Hawaii News Now

Last-minute New Year’s Eve shoppers prioritized food, drinks, and supplies over fireworks, with many saying they’re keeping celebrations simple and safe. Meanwhile, the Honolulu Fire Department extinguished a 2-alarm fire Wednesday in Ewa Beach.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hawaii gets ready to ring in 2026 with eating, watching fireworks, and spending time with loved ones. Law enforcement has stepped up its patrols as residents wait to see if the new fireworks laws will really work. And there are several professional fireworks shows to enjoy around town -- where you can witness a spectacle when the clock strikes midnight. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of HI Now Daily, we’re taking a look back at our year and bringing you the best of our best. Then, we're finding out how you can kick off your New Year with El Dia de Tres Reyes and fukubukuro bags from Ua Hawaii!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

THIS IS NOW: How tens of millions of Americans will be affected through the expiration of Obamacare. Selected Oahu locations prepare for New Year's Eve celebrations with professional firework displays, and HPD shares how to report illegal fireworks. We also take a deep dive into 2025 with a recap on the top stories of this year. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A change is coming to how homeless individuals on Hawaii Island are cared for. Why less support will be available on the streets. Changes in charges at three popular beach parks on Maui. How much visitors have to pay, and when residents will have exclusive access. Cleaning up after the holidays can be tough. We have some do's and don'ts when it comes to taking out your Christmas tree. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Two Big Island men accused of smuggling tons of illegal fireworks over a decade make their first court appearance. Harrowing eyewitness accounts detail an early‑morning house fire in Kaneohe. An outreach program that brought medical care directly to people living on the streets is coming to an end.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of HI Now Daily, we get the details about the new Kapono's at the Lounge - how you can spend your New Year's Eve there and who's in the line up to play next year. Next, we're finding out why you should take a look at this real estate agency from Nevada.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Two Hilo men were charged with several crimes related to illegal fireworks shipping, transportation, storage, and possession. Fire investigators are looking into what caused a blaze in Windward Oahu overnight that damaged three homes. And a critical program that provided medical care to people living on the streets is ending in the New Year, due to a lack of funding. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As the one-year anniversary of the deadly fireworks explosion at Aliamanu approaches, law enforcement is taking additional measures to prepare for New Year’s Eve. Hawaii Department of Law Enforcement director Mike Lambert shared with Spotlight Now plans to blanket the island of Oahu through manpower and technology by Dec. 31. Emergency Medical Services director Dr. Jim Ireland said the Aliamanu explosion, which killed six people and injured 20 more, was the worst call of his 40-year career. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

THIS IS NOW: HFD crews responded to a 2-alarm house fire in Kaneohe. City and state leaders warn the public of harsher illegal fireworks penalties ahead of New Year's Eve. Hawaii condominium owners now have the option to purchase state-run insurance products.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We're getting a look the size of an overnight 2-alarm fire in Kaneohe. How many homes were damaged, as investigators look for a cause? Back to the scene of the fireworks explosion disaster. As well as, what's frustrating is that police are investigating the crime a year later. Despite the skyrocketing price of home insurance, there's actually some good news we'll tell you about for Hawaii condo owners coming up in this half hour.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How law enforcement and shipping companies are working together to stop the illegal flow of fireworks. Investigators determine a Maui house fire as potential arson, as multiple people are left displaced. Learn why Hawaii condominium owners may see insurance rates dramatically drop.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of HI Now Daily, we’re finding out what Wai Kai has planned for New Year's Eve and how you can enjoy it too. Plus, if you want to stay home with the furry pets in our lives, find out how to keep them safe ahead of the New Year's fireworks.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

State and City law enforcement departments are teaming up this New Year's Eve to crack down on illegal fireworks. Fire investigators believe a blaze on Maui that left seven people displaced may have been intentionally set. And President Trump says he wants to get to the next phase of the Gaza peace plan as quickly as possible. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A Maui fire displaced seven people, and officials reported there are signs the fire was intentionally set. In President Trump's effort to reach a peace deal to end the war, he is hosting Israeli's Prime Minister a day after meeting with Ukraine's President. The teachers union is fighting to get pay raises for thousands of public school educators who were denied increases despite years of out-of-state experience.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The warnings from officials as a camera catches a couple of trespassers getting too close to Kilauea. A new scam is circulating on Maui -- how to avoid getting tricked. And a popular South Korean bakery chain has opened up shop on Oahu. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A message for the public after two trespassers were caught on camera getting too close to Kilauea's eruption. A 4-year-old boy suffers serious injuries after being hit while riding his bicycle. An upcoming food festival is bringing top chefs to Hawaii Island to showcase local ingredients and island-inspired flavors.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A long-running strike at a major Honolulu hospital is now over. What workers and hospital leaders are saying after a new agreement is reached. A Hawaii Kai homicide case is moving forward in court. The charges a man now faces and what he told a judge. And many Kapilina Beach Homes residents say their electricity bills have more than doubled, with some reporting charges of over one thousand dollars.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After more than two months, a strike at Kapiolani Medical Center for Women and Children is over. With a new contract, when will hundreds of Hawaii Teamsters and Allied Workers Local 996 workers return? We also have new details about the relationship between a suspected killer and his alleged victim in a 15-year-old cold case on Kauai. And a software glitch could slow down security lines at the airport. What you need to know if you're headed to the airport.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's the first day of fireworks sales on Oahu. We take a look at the crowds and what you need to know to celebrate safely. Family members reveal new details about the relationship between Amber Jackson and the man accused of killing her 15 years ago. And Hawaiian Airlines is warning of a ticketing glitch that will likely create longer security lines, on what's already expected to be one of the busiest travel weekends of the year. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hawaiian Airlines put out an alert on its website notifying guests to arrive at airports early because of an issue with TSA pre-check that's slowing down lines. Honolulu's prosecutor has secured an indictment for Micah Auna, 29, the man accused of killing his mother in Hawaii Kai last week. And fans are still buzzing after Christmas Eve's thrilling Hawaii Bowl showdown between the Rainbow warriors and the Cal Golden Bears. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Changes for visitor access in Lahaina. What boat tour companies will now have to do to operate. We hear from fire officials on how to handle rechargeable lithium-ion batteries, including those in your smartphone, to keep your family safe. Census data shows that more Native Hawaiians now live outside Hawaii than on the islands.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Two crashes, one fatal, are reported across the state. University of Hawaii's Rainbow Warriors win the Hawaii Bowl for the first time in six years. A new shelter aims to help Hawaiian Home Lands beneficiaries living on the streets.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Bows take on the Cal Golden Bears in the Hawaii Bowl. Friends of Amber Jackson have renewed hope that her killer will be caught after a major breakthrough in the 15-year-old cold case. Washington authorities locate the second vehicle that hit and killed a state trooper from Hawaii. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of HI Now Daily, we’re spending Christmas Eve live at the Hawaii Bowl, soaking in the game-day excitement. Plus, we’re sharing fun ideas on how you can ring in the New Year!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The suspect accused of murdering his mother in Hawaii Kai appears in court and claims he acted on self defense. The wife of a man who assaulted the Moanalua's assistant athletic director is now under arrest. Pending court approval, Kamehameha Schools will no longer require tuition beginning with the 2026-27 school year. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A seismic shift for Kamehameha Schools. The move officials are making in the face of a lawsuit over admissions policies. State officials are warning that some seasonal scams are targeting residents. In October, over a thousand people in the Native Hawaiian Community attended the Hawaiian Convention. How do they maintain their identity while on the continent? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The search for a murder suspect continues 15 years after the death of Amber Jackson. Honolulu crews stopped a sewer leak that discharged effluent near Honolulu Harbor for 17 hours. One year after the current Kilauea eruption began, episode 39 continues, with lava fountains reaching heights of over 1,000 feet.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Economist Carl Bonham from the University of Hawaii Economic Research Organization discusses what's in store for the state's economy in 2026, including the impact from Hawaii's minimum wage increase. And from the New Year's deadly fireworks accident to ICE raid arrests, HNN's Daryl Huff helps break down some of the top news stories from 2025.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of HI Now Daily, not happy with how you did this past marathon? Don't worry, we're sitting down with the team from the Honolulu Marathon about how you can take advantage of early-bird prices and get some practice races in before next year's race. Next, we've got some puppies running around our studio in need of a home for the holidays — find out how to support their non-profit!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A major break in a 15-year-old cold case on Kauai has police searching for the man they say killed Amber Jackson. The man accused of murdering his mother at her Hawaii Kai home appears in court as we learn new details about what police found at the crime scene. And the U.S. Justice Department defends President Donald Trump after releasing more documents related to Epstein. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The suspect accused of murdering his mother in Hawaii Kai appears in court. Hawaii leaders voice tourism concerns over the Trump administration's plan to increase vetting of visitors to the country. Maui County is starting a new method for projecting water demand.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We're learning more about the potential direction of the state in upcoming fiscal year. What the Governor's proposed budget is revealing about his priorities. A payout for a man wrongfully imprisoned for years. Christmas is just 2 days away. If you still need to start your holiday shopping we'll give you some last-minute ideas.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The city is working to stop sewage from spilling into a stream near Honolulu Harbor after an equipment failure near Pier 16. Hawaii leaders sound the alarm as the Trump administration proposes more extensive background checks on visitors. And more bus routes are planned to help fans get to the Hawaii Bowl to watch the University of Hawaii face Cal.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A 29-year-old man is charged with killing his mother in Hawaii Kai. Hawaii Bowl week has arrived; the Bows and the Golden Bears meet the media as former teammates reunite for a Christmas Eve showdown. And a women allegedly driving under the influence crashed into a man, woman, and child last night on Kauai. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of HI Now Daily, we’re live in Mānoa at Paradise Now exploring a Hawaii-based clothing brand featuring the art of Jaclynn Sabado-Eitel, plus spreading holiday cheer with Shriners Children’s as we decorate Christmas cookies.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

An update in the killing of a woman in Hawaii Kai, police announce a man believed to be her son has been charged. A special ceremony to mark the swearing in of the first ocean safety chief. Multiple people displaced after overnight fire in Honolulu.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Increased enforcement and harsher penalties -- That's the promise from local law enforcement as they look to crack down on illegal fireworks this holiday season. A move by Congress not to extend subsidies for Obamacare policies will most likely affect many Hawaii residents. And tomorrow marks one year since the current Kilauea eruption began.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Two people are now under arrest after a welfare check in Hawaii Kai led to the discovery of a body. After a wet week for the islands, will downpours continue into the holidays? If getting fit is one of your New Year's goals, UFC Gym offers these tips to get you started.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With New Year's approaching, law enforcement is warning the public about stricter penalties for illegal fireworks. Honolulu police say a man caught on camera is wanted in connection with a break-in at a local school. A major nurses' union has filed a complaint against Kaiser Permanente, saying hospital leaders stopped contract talks and tried to work around the agreed-upon bargaining process.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Gov. Josh Green is pledging millions in taxpayer funds to help thousands of Hawaii residents maintain their Affordable Care Act health coverage. Plus, former Hawaii football star Manti Teʻo is calling for calm after a school official was knocked out following a basketball game.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of HI Now Daily, we’re kicking off Aloha Friday with a live performance from The Manaʻo Company! Plus, running late on holiday prep? Foodland’s Potluck and Paʻina platters are the perfect solution for any gathering.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's a First Alert Weather Day for parts of the state. We're tracking the impacts of a system that storm led to flooding, and even a tornado warning for Niihau this morning. Continued fallout in the attack of a Moanalua high athletics official as one of Hawaii's most storied athletes weighs in. And the U.S. Justice department released thousands of documents related to Jeffrey Epstein, but lawmakers are worried the rest of the files will not be released by the lawful deadline. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's another gloomy day after a busy week of rainy conditions. How long will this weather last? The man accused of killing a Maui police officer wants his phone calls kept secret. The Department of Justice releases the first tranche of documents related to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The demolition of Aloha Stadium has begun. What crews have done so far and the latest timeline for the new facility. Real estate, legal battles, and admission policies. Those were some of the hot topics Kamehameha Schools trustee finalists were grilled on during a community meeting. Why this Chinatown community is reaching out across the Pacific to ask for help. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A judge has sentenced a Wahiawa man to 20 years in prison for sexually assaulting two foster children. Meanwhile, on Maui, an attorney for an accused cop killer does not want a jury to hear his recorded phone calls from jail.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this First Alert Weather Day, a disturbance brings heavy pockets of rain to the islands. New clues emerge in the killing of a Halawa teen. And the crash of a private jet in North Carolina kills a retired NASCAR driver and his family.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of HI Now Daily, we spotlight local nonprofits sharing the gift of giving and taste aloha in every bite with Hawaiian Happy Cakes.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this First Alert Weather Day, Billy V has the latest on the threat of heavy rain and flash flooding. The state begins emergency repair work on Kamehameha Highway due to erosion. And the latest from North Carolina, where multiple people have died following a plane crash near Charlotte.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

An eroding highway in Windward Oahu is declared a traffic emergency zone. Plus an update on the timeline for Maui wildfire settlement payments. And, new ideas for HPD to fill vacancies and keep officers on the job. The strategies now being suggested. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A couple faces a lifetime ban from all state Department of Education property. A federal judge dismisses the lawsuit that accused Maui Police Chief John Pelletier of helping Sean 'Diddy' Combs cover up a California gang rape. Prosecutors clear a Honolulu police officer in a deadly summer shooting.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.