A new Hawai‘i Perspectives poll finds big majorities back faster building, bond financing for infrastructure and rent‑to‑own as the state faces a 64,000‑unit shortfall. Policymakers will confront tradeoffs on height limits, transit‑oriented homes and military housing.

State officials say they will revive the Beach and Water Safety Task Force after reporting flagged long-running gaps in signage and swim access. Lifeguards and health officials want more signs, swim lessons and modern alerts.

Nearly 400 plants and hundreds of pounds of marijuana were seized in Ocean View; a 42-year-old man faces multiple felony counts and was held on $505,000 bail.

Hawaii's children are casting votes for the 2026 Nēnē Award to choose their favorite chapter book and graphic novel from 30 nominees. The winners will be announced in spring.

The University of Hawaiʻi men's volleyball team had two dominant straight-set victories over NJIT, with stellar performances from players like Quintin Greenidge. The team attracted a large fan turnout and is preparing for future games.

Hawaiian citizens petition for an investigation into an alleged $35,000 cash payment to a state lawmaker, disclosed by former Rep. Ty Cullen, acting as an FBI informant.

Maui police searched a Kihei synagogue after an emailed bomb threat; officers found no device and say the investigation is ongoing. No suspects have been identified.

The CDC's Acting Director revised the Child and Adolescent Immunization Schedule, cutting back vaccines recommended for U.S. children, against the AAP's stance.

Micah Auna pleaded not guilty to murdering his mother, with his mental state and courtroom behavior potentially affecting his trial. He is held without bail, and the case raises discussions on mental illness.

Makiki welcomes a new off-leash dog park in Punahou Square, opened by Honolulu's Department of Parks and Recreation, offering local dog owners a fenced space and shaded area under a Moreton Bay Fig tree.

Nālani Kanakaʻole, a fifth‑generation kumu hula who taught chant and pre‑contact hula for nearly seven decades, has died at 79. Her family and Hālau o Kekuhi will announce memorial plans.

Two people were found dead in a Honolulu apartment, with a firearm at the scene indicating a shooting. Police are investigating with no public threat perceived.

Maui County has authorized a settlement with Komar Maui Properties after abandoning eminent‑domain plans for a disputed Pūlehu Road parcel. The terms are confidential and the payout has not been disclosed.