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

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

Is the Big Island’s name changing? Here’s what the state says
State officials say the change from “Island of Hawaiʻi” to “Hawaiʻi” applies only to government maps and documents and does not affect common usage.
Daniel FarrDecember 31, 2025

No mall at Shark’s Cove if city closes deal
Aloha State Daily spent time on the North Shore recently and heard talk of a mall development coming to Shark's Cove. But something completely different is in the works.
Daniel FarrDecember 30, 2025

Governor, Hilo community mourns death of emergency room doctor
Police have indicated that speed, alcohol and/or drugs, and reckless driving are believed to be contributing factors to the fatal crash on Saddle Road on Christmas Eve.
Daniel FarrDecember 27, 2025

Kauaʻi County seeks proposals for homeless services grants
Housing Director Adam Roversi said several homeless services on Kauaʻi remain underfunded, including street outreach, emergency shelter, transitional housing, homelessness prevention and mental health services.
Daniel FarrDecember 24, 2025

Checking in on potential airport hotels in Hilo, Kona
State Sen. Lorraine Inouye said hotels are permitted at both airports under the approved legislation, but she believes Hilo should be prioritized.
Daniel FarrDecember 23, 2025

Hawai'i officials react to Trump’s marijuana reclassification
Honolulu Prosecuting Attorney Steve Alm criticized the marijuana reclassification, warning it could harm public health and send the wrong message to young people.
Daniel FarrDecember 22, 2025

HART receives clean FY25 audit as rail project cost reaches $10 billion
ASD takes a look at the big numbers in HART's balance sheet.
Daniel FarrDecember 20, 2025

Breaking barriers, reaching heights: A Hawai’i pilot’s story
Mandaloniz is the first woman from UH Hilo’s aeronautical science program to complete flight training and earn a pilot’s license, a milestone in a field where women remain underrepresented.
Daniel FarrDecember 19, 2025
