Office of Hawaii Governor
Recent News About Office of Hawaii Governor
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Café Duck Butt reopens after fixing violations cited by Hawai‘i health department
The Hawai‘i Department of Health (DOH) Food Safety Branch recently allowed Café Duck Butt to reopen after addressing previous food safety violations. The establishment, located at 901 Kawaiahaʻo Street in Honolulu, was initially given a red placard and ordered to close on October 8 due to a power outage that affected the refrigeration of food.
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Unruly passenger arrested by deputy sheriffs after flight disturbance
Deputy Sheriffs from the Department of Law Enforcement took action this morning at Daniel K. Inouye International Airport. They arrested a passenger on United Airlines flight #1175 following reports of an in-flight disturbance.
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Hawai'i establishes inaugural LGBTQ+ commission
The state of Hawaiʻi has established a new advisory body aimed at enhancing its relationship with LGBTQ+ citizens, as per HRS 369. This newly formed commission is one of the few in the United States and includes eight voting members. It operates under the Department of Human Services.
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Hawaii's Department of Law Enforcement launches anonymous gun tip line
The Department of Law Enforcement (DLE) in Honolulu has introduced a Gun Tip Line to allow the public to anonymously report illegal gun ownership and gun-related crimes. DLE Director Jordan Lowe stated, "The Gun Tip Line offers another way the public can assist law enforcement in protecting our neighborhoods." He emphasized that unregistered or stolen guns, as well as firearms in the wrong hands, are frequently used in criminal activities with potentially tragic outcomes. Lowe urged the community, "if you see something, send something to the Gun Tip Line and help us make...
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Marriott settles $52M over Starwood database breach affecting millions
The state of Hawai‘i Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs Office of Consumer Protection has announced a settlement with Marriott International, Inc. regarding a significant data breach affecting the Starwood guest reservation database. This settlement is the result of an investigation conducted by a coalition of 50 attorneys general. The Federal Trade Commission also reached a parallel agreement with Marriott.
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Hawai‘i honors pioneers in closing digital divide with inaugural innovation awards
In a ceremony held during National Digital Inclusion Week, the first-ever Digital Equity Innovation Awards (DEIA) recognized 18 individuals and organizations in Hawai‘i for their efforts to bridge the digital divide. The awards, organized by the Hawai‘i Broadband and Digital Equity Office (HBDEO), were presented in collaboration with the state Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism (DBEDT), the Broadband Hui, Pacific International Center for High Technology Research (PICHTR), county governments, and nonprofit community access television providers.
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Federal grant aims to reduce maternal mortality in Hawaiʻi
The Hawaiʻi Department of Health (DOH) has been awarded a federal grant totaling $1.475 million aimed at reducing maternal mortality in the state. This funding, which amounts to $295,000 annually over five years, will support the efforts of the DOH and the Hawaiʻi Maternal Mortality Review Committee (HMMRC). The committee is responsible for identifying and reviewing pregnancy-related deaths and exploring prevention opportunities.
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Attorney general launches online resource for assisted community treatment petitions
The Department of the Attorney General in Honolulu has introduced a new online resource aimed at assisting individuals involved in filing assisted community treatment (ACT) petitions. This initiative is designed to aid those with severe mental health or substance abuse issues who may pose a danger to themselves or others.
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Conservationists release ʻalalā on Maui after decade-long preparation
Two female and three male ʻalalā, bred in captivity, have been released into the wild on Maui. The birds have spent the last ten months forming a social group to help them adapt to their new environment. Conservation teams are hopeful that this bond will aid in their transition. Dr. Hanna Mounce explained, “When you put birds in a captive environment, even though you’re trying to give them enrichment and care for them the right way, they are not doing all the things they need to do in the wild. They have to relearn those behaviors that came generations before them.” Each bird...
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Demolition nears completion at Uncle Billy's Hilo Bay Hotel
The demolition of the once renowned Uncle Billy’s Hilo Bay Hotel is approaching its conclusion. Originally built in the mid-1960s, the hotel was condemned by Hawai‘i County in 2017 due to public safety and health concerns. Since then, it has faced numerous arson incidents and issues with squatters, contributing to its deteriorated state.
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Work furlough inmate goes missing from OCCC
A work furlough inmate has been reported missing from the Oahu Community Correctional Center (OCCC). The individual, Fleetwood, was due for a parole hearing in December 2024. However, he now faces a second-degree escape charge. This charge is classified as a Class B felony and carries a potential penalty of up to five years in prison if convicted.
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Hawai‘i declares October as Cybersecurity Awareness Month
Governor Josh Green has declared October as Cybersecurity Awareness Month in Hawai‘i, emphasizing the state's role in identifying and responding to cyber threats. Governor Green stated, “Cybersecurity Awareness Month aims to increase the understanding of cyber threats and empowers the public to be safer and more secure online.” He highlighted the importance of raising awareness about cyber risks and promoting safe online practices.
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Hawaii introduces online tools for streamlined unemployment insurance processing
The Department of Labor and Industrial Relations (DLIR) has introduced new online tools to assist employers with unemployment insurance processes. The State Information Data Exchange System (SIDES) is designed to help businesses manage their unemployment insurance claims more efficiently.
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Precision agrees to $27 million settlement over false claims and kickback allegations
Precision, a national toxicology laboratory, has agreed to pay $27 million to settle allegations of submitting false claims and engaging in illegal kickbacks related to urine drug testing (UDT). The allegations covered the period from January 1, 2013, through December 31, 2022. It was claimed that Precision conducted UDTs that were not medically necessary for diagnosing or treating illnesses or injuries.
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Community events promote infant safe sleep awareness in Hawaii
The Safe Sleep Hawai‘i webpage offers referral links to community organizations collaborating with the Department of Health (DOH). The Parent Line provides resources and information related to parenting, including free online safe sleep workshops. It will host a Community Baby Shower on Saturday, October 5, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Child & Family Service ‘Ewa Community Center located at 91-1841 Fort Weaver Road. Expectant and new parents with babies up to six months are invited to attend this free event for food, giveaways, resources, and fun. Interested participants can...
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Nine inmates graduate from mental health technician program
A recent graduation ceremony celebrated nine inmates who completed educational programs while in custody. Director Johnson addressed the graduates, emphasizing the importance of character and change. "We all make mistakes in life but the content of our character is better defined by what we do after that," he stated. He encouraged the graduates to continue their educational journey and pursue new opportunities.
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Crackin' Kitchen in Honolulu closed by DOH due to water backup
The Hawai‘i Department of Health (DOH) Food Safety Branch has issued a red placard to Crackin’ Kitchen in Honolulu, leading to its immediate closure. The restaurant, located at 2330 Kalākaua Ave. Unit 318 and operated by TS Grasp Inc., was shut down due to water backup in the kitchen.
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Mokulua Nui shoreline access restored; visitors reminded of wildlife viewing guidelines
The monk seal pup, named Kaʻiwa by students at the Kaʻōhao Public Charter School in Kailua, has weaned from its mother and is now venturing out to sea independently. As Kaʻiwa or other monk seals may return to Mokulua Nui or nearby coastlines, residents and visitors are advised to observe monk seals and other native wildlife from a safe distance. The National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) suggests using the “rule of thumb” for determining a safe distance: extend your arm with a thumbs-up gesture parallel to the ground. If your thumb covers the entire...
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Wahiawā lake event offers free boat rides with registration
The Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) has announced that the "Day at the Lake" event will take place on October 5, 2024. Participants can enjoy boat rides at no cost, but these are available on a first-come, first-served basis. On-site registration and waivers are mandatory for all boat riders.
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Hawai‘i declares October as "Stop the Ant Month" against invasive ant species
The Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) has declared October as "Stop the Ant Month," focusing on detecting and controlling invasive ant species in Hawai‘i. DLNR Chair Dawn Chang, who also co-chairs the interagency Hawai‘i Invasive Species Council (HISC), emphasized the significance of this initiative.