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High Oil Prices Lead to Increased Electric Bills for Hawaiian Electric Customers

High Oil Prices Lead to Increased Electric Bills for Hawaiian Electric Customers

Hawaiian Electric Co. (HECO) customers are experiencing significant increases in their electric bills due to rising oil prices, exacerbated by the ongoing conflict in Iran. The average electric bill for Oahu homes has risen by $60 since June 2025, with similar increases reported across other Hawaiian islands. HECO primarily relies on oil to power its generators, making it vulnerable to fluctuations in oil prices. Despite efforts to incorporate more renewable energy sources, Hawaii's dependence on oil remains high, contributing to the state's already high cost of living.
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Honolulu Fire Department Uses Humor to Highlight Hiking Safety

Honolulu Fire Department Uses Humor to Highlight Hiking Safety

The Honolulu Fire Department has released a humorous video on Instagram to highlight common hiking mistakes on Oahu's trails. The video, set to Meghan Trainor's song 'No,' has quickly gone viral, amassing over 1.6 million views and 93,000 likes within 24 hours. It showcases typical errors that lead to rescues, such as hiking without water, with a low cell phone battery, or wearing inappropriate footwear like slippers. The video aims to educate the public on the importance of proper preparation and safety while hiking.
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Deadline Approaches for USDA Kona Low Assistance in Hawaii

Deadline Approaches for USDA Kona Low Assistance in Hawaii

Hawaii's agricultural producers affected by the March 10-24 kona low storms are urged to apply for the Emergency Conservation Program by July 31. The program offers financial and technical assistance to repair and restore farmland and irrigation equipment damaged by natural disasters. The Hawaii Emergency Management Agency emphasizes the importance of this support for the state's farmers and ranchers.
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Southeast Asian Farmers Struggle with Recovery After North Shore Floods

Southeast Asian Farmers Struggle with Recovery After North Shore Floods

Southeast Asian farmers on Hawaii's North Shore are facing significant challenges in recovering from the March Kona low floods. Many farmers, including Phet Souksamly, have lost their homes and crops, with language barriers and immigration status complicating access to aid. The floods caused over $42 million in damage statewide, severely impacting the farmers' livelihoods. Despite some government and community assistance, the recovery process is slow, and many farmers are relying on community support to rebuild. The situation highlights the vulnerability of immigrant farming communities in disaster recovery efforts.
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Hawaiʻi Farmers Urged to Apply for Kona Low Recovery Assistance Before July 31 Deadline

Hawaiʻi Farmers Urged to Apply for Kona Low Recovery Assistance Before July 31 Deadline

Hawaiʻi agricultural producers impacted by the March 10-24, 2026, kona low storms are being encouraged to apply for the Emergency Conservation Program (ECP) through their local Farm Service Agency (FSA) office. The program offers financial cost-sharing and technical assistance to repair farmland and irrigation equipment damaged by natural disasters. Eligible producers may also request a 25% advance for approved restoration work. Assistance is available for practices such as debris removal, land grading, fencing restoration, and emergency water conservation. The application deadline is July 31, 2026, and producers are advised to contact their local FSA office even if they have previously received information about other recovery programs. According to Hawaiʻi Emergency Management Agency Administrator David Lopez, this initiative aims to support the essential role of farmers and ranchers in the state’s food security.
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Kīlauea Volcano Eruption Intensifies, Alert Level Raised

Kīlauea Volcano Eruption Intensifies, Alert Level Raised

The Kīlauea volcano in Hawaii has entered its 52nd eruptive episode, marked by sustained lava fountaining from the north vent inside the Halemaʻumaʻu crater. This activity prompted the U.S. Geological Survey's Hawaiian Volcano Observatory to elevate the volcano's Alert Level from ADVISORY to WATCH and its Aviation Color Code from YELLOW to ORANGE. The eruption began on July 28, 2026, with lava fountains initially reaching heights of 30 meters, escalating to 90 meters within a short period. The eruption has resulted in lava flows covering approximately 10% of the crater floor. The observatory has warned of potential hazards, including volcanic gases and ash, which could affect nearby areas.
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Charlie Verco Sets Paddleboarding World Record After Shark Rescue

Charlie Verco Sets Paddleboarding World Record After Shark Rescue

Charlie Verco Sets Paddleboarding World Record After Shark Rescue
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Kīlauea Volcano Erupts, Reaching 300-Foot Lava Fountains

Kīlauea Volcano Erupts, Reaching 300-Foot Lava Fountains

Kīlauea Volcano in Hawaii began its 52nd eruptive episode on July 28, 2026, at 7:10 PM HST (05:10 UTC on July 29). The eruption, originating from the north vent inside Halemaʻumaʻu crater, has produced lava fountains initially reaching 100 feet (30 meters) and later growing to 300 feet (90 meters). The U.S. Geological Survey’s Hawaiian Volcano Observatory (HVO) raised the volcano’s Alert Level from ADVISORY to WATCH and the Aviation Color Code from YELLOW to ORANGE as activity intensified. The eruption is confined to the Halemaʻumaʻu crater within Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, with lava flows covering approximately 10% of the crater floor. Volcanic gases, ash, and Pele’s Hair are being emitted, potentially affecting nearby areas such as Pāhala and Nāʻālehu.
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Tropical Storm Fausto Weakens to Remnant Low North of Hawaii

Tropical Storm Fausto Weakens to Remnant Low North of Hawaii

Tropical Storm Fausto has weakened into a post-tropical remnant low as it moves north of Hawaii. As of 5 a.m., the storm was located 285 miles north of Hilo and 225 miles northeast of Honolulu, with maximum sustained winds of 35 mph. Although Fausto no longer poses a direct threat, it continues to generate dangerous surf and strong currents along east-facing shores. The National Weather Service has issued a high surf advisory, warning of hazardous ocean conditions. Fausto is expected to dissipate into a trough by Friday.
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Fausto Weakens, But Hawaii Faces 15-Foot Wave Threat

Fausto Weakens, But Hawaii Faces 15-Foot Wave Threat

Tropical Depression Fausto is weakening as it moves westward but will still bring dangerous ocean conditions to Hawaii through Wednesday. The storm is forecast to pass north of the Hawaiian Islands, avoiding direct landfall, but its outer bands could generate waves up to 15 feet along east-facing shores. Forecasters warn of strong swells and dangerous rip currents, though only limited rainfall is expected as Fausto remains offshore. The system previously reached Category 2 hurricane strength before weakening.
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National Hurricane Center Downgrades Tropical Storm Fausto to Tropical Depression

National Hurricane Center Downgrades Tropical Storm Fausto to Tropical Depression

The National Hurricane Center has downgraded Tropical Storm Fausto to a tropical depression as it continues to weaken while moving north of the Hawaiian Islands. Fausto has not produced significant convection for the past 12 to 15 hours, with only a small area of pulsing convection persisting in the northeast quadrant. The storm's center recently passed south of a NOAA buoy, which recorded peak winds of 27 knots and a minimum pressure of 1009 mb. Earlier data indicated winds in the 35 to 37 knot range, but current estimates suggest winds have dropped below tropical-storm-force levels. Fausto is now classified as a 30-knot tropical depression. The storm is moving west-northwestward and is expected to continue this path for the next few days, influenced by low-level trade winds. The forecast predicts Fausto will become a post-tropical cyclone within 12 hours and dissipate shortly thereafter.
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Tropical Storm Fausto Moves North of Hawaiian Islands

Tropical Storm Fausto Moves North of Hawaiian Islands

Tropical Storm Fausto, which weakened from a hurricane on Monday night, is currently tracking north of the Hawaiian Islands. According to the Central Pacific Hurricane Center (CPHC), the storm is expected to remain north of the islands through late Wednesday. Maximum sustained winds are near 60 mph (96.6 km/h) with higher gusts, and tropical-storm-force winds extend outward up to 140 miles (225 km), primarily northeast of the storm's center. The National Weather Service (NWS) has reported that surf generated by Fausto is building westward across Hawai‘i, creating large waves and strong currents along exposed east-facing shores.