Honolulu News Today | 2 Min News | The Daily News Now!

Two Hawaiian students are jetting off to Boston this July to shape the future of AI in education—joining a national fellowship where they’ll co-draft a National AI Policy with school leaders. Senior Wehiwaalani Gapero and sophomore Kendall Terao-Toma will represent Hawaii Island at the America’s Youth AI Festival, working alongside peers to ensure AI is used ethically in classrooms. Accompanied by...

Hawaii just took a major step toward saving lives by eliminating financial roadblocks for colorectal cancer screenings and treatment—thanks to Governor Josh Green signing House Bill 1969. This law ensures no deductibles or copays for follow-up colonoscopies, making care faster and more accessible. Championed by Rep. Cory Chun, who’s fought for this for 14 years after losing his uncle to late-stage...

Tensions flare on Molokai as residents protest new $20 hiking tours to Kalaupapa, a historic site once home to Hansen’s disease patients. Over 20 locals, including a council member who shut down the trail gate, demand community input and say federal agencies are ignoring their voices. Though the tours—once paused after a patient’s death—resume twice weekly, activists vow to keep pushing back, warn...

Hawaii’s gun laws just flipped on their head: the Supreme Court overturned a 2023 law that forced businesses to post “no guns” signs to block armed patrons — now, if no sign is up, legally armed folks can carry on private property. Businesses are caught in the crosshairs, weighing whether to post signs — risking lost customers — or risk backlash from customers who may feel alienated. Advocates say...

Hawaii County’s latest evacuation study for Waikoloa Village reveals critical insights to keep residents safe during wildfires or disasters, with special focus on protecting elders and vulnerable populations. Experts from KLD Associates analyzed traffic flow on key routes like Waikoloa Road and Hulu Street, funded by federal Community Development Block Grants. A public meeting on July 14 at 5:30 P...

Concrete chunks are raining down on cars in Honolulu’s Civic Center parking garage — a dangerous spalling problem caused by water seeping in, rusting steel, and cracking the structure. With repairs delayed until fall and costing over $28 million, city officials are prioritizing public safety with barricades and warnings, while experts stress that ignoring spalling now could lead to catastrophic fa...

Max Holloway is set to make history this weekend at UFC 329, stepping into the octagon against Conor McGregor in a matchup packed with unknowns. Holloway, fresh off a legendary win over Calvin Kattar, looks primed for a welterweight showdown, while McGregor’s return after a long layoff raises questions about his readiness. Anik highlights Holloway’s elite preparation and the rare Vegas crowd suppo...

Another coconut rhinoceros beetle spotted at Hilo Airport—this is the second in a year. Experts are ramping up traps across East Hawaiʻi, warning that compost and plant debris are prime breeding grounds. This invasive pest threatens coconuts, loulu palms, bananas, and more by boring into tree tops. Early detection is key: if you spot one, bag it, take photos, and report to BIISC or the Department...

Big Fish is making a splash in the NBA Summer League, as seven-foot center Isaac Johnson dropped 20 points in his Philly debut — including four threes — to help the 76ers beat the Pistons 101-93. A standout college scorer who didn’t get drafted, Johnson’s efficiency, plus-13 rating, and clutch four-point play have scouts taking notice. He’s set to face the Pacers Saturday — and this might just be...

John De Fries, the pioneering executive director of the Mauna Kea Stewardship and Oversight Authority, is stepping down at the end of the month after helping build the organization from the ground up — a role he called a “huge honor.” He’s now looking forward to spending more time with his family. Board Chair John Komeiji praised De Fries’ leadership and is stepping in to manage day-to-day operati...

A jury in Chula Vista, California, just convicted Larry Millete of first-degree murder in the disappearance of his estranged wife, Maya Millete—a Radford High School graduate—whose body remains missing. The trial, which lasted two months and featured over sixty witnesses, ended with a swift guilty verdict in under five hours. Built on circumstantial evidence, the case centered on Larry’s alleged r...

Coconut rhinoceros beetles—dead but dangerous—were spotted again at Hilo Airport, sparking a major island-wide alert. These invasive pests can kill palm trees by boring into them, and officials are ramping up efforts with more traps, detection dogs, and public help. If you live in Keaukaha, Panaewa, or Hilo, you can even volunteer to host a trap. Keep an eye out, report sightings, and check your c...

LA Metro is turning the World Cup into a transit revolution, with nearly 50,000 rail riders and 30,000 shuttle passengers proving public transport can win hearts—and games. With safety upgrades, cleaner stations, and gas prices making cars less appealing, riders are returning. FIFA partnerships, special tap cards, and Olympic prep—including a new rail line to UCLA—are setting LA up to be a transit...

Honolulu police shut down three underground gambling dens in a major raid, seizing 57 gaming machines, $12,000 in cash, drugs, and paraphernalia—all while avoiding arrests so far. Authorities vow to keep up the pressure with both swift busts and long-term investigations, urging anyone with tips to contact the Narcotics/Vice hotline at 808-723-3933 or submit online. This crackdown sends a clear mes...

Honolulu police smashed three illegal gambling dens in one building on Hausten Street, seizing 57 gaming machines, $12,000 in cash, and drugs—all without arrests yet. This follows last week’s bust in Waipahu, where 17 machines and $6,000 were seized. Authorities are ramping up efforts to shut down underground gambling and urge tipsters to come forward. Listen in comfort: Get a discount on a Soli P...

Hawaii’s emergency teams are locking down Waikiki for a high-stakes, two-day mass casualty drill — the biggest yet — bringing in top experts from Memphis, Chicago, and Tampa to sharpen their response skills. With 180 first responders from across the islands, including EMS, police, firefighters, and hospital staff, this federally funded training is a serious commitment to readiness in one of the wo...

Hawaiʻi’s lieutenant governor race heats up as top contenders Della Au Belatti and Derek Kawakami lay out their visions—Belatti brings decades of Capitol experience and health policy expertise, while Kawakami, a Kauaʻi native and former mayor, champions housing and infrastructure. Another candidate, Honolulu attorney John Choi, joins the spotlight next week. Voters can submit questions via email—s...

U.S. launches 90 airstrikes on Iran after Tehran’s attacks on ships in Strait of Hormuz, sparking fears of regional war and energy chaos — as Iran retaliates, kills 14, wounds 78, and vows revenge, while diplomats scramble to avert full-scale conflict. Listen in comfort: Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN: advertise@thednn.ai This is an automated,...

An 18-year-old college football star, Nolan Wells, vanished during a Fourth of July celebration on a Mississippi barrier island — his body later found, sparking a frantic, racially charged search and a growing outcry over the investigation’s transparency. Once hailed as a humble leader by his coach and a beloved son by his mother, Wells’ disappearance ignited a community-wide effort, fueled by una...

Olympic canoeist David Hearn pleads not guilty to felony charges for allegedly damaging the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool—now under fire for costly renovation woes. Claiming he was just inspecting peeling sealant when told to stop, Hearn’s defense calls the case politically motivated, accusing prosecutors of weaponizing the justice system to deflect blame from the project’s own failures. Suppor...

Oahu’s packed with fun this weekend—Bon Dances, film festivals, and markets galore. Catch the Higashi Hongwanji Bon Dance or the 37th Rainbow Film Festival, then hit up foodie spots like Ko’olau Night Market and Honolulu Harbor Nights. Fresh produce at Kaka’ako Farmers Market, tattoos and tunes at Pacific Ink & Art Expo, and pups welcome at Dog Days of Summer. Sunday’s got more markets with live m...

Makakilo residents finally get a second emergency exit after a breakthrough deal lets first responders use a private road owned by Grace Pacific, turning an old, abandoned plan into a lifesaving solution without spending millions. Listen in comfort: Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN: advertise@thednn.ai This is an automated, high-level news summa...

Prosecutors are pushing forward a murder case against Tyler Robinson, accused of killing activist Charlie Kirk in September, relying heavily on damning testimony from his former roommate Lance Twiggs — who claims Robinson confessed to the killing, expressed regret, and later turned himself in. Twiggs, granted immunity for his cooperation, revealed text messages allegedly showing Robinson’s admissi...

A man accused of fatally shooting two National Guard members in D.C. in 2025 is now hospitalized in critical condition after refusing food and water, with a judge calling his collapse “self-inflicted.” Rahmanullah Lakanwal, who traveled from Washington state and allegedly ambushed the guards — one of whom died — is facing first-degree murder charges and potential death penalty. His CIA background...

Morocco, Africa’s last hope, takes on powerhouse France in a high-stakes World Cup quarterfinal rematch — a clash of titans where history, heart, and hype collide. France, on a relentless march to their third straight final, boasts an unstoppable attack led by Mbappe, though they’ve had their moments of vulnerability. Morocco, proving their 2018 semifinal run wasn’t luck, battled through a gruelin...