Jessica Hilo
@jessicahilo.bsky.social
Jessica Hilo is a digital journalist and audience specialist. Kānaka Maoli. Former: NBC News, MSNBC, USA TODAY, CBS
Executives with the Thirty Meter Telescope are investigating the possibility of building on Mauna Kea, at a site where an old telescope was decommissioned and torn down.
Thirty Meter Telescope Planners Consider Other Sites On Mauna Kea
Gov. Josh Green pledges to help with the permitting process for sites where old telescopes have been decommissioned.
www.civilbeat.org
November 10, 2025 at 6:32 PM
Executives with the Thirty Meter Telescope are investigating the possibility of building on Mauna Kea, at a site where an old telescope was decommissioned and torn down.
Dhillon Law Group, the firm that filed a lawsuit to block California's voter-approved congressional map, is listed as counsel for the Students for Fair Admissions (the group suing Kamehameha Schools) www.civilbeat.org/2025/10/kame...
Kamehameha Schools Sued Over Native Hawaiian Admissions Policy
Students for Fair Admissions founder Ed Blum said he has received death threats over his attempt to strike down the policy.
www.civilbeat.org
November 6, 2025 at 5:04 AM
Dhillon Law Group, the firm that filed a lawsuit to block California's voter-approved congressional map, is listed as counsel for the Students for Fair Admissions (the group suing Kamehameha Schools) www.civilbeat.org/2025/10/kame...
Research by Amnesty International finds current immigration systems are inadequate for Pacific Islanders seeking safety and stability, as rising seas threaten to make their homelands uninhabitable.
‘Humanitarian’ visa must be created for Pacific Islanders displaced by climate crisis, experts say
Calls for reform to allow people across the Pacific threatened by climate crisis to more easily migrate, particularly to New Zealand
www.theguardian.com
October 25, 2025 at 9:49 PM
Research by Amnesty International finds current immigration systems are inadequate for Pacific Islanders seeking safety and stability, as rising seas threaten to make their homelands uninhabitable.
WATCH: Bryson Chun (Doogie Kameāloha, M.D.), Dana Ledoux Miller (Moana), and Thomas Paʻa Sibbett (Chief of War) examine contemporary Pasifika storytelling and representations in TV and film. www.youtube.com/watch?v=1I2O...
October 25, 2025 at 3:08 PM
WATCH: Bryson Chun (Doogie Kameāloha, M.D.), Dana Ledoux Miller (Moana), and Thomas Paʻa Sibbett (Chief of War) examine contemporary Pasifika storytelling and representations in TV and film. www.youtube.com/watch?v=1I2O...
“We verified that the [Sec.] Noem video is not playing at Hawaii checkpoints. Videos airing in the screening area are meant to direct people through the security screening process. HDOT is focused on airing videos that aid travelers at our commercial airports.”
State explains why Homeland Security video blaming Democrats not playing at TSA checkpoints in Hawaii
A new video shows U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem on camera blaming Democrats for the federal government shutdown that began on Oct. 1.
www.hawaiinewsnow.com
October 15, 2025 at 7:07 PM
“We verified that the [Sec.] Noem video is not playing at Hawaii checkpoints. Videos airing in the screening area are meant to direct people through the security screening process. HDOT is focused on airing videos that aid travelers at our commercial airports.”
"You can say so many things about the things you want to do or achieve, but it isn't until the action is there that anything will really happen, and I just encourage young designers...to not feed into the thinking that there's one way to do anything."
Meet Rocket Ahuna, the Kānaka Maoli Designer Marrying Hula With Fashion
Ahuna’s designs, inspired by the history of Hawai’i, are going global.
www.teenvogue.com
September 12, 2025 at 4:41 PM
"You can say so many things about the things you want to do or achieve, but it isn't until the action is there that anything will really happen, and I just encourage young designers...to not feed into the thinking that there's one way to do anything."
I can't imagine why someone would feel inclined to punch down about "Chief of War." But, hey, congrats to this writer for churning all those deafening open mics into quite a lucrative career in AI prompting. #MissionAccomplished
Jason Momoa Praised For Historical Accuracy Of ‘Chief Of War’ Ass
HONOLULU—Calling his portrayal of a Native Hawaiʻian chief “straight out of the 1700s,” critics, scholars, and fans alike praised Chief Of War star Jason Momoa this week for the historical accuracy of...
theonion.com
September 8, 2025 at 9:08 PM
I can't imagine why someone would feel inclined to punch down about "Chief of War." But, hey, congrats to this writer for churning all those deafening open mics into quite a lucrative career in AI prompting. #MissionAccomplished
An anti-affirmative action group wants Kamehameha Schools to end its policy of giving preference to Native Hawaiians. The school promises a vigorous defense.
Kamehameha Schools’ Admission Policies May Face Legal Challenge
An anti-affirmative action group wants the school to end its policy of giving preference to Native Hawaiians. The school promises a vigorous defense.
www.civilbeat.org
September 5, 2025 at 4:55 PM
An anti-affirmative action group wants Kamehameha Schools to end its policy of giving preference to Native Hawaiians. The school promises a vigorous defense.
Nearly 1 in 5 warning sirens on Oʻahu were broken during tsunami scare. Hawaiʻi could end up paying a bigger share of the upkeep of sirens in coming years. Maintenance was paid in part by FEMA grants, funding targeted for cuts by the Trump administration.
Nearly 1 In 5 Warning Sirens On Oʻahu Broken During Tsunami Scare
The Hawaiʻi Emergency Management Agency says two dozen new sirens will be installed by the end of the year.
www.civilbeat.org
August 20, 2025 at 3:34 PM
Nearly 1 in 5 warning sirens on Oʻahu were broken during tsunami scare. Hawaiʻi could end up paying a bigger share of the upkeep of sirens in coming years. Maintenance was paid in part by FEMA grants, funding targeted for cuts by the Trump administration.
Between kumu hula, community organizers, educators, and families now living in diaspora, many Hawaiians are doing important work to ensure proper representation of our culture in distant places while creating safe spaces for our communities abroad to remain connected to their cultural heritage.
Reframing Histories of Kānaka Diaspora - Ka Wai Ola
Narratives of diaspora are nothing new to our community and culture. Growing up in Hawaiʻi, it is commonplace to learn about the first migrations that brought our kūpuna into Polynesia, to Tahiti, and...
kawaiola.news
August 7, 2025 at 7:41 PM
Between kumu hula, community organizers, educators, and families now living in diaspora, many Hawaiians are doing important work to ensure proper representation of our culture in distant places while creating safe spaces for our communities abroad to remain connected to their cultural heritage.
“That’s literally the reason I signed on to do the project in the first place. They told me, Spider-Girl, she’s Hawaiian. I’m like, Yes, you got me. I’m in,” David Nakayama, a veteran cover artist, said.
From villain to hero: Meet Marvel’s new Hawaii-born Spider-Girl
HONOLULU (KHON2) — Look out New York — and Hawaii. There’s a new Spider-Hero in town. Just released this week, Marvel Comic’s latest character. Her name? Spider-Girl. And sh…
www.khon2.com
July 29, 2025 at 5:18 AM
“That’s literally the reason I signed on to do the project in the first place. They told me, Spider-Girl, she’s Hawaiian. I’m like, Yes, you got me. I’m in,” David Nakayama, a veteran cover artist, said.
"Our kupuna is definitely still here": Hawaiian kiʻi pōhaku (petroglyphs) covered for years are unearthed again at Pōkaʻī Bay. Cultural experts believe they are more than 1,000 years old. www.hawaiinewsnow.com/2025/07/18/h...
Huge petroglyphs covered for years unearthed again at Pokai Bay
The petroglyphs were exposed over the weekend and cultural experts believe they are more than 1,000 years old.
www.hawaiinewsnow.com
July 18, 2025 at 7:59 PM
"Our kupuna is definitely still here": Hawaiian kiʻi pōhaku (petroglyphs) covered for years are unearthed again at Pōkaʻī Bay. Cultural experts believe they are more than 1,000 years old. www.hawaiinewsnow.com/2025/07/18/h...
UPDATE: In May, the FAA approved SpaceX's Starship proposal, despite "federal agencies' foreboding assessments" and more than 12,000 public comments on the matter. bsky.app/profile/jess...
SpaceX asking FAA for a landing zone about 20 times larger than its current zone, and seeks to increase the number of landings from 5 to 25 a year. The new zone would include significant areas in Hawaiʻi, like Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument. www.hawaiinewsnow.com/2025/01/14/p...
Public input sought for Elon Musk’s SpaceX plans to splash down in Hawaii waters
The space exploration company is asking the FAA for a landing zone about 20 times larger than its current zone.
www.hawaiinewsnow.com
July 17, 2025 at 5:10 PM
UPDATE: In May, the FAA approved SpaceX's Starship proposal, despite "federal agencies' foreboding assessments" and more than 12,000 public comments on the matter. bsky.app/profile/jess...
Last year more than 172,500lbs of trash were collected off Hawaii coastlines, the most of any region in the country, report finds.
Hawaii ranked number 1 on concerning list: More than 172,500 Ibs of trash collected
The numbers come from the new Surfrider annual beach cleanup report.
www.hawaiinewsnow.com
July 16, 2025 at 5:02 PM
Last year more than 172,500lbs of trash were collected off Hawaii coastlines, the most of any region in the country, report finds.
Hawaii beaches are among the most polluted in the nation, report finds. Federal funding cuts could threaten future water quality testing.
Report reveals Hawaii beaches among most polluted nationwide
A recent report reveals beaches in Hawaii are among the most polluted in the nation.
www.hawaiinewsnow.com
June 17, 2025 at 5:09 PM
Hawaii beaches are among the most polluted in the nation, report finds. Federal funding cuts could threaten future water quality testing.
Reposted by Jessica Hilo
Law enforcement is violently targeting press at protests around Los Angeles, from easily recognizable "mainstream" outlets to freelancers and independents. ALL press have explicit legal protections in California. #JournalismIsNotACrime.
This evidence thread may get graphic. 🧵👇
This evidence thread may get graphic. 🧵👇
June 8, 2025 at 11:25 AM
Law enforcement is violently targeting press at protests around Los Angeles, from easily recognizable "mainstream" outlets to freelancers and independents. ALL press have explicit legal protections in California. #JournalismIsNotACrime.
This evidence thread may get graphic. 🧵👇
This evidence thread may get graphic. 🧵👇
Over 2,500 California National Guard members were activated in response to devastating wildfires that ripped through LA in January 2025.
Federal agents conduct immigration raids across LA. Trump orders National Guard response
Gov. Gavin Newsom called the plan to take over deployment from the state "purposefully inflammatory" adding that it "will only escalate tensions."
laist.com
June 8, 2025 at 3:23 AM
Over 2,500 California National Guard members were activated in response to devastating wildfires that ripped through LA in January 2025.
The U.S. Air Force wants to build two commercial rocket landing pads at Johnston Atoll for its Rocket Cargo Vanguard program. The proposal doesn’t name SpaceX, but it’s the only company capable of manufacturing rockets designed for landing and reuse.
Military’s plan for rocket testing on Johnston Atoll raises alarm
The U.S. Air Force wants to build two commercial rocket landing pads at Johnston Atoll, which is a crucial breeding ground for seabirds and wildlife.
www.hawaiinewsnow.com
May 27, 2025 at 9:40 PM
The U.S. Air Force wants to build two commercial rocket landing pads at Johnston Atoll for its Rocket Cargo Vanguard program. The proposal doesn’t name SpaceX, but it’s the only company capable of manufacturing rockets designed for landing and reuse.
It used to take years to kill a reef. Now, it can take weeks — sometimes days. The decline of coral reefs is worse in the Great Barrier Reef and the Galapagos Islands, one expert says. The problem is most severe in the Caribbean and the state of Florida.
Under Hawaii's warming blue ocean, many once-colorful coral reefs are bleached white
Coral reefs in Honolulu and other coastal areas are undergoing what experts say is the world's worst coral bleaching event.
www.cbsnews.com
May 20, 2025 at 8:55 PM
It used to take years to kill a reef. Now, it can take weeks — sometimes days. The decline of coral reefs is worse in the Great Barrier Reef and the Galapagos Islands, one expert says. The problem is most severe in the Caribbean and the state of Florida.
The NY Times published an article today about ICE activity affecting Kona coffee growers. It left a lot to be desired, but that's a symptom of parachute journalism. Read @civilbeat.bsky.social's write-up instead.
ICE Takes Aim At Immigrant Kids In Big Island's Coffee Belt
President Trump has said he wants to deport hardened criminals. But on Hawaiʻi, agents are snaring undocumented children and their adult relatives.
www.civilbeat.org
May 14, 2025 at 4:07 PM
The NY Times published an article today about ICE activity affecting Kona coffee growers. It left a lot to be desired, but that's a symptom of parachute journalism. Read @civilbeat.bsky.social's write-up instead.
“The SAVE Act provides consistent national standards for what documentation is necessary to prove citizenship and the right to vote...Fears of voter suppression because of these standards are overstated,” Case said.
Hawaii Democrat sides with Republicans on bill requiring proof of citizenship
The bill requires states to establish a program to remove undocumented immigrants from voter registrations, but critics say the SAVE Act could disenfranchise millions of eligible voters.
www.hawaiinewsnow.com
April 11, 2025 at 5:58 PM
“The SAVE Act provides consistent national standards for what documentation is necessary to prove citizenship and the right to vote...Fears of voter suppression because of these standards are overstated,” Case said.
ICE arresting COFA migrants who have been arrested but not charged with a crime, lawyer says.
ICE detaining COFA migrants not charged with crimes | Honolulu Star-Advertiser
The 25,000 Hawaii residents from countries of
Micronesia, the Marshall
Islands and Palau who are legally allowed to live and work in the U.S. are facing greater risk of removal if they have been arr...
www.staradvertiser.com
April 9, 2025 at 4:41 PM
ICE arresting COFA migrants who have been arrested but not charged with a crime, lawyer says.
"I love that Moana celebrates our culture...but I had this feeling kind of growing that we needed to celebrate the real people": Go inside Te Vaka's "We're Back" music video.
'Celebrate the real people': Olivia Foa'i on directing Te Vaka's music video for Moana 2 - ABC Pacific
Nesia Daily spoke with musician and dancer, Olivia Foa'i about directing Te Vaka's new music video for We're Back from Disney's Moana 2.
www.abc.net.au
April 8, 2025 at 8:20 PM
"I love that Moana celebrates our culture...but I had this feeling kind of growing that we needed to celebrate the real people": Go inside Te Vaka's "We're Back" music video.
"Mālama goes beyond eco-tourism: it's about leaving a place better than you found it. And after seeking out these experiences during a three-week stay, we found mālama not only improves Hawaii, it also made our time there much more meaningful."
Mālama: The word embodying the spirit of Hawaii
Meaning "to give back", this ancient concept is a way of life – and a tourism initiative offering travellers fascinating local experiences and perks.
www.bbc.com
April 4, 2025 at 4:31 PM
"Mālama goes beyond eco-tourism: it's about leaving a place better than you found it. And after seeking out these experiences during a three-week stay, we found mālama not only improves Hawaii, it also made our time there much more meaningful."
Mauna Kea Traditional Cultural Property and District listed on National Register of Historic Places. The listing requires federal agencies, and private entities seeking fed funding or permits, to address the potential impacts of proposals on Mauna Kea.
Weekly List 2025 03 28 - National Register of Historic Places (U.S. National Park Service)
www.nps.gov
April 2, 2025 at 8:10 PM
Mauna Kea Traditional Cultural Property and District listed on National Register of Historic Places. The listing requires federal agencies, and private entities seeking fed funding or permits, to address the potential impacts of proposals on Mauna Kea.