The Hawaii Legislature approved SB3001 on May 6, 2026, ordering conversational AI platforms to label themselves, add child safeguards and route crisis users to hotlines.

Rigo and Āina Bowls are headed to The Park at Ward Village, bringing soba, Spanish‑Italian dishes and açaí bowls to Ward Avenue. The openings are staggered across 2026–27.

Kelly King filed to challenge Tom Cook again for the South Maui Council seat, pitching transparency and housing solutions after a 97‑vote loss in 2024.

HSI says a man from Hauula was indicted on federal charges alleging distribution of child sexual abuse material. The filing comes amid stepped‑up federal enforcement of child‑exploitation crimes in Hawaii.

Oakberry will open a Park Shore Waikīkī counter this weekend with a grand opening Saturday and regular hours starting Sunday.

Senate Bill 3234 — the Tehya Mahelona bill — passed the Legislature and would send $2 million to Safe Routes to School for crosswalk and intersection upgrades.

Sen. Brian Schatz visited Maui to congratulate families awarded federal homebuying aid and to tour storm damage and a planned cultural hub in Wailuku.

A viral video shows a man tossing a rock at an endangered Hawaiian monk seal off Lahaina; police and wildlife officials are investigating.

Pope Leo XIV has appointed Jesuit Father Michael T. Castori as the sixth bishop of Honolulu; his ordination and installation are scheduled for July 28.

CareScout data show Hawaii’s senior‑care prices are climbing fastest in the U.S., and local hospices say flat Medicare payments plus surging nursing‑home fees are squeezing families. Community donations are filling the gaps for now.

HDOT has reinitiated environmental review to extend the Daniel K. Inouye Highway on Hawai‘i island and will hold a Waikōloa open house on May 20 as it seeks federal funding.

Favorite Son opened at the Ambassador Hotel in Waikīkī with Chef Justus Keliehor and an all-day menu of island-forward sandwiches, bowls and drinks.

Committees added $50M to Hawaii’s rainy‑day fund in a budget tweak, lifting reserves toward $1.67B as lawmakers weigh tax and spending fixes.