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The DLNR Division of Forestry and Wildlife (DOFAW), in cooperation with the US Forest Service (USFS), is accepting applications for vacant seats on the Laupāhoehoe and Puʻuwaʻawaʻa Advisory Councils on Hawaiʻi Island.

More patients utilized the Medical Aid in Dying program last year than in 2022, according to the 2023 Our Care, Our Choice Act Annual Report, prepared by the Hawaiʻi Department of Health Office of Planning, Policy and Program Development.

Montage Kapalua Bay has announced two key culinary appointments: Behdad Ghofrani as director of food & beverage, and Justin Purpura as executive chef.

Blood Bank of Hawaiʻi is preparing to assist victims of Hurricane Beryl, if needed. BBH is a member of The Blood Emergency Readiness Corps, a coalition of blood centers nationwide committed to being prepared for mass transfusion emergencies here in the islands and across the US. These blood centers collectively pledge to collect additional units […]

The Hawai‘i Department of Agriculture is now accepting applications for the popular Micro-Grant for Food Security Program. This is the fourth year of the grant program which provides support for small-scale gardening, herding and livestock operations to increase the quantity and quality of locally grown food in food-insecure communities. A total of $3,576,470 is available for this year’s program which was provided by the US Department of Agriculture under the 2018 Farm Bill.

State leaders shared condolences with the family of Hawai‘i State Rep. Mark Nakashima, who passed away on July 11, 2024, at the age of 61.

The Hawaiʻi State Department of Health Emergency Medical Services and Injury Prevention System Branch (EMSIPSB) has issued a Notice of Award following a competitive procurement process to REACH Air Medical Services, LLC for emergency helicopter aeromedical ambulance transport services for Maui County. 

The Hawaiʻi State Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation Commission (CCMAC) is seeking four kamaʻāina artists to join its Artist Climate Change Action Residency program. Applications are now open. Deadline to apply is Aug. 25, 2024.

The state of Hawaiʻi announced the successful conclusion of its Non-Congregate Sheltering program, which provided critical shelter and assistance to 7,796 individuals and 3,071 households displaced by the Lahaina wildfires. This program was managed by the state and the American Red Cross (ARC) and funded by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

Maui County officials issued an update shortly before 9 p.m., notifying the public there are NO evacuations called at this time. However, Maui Police Department officers are going through Kula neighborhoods notifying residents to PREPARE to evacuate if necessary and to sign up for MEMA Alerts.

“On the brink of our one-year anniversary of our island’s wildfires, I realize as a community we are experiencing many different emotions, and any fire can be a very concerning and distressing situation for many of us,” Mayor Bissen said. “I want to assure you that the County and the State are collectively working together to maximize resources and most importantly, keep our community safe. The safety of our community is of the utmost importance, and I encourage everyone to remain calm and continue to monitor the situation.”

“It’s distressing to all of us, even if it’s not coming right in our nearest vicinity, it’s still triggering, as it would be for anybody, either in Lahaina or Kula, that went through what we went through last year,” said Melissa James of The Ohana Animal Inn in Kula.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation in Honolulu is seeking information regarding Abigail Bernstein, 33, and her two children, Koa Kai Bernstein, age 11, and Kush Kohole Bernstein, age 8. The family was last seen at Ala Wai Boat Harbor in Honolulu, Hawaiʻi, in October of 2022.

Hikers along the Kalalau Trail witnessed the helicopter crash into the water. Kaua‘i Police Dispatch received the report of the incident at approximately 1:20 p.m. A helicopter with Ali‘i Kaua‘i Air Tours and Charters was involved in the crash, according to authorities. According to a preliminary report, one person was recovered at approximately 2:25 p.m. and confirmed dead, with two others missing. Their identities have not been released.

Hawaiian Airlines flight HA29 from Seattle to Maui, carrying 173 guests and six crew members, experienced an issue with its brakes upon arrival into OGG. An airline spokesperson tells Maui Now that the pilots were able to bring the aircraft to a complete stop on the runway surface, and the aircraft was towed to the gate where guests deplaned. There were no reported injuries.

From July 11- 25, shutterbugs of all levels are invited to enter the Whale of a Photo Contest, a fundraiser for Pacific Whale Foundation. Each submission is accompanied by a $10 donation; multiple entries accepted. All funds raised directly benefit Pacific Whale Foundation Conservation, Outreach, Research and Education programs.

The Hawaiʻi Department of Health is encouraging parents of students who will be entering seventh grade this coming school year to schedule a well-child visit as soon as possible. Hawai‘i law requires that all students submit official documentation to their school indicating that they have received the required vaccinations and undergone a physical exam before the first day of school.

Scientists and kiaʻi loko (fishpond practitioners) have a new tool to aid their efforts to restore and ensure the resilience of Native Hawaiian fishponds. Researchers from the University of Hawai‘i and fishpond stewards in Hilo, are using uncrewed aerial vehicles (UAVs), commonly known as drones, to support integrated coastal zone management, including at cultural heritage sites. The study was published in the Journal of Remote Sensing.    

Island of Hawaiʻi residents are used to feeling the ground shake beneath them. From subtle shakes that feel like wind, to abrupt jolting that knocks dishes off the counter, living on this volcanically active island means accepting that the ground beneath our feet will not always keep still. 

Echoing the need by broadband advocates for digital equity, ʻAuamo Collaborative is relaunching an effort to enhance internet access in Hawaiʻi by seeking input from residents across the state to help determine internet connectivity gaps. To do so, residents are asked to take a high-speed test by visiting here: www.testmyspeedhawaii.com.