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Hawai‘i’s medical cannabis program strong, well-utilized, independent report indicates
The report, prepared by Cannabis Public Policy Consulting, shows that Hawaiʻi’s regulated medical cannabis system captures approximately 86% to 87% of all cannabis spending by registered patients and that monthly medical cannabis sales total about $5.3 million.
2025 was Hawai‘i’s second driest, warmest year on record, new report confirms
Published by the University of Hawai‘i Sea Grant College Program, this first-of-its-kind report uses plain language, along with easy-to-interpret maps and figures, to summarize statewide rainfall, temperature, and drought conditions over the past year.
Statewide pre-eviction mediation program launches this week
New 2-year pilot program requires mediation before non-payment of rent eviction filings.
One-on-one with Kauaʻi’s new police chief, Rudy Tai
“Even though I left Hawaiʻi, the aloha spirit never left me,” said Rudy Tai, who was born and raised on Oʻahu. “I’ve always stayed connected, but it’s been a long time, and I am ready to reconnect.”
University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa brings cutting-edge research to state lawmakers
The 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.
Hawai‘i Tourism Authority to share draft destination management action plans
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.
Kawakami returns from U.S. Conference of Mayors in Washington D.C.
From Jan. 27-30, Kawakami joined mayors from across the country to collaborate on shared challenges and national priorities impacting local communities.
U.S. Sen. Mazie co-introduces resolution protecting abortion access for veterans
Fifteen U.S. senators are trying to overturn a federal rule that ends abortion counseling and abortion care for veterans, including in cases of rape or when a pregnancy threatens the health of the veteran.
BREAKING NEWS: Police Commission officially appoints Rudy Tai as Kaua‘i police chief
The new chief was born and raised on Oʻahu, served 35 years with the San Diego Police Department and will start March 9 on Kauaʻi.
With $130M in new ‘green fees’ expected, Hawaiʻi eyes 75 projects to address long list of environment-related needs
The advisory council reviewed over 600 projects worth $2 billion before selecting the final 75 for recommendation, including several measures to improve hazard prevention and awareness after the 2023 Lahaina wildfires.
U.S. Senate approves bipartisan funding for Hawaiʻi initiatives; House passes measure, too
“The new funding will improve our roads and infrastructure, and provide people with health care, housing and other essential services,” U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz said.
Kaua‘i residents invited to share input on Mauna Kea stewardship during workshop event
The workshop will take place tonight at the Kauaʻi Community College, OCET 105, from 5 to 7 p.m.
2 Kaua‘i nonprofits join forces to develop affordable housing in Līhu‘e
The partners will continue pre-development planning, community engagement and coordination with County agencies as the project moves forward.
New self-service vehicle registration kiosk opens in Hanapēpē
The kiosk is located inside Western Motor Service along Kaumuali‘i Highway and allows motorists to renew vehicle registrations without visiting a central county office.
Kaua‘i County public auction scheduled to open Feb. 10
Visit the Kaua‘i County website to register to participate in the online auction.
Hawai‘i governor selects new Kaua‘i Circuit Court judge
The selection is subject to confirmation by the Hawai‘i State Senate.
High winds temporarily close golf course on Kaua‘i
Kaua‘i is currently under a high wind advisory through 6 a.m. Tuesday.
Hawaiʻi’s economy among worst in nation after income is adjusted for local prices, new report state
A new report shows Hawaiʻi’s wages and productivity have lagged the rest of the country for more than three decades, placing the state among the most economically distressed in the U.S.
Wind advisory issued for Hawaiian Islands
According to the National Weather Service in Honolulu, south to southwest winds of 20 to 30 mph with gusts up to 50 mph are expected.
Two Japanese American WWII soldiers from Kaua’i posthumously commissioned as Army officers
More than 80 years after wartime prejudice denied them military leadership roles, seven Japanese American veterans of the 442nd Regimental Combat Team in World War II have been posthumously commissioned as U.S. Army officers.
