Crime & Courts
News
Pearl City woman gets supervised release following threats against the president
Rebecca Folley made hundreds of Facebook posts threatening to kill Presidents Joe Biden and Donald Trump.
Michael BrestovanskyFebruary 13, 2026
Tenants facing eviction can seek mediation under new state program
The Pre-Eviction Mediation Filing Program requires landlords to offer mediation before evicting a tenant for not paying rent
Michael BrestovanskyFebruary 05, 2026
Community Voices: Tax versus Judiciary
There are two Hawaiʻi Supreme Court cases pending that involve fights over the extent to which courts can get involved with the Department of Taxation.
Tom YamachikaFebruary 03, 2026
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
Green backs BAC reduction bills
Two state bills would lower the threshold for drunk driving from .08 to .05.
Michael BrestovanskyJanuary 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
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.
Daniel FarrJanuary 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.
Daniel FarrJanuary 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.
Daniel FarrDecember 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.
Michael BrestovanskyDecember 13, 2025
Maui man gets 40-month sentence over homemade firework
Jess Lee used an explosive powder to build homemade fireworks in 2024, according to an FBI investigation.
Michael BrestovanskyDecember 10, 2025
Man convicted of fatal Wahiawā stabbing to get retrial
Kai Dela Cruz was sentenced in 2024 to life imprisonment after a 2019 stabbing in Wahiawā. That conviction was vacated Monday.
Michael BrestovanskyDecember 09, 2025
Waimānalo volleyball coach charged with producing child porn
Elias David charged in U.S. District Court for producing videos of him having sex with a 17-year-old student.
Michael BrestovanskyDecember 06, 2025
Hawai‘i lawmakers demand investigation into Tripler OBGYN lawsuit
State congressional delegates publish letter calling for thorough investigation into how Maj. Blaine McGraw was allowed to allegedly harass and exploit patients for years.
Michael BrestovanskyDecember 03, 2025
Hawai‘i County cleans wreckage after Thanksgiving weekend fires
A pair of fires in Hilo left two dead, dozens displaced and five buildings destroyed.
Michael BrestovanskyDecember 02, 2025
HPD apartment search lawsuit still alive
2020 police search of an apartment could go to trial.
Michael BrestovanskyNovember 28, 2025
Hamada: Hard lessons about Iremamber Sycap
The City & County of Honolulu is poised to settle a lawsuit with Iremamber Sycap's family over his fatal shooting by Honolulu police in 2021. Are we doing everything we can to set young people on the right path before they get into trouble that could cost them their lives?
Rick HamadaNovember 25, 2025
Watch out for jury duty scams
Phone scams are becoming increasingly elaborate; here's how to watch out for one of the latest tricks.
Michael BrestovanskyNovember 21, 2025
Man convicted of imprisoning woman wins a retrial
Deno Bell was convicted of unlawfully imprisoning a woman in her own apartment. He claimed it was to prevent her suicide.
Michael BrestovanskyNovember 13, 2025
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
Victims find solace as former basketball coach Dwayne Yuen sentenced
Yuen was sentenced to over 33 years in prison on Thursday on counts of sex trafficking, producing and possessing child pornography, and sexual coercion of minors.
Michael Brestovansky & Christian ShimabukuAugust 15, 2025
UH launches officer-specific degree program
Police officers can study for an Administration of Justice degree while working full time
Michael BrestovanskyAugust 13, 2025
Drive safe, win cash
Third annual Drive Aloha Safest Driver Challenge promises up to $2,500 for winners in August
Michael BrestovanskyAugust 06, 2025
Slow progress for city and state climate lawsuits this week
Suits against fossil fuel companies went to court this week, but no trial dates in sight
Michael BrestovanskyAugust 01, 2025
Publisher sues Hawai‘i prisons for censorship
Suit alleges the state Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation is illegally withholding books and magazines mailed to Hawai‘i inmates
Michael BrestovanskyJuly 26, 2025
Lethal police shooting justified in 2022 Waikīkī armed standoff
An investigation by the Department of the Prosecuting Attorney found officers were acting in self-defense when they shot Benjamin Moralez to death in a Waikīkī hotel.
Michael BrestovanskyJuly 23, 2025
Hawai‘i Supreme Court rules on 7 years of "BS"
Heated language during a 2018 divorce case led to a seven-year disciplinary debate.
Michael BrestovanskyJuly 22, 2025
Court date set for ousted Kahuku coach
Sterling Carvalho hopes to be reinstated as coach following lawsuit against former player and state Department of Education
Michael BrestovanskyJuly 19, 2025
Gov. Green signs new fireworks control measures
Deadly fireworks accidents can now get you up to 20 years in prison.
Michael BrestovanskyJuly 02, 2025
Lethal force justified in 2023 Pearl City police shooting
The Department of the Prosecuting Attorney ruled today that HPD officers were acting in reasonable self-defense when they shot Nathaniel Taualai to death in 2023
Michael BrestovanskyJune 25, 2025
New Honolulu laws clamp down on illegal gambling
Prosecutors are hopeful new laws signed Thursday can shut down illegal gaming rooms more efficiently
Michael BrestovanskyJune 21, 2025
Kapahulu man charged after Waikīkī "road rage" shooting
Ezra Madali allegedly shot at another driver on June 16
Michael BrestovanskyJune 21, 2025
Wahiawā veteran wins lawsuit against Iran
Staff Sgt. Kurt Taito one of 412 veterans to receive damages from Iran over injuries sustained during the War on Terror
Michael BrestovanskyJune 18, 2025
Solitary confinement reform on governor's chopping block
With Gov. Josh Green poised to veto a bill limiting the state's use of solitary confinement, prison reform advocates wonder what's next
Michael BrestovanskyJune 17, 2025
CONGRESS WATCH: State reps split on fentanyl
House Democrats divided 50-50 on classifying fentanyl as a Schedule 1 drug
Michael BrestovanskyJune 13, 2025
New law targets child torturers
Torture is now a crime in Hawai‘i after Gov. Josh Green signed a bill Wednesday.
Michael BrestovanskyJune 07, 2025
Environmental groups suing Trump over commercial fishing proclamation
Trump's April proclamation allowing commercial fishing in the Pacific Islands Heritage Marine National Monument was made illegally, argues lawsuit filed Thursday
Michael BrestovanskyMay 24, 2025
‘Ewa Beach couple allege police beating
Kelei Akana claims to have been left unable to walk after being repeatedly tasered, beaten by HPD officers
Michael BrestovanskyMay 15, 2025
CONGRESS WATCH: Tokuda to introduce "ghost gun" crackdown bill
U.S. Rep. Jill Tokuda spoke at HPD's Ke Kula Maka‘i police academy in Waipahu on Monday about legislation she plans to introduce.
Michael BrestovanskyMay 13, 2025
Ban on life sentences without parole could be extended
Offenders between ages 18 and 21 could become exempt from life without parole
Michael BrestovanskyMay 09, 2025
Prison reform proposal to set limits on solitary confinement
Senate bill to set rules on how and when solitary confinement is imposed
Michael BrestovanskyMay 08, 2025
Convicted murderer allegedly attempts murder again
61-year-old Sabrina Lynn Fiaai reportedly stabbed a man on Tuesday, her third since 2000
Michael BrestovanskyMay 07, 2025
Pearl City tenant wrongfully evicted after baseball bat attack, state Supreme Court rules
Public housing agency evicted a woman in 2021 when a guest, her son, attacked a neighbor with a bat. She fought back.
Michael BrestovanskyApril 26, 2025
Hawai‘i Island homeowner wins three-year permit battle
Lawsuit against Hawai‘i County could set precedent for other permitting woes, plaintiff says.
Michael BrestovanskyApril 25, 2025
Messaging apps implicated in alleged assault of 11-year old
A U.S. Marine charged with sexually assaulting an 11-year-old girl had first contacted the child on an app called Wizz.
Michael BrestovanskyApril 22, 2025