A foil surfer off Oahu filmed a hammerhead sliding beneath his board in January; state officials say such encounters are rare and usually nonfatal.

A Waialua woman says a bag of Sta‑Green soil bought at Waipahu Lowe's contained about 60 coconut rhinoceros beetle larvae. Officials urge shoppers to inspect bagged soil and report suspected pests.

State agriculture officials warn Merrie Monarch visitors not to move ʻōhiʻa off Hawaiʻi Island as rapid ʻōhiʻa death continues; airport checks and hoʻihoʻi baskets will be available.

County of Kaua‘i is advancing skateparks in Hanapēpē and Nāwiliwili, a $12.2M Vidinha Stadium rebuild and islandwide court and comfort‑station upgrades.

HPU’s Bounty Project has removed more than 185,000 pounds of derelict fishing gear by paying commercial fishers to haul ghost nets before they reach reefs. The program pairs researchers, fishers and state agencies.

Polihale and Hāʻena State Parks, plus the Kalalau Trail and shuttle, are closed as a Kona storm brings flood and wind risks to Kauaʻi. Officials suspended camping permits.

Shark depredation now affects about one in four licensed fishing trips in Hawaiʻi, costing small-boat fishers money as scientists test repellents and councils weigh a response.

County-owned Hāʻena Beach Park and a nearby cave are headed to the state park system. Officials say state control and the park’s reservation model could ease crowding and restore local access.

Honolulu’s DPR has formalized on‑leash access at 36 Oʻahu parks and will pilot new signage and dog‑waste bag stations while neighborhood boards continue to weigh in.

DLNR is seeking public comment on a plan to fence 2,400 acres of Kauaʻi's Alakaʻi Wilderness Preserve to protect endangered birds and headwaters.

Kaua‘i Ocean Safety Bureau says the Wanini roving patrol is temporarily offline; lifeguard towers remain staffed and beachgoers should check conditions before entering the water.

Treecovery and partners installed endemic loulu palms at Lahaina Harbor this week as part of ongoing recovery. The palms were grown in Kula from seeds collected on Moloka‘i.

Arborists are preparing an invasive health check on Lahaina’s 150‑year‑old banyan after recent damage; the tree and park remain closed while crews test for hidden decay.