Hawaii News
Popular Ritz cracker snacks recalled from Hawai‘i grocery store shelves
The state is inspecting local stores to ensure that the recalled products are no longer available for sale.
Portion of Maluhia Road to be closed in preparation for Kōloa Plantation Days
Message boards are posted along Kaumualiʻi Highway in both directions to remind motorists about the closure.
Kaua‘i County mayor proclaims July 2, 2025, Sydney Elizabeth Agudong Day for ‘Lilo & Stitch’ star
Agudong, born and raised on Kaua‘i, plays Nani, the older sister and guardian to the adorable and mischievous girl Lilo, who befriends a runaway alien.
U.S. could begin seabed mining off the coast of American Samoa
As the U.S. Department of the Interior’s comment deadline approaches on July 16, American Samoa and environmental advocates oppose seabed mining, citing potential threats to marine life, fishing zones and the cultural heritage of the coast.
Gov. Green signs bills addressing rising insurance costs, youth homelessness
Gov. Josh Green has signed pivotal legislation to tackle Hawaii’s housing crisis, with Senate Bill 1044 (Act 296) to address rising property insurance premiums and House Bill 613 (Act 297) to support homeless youth through the permanent Safe Places for Youth program.
Nearly 50 ‘green’ Hawai‘i businesses, events awarded for sustainability practices
Awardees — which include several from Kaua’i — were honored for their commitment to energy and water efficiency, waste reduction, cultural and natural resource preservation, plus more.
New UH study: Groundwater directly impacts water chemistry in coral reefs
Cascade of changes groundwater triggers in coastal ecosystem described by university researchers as a ‘Goldilocks scenario,’ when too much is not good but ‘just right’ is beneficial.
Say aloha to solar system’s third known interstellar visitor 3I/ATLAS, detected by University of Hawaiʻi telescope
Newly identified object, suspected to be a comet, should show increasing activity as it gets closer to the sun, but it will never get warm enough to be seen by the naked eye. And it poses no risk of hitting Earth.
New, stronger labeling regulations become law for māmaki tea grown in Hawai‘i
The new law prohibits the use of certain words and misleading Hawaiian imagery, place names and motifs on the label of a consumer package that says it contains or includes tea or dried leaves from Hawai‘i māmaki plants, Pipturus albidus, unless 100% of the tea or dried leaves from the māmaki is actually grown in Hawai‘i.
‘Give your keiki a great start’: Application period open for Preschool Open Doors program
The subsidy program provides services statewide to families sending their children to a licensed preschool during the 2 school years prior to them entering kindergarten. Its goal of is to promote school readiness, focusing on meeting the needs of the child.
Department of Hawaiian Home Lands secures $22M in Native Hawaiian Housing Block Grant funds
The department allocated nearly $40 million to affordable housing initiatives last fiscal year using funds from the federal block grant program. It has built, purchased or rehabilitated 769 affordable homes; improved nearly 700 lots with infrastructure to support construction of new housing units; and rehabilitated three community centers, plus more, during the past 23 years since it was first awarded the block grant funding.
‘Platform for groundbreaking discovery’: UH88 telescope honored as IEEE Milestone
University of Hawaiʻi’s 2.2-meter telescope at the summit of the Big Island’s Mauna Kea — dedicated in 1970 — was recently recognized by Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers for its role in shaping astronomical research, technological innovation and excellence for the benefit of humanity worldwide.
Hawaiʻi State Commission on the Status of Women mobilizes to protect women, girls from regressive policies of feds
Multi-faceted approach includes exploring legislative options to offset federal funding reductions, expanding state programs and fostering public-private partnerships, as well as raising awareness of resources and legal rights.
State releases its first Energy Security and Waste Reduction Plan
“This plan is the catalyst for creating a future that all people can thrive in,” said Hawaiʻi Youth Transportation Council Member Kawika Pegram. “Through this plan, we can harness the power of local industry, create meaningful jobs and invest in public infrastructure like never before.”
Governor vetoes 8 measures, signs 12 remaining bills on his intent-to-veto list
Green struck down bills relating to tax credits, transportation, the state’s Major Disaster Fund, property, stadium facility and convention center naming rights and others. Leadership of the Hawai‘i Legislature said a special legislative session to attempt their override is not necessary.
Volcano Watch: So what on Earth (or at least on Kīlauea) is a ‘gas piston’?
Essentially, gas pistoning is a shallow, degassing-driven rise and fall of a lava surface. Pistons often occur in narrow conduits, although they can happen in larger lava lakes and even in lava channels — and in bunches, as part of a series.
Gov. Green, Hawaiʻi Congressional delegation vow swift action to protect residents, mitigate impact of Republican tax bill
Hawaiʻi’s leadership is mobilizing to mitigate the effects of a newly passed Republican tax bill that will strip health care and food assistance from thousands of vulnerable residents.
Office of Hawaiian Affairs budget shows commitment to strengthening Native Hawaiian community
“To fulfill the bold goals we’ve set in education, health, economic resilience and housing, we need both strong programs and strong people,” said Office of Hawaiian Affairs Chief Executive Officer Stacy Ferreira. “This budget ensures we have both.”
‘Homecoming’: Voyaging canoes Hōkūleʻa, Hikianalia arrive in French Polynesia
The double-hulled wa‘a stopped first in Taputapuātea, revered as the ancestral homeland and spiritual center of Polynesian voyaging, and now are anchored off Papeʻetē, Tahiti. They are expected to spend about a month in French Polynesia before continuing on their Moananuiākea Voyage around the Pacific Ocean.
All island waters now under watchful eyes of state Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement marine patrols
While land-based Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement officers supplement the work of the marine patrol units as needed, it’s up to the oceangoing patrols to be on the water regularly. Marine patrol units are now active on are now active on O‘ahu, Maui, Kaua‘i and Hawai‘i Island.