Hawaii
Youth Activists Secure Landmark Climate Agreement for Zero Emissions in Hawaii
A groundbreaking legal settlement in Hawaii, driven by 13 young climate activists, mandates the state’s Department of Transportation to achieve zero emissions across all transportation modes by 2045. The settlement emerged from the 2022 lawsuit, Navahine F v. Hawaii Department of Transportation, which argued that the state’s prioritization of fossil fuel-based transportation projects violated the constitutional rights of the plaintiffs to a clean and healthful environment. Hawaii Governor Josh Green lauded the activists for mobilizing the state toward aggressive climate action, emphasizing the importance of this legally binding commitment to transforming Hawaii’s transportation infrastructure.
The historic agreement will require Hawaii officials to devise a comprehensive roadmap to fully decarbonize ground, sea, and inter-island air transportation. The legal settlement is a significant win in the broader movement for Indigenous and youth-led climate activism, particularly as it integrates young people into advisory roles to ensure the state’s adherence to the zero-emissions target. This effort is part of a wider national push for food and climate sovereignty, with states like Montana achieving similar legal victories that underscore the constitutional right to a clean environment.
Despite Hawaii’s progressive climate policies, including goals to decarbonize its power sector by 2045 and make state vehicles carbon-free by 2035, recent years have seen setbacks in emissions reductions. The new settlement, however, is expected to catalyze substantial progress by holding the state accountable through judicial oversight until the zero-emission goals are met. The cooperative nature of this agreement, involving diverse stakeholders from government officials to young activists, exemplifies a unified approach necessary for addressing the climate crisis in Hawaii’s unique island context.
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.
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.
Copyright 2026 Hawaii News Now. All rights reserved.
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.
2026 Hawaii High School Baseball Division I Playoff Bracket, Schedule, Scores (HHSAA) – May 4, 2026
Matchups are as follows:
Pearl City vs. Moanalua
Pac-Five vs. Kaiser
King Kekaulike vs. Hilo
Kamehameha Hawai’i vs. Kailua
2026 Hawaii High School Baseball Division II Playoff Bracket, Schedule, Scores (HHSAA) – May 4, 2026
Matchups are as follows:
Waipahu vs. Hawaii Prep
Seabury Hall vs. Damien
Honoka’a vs. Castle
Kauai vs. Kapolei
More Coverage from High School On SI
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