As we begin the New Year, I want to wish you and your loved ones a happy and healthy 2026!

The turning of the calendar is a moment to reflect on how far we’ve come and to recommit ourselves to the work ahead. While the challenges facing our state remain complex, our priorities are clear and unchanged. We continue to focus on expanding access to safe, affordable housing; strengthening our healthcare system; addressing homelessness with compassion and urgency; and taking meaningful action to protect our climate for future generations. (Read more)

​​HPHA GROUNDBREAKING FOR PHASE ONE OF KŪHIŌ PARK LOW RISES

The state of Hawai‘i marked a historic milestone in its commitment to community housing with the groundbreaking of Phase one of the Kūhiō Park Low Rises and Homes development. This project highlights the state’s ongoing dedication to creating inclusive, sustainable and affordable living spaces for residents. (Read more)

Holiday merriment filled the air at the Women’s Community Correctional Center (WCCC), where the facility hosted a “Star Light, Star Bright” ʻOhana Day event for inmates and their loved ones.

Approximately 40 incarcerated women reunited with their family members at the facility’s Maunawili Cottage courtyard for the Christmas-themed gathering on Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025. More than 70 family members attended the festive occasion. (Read more)

STATE RELEASES $18M IN LOAN CAPITAL FOR UNDERSERVED RATEPAYERS

The Hawai‘i Green Infrastructure Authority (HGIA) is thrilled to announce the availability of $18 million in Green Energy Market Securitization (GEMS) loan capital to expand access for nonprofits, small businesses, rural health centers and Hawai‘i’s underserved ratepayers to participate in the clean energy transition and lower their utility costs. The funding comes at a pivotal moment as federal Solar For All funds remain the subject of ongoing litigation and federal tax credits for homeowner-owned systems expired at the end of 2025. (Read more)

SUPPORTING KEIKI HEALTH WITH A $50 WELLNESS INCENTIVE

The Department of Human Services (DHS) is encouraging families statewide to participate in the Hawai‘i Child Wellness Incentive Program (HCWIP), a pilot initiative designed to support regular well-child checkups and strengthen the long-term health of Hawai‘i’s keiki. Through this program, parents enrolled in Medicaid or Med-QUEST may receive a $50 incentive card for each child who completes a well-child examination once a year. (Read more)

CELEBRATING A DECADE OF INNOVATION: WINNERS ANNOUNCED FOR THE 10TH ANNUAL HAWAI‘I ANNUAL CODE CHALLENGE 

Hawai‘i’s next generation of technology leaders took center stage as winners were announced for the 10th Annual Hawai‘i Annual Code Challenge (HACC), marking a milestone year for one of the state’s most impactful civic technology events. Held on November 22 at the University of Hawai‘i–West O‘ahu, the 2025 competition brought together high school students, college teams and IT professionals to design innovative solutions addressing real-world challenges faced by state agencies and the community. (Read more)

STATE CERTIFICATION IN TRAUMA-INFORMED CARE LAUNCHES

Congratulations to Trina Orimoto, Ph.D., deputy director of the Office of Wellness and Resilience (OWR), for being chosen for the 2026 cohort of the American Psychologists Association’s Leadership Institute for Women in Psychology. (Read more)

STATE CERTIFICATION IN TRAUMA-INFORMED CARE LAUNCHES

You’ll be greeted with a new, big burst of color if you park in the basement of the Kalanimoku Building, which serves as the headquarters for the Department of Accounting and General Services (DAGS) and the Department of Land and Natural Resources. (Read more)