Hawaii News
Attorney general: Phase One report on Maui wildfires to be released next month
The Phase One report analyzes how the fire incident unfolded, based on science, during the first 24 to 72 hours of the fire and its aftermath, and includes a comprehensive timeline of events.
Gov. Green, partners working to enhance travel between Japan, Hawai‘i
Key among Gov. Green’s initiatives is the expansion of Global Entry for Japanese citizens. Global Entry, a trusted traveler program administered by U.S. Customs and Border Protection, expedites the customs and immigration process for pre-approved, low-risk travelers upon arrival in the United States.
Community petition to revoke permits is denied as Coco Palms rebuild continues
The planning commission’s decision comes amid developer Reef Capital Partner’s announcement that they have reached key milestones in the demolition process, and that construction crews are actively working to complete the once-renowned Coco Palms Resort in 2026.
State legislature discusses funding air ambulance program
The new program would create a cost-sharing partnership with the Department of Health bringing helicopters and funding to operate the program to Hawai‘i, Kaua‘i and Maui Counties.
Governor Green unveils 2024 policy report for ‘The Hawai‘i We Deserve’
The report details the Green Administration’s strategies for statewide challenges while describing initiatives to bolster Maui’s long-term recovery and Hawai‘i’s long-term resilience.
Construction of new Olympic tower in waters off Tahiti could damage reef
A new study by researchers from the University of Hawai‘i and Arizona State University along with community partners in Tahiti found that just dredging the site would cause at least $1.3 million in damage to the live reef habitat.
Kaua‘i weekly lane closures: March 16-22
Schedules may change at any time without further notice. All projects are weather permitting.
First Hawaiian monk seal pup of the year born on O‘ahu
This young male’s ID is PO1 because he’s the first Oʻahu pup of the year. But PO1 also recently received a special name, Makana, named by students with the fifth-grade class at Kahuku Elementary School.
Kaua‘i Resilience Center meeting tonight – weeks after ‘Ele‘ele fire reminded island ‘paradise is a myth’
The Kaua‘i Resilience Center is a planned set of three disaster-proof ‘monolithic domes’ at Anaina Hou Community Park in Kīlauea.
Kawakami touts plans for increased disaster preparedness in State of the County speech
The mayor also promoted his administration’s road resurfacing and affordable housing efforts before announcing all county employees are now offered a free healthcare option.
State agency seeks public input on how to shape future management of Hawai‘i tourism
A website was launched to provide information about the study. The site includes an online public survey. Anyone who has an interest in Hawai‘i tourism is invited to take the survey and share their thoughts.
Hawai‘i House of Representatives passes $11.3 billion state budget
Although the House draft of the state budget focuses heavily on addressing expenses related to the Maui wildfires, House Finance Chair Kyle Yamashita has said core services throughout the state must be maintained.
Proposed coffee labeling bill amended and headed for hearings in the Senate
On March 7, House Bill 2298 passed the House with amendments and was referred to the Commerce and Consumer Protection and Judiciary Senate committees for a hearing.
High surf warning issued for north-, west-facing shores of Kaua‘i, Niʻihau
“Expect very strong breaking waves and powerful currents. Waves breaking in channel entrances may make navigating the channels dangerous,” the National Weather Service said.
Nearly $17M in federal funding headed to Garden Isle
Nearly $17 million in federal dollars is heading to Kaua‘i to fund a variety of projects ranging from the Kauaʻi War Memorial Convention Hall, an educational center at the Kawai‘ele State Waterbird Sanctuary, affordable housing and a fern propagation lab at the National Tropical Botanical Garden.
The Renegade Rollerz kick off their season Sunday; watch the game – or join the team
In observance of St. Patrick’s Day, the Garden Island Renegade Rollerz will compete as the Rainbows and the Leprechauns on March 17.
Hawai‘i Congressional Delegation urges IRS to extend federal tax filing deadline for those impacted by Maui wildfires
U.S. Sen. Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI) led the Hawai‘i Congressional delegation in urging the Internal Revenue Service Commissioner, Danny Werfel, to extend the 2023 federal tax filing and payment deadlines for individuals and businesses impacted by the Maui wildfires.
University of Hawai‘i graduate collecting data on calories burned when paddling an outrigger canoe
Data collection events were held to measure their METs on three days between March 7 through March 10, 2024, at O‘ahu’s Mauliola Keʻehi (Sand Island Boat Ramp).
Star being torn apart by a supermassive black hole detected by Hawai‘i astronomers
Using the All-Sky Automated Survey for Supernovae (ASAS-SN) system, on Feb. 22, 2023, the team detected a sudden surge in brightness followed by a rapid dimming in the galaxy NGC 3799, located about 160 million light-years from Earth.
Credit, debit card payments now accepted at Kaua‘i Department of Water office
The payment kiosk allows customers to access their current water bill balance and make a payment with most major credit cards and debit cards with the Visa or MasterCard logo.