Hawaii News Now
The podcast home of Hawaii's source for breaking news. Hawaii News Now is the state's leader for breaking news, weather alerts, traffic updates and sports headlines, plus the latest headlines on the issues that impact you and your families the most — including the global coronavirus pandemic.
OHA Candidate Forums - Maui Island Trustee (Oct. 14, 2026)
The two candidates for the Maui seat on the OHA Board of Trustees share their perspectives on issues affecting Native Hawaiians, OHA and the communities the agency serves. The discussion provides voters with an opportunity to learn more about each candidate's priorities, approach to leadership and vision for OHA's future.
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OHA Candidate Forums - Oahu Island Trustee (Oct. 13, 2026)
The two candidates seeking the Oʻahu seat on the Office of Hawaiian Affairs Board of Trustees discuss their priorities and vision for OHA and the Native Hawaiian community. The forum explores significant issues facing OHA and the lāhui and gives voters an opportunity to hear directly from the candidates as they consider their choice in the November General Election.
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First at 4 p.m. (October 14, 2026)
State and county leaders are joining forces to urge voters to approve an upcoming constitutional amendment, and we break down what’s at stake. The Department of Education has broken ground on a new elementary school in West Oahu that aims to welcome its first students soon. Plus, in his first public message since undergoing lung cancer surgery, Pope Leo offers heartfelt thanks to the Catholic community for their prayers.
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HI Now Daily (October 14,2026)
Special collaborations, exclusive merchandise and special appearances are all part of UH Giving Week on HI Now Daily. We’re getting the details on the upcoming makers market, including when to go and who you can expect to see.
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This Is Now (October 14, 2026)
Governor Josh Green is holding a press conference with Mayors Rick Blangiardi and Derek Kawakami at the state capitol, urging Hawaii voters to vote "yes" on Constitutional Amendment Question 2. On Maui, days after the police chief claimed the mayor is under criminal investigation, the county prosecutor says the chief is wrong. And on Oahu, Jasmine Keola has pleaded guilty to a brutal attack on a young woman with special needs.
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Sunrise 5 a.m. (October 14, 2026)
After a Kauai building that housed a DMV was destroyed by a fire residents are being impacted and speaking out hear what they had to say on the matter. Hawaii leaders are in Japan this week exploring new ideas for business and technology, Casey Lund will give us a preview on what else we can expect from them this week. The Hawaiian Humane Society is asking for your help. What you need to know as the need for pet care is greater than ever.
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Hawaii News Now at 9 p.m. (October 13, 2026)
The sisters of a man shot and killed by an officer in Ocean View say they are planning to sue the Hawaii Police Department. More than a month after a fire crippled Kauai's DMV services, some frustrated residents are flying off-island just to take driver's tests. Plus, Hawaii County has reached a tentative deal to purchase Punaluu Black Sand Beach Park and keep the nearly seven-acre site open to the public.
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First at 4 p.m. (October 13, 2026)
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Spotlight Now: From gas to groceries, Hawaii families hit by rising costs
Hawaiʻi residents are facing rising costs on everything from gas to groceries. Hawaiʻi Foodbank CEO and President Amy Miller said more people are seeking food assistance — many for the first time — with demand now exceeding levels seen during the height of the pandemic.
Economist Paul Brewbaker said Hawaiʻi residents are spending 50% more on groceries compared to two years ago. He said a barrage of biological and policy shocks — like avian flu, the pandemic recovery, Maui wildfires, wars and tariffs — has pushed prices out of reach for many household budgets.
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HI Now Daily (October 13,2026)
Rock history, screen legends and island mentorship. Today on HI Now Daily Andy Morris shares stories from Bowie and the Stones sessions, and Rena Owen talks ICAN workshops empowering local film talent.
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This Is Now (Oct. 13, 2026)
As President Trump heads to Alaska for another campaign rally, Embattled Ambassador to Greece Kimberly Guilfoyle stepped down today, but she denies allegations of improper conduct. On Maui, 49-year-old Roberto Andrade has been sentenced to 60 years in prison after he was found guilty of 16 counts of child sex assault. And HNN Investigates allegations of fraud against Maui County leaders.
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Sunrise 5 a.m. (October 13, 2026)
Kauai's reputation for weddings takes a hit post Hurricane Lowell. We'll tell you why you should still give the Garden Isle a chance if you're looking to plan your big day. Plus, the Office of Hawaiian Affairs wants to make sure you don't skip over their portion of the ballot in the general election. It's not just for native Hawaiians and you need to be informed on the candidates. Amazon's "About You" page is getting attention because of what it says about your personality, preferences and family.
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Hawaii News Now at 9 p.m. (October 12, 2026)
Jurors have decided that the man convicted of murdering a Maui police officer qualifies for life in prison without parole after he chose not to testify at his sentencing hearing. The Office of Hawaiian Affairs is airing televised forums this week featuring trustee candidates in races open to all Hawaii voters. Plus, a brief burst of activity at Kilauea’s summit lasted only 45 minutes, but scientists warn the volcano remains highly pressurized.
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HI Now Daily (October 12, 2026)
LGBTQIA+ pride, family roots and two big events ahead. Drew Honda shares the story behind Sweet Enemy Clothing and its UH jersey collaboration, plus a free Aloha Tower centennial celebration and Honolulu Pride’s parade, festival and live music.
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First at 4 p.m. (October 12, 2026)
Jurors are back in court to decide whether the man convicted of murdering a Maui police officer should face the maximum sentence of life without parole. Our Hawaii News Now political analyst breaks down the bitter public feud between Richard Bissen and John Pelletier and what the fallout could mean for both of their careers. Plus, hundreds of Naalehu Elementary students are finally heading back to class after severe damage from Hurricane Lala kept their campus closed for nearly two months.
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This Is Now (Oct. 12, 2026)
DHS Agents entered the home of Minnesota Congresswoman Ilhan Omar as part of an immigration investigation, drawing criticism so close to the midterms. A 25-year-old female pedestrian is dead after a hit-and-run crash in the Royal Kunia area early Sunday morning. And Hawaii County police have released body camera video, and the chief says the shooting appears to be within policy.
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Sunrise 5 a.m. (October 12, 2026)
There's a growing fallout between Maui Police Chief John Pelletier and Mayor Richard Bissen. Which side the police commision is choosing. Plus, Hawaii faith leaders are calling for action as ICE faces more scrutiny across the country. We'll take you to a protest that occurred over the weekend. And, job cuts for 2 big companies here in Hawaii.
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Sunrise 7 a.m. (October 11, 2026)
Several Hawaii faith communities are speaking with one voice and say Hawaii has a role in the push for change. From old maps to hotel history, the state is preserving the stories behind one of Hawaii's most recognizable places. Plus, the Maui Police Commission is now pushing back, after Maui Police Chief John Pelletier claimed Mayor Richard Bissen played a role in putting him on paid leave.
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Sunrise 7 a.m. (October 10, 2026)
Maui’s sidelined police chief accuses the mayor, who is pushing back. Six Oahu schools briefly went into lockdown after threats were called in. Plus, Hawaii County releases body-camera video of the deadly Ocean View shooting as the police chief says it appears to be within policy.
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Hawaii News Now at 9 p.m. (October 9, 2026)
Some Maui residents are still stunned over Maui Police Chief John Pelletier being stripped of his police powers and Pelletier blaming Mayor Richard Bissen for it. Meanwhile, the Army will pay the parents of Abigail Lobisch $900,000 to settle a lawsuit over the infant’s 2019 death at a babysitter’s home on Aliamanu Military Reservation.
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First at 4 p.m. (Oct. 9, 2026)
We're following breaking news out of downtown Honolulu, where an elderly woman was killed after her car fell from a high-rise parking structure. After being put on leave, Maui's police chief lawyers up and calls out county leadership. And newly released police body camera video shows what led to a deadly officer-involved shooting on Hawai'i Island.
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HI Now Daily (October 9, 2026)
Hula, Latin music and new paths to work bring HI Now Daily together this Aloha Friday. Find weekend plans for Maui’s Hula O Nā Keiki and West Oʻahu’s Hispanic Heritage Festival, plus how Lanakila Pacific helps people with disabilities build careers.
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This Is Now (Oct. 9, 2026)
A powerful Atlantic Hurricane is expected to make landfall in the Gulf states sometime tonight or early tomorrow morning. On Maui, a jury has found Clembert Kaneholani guilty of first degree murder for the shooting death of Officer Suzanne O. And Hawaii County police say one of their officers shot and killed a man who threw a rock at him after a chase in ocean view Wednesday.
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Sunrise 5 a.m. (October 9, 2026)
Congressional candidates tackle two big issues immigration enforcement and the war in Iran. Where incumbent Jill Tokuda and state Sen. Brenton Awa stand. Plus, a new report from the Department of Education reveals progress has been made in their math skills. We'll tell you what the research shows. October is Safe Sleep Awareness Month. What parents need to know to keep their little ones safe to prevent tragic sleep related infant deaths.
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Hawaii News Now at 9 p.m. (October 8, 2026)
Clembert Kaneholani, 39, has been found guilty of first-degree murder in the death of Officer Suzanne O in Pāʻia last August. Meanwhile, Hawaii will receive federal disaster recovery funding following Hurricanes Lala and Lowell after President Donald Trump approved two major disaster declarations, Governor Josh Green announced Thursday.
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First at 4 p.m. (Oct. 8, 2026)
We're following breaking news from the Valley Isle, where a verdict was reached in the murder trial of the man accused of killing a Maui police officer. A Big Island man is dead after an officer-involved shooting in Ocean View. And it didn't take long for the heavy rain to create a muddy mess on Oahu's North Shore.
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HI Now Daily (October 8, 2026)
A community walk and a weekend of pickleball bring people together. Susan G. Komen’s new Giving Tee supports breast cancer research ahead of Sunday’s More Than Pink Walk, while the free Hawaii Pickleball Championship brings family activities and competition to the Convention Center, with finals live on K5.
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This Is Now (Oct. 8, 2026)
Parts of Kamehameha Highway between Turtle Bay and Sharks Cove were flooded as a flash flood warning in effect for Oahu right now. Big Island police are planning to hold a press conference at 1 this afternoon, following a deadly officer involved shooting in Ocean View. And on Oahu, Honolulu police have opened an attempted murder investigation, after a man was dropped off at Queen's West Oahu with a gunshot wound early Tuesday morning.
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Sunrise 5 a.m. (October 8, 2026)
Reaction on an audit of spending problems in the state's kauhale program. Hear what leaders had to say on this. Plus, a coffee community shares their grief over the passing of a former barista. What former co-workers had to say about the young woman who was killed in the New Mexico crash.
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Hawaii News Now at 9 p.m. (October 7, 2026)
Breaking news: The Hawaii Police Department is investigating a deadly officer-involved shooting. Meanwhile, the Honolulu City Council unanimously approved a measure clearing the way for a major hotel and housing project at Ala Moana Center, despite concerns from hotel workers that it does not include enough affordable housing.
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First at 4 p.m. (Oct. 7, 2026)
Maui Police Commissioners voted to put Chief Pelletier on paid leave as they investigate his oversight of the embattled commander accused of taking bribes. An audit of the state's kauhale program raises questions about costs and contracts. And heavy rains are expected to hit Oahu, Kauai, and Niihau tonight.
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HI Now Daily (October 7, 2026)
Sweet treats for a cause, an easy dinner deal and Medicare help for kupuna. See’s Candies teams up with Susan G. Komen, Domino’s Hawaii offers 50% off pizzas and free AARP workshops help Medicare beneficiaries compare coverage.
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Maui mayor, state Sen. Awa join Spotlight Now ahead of general election (Oct. 6, 2026)
Maui Mayor Richard Bissen and state Sen. Brenton Awa joined Spotlight Now Tuesday ahead of the upcoming general election.
Bissen is seeking a second term as Maui County mayor facing challenger Yuki Lei Sugimura, while Awa is challenging U.S. Rep. Jill Tokuda for the 2nd Congressional District seat.
In both races, their opponents declined to participate in forums on Spotlight Now. Instead, Bissen and Awa each received a half hour to discuss key topics in their districts and answer viewer questions.
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This Is Now (Oct. 7, 2026)
We're tracking an approaching cold front that could bring heavy rain fall and flooding for the Western end of the state tonight. Family and friends are the three members of the Viveiros Ohana who died in a crash while on vacation in New Mexico. And a Waipahu man who served time for the death of a 23-year-old Wahiawa man nearly three decades ago was shot and killed by police near Las Vegas over the weekend.
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Sunrise 5 a.m. (October 7, 2026)
A controversial zip line tour project is attempting to get back in the public's good graces. Hear from both sides on this issue. Plus, its Fire Prevention Week, we'll tell you what message the Honolulu Fire Department is spreading this year. Yelp has released its first ever list of the Top 100 Pasta Places in the U.S. and some Hawaii restaurants made the cut!
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Hawaii News Now at 9 p.m. (October 6, 2026)
Loved ones are remembering the three Hawaii family members killed in a wrong-way crash in New Mexico. Nearly two months after Hurricane Lala devastated Naalehu Elementary, the school is preparing to welcome students back to campus. Plus, a North Shore zip line project cited for unauthorized construction is trying to get its paperwork in order.
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First at 4 p.m. (October 6, 2026)
Loved ones are sharing more about the Oahu family tragically killed in a head-on crash while vacationing in New Mexico. The fate of a Maui man accused of fatally shooting a police officer is now in the hands of a jury following closing arguments in the Kaneholani murder trial. Plus, unrest is growing at Cornell University as students speak out against the school’s handling of an alleged on-campus sexual assault.
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HI Now Daily (October 6, 2026)
Hollywood storytellers, spooky bites and Hawaiian tradition. On today’s show we are previewing HIFF 46 bringing Destin Daniel Cretton and top filmmakers to Honolulu for the HIFILM conference, plus Teddy's Jala-ween Burger and Vampire Shake and konane and hula at Kamaaina Sunday at Iolani Palace.
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This Is Now: Hawaii family killed in highway crash in New Mexico (Oct. 6, 2026)
The murder trial continues for the man accused of fatally shooting Maui Police Officer Susanne O in Paia last year. Three Hawaii residents were killed in a wrong-way crash in New Mexico. Honolulu taxpayers will pay for the defense of a former HPD sergeant in a civil lawsuit over false DUI arrests.
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Sunrise 5 a.m. (October 6, 2026)
Pushing past 2 a.m. for a "last call" on Oahu. What the new rules would be and why police have concerns. Plus, new Medicaid rules leave some families without healthcare coverage and facing a mountain of debt. Your chance today to speak up about UH's proposed tuition schedule.
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