Hawaiʻi Storm Shutters Schools, State Offices as Weather Expected to Worsen

For the second time in just over a month, the governor has shut down state of Hawaiʻi government offices in anticipation of severe weather.  Gov. Josh Green issued an emergency proclamation Thursday afternoon as heavy rain and flooding were being felt statewide, with more on the way.

Star-Advertiser. Big Island Now. Civil Beat.

Hawaiʻi Storm Update: Forecast, Schools, Closures, Shelters, More

Hazardous weather including flash flooding, damaging high winds and thunderstorms was expected through the weekend due to a powerful Kona low storm, according to the National Weather Service.

Civil Beat. Hawai‘i Public Radio. KHON2.

Former Hawai‘i Gov. George Ariyoshi Turns 100

A former Hawai‘i governor celebrated his centenary birthday Thursday. Former Gov. George Ariyoshi was born in Honolulu on this day in 1926 and became Hawai‘i’s third governor in 1974. He was in office through 1986 and is the state’s longest-serving governor.

Hawaii News Now.

Economic Outlook Points to Slower Growth, DBEDT Says

Hawai‘i’s economy is expected to continue growing over the next several years, though at a slower pace than in 2025, according to a new quarterly economic report released Thursday by the state Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism.

Star-Advertiser.

O‘ahu Headlines

City Leaders Warn Powerful Storm Could Bring Flooding, Strong Winds and Island-Wide Impacts to Oahu

City and county leaders said a powerful storm approaching O‘ahu could bring dangerous flooding, strong winds and widespread impacts across the island through the weekend.

KITV4.

Honolulu Opens Evacuation Shelters Across Island

The City and County of Honolulu announced the opening of emergency shelters for residents impacted by the Kona storm system.

KHON2.

Here’s Where Honolulu Wants to Cut Funding for Open Jobs

With 1 in 5 city jobs unfilled, some departments would lose millions of dollars while others would lose nothing.

Civil Beat.

Honolulu Transit Agency Proposes $501M Budget for FY27

The Honolulu Department of Transportation Services, charged with operating TheBus, Skyline, TheHandi-Van, is requesting a more than half-billion dollar operating budget for fiscal year 2027.

Star-Advertiser.

Controversy Engulfs HECO’s Proposed $1 Billion Power Plant

The state energy office and Hawaiʻi’s largest utility are at odds over upgrades to a major Oʻahu power plant that have been in the works for years.

Civil Beat.

HPD Seizes Gaming Machines, Cash During Raid in Wahiawa

Honolulu Police Department officers seized multiple gaming machines and cash on Wednesday after executing a search warrant at an illegal gambling establishment on Mala Street in Wahiawa.

Star-Advertiser.

Hawai‘i Island Headlines

Hawaiʻi County Facilities to Close Friday and Saturday

All non-emergency County services and operations will be closed as a powerful Kona low storm moves across the State and the Big Island.

Big Island Video News. Big Island Now.

Maui Headlines

MEO Offices to Close Friday Due to Kona Storm

Maui Economic Opportunity will be closing its Wailuku, Hāna, Kaunakakai, Molokaʻi, and Lānaʻi City offices and Head Start preschools Friday, March 13, due to the fierce wind and rain forecast from the powerful kona storm.

Maui Now.

Central Maui, Molokaʻi, West Maui, South Maui Shelters Before Kona Storm Intensifies

In coordination with the Maui Emergency Management Agency and County of Maui Department of Human Concerns, the American Red Cross opened shelters Thursday evening.

Maui Now.

Kaua‘i Headlines

Update: Flooding Remains Possible for at Least Next Few Hours as Rain Continues to Overspread Garden Isle

Update at 3:46 a.m. Friday, March 13, 2026: Forecasters at the National Weather Service in Honolulu again extended the flood advisory in effect for the island of Kauaʻi as flooding caused by excessive rainfall from a powerful kona low moving through the state continues.

Kaua‘i Now.

Red Cross Opens Kaua‘i Emergency Center for Residents Affected by Kona Low

Volunteers are standing by at the evacuation location at Kapa‘a Middle School, located at 4867 Olohena Road, and ready to provide safe shelter, snacks, water and emotional support.

Kaua‘i Now.

Felicia Cowden Enters the Mayor’s Race

Four-term Kaua‘i County Councilmember Felicia Cowden has joined the race for mayor of Kaua‘i and Ni‘ihau, “with a sense of responsibility and enthusiasm to empower the residents of our islands.”

Garden Island.