General News

One project that will get more attention in the new year in Honolulu is a plan to build a bridge over the Ala Wai canal. The proposal would include room for pedestrians and for cyclists, but not for cars. HPR's Wayne Yoshioka has more on the plans.

As you look ahead to the New Year, maybe you have ambitions to start or grow a business. One resource to consider is help from the federal government and its Small Business Innovation Research Program - or SBIR. But as HPR's Wayne Yoshioka reports, the SBIR requires some homework.

This past April, Kūhiō Highway on Kaua‘i’s North Shore was devastated by heavy flooding. Road repairs are now nearing completion. The state Department of Transportation plans to reopen the highway to the public by the end of January or early February. But HPR’s Kuʻuwehi Hiraishi reports local residents are concerned the coast isn’t ready for the increased traffic.

  When the final numbers roll in for 2018, it's likely to be another record year for visitor arrivals to Hawaiʻi. But as people consider what that sector may look like in 2019 and beyond, there may be a developing niche: medical tourism. Wayne Yoshioka has more.

This holiday season, many are focusing on those less fortunate - who need a little help to get by. For some, that means extra government assistance that goes beyond Social Security. And as HPR's Wayne Yoshioka reports, that includes a growing number of Hawaii's elders - our kupuna.

Flooding and heavy rains in April caused severe damage to the road and natural landscape on Kauaʻi’s North Shore. Access to communities at the end of the road has been limited to local residents for more than eight months. As HPR’s Kuʻuwehi Hiraishi reports, this isolation has allowed the area’s natural resources to rebound.

This week, we're looking back on some stories our reporters did in 2018 that still resonate at year's end. This past spring, HPR's Wayne Yoshioka covered the annual Science and Engineering Fair. And if you want some insights on the value of schools and education, meet some of these students.

Japanese-Americans are more likely to accumulate fat in their liver and abdomen compared to other ethnicities.

A new program will make state documents more accessible to non-English speakers in Hawaiʻi.

The last several miles of road along Kauaʻi’s North Shore remain closed to the public since the April flood. Local residents are limited to commute along one lane of the highway and only during scheduled convoy times. HPR’s Kuʻuwehi Hiraishi hopped on a recent convoy up the coast and filed this report.

What’s ahead for the local economy? This week, Pacific Business News consulted with industry leaders and economists about what 2019 will bring to Hawaii.

A new community-driven initiative on Kaua’i’s North Shore aims to ensure residents have a say in rebuilding their coast after the massive flooding earlier this year. HPR Reporter Kuʻuwehi Hiraishi recently visited the Garden Isle and filed this report.

The 65-year-old aloha shirt company ʻIolani Sportswear has been reinventing itself, including dropping “sportswear” from its name.

Managing our mental health during the holidays can be challenging – there is so much to do, attend and plan. This can leave folks feeling overwhelmed, anxious, stressed and depressed. HPR’s Kuʻuwehi Hiraishi filed this report.

Sudanese singer Alsarah is known for her powerful voice and eclectic mix of what she calls “East African retro pop.” She and her Brooklyn-based band The Nubatones are in Honolulu for a week-long residency at Shangri La. HPR’s Kuʻuwehi Hiraishi has more.

These are busy days for O‘ahu’s Department of Planning and Permitting. There are issues with so-called monster homes and the housing shortage. And there’s new attention on the slow turn-around on building permits.

A group of University of Hawaiʻi faculty, staff, and students is urgingthe University terminate plans for construction of the Thirty-Meter Telescope on Mauna Kea. This comes a little over a month since the Hawaiʻi Supreme Court upheld its decision to allow TMT construction to proceed. HPR’s Kuʻuwehi Hiraishi reports. 

State officials are reminding residents to be vigilant this holiday season.

A Pacific Island weaving tradition that nearly went extinct is now making a comeback. Finely woven Marshallese clothing mats made of lauhala or pandanus leaves were on display this weekend at the Bishop Museum. HPR’s Kuʻuwehi Hiraishi was there and filed this report.

A new book is out celebrating the role of women in the Hawaiian Renaissance movement. Their actions being seen as especially relevant in this #MeToo era of women’s empowerment. HPR’s Kuʻuwehi Hiraishi has this story.

Monday is inauguration day for Governor David Ige’s second term. It’s also the start of the first term for Lieutenant Governor Josh Green — and he has several pretty specific plans.

Vivid images of volcanic eruptions captured the world’s attention this year, but frightened off visitors. 

After fourteen years in the State Legislature, Dr. Josh Green is going to be sworn in as Lieutenant Governor next Monday. Although many consider the Lieutenant Governor’s job to be minimal — change of name, IDs and marriage licenses and such — Green has big plans.

There's a lot happening with sports in Hawaiʻi right now, but industry leaders think there could be more.

Emergency service officials are reminding residents to be safe this holiday season – especially when cooking.

Hawai'i Island and Kona are well known for the Ironman Triathlon, a 140 mile swim, bike run event that takes place each October.  But starting tomorrow, an even more grueling endurance event will begin.

Music streaming services have transformed the way consumers get their music, creating a billion dollar industry. But the pay out to musicians and copyright laws governing this growing industry have lagged. As HPR’s Kuʻuwehi Hiraishi reports, that is about to change.

Coworking spaces are now well-established on O‘ahu. And they’re no longer just an emerging trend — they’re an office space revolution.

Hawai'i Island has had housing shortages for years.  When hundreds of homes were destroyed in the lava flow this spring and summer, that problem got worse. The county government has been taking steps to help — including a housing fair later this month.