Hawai‘i News

Hawaiʻi receives about $3 million per year from the federal government to fund the Hawaiʻi Medicaid Fraud Control Unit, which is mandated by federal law to fight Medicaid fraud and protect patients from abuse and neglect; unfortunately, federal officials say the Hawaiʻi unit falls short of expectations and has for many years.

A quick look at news from throughout the islands.

Green will retain executive authority while traveling and remain in regular contact with state leadership and his Cabinet members; Acting Lt. Gov. Keith Regan will oversee day-to-day government operations in the state and serve as acting governor during Green’s trip.

Participating high school students will be introduced to science, technology, engineering and mathematics, or STEM, skills through the lens of urban and regional planning with a goal of fueling their higher education choices and perhaps interest in transportation-related careers.

Hawaiʻi Department of Defense Adjutant General Maj. Gen. Stephen Logan will use that authorization to keep aircrews and other Hawaiʻi National Guard resources ready to provide assistance to county and state firefighters — when needed — to fight wildfires when they ignite.

Extension guarantees more than 60 Native Hawaiian Education Program early childhood education grant recipients throughout the state fully funded for at least another year.

Large eruptive plumes produced by the ongoing episodic summit eruption of Kīlauea volcano, which contain high concentrations of volcanic gases and tephra, and wind direction are the key to this answer.

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.

The resolution honors pioneering plantation workers, known as Sakadas, whose sacrifice, resilience and labor leadership transformed economy and culture of the islands.

Those who register to participate will receive a call to join the discussion once the town hall begins at noon June 11.

The Hawaiʻi Department of Land and Natural Resources said no citations have been issued at this time over the deaths of two state birds with the incident still under investigation.

Hawaiʻi Gov. Josh Green said his administration stands firm behind the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands after an Oʻahu man filed a federal lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of the Hawaiian Homes Commission Act and its blood quantum mandate.

The program — which University of Hawaiʻi launched in 2023 at its Maui College campus — offers tuition-free online courses, flexible enrollment, free entry-level certifications and a seamless 4-year degree path, with no prerequisites necessary.

The Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic Program enhances care and expands access to mental health, substance use disorder treatment and recovery services.

According to the National Weather Service, surf heights are expected to reach 10 to 14 feet through Thursday afternoon before declining to 8 to 12 feet in the evening.

Preliminary statistics from Hawai‘i Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism show a total of 828,959 visitors arrived in the state during the month, a 0.5% decrease from a year before, but total visitor spending increased 4.8%.

Ripen up and plan to bloom into the 36th Hawai’i International Tropical Fruit Conference at the beginning of October at Outrigger Kauaʻi Beach Resort in Līhuʻe; ‘Growing Fruits, Growing Markets’ is hosted by Hawai’i Tropical Fruit Growers and open to the public. Register early to get a special early bird discount.

Children can receive nutritious meals this summer through three key programs: SUN Bucks grocery assistance, free eat-on-site keiki meals and Kaukau 4 Keiki meal kits.

The quake was initially reported as a magnitude-4.6 and then revised up to a magnitude-5.2 before again being changed back to a magnitude-4.6 with the latest update from Hawaiian Volcano Observatory; moderate shaking reported by community members, with more than 800 ‘Felt Reports’ received by U.S. Geological Survey.

Jacob Baker is the lone suspect in the homicides of three elderly men in three locations that took place on May 22 and on May 23, according to the Hawaiʻi Police Department.