News

Significant new construction projects could bring the first new hotel to Kaua‘i in decades and a brand new building to the middle of Kaimuki on O‘ahu.

Seasoned arts administrator Allison Wong has been relieved of her position as Deputy Director at the Honolulu Museum of Art. Wong was a link to local artists and to the former Contemporary Museum in Makiki.

“My Octopus Teacher,” the Oscar-winning documentary film from South Africa, tells the tale of an unusual friendship with an intelligent octopus living in a South African kelp forest. The Conversation learned of the film's Hawai‘i connection in University of Hawai‘i West O‘ahu professor Louis Herman, who also hails from South Africa.

Tonight, citizens could find out what the City plans to do to relieve the filth and crime in Chinatown. Mayor Blangiardi, the City Managing Director, and all the area representatives are scheduled for presentations at tonight's Downtown Chinatown Neighborhood Board meeting. Recent depressing images of the area can make us forget the unique heritage of Honolulu's Chinatown, but during and after WWII, Hotel Street was the center of a vibrant music scene.

More people are getting vaccinated against the coronavirus across the state and around the country. But that’s not true in many other countries which is leading to a new trend: people planning trips to get vaccines.

The Biden administration announced Wednesday a new website dedicated to artificial intelligence, a place where people can stay up-to-date on the federal government’s developments in artificial intelligence. This news comes as Dr. Peter Hershock from the East-West Center prepares for a virtual discussion on the subject Thursday.

Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi has approved Council Bill 1, introduced by Council Chair Tommy Waters, in a move to address O'ahu's housing crisis by incentivizing the construction of affordable rental housing.

Tensions in the South China Sea have spilled over to the world of diplomacy in an unusual way this week. It’s a situation that involves China, the Philippines, social media and some explosive language.

Honolulu Prosecuting Attorney Steve Alm just marked 100 days in office. He talked to The Conversation about how his office will investigate fatal shootings by police and new efforts to strengthen anti-crime “weed and seed” programs.

Governor David Ige is considering a measure passed by Hawaiʻi lawmakers that would allow the state to extend leases of public lands for up to 40 years if tenants agree to make significant improvements to the property. Supporters of House Bill 499 say it will attract long-term investments in public lands. Critics argue it could open the door to public lands being held in private hands for more than 100 years.

In a “normal year,” this would be a busy week for Japanese tourists visiting Hawai‘i. It’s the middle of “Golden Week”—a series of holidays that usually makes it a popular time for travel. But this year, several parts of the country remain under a state of emergency.

All state residents 16 years and older are eligible for vaccinations and the Department of Health is strongly encouraging everyone to get the vaccine. Three upcoming vaccine clinics on Hawai‘i Island are part of that continuing effort.

The University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa is a host site for the Overwatch League's East vs. West tournament this week. This is the first time a mainstream international esports tournament is being held in the state, and it could help launch a major economic opportunity for Hawaiʻi.

For this week’s Stargazer, HPR’s Dave Lawrence and Christopher Phillips discuss the impacts on astronomy of the controversial Starlink satellite project.