Study finds La Ninas lasting longer, intense El Ninos likely to follow
LIHU‘E — A new University of Hawai‘i study has discovered that La Nina climate events are growing more common and lasting longer, increasing the likelihood of extreme weather events across the globe.
UH brings Red Hill water crisis information hub live
JOINT BASE PEARL HARBOR-HICKAM, O‘ahu — Nearly two years after residents in and around Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam first reported chemical contamination in their tap water, The University of Hawai‘i Red Hill (Kapukaki) Task Force (RHTF) has created an online data center to keep residents up to date on the water crisis’s latest information and resources.
UH-led team helping NASA build most powerful telescope in history
MANOA — A University of Hawai‘i co-led team is assisting NASA in developing a new high-powered space telescope as part of an effort to search for exoplanets, explore infrared astrophysics and unravel some of the universe’s greatest secrets.
UHERO report suggests long road ahead for Maui’s economic recovery
LAHAINA, Hawai‘i — The University of Hawai‘i Economic Research Organization (UHERO) today released an updated financial forecast for Hawai‘i, painting a picture of ongoing hardship and a slow recovery on Maui following the summer wildfires that killed at least 97 and caused $5.5 billion in damages.
Endangered ‘ake‘ake nest discovered after seven-year search
MAUNA LOA FOREST RESERVE, Hawai‘i Island — After seven years of searching, the Department of Land and Natural Resources’ Division of Forestry and Wildlife (DOFAW) has discovered a nesting burrow for the endangered ‘ake‘ake (band-rumped storm-petrel) on state lands.
Gov. Josh Green urges climate action at U.N. following Maui fires
Governor Josh Green this week spoke at the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Summit to promote urgency in advancing climate change mitigation strategies and preventing future disasters like the August fires on Maui that killed at least 97 people.
4,200 pounds of marine debris airlifted from Kaua‘i’s shores by helicopter
Surfrider Kaua‘i announced its 12-week annual Operation Airlift program has concluded, as volunteers partnered with Jack Harter Helicopters and Timbers Kaua‘i Ocean Club to fly 2 tons of marine debris out of some of the island’s hardest-to-reach shores.
Kaua‘i’s streams, rivers remain polluted despite drought conditions
LIHU‘E — Not even low rainfall can stop Kaua‘i’s rivers and streams from contamination.
Kilauea Fine Jewelry opens second store in Kapa‘a Town
KAPA‘A — After only two years in business, Kilauea Fine Jewelry is bringing its diamonds, gems and pearls to Kapa‘a Town as it opens up a second location on Kaua‘i’s east side.
New UH program developing date-rape drug detector ring, other next-gen tech
LIHU‘E — From wearable rings that detect date-rape drugs to solar-powered desalination technology that converts seawater into fresh water, the University of Hawai‘i’s new fellowship program is turning sci-fi solutions for modern problems into reality.
Team tests for toxins amid West Maui water contamination concerns
LAHAINA, Hawai‘i — As West Maui continues to pick up the pieces in the aftermath of Hawai‘i’s deadliest wildfires on record, a University of Hawai‘i team has begun working to address the threat of water contamination — a critical step in the region’s long road to recovery.
$5M grant for Native Hawaiians, Pacific Islanders pursuing STEM degrees
LIHU‘E — Six Pacific Island universities, including the University of Hawai‘i at Manoa, received this week a $5 million grant aiming to support Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders seeking degrees in marine and environmental sciences.
Kapa‘a resident circumnavigates Kaua‘i on paddle board
KEALIA — After years of planning, Kapa‘a resident David Vincent successfully circumnavigated the entirety of Kaua‘i on a paddle board in an effort to bring awareness to conservation of marine life.
State Climate Commission calls for a more walkable, bikeable Hawai‘i
LIHU‘E — The Hawai‘i Climate Commission, a multi-jurisdictional board formed to promote climate change adaptation and mitigation measures, has released three new reports analyzing the climate impacts of Hawai‘i’s driving habits and detailing recommended investments to promote walking, biking, rolling and transit as an alternative to car travel.
AI model finds climate change directly intensified rainfall, droughts
LIHU‘E — An international team, including University of Hawai‘i at Manoa researchers, found that human-produced climate change has caused significant variations in day-to-day rainfall fluctuations, exacerbating heavy rainfall and drought events and increasing their severity.
Massive ancient cosmological structure given Hawaiian name — Ho‘oleilana
As humans first inhabited Hawai‘i largely through celestial navigation, it’s only fitting that Hawai‘i name celestial bodies, too.
Kaua‘i’s rivers, streams polluted despite dry season
LIHU‘E — In Kaua‘i, three things are certain — death, taxes, and dirty rivers. Every month, Surfrider Kaua‘i’s Blue Water Task Force analyzes samples of streams, rivers and surf spots across the island to check for the enterococcus bacterium, a federally recognized indicator of fecal presence in water.
Napali Brewing Company in full swing, releases five new beers
WAILUA — As Kaua‘i’s newest craft brewery, Napali Brewing Company, released its first flight of beers this month, with its owners assuring The Garden Island they were only just getting started.
UHERO recommends government centralize Maui recovery efforts, allow locals to lead
LAHAINA, Hawai‘i — The University of Hawaii Economic Research Organization (UHERO) released on Thursday “After the Maui wildfires: The road ahead,” a report assessing the devastating impacts of the Maui wildfires, their ongoing effects and the challenges that will need to be addressed to achieve a full recovery.
Hawai‘i homelessness coordinator, Kaua‘i County Council debate root cause of homelessness crisis
James Koshiba, Gov. Josh Green’s coordinator on homelessness, met with the Kaua‘i County Council on Wednesday to discuss solutions for Hawai‘i’s growing homelessness crisis, emphasizing the administration’s focus on countering the continuing unaffordability of homes in the state.