Hawaii News
UH study: Dramatic transformation of El Niño because of climate change could reshape weather worldwide
Projections show an abrupt shift within the next 30 to 40 years from irregular El Niño-La Niña cycles to highly regular oscillations, characterized by more dramatic fluctuations in sea surface temperature.
School campuses, properties throughout state now have new regulations for e-bikes
Hawai‘i Department of Education says it made the decision to implement new regulations governing the use of these popular modes of transportation on its sites out of safety concerns for students.
Hawaiʻi federal court rules that restrictions on medication abortion are unlawful
In a Oct. 30 ruling, U.S. District Judge Jill Otake found the FDA’s restrictions on mifepristone, a medication abortion pill, to be medically unnecessary and in violation of federal law.
Flags ordered at half-staff in honor of late US Vice President Dick Cheney
The 46th vice president of the United States and Lincoln, Neb., native died Nov. 3 from what the Associated Press reports his family said in a statement was complications of pneumonia and cardiac and vascular disease. He was 84 years old.
Aloha United Way connects residents to assistance through state helpline as demand soars
Aloha United Way helpline typically handles about 150 calls a day, but that number has risen to over 850 contacts in one day from residents seeking assistance due to the federal government shutdown.
Hemp retailers, distributors must register business with state of Hawai‘i starting in January
The registration requirement takes effect on Jan. 1, 2026. A registration fee of $50 is good for five years.
Native Hawaiians may receive $6.1 million in relief for impacts from federal government shutdown
If the Office of Hawaiian Affairs Board of Trustees votes for the aid, about 14,000 Native Hawaiians could qualify for $350 payments, while another 1,000 furloughed federal workers may be eligible for $1,200 in assistance.
Rep. Ed Case appoints new Hawai‘i district director
Kekoa Kaluhiwa follows Jacqueline Conant, who retired after 25 years of federal government service, including 11 years in Case’s Congressional office.
University of Hawai‘i joins national AI project to better monitor volcanoes, wildfires, more
The $25.6 million initiative, called Sage Grande, is being led by the National Science Foundation. As part of the work, experts will be placing 300 advanced sensor systems in locations across the country to monitor the environment and provide faster warnings for natural disasters such as wildfires, floods, and volcanic eruptions.
Big Island’s Iconic Ali‘i Drive changed forever after loss of 80-foot tree
The demise of the tree began on Oct. 24, when one of its overarching branches broke in the middle of the night.
Coast Guard cutter arrives at new homeport in Honolulu after restorative maintenance
The crew of Coast Guard Cutter Hollyhock (WLB 214) arrived at their new homeport in Honolulu Oct. 14 after 806 days of restorative maintenance.
UH study: 19-year life expectancy gap among major ethnic groups in Hawaiʻi
The updated analysis — published in the Hawaiʻi Journal of Health and Social Welfare — shows that while the state continues to rank among the nation’s healthiest, Native Hawaiians and other Pacific Islanders continue to face the greatest disparities.
Alaska Airlines working with global firm to complete comprehensive audit of tech systems
President and Chief Executive Officer Ben Minicucci explained Alaska Air Group — of which Hawaiian Airlines is a subsidiary — is making the move to strengthen its infrastructure and ensure long-term system reliability following recent IT challenges.
University of Hawaiʻi Institute for Astronomy researchers crack mystery of solar rain
Research by institute first-year grad student Luke Benavitz and institute astronomer Jeffrey Reep add a missing piece to decades of solar models to explain how cooler, denser blobs of plasma fall back down to the sun after forming high the coronae.
Clinics, enrollment remain open for Women, Infants and Children program during gov’t shutdown
Clinics throughout the state are fully operational, continuing services and accepting new applications.
Moonlight Companies recalls its yellow and white peaches
State health officials say Listeria monocytogenes — which can cause listeriosis, a serious and sometimes fatal infection — was potentially identified in the packing facility environment.
Usual monthly outdoor siren test slated statewide at beginning of next week
All statewide outdoor warning sirens once again will sound a 1-minute steady tone during the normal monthly test; there will be no exercise or drill accompanying the test.
Gov. Josh Green honored on ‘TIME100 Climate’ list for impactful leadership
Green was honored by TIME100 Climate list for his pioneering efforts in transforming Hawaiʻi into a sustainable model through innovative policies.
During uncertainty with SNAP funding because of federal government shutdown, Kauaʻi steps up to fill in the gap
In response to the looming suspension of SNAP benefits amidst the ongoing government shutdown, Kauaʻi food banks are bracing for a surge in demand, with Hawai’i Governor Josh Green announcing a statewide $250 emergency relief payment to assist those affected.
Hawai’i providing state funding to fill gap for 160,000 adults, kids about to lose federal food assistance
Hawai’i Gov. Josh Green also announced state funding to help needy families with utilities and housing for the next few months.
