Latest Hawaii state government News

Youth in Hawaii took on the state government over climate change. A historic settlement has emerged

Jun. 21, 2024 12:41 PM EDT

HONOLULU (AP) — Thirteen children and teens in Hawaii took the state government to court over the threat posed by climate change. Now they're celebrating a settlement that emphasizes a plan to decarbonize Hawaii's transportation system in the next 20 years. It's the latest example...

Community foundation takes stock with millions in Maui Strong funds still to spend

Jun. 20, 2024 14:54 PM EDT

Almost a year after the Maui wildfires, half of the money from Hawaii’s largest recovery fund has been spent, with the major portion going to interim housing projects. As of June 14, $103 million from Hawaii Community Foundation’s $194 million Maui Strong Fund had been awarded. ...

Republican AGs ask Supreme Court to block climate change lawsuits brought by several states

May. 24, 2024 16:03 PM EDT

Republican attorneys general in 19 states have asked the U.S. Supreme Court to block several Democratic-led states from pursuing climate change lawsuits against the oil and gas industry in their own state courts. The unusual request comes as dozens of states and local governments...

Hawaii is known for its macadamia nuts. Lawmakers want to keep it that way

Apr. 29, 2024 01:34 AM EDT

HONOLULU (AP) — For decades, tourists to Hawaii have brought home gift boxes of the islands’ famous chocolate-covered macadamia nuts for friends and family, but these days many of the kernels in the package might not be Hawaii-grown. This little-known fact is surfacing at the...

Hawaii lawmakers take aim at vacation rentals after Lahaina wildfire amplifies Maui housing crisis

Apr. 21, 2024 18:06 PM EDT

HONOLULU (AP) — Amy Chadwick spent years scrimping and saving as a single mother of two to buy a house in the town of Lahaina on the Hawaiian island of Maui. But after a devastating fire leveled Lahaina in August and reduced Chadwick's home to white dust, the cheapest rental she and her...

Hawaii Supreme Court chides state's legal moves on water after deadly Maui wildfire

Apr. 18, 2024 20:49 PM EDT

HONOLULU (AP) — The Hawaii attorney general's office must pay attorney fees for using last year's Maui wildfire tragedy to file a petition in “bad faith” that blamed a state court judge for a lack of water for firefighting, Hawaii's Supreme Court ruled. It seems the state...