Crime & Courts
News
Explainer: What happens to unclaimed bodies at Hawai‘i's morgues
A brief look into what happens to unclaimed bodies in county morgues, stemming from Maui County's call for assistance in tracking down the families of 13 decedents in its care.
Michael BrestovanskyNovember 01, 2025
Maui convict brings decades-old rape conviction to Supreme Court
State Supreme Court to determine whether poor hair analysis should overturn Daniel Granillo's 40-year sentence for sexual assault.
Michael BrestovanskyOctober 24, 2025
Kamehameha Schools promises to fight for admissions policy
Lawsuit filed Monday challenges KS's policy of preferential treatment toward Native Hawaiian applicants.
Michael BrestovanskyOctober 22, 2025
HPD to begin using AI
HPD to test using AI-assisted police reports for non-arrest cases
Michael BrestovanskyOctober 18, 2025
Online travel agency could owe state $20 million in GET
Lawsuit by Booking.com against the Hawai‘i Department of Taxation going to state Supreme Court.
Michael BrestovanskyOctober 07, 2025
Lawsuit challenges Hawai‘i age limit on gun ownership
State law prohibiting gun ownership between the ages of 18 and 20 is the subject of a 2024 lawsuit moving forward in U.S. court.
Michael BrestovanskyOctober 04, 2025
Second lawsuit against Maui Land & Pineapple alleges power grab
Suit accuses landowner of "sneakily" attempting to seize control of Kapalua Resort Association.
Michael BrestovanskySeptember 27, 2025
Maui landowner countersues in water battle
Maui Land & Pineapple hits back against golf courses and other water users, accusing them of ignoring water restrictions.
Michael BrestovanskySeptember 24, 2025
Dole pesticide lawsuit back in Hawai‘i court
After nearly 20 years, suit accusing Dole Fruit Company of using toxic chemicals in Central America still unresolved.
Michael BrestovanskySeptember 23, 2025
HPD endorses Green's traffic safety edict
Governor's executive order long awaited by Honolulu law enforcement.
Michael BrestovanskySeptember 20, 2025
State regulations coming to e-bikes
Gov. Green signs executive order aimed at reducing traffic crashes.
Michael BrestovanskySeptember 18, 2025
Kailua-Kona man headed for retrial in 2018 murder case
Brian Smith was sentenced to life in prison for murder in 2019, but a legal dispute will send him back to court.
Michael BrestovanskySeptember 16, 2025
'No arrests' in Fiji Tribute concert, HPD says
Aloha State Daily reached out to several city departments, including the Honolulu Police Department and those overseeing the Tom Moffatt Waikīkī Shell and Kapi’olani Regional Park, which each hosted events for ticket holders.
Katie HellandSeptember 16, 2025
Green's affordable housing proclamations invalid, Supreme Court rules
Five emergency proclamations made in 2023 overstepped the governor's powers, according to a high court verdict.
Michael BrestovanskySeptember 13, 2025
Ha‘ikū Stairs lawsuits go to third court
Three suits against the city are holding up planned demolition of popular site
Michael BrestovanskySeptember 12, 2025
Kamehameha Schools gearing up for legal battle over admissions policy
Virginia-based Students for Fair Admissions announced plans to challenge Kamehameha Schools preferential treatment of Native Hawaiian applicants
Michael BrestovanskySeptember 06, 2025
Century-old Maui land dispute ends before Hawai‘i Supreme Court
Pioneer Mill claimed ownership over Maui land in 1919. In 2025, that claim has been rejected.
Michael BrestovanskySeptember 04, 2025
New law clamps down on discriminatory 911 calls
Calling the cops on someone based on their race, sex, and more can lead to a $1,000 lawsuit.
Michael BrestovanskySeptember 03, 2025
Honolulu traffic fatalities highest in five years
Honolulu Police Department data shows there have been more fatal crashes this year than any of the last five, with four months still to go
Michael BrestovanskyAugust 29, 2025
Hotel workers prevail in service charge lawsuit
Supreme Court rules hotels didn't clearly disclose gratuity fees.
Michael BrestovanskyAugust 27, 2025
Hawai‘i gun purchasing laws to be re-re-litigated
Second Amendment advocates criticize court decision to overturn March decision.
Michael BrestovanskyAugust 26, 2025
What do judges do all day?
Retired judge Ronald Ibarra speaks about the work — and workload — of Hawai‘i's judges and justices.
Michael BrestovanskyAugust 23, 2025
Police shooting of Wai‘anae man justified
Alston Awong told neighbors "I want to get shot by the police" before being so in 2024.
Michael BrestovanskyAugust 21, 2025
COVID lawsuit against state dismissed
Two government workers unions sued the state in 2021 over an email mistake that they alleged improperly revealed the vaccination status of workers.
Michael BrestovanskyAugust 20, 2025