Hawaii

Governor Josh Green signed a bill extending Hawaii's statute of limitations for bribery from six to nine years to allow more time for investigations and prosecutions.

Larry Millete was found guilty of first-degree murder in the disappearance of his wife Maya Millete, who has been missing since January 2021. Her family remains seeking closure until her body is found.

Affordable Care Act Marketplace insurers are proposing a median premium increase of 14% for 2027, marking the second consecutive year of double-digit hikes. The expiration of enhanced subsidies, rising healthcare costs, and regulatory changes are cited as reasons, while enrollments in Marketplace plans dropped by 2.6 million in February compared to the prior year.

A new law in Hawaii provides financial aid for colon cancer screenings. The law acknowledges existing health plans like HMSA, Kaiser, and AlohaCare that individuals are already using.

Utah built the Endless Surf facility to become the official training center for the US National Surf Team ahead of the 2028 summer Olympics, as Hawaii missed the opportunity. The facility uses technology to create consistent, customizable waves year-round.

Hawaii businesses can now choose to post 'no guns' signs, but the Hawaii Firearms Coalition warns this could discourage customers from visiting. The decision to display such signage may lead to potential financial losses for participating businesses.

Hawaii has implemented a new program aimed at helping thousands of residents eliminate their medical debt through a bill signed into law. The initiative seeks to alleviate the financial burden caused by accumulating medical bills, improving access to quality healthcare.

The Honolulu Civic Center parking structure is undergoing repairs to address spalling, a common issue in Hawaii caused by water intrusion. The damage has already affected cars and poses safety risks if not resolved promptly.

Hawaii is ranked as America's worst state for business in 2026, with its quality of life also experiencing a decline. The state is attempting to address the quality of life issue, but efforts are described as challenging.

The Kawainui Model Airplane Field in Kailua, Hawaii has been paved to provide a smoother runway for model airplanes, aiming to spark interest in the next generation of pilots and engineers.

Hawaii's primary election is scheduled a month away, but concerns are arising about the state's election procedures before ballots are distributed. The article highlights ongoing scrutiny of how Hawaii conducts its elections prior to the voting process.

Hawaii's Campaign Spending Commission voted to refer its complaint against Lieutenant Governor Sylvia Luke to the Attorney General's office for criminal prosecution. The decision was based on significant discrepancies identified by the commissioners.

Obamacare premiums are projected to rise by a median of 14% in 2027, with 77 insurers across 16 states and Washington, D.C., proposing increases. The hikes follow the expiration of enhanced subsidies and rising healthcare costs, leading to fewer healthier enrollees and higher costs for those with incomes above 400% of the federal poverty level.

Obamacare premiums are projected to rise by 14% in 2027, with insurers citing rising healthcare costs and expired subsidies as key factors. The analysis of 77 insurers across 16 states and Washington, D.C., shows most proposing increases between 10-20%, while 20 insurers seek hikes above 20%. Marketplace enrollments have dropped by 2.6 million since February 2023.

Health insurance premiums for Affordable Care Act Marketplace plans are projected to rise by a median of 14% in 2027, with no proposed decreases. Insurers attribute the increases to rising healthcare costs, expired subsidies, and regulatory changes. The analysis by the Peterson Center on Healthcare and KFF reviewed 77 insurers across 16 states and Washington, D.C.

The YMCA provides swim programs for all ages and abilities in Hawaii to address the state's second-highest residential drowning rates. These initiatives aim to reduce drowning incidents through accessible water safety education.

Obamacare premiums are projected to rise by a median of 14% in 2027, with insurers citing rising healthcare costs and expired subsidies as key factors. A report by the Peterson Center on Healthcare and KFF found 77 insurers across 16 states and Washington, D.C., proposing increases, with none requesting decreases. Marketplace enrollments have dropped by 2.6 million since last year.

The Mega Millions jackpot has reached $604 million for Friday's drawing after no winner in Tuesday's draw, marking the 11th time the jackpot has exceeded $600 million since 2002. The cash option is $266 million, and ticket prices increased from $2 to $5 in 2023. The lottery is played in 45 states, DC, and USVI, excluding Alabama, Alaska, Hawaii, Nevada, and Utah.

Hawaii's grassroots activists are protesting against the RIMPAC military exercise. Over the next month, 30 nations will participate in biennial training involving ships, submarines, and aircraft in Hawaiian waters.

Governor Josh Green signed two laws in Hawaii to combat tobacco use, including a ban on disposable electronic devices and increased oversight of ESDs and e-liquids.

Ikaika Anderson, a candidate for the Office of Hawaiian Affairs At-Large Trustee, emphasizes honoring Hawaiian culture and ensuring beneficiaries can afford to live in Hawaii.

Governor Josh Green signed a bill into law that will prohibit the purchase of disposable electronic smoking devices in Hawaii starting next year. The ban is set to take effect in 2027.

Legislators in at least six states have approved measures to address patient medical debt, including capping interest rates, delaying debt collection, and prohibiting wage garnishment. The United States of Care think tank reported these legislative trends, highlighting laws in Indiana, Louisiana, Maine, Oregon, Washington, and Hawaii aimed at reducing financial burdens from medical care.

Hawaii passed a law redefining corporations to exclude their power to spend money in elections, effective 2027, with Montana pursuing a similar ballot measure. The approach aims to counter the Citizens United ruling by redefining corporate rights at the state level, as federal efforts to overturn the decision have failed.

The University of Hawai'i Cancer Center has opened the Ho'ōla Early Phase Clinical Research Center, which will provide cutting-edge cancer treatments and clinical trials to residents, reducing the need for out-of-state treatment costs.

Kelsey Pfendler, a Grand Canyon river rafting guide, completed a record-breaking solo row from California to Hawaii in under 44 days, breaking both women’s and men’s speed records for the 2,400-mile journey. She shared her experience via social media and emphasized the mental and physical challenges of the trip.

Legislators in six states have passed laws to address medical debt, including capping interest rates, restricting debt collection practices, and requiring hospitals to inform patients about financial assistance programs. A report by United States of Care highlights these measures as part of broader efforts to alleviate patient financial burdens.

Kelsey Pfendler, a Grand Canyon rafting guide, became the first American woman to row solo across the Pacific, breaking both women's and men's records for the route. She completed the 2,400-mile journey in just under 44 days, arriving in Hawaii from California.

Kelsey Pfendler, an American rower, completed a record-breaking solo journey from California to Hawaii in just under 44 days, surpassing both women's and men's speed records for the 2,400-mile trip. She documented her challenges and experiences through social media updates during the voyage.

Kelsey Pfendler, a Grand Canyon river rafting guide, completed a record-breaking solo row from California to Hawaii in under 44 days, surpassing both previous women’s and men’s speed records for the 2,400-mile journey. She launched from Monterey in May and broke the Ocean Rowing Society International and Guinness World Records, which previously listed 86 days for women and 52 days for men.

India’s P-8i maritime patrol aircraft is participating in the RIMPAC exercise in Hawaii. The exercise aims to provide training opportunities and foster cooperative relationships among participants to ensure maritime safety and security.

The FAA is working to reintroduce supersonic flights in the U.S., which could reduce flight times by half and mitigate past issues with sonic booms. Hawaii is highlighted as a potential beneficiary of this development.

Hawaii has become the first state to fund savings accounts for foster children, aiming to provide them with a stronger foundation as they transition into adulthood.

A former Party City store is rebranding as Party Hawaii and shifting its focus to local products. The store remains a popular destination for party shopping.

A beloved Hawaii clothing store has closed after operating for a decade, falling victim to the retail apocalypse. The store's shutdown highlights ongoing challenges in the retail sector.

The U.S. Supreme Court upheld laws in 27 states restricting biological males from women's sports, but 19 of 23 remaining states allow transgender athletes in girls' sports. California and Illinois defend their state laws protecting transgender athletes, while Hawaii complies with existing policies. A lawsuit against California's AB 1266 law, which permits transgender students to compete consistent with their gender identity, is ongoing.

21 students graduated from Kapiolani Community College's paramedic program, addressing staffing shortages in Hawaii's emergency medical services. The program aims to strengthen EMS capabilities on the islands.

Legislators in six states have approved measures to address patient medical debt, including capping interest rates, delaying debt collection, and prohibiting wage garnishment. Hawaii's bill awaits a governor’s signature, while other states consider similar policies to reduce financial burdens on patients.

Hawai'i has implemented safety measures for the Fourth of July, with a focus on preventing wildfires. The article highlights that wildfires are a preventable natural disaster.

Legislators in six states have approved measures to address patient medical debt, including laws capping interest rates, prohibiting wage garnishment, and requiring hospitals to inform patients about financial assistance programs. Hawaii's bill awaits a governor's signature, and other states have introduced similar legislation.