Hawai‘i News
News briefs for May 11: Public corruption case update, funds available for Kona low damage, L&L marks strongest opening month
Attorney General continues biweekly update on public corruption case, funds available for Hawaiʻi residents impacted by Kona low and L&L opens new locations.
Senate bill reaffirms that corporations, artificial persons cannot influence elections
Hawaiʻi State Senate passed a measure that clarifies that corporations and other artificial entities cannot spend money or contribute to elections and ballot measures.
University of Hawaiʻi ballroom dance team win third consecutive national title
The Ballroom Dance Club offers beginner classes to all University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa students, faculty and staff every Tuesday.
Mokulele Airlines increase fares to continue interisland flights
Amid the rising fuel costs, Mokulele Airlines is increasing its airfare by $10 on average to continue daily flights.
From ashes to stone, a Big Island artist honors her deceased mother in a different way
Dandylyon Darr has captured the essence of her late mother by turning her ashes into river-like stones to keep her spirit alive.
Loulu palm takes center stage at National Tropical Botanical Garden festival in Lāwai valley
At the National Tropical Botanical Garden’s “Loulu Love Fest,” discover the rich cultural and ecological significance of Hawaiʻi’s native loulu palm.
19 lane closures scheduled during week of May 10-15 on Kauaʻi state roadways
Lane closure schedules can change at any time without notice. All projects are weather permitting.
House Democrats celebrate passage of majority priorities in 2026 legislative session
The Hawaiʻi House of Representatives recently passed significant bills addressing key priorities for 2026, including affordable housing and workforce development.
Volcano Watch: U.S. geologists visit El Salvador, home to more than 200 volcanoes
In March, a team of U.S. Geological Survey scientists, including two from Hawaiʻi, visited El Salvador in Central America for volcanological field studies and a workshop on lava flow hazards.
Hawaiʻi launching $2 million recovery initiative to lure tourists after Kona low storms
“These funds are about supporting Hawai‘i’s economy, local businesses and the people who depend on the visitor industry for their livelihoods,” Hawaiʻi Gov. Josh Green said.
State sells $1.94 billion of bonds for infrastructure investment
The sale will support critical investments in schools, transportation systems, public facilities, and infrastructure.
Hawai‘i Department of Health looking for teens to participate in upcoming survey
Information collected will be used to improve health programs and services for Hawai‘i’s youth.
Hawaiʻi State Legislature passes Artificial Intelligence safety act
The landmark legislation would establish some of the nation’s first consumer protections and transparency requirements for conversational artificial intelligence services, particularly for minors and individuals seeking mental health or crisis support.
Lōkahi Play Along celebrates student songwriters, music educators across Hawaiʻi
Students showcased their musical talents alongside artists and music education champions Paula Fuga, Honoka Katayama, Jody Kamisato, Bryan Tolentino and Abe Lagrimas Jr.
Globally known humpback whale ‘Big Mama’ back in Salish Sea after winter in Hawaiʻi
The Pacific Whale Watch Association said iconic humpback whale BCY0324 known as “Big Mama” has safely returned to local waters after her winter migration in Hawaiʻi.
State investigates rock thrown at Hawaiian monk seal on Maui, breaches of seal resting areas
The Department of Land and Natural Resources is investigating social media postings on Instagram that appear to show an adult male throwing an object toward a monk seal while it was swimming in the water off the Lahaina shoreline.
Telescope atop Mauna Kea on Big Island helps reveal changes in interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS
Observations suggest the comet’s chemistry changed as it passed near the sun, providing new clues to how materials in interstellar comets differ from those in comets formed in this part of the cosmic neighborhood.
State orders cease and desist for BG Wealth Sharing Ltd.
Each respondent must pay $50,000 for respondents) soliciting and offering unregistered securities to Hawai’i residents by utilizing a cryptocurrency platform.
Legislature passes package of bills to strengthen health care across the state
Hawaiʻi State Legislature advances comprehensive health initiatives marking a pivotal step in fortifying healthcare access and preventive measures statewide.
Lava fountains erupt for about 9 hours during Episode 46 of ongoing summit eruption at Kīlauea
Lava geysers from the north vent within Halemaʻumaʻu Crater of the Big Island volcano stopped shortly before 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 5; tephra fall was greatest within 3 miles from the two active vents.
