Hawaii News Now

The Trump administration faces a pivotal deadline tomorrow in the Iran war as Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth faced lawmakers on Capitol Hill for a second day in a row. City leaders announce the official launch of the CARES program, the Customer Assistance for Residential Environmental services initiative designed to provide financial help for Oahu residents in light of this year's changes in sewer fees. And firefighters battled a large fire at a recycling yard In Kapolei this morning. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We're following news of a large fire at a Kapolei recycling yard. What went up in flames, and how long it took crews to put it all out. Plus, new developments in a legal saga over false DUI arrests. What officer was a no-show in court? A community races to stop an infestation from spreading in East Oahu. Why are more fire ants now being seen? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After nine years as the head coach for the University of Hawaii Rainbow Wahine volleyball team, Robyn Ah Mow announced Wednesday she is stepping down, effective immediately. Plus, a Honolulu Police Officer accused of making a false arrest and violating the rights of a driver has lost a lawsuit without going to trial. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hawaii residents are trying to tackle a fire ant infestation after the recent storms uncovered a pest problem in East Honolulu. A warning from the attorney general's office after reports of a fraudulent state official at a national conference. Plus, defense secretary Pete Hegseth testifies on Capitol Hill for the first time since U.S. operation in Iran began. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Frustrations continue as a Waikiki restroom has been closed for years, with the nearest available option about a quarter-mile away. A large law enforcement presence was seen in Kailua after witnesses reported multiple loud, flash-like explosions during what appeared to be a tactical operation. Plus, the man accused of attacking a snorkeling tour boat captain enters a plea. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hawaii's medical marijuana industry celebrates a big change in federal law. Plus, traffic deaths are down, what police and transportation officials say is making a difference. And, we have the latest developments this morning on the ongoing effort to protect tax breaks for some Hawaii workers. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Law enforcement and state agencies are working to reduce traffic deaths and serious injuries on Oahu as new data show crashes and fatalities are down from last year. A man accused of stabbing the captain of a snorkel tour boat enters a plea in court. Plus, we learn why a helicopter made a precautionary landing today on Oahu’s North Shore. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today on Spotlight Now, we sit down with representatives from HPH and HMSA to discuss the potential partnership between the two companies and what this means for the future of health care in Hawaii. We chat with Terrence Young, the Executive Vice President of Oahu Operations at Hawaii Pacific Health, and Dr. Kenric Murayama, the Chief Health Officer at HMSA. Hawaii Pacific Health is a partner of Spotlight Now. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

President Donald Trump welcomed King Charles III to the White House today to mark the 250th anniversary of America's independence. On Maui, Kaahumanu avenue is closed in both directions between Puunene to Hana Highway due to an accident. And the Hawaii high school sports community is mourning the loss of championship-winning head football coach and administrator Don 'Spud' Botelho, who died this weekend. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

More on a drug-related death involving a substance popular with young people. Plus, a strain of "mpox" has been detected in wastewater on Oahu. What health officials say about the risk to the public. An Aiea woman is sharing her story on how she lost thousands to a scammer. More on how she was tricked, so you can avoid becoming a victim. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The shoddy investigation into a New Year’s Day fireworks explosion on Maui puts a police commander on leave. An update on a bill aimed at increasing protections for educational workers and athletic officials. Plus, an Aiea woman shares how she lost $13,000 in a bank scam. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hawaii has lost another court battle over gun control, prompting changes to how concealed-carry permits may be requested by non-residents. A Halawa man accused of killing his wife with a tomahawk appeared in court and entered a plea. Plus, a suspect accused of trying to breach a security checkpoint near a high-profile event now faces serious federal charges. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Big reveals and bold flavors. We’re LIVE with a new mural and community contest unveiling a fresh look at local energy. Plus, a new smoked chicken dish hits the menu, and a sneak peek at the world premiere of the first professional Hawaiian opera. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The alleged suspect in the White House Correspondent's Association Dinner shooting made his first court appearance today. A water main break has shut down a portion of a road in Kaneohe. And a 66-year-old woman is dead after she was found unresponsive while snorkeling at Hanauma Bay. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

More support for Oahu flood victims. We'll take you to a community event that saw people lining up for hours for help. Plus, new housing units for teachers in Lahaina. More on the challenges officials are hoping to tackle with the development. The Hawaii Pet Expo is returning this weekend! We'll tell you what attendees can expect. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hundreds of Leeward Coast residents impacted by last month's Kona low flooding turned out for help at a community assistance center. Plus, on Maui, a new housing initiative is helping Lahaina teachers stay rooted in the community, as storm recovery continues. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Gov. Josh Green weighs in on the controversy surrounding his lieutenant governor and what comes next. A former Big Island attorney will spend five years in federal prison in an affordable housing fraud case. A 55-year-old woman is in critical condition after being found unresponsive in waters off Waikiki yesterday. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Honolulu City Council has removed $34 million from its budget that was earmarked to acquire a six-acre property on Hawaii Kai Drive, Hawaii News Now learned Friday morning. Meanwhile, a bill aimed at making roads safer by targeting unlicensed drivers failed in the state legislature. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A day after a criminal probe sent Hawaii's lieutenant governor out on leave, there's new reaction from the state's top office. The Maui Mayor's former Chief of Staff is suing the county for wrongful termination and whistle blower violations. And an evacuation at Honolulu's DMV forced dozens of employees and drivers to wait outside. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Waikiki SPAM JAM® is back on Kalakaua Avenue this Saturday, April 25, from 4–10 p.m., and we're getting the scoop on everything you need to know about one of Hawaii's largest food festivals! Plus, Von Kaʻanāʻanā of Aikāne Media joins us to share all the details on Eahou Fest 2026, a conference-meets-festival in Mōʻiliʻili, Oʻahu celebrating ancestral wisdom, technology, art and community. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.