Crime & Courts

“The primary is not pau:” The Hawaiʻi Supreme Court orders new primary election in tied Makakilo race

The Hawaiʻi Supreme Court ruled Friday that the House District 43 primary race will go back to the voters in November.

Haley LehmanSeptember 05, 2026

Supreme Court to decide future of House District 43 primary

The Hawaiʻi Supreme Court heard arguments Wednesday in the election contest of the Makakilo primary race that was settled by a tiebreaker in August.

Haley LehmanSeptember 03, 2026

Air Force lieutenant colonel gets 20 years for child enticement

Ross Brown of Kailua was busted earlier this year for sending sexual messages to an undercover agent posing as a 14-year-old girl.

Michael BrestovanskySeptember 03, 2026

Community Voices: When do judges have free speech?

Hawaiʻi Supreme Court Justices must follow federal interpretations of federal laws and the U.S. Constitution, but are in no way subordinate to the U.S. Supreme Court on issues of state law or the state constitution. That is part of the way our government was set up.

Tom YamachikaSeptember 01, 2026

DAGS seeks assistance in Maui school vandalism incident

Unknown people caused "thousands" of dollars in damage at Maui High School restroom construction site.

Michael BrestovanskyAugust 29, 2026

Waters out of council race after Supreme Court verdict

The Hawai‘i Supreme Court found Waters ineligible to run for reelection this year.

Michael BrestovanskyAugust 28, 2026

Commercial aquarium fishing question may be resolved after three years

After years of a statewide pause on commercial aquarium fishing, the BLNR could vote to resurrect the industry or kill it permanently on Friday.

Michael BrestovanskyAugust 28, 2026

Two candidates challenge primary election results

A lawsuit contesting the results of the August primary election for Makakilo in the state house is scheduled to go to the Hawaiʻi Supreme Court next week, while a case for Waikīkī on the Honolulu City Council is still pending.

Haley LehmanAugust 28, 2026

Hawai‘i gets $76 million in Meta settlement

Multi-state lawsuit over Meta's policies toward underage users ends in agreement.

Michael BrestovanskyAugust 27, 2026

Waters, Ozawa duel over definition of 'four-year term'

State Supreme Court hears arguments to determine Councilman Tommy Waters' eligibility for reelection

Michael BrestovanskyAugust 26, 2026

HPD investigating body found in Waikīkī dumpster

Jenny Lupton, 50, was found dead in Waikīkī last week.

Michael BrestovanskyAugust 25, 2026

Couple pleads not guilty in child torture case

Jasmine Quiroz-Pele and James Heffernan were accused of physically abusing and imprisoning a 13-year-old boy for years.

Michael BrestovanskyAugust 22, 2026

Environmental groups file lawsuit against Interior Secretary, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

Seven environmental groups filed a lawsuit against Department of the Interior Secretary Doug Burgum and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service alleging that the new Critical Habitat Exclusion Rule prioritizes economic development over environmental protections. The Interior Department wrote that they stand by the regulation.

Haley LehmanAugust 17, 2026

‘Ewa Beach family offering $5,000 reward for tips about burglar

A burglar made off with more than $135,000 in jewelry from a house last weekend. The owners are offering a reward for tips that lead to an arrest.

Michael BrestovanskyAugust 14, 2026

Canada man pleads guilty to airline fraud

Dallas Pokornik posed as a pilot to receive "hundreds" of free flights for years.

Michael BrestovanskyAugust 12, 2026

Maui, Kaua‘i counties sued over 2024 election data

Federal lawsuit latest in series of legal challenges surrounding the state's and counties' handling of 2024 election data.

Michael BrestovanskyAugust 11, 2026

Maui police lieutenant charged with corruption

Michael Vaitu‘ulala, a 17-year veteran of the Maui Police Department, allegedly took thousands of dollars in bribes to protect illegal cockfights, drug deals, and more.

Michael BrestovanskyAugust 07, 2026

Her daughter was murdered in 2014 — now she’s dedicated to helping other victims

Charli Scott was a Maui woman who was murdered in 2014 at age 27 when she was five months pregnant. In the 12 years since her daughter’s death, Kimberlyn Scott has dedicated herself to helping families of missing persons.

Christina O'ConnorAugust 05, 2026

Hawaiian Homes Commission lawsuit continues after evictions averted

Two Kaua‘i renters can stay in their apartments while their suit against the Hawaiian Homes Commission, which previously attempted to evict them, goes forward.

Michael BrestovanskyAugust 05, 2026

Waiʻanae man accused of illegally hunting on West Oʻahu ranch

The Hawaiʻi Department of Law Enforcement arrested a Waiʻanae man on July 25 for allegedly illegally hunting on private land.

Haley LehmanAugust 04, 2026

Hawaiʻi officials accused of bribery plead not guilty

Lt. Gov. Sylvia Luke, former Rep. Ryan Yamane, lobbyist Tobi Solidum, former chair of the state Public Utilities Commission Leodoloff Asuncion Jr., and Hawaiʻi Department of Transportation Airports Administrator Ford Fuchigami pleaded not guilty to corruption charges Thursday morning.

Haley LehmanJuly 31, 2026

State airports administrator on paid leave following bribery indictment

Ford Fuchigami will appear in court Thursday along with Lt. Gov. Sylvia Luke.

Michael BrestovanskyJuly 29, 2026

Kaua‘i renters facing eviction sue Hawaiian Homes Commission

The Department of Hawaiian Home Lands purchased a Kapa‘a apartment complex to help DHHL beneficiaries in 2024, but tenants who don't meet the department's blood quantum requirement have been served eviction notices, suit alleges.