Hawaii News Now

Gov. Josh Green signs new laws cracking down on human trafficking and e-cigarettes, while boosting protections for domestic violence survivors. Kauai police are investigating the death of a 2-year-old boy injured in a horse-related incident. And the search continues for suspects who hit a used car lot in Mapunapuna, with a new update in the case.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A deepening divide at the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, as trustees clash over a lawsuit filed by its ousted CEO. New regulations aim to curb e-cigarette sales to Hawaii’s youth. Plus, all eyes are on a New York high-rise on the brink of collapse.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Fashion, live animals and mālama ʻāina all come together on today’s show. We’re getting the details on Goodwill Goes Glam, welcoming a few farm friends to the studio, and exploring research that’s helping shape the future of conservation in Heʻeia.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Gov. Josh Green signed into law bills that ban vape sales and disposable e-cigarettes to help curb youth vaping and reduce fire and environmental risks. Officials lifted the stay-at-home order, but many areas of Guam and the Marianas remain without power, water, or communications after Super Typhoon Bavi. Police are investigating a burglary in Mapunapuna, where thieves broke into a used car lot and drove off with several vehicles.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hawaiʻi’s Supreme Court has cleared the way for a criminal trial against Honolulu police officers in connection with a near-fatal crash in Māʻili. The local film industry is celebrating after a bill was signed into law, raising Hawaiʻi’s film tax credit to help bring productions back to the islands. A New York Times report lists U.S. Rep. Ed Case among six vulnerable Democrats in the upcoming Aug. 8 primary election.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Honolulu prosecutors charge a teen accused of selling child pornography on a social media app. Police recover 17 gaming machines and more than $6,000 after shutting down an illegal game room in Waipahu. Plus, new national attention on Hawaii’s congressional race.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A huge win for Hawai‘i’s film industry as Gov. Green signs a new law boosting production incentives in the islands. Honolulu police are investigating after a Mapunapuna dealership was ransacked. And Super Typhoon Bavi slams the Northern Marianas, bringing powerful winds and torrential rain. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Local history, culture and a great Sunday plan featured on HI Now Daily. We’re previewing Kamaʻāina Sunday at ʻIolani Palace, residents can enjoy Hawaiian cultural workshops, browse local vendors, and catch live entertainment - plus self-led audio tours for the first 500.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Governor Green has signed into law a bill that strengthens Hawaii's ability to compete for major film, television, and streaming productions. President trump held a ceremony at the white house to celebrate the official launch of his new investment accounts for American children. And Honolulu EMS officials tell us they did not need to rush anyone to the hospital because of any fireworks mishaps.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A long wait for some prospective homeowners who signed up years ago for an affordable housing program. What an HNN investigation has revealed. We are well into RIMPAC as tens of thousands from around the world are in Hawaii for the military exercises. There's no better time to open up your home to an animal in need. What the Hawaiian Humane Society is doing to Empty the Shelters.    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

An Independence Day crash turned deadly on the H-1 in Nuuanu, killing a 28-year-old woman. Maui police need help finding a missing 22-year-old man from Kipahulu. Plus, an investigation is underway after a fire broke out at Jarrett Middle School. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After 43 days at sea, one rower has officially made history, paddling into Waikiki after a 2,400-mile journey from California. Rescue crews are back on the Kapalama Trail in Nuuanu this morning, continuing the search for a stranded hiker. Plus, a heads-up on Fourth of July celebrations, fireworks, and road closures across the islands.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

State and county leaders want the public to think twice before celebrating the 4th of July with illegal fireworks. Super Typhoon Bavi is expected to hit Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands in the coming days, just three months after the last super typhoon devastated communities there. And RIMPAC is more than a military exercise -- it's a boost for Hawaii businesses.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Celebrations are underway for the nation's 250th Anniversary, as President Trump is set to lead the festivities at Mount Rushmore tonight. Honolulu Hale, Kapolei Hale and the Blaisdell Center will be lit up in red, white and blue from sundown tonight to sunrise on Sunday, part of a nationwide initiative called "light to unite." And Governor Josh Green announced that Hawaii will be the first state in the nation to ensure every eligible child in foster care is set up with a savings account with seed money.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A man convicted of multiple felonies stemming from illegal fireworks will avoid any jail time. Neighbors of an Oahu golf course are tired of holding their breath due to foul odors coming from nearby. And Honolulu's largest bon dance returns this weekend.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Michael Harano, the principal of Washington Middle School for 25 years, has been placed on paid leave and is under investigation following a routine audit, according to Harano and his union. Meanwhile, a foul odor that lingered in an Ewa neighborhood for days has prompted complaints from residents and cleanup efforts at a nearby golf course, according to officials and those living in the area.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Honolulu's new police chief takes his oath as he outlines his priorities and promises for the department. The 69-year-old man accused of robbing two Makiki banks made his first court appearance today. And a car crashed right into the front of a store in the Punchbowl area today.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

From live music to movie nights and hurricane readiness, today’s show has your week covered. We’re previewing a Henry Kapono Foundation concert happening this weekend, highlighting a film festival before its closing film next week and sharing hurricane preparedness tips to help you get ready before a storm.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A new era officially began for the Honolulu Police Department as David Lazar was sworn in as HPD's 13th police chief this morning. Jeremy Calizo pleaded no contest to six felony counts relating to illegal Explosive Devices related to an incident in December of 2024 in Waipahu. And police have identified the second suspect in an attempted armed robbery in Mokuleia Friday as Bryson Noa-Halemano.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

HPD's new chief is set to be sworn in today. But he's already been addressing a chronic problem within the department. We hear from David Lazar and get his first impressions. A pay bump for people doing their civic duty. How much more will Hawaii's jurors now make while serving? You might want to save that extra pay for a burger. The popular chain Shake Shack is coming to Oahu.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Waterman Archie Kalepa is working with state leaders to crack down on unlicensed contractors, particularly those he says are taking advantage of victims of the 2023 Lahaina fire disaster. Plus, a two-day child recovery operation on Oʻahu led to the safe recovery of 14 endangered missing children, marking the highest recovery count in the history of Operation Shine the Light.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

David Lazar lays out his top priorities for HPD a day before officially taking over as Honolulu’s next police chief. An 18-year-old died in a Kapolei motorcycle crash, marking Oahu’s 21st traffic fatality of 2026. Plus, newly released body-camera video shows the moment officers confronted the death-defying duo who scaled the Empire State Building.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Community, culture and local shopping are all in the spotlight. We’re talking with organizers about the upcoming Native Hawaiian Convention, celebrating Skyline’s third birthday and previewing a three-day Summer showcase featuring local vendors, giveaways and a canned food drive.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

President Trump traveled west today aboard a new Air Force One plane donated by the government of Qatar, which is now also playing a key role in negotiations between the U.S. and Iran. 14 endangered missing keiki between the ages of 13 and 17 were safely recovered on Oahu in the latest multi-agency child recovery effort known as Operation Shine the Light. And a Washington state woman remains in federal custody in Honolulu today on charges that she tried to bring 34 pounds of cocaine onto a flight from Honolulu to Japan.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Addressing a chronic officer shortage. It's one of the tasks HPD's newest chief will face when he's sworn in this week. We break down the numbers. Take action now. It's the call to all of us in the community to help prevent disaster during this wildfire season. What you can do to help. Heated battles at the World Cup have been exactly that heated. High temperatures have been causing problems during matches.     See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Find out why a Hawaii County police officer accused of an unlawful search won’t serve prison time. A passenger tries to get through security at Honolulu airport with a weapon. And ahead of an anticipated dry wildfire season, a message of safety and preparation.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

City and state officials unite with a message of safety and preparation ahead of an anticipated dry wildfire season. A longtime Waimanalo kauhale looks to expand services for the homeless community. Plus, the U.S. Supreme Court weighs in on birthright citizenship.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today’s show is all about caring for our community. We’re helping a pup find a loving home, learning how to prepare for wildfire season and spotlighting local efforts to support Hawaiʻi families.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Federal and local leaders launched a campaign to educate the public about wildfire conditions across Hawaii and steps residents can take to prepare. The U.S. Supreme Court struck down President Trump's executive order to restrict birthright citizenship. Police on Hawaii Island are investigating a weekend assault in Kailua-Kona that left two men injured.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

State Sen. Jarrett Keohokalole joins Spotlight Now for an in-depth conversation on the issues shaping Hawaiʻi’s First Congressional District race and his priorities for Washington. Keohokalole is challenging incumbent U.S. Rep. Ed Case in August's primary election. Then in our Community Spotlight segment, Mike Robinson of Hawaiʻi Pacific Health and Jeff Gilbreath of Hawaii Community Lending discuss an innovative initiative to help low-income residents access affordable housing.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A change on the way for state IDs and driver's licenses. We'll show you the new look, and why officials say they'll be more secure than ever before. The Supreme Court rules that mail-in ballots can still be counted after Election Day. A retired chef has found a new calling -- feeding Maui's homeless. Details on his mission and how his role in a national cooking competition may help.    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The search is on for the driver in a Moiliili hit-and-run that left a teenage e-motorcyclist in critical condition. Hawaii’s driver’s license and state ID are getting a new look after 17 years. Plus, a new labeling law is about to take effect for stores that sell raw ahi.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hawaii’s driver’s license and state ID are getting their first major update in 17 years. A former city employee accused of scamming the Hawaii Foodbank pleads not guilty. Plus, inside the desperate search for survivors in Venezuela as the death toll from two massive earthquakes continues to rise.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

If you’re looking for something to add to your calendar, we’ve got a few ideas. We’re checking out a summer festival for Fourth of July weekend, sharing how to attend the Na Hōkū Hanohano Awards in July and touring a newly renovated Waikīkī hotel.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A 36-year-old woman is in custody following a stabbing in Nanakuli that sent three other women to the hospital. Charges will not be filed in a Kalihi attempted murder case after investigators say the man arrested acted in self-defense. A former city employee accused of stealing from the Hawaii Foodbank appeared in court this morning.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The state budget is now officially signed. We'll tell you what it includes, as well as what bills the Governor's considering vetoing. Plus, military activity is increasing over the next few weeks on Oahu. We'll tell you what the RIMPAC marine exercises entail. And kids' sports are becoming increasingly expensive. How one soccer academy is working with its young athletes to try to make sure everyone can play.   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Witnesses say a confrontation over a parking stall led to a stabbing that left several people injured. Police are still searching for two men accused of trying to rob someone at gunpoint in Mokulēʻia. Plus, the controversial project that sparked fierce debate on Oʻahu’s North Shore—and why the governor says it’s no longer moving forward.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Honolulu police have arrested a suspect in the Kalihi stabbing that left a 24-year-old man critically injured. After four days of searching by air and sea, crews have suspended the search for a South Korean father and son who disappeared near Hanauma Bay. Plus, emergency crews rush a 41-year-old to the hospital in serious condition after a T-bone crash.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Honolulu Police Department is searching for the suspect accused of critically stabbing a man in Kalihi. Meanwhile, developers of Aloha Stadium say the demolition process is about a month ahead of schedule, generating thousands of tons of steel and other debris bound for destinations around the world.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Authorities give an update on the search for a father and son who went missing near an East Oahu coastline. Another potential site on Mauna Kea is being considered for the Thirty Meter Telescope, as opponents of the project take their fight to California. And Gov. Josh Green signs the state's $21 billion dollar budget and announces which bills he's considering for veto. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Fire up the grill and kick off the weekend with us. We’re sharing fresh BBQ meal ideas and new summer finds, details on a seasonal giveaway and celebrating the beauty of Tahitian dance and culture at Tahiti Fête Hawaiʻi.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Two westbound lanes of the H-1 Freeway were closed after an excavator on a flatbed truck hit the Aala Street overpass, causing concrete to fall on the road. Talks appear to have stalled in the case against former Oahu resident Luigi Mangione in the 2024 killing of UnitedHealthcare's CEO. The Hawaii State Department of Health has ordered a junkyard next to Waiawa stream to shut down after multiple city violations.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Still no sign of a missing father and son off Oahu, as crews will be out for a 4th day of searching. The latest on the efforts and reaction from the family. Plus, beware of fake Journey tickets! What you need to know about a scam for September's concert at the Blaisdell so you and your money don't go Separate Ways. We are now in the window for the next eruptive episode.    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hawaii News Now has learned the state Department of Health has ordered a junkyard next to Waiawa Stream to shut down. There are multiple city violations, but operations are still going on. Meanwhile, a family of four escaped safely from a burning home Wednesday night after a neighbor broke through two locked doors to alert them to the fire.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Reaction from both sides after the U.S. Supreme Court overturns a Hawaii law that requires gun owners to get permission before bringing firearms into places like clubs, restaurants and stores. Thousands are feared dead after a pair of powerful earthquakes levels neighborhoods in Venezuela. The latest on the search for a father and son who may have been swept out to sea near an East Oahu hiking trail. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

High-energy dining and new-home inspiration take the spotlight today. We’re checking out ADEZ Steakhouse and Lounge’s Wagyu Tomahawk, lava stone service and nightlife vibes, plus Koa Ridge’s new Sales Office and Lau Leʻa model homes in Central Oʻahu.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Search crews are racing amid dangerous conditions to find any sign of a father and son who went missing during a hike in East Oahu. Hawaii leaders respond after the U.S. Supreme Court strikes down a Hawaii gun law, ruling the state's requirement for permission to carry guns onto private property unconstitutional. A Pearl City family of five is displaced after fire tears through their home.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Lawmakers are being asked to come clean if they have any ties to Hawaiʻi's bribery and corruption probe. After years of legal wrangling, the U-S Department of Justice is finally issuing some settlement payments to Red Hill plaintiffs. How much they got and why so many claims are still unresolved. And the Office of Hawaiian Affairs moves forward into the entertainment industry. How close is it to buying a Hawaii TV station?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The latest on day two of the search near Hanauma Bay for a missing father and son visiting from Korea. The Justice Department has paid about $17 million so far in Red Hill fuel-spill settlements. Plus, a Hawaii man faces federal charges for allegedly trying to lure a 15-year-old into sex on the Big Island.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The search continues for a father and son missing near Hanauma Bay. The federal government approves $17 million in Red Hill water crisis settlements. Plus, OHA revives a controversial proposal to explore buying a Hawaii TV station.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.