Hawai'i Governor Josh Green ordered U.S. and state flags at half-staff statewide to honor victims of shootings at Brown University and Bondi Beach, Sydney.

Kauanoe Batangan was appointed by Mayor Richard Bissen as the new Kahului member of the Maui County Council, filling the seat of the late Councilmember Natalie "Tasha" Kama.

JINYA Ramen Bar at Ward Village will shut Feb. 9, 2026, and about 86 employees are listed for layoff in a state notice issued earlier this month. The location opened in late 2022.

Lt. Pernell Hanoa of Hawaiʻi Police has been promoted to captain, effective Dec. 16, to lead Kaʻū District after various roles over 20 years in the force.

Daniel K. Inouye International Airport introduces Waialua Bar & Cafe to offer local Hawaiian flavors at Terminal 1, featuring a menu with fresh sandwiches, pastries, cocktails, and local craft beer.

State leaders in Hawai‘i announce airport travel enhancements, including the fully digital Akamai Arrival form, new wayfinding apps, live parking info, and future security checkpoint renovations to streamline holiday travel.

Honolulu and neighboring islands brace for a wet weather front, with moderate to heavy showers and possible thunderstorms, while the east may remain more stable. Improving conditions expected towards the weekend.

Limited New Year’s fireworks are allowed in Maui; firecrackers need a $25 permit and aerial devices are banned. Here’s where to buy permits and what to expect.

Two hikers were stranded overnight on Kuliouou Ridge; crews paused aerial extractions until morning as they planned a recovery near the Koʻolau Summit Trail.

Maui Police Department warns of phone scammers pretending to be officers and tricking victims into paying fake fines for warrants or missed jury duty.

Kaua‘i County announces holiday closures for Christmas and New Year's Day, affecting various services but not residential refuse pick-up or The Kaua‘i Bus.

Officers Alysa Gamache and Kastle Quiocho were commended as Officers of the Month for December 2025 by the Kona Crime Prevention Committee for their conduct during a brawl in Kona.

Hawaiʻi's minimum wage will increase to $16 in 2026, with further plans to reach $18 by 2028, as part of efforts to support workers against the state's high living costs.