Hawaii

With education secretary confirmation, Hawaii teachers fear possible cuts to programs

Published

1 year ago

March 4, 2025

With education secretary confirmation, Hawaii teachers fear possible cuts to programs

KAHULUI (HawaiiNewsNow) – The U.S. Senate confirmed former wrestling executive Linda McMahon as secretary of education on Monday.

She will now lead a department that President Donald Trump has vowed to dismantle.

Meanwhile, educators in Hawaii say they are afraid of looming changes and possible funding cuts.

Justin Hughey started teaching at King Kamehameha III Elementary in Lahaina in 2006. After the school was destroyed in the 2023 fire, he relocated to Kahului Elementary and teaches special education there.

“Funding has gotten to the point where schools can’t function,” said Hughey. “Majority kids here come from low income, and this is their one opportunity to get a really solid education moving forward in life.”

The Hawaii State Teachers Association says the federal education department supports nearly 20,000 Hawaii students with special needs with almost $38 million in funding every year.

Two and a half weeks ago, HSTA leaders joined hundreds to protest against education cuts at the U.S. Capitol.

Hughey fears depending on the federal government is a losing battle and is calling on state leaders to step in and help.

“I’m afraid that my job could be cut. I’m afraid that EA (education assistant) jobs could be cut. I just think that we should be more proactive than reactive,” he said. “We know that these cuts are coming, so why aren’t we talking about it at this time?”

The Hawaii State Department of Education officials say roughly 11 percent of the department’s budget comes from federal funding.

“While we have not yet seen any direct reductions of major federal K-12 education funds to Hawaii, there are significant threats,” said HIDOE communications director Nanea Ching.

Ching says they are closely monitoring the federal orders and consulting with the governor and attorney general to assess legal implications.

“Are they going to continue to have special education? What are they going to do with the positions that are funded that are federally funded, which are EA positions, some teaching positions and special education positions?” Hughey said.

“People are panicking,” said HSTA President Osa Tui, Jr. at a news conference in February. “Especially those who are the most vulnerable parents who have children, who need the special supports in order to take care of their children, to give their children what they need to function in society, and really that’s what they’re taking away. They’re taking away the opportunity to have them be prepared for what’s going to come tomorrow.”

Requests for comment from the state Board of Education and state House education chair Rep. Justin Woodson went unanswered Monday.

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Hawaii

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

Published

5 minutes 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

12 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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