HI Governor Newsroom

Ki'i Kon Series Celebrates Visual Arts with Guest Artist Ron Marz

The Hawai'i State Public Library System announced Ron Marz as featured guest for the Ki'i Kon Series at McCully-Mōʻiliʻili Public Library. The event included a discussion about the comic book industry at Washington Middle School and a book signing. The program, funded by the Friends of the Library of Hawai'i, continues the library's visual arts programming that began in September 2025.

Peak Monk Seal Pupping Season Public Advisory: Maintain Distance from Seals

The Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources issued a public advisory reminding beachgoers that peak monk seal pupping season runs March through August. The DLNR advises maintaining 150 feet from mothers with pups and 50 feet from all monk seals, keeping dogs leashed, and not swimming near mother-pup pairs. The public is encouraged to report sightings to the NOAA Marine Wildlife Hotline at 888-256-9840.

SNAP Hot Food Purchase Waiver Approved Statewide Through May 16

The Hawaii Department of Human Services received federal approval from USDA Food and Nutrition Service for a temporary SNAP waiver allowing households to purchase hot foods with benefits at authorized retailers statewide from April 17 through May 16, 2026. The waiver applies to households impacted by March 2026 Kona Low weather events that caused flooding, power outages, and home damage. Normally SNAP benefits cannot be used for hot or prepared foods.

SNAP Replacement Benefit Deadline April 29 for Hawaii Households After April Severe Weather

The Hawaii Department of Human Services announces April 29, 2026 as the deadline for SNAP households statewide to request replacement benefits for food lost during the April 9-12, 2026 severe weather event. Affected households in Honolulu and Hawaii, Maui, and Kauai counties must submit a signed written statement including participant name, specific date of loss, specific dollar amount, and description of the incident. Households may contact DHS Processing Centers or call 1-855-643-1643 to apply.

DAGS Begins Surveys of Seven State Cemeteries for Land Boundaries

The Department of Accounting and General Services (DAGS) will survey seven state cemeteries over approximately 10 weeks starting April 20, 2026, using drones for aerial imaging to reestablish land boundaries. Surveyors will work at each property between 7:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. The surveys cost $98,999 and are the first step in a cemetery rehabilitation program managed by DAGS' newly created Cemetery Office, established under Hawai'i Revised Statutes §110-1 with a $2.3 million legislative appropriation.

ADC Advances Wahiawā Dam and Irrigation System Acquisition

The Hawai'i Agribusiness Development Corporation board voted to delegate authority to the executive director to finalize negotiations for acquiring the Wahiawā Dam, spillway, and irrigation system. The board also authorized actions to complete the Disposition Agreement for acquiring a portion of the Wahiawā Irrigation System from Sustainable Hawai'i, LLC. Staff will conduct further due diligence and return to the board with a finalized report before the June 30, 2026 deadline in Act 218.

First Coral Outplanting Restores Waikīkī Reef Ecosystem

The DLNR Division of Aquatic Resources completed the first coral restoration outplanting in the Waikīkī Marine Life Conservation District, placing nursery-grown corals from the Hawai'i Coral Restoration Nursery onto the reef flat between the Waikīkī Aquarium and the Waikīkī Natatorium. The 76-acre protected area, established in 1988, prohibits fishing and removal of marine life.

Consumer Alert: Investment Scams on Meta Platforms

The Hawaii Office of Consumer Protection issued an investor alert warning residents about fraudulent investment schemes on Meta platforms including Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp. Scammers are using deceptive ads and deepfake technology to promote pump-and-dump schemes, confidence scams, and cryptocurrency fraud targeting investors. The alert provides detailed explanations of how these scams operate and recommends verification steps before investing.

AG Urges Verify Charities for Kona Low Donations

The Hawaii Department of the Attorney General's Tax & Charities Division issued a consumer alert advising residents to carefully research charities before donating to Kona Low storm and flood relief efforts. The alert provides links to verification resources including the Hawaii AG charity search, IRS Tax Exempt Organization Search, Charity Navigator, and DCCA Business Search. The department recommends verifying fundraiser details regarding fund allocation, fees, timing, and follow-through before donating. Individuals or businesses organizing fundraising events must obtain written consent from the charity and comply with registration requirements.

Governor Green Secures FEMA Presidential Disaster Declaration for Hawaii

The Governor of Hawaii announced that FEMA has affirmed a Presidential Major Disaster Declaration for the state following severe Kona Low storms in March 2026. The declaration authorizes Individual Assistance (IA) and Public Assistance (PA) for the City and County of Honolulu, Hawaii County, and Maui County. Federal funding is now accessible for state and eligible local governments and certain nonprofit organizations to assist with emergency response and facility repairs.

Keith Amemiya and Marie Laderta Appointed to UH Board of Regents

Governor Josh Green appointed Keith Amemiya and Marie Laderta to the University of Hawai'i Board of Regents, subject to confirmation by the Hawai'i State Senate. Amemiya is Senior Vice President at Central Pacific Bank with experience in legal, financial, and education sectors. Laderta has nearly three decades of public service experience including roles as Deputy Attorney General and Director of the Department of Human Resources Development.

Michael Ratcliffe Appointed House District 28 Representative

Governor Josh Green appointed Michael Ratcliffe to serve as Hawai'i State Representative for House District 28, filling the vacancy created by former Rep. Daniel Holt's appointment. Ratcliffe, a labor law attorney, was selected from a list provided by the Democratic Party of Hawai'i pursuant to Hawaii Revised Statutes 17-4 and will serve through November 2026.

DLNR Seeks Community Input for Makawao State Forest Reserve Management Plan

The DLNR Division of Forestry and Wildlife (DOFAW) is seeking community input on a draft 10-year management plan for the Makawao State Forest Reserve on Maui. The draft plan addresses the reserve's history, boundary changes, natural and cultural resources, infrastructure, intended uses, and proposed management strategies. Public comments will help guide oversight of the area for the next decade.

Hawaii AG Releases Annual Firearm Registration Statistics for 2025

The Hawaii Department of the Attorney General released its annual firearm registration statistics report for calendar year 2025. Statewide, 19,364 personal permit applications were processed, a 14.7% increase from 16,879 in 2024, with 95.3% approved, 3.9% voided, and 0.8% denied. The 18,451 permits issued covered 44,401 firearms registered, of which 56.5% were imported from out-of-state and 53.3% were handguns. The report provides additional statistics on permit denials, revocations, and security personnel carry licenses.