Local Film Festival Features Lahaina Fire Documentary and Cultural Stories
The Wailuku Film Festival runs June 17-20 with screenings including a documentary about the 2023 Lahaina wildfire and other Indigenous cultural stories. Films will be shown at the Iao Theater with topics ranging from local recovery to international Indigenous issues. The festival includes ‘Lāhainā Rising,’ a documentary about the August 2023 wildfire that displaced over […]
Major Donors Pledge $5M for UH Athletic Programs Over Five Years
Five major donors including Bank of Hawaii and First Hawaiian Bank committed $5 million over five years to support University of Hawaii student-athlete compensation programs. The funding aims to help UH compete with other schools in recruiting and retaining local talent. Bank of Hawaii, First Hawaiian Bank, Matson, Jack Tsui, and Walter Dods each pledged […]
FBI Offers $150K Reward for Hawaii Mortgage Fraud Fugitives
The FBI is seeking two fugitives who defrauded multiple Hawaii homeowners through fake mortgage relief schemes before fleeing in 2010. A $150,000 reward is offered for information leading to their arrest. John and Julieanne Dimitrion convinced distressed homeowners to give up their homes under false promises of financial help. The couple used victims’ money to […]
Hawaii Police Departments Join National Ballistics Database Network
Hawaii’s police departments have joined a federal ballistics database system that allows real-time comparison of gun crime evidence across jurisdictions. The state was among the last to adopt this technology, which replaces a slower local process that took weeks or months. All four county police departments now participate in the National Integrated Ballistic Information Network […]
State Office Issues Multiple Government Transparency Violation Rulings
Hawaii’s Office of Information Practices found Sunshine Law violations by the Hawaiian Homes Commission but cleared the Board of Land and Natural Resources of similar charges. Hawaiian Homes Commission chair violated transparency laws by discussing board business during recess and sending vote-seeking text messages. Board of Land and Natural Resources was cleared of charges related […]
Hawaiian Homes Commission Chair Found to Have Violated Sunshine Law
The Office of Information Practices ruled that Hawaiian Homes Commission Chairperson Kali Watson violated Hawaii’s Sunshine Law by discussing board business outside of public meetings regarding a Waipouli property acquisition. Chair Kali Watson and two commissioners illegally discussed the failed Waipouli property acquisition during a meeting recess in January 2024. Watson sent a text message […]
Gov. Lingle Seeks Public Input on 250 Bills Before July 6 Deadline
Governor Lingle is requesting public comments on 250 bills passed by the 2010 Legislature before deciding whether to sign, veto, or allow them to become law by July 6. The Governor has until July 6 to make decisions on all 250 bills from the legislative session. Bills are being reviewed by the Governor’s policy team, […]
County Parks Announce Temporary Closures for Maintenance in West and Central Maui
The County of Maui Department of Parks and Recreation has announced brief facility closures in West Maui and Central Maui for maintenance work and staff recruitment. These temporary closures were reported by both county sources and local news outlets. Napili Park basketball court in West Maui will close June 22-July 3 for resurfacing work including […]
Armed Robbery Near Ho’okipa Beach Leaves Two Visitors Injured
A couple was robbed at gunpoint and shot near Ho’okipa Beach on Hana Highway early Wednesday morning. The suspects fled in the victims’ vehicle but abandoned it when police located them, escaping on foot. An armed robbery occurred at 5:27 a.m. on Hana Highway near Ho’okipa Beach involving a gunman who demanded a couple’s vehicle. […]
HGTV Show Documents Severe Flooding Damage to Maui Property
A Hawaii-based HGTV renovation show captured extensive flood damage to a Manoa property, with mud-covered floors and floating furniture from what the hosts called a ‘100-year flood’ event. HGTV’s ‘Renovation Aloha’ filmed severe flooding at a newly purchased Manoa property located in a flood zone. Footage shows extensive damage including mud-covered floors, floating furniture, and […]