
Karen Tan, president and CEO of Child and Family Service is stepping down after 18 years with the organization to move to Texas to support her family. Her last day is Aug. 31.
Sen. Hirono secures priorities for Hawai‘i in committee markup of annual defense bill
Senate Armed Services Committee approval is the first step in the process to establish defense funding levels and set policies for the Department of Defense.
