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Hawaii’s governor just slammed the brakes on corruption with three bold new laws—extending bribery prosecution windows to nine years, cracking down on campaign fundraising by appointed officials, and upgrading campaign finance reporting. These moves come after major scandals rocked the state’s government, and lawmakers are determined to rebuild public trust by sending a clear message: zero toleran...

A bold new youth movement called Corals to Committees is reshaping Hawaii’s environmental future by connecting hands-on conservation with real legislative power. Led by students across all islands, this initiative bridges the gap between science and policy, empowering young people to turn fieldwork into law. Facing climate impacts like wildfires and invasive species, they argue that stewardship al...

Hawaii just became the first state to ban disposable e-cigarettes starting January 1st, slashing youth vaping and electronic waste—only FDA-approved, refillable devices will be sold, with manufacturers now required to get FDA authorization or face fines. With kids as young as eight vaping and flavors luring teens, this bold move aims to cut access and protect health, while free quit resources are...

Coconut rhinoceros beetles are back in Hilo, Hawaii—this time spotted at the airport, marking only the second sighting in the area. First detected on Oahu in 2013, these destructive pests spread disease through organic material and have triggered a statewide containment effort since 2017. Now, the Big Island Invasive Species Committee is calling on local residents to host beetle traps and urging b...

Hawaii just passed groundbreaking legislation letting Native Hawaiian groups formally co-manage state lands—turning decades of grassroots stewardship into legally protected partnerships. Inspired by Ha‘ena State Park’s success, the new law grants 65-year agreements to nonprofits with proven track records, ensuring long-term stability, accountability, and funding. It’s a major shift from token cons...

Aloha United Way is dropping major funding for Oahu nonprofits—up to $75K annually for two years, starting Jan 1—with grants focused on youth, mental health, basic needs, family stability, and housing. New or established programs can apply by July 31 at 4 PM via their grants portal (requires active Salesforce account). Second-year funding is performance-based. Not eligible? Start planning for 2026...

Hawaii County’s Windward Planning Commission paused a bill aimed at banning new paid parking lots, citing the need for more research and deeper analysis. The proposal, designed to curb commercial sprawl and prioritize housing and agriculture, faces pushback from businesses worried about downtown economic impacts. While the county’s planning department backs the goal of reducing car dependency and...

Hawaii County’s planning commission is back on the clock with Bill 147, a sweeping overhaul of vacation rental rules designed to bring clarity, control, and fairness to the booming short-term rental market. The bill redefines “short-term” as stays under 180 days — up from 30 — and introduces strict occupancy limits, adjusted quiet hours, and activity restrictions. It also classifies rentals as eit...

Hawaii’s buzzing for UFC’s biggest card yet as local legend Max Holloway takes on Conor McGregor in a main event that’s sparking massive watch parties and packed venues across the islands. Restaurants and bars are preparing for record crowds, with Dave & Buster’s even showing FIFA games to build hype, while the hospitality industry sees this as a crucial boost after recent setbacks. Fans are rally...

A Mapunapuna car dealership suffered a brutal break-in when thieves snatched six cars, keys, and titles. But thanks to swift police work and community tips, four vehicles—including one with keys still in the ignition—were recovered by Tuesday. Another stolen Tacoma turned up with its keys and titles intact. The only car still missing? A grey 2019 Chevy Colorado, covered by insurance. Authorities a...

Hawaiian Home Lands drops 400 new lots near Hilo — the first in 20 years — as part of a bold push to fulfill a century-old promise to Native Hawaiians. With 200 leases going out this Saturday and 200 more next month, families like Britney Kalua are thrilled to finally stay rooted on their ancestral land. Meanwhile, over 800 more leases are coming to Oahu, plus the first high-rise, Ke Ola Hou, with...

A wildfire erupted near Waikoloa Village Friday afternoon, prompting rapid response from fire crews and volunteers with choppers and trucks. Buildings Four and Five of the Lofts were evacuated, with a shelter set up at the elementary school — but by 7:15 PM, all evacuation orders were lifted as no structures were damaged. The fire department’s swift action prevented major harm, though officials wa...

A wildfire erupted in South Kohala yesterday, but thanks to swift firefighter action, no homes or infrastructure were damaged. Residents evacuated from two buildings in Waikoloa Village were able to return home by evening, with the school cafeteria shelter now closed. Waikoloa Road is partially closed, with only local traffic allowed between Paniolo and Queen Kaahumanu. County officials praise the...

Alika Ahu, Hawaii’s top baseball prospect and Gatorade Player of the Year, is poised to dominate the MLB draft after a legendary high school career capped by a historic state championship run. A six-foot-four multi-sport athlete who also excelled in basketball, Ahu credits his dad’s tough love and family’s relentless support for his mental toughness and work ethic. Committed to Stanford, he’s read...

Boaters, surfers, and locals at Ala Wai Boat Harbor are screaming about parking chaos—over 2,500 cars towed this year, sparking outrage over harsh enforcement, faded signs, and confusing overnight rules. While some demand clearer warnings before towing, others blame drivers for ignoring posted guidelines. State officials push back, insisting their new license plate system actually sends more warni...

Tiny homes village Hoʻokahi Leo Kauhale in Kalihi is expanding with 30 new units and a recreation area, bringing total capacity to 50 homes—thanks to community success and strong resident bonds. Aunty Kehau, one of the original residents, celebrates the growth as a lifeline for more people in need. Local artist Marko Livingston is adding vibrant Hawaiian-themed murals to uplift spirits, while Home...

Brush Fire Forces Evacuations in Waikoloa | Honolulu News

Two heroic rescues unfolded at Sandy Beach Thursday night as off-duty lifeguards and a former lifeguard firefighter stepped in to save multiple beachgoers caught in dangerous rip currents — one group stranded after attempting a water rescue, another a mother and child swept out while bodyboarding — all safely returned to shore thanks to quick thinking and teamwork. Listen in comfort: Get a discoun...

A Hawaiian green card holder, Arash Einolghozati, faces up to 20 years in prison and possible deportation after allegedly funneled money to Iran since 2020 using crypto platforms like Coinbase to skirt U.S. sanctions. Prosecutors say he used unorthodox methods to avoid detection, while he claims the funds were for family—though he won’t name them. New filings reveal he’s cooperating with authoriti...

A wildfire erupted in South Kohala on Hawaii’s Big Island Friday afternoon, forcing evacuations in Waikoloa Village. Firefighters raced to contain the blaze, reported at 5:07 PM, while the Hawaii Fire Department issued a warning for residents in Buildings 4 and 5 of the Lofts at Waikoloa. An evacuation shelter opened at Waikoloa Elementary School, and key sections of Waikoloa Road were closed—exce...

Kendamas are roaring back into popularity after a quiet decade, with kids and adults alike rediscovering the classic wooden toy—this time fueled by social media, community events, and a big upcoming expo on Maui. Retailers are seeing skyrocketing demand, parents are buying for their kids who see friends playing, and nostalgic adults are getting back into the game. With organized clubs, online page...

Wildfire erupts in South Kohala, jumping fire breaks and prompting emergency response from air and ground crews. Residents in Waikoloa Village are urged to prepare to evacuate, while Waikoloa Road between Paniolo and Highway 190 is fully closed—except for locals. Stay alert and monitor updates as this fast-moving situation unfolds. Listen in comfort: Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipil...

Max Holloway and Conor McGregor are locked in for a high-stakes rematch 13 years after their first clash, with both fighters making weight—Holloway moving up to welterweight at 170 pounds. The ceremonial weigh-ins were electric, packed with fans and dripping with tension as Holloway called himself a “nuke” to McGregor’s “missile,” while Conor promised a “blockbuster event.” This isn’t just a main...

Governor Josh Green is dominating the fundraising race with $3.5 million raised and $2 million still in the bank, while his Republican rival Gary Cordery is nearly broke, having spent all his $300K and even gone into debt. In the lieutenant governor’s race, Kauai Mayor Derek Kawakami leads with $578K raised, while Republican Daniel Anthony edges ahead, with latecomer Della Belatti struggling to ca...

Hawaii just gave investigators a three-year head start on corruption by extending the bribery statute of limitations to nine years — a bold move by Governor Josh Green aimed squarely at ensuring justice, not just ticking clocks. While not explicitly targeted at the Lieutenant Governor currently under investigation, the law reflects lawmakers’ urgent push for accountability in government. With brib...