Hawaii News Now

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 f...

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...

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...

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...

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/...

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/lis...

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 privac...

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 fe...

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 durin...

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 info...

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...

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.    ...

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 everyon...