Wyatt Barnes’ parents went public in May, saying two people were with their 2-year-old when he died at Polipoli and urging anyone with information to come forward.

The Hawaii Legislature approved SB3001 on May 6, 2026, ordering conversational AI platforms to label themselves, add child safeguards and route crisis users to hotlines.

Sen. Brian Schatz visited Maui to congratulate families awarded federal homebuying aid and to tour storm damage and a planned cultural hub in Wailuku.

CareScout data show Hawaii’s senior‑care prices are climbing fastest in the U.S., and local hospices say flat Medicare payments plus surging nursing‑home fees are squeezing families. Community donations are filling the gaps for now.

Federal prosecutors refused a request to end Roy Amemiya’s deferred-prosecution agreement early, keeping his Kealoha-related case active through March 2027.

Surveillance stills released this week show two people police say committed a violent April 5 robbery in Waipahu; the male suspect allegedly assaulted a security guard and investigators are asking for tips.

Hawaiian Telcom says Maui is now fully fiber‑enabled as part of a $1.7B statewide build that aims to make Hawai‘i the first fully fiber‑enabled state by year‑end.

An arbitrator ordered two fired Honolulu paramedics back to work after a secret surveillance probe, but the city has delayed the ordered backpay. The case spotlights missteps inside EMS.

First Hawaiian, Central Pacific and Hawaii National were named SBA Lenders of the Year for fiscal 2025 even as statewide SBA lending slipped from the prior year.

Donne Dawson is retiring after 25 years leading the Hawaii Film Office, leaving the state to recruit her replacement while services continue. DBEDT praised her record.

A four-man crew will depart La Push on May 1, 2026 to attempt a 3,100-mile, unassisted row to Maui, a 50–70 day crossing that will raise funds for a veteran-led nonprofit.

State health officials warned Hilo Bay and the Hāmākua Coast are under a brown water advisory after storms. Avoid brown or murky water until testing clears it.

Hawaii homeowners face steep remodel bills. Local builders and officials break down concrete steps — from clearer scopes to prefab ADUs and rebates — that can cut thousands.