Uncategorized
UH medical training, research get $2.2M boost from Helmsley Charitable Trust
The grants — one to University of Hawaiʻi Cancer Center for the new groundbreaking Ho‘ōla Early Phase Clinical Research Center and the other to John A. Burns School of Medicine to upgrade simulation and training resources — reinforce Helmsley’s commitment to strengthening health infrastructure and workforce capacity in Hawaiʻi.
New independent measurements of universe expansion rate deepen cosmic mystery
New results — which were made using a variety of ground and space-based telescopes including W. M. Keck Observatory on the Big Island — strengthen the “Hubble tension,” a cosmic disagreement that could point to new physics governing the universe.
Financial Ally Goal Achiever title earned by Hawai‘i Green Infrastructure Authority
Better Buildings & Better Plants partners saved more than $24 billion in energy costs to date, and financial allies extended $41 billion for projects that improve energy performance.
Key Hirono-led provisions included in FY 2026 defense bill passed by U.S. Senate
The fiscal year 2026 National Defense Authorization Act includes more than $1.1 billion for infrastructure in Hawai‘i and includes language encouraging the U.S. Army to fully develop and communicate plans for leased training lands — such as those at Pōhakuloa on the Big Island.
Football-field-sized balloon launched over Antarctica to solve mystery of dark matter
Unlocking the mystery of dark matter would help to get a grasp on what most of the universe is actually made of and potentially reveal fundamental new physics that could revolutionize the understanding of how everything works.
Anti-hunger, public health groups: New restrictions on SNAP translate to higher costs, fewer choices
With nearly 1 in 3 Hawai‘i families already not able to get enough food, the organizations say the real barrier to healthy eating is affordability, not banning sugary products.
Kauaʻi County and two SWCDs honor 2025 Water Conservationists of the Year
This yearʻs winners were GoFarm Hawai’i for its hands-on training program for farmers and Iwikua for educating youth.
Registration for 2026 Spring Basketball League begins Dec. 29
The league is open to boys and girls in fifth through eighth grade; registration closes Jan. 9, 2026.
Hawai‘i State Energy Office launching new training program to build energy workforce
The new Training for Residential Energy Contractors program, going live in January 2026, will provide hands-on instruction and nationally recognized certifications for contractors, builders and tradespeople throughout Hawai‘i.
State reminds households to use $250 food support funds before they expire
Any unused Hawaiʻi Emergency Food Assistance Program balance cannot be carried over or reissued in 2026 and will be expunged at the end of the year.
Volcano Watch: Highlighting the hazards after 1 year of Kīlauea’s episodic summit fountaining
Visitors to Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park on the Big Island, where the volcano is located, see remarkable views during the episodic eruptions within the summit, but the latest episode — No. 38 — reminds us how quickly hazards associated with this dynamic activity can change.
State senator denounces expanded federal travel ban slated to go into effect New Year’s Day
“The expansion of the travel ban is as a political distraction, diverting attention from real homeland security concerns like human trafficking, drug smuggling and organized crime,” said Oʻahu state Sen. Jarrett Keohokalole, chairman of the Hawaiʻi Senate Commerce and Consumer Protection Committee.
Lane closures scheduled in early January 2026 for Haleko Road, Pua Loke Street
The lane closures are scheduled from Jan. 5-9, 2026, weather permitting and are necessary for geotechnical subsurface exploration and improvements to Haleko Road.
Flood advisory issued for entire island of Kauaʻi as heavy rainfall moves onshore
National Weather Service radar indicated at just before 9 p.m. that rain — falling at 1 inch per hour with some embedded heavier showers possible — moving ashore from the south and west.
UH-Mānoa sophomore, Big Island resident returns from 2-week Antarctica expedition
Waikōloa native and graduate of Kealakehe High School Eric Pōmaikaʻi Gee was one of two Villars Institute Fellows selected for the Ice Station Expedition, a 2-week mission that took place this month; he now will begin sharing lessons from the expedition through school visits, community presentations and public outreach.
Hawaiʻi Pacific Health, Kamehameha Schools reaffirm commitment to improve Hawaiʻi’s well-being
The two organizations renewed a partnership that started 6 years ago aimed at working collaboratively to leverage their collective strengths in health care and education to create healthier communities throughout the state.
Case introduces measure to strengthen economic partnerships with Pacific Islands
The U.S. congressman from the state’s 1st Congressional District, which encompasses all of Honolulu, says his bill responds directly to the goals of Pacific Islands in regard to economic advancement and stronger ties with the United States.
Unsettled, wet weather to persist through today, possibly into part of Friday
Kaua‘i County remains under a flood watch until 6 p.m. today, but that could be extended, according to National Weather Service forecasters in Honolulu; high surf advisory for north, west shorelines of the island and Ni‘ihau also remains in effect, as well as a small craft advisory for waters around the Garden Isle, with seas of 10 to 12 feet forecast.
Hawai‘i State Federal Credit Union now accepting 2026-27 scholarship applications
The credit union has $100,000 in scholarships available; deadline to apply is Feb. 26, 2026.
Turf wars: New UH research finds tiger sharks vs. seabirds cause habitat shifts of other sharks
“This study highlights the far-reaching impact of seabirds, showing they can shape the movements of top predators like tiger sharks, which then ripple through the entire food web,” said principal investigator at Hawaiʻi Institute of Marine Biology Shark Lab and study co-author Carl Meyer.
