Hawaii

Hawaii nonprofits brace for less federal funding

Published

1 year ago

December 28, 2024

Hawaii nonprofits brace for less federal funding

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – Hawaii nonprofits that provide critical social safety nets are facing economic hardship of their own.

President-elect Donald Trump’s new Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) is expected to slash federal appropriations, government contracts and grant awards, and heavily impact social services across the state.

Melissa Pavlicek, Hawaii True Cost Coalition, explained, “The community-based organizations that are providing key government services are already struggling to provide those services. Some of their contract prices have not increased in over 10 years. The cost to provide those services is significantly greater. The transportation costs, rent, employees, food, everything has gone up. And to serve the community costs more. So we’re looking to our state policy leaders to help ensure those services are continued.”

To mitigate the potential fallout or disruption of services, nonprofit leaders are working to fill the gaps with the help of lawmakers, private donors, philanthropy, corporate foundations and residents themselves.

Suzanne Skjold, Aloha United Way COO, said, “Whether that’s helping your neighbor, maybe donating to a charity that is losing a program, even getting involved politically, locally, you know, voting matters. Being involved in our legislature matters.”

“The slack really has to be picked up by the state and county governments as well as the private sector,” warned U.S. Rep. Ed Case, D-Hawaii, “and so these are gonna be tough times and I’m telling everybody, hey, let’s, not sugarcoat this. We have to be prepared for the unexpected.”

Another concern is legislation that some believe if passed could be used to target progressive nonprofits opposed by the Trump administration.

For now, community advocates are urged to keep calm.

Case said, “The first thing I would advise everybody is not to freak out. That we have been through changes in administration before. That these are core federal programs that within Congress, even a divided and polarized Congress, many, many people from both parties support these programs.”

“We want to make sure Hawaii doesn’t become the kind of place where we lead in a way that’s hateful to others,” Skjold said.

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Hawaii

Hawaii launches emergency relief program for farmers, businesses | Honolulu Star-Advertiser

Published

5 hours ago

March 24, 2026

Press Room

Hawaii launches emergency relief program for farmers, businesses | Honolulu Star-Advertiser

JAMM AQUINO / MARCH 20

Sandy Ath Tab, co-owner of Koolau Range Farms, stands in floodwater outside their farmland on Friday, March 20, in Waialua. Ath Tab and her husband were trying to assess damage and find their farm cat.

The Hawaii Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity today opened up applications for an emergency farm relief program for those impacted by the recent Kona low storms.

Farmers, ranchers, and businesses statewide that experienced losses and damage from the storm can apply for a one-time grant of $1,500 to address immediate needs. They must, however, provide a General Excise Tax license to qualify.

The state has authorized a total of $500,000 for the program from DAB-restricted funds.

“While the full impacts from the Kona Low 1 and Kona Low 2 storms are still being assessed, we know our agricultural producers have been severely impacted by these events,” said Sharon Hurd, chairperson of the Hawaii Board of Agriculture, in a news release. “The Emergency Farmer Relief funding aims to support our agriculture industry with grant money to start recovering from the disaster or providing brief financial stability during this time.”

Gov. Josh Green said in a statement that Hawaii’s farmers are a crucial lifeline for the state’s food security and sustainability efforts.

“As we work to increase our islands’ independence from offshore food imports, we must support the farmers and ranchers who supply healthy and nutritious produce and meats for our local people through grocery stores, schools and restaurants,” said Green in the statement. “This emergency funding for our agriculture communities emphasizes their essential role in our state’s food security and our commitment to aid in their recovery.”

Applicants who complete and submit applications by Friday will be prioritized for funding, the release said. Awards will be announced next week.

The application is available online on DAB’s website at dab.hawaii.gov/emergencyfarmerrelief/.

Applicants with limited internet access can call the Governor’s Office of Recovery and Resiliency for help with the applications at 808-586-0034.

Questions? Email dab.efr@hawaii.gov.

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Hawaii

New downpours in Hawaii lead to more flooding on Oahu Island

Published

17 hours ago

March 24, 2026

Press Room

New downpours in Hawaii lead to more flooding on Oahu Island

TWICE reflect on a decade as a group: ‘There’s so much more we can do’ | AP interview

Speaking backstage at the Kia Forum during a stop on their ‘THIS IS FOR’ World Tour, TWICE sit down with Associated Press entertainment journalist Liam McEwan to reflect on a decade together — and the journey still unfolding. Nayeon, Jeongyeon, Momo, Sana, Jihyo, Mina, Dahyun, Chaeyoung, and Tzuyu open up about their anniversary release, “TEN: The Story Goes On,” featuring solo tracks from every member for the first time. The group also speaks about their evolving definitions of success, how comebacks come together through group chats and meetings, balancing solo ambitions and subunits, and pushing forward creatively without repeating themselves. They also discuss contributing “Takedown” to the Netflix hit “KPop Demon Hunters.”

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Hawaii

Severe flooding triggers road closures, evacuations in Manoa

Published

1 day ago

March 23, 2026

Press Room

Severe flooding triggers road closures, evacuations in Manoa

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – Portions of Manoa flooded Monday after several days of heavy rain.

According to Honolulu police, flooding was observed at multiple locations along East Manoa Road, including the intersections with Lowery Avenue, Akaka Place, and Oahu Avenue. That portion of the road is closed, and drivers are being asked to avoid the area.

Your HNN First Alert Weather Team declared Monday a First Alert Weather Day due to the threat of heavy rain and flash flooding.

The area was under a flash flood warning, with rain falling at 1 to 2 inches per hour and stream levels running very high.

Flooding at Manoa Marketplace(Hawaii News Now)

Viewers have been sending Hawaii News Now photos and videos showing flooded roads and vehicles submerged in water at Manoa Marketplace.

Heather Damon said the rain “has not stopped for days. The ground is so saturated.”

The University of Hawaii at Manoa is asking students and employees to stay inside and off roads unless absolutely necessary until further notice, citing severe rain and flooding in some parts of campus.

In an alert, UH said officials are at faculty housing to address issues in the area. UH also said some student housing — Hale Wainani G and H — is being evacuated, and residents should follow all staff instructions.

Stay with Hawaii News Now for the latest First Alert Weather Day coverage.

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