Hawai‘i News
Hawaiʻi inundated in March by 2 trillion gallons of water, triggering historic flooding
Hawaiʻi Mesonet and Hawaiʻi Climate Data Portal data show the accumulated rainfall throughout 14 days in March during back-to-back kona lows reached as high as 3,000% of normal historical levels for this time of year, culminating in a destructive “rain bomb” over Oʻahu.
Legacy Land grants awarded for FY2026
These grants support preservation and protection of lands with natural, environmental, recreational, scenic, cultural, agricultural and historic value, while also providing public access and strengthening partnerships between government and community-based organizations.
High school graduation ceremonies in Hawai‘i announced
All ceremonies for Kaua‘i schools will be held on May 22.
Brown water advisory canceled for most of Kauaʻi, remains in effect for Lydgate and Wailua Beach
The Hawaiʻi Department of Health warns that storm runoff is causing new contamination risks in the area between Lydgate Beach and Wailua Beach.
Gov. Josh Green appoints circuit court judges on Kaua‘i and Maui
The appointments are subject to confirmation by the Hawaiʻi State Senate.
$1.5M in funding now available for wildfire mitigation projects across Hawai‘i
Grants of up to $300,000 are now available for high-impact, shovel-ready projects that reduce hazardous fuels and improve wildfire safety in areas where communities and natural landscapes meet.
New technology can detect pathogens in marine mammals within an hour
Researchers have tested new surveillance technology the detects diseases the cause mass death in whale and dolphin populations.
Kauaʻi swears in Rudy Tai as new police chief
With more than 35 years of experience and a clear vision to strengthen community relationships and boost department morale, Rudy Tai has been ceremonially sworn in as Kauaʻi’s new chief of police.
Upcoming monthly statewide siren system test coincides with anniversary of deadly 1946 tsunami to Hawai‘i
The monthly test of the all-hazard Statewide Outdoor Warning Siren System is scheduled for Wednesday at 11:45 a.m.
High surf advisory for Kauaʻi’s north shores has been lifted
The National Weather Service in Honolulu has lifted the high surf advisory for Kauaʻi’s north-facing shores.
Used oil transporter and processor in Hawai‘i cited, fined for operating without a permit
The company has 20 days to respond to the order, as violations were found at facilities on all main Hawaiian Islands.
State officials remind Merrie Monarch travelers about ongoing ‘ōhi‘a quarantine restrictions
Rapid ‘ōhi‘a death was detected on Kauaʻi in 2018 and on O‘ahu in 2019.
Student at University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo earns prestigious NOAA scholarship
Out of 820 applicants, Iran Rosales is one of 130 students to be awarded the prestigious Ernest F. Hollings Scholarship, administered by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
14 University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa programs shine in new global subject rankings
“These rankings highlight the exceptional work and commitment of our faculty, students and staff,” said University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa Interim Provost Vassilis Syrmos in a university release. “They showcase the university’s global standing and reinforce that [University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa] offers outstanding educational opportunities and experiences for both our local community and those joining us from around the world.”
New legislation aimed at preventing youth suicide co-introduced by Schatz
Bill funds initiatives to support suicide prevention, train medical professionals In suicide prevention and lethal means safety.
‘North Shore is a resilient community’: Haleʻiwa moves forward after the flood
Visitors are welcome back as shops and restaurants reopen and Oʻahu’s North Shore recovers.
Response to impacts from kona lows continues by Hawai‘i Department of Health
Department will conduct precautionary sampling and testing of nearshore waters — as well as flood-carried mud and sediment — to understand contaminant levels in the environment; personnel also actively monitoring mosquito populations and taking targeted action in impacted areas.
Final event of Sanctuary Ocean Count, Great Whale Count of 2026 koholā season in books
Citizen scientists on Kaua‘i observed 169 humpback whales March 28; a total of 435 whales were observed from shorelines at 37 sites throughout the islands.
WATCH: Find out how far she’ll go this summer in Disney’s reimagined ‘Moana’
New trailer and poster for live-action version of beloved animated film, plus behind-the-scenes featurette highlighting film’s craftsmanship and look at making of ‘Moana,’ are available now.
WATCH: Trump’s attacks on national parks slammed by Hirono on US Senate floor
“This regime — as it attempts to rewrite history all over the place — it’s no surprise that they’ve set their sights on our national parks,” said the Democrat senator from Hawai‘i. “The millions of visitors to our national parks will not get a full picture. Apparently, that is exactly as this regime intends.”
