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Several bills advanced by the House Committee on Labor address priorities set by the House Majority at the outset of the 2026 Legislative Session, particularly relating to workforce shortages, preserving the social safety net, and diversifying and strengthening the state’s economy.

US Sen. Mazie K. Hirono joined colleagues in sending a letter to Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., demanding that HHS take immediate action to protect Americans’ uninterrupted access to comprehensive family planning and services by awarding a one-year full funding extension for all current Title X grantees.

Molokai High, Molokai Middle, Kaunakakai Elementary, Kilohana Elementary and Maunaloa Elementary on Molokai will be closed today, March 12, due to flooded roads affecting safe access to the campuses. The schools are notifying staff and students’ families.

The Hawaiʻi House of Representatives on Tuesday adopted bills to modernize and strengthen the state’s criminal justice system. Developed by the House Committee on Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs, the measures focus on increasing fairness, ensuring law enforcement is qualified and well trained, improving transparency and data collection, and promoting better outcomes for individuals and communities.

Native CDFI and nonprofit mortgage lender Hawai‘i Community Lending announced today its board officers and new executive leadership team, including internal promotions as well as new hires. With a depth of experience and resources that extend beyond business into a well of cultural strength, HCL’s people are prepared to bring real solutions to Hawai‘i’s housing crisis.

The County of Maui’s Kepaniwai Park and the State of Hawaiʻi’s ʻĪao Valley State Monument are closed due to the severe weather forecast. Signs are posted below Kepaniwai Heritage Gardens, blocking access for entry.

Low Gravity, a Maui nonprofit dedicated to inspiring joy and fulfillment through creative experiences, announced that tickets are officially on sale for the return of its whimsical production, Circus Lolo – a life-size, live-action cartoon circus parody.

The Kilolani Spa at Grand Wailea, A Waldorf Astoria Resort is celebrating its second anniversary this month, honoring the Kilolani or ancient Hawaiian stargazers who looked to the skies to navigate their course.

The study found paddling connects people to their health, ancestors, environment and sense of purpose.

Hawaiʻi Energy, the state’s energy conservation program, distributed 132 new energy-efficient refrigerators and freezers to Lānaʻi households today through its Appliance Trade-Up Program. 

The $10 billion budget prioritizes investments that support local families, strengthen essential public services, and build long-term resilience for Hawaiʻi’s communities. Funding is directed toward critical areas including health and human services, environmental stewardship, disaster preparedness, public safety, and education.

Hawaiian Electric achieved a 37% consolidated renewable portfolio standard in 2025, marking progress toward the 2030 RPS milestone of 40% — even as the company’s electricity demand grew at the highest rate in over 20 years.

A travel advisory has been issued for Hawaiʻi Airports as severe weather conditions persist statewide. The Hawai‘i Department of Transportation advises travelers to arrive at the airport at least three hours prior to their scheduled departure time for transpacific flights and at least 90 minutes prior to scheduled departure time for interisland flights.

Maui County students in grades K-12 can now submit entries for the annual Maui Matsuri Art Contest for a chance to win cash prizes of up to $100.

The 2023 Maui wildfires were linked to significantly higher levels of depression and anxiety among residents, with impacts extending beyond the burn zones and closely tied to housing and income disruption. That’s according to a new University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa study published March 11 in “JAMA Psychiatry.”

As severe weather from a powerful Kona storm begins blanketing the state, the Hawaiʻi Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs, Insurance Division is encouraging residents to review their insurance policies and take steps now, that can make the recovery and insurance claims process easier after the storm passes.

“Cybersecurity Risk Management and Vulnerability Assessments for Small Businesses” is a free Zoom meeting presented by the University of Hawaiʻi Maui College for sole proprietors and registered businesses in Hawai‘i. It will take place on Wednesday, March 18, 2026, 12–1 p.m. via Zoom. This is the third and final session in a series.

Measures would require helmets for underage riders and bar “exhibition riding” like wheelies and stunts.

Hisako Film Lab, in collaboration with Fuzz Box Productions, hosts its first-ever Fast Kine Maui 4-Day Film Challenge, taking place March 25-29 on Maui.

A powerful and slow-moving kona low northwest of the islands will bring a prolonged period of hazardous weather to the state through the upcoming weekend. Expect periods of heavy rain, bringing the potential for flash flooding, strong kona winds, and strong to severe thunderstorms.