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Haleakala's Potential Eruption: Implications for Maui Residents and Infrastructure

Haleakala's Potential Eruption: Implications for Maui Residents and Infrastructure

Haleakala, the largest volcano on Maui, is considered an active volcano despite its last eruption occurring between 1480 and 1600. Unlike Kilauea and Mauna Loa, Haleakala does not have a magma chamber close to the surface, making it difficult to monitor for potential eruptions. The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) and the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory have indicated that while Haleakala is not as active as other Hawaiian volcanoes, it remains a potential threat. The volcano's eruptions are typically non-explosive, characterized by slow-moving lava flows. The most recent significant lava flow from Haleakala covered parts of the coast between Kanaio and Keoneoio, forming La Perouse Bay. Despite the low probability of an imminent eruption, the Maui Emergency Management Agency has plans in place to respond to any volcanic activity.

FEMA Opens Recovery Centers for Storm-Affected Residents in Hawaii

FEMA Opens Recovery Centers for Storm-Affected Residents in Hawaii

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has established in-person recovery centers across Hawaii to assist residents impacted by the severe Kona low storms in March 2026. These centers are operational on Hawaii Island, Maui, and Oahu, providing support for those who may face challenges applying online, such as kupuna (elders) or individuals with limited internet access. FEMA has already approved nearly $10 million in federal aid for individual assistance programs, with over 2,700 registrations received across the three designated counties. Assistance includes temporary housing, rental aid, home repairs, and coverage for personal property losses, medical expenses, and childcare. Residents are encouraged to submit applications by the June 14 deadline, even if all required documents are not yet ready. FEMA will follow up on missing items and conduct home inspections to assess damages.

Huge Waves Disrupt Kailua-Kona, Impacting Local Businesses and Residents

Huge Waves Disrupt Kailua-Kona, Impacting Local Businesses and Residents

On June 2, significant wave activity was reported in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii, where waves surged towards a street, impacting cars, pedestrians, and the windows of a nearby restaurant. The official wave observations in the area were recorded at 4-6 feet, although some waves were likely higher, according to CNN Digital Meteorologist Dakota Smith. This natural event caused notable disruption in the local area, affecting both businesses and residents as they navigated the unexpected conditions.

Trump Administration Cuts Medicaid Fraud Funding to Hawaii, Signals Potential Action Against New York

Trump Administration Cuts Medicaid Fraud Funding to Hawaii, Signals Potential Action Against New York

The Trump administration has announced the termination of $3 million in federal funding to Hawaii's Medicaid Fraud Control Unit (MFCU) due to its failure to secure any indictments or convictions over the past four years. This decision is part of a broader campaign against healthcare fraud, spearheaded by Vice President J.D. Vance. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) cited the unit's lack of effectiveness in combating fraud as the reason for the funding cut. Hawaii's MFCU, responsible for investigating and prosecuting healthcare provider fraud, has been denied federal certification, leading to the cessation of federal support. The state has seen a 40% increase in Medicaid enrollments and a 27% rise in funding, yet the unit has not met its statutory obligations. The administration's actions may extend to New York, which has been criticized for its low number of Medicaid fraud indictments relative to its program size.

Tropical Storm Amanda Emerges in the Pacific Amid Busy Hurricane Season

Tropical Storm Amanda Emerges in the Pacific Amid Busy Hurricane Season

Tropical Storm Amanda has formed in the eastern Pacific Ocean, marking the first named storm of the 2026 hurricane season. The storm's development is attributed to ocean conditions influenced by a developing El Niño, which is expected to result in a more active hurricane season in the Pacific compared to the Atlantic. Historically, most storms in the eastern Pacific remain over the ocean, but some have impacted Hawaii, the west coast of Mexico, and the southwestern United States. The storm's formation has been captured in a nighttime image using data from the Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite (VIIRS) aboard the NOAA-20 platform.

FEMA Opens Recovery Centers for Kona Low Storm Victims in Hawaii

FEMA Opens Recovery Centers for Kona Low Storm Victims in Hawaii

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has established in-person recovery centers across Hawaii to assist residents affected by the Kona low storms that occurred in March 2026. FEMA has approved nearly $10 million in federal aid for individual assistance programs, including temporary housing, rental assistance, home repairs, and coverage for personal property losses and medical expenses. Over 2,700 registrations have been received, with approximately 950 from Maui County alone. Residents are encouraged to apply for assistance before the June 14 deadline, even if their applications are incomplete. FEMA representatives are conducting inspections to assess damages and help finalize applications. Recovery centers are particularly focused on aiding individuals with limited internet access or other connectivity challenges.

FEMA Opens Recovery Centers for Kona Low Storm Victims in Hawaii

FEMA Opens Recovery Centers for Kona Low Storm Victims in Hawaii

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has established in-person recovery centers across Hawaii to assist residents affected by the Kona low storms in March. These centers are located on Hawaii Island, Maui, and Oahu, providing a venue for residents to apply for federal assistance. Eileen Chao, a public affairs specialist with FEMA, emphasized the importance of submitting applications by the June 14 deadline, even if all paperwork is not yet complete. The agency has received over 2,700 registrations, with nearly $10 million approved for individual assistance programs. FEMA offers aid for temporary housing, rental assistance, home repairs, and other disaster-related needs not covered by insurance. The application process includes a home inspection to assess damages, with decisions communicated within seven to ten days. An appeal process is available for those initially denied assistance.

FEMA Opens Recovery Centers to Assist Residents Affected by Kona Low Storms

FEMA Opens Recovery Centers to Assist Residents Affected by Kona Low Storms

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has established in-person recovery centers across Hawaii to aid residents impacted by the Kona low storms in March. These centers are designed to facilitate the application process for federal assistance, particularly for those who may face connectivity issues or are unable to apply online. FEMA has already approved nearly $10 million for individual assistance programs, and has received over 2,700 registrations from affected counties, including Honolulu, Maui, and Hawaii. The agency offers support for temporary housing, rental assistance, home repairs, and other disaster-related needs not covered by insurance. Residents are encouraged to submit their applications by June 14, even if they are incomplete, as FEMA will follow up on any missing documents.

Officials issue warning after man pleads guilty to laser-pointer assault on pilot

Officials issue warning after man pleads guilty to laser-pointer assault on pilot

A Hawaii man pleaded guilty to helping in a laser assault on a pilot as the FAA warns of the dangers of the crime.

Kapolei High School Seniors Engage in Audio Project to Capture Graduation Experiences

Kapolei High School Seniors Engage in Audio Project to Capture Graduation Experiences

Kapolei High School seniors in Hawaii participated in a unique audio project as they prepared for their graduation. This initiative, led by DW Gibson, the executive producer of podcasts and multimedia at Hawaii Public Radio (HPR), involved ten seniors maintaining an audio journal. The project aimed to document their thoughts and emotions during the weeks leading up to and following their graduation. The students recorded their experiences, capturing significant moments such as their last interactions with teachers, receiving awards, and participating in traditional senior activities like yearbook signings and senior portraits. The project was designed to provide a detailed look at the emotional crescendo of graduation preparations and celebrations.

Trump cuts off funds to Hawaii Medicaid fraud unit over lack of cases

Trump cuts off funds to Hawaii Medicaid fraud unit over lack of cases

By Jody Godoy June 4 (Reuters) - Hawaii's attorney general stands to lose around $3 million in federal funding to fight Medicaid fraud after failing to consistently bring criminal cases, the Trump administration said on Thursday, in an escalation of Vice President JD Vance's campaign against

Navy's New Crane 'Big Blue' Begins Journey from Wisconsin to Hawaii for Shipyard Upgrade

Navy's New Crane 'Big Blue' Begins Journey from Wisconsin to Hawaii for Shipyard Upgrade

A massive 200-foot-tall portal crane, known as 'Big Blue', has embarked on a 9,000-nautical-mile journey from Manitowoc, Wisconsin, to the Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard in Hawaii. This crane is part of a $370 million contract under the Navy's Shipyard Infrastructure Optimization Project (SIOP) aimed at upgrading equipment at four public shipyards. The crane, which can lift components weighing up to 175 tonnes, is a key element in the modernization of the shipyard, including the construction of a new full-size graving dock. This dock, the first at Pearl Harbor since World War II, is designed to support future submarine classes, including the Columbia-class ballistic missile submarines.