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Season of connection: Volunteers turn out on first workday of spring for restoration at Hulēʻia refuge
The project focuses on a 5-acre riparian and pūnāwai area that feeds into the broader wetland system and ultimately into Alakoko loko iʻa; it is a key freshwater source that helps maintain the balance needed for the fishpond to function.
Preserving the unique ecosystem of Kaua‘i: Pacific Missile Range Facility, partners again relocate Laysan albatross
The large body and wide wingspan of the native Hawaiian birds can pose a serious threat to pilots and the birds themselves when nesting and flying in airspace surrounding the airfield at the U.S. Navy installation on the west coast of Kaua‘i near Kekaha.
Kaua‘i Police Department honors Desiree Wakuta-Matsuda as Employee of the Month for March
“Every tool our officers rely on in the field is secured and managed through Desiree’s efforts, ensuring our teams have the resources they need to serve the community effectively,” said Kaua‘i Police Department Chief Rudy Tai in an announcement about Wakuta-Matsuda’s award. “For her outstanding contributions, we are honored to name her Employee of the Month.”
Kanu Hawai‘i: Support organizations as funding cuts threaten by volunteering
April is Volunteer Month throughout the nation; recent data show additional federal funding cutbacks are placing unprecedented strain on organizations that provide backbone of support for the state’s social, environmental and educational safety nets.
Visionary Legacy Award recipient is Hawaiʻi State LGBTQ+ Commission vice chairperson
“Michael’s leadership is nothing short of visionary,” wrote Hawaiʻi State Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Plus (LGBTQ+) Commission in a joint statement. “From shaping policy to building community, he has dedicated his life to ensuring that LGBTQ+ people in Hawaiʻi are not only protected but empowered to thrive.”
WATCH: Artemis II mission set to blast off for historic trip around the moon
Launch window opens at 12:24 p.m. Hawai‘i Standard Time — in less than T-minus 30 minutes now — for the first crewed flight in more than 50 years to blast off on a path toward the moon.
Community invited to workshop for Kaua‘i Comprehensive Safety Action Plan
The plan will guide future investments and actions to create safer streets for everyone who walks, drives, bikes or rides transit.
Application period open for Office of Hawaiian Affairs Native Hawaiian food entrepreneur development program
The program is tailored for established, early-stage business owners ready to take the next step in growing their food-related businesses; space is limited, so those interested are encouraged to apply early.
Hawaiʻi inundated in March by 2 trillion gallons of water, triggering historic flooding
Hawaiʻi Mesonet and Hawaiʻi Climate Data Portal data show the accumulated rainfall throughout 14 days in March during back-to-back kona lows reached as high as 3,000% of normal historical levels for this time of year, culminating in a destructive “rain bomb” over Oʻahu.
‘Use Your Voice’ and don your denim: Stand together against sexual violence on Denim Day 2026
“Denim Day is more than a symbol — it’s a collective stand,” said Kauaʻi Committee on the Status of Women member Lori Barrett in the announcement. “When our community comes together, we amplify every voice, support every survivor and send a clear message that Kaua‘i believes, stands with and uplifts one another through awareness and action.”
Legacy Land grants awarded for FY2026
These grants support preservation and protection of lands with natural, environmental, recreational, scenic, cultural, agricultural and historic value, while also providing public access and strengthening partnerships between government and community-based organizations.
14 University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa programs shine in new global subject rankings
“These rankings highlight the exceptional work and commitment of our faculty, students and staff,” said University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa Interim Provost Vassilis Syrmos in a university release. “They showcase the university’s global standing and reinforce that [University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa] offers outstanding educational opportunities and experiences for both our local community and those joining us from around the world.”
New legislation aimed at preventing youth suicide co-introduced by Schatz
Bill funds initiatives to support suicide prevention, train medical professionals In suicide prevention and lethal means safety.
‘North Shore is a resilient community’: Haleʻiwa moves forward after the flood
Visitors are welcome back as shops and restaurants reopen and Oʻahu’s North Shore recovers.
Response to impacts from kona lows continues by Hawai‘i Department of Health
Department will conduct precautionary sampling and testing of nearshore waters — as well as flood-carried mud and sediment — to understand contaminant levels in the environment; personnel also actively monitoring mosquito populations and taking targeted action in impacted areas.
Final event of Sanctuary Ocean Count, Great Whale Count of 2026 koholā season in books
Citizen scientists on Kaua‘i observed 169 humpback whales March 28; a total of 435 whales were observed from shorelines at 37 sites throughout the islands.
Learn how to help endangered waterbirds at family-friendly event celebrating ʻalae ʻula
Only 700 of the Hawaiian common gallinules are left in the world, most on Kaua’i; Pacific Birds Habitat Joint Venture and other sponsors of the upcoming event will share local art, moʻolelo and fun facts about the ʻalae ʻula and how people can help protect it.
WATCH: Find out how far she’ll go this summer in Disney’s reimagined ‘Moana’
New trailer and poster for live-action version of beloved animated film, plus behind-the-scenes featurette highlighting film’s craftsmanship and look at making of ‘Moana,’ are available now.
WATCH: Trump’s attacks on national parks slammed by Hirono on US Senate floor
“This regime — as it attempts to rewrite history all over the place — it’s no surprise that they’ve set their sights on our national parks,” said the Democrat senator from Hawai‘i. “The millions of visitors to our national parks will not get a full picture. Apparently, that is exactly as this regime intends.”
4 nominated for vacant judge post in 5th Circuit Court on Kauaʻi
The post became vacant with the retirement of now-former 5th Circuit Judge Randal Valenciano in October 2025; appointment of new judge will be made by Hawaiʻi Gov. Josh Green.
