Governor of Hawaii
State Government: Agencies/Departments/Divisions | State Departments
Recent News About Governor of Hawaii
-
Hawai‘i governor issues emergency proclamation after Kaua‘i helicopter crash
On July 12, 2024, the Office of the Governor of Hawai‘i issued an emergency proclamation in response to a helicopter crash on Kaua‘i. The press release from the Governor's office confirmed that the proclamation aims to expedite recovery and relief efforts following the incident.
-
Board denies Ohana Kayak Rentals request for contested case hearing
The board’s unanimous April 26 decision will stand. Jensen and Ohana Kayak Rentals are responsible for a $35,000 fine in addition to the prohibition of permits for 24 months.
-
Hawaiʻi concludes non-congregate sheltering program aiding wildfire victims
The state of Hawaiʻi has announced the successful conclusion of its Non-Congregate Sheltering (NCS) program, which provided essential shelter and assistance to 7,796 individuals and 3,071 households displaced by the Lahaina wildfires. Managed by the state and the American Red Cross (ARC) with funding from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), this program played a crucial role in recovery efforts.
-
Local artists invited to apply for climate change action residency
The Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) has announced a call for local artists to participate in a Climate Change Action Residency. This initiative aims to raise awareness about climate change through the intersection of art, science, and policy.
-
Hawai‘i Department of Agriculture opens micro-grant applications for food security
The Hawai‘i Department of Agriculture (HDOA) has announced that it is now accepting applications for the Micro-Grant for Food Security Program (MGFSP). This marks the fourth year of the program, which aims to support small-scale gardening, herding, and livestock operations to enhance 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, funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture under the 2018 Farm Bill.
-
Hawaiʻi DOH awards emergency air ambulance service contract for Maui County
The Hawaiʻi State Department of Health (DOH) Emergency Medical Services and Injury Prevention System Branch (EMSIPSB) has announced the issuance of a Notice of Award to REACH Air Medical Services, LLC. This award follows a competitive procurement process for emergency helicopter aeromedical ambulance transport services in Maui County.
-
Hawaiʻi DOH urges parents to schedule well-child visits for seventh graders
The Hawaiʻi Department of Health (DOH) is urging parents of students entering seventh grade to schedule a well-child visit as soon as possible. Hawai‘i law mandates that all students submit official documentation to their school indicating they have received the required vaccinations and undergone a physical exam before the first day of school.
-
Authorities monitor avian flu risk in Hawaii amid mainland outbreaks
State and federal agencies are closely monitoring H5N1, the influenza A strain associated with highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), which has infected dairy cows in multiple states and four individuals who worked with the infected animals. Authorities assure residents that pasteurized milk or cheese is safe to consume, while raw milk should be avoided due to potential virus presence.
-
Hawai‘i DCCA releases disciplinary actions for licensed professionals through June 2024
The state Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs (DCCA) and its respective state Boards and Commissions have released a summary of disciplinary actions taken through June 2024 on individuals and entities holding professional and vocational licenses in Hawai‘i. These actions are based on either the results of contested case hearings or settlement agreements submitted by the parties involved. Settlement agreements are entered into as a compromise to claims and to conserve expenses associated with administrative hearings.
-
Governor signs historic bills providing significant reforms across multiple sectors
On June 3, Governor Green signed HB 2404 (Act 46, SLH 2024) into law, providing significant tax relief to Hawaiʻi’s working families. This legislation represents the largest income tax cut for working families in the state’s history. It increases the standard deduction and amends the tax brackets by eliminating the lowest brackets and lowering the tax rates for all brackets.
-
Hawai‘i Island advisory councils seek new members
Advisory council members provide guidance to the DLNR and the USFS on issues related to management, research, education, and public access in the Hawaiʻi Experimental Tropical Forest and other state lands. The Laupāhoehoe Advisory Council (LAC) focuses on state lands in the Hāmākua District (Laupāhoehoe Natural Area Reserve and Forest Reserve), while the Puʻuwaʻawaʻa Advisory Council (PAC) is focused on state lands in North Kona, including the PWW Forest Reserve, PWW Forest Bird Sanctuary, and Kīholo State Park Reserve.
-
Gun buyback program scheduled for August 8, 2024
There is no limit on the number of firearms turned in, but individuals will be limited to receiving a maximum of three gift cards total. The locations will accept both working and non-working firearms. Non-firearms will not qualify for the gift cards.
-
Hawai'i DOH launches campaign promoting healthy lifestyles to combat Type 2 Diabetes
The Hawaiʻi State Department of Health (DOH) has initiated a public service announcement campaign to encourage individuals with prediabetes to adopt healthier habits, aiming to prevent the onset of Type 2 diabetes. The initiative urges the public to take the Prediabetes Risk Assessment and consult healthcare providers for further testing. For those with blood glucose levels in the prediabetes range, participating in lifestyle change programs such as the Beat Diabetes Prevention Program can significantly reduce the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes.
-
Wailoa Small Boat Harbor dredging commences following expedited approval
Dredging at Wailoa has become a critical concern for Hawai‘i Island boaters after the Pohoiki ramp was surrounded by lava during the 2018 Kīlauea eruption. The Division of Boating and Ocean Recreation (DOBOR), responding to community input, expedited the contracting, permitting, and design process. This could only commence once the legislature appropriated funding and Governor Green released those funds.
-
AG Lopez offers consumer protection after Change Healthcare cyberattack
HONOLULU – Attorney General Anne Lopez is highlighting consumer protection measures and raising awareness about free credit monitoring and identity theft protection services available following Change Healthcare’s data breach in February. In April, Attorney General Lopez, along with other attorneys general, sent a letter to UnitedHealth Group, Inc., the parent company of Change Healthcare, urging them to take significant action to protect providers, pharmacies, and patients affected by the breach.
-
Gov. Green signs ten bills into law and issues seven vetoes
On July 9, 2024, Governor Green finalized his veto decisions and signed ten bills into law. Among the newly enacted laws are HB1936, which mandates collective bargaining for securing mooring lines to commercial docks; HB2581, which removes the power of the Governor or a mayor to suspend electronic media during emergencies; and HB2526, which increases penalties for unauthorized driving of motor vehicles.
-
Governor Green signs bills enhancing crime prevention and public safety
On July 9, 2024, Governor Green signed 17 bills aimed at enhancing crime prevention, public safety, and improving law enforcement. Among the key pieces of legislation is SB2197, which expands the definition of "advance gambling activity" to include various forms of material aid to gambling activities. This includes creating gambling games, maintaining equipment, and managing financial operations. The Act emphasizes the responsibility of those with control over premises used for gambling and includes a repeal and reenactment clause effective July 1, 2029.
-
Hawaiʻi governor signs budget prioritizing healthcare, environment, education
Governor Green has signed a balanced financial plan and budget, focusing on key priorities for Hawaiʻi. The budget aims to enhance the state's health care systems, preserve the environment, invest in education, and support long-term recovery efforts for Maui.
-
Hawai'i extends free pesticide disposal program to Lāna‘i
The Pesticides Branch of the Hawai‘i Department of Agriculture (HDOA) is extending its free pesticide disposal program to the island of Lāna‘i in August. Lāna‘i farmers and other commercial users of pesticides may safely dispose of canceled, suspended, unwanted, or unlabeled pesticides, but pre-registration is required.
-
Hawaiʻi Department of Agriculture awards grants for coconut rhinoceros beetle control
The Hawaiʻi Department of Agriculture has announced the awarding of community grants aimed at controlling the coconut rhinoceros beetle (CRB) and managing green waste on the islands of Kaua‘i, Maui, and O‘ahu. The total funding for these two grant programs amounts to approximately $293,000.