Hawaii News
Sen. Schatz announces passage of appropriations deal, securing billions in new federal funding for state
The U.S. Senate passed the first half of a bipartisan appropriations deal on Friday, Mar. 8, which aims to deliver billions in federal funding for critical programs that benefit Hawai‘i.
Portion of Olohena Road in Wailua to close Monday under modified hours
The road closure is necessary for the bridge replacement at Konohiki Stream.
Merrie Monarch Festival tops leaderboard for Best Cultural Festivals in USA Today 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards
Cast your today to keep the Big Island festival that celebrates hula and everything Hawaiian at No. 1. Voting ends March 18.
Kaua‘i weekly lane closures: March 9-15
Lane closure schedules may change at any time without further notice. All projects are weather permitting.
February was dry on Kauaʻi, especially west of Port Allen
The U.S. Geological Survey rain gauge on top of Mount Waiʻaleʻale had the highest monthly total of 24.95 inches, or 102% of average, and the highest daily total of 3.42 inches Feb. 5.
Hanalei nonprofit wants to transform former church into housing for teachers, lifeguards
The sale of the property on Kūhiō Highway closed only two weeks ago, when a local supporter of The Hanalei Initiative cut a $4.6 million check to buy it.
Boaters urged to slow down, keep safe distance from marine wildlife after deaths of young dolphin, humpback calf
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration is urging vessel operators to slow down and enjoy marine wildlife from afar.
Kaua‘i Community College nursing program among top in nation
Three UH community colleges had 100% of their practical nursing program students pass the National Council Licensure Examination on their first attempt in 2023.
‘Ele‘ele man pleads not guilty to allegedly biting a nurse at a Kaua‘i hospital
A 22-year-old ‘Ele‘ele man has pleaded not guilty after he allegedly bit a nurse last November. Chay Ramirez has been charged with second degree felony assault.
No measles outbreaks reported in Hawai‘i despite rise in cases in U.S. states
As of Feb. 29, 41 cases were reported in several states: Arizona, California, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Louisiana, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Jersey, New York City, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and Washington.
Senate ways and means committee advances bills on wildfire recovery, agriculture, more
The Committee on Ways and Means continues to support bills that aid the people of Maui, and the survivors and victims of the August 2023 wildfire.
Hawai‘i House of Representatives reaffirms commitment to protecting marriage equality
A new bill seeks to repeal a portion of the state constitution, which grants the Legislature the authority to reserve marriage to opposite-sex couples.
National foundation to gift three Hawai‘i schools $100,000 fitness centers
“This … is a wonderful opportunity and will be an even bigger blessing for our keiki who attend the selected schools,” said Gov. Josh Green.
Hawai‘i lawmaker secures nearly $400M in earmarked federal funds for state nonprofits and projects
U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) secured $394 million in new congressional-directed spending, also known as earmarks, in the first half of this year’s government funding bill.
One Kaua‘i hālau hula participating in this year’s Merrie Monarch hula competition
Twenty-two hālau hula are participating this year. Hālau Ka Lehua Pua Kamaehu, under the direction of Kumu Hula Kasie Puahala Kaleohano & Brandi Nohelani Barrett, is the only Big Island group participating in this year’s competition.
Mālama Kaua‘i, Moloa‘a farmers open ʻĀina Center to increase local food production
The $3.2 million food hub serves the Moloa‘a Irrigation Cooperative, a hui of farmers tending more than 600 acres on the island’s North Shore.
Blessing marks start of forest bird field season for conservationists on Garden Isle
Hawai‘i Gov. Josh Green and Kaua‘i Mayor Derek Kawakami each proclaimed 2024 as Makahiki o Nā Manu Nahele, or The Year of the Forest Birds. That recognition and Friday’s blessing are giving encouragement and hope to teams working to save the birds.
Regulatory costs drive up cost of new condos in Hawaiʻi, report shows
The University of Hawaiʻi Economic Research Organization report shows that the costs of regulations account for more than half, or 58%, of the price of a new condominium in Hawaiʻi.
Hawai‘i Unites files appeal in effort to stop release of mosquitoes in East Maui
The environmental nonprofit Hawai‘i Unites has filed an appeal for their case against the State of Hawai‘i Board of Land and Natural Resources and Department of Land and Natural Resources to stop the release of mosquitoes in East Maui and require an environmental impact statement and comprehensive studies of the risks of the project.
University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa extends enrollment deadline
The extension is due to the federal government’s delayed release of financial information to colleges and universities around the country.
