Honolulu realtors are expanding the HOPE program with agent certification, commission credits and state mortgage tools to help more Oʻahu families buy homes. The push pairs training and lender access with workshops starting in March.

Hawaiian Electric says crews inspected nearly 200 manholes and began cable and substation repairs in 2025 to shore up downtown Honolulu’s underground power network. Work will continue through the decade.

Mayor Rick Blangiardi unveiled a $5B‑plus budget on March 3, 2026 that reprioritizes housing, public safety and major sewer work while trimming overall spending by $133M. The packet now heads to the City Council for review.

Leonard’s Malasadamobile has pulled onto Lagoon Drive near HNL, selling travel-ready boxes and hot malasadas daily.

The state published the final environmental review for a 14.9‑acre Waikapū wastewater reclamation plant that will produce R‑1 recycled water for irrigation. County budget moves and planners’ demand estimates set the stage for mid‑2027 bidding and a 2029–2030 startup window.

A kitchen fire early Tuesday on Ala Akau Street in Waiʻanae has been reclassified as first‑degree arson; police say no arrests have been made and are seeking tips.

A House committee advanced bills to centralize benefits, fund nonprofits and preserve Medicaid and SNAP eligibility as federal rules change.

Warm, gusty trades today with isolated showers. NWS warns of minor coastal flooding at early‑morning high tides through Wednesday.

A CoStar analysis finds most hotel rooms added from 2019–2025 were built in tourism magnets like Hawaii and Washington, D.C., not in the fastest-growing states.

U-Kitchen Hawaiʻi opened a new Downtown Honolulu counter at 700 Bishop St, offering affordable bentos and a wide musubi selection for weekday lunches.

Court filings allege an 18-year-old in Honolulu produced explicit images of a minor and profited from the child’s prostitution. She is being held without bail as prosecutors prepare charges.

A Kapolei man faces kidnapping and terroristic threatening charges after his ex-girlfriend reported she was held against her will in Ewa Beach; bail is $250,000.

Federal officials warn select Punahele beef crisps may contain undeclared soy lecithin. Check bags with a Feb. 17, 2027 best‑by date and follow FSIS guidance.