Hawaii News Now

Surf, culture, and community. On today’s show, we preview the Honua Finals, bringing top high school surfers from Hawaiʻi and around the world to Ala Moana Bowls, plus day one of the 2026 Native Hawaiian Convention with workshops, hula, the Nā Mea Hawaiʻi marketplace, and an afterparty.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Army identified two U.S. soldiers killed in Jordan while defending against Iranian missile and drone attacks, one with a Hawaii connection. Residents in a tight-knit Makakilo neighborhood are heartbroken after an early morning fire kills an elderly man. What students and families need to know as a new school year approaches with a new cell phone ban on Hawaii public school campuses.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

An Army soldier from Ewa Beach is one of two U.S. service members who were killed in Jordan over the weekend during an attack from Iran. Honolulu Police are looking for the suspect in an armed robbery at a convenience store in Kalihi early this morning. And a man who was found unconscious inside a burning building this morning in Makakilo has died.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A soldier from Hawaii has been identified as one of the service members killed in the Middle East over the weekend. Who he is, as the U.S. expands airstrikes against Iran. Ballots have been sent for Hawaii's primary election, which is now less than 3 weeks away. We'll show you the efforts to make sure the state's vote-counting machines are ready to go. The 25th Native Hawaiian Convention begins today. Casey Lund will be live at the Blaisdell this morning to give us a look at what attendees can expect. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It’s been 100 days since Cruz Eddie Ochoa Jr. was killed in a hit-and-run in Makiki, and his family is pushing for safety changes. Police say an e-motorcyclist was critically injured after a late-night crash on Punahou Street in Makiki involving a wrong-way rider and a driver making an illegal U-turn. Plus, with primary ballots arriving this week, election officials tested vote-counting machines Saturday at the State Capitol to make sure they’re working properly.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Three Maui police officers were injured yesterday, during a Wailuku burglary investigation after a suspect allegedly drove at them and resisted arrest. In Waikiki, Honolulu police charged 55-year-old Batarti Gabbard with custodial interference after investigators say he approached children and wrote down their names. Plus, a new Hawaii law gives victims of harmful AI-generated deepfakes new legal options as lawmakers move to curb AI misuse.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A Japanese liquified natural gas company takes another step toward building a new $2 billion plant on Oahu, drawing concerns and pushback. A man has been charged with custodial interference after he allegedly approached multiple children at a Waikiki hotel pool. More than 100 million people are under dangerous air quality alerts due to thick, choking smoke from Canadian wildfires. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Your weekend plans start here. We’re previewing this Saturday’s Honolulu Night Market, rounding up back-to-school shopping picks at Ka Makana Aliʻi and sharing how you can support North Shore businesses following the recent floods.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With Hawaii's primary election approaching Aug. 8, state and city election officials are urging voters to watch for their mail ballots, follow ballot instructions closely and return ballots early. Voters have until 7 p.m. Aug. 8 to return their voted ballot to their County Elections Division by: Mail using the pre-addressed, postage-paid return envelope. Ballot drop box within their county. Voting in person at a voter service center. Click here for a full guide, including what to do first and common mistakes to avoid.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Trump Administration is taking action after the President's speech on election integrity yesterday. Here at home, Hawaii elections officials are defending the security and integrity of voting in Hawaii, as ballots are already in the mail to voters. And a federal push for deep-sea mining in the pacific ocean is facing pushback from environmentalists. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Can a sign make a business safer? We hear from both sides of another debate about guns. Hilo residents, listen up! Where and when you can participate in a gun buy-back event tomorrow, as well as what you will receive if you turn in your unwanted weapons. Changes are coming for federal student loans. We'll tell you what they will be, as well as why this is causing some to rethink their payment plans. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A Texas oil billionaire is pouring money into a Democratic primary race in Waikiki — but the money isn’t going toward a Republican. It’s supporting a newcomer trying to unseat an incumbent. Meanwhile, more than 100 former Lahaina residents are being flown back to Maui this weekend for the Lahaina Homecoming, a three-day celebration focused on healing, reconnection and hope for the future.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The president is using a trove of newly declassified documents as evidence to suggest future elections could be at risk of foreign interference, particularly by China. Meanwhile, here at home, local elections officials are defending the security and integrity of voting in Hawaii as ballots are already in the mail to voters. And suspected carjacker Garrett Spencer, 25, pleaded not guilty to charges related to an incident at the Honolulu Airport. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Local music and Hawaiian culture take center stage today. Hear a live performance from Nā Hōkū Hanohano award winner Izik as he shares what’s next for KŌWĀ, plus a look ahead to the Queen Liliʻuokalani Keiki Hula Competition and Festival at the Blaisdell.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

President Trump is set to address to the nation tonight on what he calls, "election integrity." New video into our newsroom shows two men being rescued by the U-S Coast guard after a 10-foot catamaran capsized off Haleiwa Tuesday morning. And alleged carjacker Garrett Spencer made his first court appearance this morning, pleading not guilty. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Residents in Kakaako express concern over how the upcoming rail construction will impact them. Hear what they had to say and HART's response. Hawaii Army soldiers in Wahiawa have been struggling without air conditioning for nearly a week. We'll tell you why and how much longer this is expected to last. Giant pandas could potentially be the newest addition to the Honolulu Zoo. We'll tell you how close we are to a deal with China. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Former Honolulu police sergeant Darren Cachola is asking taxpayers to fund his legal defense as he faces a civil rights class-action lawsuit stemming from DUI arrests made without evidence. Plus, Kauai Police Department leaders faced tough questions from the north shore community over their handling of the multi-day manhunt for murder suspect William “Billy” Sinclair. Meanwhile, Honolulu may soon become home to giant pandas.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Music, sweet treats, and community giving. On today’s show catch a throwback Hoʻolauleʻa concert celebrating 25 years of Native Hawaiian Convention, plus $1 mini flight cones for National Ice Cream Day and Finance Factors’ Charity Breakfast supporting local families.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Honolulu taxpayers will pay for a controversial former HPD officer's legal defense as the police commission determines he is entitled to taxpayer funded counsel. Hawaii now has a confirmed case of the food-borne illness causing a stomach churning outbreak across the continent. And a Hawaii green-card holder accused of illegally sending large amounts of money to Iran has pleaded guilty. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hawaii Senator Mazie Hirono was among the lawmakers today asking tough questions of Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche. An Oahu man accused of sending money to Iran through non-traditional banking channels over several years pleaded guilty today in court. And Governor Josh Green signed a bill into law to help improve the health of Hawaii residents, requiring the state Department of Transportation to establish a state wide clean fuel standard.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New laws are being put in place to keep illegal game rooms from popping up. We'll tell you just how many have been shut down so far this year. Plus, a ruling has been made in the proposed expansion of the Ritz-Carlton resort on Oahu's North Shore. What the courts ruled, as well as why an insect influenced their decision. We are now in the expected window for the next eruptive episode, which is expected to occur sometime today at the latest. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A motorcyclist who was critically injured in a crash on Kapiolani Boulevard in Moiliili has died. One of Hawaii's most powerful state senators is the target of the state's most powerful unions. New laws are helping Honolulu police crack down on illegal game rooms across Oahu.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Democratic frontrunners in the lieutenant governor’s race face off in their only televised forum before the primary. No charges will be filed against two Honolulu police officers in last year’s fatal Makaha shooting. Plus, encouraging signs in Mayor Blangiardi’s effort to redevelop the Chinatown Cultural Plaza. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Coffee, flowers and North Shore recovery. Today's HI Now Daily show checks out a fresh Lion Coffee artist series reveal, a new $5 roundtrip Huakaʻi shuttle helping Haleʻiwa and Waialua, and Watanabe Floral’s 80th birthday celebration with flower deals and early freebies.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On a special edition of Spotlight Now, we sit down with two candidates running to become Hawaii’s next lieutenant governor, Della Au Belatti and Derek Kawakami.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Honolulu's prosecutor says no charges will be filed against the two Honolulu police officers involved in a fatal shooting in Makaha last year. On Hawaii Island, two men have been charged in connection with a shooting in Hamakua Friday night. And the suspect in a carjacking at the Honolulu airport last week has been charged with theft, but the victims in the case say he should face more severe charges. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Honolulu's Rail project continues to work its way toward downtown. Casey Lund is live this morning on the next phase and the impacts we'll feel during construction. A major traffic headache after this grate kicked loose on the H-1. It snarled traffic and damaged multiple vehicles. We hear from a driver who suffered a pair of flat tires. Public tours of the Honouliuli National Historic Site have started. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Big Island police have identified the woman who died in a three-vehicle crash last night. A loose metal grate on the H-1 is being blamed for flat tires and major backups during the pau hana commute. Plus, how the Skyline project could reshape an industrial-heavy area of Honolulu. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Seven months after the assault of Moanalua's assistant athletics director, Gov. Josh Green signs a bill to better protect Hawaii’s education workers. As Skyline construction pushes deeper into urban Honolulu, city leaders roll out new plans for transit-oriented development. Plus, flags fly at half-staff after the unexpected death of U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham of South Carolina.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Big dreams and real help for local families, plus a new challenge for Hawaiʻi’s next changemakers. We’ve got a big announcement today: a campaign launch with a chance to win up to 100,000 Atmos Rewards points, and a closer look at support helping Native Hawaiian families stay rooted through homeownership.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Governor Josh Green signed into law today a bill that help protects educators from harassment and creates stricter penalties for their violators. Some Hawaii lawmakers are raising questions about what happens if mail-in ballots can't be delivered before November's general election. And the governor of South Carolina announced his pick to fill to the senate seat of Senator Lindsey Graham, who passed away unexpectedly over the weekend. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A warning for Kauai residents: stay away from the mouth of the Waimea River. The recent shift that has the county seeking state assistance. Two decades in the making, progress on Homeland Leases on Hawaii Island. How many have been awarded, and how long have some been on the waitlist? We are now in the expected window for the next eruptive episode, which is expected sometime by Wednesday. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Activists protesting hiking tours to Kalaupapa got a surprise when they learned the tours were put on hold. Honolulu police busted an illegal cockfighting event in Kahaluu early yesterday morning. Plus, a UH Manoa researcher landed a $660,000 NSF grant to study how fuel contamination can threaten drinking water.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

HFD crews remain on scene this morning mopping up and working to increase containment of the South Kohala fire. In Pearl City, emergency crews rescued a driver trapped in a crash early today. Plus, hundreds of Native Hawaiian families could be one step closer to homeownership on Hawaii Island. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On Hawaii Island, limited evacuations were lifted in Waikoloa Village Friday night after a wildfire headed away from populated areas, officials said. Meanwhile, frustration over towing practices and confusing parking rules at Ala Wai Boat Harbor boiled over Friday as residents, surfers and boaters voiced concerns.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A used car dealership in Mapunapuna credits police and the community for getting most of its stolen cars back. After a series of scandals rocked the state capitol, Gov. Josh Green today signed into law a bill to help combat public corruption. And on Hawaii Island, police have identified a body found in a shallow stream in Waimea. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Island tunes, tasty bites and a little travel daydreaming. We’re previewing a beloved ʻukulele festival in Waikīkī, checking out a Tokyo hotel and checking out what a golf course's restaurant is cooking up in the Good Energy Kitchen.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

President Trump said he has agreed to continue peace negotiations at Tehran's request but, at the same time, said the cease-fire with Iran is over. A 14-year-old suspect has now been charged on multiple counts after a violent carjacking case out of Waianae that ended with a crash in town. And an Oahu family is safe and relieved after someone hijacked their car outside the baggage claim area at Daniel K. Inouye International Airport.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A returning tour sparks protests on Molokai. We hear from demonstrators, including a Maui County Councilmember, on why they took action. As AI continues to integrate more into our daily lives, what does that mean for the next generation? Details on a pair of local students participating in a nationwide summit to chart a course forward. Taking you out for a live look at Kilauea bubbling this morning. When we're expecting the next lava fountains to emerge. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Just over a month has passed since the death of Sergio Reyes Hernandez, known as “Tito Reyes.” The 37-year-old was found dead inside Federico’s Hanalei. The state Department of Health is seeking about $475,000 in fines from ABC Junkyard in Waiawa after months of failed attempts to shut down the operation, which was still accepting waste as of Wednesday.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today's show is serving up great food and local finds. Watch guests from the Emmy-nominated Kitchen Scraps cook live, then discover two local businesses you'll find at Puʻuhonua Mākeke next weekend.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The campaign for Hawaii's embattled Lieutenant Governor now faces another criminal investigation. What the complaint alleges as Slyvia Luke's political reputation takes another hit. We all get them -- annoying robocalls that blow up our phones throughout the day. We look at a new effort from Hawaii's Attorney General to crack down. We are less than a month away from the start of the next school year. That means, parents, it's time to start thinking about shopping for supplies. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Falling construction debris prompted a road closure in Honolulu Wednesday. Plus, the Drug Enforcement Administration has filed a notice of intent to ban 7-OH and two related synthetic compounds, MGM-15 and MGM-16, saying the substances have no medical purpose and are dangerous. Meanwhile, In a “significant escalation,” the Hawaii Campaign Spending Commission chose to refer its civil complaint against Lt. Gov. Sylvia Luke’s campaign spending to the Hawaii Department of the Attorney General for further investigation.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New developments in the probe into Lt. Gov. Sylvia Luke’s campaign spending. A teenager is in custody after police say he carjacked an elderly woman at knifepoint. Plus, embattled Marine Democrat Graham Platner drops out of the U.S. Senate race after a rape allegation prompted backers to withdraw support.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Island sound and community pride take center stage today. We’re celebrating Na Hoku Hanohano Awards week and what’s ahead, plus a feel-good Wahine Night at Kapono’s with two Hawaiʻi women artists sharing the spotlight.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ke Kula ‘o Kamehameha and community organizations are demonstrating how ʻāina stewardship, community engagement and shared values can lead to successful collaborations. On Spotlight Now, the conversation focused on two special regions in West Hawaiʻi — Keauhou and Kahaluʻu Ma Kai. This episode of Spotlight Now is sponsored by Ke Kula ʻo Kamehameha.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

President Trump has wrapped up what he called a very successful NATO Summit in Turkey. Residents on Kauai's North Shore attended a tense meeting with KPD over their handling of the Billy Sinclair manhunt last month. And police tell us a 14-year-old suspect armed with a machete threatened a 76-year-old woman just before 12:30 this morning.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Honolulu's new police chief reflects on his time out on the beat in Waikiki. More on his efforts to fully integrate into the community. Plus, you might soon get one of those newly designed Hawaii driver's licenses or state ID's, without another trip to the DMV. Who is getting first dibs on the new cards? And, brands are taking on a new way to market their products. We'll tell you more about what's being called "branded entertainment". See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.