Crime & Courts

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.

January 29, 2026

Green, legislators promise anti-ICE bills

Lawmakers promise legislative response to Minneapolis shootings

Michael BrestovanskyJanuary 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.

January 27, 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.

January 24, 2026

U.S. Supreme Court hears "vampire rule" gun law arguments

Wolford v. Lopez challenges 2023 gun law prohibiting concealed firearms on private property.

Michael BrestovanskyJanuary 21, 2026

CONGRESS WATCH: Supreme Court hears arguments in landmark trans athletics case

Hawai‘i Sen. Mazie Hirono was a lead signatory of a brief supporting trans athletes last year.

Michael BrestovanskyJanuary 14, 2026

Waipahu man gets 30 years for child porn streams

Robert Silva, 52, tipped streamers in the Philippines to sexually abuse children on camera.

Michael BrestovanskyJanuary 09, 2026

Supreme Court throws out Maui condo owner class-action suit

Condo owners found themselves owing thousands more in property taxes in 2021. Their case went to the Hawai‘i Supreme Court.

Michael BrestovanskyJanuary 06, 2026

Four arrested statewide over fireworks incidents

Police departments report more than 700 calls for service regarding illegal fireworks over New Year's Eve.

Michael BrestovanskyJanuary 03, 2026

Don't burn your Christmas trees at the beach, DLNR warns

DLNR patrols to prevent illicit Christmas tree bonfires at Kāne‘ohe Bay over the holiday

Michael BrestovanskyJanuary 01, 2026

Two Big Island men arrested over firework smuggling scheme

Darrel Goo and Cy Tamura face federal charges over nearly a decade of illegally transporting fireworks into the state.

Michael BrestovanskyDecember 31, 2025

Hawai‘i gets $260,000 in Mercedes-Benz emissions fraud lawsuit

Automaker settles with 48 states for $150 million.

Michael BrestovanskyDecember 30, 2025

Six court cases to watch in 2026

From student admissions policies to gun control laws, these are some of the biggest Hawai‘i court cases continuing into next year.

Michael BrestovanskyDecember 27, 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.

December 27, 2025

Suspect identified in 15-year-old Kaua‘i murder case

Gregory Glaser is wanted for the 2010 suspected murder of Amber Jackson in Kapa‘a

Michael BrestovanskyDecember 24, 2025

PayPal pays up

State lawsuit against PayPal over unfair and deceptive practices settled for $6 million.

Michael BrestovanskyDecember 23, 2025

‘Aiea man gets 20 years for child sex assault

Mother and son Dorothy and Bryson Mahoe have both been sentenced for their roles in abusing four children over seven years.

Michael BrestovanskyDecember 19, 2025

Lethal force justified in June Sand Island shooting

Christian Latimore, 37, was shot and killed after a standoff on his boat in Ke‘ehi Boat Harbor.

Michael BrestovanskyDecember 18, 2025

Hyundai, Kia to offer theft reimbursements after settling class-action lawsuit

Class-action settlement means eligible drivers could receive up to $4,500 if their car was stolen this year.

Michael BrestovanskyDecember 17, 2025

HART hits back in Skyline lawsuit

A contractor sued HART for millions last month over Skyline delays. HART filed a counterclaim Thursday accusing the contractor of filing a false claim.

Michael BrestovanskyDecember 13, 2025

DOJ sues Hawai‘i over voter registration data

The U.S. Department of Justice requested voter registration data from 40 states, including Hawai‘i, earlier this year. Hawai‘i's Chief Elections Officer Scott Nago refused.