Daniel Farr
Born and raised in Los Angeles, I now call Hawaiʻi home and am excited to cover government, politics, crime, and courts for Aloha State Daily.
Before joining ASD, I reported on local government for the Hawaiʻi Tribune-Herald in Hilo, covering a range of issues and deepening my understanding of Hawaiian history and culture.
Prior to moving to the Islands, I worked as a researcher for NFL Media, supporting editorial teams with in-depth data and serving as the researcher for NFL Network’s daily live show, The Insiders. I also served as copyeditor for Fox Sports, ensuring clarity and accuracy across content.
I earned both my bachelor’s and master’s degrees from San Diego State University.
Outside of work, I enjoy exploring unfamiliar places, tasting different cuisines, rooting for the Lakers, and spending time with my mischievous cat, Fry.
Latest from Daniel Farr
Reed Mahuna named police chief after nationwide search
Mahuna has been offered the position of Hawaiʻi County police chief following a nationwide search and strong public support, the Hawaiʻi County Police Commission announced Friday.
Daniel FarrJanuary 31, 2026
Honolulu Bus, Handi-Van and Skyline fares set to increase
City Council approves fare overhaul expected to generate $4 million for Oʻahu’s public transit system amid rising costs, despite opposition citing affordability concerns.
Daniel FarrJanuary 30, 2026
Vice division cracks down on drugs, guns
Hawai‘i Island police seize hundreds of pounds of narcotics, dozens of firearms and hundreds of thousands of dollars in cash in first year after units merged.
Daniel FarrJanuary 29, 2026
County audit targets $33M in homeless funding
The Homelessness and Housing Fund, authorized through 2027, receives at least $9 million annually from residential property tax revenues. The audit is expected to provide lawmakers and the public with a clearer picture of whether the county’s homelessness funding is being spent effectively and producing visible results.
Daniel FarrJanuary 28, 2026
8 finalists to interview for Hawaiʻi Police Chief
The commission plans to make its decision once the selection process wraps up on Jan. 30. Any chosen candidate would receive a provisional appointment, pending the successful completion of required screening procedures such as a background check, psychological assessment and polygraph test.
Daniel FarrJanuary 27, 2026
County to rebuild Coconut Island Bridge after collapse
County officials say full reconstruction is the safest option after last fall’s partial collapse shut down the island park and cut off its only pedestrian access.
Daniel FarrJanuary 24, 2026
Traffic, drug deaths rise in Honolulu
Methamphetamine remained the leading contributor. Fentanyl-related deaths rose sharply, increasing by nearly 60% over three years. Cocaine-related deaths also increased during that period.
Daniel FarrJanuary 24, 2026
Hawaiʻi County Council approves property tax relief for longtime agricultural homeowners
Many of the affected landowners are seniors on fixed incomes.
Daniel FarrJanuary 22, 2026
Maui Council advances proposed H-3, H-4 hotel zoning tied to vacation rental phaseout
Resolution sends new hotel district proposal to planning commissions as County implements Bill 9 housing strategy.
Daniel FarrJanuary 19, 2026
Kauaʻi Coffee employees face uncertainty as lease talks continue
Negotiations over historic West Side farmland could affect nearly 150 jobs and one of the nation’s largest coffee operations.
Daniel FarrJanuary 17, 2026
Hawai‘i County purchase of Honolulu Landing in Puna in escrow
Purchase of the 364-acre coastal property will protect cultural sites, endangered species habitat and public shoreline access.
Daniel FarrJanuary 15, 2026
Medical marijuana dispensary owners weigh in on legalization
With voters possibly deciding the issue, operators and state regulators highlight challenges in Hawai’i’s medical-only cannabis market.
Daniel FarrJanuary 15, 2026
Councilwoman Tupola pushes task force to reduce landfill reliance
End Landfills Task Force would explore ways to phase out landfill use, coordinate waste diversion and guide long-term policy for Honolulu.
Daniel FarrJanuary 15, 2026
Councilwoman Yuki Lei Sugimura announces mayoral run
Sugimura told Aloha State Daily her mayoral priorities focus on transparency and accountability, infrastructure and economic resilience, emphasizing that leadership begins with listening to the community.
Daniel FarrJanuary 13, 2026
Hawaiʻi County job vacancies: What councilmembers are doing about the problem
Hawaiʻi County is struggling to fill more than 500 job openings across departments. Councilmembers agreed it will require a multi-pronged approach.
Daniel FarrJanuary 09, 2026
Hawaiʻi County bill allowing housing in industrial-commercial zones repeatedly postponed
The concept reflects older land-use patterns in Hawaiʻi.
Daniel FarrJanuary 09, 2026
Hawai’i Kai dredging project nears completion as costs rise
Reusing dredged sand locally saved approximately $300,000 compared with hauling and disposing of the material upland. DOBOR estimates the total cost will be about $7.2 million.
Daniel FarrJanuary 09, 2026
Hawaiʻi awarded nearly $189 million to improve rural health care
Gov. Josh Green recently announced that the state received $188.9 million through the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services’ Rural Health Transformation Program.
Daniel FarrJanuary 07, 2026
HDOT seeks more drivers for dashcam program
Drivers retain full ownership of their footage and may submit it to law enforcement if needed, according to transportation officials.
Daniel FarrJanuary 06, 2026
Hawaiian Electric projects nearly $500M in wildfire mitigation costs through 2027
State regulators approved the utility’s wildfire mitigation plan, while emphasizing oversight of cost recovery and customer rate impacts.
Daniel FarrJanuary 02, 2026
Electric buses, new express routes debut Monday on Kaua‘i
The county debuts its first battery-electric buses alongside new express routes connecting Anahola and Waimea.
Daniel FarrDecember 31, 2025