Hawai‘i News
State briefs for May 21: Search begins, new executive, another Zippy’s and supporting recovery
A quick look at news happening throughout the state and beyond.
Update: High surf advisory canceled for Kauaʻi
The National Weather Service said the surf along all east facing shores has dropped below advisory levels.
Diplomats experience Mauna Kea on Big Island through science, culture
The visit, coordinated through the U.S. Department of Defense’s annual Defense Attaché Orientation Program, gave the 50-some diplomats a chance to learn how University of Hawaiʻi researchers and international partners help drive some of the world’s most important astronomical discoveries.
Schatz co-introduces bipartisan legislation to help bring more doctors, surgeons to Hawai‘i
The need for general surgeons is especially high in rural and other underserved communities; there is a 14% shortage of surgeons in Hawai‘i overall, with Hawai‘i Island alone at a 40% shortage, forcing many residents to travel off-island to receive care they need.
Draft Statewide Long-Range Land Transportation Plan now available online
Public comment sought on draft state plan and Kauaʻi regional plan; plans provide comprehensive framework to guide transportation investment, policy and decision-making.
Kauaʻi among National Geographic’s 15 best places in the world for food right now
It’s not just any Hawaiian food that got the Garden Isle — along with Oʻahu and Maui — on this list, it was saimin, and Hamura Saimin in Līhuʻe is a perfect place to get your hands on a bowl of the piping hot, slightly salty noodle soup.
Federal jury convicts Kaua‘i man on child pornography charges following 4-day trial
The 40-year-old remains in police custody pending his sentencing hearing scheduled for Sept. 3.
Researchers advance blood test for aggressive form of breast cancer
A multi-university team — including University of Hawaiʻi Cancer Center — developed a simpler way to find and track inflammatory breast cancer.
Briefs for May 20: School menus, trauma-informed care training, vaping and mental health
State agencies work together to expand locally sourced school meals, the first cohort of state employees are certified in trauma-informed care and research discusses the effects of vaping on mental health.
Briefs for May 19: State seeks input on future wildfire policy, state employee earns national honor, advocates energized by Green Fee
State seeks public input for future wildfire recovery policy, state Director of Communications earned a national award and advocates celebrate the effects from the Green Fee.
More than $322K in federal grant funds secured by state, University of Hawaiʻi for plant pathogen, biosecurity projects
Hawaiʻi Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity officials say the projects to be funded with the federal grant dollars are intended to help move Hawaiʻi toward a more proactive, technology-driven biosecurity framework capable of addressing increasingly complex global agricultural threats.
Return to Japan: Traditional voyaging canoe Hōkūleʻa to make Japan stops in 2027
Polynesian Voyaging Society traditional Hawaiian voyaging canoe will visit the island nation for the first time in 20 years; dates will tentatively be from April to September next year as part of the Moananuiākea Voyage
Two professors at Kauaʻi Community College honored for excellence
Mark Ombrello, assistant professor of history, and Brian Yamamoto, professor of natural sciences, were among the 25 members of the University of Hawaiʻi faculty to receive top awards.
2026 University of Hawai‘i at Hilo Coaches Hawaiian Islands Tour underway
This week’s remaining clinic schedule includes a stop by the Vulcans coaches Thursday, May 21, at Kapa‘a High School on Kaua‘i.
State announces Opportunity Zones 2.0 Market Activation Summit convenes June
Local leaders, developers, investors and community stakeholders are invited to attend the upcoming summit and can register now.
Business briefs for May 18: Defending enforcement, summer service, Servco honors, Hele stations fundraiser, bill dies
A quick look at business-related news stories from throughout the state.
Hawaiʻi briefs for May 18: University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa grads, funds released, changing up the menu, Filipino migration
A brief look at several stories from throughout the state.
100 years of summer sessions at University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa celebrated with ‘He Lei Hoʻokahi’
Special restaging of 2026 Merrie Monarch Festival Hōʻike performance also honors Kumu Hula Darrell Lupenui.
Summer culinary training available for Hawai‘i high school students
Deadline to apply is May 29 for Cohort 22: Culinary Foundations through partnership between Culinary Institute of the Pacific and Culinary Institute of America; but don’t wait, seats are limited.
Upcoming open house to detail Kauaʻi’s landfill expansion project
The open house will update the community about the Kekaha Landfill Cell 3 vertical expansion project, which would expand landfill capacity upward within the existing landfill area.
