Privacy Policy Fight: Hawaiʻi’s Office of Consumer Protection joined a coalition of 15 attorneys general opposing the federal SECURE Data Act, saying it would cap state privacy protections and limit Hawaiʻi’s ability to respond to new tech. Digital Identity in the Real World: A Hawaii ID scanning problem at airports highlighted how REAL ID can still fail when the issuing ecosystem, scanners, software, and airport workflows aren’t aligned. Reef Science: Kuleana Coral Restoration hit a milestone on Oʻahu’s Waianae Coast, restoring more than 10,000 corals and planning new nursery tables this summer. Biometrics Watch: Meta’s smart-glasses facial recognition work drew scrutiny after reports it licensed technology from ROC, a firm tied to government and military uses. Seismic Research: A University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa study says stress along the San Andreas and San Jacinto faults has reached the highest levels in 1,000 years, with possible “earthquake gate” effects at Cajon Pass. Military Tech & Readiness: The U.S. Army’s Defense Health Network Indo-Pacific and Medical Readiness Command, Pacific leadership described the challenge of delivering care across the Pacific. Weather & Climate: NOAA says a new El Niño has formed and could strengthen later in 2026, raising odds of hotter, drier conditions in parts of the U.S. STEM Education: Sandia’s QCaMP for Educators returns to 18 cities to train teachers in quantum science.