A kona low approaching Honolulu disrupts trade winds, bringing heavy showers and potential thunderstorms, with a flood watch in effect. High pressure remains north, and weather advisories affect aviation and marine activities.

A federal appeals court temporarily blocked Hawaii from enforcing a climate change tax on cruise ship passengers, putting a pause on the state initiative to mitigate tourism's environmental impact.

Hawaii Women's Basketball was defeated by UC Riverside, with Hannah Wickstrom scoring 36 points for the Highlanders. Despite Australian connections, the Rainbow Wahine fell short 65-58.

Hawaii men's basketball team achieved a record-breaking 88-45 win over UC Riverside, marking their largest road conference victory in program history. Isaac Johnson led with 18 points.

Honolulu's ENV introduced a new $11 million UV disinfection system at the Kailua Wastewater Plant, enhancing ocean water safety and reducing chemical use.

A 33-year-old man died after his speeding vehicle hit a fence in Kalaeloa, Oahu, in the year's first road fatality; a passenger was seriously injured.

Two men were hospitalized after separate moped crashes in Honolulu on New Year's Day, with one crash near the airport and another involving an 18-year-old and a parked car.

Honolulu Police responded to 592 fireworks-related calls on New Year's Eve, arresting two individuals. Officers worked through holidays to ensure safety and law compliance.

The Schaefer Portrait Challenge exhibit arrives at Capitol Modern: the Hawaiʻi State Art Museum, featuring a diverse collection of Hawaiian portraits from various islands and artists.

New legislative filings show hundreds of people leave Hawaii prisons and jails without the IDs they need to find housing or work. Officials blame timing rules, agency bottlenecks and missing equipment.

A citizen proposal to make Honolulu responsible for sidewalks is moving through the charter commission as the city's plan lists about 901 missing miles and a $2.6B price tag.

Honolulu plans to add about 92.5 acres to Waimanalo Gulch, triggering a public review and renewed fights over groundwater protection. A Jan. 13 meeting will be the first public forum.

Separate New Year’s Day crashes on Kauaʻi and Oʻahu killed two people as police investigate possible speed and impairment. Toxicology results are pending.