Hawai‘i News
Recovery from kona low storms gets boost with Trump OK to major disaster declaration
“I’m grateful to the president and FEMA for acting quickly to approve our request because it immediately unlocks the federal resources we need to support response and long-term recovery in our state,” said Hawaiʻi Gov. Josh Green.
50th anniversary of Hōkūleʻa’s maiden voyage to Tahiti celebrated by Polynesian Voyaging Society
A series of storytelling, educational initiatives, musical performances and fundraising efforts throughout this year will reflect on the legacy of the voyage and its enduring impact.
National grant provides $400K to expand Direct2UH initiative, simplifying path to college
Building on the success of Direct2UH — the direct admissions initiative launched in October 2025 that offers free entry to Hawaiʻi public high school seniors based on their grade-point average — the grant will fund a unified admissions system with enhanced outreach and guidance.
Report: Natural gas offers modest gains, big risks for Hawaiʻi energy costs
University of Hawaiʻi Economic Research Organization’s report finds that while natural gas is often far cheaper than oil on the mainland United States, Hawaiʻi faces higher costs because the fuel must be cooled, shipped across the ocean and converted back into gas.
University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa grad programs earn national recognition
Ten programs are in the nation’s top 50, and an additional 17 are in the top 100, as ranked by the 2026 U.S. News and World Report’s Best Graduate Schools.
2 new members appointed to University of Hawai‘i Board of Regents, pending Senate confirmation
The Board of Regents is responsible for overseeing the 10-campus UH system, including policy direction, financial oversight and long-term strategic planning.
Kauaʻi County Council to consider resolution recognizing ocean lifeguards as first responders
The Hawaiʻi State Legislature also is currently considering similar resolutions that would give open water lifeguards the same rights, resources, training support and professional respect accorded to first responders.
‘How Clinical Trials Save Lives’ workshop emphasizes benefits to patient care, research
Free event at University of Hawai‘i Cancer Center also marks 1-year anniversary of Susan C. Hirano Cancer CARE Community; in-person and Zoom options available.
University study shows traveling tropical disturbance increases Hawaiʻi rainfall in cycles
This weather pattern, called the Madden–Julian Oscillation, was identified by researchers in a recent study that showed the pattern travels eastward through the tropics every 30–60 days and significantly boosts rainfall during its active phases, particularly on windward slopes.
The 63rd annual Merrie Monarch competition in photos
Photo galleries summarize a weekend of hula, moʻolelo and Hawaiian culture during Merrie Monarch in Hilo.
What word did Līhuʻe’s Ethan Irimata spell to be crowned Hawaiʻi spelling bee champion?
A Hawaiʻi Technology Academy eight-grader earned a trip to Washington, D.C., to compete in the national Scripps National Spelling Bee in May.
U.S. Coast Guard wraps monthlong Pacific operation covering 4,000 nautical miles
The U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Oliver Henry has returned to Guam after a 29-day mission in the western Pacific, enhancing tsunami warning capabilities and delivering essential humanitarian aid.
Gov. Green appoints Michael Ratcliffe as House District 28 representative
Michael “Cov” Ratcliffe will be filling the vacancy created by the appointment of former Rep. Daniel Holt, beginning tomorrow to November 2026.
University of Hawai‘i Giving Day raises more than $1.3M for scholarships, flood relief, campus needs
With final totals still being reconciled, the results reflect a strong show of donor engagement across the state, according to a news release from the University of Hawai‘i.
Big Island’s Rhoda Magbitang tests her creativity on national TV’s ‘Top Chef’
The executive chef at the Mauna Lani resort’s CanoeHouse is taking on one of the biggest creative challenges of her career as she competes with other high-level chefs in Season 23 of the popular national television show.
Apply today for Cohort 8 of Cottage Industry to Commercial Enterprise Scholarship program
The Hawaiʻi Ag & Culinary Alliance program is a partnership between the alliance in partnership with the state, Leeward Community College in Honolulu and Wahiawā Value-Added Product Development Center in Wahiawā; it is aimed at taking value-added products from concept to business plan and pitch in just 12 weeks.
Hawaiʻi joins global partnership aimed at improving public health emergency response
Hawaiʻi Gov. Josh Green said as a premier international travel destination, the Aloha State occupies a strategic position at the crossroads of Asia, the Pacific and continental United States, so “it is certainly in Hawaiʻi’s interest to help safeguard the health and well-being of our neighbors and frequent visitors to our islands.”
Plan for the future: Attend next GoFarm Hawaiʻi webinar to learn about farm succession, more
Participants will be introduced to key concepts in farm succession planning, including family and non-family transition options, tools for transferring land and farm businesses as well as resources available to Hawaiʻi farmers and landowners.
State reminds businesses to file second quarter business reports
The annual report filing period is related to the business entity’s registration date and can be filed at any time during the quarter in which the filing is due; second quarter reports must be filed by midnight June 30.
Hawai‘i Restaurant Association calling for Hall of Fame, Restaurant Industry Awards nominations
If you know someone who is cream of the crop and deserves 5-star recognition, now is your chance to nominate them for Hawai‘i Restaurant Association’s 2026 Hall of Fame and Restaurant Industry Awards.
