Hawaii News Now

District 4 candidates are reacting to a new ruling that makes Tommy Waters ineligible for election, though over 15,000 ballots already returned will still count. Plus, as Maui approaches the three-year mark since the Lahaina wildfire, survivors' mental health remains a major concern.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A Hawaii state official indicted in a public corruption case remains on the job—and continues collecting a taxpayer-funded paycheck. Meanwhile, Council Chair Tommy Waters is fighting back after a judge ruled he cannot seek another term. Plus, the Native Hawaiian community is mourning the loss of legendary leader Kamaki Kanahele.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When the new school year begins, a pilot program that connects Honolulu police officers with students will be expanding in West Oahu. Plus, Maui County officials have announced Lahaina’s Front Street will reopen to vehicle traffic Saturday, Aug. 1, one week before the three-year anniversary of the Maui wildfire disaster.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bittersweet farewells, big community celebrations and local flame-grilled favorites. We say a hui hou to meteorologist Drew Davis, celebrate new flights in Hilo, and taste Teddy's Burgers and Tex 808 Barbecue.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When the new school year begins, a pilot program that connects HPD officers with students will be expanding in West Oahu. The Department of Health has confirmed Hawaii's fourth case of cyclosporiasis -- this time in a military member based in the islands. And the Department of Law Enforcement says it made what is believed to be the first felony arrest under Duke's Law after investigators say a man was caught hunting on private ranch land without permission.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

State officials say the first felony arrest has been made under a new law named after a Makaha rancher who was fatally shot while confronting trespassers on his property back in 2024. On Maui, another teen - a 14-year-old boy from Lahaina - has turned himself into police after a riot at a Lahaina resort two weeks ago that left multiple people injured. A third teen has been arrested for allegedly stealing tens of thousands of dollars worth of luxury items from the Shops of Wailea. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Trial is set for the 4 officials charged in the COVID bribery case, including Hawaii's Lieutenant Governor. What we've learned about their possible defense. We're just over a week away from Primary Election Day. We focus this morning on the race to be Kauai's next Mayor and how the candidates promise to serve the Garden Isle. Casey Lund, who apparently was tired of being stuck in the studio with us, will join us live from Hawaii Island! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Trustees at the Office of Hawaiian Affairs clashed at a board meeting Wednesday over how to handle an independent investigative report connected to retaliation allegations by the agency’s CEO, Stacy Kealohalani Ferreira. Meanwhile, plans to fumigate a controversial condominium in downtown Honolulu Thursday morning ended with a standoff and renewed cries for help from residents.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Four current and former state officials, including Lieutenant Governor Sylvia Luke pleaded not guilty to bribery and conspiracy charges this morning. A 65-year-old woman is in critical condition after she was hit by a vehicle near Alakawa Street and Nimitz. And we've been following the battle at Union Plaza between its owners and tenants. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

From connecting with aina in the loʻi to keeping our furry family members healthy, we are exploring what makes Hawaii thrive. On today’s show we learn ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi while harvesting kalo at Kualoa Ranch and see how a veterinary team helps beloved pets heal.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Four of the five defendants in the state's biggest bribery case made their first court appearance today. Police have charged 24-year-old Austin Otto Smith in connection with a stabbing inside the Wahiawa McDonalds on Monday. And Honolulu fire investigators have determined a fire was intentionally set in the basement of an Alewa Heights home.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A plea hearing in what's being called the biggest bribery scandal in state history. What we're expecting in court. Plus, HPD is continuing to work to solve its staffing problem. How the department is incorporating technology to get more applicants. We'll tell you all about credit card swipe fees, as well as why they are continuing to go up. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A Laie woman was sentenced to 10 years in prison Wednesday for beating to death her 11-year-old adopted daughter. Plus, a law firm is appealing a Maui judge’s ruling over how attorneys will be paid from the multibillion-dollar wildfire settlement.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A Laie woman learns her sentence today for the beating death of her adopted daughter. Then, Windward lawmakers push back on Mayor Blangiardi's controversial new landfill plan. Plus, a 22-year-old is fighting for his life after a gruesome, early morning crash on Oahu's North Shore. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Court-side excitement, big giveaways and island traditions. On today's show, learn how to score a free roundtrip to Japan at Hawaii's largest pickleball tournament, then preview the upcoming Hoomau Koolau La Hoihoi Ea festival.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A 22-year-old man is in critical condition after crashing into two telephone poles on Oahu's North Shore. Police are searching for a hit-and-run driver after a crash left a man with life-threatening injuries on Sand Island Access Road. And Dr. Anthony Fauci, who was the infectious disease expert during the COVID pandemic, refused to answer lawmakers questions during a fiery hearing on Capitol Hill today.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A multi-million-dollar plan is being made to restore one of Maui's most famous beaches. We'll tell you the controversy that is surrounding this. Plus, missiles were fired at American troops overnight. Howard Dicus will tell us what we know about Iran's attempt at a surprise attack in this morning's business news. More frustration for hundreds of workers in downtown Honolulu as TOPA Tower is still without power; we'll tell you what we know on this. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The search is on for a hit-and-run driver after a crash on Sand Island Access Road left a driver critically injured. Maui police arrested three teens in connection with a large brawl at a Kaanapali resort. On Oahu, ocean safety officials are monitoring high surf along east-facing shores from weakening Fausto.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Honolulu Police Department Chief David Lazar and Mayor Rick Blangiardi appeared on Spotlight Now Tuesday to discuss a range of city priorities, including staffing and morale at HPD, initiatives to improve public safety, housing and development tied to rail, the future of Chinatown Cultural Plaza and the timeline for replacing Oahu’s landfill.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Fausto is passing north—bringing gusty winds and warning-level surf across the island chain. In Japan, the search is on for survivors after a powerful 7.1 magnitude earthquake. Plus, the fallout after a judge ruled against Tommy Waters in his bid for another City Council term. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Creativity and culture take center stage on today’s show. We’re meeting the makers behind a sustainable clothing brand that’s giving fabrics new life and learning the art of traditional Hawaiian feather lei making through hands-on classes and workshops.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We're following some breaking news in Waikiki where power is out for businesses in the area following reports of a loud boom. Several world leaders are here in the U.S. to pay their respects to South Carolina Senator Lindsay Graham. And just 12 days before the election, with voting already underway, a judge has ruled that the chair of the Honolulu City Council, Tommy Waters, cannot be re-elected.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tracking Tropical Storm Fausto. Forecasts are showing a northern path for the storm, but we aren't out of the woods yet. A marine salvage company took on a job that cost way more than expected and wants the state to pay up. But the agency in charge is pushing back, saying the company didn't follow its rules. Fifty years after Hokulea's maiden voyage to Tahiti, the canoe's original crew members gathered for a rare reunion.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Honolulu police arrest a suspect in an attempted murder at a McDonald’s in Wahiawa. Current and former government officials charged in the bribery scandal are set to appear in court. Plus, a mother calls for justice after a canoe regatta on Maui takes a violent turn.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A judge has ruled the chair of the City Council is not eligible to run for re-election. Court dates are now set for Lieutenant Governor Sylvia Luke and the public officials indicted in a bribery scandal. Plus, a Hawaii vendor captures the terrifying moment gunshots rang out at a Seattle food festival where three people were killed.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Plans, purpose, and live music. On today’s HI Now Daily show, we preview a career expo at the Blaisdell, spotlight the Queer Women Initiative Business panel, and meet Kamaka Dias behind the Keep it Aloha Card Show at Salt Kaka‘ako.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We're following breaking political news that throws an important City Council race into chaos, as a state judge declared Council Chair Tommy Waters ineligible to run for a third term. Four current and former state officials and a businessman have been indicted in what experts are calling the biggest bribery scandal in state history. And on Hawaii Island, a wildfire in South Kohala near Kawaihae has been extinguished. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A large brush fire that forced evacuations on Hawaii Island is now out. The partnership that the island's mayor is praising for keeping residents safe. A major story we're tracking this week -- the path of Hurricane Fausto as it nears Hawaii. What you are being urged to do now to prepare. We'll catch up with a woman swimming down the entire California coastline. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Fire crews are still battling a brush fire on Hawaiʻi Island—and evacuations remain in effect for Kawaihae Village. A 45-year-old man is seriously hurt after an overnight shooting on Hopaka Street. Plus: a Downtown Honolulu office tower is still without power after an A/C leak damaged electrical equipment. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New details emerge in Hawaii's growing corruption case after a late-night fire sends dozens of firefighters to Downtown Honolulu. And Honolulu police are searching for the driver involved in a hit-and-run that seriously injured a pedestrian in Kapahulu. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

An Oahu grand jury has indicted five people, including Lt. Gov. Sylvia Luke, in what experts are calling the biggest bribery scandal in state history. The state health department has confirmed two more cases of cyclosporiasis in Hawaii residents who traveled internationally and to a U.S. state with the outbreak. The surf is slowly dropping, but there's still a nice swell for high school competitors in the Honua Finals at Ala Moana Bowls.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tradition, talent and second chances come together on today’s show. Join us on HI Now Daily as keiki take the stage for Group Hula Kahiko, we take a quick market stroll with 50+ local vendors, and we reveal what’s up for grabs in Habilitat’s online auction.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

President Trump had a warning for Russia and China regarding the conflict in Iran, as the White House launches new tariffs against dozens of countries including U.S. allies. Hawaii is among 25 states suing the Trump administration over new conditions tied to federal disaster and security funding. And a former Kauai resident has been indicted for trafficking Fentanyl. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hawaii has joined a lawsuit against the Trump administration amidst pressure to modify election procedures. What's being threatened for states that don't comply? Multiple airlines are in the mix to be the future service provider to Lanai. An exciting couple of days of surfing at Ala Moana Bowls. Casey Lund is live with a preview of the Honua Finals which will feature some of the best high school surfers from Hawaii and around the world. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Surf is up on the South shore, where advisory-level waves will be rolling in with the potential to reach dangerous warning levels tonight into Friday. A 56-year-old Kahaluu man has been charged with the death of 65-year-old Andrew Brown, who was killed by a drunk driver as he was walking home in June of 2025. And emergency crews evacuated the Topa Financial Center tower in Downtown Honolulu this morning. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Big stages, big heart and a night out in Kailua. On today’s show, keiki hula takes the spotlight at the Queen Liliʻuokalani Keiki Hula Competition, we meet Toco the seizure service dog, and preview the new series at Kapono’s At The Lounge.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As fighting with Iran escalates, the U.S. is sending dozens of medics to an American military hospital in Germany to treat service members who are injured in the conflict. Health officials are investigating a new separate outbreak of the parasite cyclospora, involving more than 70 cases. And we're learning more about a large fight at a West Maui resort last Friday.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A Democratic divide over support for Israel. We hear from the candidates in one of Hawaii's most closely watched races on where they stand. A milestone for Honolulu's rail project. The project that's now complete and what it means for the line as it stretches towards Downtown. Parents, prepare to pony up. How much you'll spend on supplies as you get your child ready to go back to school. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A heated exchange between an East Maui resident and a visitor along the Road to Hana caught on camera is fanning the longstanding debate over how to improve conditions on the busy roadway. Meanwhile, a California family says a vacation in West Maui turned traumatic after a large fight at a Kaanapali resort left several people injured, including one man who suffered a severe head wound that required 13 staples.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Fausto is the first hurricane of the Eastern Pacific Hurricane Season, and it will be weakening as it heads towards the Central Pacific. The remains of a soldier with Hawaii ties who was killed in the war with Iran returned to U.S. soil today. And the Medical Examiner's Office has identified Richard Calistro as the 83-year-old victim of Monday's house fire in Makakilo.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

From celebrating Hawaiian culture to exploring the future of brain health. Kainoa is live from the final day of the Hawaiian Council Convention, and we’re talking with experts about the latest Alzheimer’s research happening here at home.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A solemn ceremony today at Dover Air Force Base in Delaware, where leaders attended the Dignified Transfer for the four U.S. troops killed in the Middle East this week, including 1st Lieutenant Tyler James Feehan who had previously lived in Ewa Beach. Gov. Josh Green says the Hawaii attorney general is about to announce major new developments in the bribery probe at the state capitol. And a pair of Kailua-Kona men have been charged in connection to two stabbings at a graduation party on Hawaii Island. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A solemn procedure honoring the sacrifice of a soldier with Hawaii ties. We'll take you live to the Dignified Transfer of Army 1st Lieutenant Tyler Feehan. Honolulu's mayor takes a stand, backing the new design of Hawaii's driver's licenses and IDs. Another design is turning heads, along a beach in Japan. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Maui firefighters battled a brush fire that briefly closed Piilani Highway this afternoon. Five visitors were taken to the hospital after a tree fell onto their vehicle. Backlash over Hawaii's new licenses and state IDs draws stern words from Honolulu's mayor. Gov. Josh Green says he expects a major announcement about the state attorney general's bribery investigation very soon.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Honolulu Mayor Rich Blangiardi is responding to backlash over Hawaii's new state ID. The opening sessions of the Native Hawaiian Convention kicked off today. And on Hawaii Island, police have released new details on yesterday's deadly head-on crash in the Volcano area. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Culture, community and incredible local flavors are all on today's show. Kainoa is live from the Hawaiian Council Convention, we're getting a taste of Hawaiʻi Food & Wine Festival's new Breakfast Club brunch with Chef Harley Chow, and sharing how you could win tickets to this year's festival.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Gov. Josh Green joins Spotlight Now to discuss some of the top issues in Hawaii. Then, attorney John Choi, who is running for lieutenant governor, sits down to talk about his platform.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth just wrapped up his testimony on Capitol Hill for the first time since the recent escalation with Iran and the deaths of 3 U.S. service members, including a soldier with Hawaii ties. A trial is underway for the man accused of killing his girlfriend and their 6-month-old son in Ewa Beach. And prosecutors say a motion for a new trial for Gerhardt Konig should be thrown out -- the 47-year-old anesthesiologist from Maui was convicted of attempted manslaughter. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New details on the soldier with Hawaii ties who was killed in an Iranian airstrike. How he's being honored as the U.S. promises retaliation. Reaction from neighbors after an elderly man dies in a Makakilo house fire. We are just about 2 weeks until the start of the next school year. The new rules for students, including restrictions on cell phones. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A deadly crash on Hawaii Island shut down a portion of Highway 11 in Volcano during the rush hour commute. A Pukalani man remains hospitalized and faces multiple charges after police said he broke into a hostel, drove toward officers and bit one on the wrist. The phased closure of Hawaii's longest running homeless village is moving forward.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.