Hawai‘i News
Hawaiian Airlines hosts inaugural Aviation Day in Honolulu
About 500 students ages 13 to 18 years old attended the June 20 exploratory event aimed at fostering future generations of aviation professionals.
University of Hawaiʻi has nation’s clean seed lab for Okinawan sweet potatoes, important heritage ʻuala
The center combines advanced tissue culture and diagnostics with strong partnerships among farmers, researchers and cultural practitioners; together, they are laying the groundwork for a reliable, local system for ʻuala and Okinawan sweet potato health.
News in brief from Hawaiʻi for June 21: Monk seal pup relocated, 4th annual Hawaiʻi Made, mental health licensure
A quick look at news happening throughout the state.
Big Island state lawmaker subject of hateful, threatening message on social media
The message, posted the morning of June 16 on Facebook, was attached to an invite by Puna state Sen. Joy San Buenaventura to community members for them to join her for a party June 20 in Kea‘au.
US News and World Report ranks University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa among world’s top universities
Two subjects at the university’s flagship campus on O’ahu also placed in the world’s top 50. Another four were ranked in the world’s top 150.
$75K in scholarships awarded by Hawaiʻi Medical Service Association to 15 Hawaiʻi high school seniors
Kauaʻi High School grad David Braman and Waimea High School grad Brynn Lee Hirata were the 2026 Kaimana Scholars from Kauaʻi County.
June 20 news in brief: Celebrating chefs, cold brew and wine, ‘Hawaiian Soul’ and more
A quick look at news from throughout the state, region and beyond.
First-of-its-kind comprehensive children, youth fiscal map released by state
New resource provides detailed analysis of public investments supporting keiki from prenatal years through young adulthood.
Recent incidents show pattern of increased fuel thefts on Kauaʻi
Kauaʻi police report that recent crimes have involved suspects cutting gas tank lines or drilling holes in gas tanks.
Biweekly update reveals that public corruption case has become more complex
Attorney General Anne Lopez emphasizes the importance of a meticulous approach as public corruption case becomes more complex with more investigation.
Volcano Watch: What is the difference between an eruption and an episode?
Despite having breaks in activity during this ongoing eruption at the Kīlauea summit on the Big Island, monitoring data indicates activity is still elevated and the eruption is not finished, even if we don’t always see lava at the surface.
Antarctic expeditioner, Mānoa undergrad set to join University of Hawaiʻi Board of Regents
Hawaiʻi Gov. Josh Green appointed Eric Pōmaikaʻi Gee, who was born and raised in South Kohala on the Big Island and the only U.S. citizen selected to participate in a 2025 Antarctic expedition led by explorer Robert Swan, to the board, pending confirmation by Hawaiʻi Senate.
Department of Health reports travel-related dengue virus case involving Oʻahu visitor
Department of Health teams are conducting inspections and mosquito control in the affected area despite low risk for local transmission.
Hawaiʻi State LGBTQ+ Commission honored in national report
The commission received national recognition in the 2026 LGBTQ+ State Business Climate Index, published this month by Out Leadership, which highlighted Hawaiʻi’s efforts to foster inclusion and support LGBTQ+ residents and families.
Native Hawaiian adults face mobility challenges earlier in life
Researchers at University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa’s Hā Kūpuna National Resource Center for Native Hawaiian Elders found that 28% of Native Hawaiian adults ages 55 and older reported mobility limitations compared with 17% to 19% of white, Filipino and Japanese adults.
High bacteria levels found at Waiʻoli Beach Park
The Department of Health is retesting a water sample from Waiʻoli Beach Park after finding unusually high bacterial levels.
Native Hawaiian civic engagement efforts to expand through Office of Hawaiian Affairs for 2026 elections
Office plans statewide congressional debate and trustee candidate forums.
Advanced deep-sea technology helps document first live observations of iconic goblin shark
The University of Hawaiʻi oceanographers have recorded the elusive goblin shark in its natural deep-ocean habitat, extending the known depth and ranges of this “living fossil” across the Central Pacific.
Nara Organics recalls infant formula due to potential contamination linked to infant botulism
There is a potential contamination by Clostridium botulinum in Nara Organics’ powdered infant formula products that are sold nationwide at Target stores and through direct-to-consumer sales online.
From Hawaiʻi to the world: Brothers soaring together at Alaska, Hawaiian Airlines
Aviation is more than a career for brothers Kaʻimi and Kekumu “Kumu” N. — it’s a shared journey that connected them across skies, time zones and two beloved brands they represent.
