Hawaii News Now

Crews across Hawaii are clearing waterways, securing equipment and urging residents to prepare as a tropical system approaches the islands. Meanwhile, after her home was flooded, Kim Fanene launched an online community network called HI Risk Management, and set up a storm-prep hub in her garage. Plus, a federal judge denied bail for Maui Police Lt. Michael Vaituulala, ruling him a danger to the community following his FBI arrest on bribery charges.

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As a major storm churns toward the islands, Hawaii County is ramping up emergency preparations to brace for the first impacts. On Maui, the police chief is promising a full audit of his specialized crime unit after his top lieutenant was hit with federal corruption charges. Plus, an Oahu grand jury has officially indicted a Maili couple accused of torturing their 13-year-old son.

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From the latest UH sports updates to live music and stories that help you learn something new, there’s plenty to catch on today’s show. Cienna Pilotin breaks down what’s happening with UH athletics, we’ve got a performance from Anthony Pfluke and more educational stories from around Hawaiʻi.

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Emergency management leaders are tracking the active storms as local officials are urging everyone to prepare for the potentially hazardous weather. Election results are in for the two recounts that went into late last night. Plus, an Oahu grand jury indicts two defendants in the Waianae torture case. 

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3 years after the Maui wildfires, signs that recovery efforts have hit a snag. What a new report reveals about financial assistance and employment. A new future for Sea Life Park. Details on the attraction's acquisition, as it is now under Native Hawaiian stewardship. Have you seen this large yacht recently cruising around the state? You aren't alone. Where it's from and why some residents are expressing concern.

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We have the latest on efforts to contain a pair of Big Island brush fires that closed down a portion of the Daniel K. Inouye Highway. Emergency management leaders are also sharing an urgent warning as we track a possible tropical cyclone heading our way. Plus, a federal judge denies bail for a Maui police leader accused of corruption as his family shows their support.

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Hawaii County Civil Defense Agency announces road closures as Big Island firefighters battle a pair of wildfires in South Kohala. A federal judge denies bail for the Maui police lieutenant accused of taking bribes. Plus, candidates are on edge at the State Capitol during the latest recount of two GOP races with razor-thin margins. 

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Hawaii Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism (DBEDT) Director James Tokioka discusses the state’s economic landscape, addressing the softening tourism industry, updates on the Hawaiʻi Convention Center repairs, and the latest on the Aloha Stadium redevelopment — including potential delays caused by a Kakaʻako power station. Tokioka also details the state's exploratory efforts in sports tourism, film industry tax credits, and a forthcoming legalized gambling feasibility report.

Then Hawaii News Now political analyst Colin Moore joins the show to break down the primary election results, analyzing the ongoing high-stakes recounts in two Republican primary contes...

Local makers and community stories are in the spotlight. We’re checking out the local vendors and shopper perks ahead of the Made in Hawaiʻi Festival, plus going live from Sacred Hearts.

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A recount of primary election votes in two hotly contested Republican races with results so close, the recount is mandated by law. We're learning more about contractor Gary Cordery, the GOP winner of Saturday's primary who's attempting to spoke to unseat Hawaii's dominant democrat. And two brothers in their 30s were arrested on Maui for alleged labor trafficking. 

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Spotted overseas, a fugitive wanted for stealing money meant for sick kids in Hawaii. Where the FBI is now focusing its search. Optimism for some farmers on Maui, who have been impacted by an erratic water supply. Why a county takeover could help improve services. Rising costs are forcing many to adjust how they approach life's milestones, like marriage or owning a home. What experts advise to help make those goals a reality.

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As two murder suspects appear in court on Maui, we hear from the grieving family of the 71-year-old grandfather beaten to death in Kahului. Meanwhile, a man and woman accused of brutally torturing a young boy in their Maili home face a judge. And in a primary election cliffhanger, we look at which candidate is ahead by just a single vote—and how the race will be resolved.

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The mother and stepfather accused of brutally torturing a child in their Maili home appear in court. A judge denies bail for the two suspects in a deadly assault on Maui. And the primary election may be over, but razor-thin margins trigger an automatic recount in two state races.

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Inspiring music and healthy home cooking take center stage on today’s show. Legendary musician Keola Beamer shares a new song honoring Lahaina's resilience after the Maui wildfires, and Chef Kaʻiulani Cowell cooks an immunity-boosting curry.

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The Maili couple accused in what authorities are calling "an extreme case of child abuse" appeared in court this morning. On Maui, two men have now been charged with murder following an attack that left a 71-year-old man dead. And Honolulu police are searching for three suspects in an attempted murder investigation in Ewa Beach.

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What we know about the incident that left a 71-year-old man dead and the charges against 2 men. Plus, police are revealing more information on an extreme case of child abuse in Maili. Why authorities are praising the victim for his bravery. And, where does Hawaii rank when it comes to international visitors? Howard will have the details in your business news this morning. 

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The Hawaii News Now team covered Primary Election night statewide, providing numbers and getting reactions from electoral candidates as results continued to rush in. Hear from candidates like Lt. Governor Derek Kawakami, Gov. Josh Green, U.S. Rep. Ed Case, and more. 

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A look at key races and candidate reactions from primary election night as vote counting continues. Plus, the Lahaina community gathers to mark three years since the devastating wildfires.

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On the three-year anniversary of the Maui wildfires, we honor the 102 lives lost. Plus, Dr. Christopher Knightsbridge shares how the UH Maui Wildfire Exposure Study is tracking survivors' long-term health. Then, a look at the Democratic primary as Governor Josh Green faces three challengers in his bid for reelection.

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Federal prosecutors are seeking to detain Maui Police Lt. Michael Vaituulala without bail, arguing he is a danger to the community following his arrest by FBI agents on charges that he accepted bribes to protect drug traffickers, illegal chicken fighters, and illegal fireworks distributors. Meanwhile, a 72-year-old woman who spent years living on the streets of Chinatown now has her own room at the Leahi Behavioral and Medical Respite center in Kaimuki — one of the first positive outcomes tied to Hawaii’s new MH-3 program.

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Honolulu Police arrested two people after a child reported being tortured in Waianae. The 20-year-old accused of killing a man in Lahaina appeared in court today with his family in attendance. And Council Chair Tommy Waters had another setback today in his effort to be reinstated into his district election.

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A Hawaii staple snack and a community walk to save lives. Celebrate National Musubi Day at Foodland Farms Ka Makana Alii, and find out how you can learn lifesaving CPR skills at the Hawaii Heart Walk.

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Honolulu police have arrested two people after a child reported being tortured at a home in Waianae. We're hearing from the siblings of Peter Boy Kema for the first time since the state agreed to settle a lawsuit over their brother's death in 1996. And on Maui, we're learning more details about the beating death of a man at a Lahaina condo complex.

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Scrutiny over how officials handled an inmate escape from OCCC. What we're learning about the hours before the public was alerted. A program focused on second chances. How Kauai inmates are building skills they'll be able to use once they rejoin society. A piece of Mexican maritime history is coming to Hawaii and you'll soon have a chance to step aboard. 

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Apparent delays in public alerts during Wednesday's marathon search for an inmate from the Oahu Community Correctional Center in Kalihi. Meanwhile, a high-ranking Maui police officer is still behind bars, facing federal public corruption charges.

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Local art, island flavors and Hawaii music shine on HI Now Daily. Discover handcrafted goods from Puhblik Hawaiʻi, whip up vibrant purple pancakes with Taro Brand and catch Kaneohe singer Christie Brooke performing live music.

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We're learning more about the Maui Police lieutenant who was arrested by federal authorities and the public corruption charges he's facing. Also on the Valley Isle, a man is in custody for allegedly beating another man to death in Lahaina. And a Honolulu man convicted of killing his wife's ex-lover won't be eligible for parole for another 24 years, according to an article in the Honolulu Star Advertiser.

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Communities kept on edge amidst an hours-long search for an escaped OCCC inmate. Where police finally brought the man back into custody. We're just a couple of days now until Hawaii's Primary Election. Casey Lund is looking at how turnout has been so far, and why you probably don't want to wait to get your ballot in. Some stunning shots of the sun captured by a Maui telescope. What these historic images are teaching us about our closest star.

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Maui police arrest a nude suspect in the beating death of a Lahaina resident in Kahana. Several Walmart customers in Hawaii say they're not receiving their deliveries. details of the new scam. 
A high-ranking Maui police officer has been arrested by federal agents. 

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The manhunt continues in Kalihi for an inmate who escaped from OCCC. Meanwhile, Maui police say one of their own has been arrested by federal authorities. Plus, a federal investigation is underway after a commercial jet flew dangerously close to President Trump's helicopter. 

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The latest out of Kalihi, where authorities are searching for an inmate who escaped from Oahu Community Correctional Center. The search comes as Honolulu police launch a first-responder drone program to respond to certain calls. On Hawaii Island, a man is in critical condition after he was shot multiple times in Mountain View.

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Choosing the next leader for Maui County. 10 candidates are running for Mayor, and a major wedge issue has emerged. Where the leaders stand on vacation rentals. Paying to gas up the car has become a major chunk of most of our budgets. We're looking for ways to help you save. A piece of history buried in the heart of Honolulu.  What the city's rail project uncovered and why it'll soon be lost to the ages.

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Big Island police have opened an attempted murder investigation after a man was shot in Mountain View, leading to one arrest. We also have the latest on a critical HPD investigation after a Honolulu police car struck a pedestrian in Waikiki. Plus, officers issue nearly 300 citations as traffic enforcement ramps up along the Daniel K. Inouye Highway.

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This week marks three years since the Maui wildfires disaster, and as the anniversary of the deadly inferno approaches, we chronicle the long, expensive rebuild still facing property owners. On Hawaii Island, we dive into a major police crackdown that led to nearly 300 traffic citations on the Daniel K. Inouye Highway in just three days. Plus, the Trump administration says progress is being made toward a new deal with Iran. 

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On this episode of Spotlight Now, U.S. Rep. Jill Tokuda (D-Hawaii) addresses the intense financial strain and "economic fear" gripping local families. Tokuda shares her fight to eliminate federal taxes on Maui wildfire settlement payouts, her push to classify damaged neighbor island water catchments as major destruction, and her plan to hold the administration accountable for returning tens of billions in tariff refunds directly to consumer pockets.

Next, State Chief Election Officer Scott Nago joins the program to clear up ballot confusion surrounding Honolulu City Council District 4 and explains why votes for candidate Tommy Waters will...

Tune in to today's show to see which standout singer from The Voice is returning to the island stage for an intimate waterfront concert. We are also highlighting smooth summer jams and local spirits to help you plan your next weekend out.

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Doubts and confusion remain today that the U.S.-Iran war was nearing a resolution, as Tehran pushed back against President Trump's assertion that ceasefire talks were under way. A long-shot congressional candidate was jailed on Maui after a violent clash in South Kihei. And Kauai police are on the hunt for teenagers suspected of vandalizing a locally-owned business.

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More Maui wildfire survivors are being given the chance to own homes. The program that is looking to give families new roots to the island. Just a few days until Hawaii's Primary Election and we're tracking big spending from the state's largest super PAC. The races and causes that all that money is supporting. The red flags and the public figure that probably isn't really asking you for a gift card. 

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A small business owner on Kauai is asking for the public's help in identifying taggers who vandalized his shop. With the primary election quickly approaching, we take a closer look at the local races being heavily funded by an influential political action committee. Plus, we highlight the red flags to look out for so you don't fall victim to the latest gift card text message scam.

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Demolition is underway on Dillingham Boulevard as the city prepares the site for a new affordable housing community near a future Skyline station. Meanwhile, a political action committee backed by the Carpenters Union is defending its strategy of pouring millions into local campaigns. Plus, President Trump says his threats of a World War II-level attack have forced Iran back to the bargaining table.

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