Hawai‘i News
Hawaiʻi Legislature Keiki Caucus introduces 2026 bill package, focused on 5 priorities
Proposed measures address a range of critical issues, including expanding access to free school meals, strengthening responses to youth mental health challenges, prohibiting flavored nicotine products, establishing regulations for e-bikes and improving family court processes for youth involved in the child welfare system.
Option to pay fee for TSA ConfirmID coming to Hawai‘i airports for travelers without REAL ID
TSA ConfirmID enables travelers to verify their identity before arriving at the security checkpoint, for a $45 fee, with the process typically taking 10 to 15 minutes, though it could require 30 minutes or more in some cases.
UPDATE: U.S. Coast Guard, partners search for missing man off Kauaʻi beach
Matthew Kai’mana Packard-Asai was last seen Wednesday (Jan. 28) fishing on the rocks near the northern point of Kahili Beach in Kīlauea. The 19-year-old is about 5-foot-7, with black hair and wearing a black hat, black shorts and black shirt.
Salad of locally sourced veggies gives Hawai‘i students chance to ‘taste the rainbow’
The hue-tiful menu item highlighted the continued farm-to-school efforts by Hawaiʻi Department of Education and its commitment to student wellness.
2026 American Academy of Pediatrics keiki immunization schedule endorsed by West Coast Health Alliance
The 2026 annual update to the immunization schedule was based on a thorough and deliberate review of medical evidence; these recommendations continue to thoughtfully consider specific disease risks and health care delivery in the United States.
Southwest rolls out major changes in Honolulu, including assigned seating
Assigned seating went live Tuesday (Jan. 27) in Honolulu and throughout Southwest’s network, opening the book to the airline’s next chapter; the change followed the final Southwest open seating flight from Honolulu and a gate celebration the night before.
WATCH: Day of remembrance, action hosted at state Capitol, showing Aloha to Alex
The vigil, organized by American Civil Liberties Union of Hawaiʻi, Hawai‘i Coalition for Immigrant Rights and The Legal Clinic Hawai‘i, honored the life of 37-year-old Alex Pretti of Minneapolis, who was killed last week by federal agents, and spurred communitywide support for bills to protect due process and Hawaiʻi residents.
Registration open for 2026 court interpreter orientation workshops
Freelance court interpreters are paid a minimum $35 an hour; completion of the 2-day workshop is required.
Hawai‘i December 2025 unemployment remains unchanged at 2.2%
The number of nonfarm jobs available throughout the state also increased by 7,400 from December 2024 to December 2025.
New state Kaiapuni Education priority placement process to support growing demand
Interim guidance from Hawaiʻi Department of Education sets clearer, statewide approach as long-term Hawaiian language immersion program planning continues.
National report ranks University of Hawaiʻi 2-year colleges among best for affordability
The university’s commitment to keeping education within reach is most evident at its community colleges, which received a “Leading” rating for affordability, with the index finding that the average 2-year student in Hawaiʻi needs to work only 9 hours per week to cover the net price of attendance, while low-income students require just 6 hours per week.
Hirono meets with students, advocates, local businesses on O‘ahu
Purpose of the Hawai‘i Democrat’s visits was to discuss Impact of federal funding and consequences of President Donald Trump’s policies
Hawaiʻi Keiki Caucus to introduce 2026 legislative package to state lawmakers
Hawaiʻi Keiki Caucus — established in 1994 — is a bipartisan collaborative effort among state legislators, community leaders and youth-centered organizations dedicated to advancing policies that improve the lives of Hawaiʻi’s young people.
Reminder: Deadline nears to apply for upcoming Project Hoʻomana cohort
The 3-month business development program from February through April designed to support Native Hawaiian micro and small business owners with tools, guidance and mentorship focused on branding, marketing and business growth.
Overnight closures planned for Kūhiō Highway near Hanalei Bridge beginning Feb. 2
Transportation officials said the closures are needed to reconstruct existing pavement on the Hanalei side of the bridge.
Gov. Josh Green outlines plans to meet Hawaiʻi’s challenges during 2026 during State of State address
With the State of Hawaiʻi having to try to make up for billions in federal cuts and actions to maintain services, Gov. Josh Green said he proposes no changes to tax cuts in 2026 but would ask to pause cuts for 2027-2029.
Kahu ʻĀina projects bridge culture, conservation throughout Hawaiian Islands
Hawai‘i Tourism Authority invests in locally driven initiatives that heal, restore and reconnect people with place.
USDA seeks sponsors to provide meals for keiki while school’s out for summer
Schools, public agencies, churches and private nonprofit organizations can apply to be Summer Food Service Program sponsors; organizations receive reimbursements for serving healthy meals and snacks at approved sites to children and teenagers, 18 years old and younger.
Updated leadership in Hawaiʻi House of Representatives named for 2026 state legislative session
Members of the Kaua‘i House delegation will be taking leadership roles on the House floor and in committees, including House Speaker Nadine Nakamura and Majority Floor Leader Dee Morikawa.
Cink wins his first Mitsubishi Electric Championship at Hualālai on Big Island
“I wanted to come out here this year and start hot and not work my way into the season,” said reigning Charles Schwab Cup winner and PGA TOUR Champions Player of the Year Stewart Cink after his victory in the tour’s 2026 season opener.
