Hawaii News Now

A cut in funds could force dozens back on the streets. Why some state programs are in danger of closing. Graduation gridlock. This is the season when traffic picks up during commencement events. Details on the efforts to help with the congestion. We're taking a look at the best destinations for the season. And spoiler warning, maybe a stay-cation is in order. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The man accused of fatally shooting a pregnant woman in Chinatown four years ago was acquitted. State programs to keep sick or injured homeless people out of hospitals are in danger of closing after lawmakers cut their funding. Plus, the newly crowned national champions return back home from California. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hawaii News Now is dedicating May 12 to raising money for ongoing relief efforts with ALOHA for HAWAIʻI. The live fundraising effort — in collaboration with hospitality industry leaders and partners — features community voices, artists, nonprofit partners, prize giveaways and more. Call (808) 273-0222 to donate.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Gov. Josh Green discusses the legislative session, including the late cut to Oʻahu medical respite centers and the Honolulu police chief search. Hawaii State Department of Education superintendent Keith Hayashi details $175 million in storm damage, school closures and ongoing repairs. Aloha United Way CEO Michelle Bartell explains how 211, disaster case management and direct cash assistance are helping families recover after the kona low storms.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hawaii News Now is partnering with the community for the "Aloha for Hawaii" fundraiser, a telethon to raise money for those impacted by the recent Kona Low storms that flooded much of the state. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today, Hawaii News Now is launching a major fundraising effort to help impacted communities rebuild. Casey Lund will be live on the North Shore with more on this. Plus, a retired assistant chief makes his pitch to lead the Honolulu Police Department, and the push for electric seaplanes in Hawaii faces skeptics at the State Capitol.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hawaii Island police have launched a negligent homicide investigation after a Waimea man was hit and killed while changing a tire on the roadside. A late Maui police officer is being honored in Washington, D.C., as the nation recognizes law enforcement officers this week. The Rainbow Warriors beat UC Irvine to win the national volleyball championship.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Fresh poke, live theater and career opportunities. We’re checking out a local poke catering business, previewing a Tony Award-winning comedy at Mānoa Valley Theatre and highlighting IT job openings with the City and County of Honolulu.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Rainbow Warriors are national champions again after UH beat UC Irvine for the third title in program history. State leaders broke ground on the Wahiawa Dam Improvement Project. Plus, health officials are trying to calm fears of a pandemic after Americans from a hantavirus-affected cruise ship arrived at a quarantine center in Nebraska.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We are warning you about an apparent scam involving fake Hawaiian Airlines assistance. Plus, a tourism campaign now has more money. How the funds will help support the community. And, it is Bike to Work Week. Casey Lund will be live this morning to tell us all about it. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Search efforts are expected to continue off West Maui after a man went missing near Kaanapali Beach. State and federal officials are expanding in-person recovery assistance for Maui County residents impacted by the recent Kona Low storms. Plus, why another North Shore business is closing its doors..See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Coast Guard and partner agencies are searching for a missing 75-year-old man who was last seen snorkeling off west Maui coats. A federal criminal investigation opens up after a video of a man throwing a rock toward an engendered Hawaiian monk seal went viral. A Honolulu gran jury indited the auto theft suspect who was captured while trying to flee from officer in McCully. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hawaii taxpayers will fund payouts of more than $1 million to two Hawaii men imprisoned for crimes they did not commit, marking the first time a 2016 wrongful conviction compensation law has been used in the state. Meanwhile, a pilot program placing police officers on Oahu school campuses is several months in, with education officials saying early feedback is helping shape whether it continues or expands.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

State lawmakers adjourned their annual session with several crucial votes, including one on the future of University of Hawaii Athletics. A 32-year-old woman becomes the third traffic fatality this week on Hawaii Island. A brazen attack on a Hawaiian monk seal leads to a federal investigation.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mother’s Day, graduation season and supporting local. We’re checking out celebration specials at Brug’s newest Kapolei location, highlighting Small Business Month in Hawaiʻi and sharing a Mother’s Day skincare giveaway for HI Now Daily viewers.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Russia and Ukraine agree to President Donald Trump's request for a three-day ceasefire and an exchange of prisoners. A 19-year-old man accused of assaulting a police officer while trying to flee in a stolen car is indicted on nine charges. Two people are arrested in connection with an illegal gambling room in Chinatown.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Maui County's mayor speaks out after a visitor threw a rock at a Hawaiian monk seal in Lahaina. Honolulu Skyline riders are avoiding traffic but face a shortage of parking spaces near a rail station. With Mother's Day coming soon, local florists prepare for the rush.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The parents of a two-year-old boy who died while under someone else’s supervision during a camping trip last year are speaking publicly for the first time, hoping to get answers. Plus, Skyline’s growing popularity is creating a parking problem in Kapolei.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A public memorial on Thursday honored the life and service of longtime Hawaii politician and attorney Colleen Hanabusa. Meanwhile, Zavier Cummings, known for his comedy online, was out on the Kapa’a bike path earlier this week when he stumbled upon something that was no laughing matter: syringes in the sand.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mother’s Day plans and local finds. We’re checking out brunch and dinner specials at a Waikīkī favorite, plus what to shop at the upcoming Puʻuhonua Mākeke featuring Hawaiian language and culture-inspired products for keiki and families.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A public memorial at the state Capitol honored former Congresswoman Colleen Hanabusa. Hawaii Island police identify the second man killed in the fatal crash on Daniel K. Inouye Highway Tuesday morning. The Dutch cruise ship at the center of a hantavirus outbreak heads to Spain's Canary Islands, where medical teams are standing by.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A man is caught on camera throwing a rock at an endangered monk seal on Maui. The death of a West Oahu teenager pushes efforts to improve street safety around schools. The Stamp Out Hunger food drive asks residents to leave a bag of food by their mailbox to help families experiencing food insecurity.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A live report as the search for Honolulu’s next police chief moves to the finalist stage. A video sparks outrage after a man is seen throwing a rock at a Hawaiian monk seal on Maui. And two people are hospitalized after a two-vehicle collision in Makakilo.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A Dutch cruise ship at the center of a deadly Hantavirus outbreak has left the West African island of Cape Verde, bound for the Canary Islands. A new bishop will soon take over the Catholic Diocese of Honolulu. The Rainbow Warriors volleyball team receives a send-off as they leave for the NCAA semifinals in California.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Department of Hawaiian Home Lands is preparing to propose using geothermal energy. As oil prices rise, Mokulele Airlines and other businesses are forced to raise their costs, impacting consumers. An outbreak of Hantavirus on a cruise ship near Spain's Canary Islands raises concerns.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New details about the Hawaii Island head-on crash that killed two men. Find out how a village of tiny homes is changing many lives in Kahului. Plus, an episode 46 of Kilauea’s ongoing eruption ended after lava fountains peaked at 650 feet See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On Hawaii Island, two people were killed in a crash on Daniel K. Inouye Highway. Episode 46 of lava fountaining in Halemaumau began at the summit of Kilauea. Plus, lawmakers approved new efforts aimed at making roadways safer.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hawai‘i Island drivers are asked to avoid Daniel K. Inouye Highway and Saddle Road after a crash shut down the road near mile marker 26. Two teens are in custody and a police officer is recovering after a violent incident in McCully. Tensions remain high in the Strait of Hormuz after reports of the U.S. and Iran exchanging gunfire.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

An HPD officer in court just days after his arrest. The troubling accusations he faces. Plus, testimony from a man who claims to have witnessed a gruesome murder in upcountry Maui. Why the suspect's defense attorney requested that he take the stand. Taking you out for a live look at Kilauea, where lava has been flowing this morning. What experts have been seeing, as we await the next eruptive episode. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A head-on crash closes Kalanianaole Highway in Waimanalo and injures two people. A Honolulu police officer accused of sex crimes and obstruction makes his first appearance in court. A Halawa prison inmate is found fit to stand trial nearly two years after allegedly killing his cellmate.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today on HI Now, we're gearing up for Mother's Day. We're live with ways you can thank and celebrate moms. Plus, it's graduation season! We have expert tips on how to elevate your lei-making game.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The U.S. Central Command says two American vessels traveled safely through the Strait of Hormuz amid ongoing tensions and negotiations. An Oahu building fire is under investigation after it was found engulfed in smoke and flames. Honolulu police search for suspects in a violent robbery.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The 47th Annual Visitor Industry Charity Walk was held over the weekend, why it was not only a celebration but also a farewell. Plus, a possible wildlife trafficking case is under investigation. What was found onboard a private jet following a tip-off. It is Construction Safety Week! Casey Lund will be live in Kapolei this morning to tell us more about this. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hawaii Island police are searching for a suspect and warning residents, as he is considered armed and dangerous. A farewell to Mufi Hannemann, who announced he’s stepping down as the Hawaii Lodging and Tourism Association’s CEO. A 23-year-old man is fighting for his life this morning after a moped crash early yesterday.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Two overnight crashes happened in Honolulu. A driver trying to get away slammed into another car near Nuuanu and Vineyard, and a separate crash shut down a Kalihi intersection. Plus, a community event is bringing resources and help to one place to get Windward families ready for hurricane season.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hawaii lawmakers finalize budget deals as this year's legislative session comes to an end. A car struck a man while he was crossing the street in the Makiki area. Kapiolani Park in Waikiki hosts the 98th annual May Day celebrations.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We're celebrating May Day with mele - and Mele Apana. Plus, we visit a family business in Kahuku run by seven siblings.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Negotiations remain stalled with Iran as gas prices hit a new high since the conflict began 60 days ago. The city has received nearly 1,600 damage reports from the Kona Low storms last month, and that number is still growing. And federal cuts are forcing a traveling preschool program to shut down sites statewide. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A native bird massacre on Kauai's south shore. Who's the suspect? We have new numbers on the staggering property damage from the Kona Low storms. The state senate confirms a new chief justice for the Hawaii Supreme Court. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A mass killing of native birds on Kauai’s south shore has conservationists calling on others to change the way they treat other animals. Plus, after 85 years in business, the beloved Tamashiro Market has closed for good. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A divided vote confirms the state's next Supreme Court chief justice. Firefighters extinguish a recycling yard fire that ignited a pile of cars. Honolulu officials prepare to launch a new financial relief program in response to a recent increase in sewer fees.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We're ramping up for May Day! Join us to check out a hot lei spot townside and find out where to catch Kalae Camarillo is performing this May Day weekend.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Trump administration faces a pivotal deadline tomorrow in the Iran war as Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth faced lawmakers on Capitol Hill for a second day in a row. City leaders announce the official launch of the CARES program, the Customer Assistance for Residential Environmental services initiative designed to provide financial help for Oahu residents in light of this year's changes in sewer fees. And firefighters battled a large fire at a recycling yard In Kapolei this morning.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We're following news of a large fire at a Kapolei recycling yard. What went up in flames, and how long it took crews to put it all out. Plus, new developments in a legal saga over false DUI arrests. What officer was a no-show in court? A community races to stop an infestation from spreading in East Oahu. Why are more fire ants now being seen? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After nine years as the head coach for the University of Hawaii Rainbow Wahine volleyball team, Robyn Ah Mow announced Wednesday she is stepping down, effective immediately. Plus, a Honolulu Police Officer accused of making a false arrest and violating the rights of a driver has lost a lawsuit without going to trial.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hawaii residents are trying to tackle a fire ant infestation after the recent storms uncovered a pest problem in East Honolulu. A warning from the attorney general's office after reports of a fraudulent state official at a national conference. Plus, defense secretary Pete Hegseth testifies on Capitol Hill for the first time since U.S. operation in Iran began. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Frustrations continue as a Waikiki restroom has been closed for years, with the nearest available option about a quarter-mile away. A large law enforcement presence was seen in Kailua after witnesses reported multiple loud, flash-like explosions during what appeared to be a tactical operation. Plus, the man accused of attacking a snorkeling tour boat captain enters a plea. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hawaii's medical marijuana industry celebrates a big change in federal law. Plus, traffic deaths are down, what police and transportation officials say is making a difference. And, we have the latest developments this morning on the ongoing effort to protect tax breaks for some Hawaii workers. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Law enforcement and state agencies are working to reduce traffic deaths and serious injuries on Oahu as new data show crashes and fatalities are down from last year. A man accused of stabbing the captain of a snorkel tour boat enters a plea in court. Plus, we learn why a helicopter made a precautionary landing today on Oahu’s North Shore.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today on Spotlight Now, we sit down with representatives from HPH and HMSA to discuss the potential partnership between the two companies and what this means for the future of health care in Hawaii. We chat with Terrence Young, the Executive Vice President of Oahu Operations at Hawaii Pacific Health, and Dr. Kenric Murayama, the Chief Health Officer at HMSA. Hawaii Pacific Health is a partner of Spotlight Now.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

President Donald Trump welcomed King Charles III to the White House today to mark the 250th anniversary of America's independence. On Maui, Kaahumanu avenue is closed in both directions between Puunene to Hana Highway due to an accident. And the Hawaii high school sports community is mourning the loss of championship-winning head football coach and administrator Don 'Spud' Botelho, who died this weekend.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.