News from November 2024


Ten new deputy sheriffs join Hawaii's Department of Law Enforcement

The Department of Law Enforcement (DLE) has officially welcomed ten new deputy sheriffs in a graduation ceremony held at the DLE's Training Services Division in Iwilei.


Hawai'i updates rules on hemp processing and product sales

On November 26, 2024, Governor Josh Green approved changes to the Hawaiʻi Department of Health's administrative rules concerning hemp processing and manufactured hemp products.


Hawai'i amends rules on hemp processing allowing low THC in gummies

On November 26, 2024, Governor Josh Green approved changes to the Hawaiʻi Department of Health's (DOH) administrative rules concerning hemp processing and manufactured hemp products.


Bryan Chin honored with Suzanne Richmond-Crum Award on World AIDS Day

The Hawai‘i State Department of Health (DOH) Harm Reduction Services Branch has announced Bryan Chin as the recipient of the 2024 Suzanne Richmond-Crum Award.


Precautions urged for bird rescuers amid avian flu detection on Oʻahu

Avian influenza strain H5N1 was identified in backyard birds on Oʻahu on November 15, 2024.


Bryan Chin receives 2024 Suzanne Richmond-Crum Award for HIV service contributions

The Hawai‘i State Department of Health (DOH) Harm Reduction Services Branch has announced Bryan Chin as the recipient of the 2024 Suzanne Richmond-Crum Award.


Hawaii prepares for statewide siren and alert system test on December 2

The Hawaii Emergency Management Agency (HI-EMA) has announced the upcoming monthly test of the all-hazard Statewide Outdoor Warning Siren System.


Avian influenza detected in wild duck on O‘ahu’s North Shore

The National Veterinary Services Laboratories has confirmed a case of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in a wild duck on the North Shore of O‘ahu.


Outreach efforts increase as young monk seal frequents Hawai'i Island harbor

A young Hawaiian monk seal, named Keaka, has been frequenting the Honokōhau Small Boat Harbor on Hawai‘i Island.


Committee advances study on designating Lahaina as national heritage area

The Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee has moved forward with the Lahaina National Heritage Area Study Act, a bill introduced by Senator Mazie K. Hirono and Representative Jill Tokuda.


DHHL awards largest agricultural lot offering in decades

The Department of Hawaiian Home Lands (DHHL) has awarded 68 agricultural lots on Hawaiʻi Island, marking the largest offering of its kind by the department since the late 1980s.


Hirono addresses judicial confirmations amid Trump's second term

U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono, a senior member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, has issued a statement regarding judicial confirmations.


Hawaiʻi DLIR launches new UI call center with enhanced language support

The Hawaiʻi Department of Labor and Industrial Relations (DLIR) is set to launch a new Unemployment Insurance (UI) Call Center on November 25, 2024.


Hawaiʻi code challenge awards $18K in prizes at annual event

Nine teams from high schools, colleges, and professional backgrounds secured $18,000 in awards at the ninth Hawai‘i Annual Code Challenge (HACC) held on November 16 at the University of Hawai‘i West Oʻahu.


State urges military personnel to claim refunds from Harris Jewelry settlement

The Hawai‘i Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs Office of Consumer Protection is calling on service members and veterans who were misled by Harris Jewelry to file claims for refunds.


Hawaiʻi investigates human contacts linked to H5N1-infected flocks

The Hawaiʻi State Department of Health (DOH) is currently investigating human contacts related to a flock infected with the H5N1 virus.


Judge M. Kanani Laubach receives Meritorious Service Award from Hawaiʻi County Bar Association

Third Circuit Deputy Chief Judge M. Kanani Laubach has been recognized by the Hawaiʻi County Bar Association with the Meritorious Service Award.


Hawai'i extends rental aid for Maui wildfire survivors beyond February 2025

The Hawaiʻi Emergency Management Agency (HI-EMA) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) have announced an extension of the rental assistance program for Maui wildfire survivors.


Discussion explores queer justice history in Hawaii

A virtual discussion titled "Kaulike No Nā Mea A Pau: Toward Queer Justice in Hawaiʻi" is set to take place on Monday, November 25, 2024, from noon to 1 p.m. (HST) via Zoom.


Women's prison opens new fitness center through collaborative efforts

The Women's Community Correctional Center (WCCC) in Kailua has opened a new fitness center named "Ho‘ōla," following a dedication ceremony and blessing on November 21, 2024.