Hawaii

Finland passes law to turn away asylum seekers at border

Published

2 years ago

July 14, 2024

HELSINKI — Finland on Friday passed a temporary bill that would allow agents to turn away asylum-seekers at its borders, an escalation in its ongoing dispute with Russia that experts and human rights groups warn will violate international law.

Relations between Finland and Russia, which share an 830-mile border, have sharply deteriorated since Moscow’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Late last year, Finland closed all land crossings with its neighbor, accusing Russia of trying to weaponize migration. Russian authorities have called the accusations “unsubstantiated.”

Parliament voted 167-31 to approve the bill, which would be in place for a year. Because it is an expedited constitutional amendment, it required more than the typical supermajority to pass.

The legislation gives authorities the power to halt the acceptance of asylum applications at the border for up to a month at a time — and to remove migrants who had made it into the country in hopes of seeking asylum. Forcing people back over a border, a practice known as “pushbacks,” is illegal under European and international law.

The text had been repeatedly amended since the government handed over a first draft in May that it acknowledged was not in line with Finland’s Constitution. Legal experts swiftly warned that the bill also would violate the country’s international obligations, and the U.N. refugee agency said it risked setting a dangerous precedent.

Worried about Finland’s human rights responsibilities, lawmakers negotiated heavily over the language, including the means for asylum-seekers to appeal and the role of parliament in applying the law.

Before its passage, the bill appeared to be largely supported by the Finnish public. About 65% of Finns said they were in favor of the law, with just 19% saying they were opposed, according to a survey commissioned by a prominent Finnish newspaper in late June.

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Hawaii

Lava fountaining marks start of Episode 46 at Kilauea – Hawaii Tribune-Herald

Published

11 hours ago

May 5, 2026

Press Room

Lava fountaining marks start of Episode 46 at Kilauea – Hawaii Tribune-Herald

Kilauea began a new episode of lava fountaining at its summit today, prompting an ashfall advisory for parts of Hawaii Island.

The Hawaiian Volcano Observatory said Episode 46 started at 8:17 a.m. inside Halemaʻumaʻu crater, with activity confined to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.

The volcano remains at watch alert level and orange aviation color code, indicating heightened unrest with increased potential for eruption hazards.

The National Weather Service issued an ashfall advisory through 8 p.m. for areas downwind of the summit, including Volcano and Mountain View.

Light and variable winds shifting southeast are expected to carry volcanic gas and ash across the summit region and toward the north and northwest areas.

Tephra, including ash and Pele’s hair, is most likely within about 3 miles of the vents, but lighter material can travel much farther.

Officials said impacts are expected to be limited, though ash particles can irritate eyes and lungs, especially for those with respiratory conditions.

Residents are urged to limit exposure by staying indoors when possible, closing windows and doors and wearing masks and eye protection if going outside.

People with water catchment systems should cover and disconnect them to prevent contamination.

Anyone observing ashfall is encouraged to report conditions to the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory at hawaiiash.science/report_form.

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Hawaii

AccesSurf to host 18th annual Hawaii Adaptive Surfing Championships

Published

23 hours ago

May 5, 2026

Press Room

AccesSurf to host 18th annual Hawaii Adaptive Surfing Championships

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – One of the world’s premier adaptive surfing events is getting underway in Waikiki.

AccesSurf Hawaii is hosting the 2026 Hawaii Adaptive Surfing Championships this week, with competition beginning Tuesday, May 5, and running through Friday, May 8, at Queen’s Surf Break.

Now in its 18th year, the championships are part of the Adaptive Surfing Professionals World Tour and bring together more than 90 adaptive surfers from around the world competing across multiple divisions.

Organizers said the championships highlight not only elite competition, but also community, culture and inclusion.

“The Hawaii Adaptive Surfing Championships is a powerful gathering of athletes, community and purpose,” said AccesSurf Executive Director Zoe Lewis. “We are proud to host this in Waikiki, where adaptive surfers can compete at an elite level while also experiencing the culture, community and spirit of Hawaii.”

Events began Monday with an opening ceremony at the Duke Kahanamoku Statue, kicking off a week of competition and activities.

In addition to the surf competition, the week includes special events such as the Hawaiʻi premiere of The Incredible Paulk on May 6 and a community pau hana gathering on May 7.

Surf competition runs daily from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. and will also be streamed live online.

The public is invited to attend and support the athletes, with the week wrapping up Friday with an awards ceremony.

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Hawaii

2026 Hawaii (HHSAA) High School Baseball Playoffs: Brackets, Schedules – May 6

Published

1 day ago

May 4, 2026

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2026 Hawaii (HHSAA) High School Baseball Playoffs: Brackets, Schedules – May 6

The 2026 Hawaii high school baseball playoffs begin on May 6th with the opening round in the Division I bracket, with the Division II bracket starting May 7th.

High School On SI has brackets for every classification and division in the Hawaii high school baseball playoffs.

The 2026 HHSAA state championship games will be on May 9th.