Warm, breezy trades today with spotty showers and gusts into the 20s. Small Craft Advisory affects some channels until 6 p.m. HST.

Two recent acquisitions and state programs show Hawaii is keeping tech talent and building startups at home.

Federal agents say two East Hawaii men ran a years‑long operation that shipped more than 18.5 tons of illegal fireworks to the Big Island. Authorities seized shipping containers, pallets of pyrotechnics, weapons and cash.

Former Marshall Islands President David Kabua died in Honolulu on April 8 after months of cancer treatment. A memorial in Honolulu is scheduled before a state funeral in Majuro.

Gov. Josh Green nominated Keith Amemiya and Marie Laderta to the University of Hawaiʻi Board of Regents. Their confirmations now head to the Hawaiʻi State Senate.

Istanbul Hawaii rolled out luxury spring dishes while Taco Rice opened a Kalākaua takeout window. Fancy French Cakes is taking online preorders for classic pastries.

Kapolei’s first Sonic Drive‑In has entered inspections. The $2.6M build could open early 2026 and bring Sonic’s carhop service and more than 100 jobs to West Oʻahu.

Surfrider says the state’s draft Sand Island permit would allow bacteria levels far above Hawaii’s standard, citing a July 2025 sample over 78,000 enterococci and urging EPA review.

An 11-year-old says two gunshots flew feet from players at Kualapuu Recreational Center; Maui police say the episode is being investigated as reckless endangering.

A 19-year-old was arrested after a fight outside a Honolulu nightclub when officers found an unregistered gun; police say they may seek to revoke his court monitoring.

Elias Vargas pleaded no contest to first‑degree assault in his infant daughter's 2020 death; sentencing is set for July 21, 2026.

Beastside Kitchen in Niu Valley has added a $10 early‑bird breakfast, happy hour and nightly karaoke, turning the neighborhood spot into an all‑day hangout.

JN Group purchased two commercial units at Kakaako Commerce Center for $17.68M, converting leased warehouse space into owned property for staging and service. The buy locks in scarce industrial capacity near downtown Honolulu.