Explorez tous les épisodes du podcast Hawaii News Now

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. 

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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.

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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. 

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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.

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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.

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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. 

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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.

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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.

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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.

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The Army identified two U.S. soldiers killed in Jordan while defending against Iranian missile and drone attacks, one with a Hawaii connection. Residents in a tight-knit Makakilo neighborhood are heartbroken after an early morning fire kills an elderly man. What students and families need to know as a new school year approaches with a new cell phone ban on Hawaii public school campuses.

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An Army soldier from Ewa Beach is one of two U.S. service members who were killed in Jordan over the weekend during an attack from Iran. Honolulu Police are looking for the suspect in an armed robbery at a convenience store in Kalihi early this morning. And a man who was found unconscious inside a burning building this morning in Makakilo has died.

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A soldier from Hawaii has been identified as one of the service members killed in the Middle East over the weekend. Who he is, as the U.S. expands airstrikes against Iran. Ballots have been sent for Hawaii's primary election, which is now less than 3 weeks away. We'll show you the efforts to make sure the state's vote-counting machines are ready to go. The 25th Native Hawaiian Convention begins today. Casey Lund will be live at the Blaisdell this morning to give us a look at what attendees can expect. 

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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.

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It’s been 100 days since Cruz Eddie Ochoa Jr. was killed in a hit-and-run in Makiki, and his family is pushing for safety changes. Police say an e-motorcyclist was critically injured after a late-night crash on Punahou Street in Makiki involving a wrong-way rider and a driver making an illegal U-turn. Plus, with primary ballots arriving this week, election officials tested vote-counting machines Saturday at the State Capitol to make sure they’re working properly.

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Three Maui police officers were injured yesterday, during a Wailuku burglary investigation after a suspect allegedly drove at them and resisted arrest. In Waikiki, Honolulu police charged 55-year-old Batarti Gabbard with custodial interference after investigators say he approached children and wrote down their names. Plus, a new Hawaii law gives victims of harmful AI-generated deepfakes new legal options as lawmakers move to curb AI misuse.

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A Japanese liquified natural gas company takes another step toward building a new $2 billion plant on Oahu, drawing concerns and pushback. A man has been charged with custodial interference after he allegedly approached multiple children at a Waikiki hotel pool. More than 100 million people are under dangerous air quality alerts due to thick, choking smoke from Canadian wildfires.

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Your weekend plans start here. We’re previewing this Saturday’s Honolulu Night Market, rounding up back-to-school shopping picks at Ka Makana Aliʻi and sharing how you can support North Shore businesses following the recent floods.

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With Hawaii's primary election approaching Aug. 8, state and city election officials are urging voters to watch for their mail ballots, follow ballot instructions closely and return ballots early.

Voters have until 7 p.m. Aug. 8 to return their voted ballot to their County Elections Division by:

• Mail using the pre-addressed, postage-paid return envelope.
• Ballot drop box within their county.
• Voting in person at a voter service center.

Click here for a full guide, including what to do first and common mistakes to avoid.

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The Trump Administration is taking action after the President's speech on election integrity yesterday. Here at home, Hawaii elections officials are defending the security and integrity of voting in Hawaii, as ballots are already in the mail to voters. And a federal push for deep-sea mining in the pacific ocean is facing pushback from environmentalists. 

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Can a sign make a business safer? We hear from both sides of another debate about guns. Hilo residents, listen up!  Where and when you can participate in a gun buy-back event tomorrow, as well as what you will receive if you turn in your unwanted weapons. Changes are coming for federal student loans. We'll tell you what they will be, as well as why this is causing some to rethink their payment plans. 

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 A Texas oil billionaire is pouring money into a Democratic primary race in Waikiki — but the money isn’t going toward a Republican. It’s supporting a newcomer trying to unseat an incumbent. Meanwhile, more than 100 former Lahaina residents are being flown back to Maui this weekend for the Lahaina Homecoming, a three-day celebration focused on healing, reconnection and hope for the future.

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The president is using a trove of newly declassified documents as evidence to suggest future elections could be at risk of foreign interference, particularly by China. Meanwhile, here at home, local elections officials are defending the security and integrity of voting in Hawaii as ballots are already in the mail to voters. And suspected carjacker Garrett Spencer, 25, pleaded not guilty to charges related to an incident at the Honolulu Airport. 

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Local music and Hawaiian culture take center stage today. Hear a live performance from Nā Hōkū Hanohano award winner Izik as he shares what’s next for KŌWĀ, plus a look ahead to the Queen Liliʻuokalani Keiki Hula Competition and Festival at the Blaisdell.

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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.

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President Trump is set to address to the nation tonight on what he calls, "election integrity." New video into our newsroom shows two men being rescued by the U-S Coast guard after a 10-foot catamaran capsized off Haleiwa Tuesday morning. And alleged carjacker Garrett Spencer made his first court appearance this morning, pleading not guilty. 

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Residents in Kakaako express concern over how the upcoming rail construction will impact them. Hear what they had to say and HART's response. Hawaii Army soldiers in Wahiawa have been struggling without air conditioning for nearly a week. We'll tell you why and how much longer this is expected to last. Giant pandas could potentially be the newest addition to the Honolulu Zoo. We'll tell you how close we are to a deal with China.

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Former Honolulu police sergeant Darren Cachola is asking taxpayers to fund his legal defense as he faces a civil rights class-action lawsuit stemming from DUI arrests made without evidence. Plus, Kauai Police Department leaders faced tough questions from the north shore community over their handling of the multi-day manhunt for murder suspect William “Billy” Sinclair. Meanwhile, Honolulu may soon become home to giant pandas.

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Music, sweet treats, and community giving. On today’s show catch a throwback Hoʻolauleʻa concert celebrating 25 years of Native Hawaiian Convention, plus $1 mini flight cones for National Ice Cream Day and Finance Factors’ Charity Breakfast supporting local families.

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Honolulu taxpayers will pay for a controversial former HPD officer's legal defense as the police commission determines he is entitled to taxpayer funded counsel. Hawaii now has a confirmed case of the food-borne illness causing a stomach churning outbreak across the continent. And a Hawaii green-card holder accused of illegally sending large amounts of money to Iran has pleaded guilty. 

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Hawaii Senator Mazie Hirono was among the lawmakers today asking tough questions of Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche. An Oahu man accused of sending money to Iran through non-traditional banking channels over several years pleaded guilty today in court. And Governor Josh Green signed a bill into law to help improve the health of Hawaii residents, requiring the state Department of Transportation to establish a state wide clean fuel standard.

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New laws are being put in place to keep illegal game rooms from popping up. We'll tell you just how many have been shut down so far this year. Plus, a ruling has been made in the proposed expansion of the Ritz-Carlton resort on Oahu's North Shore. What the courts ruled, as well as why an insect influenced their decision. We are now in the expected window for the next eruptive episode, which is expected to occur sometime today at the latest.

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A motorcyclist who was critically injured in a crash on Kapiolani Boulevard in Moiliili has died. One of Hawaii's most powerful state senators is the target of the state's most powerful unions. New laws are helping Honolulu police crack down on illegal game rooms across Oahu.

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The Democratic frontrunners in the lieutenant governor’s race face off in their only televised forum before the primary. No charges will be filed against two Honolulu police officers in last year’s fatal Makaha shooting. Plus, encouraging signs in Mayor Blangiardi’s effort to redevelop the Chinatown Cultural Plaza. 

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Coffee, flowers and North Shore recovery. Today's HI Now Daily show checks out a fresh Lion Coffee artist series reveal, a new $5 roundtrip Huakaʻi shuttle helping Haleʻiwa and Waialua, and Watanabe Floral’s 80th birthday celebration with flower deals and early freebies.

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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.

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On a special edition of Spotlight Now, we sit down with two candidates running to become Hawaii’s next lieutenant governor, Della Au Belatti and Derek Kawakami.

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Honolulu's prosecutor says no charges will be filed against the two Honolulu police officers involved in a fatal shooting in Makaha last year. On Hawaii Island, two men have been charged in connection with a shooting in Hamakua Friday night. And the suspect in a carjacking at the Honolulu airport last week has been charged with theft, but the victims in the case say he should face more severe charges. 

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Honolulu's Rail project continues to work its way toward downtown. Casey Lund is live this morning on the next phase and the impacts we'll feel during construction. A major traffic headache after this grate kicked loose on the H-1. It snarled traffic and damaged multiple vehicles. We hear from a driver who suffered a pair of flat tires. Public tours of the Honouliuli National Historic Site have started.

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Big Island police have identified the woman who died in a three-vehicle crash last night. A loose metal grate on the H-1 is being blamed for flat tires and major backups during the pau hana commute. Plus, how the Skyline project could reshape an industrial-heavy area of Honolulu. 

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Seven months after the assault of Moanalua's assistant athletics director, Gov. Josh Green signs a bill to better protect Hawaii’s education workers. As Skyline construction pushes deeper into urban Honolulu, city leaders roll out new plans for transit-oriented development. Plus, flags fly at half-staff after the unexpected death of U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham of South Carolina.

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Big dreams and real help for local families, plus a new challenge for Hawaiʻi’s next changemakers. We’ve got a big announcement today: a campaign launch with a chance to win up to 100,000 Atmos Rewards points, and a closer look at support helping Native Hawaiian families stay rooted through homeownership.

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Governor Josh Green signed into law today a bill that help protects educators from harassment and creates stricter penalties for their violators. Some Hawaii lawmakers are raising questions about what happens if mail-in ballots can't be delivered before November's general election. And the governor of South Carolina announced his pick to fill to the senate seat of Senator Lindsey Graham, who passed away unexpectedly over the weekend. 

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A warning for Kauai residents: stay away from the mouth of the Waimea River. The recent shift that has the county seeking state assistance. Two decades in the making, progress on Homeland Leases on Hawaii Island. How many have been awarded, and how long have some been on the waitlist? We are now in the expected window for the next eruptive episode, which is expected sometime by Wednesday.

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Activists protesting hiking tours to Kalaupapa got a surprise when they learned the tours were put on hold. Honolulu police busted an illegal cockfighting event in Kahaluu early yesterday morning. Plus, a UH Manoa researcher landed a $660,000 NSF grant to study how fuel contamination can threaten drinking water.

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HFD crews remain on scene this morning mopping up and working to increase containment of the South Kohala fire. In Pearl City, emergency crews rescued a driver trapped in a crash early today. Plus, hundreds of Native Hawaiian families could be one step closer to homeownership on Hawaii Island. 

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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.

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On Hawaii Island, limited evacuations were lifted in Waikoloa Village Friday night after a wildfire headed away from populated areas, officials said. Meanwhile, frustration over towing practices and confusing parking rules at Ala Wai Boat Harbor boiled over Friday as residents, surfers and boaters voiced concerns.

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A used car dealership in Mapunapuna credits police and the community for getting most of its stolen cars back. After a series of scandals rocked the state capitol, Gov. Josh Green today signed into law a bill to help combat public corruption. And on Hawaii Island, police have identified a body found in a shallow stream in Waimea. 

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Island tunes, tasty bites and a little travel daydreaming. We’re previewing a beloved ʻukulele festival in Waikīkī, checking out a Tokyo hotel and checking out what a golf course's restaurant is cooking up in the Good Energy Kitchen.

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President Trump said he has agreed to continue peace negotiations at Tehran's request but, at the same time, said the cease-fire with Iran is over. A 14-year-old suspect has now been charged on multiple counts after a violent carjacking case out of Waianae that ended with a crash in town. And an Oahu family is safe and relieved after someone hijacked their car outside the baggage claim area at Daniel K. Inouye International Airport.

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