Hawai‘i News

Phone scammers impersonating state officials and government agencies make false threats of investigations in an attempt to obtain sensitive personal information.

The annual Nā Leo Hiehie o ke Koʻolau, an annual hoʻokūkū ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi, Hawaiian language speech competition, at Windward Community College on Oʻahu had 120 student participants from kindergarten through high school sharing memorized passages and original speeches delivered entirely in ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi during the event at Hale ʻĀkoakoa (Campus Center), and hundreds of more are registered to participate in upcoming competitions on other islands, including Kauaʻi.

Costco’s Mini Beignets Filled with Caramel are recalled in Hawaiʻi due to undeclared hazelnuts and filberts, posing a severe allergy risk; consumers are advised to check their purchases and return affected items for a refund.

AlohaCare members — or their family members — are eligible to apply; the application period is open through March 16.

Good was was fatally shot by a U.S. Immigrations and Customs Enforcement officer last month in Minneapolis, Minn.; letter emphasizes that the Justice Department’s decision not to investigate represents a broader trend.

The discussion will focus on the national wildfire insurance crisis, triggered by wildfires throughout the United States during the past 5 to 8 years.

Heavy rain is possible as early as Saturday, but most likely Sunday into Monday; flash flooding appears to be most likely for Maui County and the Big Island, particularly windward locations, and strong winds are most likely to impact Kaua‘i and Maui County.

The northwest swell impacting the state is on the downward trend and will continue to slowly lower today. Surf has dropped below warning levels, triggering the earlier warning to be canceled and a downgraded advisory put in its place.

Mālama Honua Home Improvement/Renovation Program is a pilot grant project for income-qualified Native Hawaiian homeowners ineligible for traditional loans because of income or credit limitations.

Hawaiʻi State Judiciary reports people statewide are receiving alleged Department of Motor Vehicles text messages saying that unless payment is made for unpaid traffic citations, the recipient’s driving privileges and vehicle registration will be suspended, and they will be assessed an additional fee.

Commission members serve on a voluntary basis; terms will run 4 years from July 1 through June 30, 2030. Applications are due by Feb. 13.

Published by the University of Hawai‘i Sea Grant College Program, this first-of-its-kind report uses plain language, along with easy-to-interpret maps and figures, to summarize statewide rainfall, temperature, and drought conditions over the past year.

New 2-year pilot program requires mediation before non-payment of rent eviction filings.

The fourth annual Research Day allowed about 100 undergraduate and graduate students, researchers, faculty and staff to share their work with state legislators through informational displays, demonstrations and interactive activities.

The state agency hosted more than 30 in-person and online community listening sessions from September to December 2025 throughout the Hawaiian Islands, allowing residents to share ideas for tourism that preserve cultural, historic and environmental resources, while supporting community well-being, ensuring alignment with each island’s unique identity and values.

From Jan. 27-30, Kawakami joined mayors from across the country to collaborate on shared challenges and national priorities impacting local communities.

The advisory council reviewed over 600 projects worth $2 billion before selecting the final 75 for recommendation, including several measures to improve hazard prevention and awareness after the 2023 Lahaina wildfires.

“The new funding will improve our roads and infrastructure, and provide people with health care, housing and other essential services,” U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz said.

The workshop will take place tonight at the Kauaʻi Community College, OCET 105, from 5 to 7 p.m.

The kiosk is located inside Western Motor Service along Kaumuali‘i Highway and allows motorists to renew vehicle registrations without visiting a central county office.