Summer offers exciting opportunities for connection within the community. Recently, we unveiled the Ala Moana walkway, which provides a new pedestrian bridge linking Ward Village to Ala Moana Regional Park, allowing people to traverse safely between the busy Kakaako area and the nearby beach park.

In June, we also celebrated Pride Month by raising pride flags at the Hawai‘i State Capitol for the first time. Aloha is meant to be embraced by everyone without exclusion. We were honored to spread the aloha throughout all our communities in celebration of the month. (Read more)

Governor Green announced the appointment of Dori Booth as Hawai‘i’s new State Fire Marshal on June 2, marking the revival of a critical public safety position that has been vacant for nearly 46 years. This appointment is more important now than ever after the devastating 2023 Maui wildfires. (Read more)

A new elevated walkway was officially opened on May 22 on Ala Moana Boulevard. “From our perspective, this quintessential pedestrian bridge literally connects Kaka‘ako Mauka to Kaka‘ako Makai, extending the safe walkability of this well-planned live, work, play community for kama‘āina and visitors alike,” said Hawai‘i Community Development Authority Executive Director Craig Nakamoto. (Read more)

Matt Elliott to Serve as Next UH Mānoa Athletics Director

The University of Hawaiʻi (UH) Board of Regents unanimously approved the appointment of Matt Elliott as UH Mānoa’s next athletics director during a special meeting on June 16. Elliott was selected by UH President Wendy Hensel following a national search that drew more than 110 applicants. Elliott officially started in his new role on June 30. (Read more)

Hawaiʻi Green Business Program Recognizes Businesses Commitment to Energy 

The Hawaiʻi Green Business Program recognized 45 Hawai‘i businesses, offices and events on June 27 for their commitment to energy and water efficiency, waste reduction, pollution prevention and community involvement as well as cultural and natural resource preservation. (Read more)

SUN Bucks Supports Hawaiʻi Families

The Hawaiʻi Department of Human Services (DHS) is helping families provide nutritious food for their keiki through the 2025 SUN Bucks program. Eligible children are receiving $177 in food benefits to support their nutritional needs during the summer break. (Read more)

DHS Rapid Response Event Supports Waimānalo Community

The Department of Human Services (DHS), through its Med-QUEST Division and the Benefit, Employment and Support Services Division, joined We Are Oceania and other state partners in a Rapid Response event to support individuals impacted by job layoffs. (Read more)

SFCA Art in Public Places Collection Database is Now Online

DAGS’ attached agency, the Hawaiʻi State Foundation on Culture and the Arts (SFCA), has a new SFCA Art in Public Places Collection database online. With one click, users can find artworks currently on display at Capitol Modern: The Hawaiʻi State Art Museum, the Hawaiʻi State Capitol and hundreds of state offices and sites around Oʻahu, Hawaiʻi Island, Kauaʻi, Lanaʻi, Maui and Molokaʻi. Individuals can search by artist, location, medium and more. (Read more)