Good evening, Hawaii. Kilauea began erupting on Wednesday after a three-month pause; Gov. Green signed into law a measure that includes vaping products under the definition of “tobacco products” and former Vice President Mike Pence announced his presidential campaign today in Iowa. Read about the important stories you need to know.
Your Weather Planner
Light to moderate trade winds with localized land and sea breezes for sheltered areas remain through Thursday. Afternoon showers will favor interior and leeward areas. Late Thursday and Friday, locally breezy trade winds will return and remain stronger through the weekend.
Watch the latest news from across the country.
Today's Big Stories
1. Kilauea, one of the world's most active volcanoes, begins erupting after 3-month pause
Kilauea, the second largest volcano in Hawaii, began erupting on Wednesday after a three-month pause, U.S. Geological Survey officials said.
The survey’s Hawaiian Volcano Observatory said in a statement that a glow was detected in webcam images from Kilauea’s summit early in the morning, indicating that an eruption was occurring within the Halema’uma’u crater in the summit caldera.
The images show fissures at the base of the crater generating lava flows on the crater floor's surface, the observatory said.
Before issuing the eruption notice, the observatory said increased earthquake activity and changes in the patterns of ground deformation at the summit started Tuesday night, indicating the movement of magma in the subsurface.
All activity is within a closed area of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, on Hawaii's Big Island. HVNP shared viewing tips with the public.
The volcano’s alert level was raised to warning status and the aviation color code went to red as scientists evaluate the eruption and associated hazards.
2. Green signs measure to combat youth vaping
Gov. Josh Green signed into a law Tuesday an act that establishes the offense of unlawful shipment of tobacco products and includes vaping products under the definition of “tobacco products” for the purposes of the existing cigarette and tobacco tax law.
“This legislation has been years in the making, and I applaud the Department of Health and all the advocates, including youth advocates, who have successfully stewarded this to fruition,” said Green.
Supporters say the new law is a necessary step in addressing a worldwide epidemic of youth vaping.
In addition to establishing the new unlawful shipment offense and defining vaping products as tobacco products, the new Act 62 amends the license and permit fees for wholesalers, dealers and retailers and imposes an excise tax on each electronic smoking device or e-liquid sold, used or possessed by a wholesaler or dealer. It also repeals the electronic smoking device retailer registration unit under the Department of the Attorney General.
3. First group of signees just a start for Chaminade's resurrected baseball program
Chaminade has assembled most of the essential pieces. Now it just needs some assorted parts before it hits the "launch" button.
Coach Chad Konishi announced this week the first players of the Silverswords’ inaugural baseball recruiting class of the modern era as the Kalaepohaku university moves closer to the restart of its program after a four-decade lull. The Silverswords are counting down the months until their Feb. 2024 diamond debut.
The 19 recruits, which include four Hawaii high school graduates, are half of the 38 that Konishi said are committed for 2024. The other half need to complete financing, associates degrees or transcripts before they can be announced.
Click the link above to read the list of recruits.
4. PVS license plate wins Best Plate Award
In a presentation on Tuesday, the Automobile License Plate Collectors Association recognized the Polynesian Voyaging Society’s depiction of Hokulea anchored at Kualoa Bay, the site of its inaugural launch in 1975, with the 2022 Best Plate Award, according to a news release.
ALPCA President Cyndi McCabe traveled to Hawaii from Ohio to present the award to Gov. Josh Green. Award plaques were also presented to the City and County of Honolulu, PVS and designer Todd Yamashita of Molokai. Members of the Hawaii State Legislature were also in attendance.
“It is my pleasure to present this award on behalf of our 3,000 members around the world,” said McCabe in the release. “The PVS plate, which quickly emerged as a member favorite in the balloting, and was ultimately selected by a landslide, is being honored for its legibility and its stunning, colorful design.”
This is the 58th license plate to be recognized by ALPCA and the first time Hawaii has received the award.
5. Pence launches 2024 bid, says GOP voters must choose Trump or Constitution
Former Vice President Mike Pence launched his 2024 presidential campaign on Wednesday, arguing Republican voters will have to choose between their loyalty to his old boss, former President Donald Trump, and their commitment to American democracy.
It was a choice, he said, he had to make on Jan. 6, 2021, when the former president pressured him to help overturn the results of the 2020 presidential election and some in a violent pro-Trump mob chanted “Hang Mike Pence” as they stormed the Capitol.
“On that fateful day, President Trump’s words were reckless, endangering my family and everyone at the Capitol,” Pence said in a speech outside Des Moines, Iowa. “President Trump also demanded that I choose between him and the Constitution. Now voters will be faced with the same choice. I chose the Constitution and I always will.”
Your Notes for Tomorrow
Thursday, June 8
- President Biden hosts UK PM at the White House
- Vice President Harris attends U.S.-Caribbean Leaders meeting
- CMA Fest in Nashville
- Forbes Global 2000 published
- Unemployment Insurance Weekly Claims Report - Initial Claims
- Court hearing for Buffalo, NY, supermarket shooter on federal hate crime charges
- SpaceX rocket launch, carrying Transporter-8 rideshare mission
- What: Public Tours
- Where: Washington Place | 320 S. Beretania St., Honolulu | 808-586-0248
- Details: Experience the grandeur and view the personal items of Queen Lili‘uokalani and the Dominis family on this one-hour, docent-led tour, 10 a.m. The tour is free, but donations through the website are appreciated. Reservations are required.
- What: 42nd Annual Kapalua Wine & Food Festival
- Where: Kapalua Resort | 300 Kapalua Dr., Lahaina
- Details: Food and beverage enthusiasts gather for this annual event at Kapalua Resort, June 8-11. Visit the event website for a full schedule and tickets.
- What: Hot Potaytahs
- Where: Historic Palace Theater | 38 Haili St., Hilo | 808-934-7010
- Details: Take to the stage with The Hot Potaytahs performing funky classics, rock covers and original music, 7 p.m. June 8. Tickets.
- What: Hale Puna Farmers Market
- Where: Hale Puna under the giant monkeypod tree | 9567 Huakai Rd., Waimea | halepuna.org
- Details: At Hale Puna Farmers Market, you’ll not only find fresh products such as mango, papaya, ulu, lime, noni, eggs, pesto, basil, sugarcane and more, but by purchasing items, you’re supporting the farm school interns from Ke Kula Niihau, the restoration of the historic Gulick Rowell Mission House that will become a community center for the west side communities of Kauai, and so much more. Food stamps/EBT and Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program coupons accepted. Buy fresh, 3:30-5:30 p.m.
For more on these and other events, see this week's HI Out & About.
In Case You Missed It
Iam Tongi performs at the season finale of American Idol. (Photo courtesy of ABC/Eric McCandless)
American Idol winner Iam Tongi to headline Turtle Bay concert
Iam Tongi moved many people to tears while singing on American Idol about his father, who recently died. His opening audition on Feb. 19 has been watched 18 million times, making it the most viewed audition on American Idol’s YouTube channel. Earning fans around the country, the 18-year-old was voted on May 21 to the number one spot on Season 21 of American Idol.
Now, the Hawaii born and raised star is coming back to his hometown to headline a concert at Turtle Bay Resort. Known as Ohana Day, the family-friendly concert will be a two-day event.
On July 1, Iam Tongi will headline and Spawnbreezie will also perform. On American Idol, Tongi sang Spawnbreezie’s “Don’t Let Go” at Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa in Kapolei, for his April 16 performance as one of the top 26 contestants.
Tickets are for sale online.