Hawaii

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.

Hawaii has enacted a new law allowing businesses to round cash transactions to the nearest nickel due to a nationwide penny shortage, aiming to simplify transactions for businesses and customers.

Shake Shack will open its first Hawaii location at Ala Moana Center in 2027. The new store will join other recently opened businesses in the area.

Hohonu, a Hawaiian company, has developed solar-powered sensors that provide real-time flood intelligence to emergency officials in 18 states, helping them prepare for and respond to flooding.

Hawaii's free summer meals program provides meals to 145,000 children. Many children rely on these meals as their only source of food, and they are excited to receive them at school.

Ala Moana Center in Honolulu, Hawaii has been ranked #2 shopping center in the United States in the 2026 USA TODAY 10Best Readers' Choice Awards. The recognition reflects support from tenants, employees, residents, and visitors.

The Hawaii State Department of Education served nearly 145,000 free, nutritious meals to students statewide, providing breakfast and lunch at participating schools through July 17.

New laws in Iowa, Mississippi, and Tennessee restrict access to abortion medications and HPV vaccines for minors, effective July 1. The laws require in-person dispensing of abortion pills and prohibit minors under 18 from consenting to STD-related vaccinations in Iowa. A federal lawsuit challenges FDA rules allowing telehealth dispensing of mifepristone, which could impact nationwide access.

Legislators in six states have approved measures to address patient medical debt this year, including capping interest rates, prohibiting wage garnishment, and requiring hospitals to inform patients of financial assistance programs. Other states have introduced similar bills, with efforts focusing on limiting facility fees and preventing medical debt from appearing on credit reports.

An 18-year-old motorcyclist died in a single-vehicle crash in Kapolei, Hawaii. The incident marks the 21st traffic fatality of 2026 on Oʻahu, with speed identified as a contributing factor.

7-Eleven Hawaii is celebrating its 48th anniversary with free SLURPEEs on July 11, dollar deals, and exclusive merchandise for customers across the islands.

Hawaii has implemented a new law strengthening left lane restrictions for large vehicles and imposing fines for violations to enhance roadway safety. The law aims to address safety concerns by penalizing non-compliance with existing lane restrictions for trucks.

Hawaii has launched the 2026 Wildfire LOOKOUT! statewide public awareness campaign to emphasize wildfire prevention, as 99% of wildfires in the state are caused by human activity. The campaign encourages communities to join the Firewise USA movement to reduce wildfire risk.

Starting July 1, Hawaii will enforce a new labeling law requiring supermarkets to indicate the country of origin for prepared raw fish on labels, aiming to inform consumers about their food's source.

Police in Hawaii are urging drivers to exercise caution and responsibility during the 4th of July weekend. Traffic fatalities have reached 46 statewide this year, with roads expected to be heavily congested.

Hawaii businesses are preparing for new ahi labeling requirements set to take effect on July 1. The law aims to clarify whether ahi used in poke is fresh or frozen, addressing consumer confusion.