Hawaii News
Applicants sought for 2 upcoming vacancies on Hawaiʻi State Ethics Commission
Commission members serve on a voluntary basis; terms will run 4 years from July 1 through June 30, 2030. Applications are due by Feb. 13.
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.
Beware of text scam involving bogus unpaid traffic fines
Hawaiʻi State Judiciary reports people statewide are receiving alleged Department of Motor Vehicles text messages saying that unless payment is made for unpaid traffic citations, the recipient’s driving privileges and vehicle registration will be suspended, and they will be assessed an additional fee.
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.
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.
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.
High surf warning issued for north- and west-facing shores of Kauaʻi and Niʻihau
A high surf warning is in effect for Kauaʻi and Niʻihau’s north- and west-facing shores through Wednesday at 6 p.m.
Hawai‘i governor selects new Kaua‘i Circuit Court judge
The selection is subject to confirmation by the Hawai‘i State Senate.
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.
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.
Hawaiʻi State Archives digitizes historic indexes for public use
The newly digitized indexes span records from the early 1800s through the late 1990s and cover a wide range of topics, including genealogy, land ownership, court cases and burial records.
Hawaiʻi AG urged to expedite probe of state legislator who allegedly accepted campaign funds
Hawaiʻi House of Representatives passage of resolution follows notice that federal authorities will share evidence with state officials, allowing the state attorney general to move forward with a parallel review.
Tram collision at Hilton Waikōloa Village on Hawaiʻi Island prompts suspension of service
Emergency crews responded to a collision between two trams at Hilton Waikōloa Village on Saturday night after guests reported a sudden “loud boom.”
Alaska Airlines has new home for training excellence: State-of-the-art global training center
New $200 million, 660,000-square-foot facility brings training for multiple workgroups under one roof and strengthens the airline’s transformation into the country’s fourth global airline.
Hawai‘i Tourism Authority now accepting applications for travel industry scholarship
The scholarship will be awarded this year to five incoming University of Hawai‘i freshmen majoring in travel industry management.
