Governor of Hawaii
State Government: Agencies/Departments/Divisions | State Departments
Recent News About Governor of Hawaii
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ATG News Release: 2024-16 BOARD OF LAND AND NATURAL RESOURCES PREVAILS ON APPEAL IN EAST MAUI WATER CASE
The Hawaiʻi Board of Land and Natural Resources has emerged victorious in an appeal related to the issuance of revocable permits for water diversion in East Maui to Central and Upcountry Maui.In a statement, Deputy Attorney General Melissa Goldman, representing the BLNR, expressed satisfaction with the outcome, emphasizing the importance of agencies making policy decisions within their areas of expertise. She stated, "We are pleased with the result, which recognizes that agencies acting in their field of expertise make policy decisions in our system of government."BLNR...
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DOH Announces RFPs for Ground Ambulance Services for Kaua‘i and Maui Counties
HONOLULU – The Hawaiʻi Department of Health (DOH) has revealed a Request for Proposals (RFPs) for Comprehensive Emergency Medical Services (EMS) for 911 Ground Ambulance Transport for Kauaʻi and Maui Counties. The RFPs come from DOH’s Emergency Medical Services and Injury Prevention System Branch (EMSIPSB) and have been introduced to replace the previously canceled RFPs from October 23, 2023, after concerns were raised.Hawai‘i State Health Director Kenneth S. Fink commented on the matter stating, "While it was never the intent of DOH to reduce the qualifications of...
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Gov. Green Signs Emergency Proclamation to Aid with Kaua‘i Flooding
In response to the recent flooding crisis on the island of Kaua‘i, Governor Green has taken decisive action by signing an Emergency Proclamation aimed at providing vital assistance to those affected. The proclamation was issued on Apr 12, 2024, underlining the urgency of the situation."The state is taking swift action to support the people of Kaua‘i in the wake of this devastating flooding," stated Gov. Green, emphasizing the government's commitment to aiding the residents of the impacted areas.With the Emergency Proclamation now in effect, resources and aid will be...
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Gov. Green Designates Official State Snails in Hawai'i
HONOLULU – Governor Josh Green, M.D., has signed legislation designating an official state kāhuli, or snail, for each of the main Hawaiian islands, as well as the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands. In a ceremony today at Washington Place, Governor Green signed into law House Bill 1899, which recognizes nine native snail species as state snails."Land snails are among the most threatened creatures in the world, with more recorded extinctions than birds and mammals combined," said Governor Green. He also expressed his hope for the future of Hawaiʻi, stating, "That we have so...
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DOH News Release – Lahaina Coastal Water Quality Reports Confirm Area Safe for Ocean Recreation
The Hawaiʻi Department of Health (DOH) has confirmed that the coastal waters around Lahaina are safe for ocean recreation, based on multiple monitoring activities conducted by state agencies and community partners.Deputy Director for Environmental Health Kathleen Ho reassured the community by stating, "These results provide the community with reassurance that the coastal waters around Lahaina are safe for ocean recreation with no significant human health impacts as a result of the wildfires."The University of Hawaiʻi (UH) principal investigator Dr. Andrea Kealoha...
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DLNR News Release: Fuel Services at Lahaina Small Boat Harbor Being Restored
DLNR News Release-Fuel Services at Lahaina Small Boat Harbor Being Restored, April 11, 2024Fuel services at Lahaina Small Boat Harbor are being restored, following the clean-up and removal of 95 boats, as mentioned by McCall, who stated, "There’s still remnant fire debris in the inner harbor basin." The clean-up effort revealed a significant amount of debris, mainly fiberglass, within the harbor's inner basin. Dredging activities are pending funding availability, with DOBOR collaborating with scientists and health experts to implement best practices for minimizing the...
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DLNR Lifts Temporary Vessel Restrictions at Mala Wharf
On April 10, 2024, the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) announced the lifting of temporary vessel restrictions at Mala Wharf. This decision came after an attorney representing two commercial operators requested the removal of the restrictions.In response to the request, Chair Chang stated, "Please be aware that we are currently working on amending DOBOR administrative rules to implement commercial activity prohibitions on weekends and holidays at Mala Wharf and other boating facilities, similar to the Kāneohe Bay restrictions on O‘ahu." This indicates that...
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DOH Reopens King’s Chinese BBQ 5 After Pest Issue Resolution
The Department of Health (DOH) has announced the reopening of King’s Chinese BBQ 5 following a recent inspection. According to a DOH news release dated April 9, 2024, only two dying roaches were observed on the floor during the follow-up inspection, with no other pest activity detected within or around kitchen equipment.In response to the findings, the food establishment has taken proactive measures by contracting a professional pest control company to conduct weekly treatments for the next month. The DOH will further monitor the establishment's efforts by conducting an...
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Maui Man Facing Multiple Weapons Violations in Makana State Park
Late Thursday afternoon, DOCARE officers heard two distinctive gunshots in the Black Sands area of Mākena State Park on Maui’s south shore. Their investigation revealed that Coats had an outstanding bench warrant, and he claimed to be hunting in the park. Coats was arrested by DOCARE officers and was taken by Maui Police Department officers to the Kīhei police station for booking and processing. Coats has been booked on one violation of Hawai‘i Administrative Rules (HAR), for prohibited use of a firearm in a state park, which is a petty misdemeanor.
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DLNR Conducts Search and Destroy Mission to Combat Non-Native Coral
DLNR's Division of Aquatic Resources is on a search and destroy mission in Anini to combat non-native coral, according to a news release from the DLNR. The operation, which took place on April 4, 2024, aimed to address the threat posed by non-native coral species in the area.The DLNR's efforts are part of a broader strategy to protect native coral reefs and marine ecosystems. By targeting non-native coral for removal, the agency hopes to mitigate the negative impacts these invasive species can have on the local environment.In a statement, the DLNR emphasized the...
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HI-EMA Hosts Governor’s Hurricane Tabletop Exercise
HONOLULU – The Hawaiʻi Emergency Management Agency (HI-EMA) recently organized a Governor’s Hurricane Tabletop Exercise (TTX) in collaboration with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to improve readiness for a potential catastrophic incident. The exercise, held at the Hawaiʻi Convention Center, brought together the state’s top officials to deliberate on coordination and response strategies with a focus on integrating community partners.Governor Josh Green, M.D emphasized the importance of preparedness during the event, stating, "This tabletop exercise is a...
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DOA News release on cattle import restrictions due to avian influenza cases on the mainland
The Hawai‘i Department of Agriculture (HDOA) has announced restrictions on the import of cattle from areas with avian influenza cases on the mainland. The restrictions come in response to highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) detections in livestock in several states, including Texas, Kansas, New Mexico, Idaho, Ohio, and Michigan. In a statement, Sharon Hurd, chairperson of the Hawai‘i Board of Agriculture, emphasized the importance of these restrictions in protecting Hawai‘i's livestock: "The Animal Disease Control Branch has been closely monitoring this situation and...
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Department of Health Allows Pre-Rolled Cannabis Flower Products with Specific Regulations
The Department of Health has recently made amendments to administrative rules, allowing the inclusion of pre-rolled cannabis flower products for medical cannabis patients. According to a statement, this change benefits individuals with limited manual dexterity and those who find inhalation as the most effective delivery method.In addition to pre-rolls, patients in the state also have access to various other cannabis products such as edibles, ointments, and lotions through licensed dispensary retail locations.The amendments put forward by the Department of Health aim at...
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Office of the Governor – Flag Order – Gov. Green Lowers Flags to Honor Last USS Arizona Survivor Lou Conter
Governor Green has ordered the lowering of flags to honor Lou Conter, the last living survivor of the USS Arizona, who was aboard the ship during the attack on Pearl Harbor. In a statement, Governor Green expressed, "We owe a debt of gratitude to Lou Conter and all those who served and sacrificed during that infamous day."The solemn gesture of lowering flags serves as a tribute to Conter's bravery and resilience in the face of adversity. Governor Green's decision to honor Conter in this manner underscores the profound impact of Conter's service and the historical...
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2024-15 SCAM ALERT: SCAMMERS IMPERSONATING ATTORNEY GENERAL INVESTIGATORS
The Department of the Attorney General is issuing a warning to the public following reports of scammers impersonating its investigators. Individuals have reported receiving calls from people claiming to be agents with the Attorney General’s Investigation Division. The scammers aim to deceive individuals by falsely stating that they are under criminal investigation and can avoid arrest by paying a fine through a money transfer phone app.Attorney General Anne Lopez emphasized, "Law enforcement agencies will not call to solicit any form of payment electronically, or by...
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Department of Taxation Reminds Taxpayers of Upcoming Deadlines and Procedures
The Department of Taxation (DOTAX) in Hawaiʻi has issued a reminder to residents and nonresidents regarding the upcoming tax deadlines for both state and federal income tax returns. According to DOTAX, Hawaiʻi state individual income tax returns are due on Monday, April 22, 2024, while the deadline for federal income tax returns is Monday, April 15, 2024.Taxpayers who may not be able to meet the April 22 deadline have the option to request an automatic six-month extension under certain conditions, as explained by DOTAX. The department also encourages taxpayers to consider...
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April Declared Tsunami Awareness Month in Hawaiʻi
In a recent news release by the Office of the Governor, it was announced that April is designated as Tsunami Awareness Month in Hawaiʻi. The statement highlighted the importance of understanding the threats posed by tsunamis and the necessity of preparedness in the face of such natural disasters.Chip McCreery, Ph.D., director of PTWC, emphasized the unpredictable nature of tsunamis, stating, "Tsunamis generated throughout the Pacific Rim of Fire in recent years from Tonga to Japan have left vast devastation in their wakes." McCreery also stressed the significance of...
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State to Host Annual Financial Literacy Fair in Downtown Honolulu
HONOLULU – The Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs (DCCA) Business Registration Division is set to celebrate Financial Literacy Month by hosting its Annual Financial Literacy Fair on Wednesday, April 3, 2024, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Tamarind Park, Bishop Square, in Downtown Honolulu.The informational fair will feature various government agencies and nonprofit organizations to provide the general public with information on saving and investing, insurance, home ownership preparation, credit, planning for retirement, tips on financial fraud prevention, and more....
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Businesses in Hawaii Urged to File Second Quarter Annual Reports Online
Businesses in Hawaii registered in quarter two (April through June) have been reminded to file their annual reports online by June 30, 2024, to avoid late filing penalties. The Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs (DCCA) issued a news release emphasizing the importance of timely filing to maintain good standing.According to the DCCA, LLCs, profit corporations, and LLPs are required to pay $12.50 for filing their annual reports online, while nonprofit corporations are charged $2.50, and partnerships $5.00. Accepted forms of payment include credit card, eCheck, or...
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Aloha i ke Kai Initiative Strengthens Ocean Stewardship in Hawai‘i
The DLNR Division of Boating and Ocean Recreation (DOBOR) has implemented a new initiative called Aloha i ke Kai to foster a stronger relationship between ocean use and stewardship in Hawai‘i. Beginning January 1, over 500 companies with commercial use permits have started collecting a one-dollar fee from each passenger or customer. The collected funds are deposited into an Ocean Stewardship Special Fund managed by the DLNR Division of Aquatic Resources (DAR).DAR Administrator Brian Neilson emphasized the purpose of the fee program, stating, "The fee program is directed...