General News

The first meeting of a state House advisory committee looking at a possible downturn in the Hawaii economy in the wake of the coronavirus heard what many suspected: the impact is here and it's worse than projected.

“The uncertainty is just enormous as to how long the spread continues,” said Carl Bonham, executive director of the University of Hawaii Economic Research Organization.

NEW YORK — The entertainment industry prepared Thursday for an unprecedented shutdown to curb the spread of the coronavirus, canceling upcoming movies, suspending all Broadway performances and scuttling concert tours until it's safe to welcome crowds back.

See the latest updates for 3/13/20.

The news on the Hawaii front of the coronavirus battle is swiftly changing. Here are live updates on local health, economic and societal impacts from the spread of COVID-19.

HILO, Hawaii — The Federal Emergency Management Agency and Hawaii County agreed on an $82 million damage assessment to be used to repair roads inundated by lava during a massive volcanic eruption.

See the latest updates for 3/12/2020.

The news on the Hawaii front of the coronavirus battle is swiftly changing. Here are live updates on local health, economic and societal impacts from the spread of COVID-19.

Thousands of acres of watershed land in the West Maui Mountains are up for sale and state lawmakers are considering buying the property. 

See the latest updates for 3/11/2020.

The news on the Hawaii front of the coronavirus battle is swiftly changing. Here are live updates on local health, economic and societal impacts from the spread of COVID-19.

Where Hawaii stands

Honolulu's acting city prosecutor is seeking to fill the office for another four years.

Honolulu is the latest city in the country to file a lawsuit against oil companies for the effects of climate change. It joined more than a dozen U.S. cities, states and counties that have taken similar legal action against the fossil fuel industry.

A 93-year-old Native Hawaiian heiress doesn't need anyone to handle her estate because she isn't dead yet, she testified Monday during a hearing to determine whether she needs a conservator to oversee her $215 million trust.

See latest updates for 3/10/2020

The news on the Hawaii front of the coronavirus battle is swiftly changing. Here are the live updates on local health, economic and societal impacts from the spread of COVID-19.

A Honolulu zoning proposal aimed at restricting the installation of energy-producing windmills has received preliminary approval from a city government committee.

A million trees could be planted in Hawaii each year under a proposed program to increase the number of non-invasive trees in the state.

More than $40 million is earmarked in Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell's budget plan to revitalize the Blaisdell Concert Hall.

It's here, Hawaii's first coronavirus case. What happens next depends heavily on the steps taken by local, state and federal officials as the potentially fatal, financially disruptive epidemic infects the islands.

Hawaiian Airlines has announced it will suspend some flights to Japan later this month amid travel fears in the wake of the COVID-19 outbreak.

Updated: 3/7/20, 9:27 a.m.

SAN FRANCISCO  — Thousands of people were confined Saturday to a cruise ship circling in international waters off the San Francisco Bay Area, after 21 passengers and crew members tested positive for the new coronavirus.

As the new coronavirus keeps turning up in more places, health experts say it's wise to prepare for wider spread. But people shouldn't panic or hoard large amounts of supplies, they stress. So what should you do?

Honolulu's police chief plans to use new officers promised by the mayor's latest budget plan to add neighborhood patrols and increase homeless outreach.

Updated: 3/6/2020, 6:02 p.m.

The state of Hawaii has its first case of coronavirus, officials announced Friday. Gov. David Ige said this was not a case of community spread but rather a passenger on the cruise ship Grand Princess who had been on a trip to Mexico. The patient, a resident here, tested positive and is now under quarantine.

PAHOA, Hawaii — U.S. authorities say a tour helicopter made a hard landing and rolled over Thursday in Hawaii.

A judge on Wednesday denied bail for Kauaʻi Council Member Arthur Brun, who will remain in federal custody for now on drug charges. He could be released at a later date. 

The Hawaii House of Representatives approved bills affecting taxes in specific areas and raising the state's minimum wage.