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

Downtown Honolulu hit pause last night as unexpected construction debris rained down from a building under construction for Straub Medical Center, forcing emergency road closures on South King Street and Hotel Street—no injuries reported, but safety officials are investigating why the materials detached, urging residents to steer clear until the area is deemed secure. Listen in comfort: Get a disc...

A wild shootout erupted at Ala Moana Beach Park around 3:50 PM when a 24-year-old got into a confrontation that allegedly escalated into gunfire — with no injuries reported but plenty of chaos. Multiple 911 calls poured in, describing a man with a handgun and actual shots fired. Police are actively investigating, urging anyone with info to contact authorities — this incident has shaken the communi...

Twenty-year-old JJ Saragosa rode into the spotlight at the Makawao Stampede, honoring his late father’s legacy and chasing his own dreams on the bull. Tragically, his dad died at 30 in 2014, but his spirit lives on — even in the rainbow Gerald saw over the arena, which felt like his brother’s guiding presence. JJ, who qualified for the next round and faced off against a fierce bull named Watermelo...

Hawaii Pacific University just made history by naming Kanda Korver as the first head coach of their women’s flag football team — a groundbreaking move that turns Hawaii into a national hub for the sport. Korver, with deep coaching and mental training expertise, is building a foundation not just for wins, but for empowering local athletes to chase their dreams right at home. As flag football heads...

The DEA is set to ban three deadly synthetic opioids—seven-OH, MGM-15, and MGM-16—calling them as dangerous as heroin and LSD, with no medical use and a high risk of addiction and death. Currently sold over-the-counter in Hawaii with no age limits and flashy packaging, these compounds have already caused a spike in overdoses and deaths. While some states have age restrictions, Hawaii hasn’t, but l...

A California man, Dylan Tai Dang, got seven years for orchestrating a massive drug ring in Hawaii, moving 34 pounds of meth and nearly 12 pounds of fentanyl over two years—aided by an undercover officer who paid over $100K. Dang flew twice to Hawaii, collected $41K in cash, and ran five shell companies to launder millions, even taking a 5% cut on $25K. His partner, Bill Van Nguyen, got 18 years. L...

Hawaii’s Campaign Spending Commission has escalated a civil complaint against Lt. Gov. Sylvia Luke, referring it to the Attorney General’s office — a rare move signaling possible criminal charges over alleged false reporting and mishandling of campaign funds from 2021-2022. The complaint highlights that non-treasurer staff signed over 200 checks, and despite her political experience, Luke allegedl...

Governor Josh Green just signed a major bill empowering Hawaii’s Community Development Authority to transform Banyan Drive in Hilo — a once-vibrant waterfront now in need of revival. With $14 million earmarked to demolish the old Country Club Hotel and a community-driven master plan due by mid-2027, this bold move aims to breathe new life into the area by attracting local businesses, creating jobs...

Hawaii’s primary election is just around the corner, and while mail-in ballots have been securely in place since 2020, some lawmakers are raising eyebrows over potential non-citizen voting — though only one case has been caught so far. Officials reassure voters that state law already enforces strict citizenship and residency requirements, with falsification punishable as a felony. Despite federal...

Gunfire erupted near Ala Moana yesterday afternoon, prompting a full-scale Honolulu PD investigation into what’s being called an attempted murder. Witnesses reported hearing shots, and authorities are still piecing together the chaos — urging anyone with info to step forward as the situation remains active and volatile. Listen in comfort: Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/disc...

JJ Saragosa steps into the arena at the Makawao Stampede bull bash, honoring his late father’s legacy and chasing his own dreams in a sport that runs deep in his family’s bloodline. With his father’s spirit guiding him — seen in a rainbow over the arena — JJ faces a fierce bull named Watermelon Moonshine, viewing it as a fatherly test. Qualifying for the next round, he rides with heart, energy, an...

A tense standoff unfolded in Ala Moana on Wednesday afternoon when police responded to reports of a man allegedly armed with a handgun—no injuries occurred. HPD is still searching for the individual, with no arrests made yet. The busy shopping district remains on high alert as authorities urge anyone with information to come forward. This unfolding drama serves as a stark reminder to stay vigilant...

Hilo’s got a big gun buy-back this Saturday, July 18th, from 9 AM to 3 PM—no ID needed, just bring unloaded firearms in your trunk and get $100–$200 gift cards. Police say it’s for safety: fewer accidents, thefts, or tragedies. No ammo accepted. Easy, anonymous, and perfect for clearing out your closet. Listen in comfort: Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Adverti...

Governor Green just signed SB 2001, a landmark $14 million investment to revive Hilo’s historic Waiākea Peninsula—home to Banyan Drive, the city’s cultural heart. The Hawaiʻi Community Development Authority will lead renovations of neglected landmarks like the Country Club Apartments, sparking local pride, boosting businesses, and creating lasting jobs. What sets this apart? A unique clause ensure...

Electricity bills are soaring across Hawaii as oil prices drive up power costs, with residential bills jumping $50 in just two months and businesses—especially restaurants—struggling to keep refrigerators running. Hawaiian Electric urges simple conservation steps like turning off lights and unplugging devices, while some businesses invest in backup generators to stay open, especially in tourist hu...

Get ready for a major cleanup at Sand Island starting Thursday, July 9th—state parks crews are tackling dangerous WWII-era debris exposed by erosion, including jagged concrete and hazardous trash, to make the beach safer for visitors and wildlife. Work will run through October, with possible temporary closures, as teams dig for glass, metal, and plastic to restore the island’s safety and beauty. L...

Haena State Park on Kauai just got a game-changing upgrade: a brand-new, solar-powered comfort station built right at the entrance, thanks to a groundbreaking community effort led by Hui Makaainana o Makana and The Hanalei Initiative. This marks the first time in Hawaii a nonprofit has designed, funded, and delivered such a major park improvement — slashing restroom access time from 5 to 10 minute...

Three more people are facing charges for allegedly peeling blue paint from the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, caught on bodycams in June—this is the third such incident, with one suspect even admitting to holding a piece when cops approached. Charges are for misdemeanor destruction of property under $1,000, with possible fines and jail time. All three pleaded not guilty and were ordered to stay...

Backpacks, pencils, and supplies are free for Hawaii students this school year—thanks to local nonprofits like Helping Hands Hawaii, The Salvation Army, and Aloha United Way. With distribution events across Oahu and donation drop-offs island-wide, families can get classroom essentials without breaking the bank. Plus, Raising Cane’s teamed up with Aloha United Way for a major supply drive, and thei...

Lieutenant Governor Sylvia Luke is now under fire from a second criminal investigation after the Campaign Spending Commission unanimously referred her campaign to the Attorney General for allegedly filing false reports, mismanaging funds, and failing to report over $50,000 in spending — all during a campaign led by someone with two decades of political experience. With more than 55 amended reports...

Coast Guard crews from Hawaii are on the ground in Guam and Saipan, racing to restore critical port operations after Super Typhoon Bavi. The Port of Saipan reopened Wednesday, with dive teams already repairing displaced buoys and teams clearing channels to welcome ships back. Supplies and personnel are arriving as damage assessments continue, including repairs to Coast Guard facilities and communi...

This month, The Salvation Army is rolling out “Stuff the Bus” back-to-school drives at Walmart locations across Hawaii—drop off extra school supplies while you shop, helping families ease the financial strain of getting kids ready for the new school year. Events are happening July 11–26 at various locations including Hilo, Kahului, Kapolei, Honolulu, Kailua-Kona, and Līhuʻe. Plus, they’re also run...

Big traffic chaos ahead on the H-1 Freeway this weekend—eastbound lanes between Middle Street and Likelike Highway will be completely shut down Saturday night through Sunday morning for a major bridge installation. Drivers need to plan ahead: eastbound traffic will be rerouted via North King Street or Dillingham Boulevard, while westbound drivers will detour off at Likelike and rejoin at Middle St...

States are launching a major antitrust challenge against Paramount’s planned takeover of Warner Bros. Discovery, despite federal approval, arguing the merger could harm competition in entertainment and news. With Oregon seeking a 60-day pause and UK regulators also weighing in, the legal battle is heating up as Paramount defends the deal, claiming global regulators have already endorsed it and it...

Hawaii Police are hosting a no-questions-asked gun buyback in Hilo next Saturday, July 18th—just bring unloaded firearms in a container, no names needed. Get $100 for most guns, $200 for assault rifles or ghost guns, plus gift cards as thanks. Ammo? Leave it at home. Simple, safe, and community-focused. Listen in comfort: Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Adverti...