Preston Chong has been appointed as the new Deputy Director of Kaua‘i’s Department of Parks and Recreation, bringing financial expertise and departmental knowledge to the role.

Sen. Mazie Hirono and 24 Senate colleagues urged Treasury to lift an IRS hiring freeze and rebuild the Taxpayer Advocate Service to speed refunds and cut wait times.

Neighbors in Kaneohe report a rotten-egg stench from Nu'upia Pond and health symptoms; community leaders want testing and a pause on mangrove removal while officials investigate.

Homeowners in Hawaiian Paradise Park voted to halt a mailbox-park project after workers uncovered a lava tube and ancestral remains at the site. The move pauses one of four mailbox parks and sets up state review.

Mercedes-Benz agrees to a $150 million settlement over allegations of emissions fraud, including defeat devices in diesel models, with adjustments and compensation for affected vehicles. Hawaii receives a portion for consumer protection efforts.

Hawaii Island Police remind residents of New Year’s fireworks rules, underlining the strict time window, legal types without a permit, and severe penalties for violations.

Wayland Leong Sr. was charged with multiple counts of property damage after a rock-throwing spree in downtown Hilo that resulted in approximately $12,500 in damages.

A man was arrested in Honolulu for a firearm threat during a confrontation; no injuries occurred. The suspect fled but was later apprehended with public assistance. The investigation is ongoing.

The Honolulu Police arrested a 30-year-old male for terroristic threatening near Waiʻanae Boat Harbor, following a firearm incident reported by a 34-year-old man. The investigation is ongoing.

Honolulu's New Year weather is expected to be clear with trade winds, and a few showers. Mariners face advisories due to strong winds and high surf, while increased showers may occur Thursday to Saturday.

Warning signs were posted at Waimea Bay after lifeguards confirmed a roughly six‑foot shark; Ocean Safety sent an HNL Alert and crews are monitoring the area.

Gov. Josh Green has named DLNR Deputy Ryan Kanakaʻole acting chair while Dawn Chang recovers. The department says operations and scheduled land‑board hearings will continue.

Hawaii public schools now count more than 16,200 English learners as Chuukese becomes the top home language. The DOE says testing and staffing changes are driving the shift.