Seth Colby, who previously served as the chief state economist, will be the next director of the State Department of Budget and Finance, starting in less than two weeks.

Hawaiʻi avoided the worst impacts of a recent marine heat wave in the North Pacific. But with marine heat waves occurring more frequently, it may not be long before the next major disaster strikes Hawaiʻi's coral reefs.

In just over two weeks, Australia will ban the use of most social media platforms for anyone under the age of 16. HPRʻs Bill Dorman has more in todayʻs Asia Minute.

Journalists Sophie Cocke and Janice Gin spoke to The Conversation's Catherine Cruz about a new report, “Hawaiʻi's News Desert: Overcoming a Threat to Democracy and Civil Engagement.”

Jen Akiyoshi and Bao Tran of Giovedì in Chinatown spoke to HPR contributor Sarah Buchard about being named in Bon Appétit magazine as one of the 20 best new restaurants in the country.

The Kauaʻi Police Commission has picked its new chief of police, though the selection process has been criticized by the state’s police union. At a meeting on Friday, the commission made a conditional offer to Rudy Tai, one of four finalists.

The preferred location for the hub is a privately owned plot of land directly north of the Puna Kai shopping center, off of Pāhoa Village Road and Kahakai Boulevard.

The state’s 2024 solve rates of violent crime rose slightly from 2023 to 40%. But it’s still below the national average.

Disney’s trailer for the live-action “Moana” movie is out. But the reveal of the actress's hair has sparked debate about the representation of Pacific Islander hair in film. HPR’s Cassie Ordonio reports.

Kauaʻi Coral Restoration Nursery at Nōmilu Fishpond is the island's new and only coral nursery, housing its first coral specimens that will contribute to reef restoration and emergency response.