Hawai‘i News
USDA pilot program to help people in rural American Samoa repair homes damaged by future natural disasters
The homes must be located in eligible rural areas and presidentially declared disaster areas in states selected to participate in the pilot, which includes American Samoa.
As syphilis cases increase throughout Hawai‘i, state urges expanded screening, treatment
The Hawai‘i Department of Health is alerting health care providers throughout the state to be vigilant in screening for cases of syphilis in people who could become pregnant and during pregnancy, and is emphasizing recommendations for diagnosing and treating cases.
Judge rules in favor of state in $1M lawsuit about installation of fire alarm systems at 8 Hawaiʻi public schools
Judge Kevin T. Morikone on June 14 granted a summary judgment in favor of the state on several grounds in a lawsuit filed in 2022 by ʻOhana Control Systems Inc. that asserted 25 separate claims, including that the Education Department breached eight contracts to install fire alarm systems at schools on Oʻahu and Maui.
Big Island observatory aids in discovery of unusual two-faced white dwarf star
There’s a dead star out there in the universe that is double-dealing with its composition. Nothing nefarious, but it is a first for the cosmic family of stars to which it belongs.
Biden student loan forgiveness plan to eliminate more than $90M of student loan debt for Hawai‘i borrowers
The U.S. Department of Education announced Tuesday that nearly 1,700 borrowers from throughout the state are eligible for automatic loan relief.
Big Island telescope plays role in discovery of rare ‘fossil star’ in outer Milky Way
In a groundbreaking study, a team of astronomers — with the help of the Subaru Telescope atop Maunakea on the Big Island — has discovered an ancient star bearing a unique chemical makeup unlike anything ever before observed in the Milky Way galaxy.
Blue Planet Foundation announces the 2023 Hawai‘i Commute Challenge: Go Multimodal
This statewide event, which will run throughout August, aims to encourage residents to experience the variety of sustainable transportation options that Hawai‘i has to offer.
Gov. Josh Green declares State of Emergency for housing crisis; 1 resident leaving Hawaiʻi every 36 minutes
Green’s emergency proclamation, signed on July 17, seeks to expedite the construction of new homes through a slew of measures including appointing a state Lead Housing Officer, creating a working group and streamlining established regulatory processes.
Update: Tropical Storm Calvin now 720 miles east Big Island, forecast to reach Hawaiʻi by Tuesday night
A Tropical Storm Watch is in effect for the Big Island, and a Flood Watch was issued for both Maui County and Hawaiʻi Island, from Tuesday night through Wednesday afternoon.
UPDATE: Officials advise public to prepare for possible impacts of Tropical Storm Calvin
Calvin is now downgraded to a tropical storm with sustained winds of 70 mph as it continues on a west northwest path at 16 mph. It is about 1,360 miles east southeast of Hilo.
Native Hawaiians, Filipinos report lower health, well-being after pandemic
The report shows that those experiencing housing insecurity, food insecurity and poverty were more likely to have been negatively impacted by the pandemic and reported worse physical and mental health.
UPDATE No. 2: Calvin continues churning over open ocean, still on track to move near or over Big Island
The tropical cyclone is now moving slightly faster at about 17 mph and remains over open ocean and on a track that looks to bring it to near or over the Big Island — possibly as a tropical storm — as early as Tuesday next week.
UH researcher is a voice for Hawai‘i residents in cancer clinical trials
Erin Bantum’s research at the University of Hawai‘i Cancer Center focuses on cancer survivorship and better understanding factors related to adjustment of diagnosis and treatment.
Miyasato and Kaua‘i’s Tokioka join Hawai‘i Tourism Authority Board of Directors
Blaine Miyasato is the managing director of state government affairs at Hawaiian Airlines with nearly 40 years of experience in the airline industry. James Kunane Tokioka is the Director of the Hawai‘i State Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism.
UPDATE No. 2: Calvin continues west-northwestward track, remains Category 3 hurricane
The National Hurricane Center in Miami, Fla., says swells generated by Calvin are expected to reach Hawaiʻi shores by early next week and “are likely to cause life-threatening surf and rip current conditions.”
Biden-Harris Administration creates grants for rural business, agriculture in Hawai‘i, Western Pacific
The USDA is making $21 million in technical assistance grants available through the Rural Energy for America Program to help prospective applicants access the program.
Volcano Watch: 200 years of written observations about Big Island volcano, including by Mark Twain
This summer marks 200 years since English missionary William Ellis visited KIlauea caldera with Hawaiian guides and published the first contemporary written observation of the volcano’s eruptive activity.
263 bills signed into law by Gov. Josh Green
As of July 12, Green hosted 18 bill-signing ceremonies covering topics from good governance, affordable housing, destination management at state parks, to protections for victims of domestic violence, traffic safety and cost of living.
Case introduces measures to halt deep-seabed mining until full consequences understood, regulations established
Ed Case said the American Seabed Protection Act will place a moratorium on deep-sea mining activities in American waters or by American companies on the high seas.
Hirono, colleagues introduce bill to fully fund special education
The legislation would ensure Congress fulfills its commitment to fully fund the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act.
