Hawaii State News

Derelict poles, sagging lines plague West Oahu ahead of summer

Thu, 22 May 2025 03:14:04 +0000

WAIANAE, Hawaii (KHON2) -- As the summer fire season looms, a state lawmaker is sounding the alarm about dangerous utility conditions in West Oahu.

State Rep. Darius Kila demanded immediate action from Hawaiian Electric, Hawaiian Telcom and Charter Spectrum Hawaii.

In a letter sent on Wednesday, May 21, Kila highlighted aging poles, sagging wires and overgrown vegetation along Farrington Highway.

"I hate that it's always reactive and not proactive. Because again, I will invite folks to just take a quick five-minute, 10-minute drive down the Waianae Coast on Farrington Highway and you can point to the derelict poles, the derelict wires, the hanging wires," said Rep. Kila.

He has given the companies just 30 days to give an update on how they plan to identify, remove and replace abandoned, damaged or unused infrastructure.

"I felt 30 days was a fair timeline for them to get get some comprehensive plan, and also understand that this will be a rolling plan that they continue to visit and work out and noting that 30 days from now puts us right at the beginning of the summer. Cause I think people just want to feel at ease," Rep. Kila said.

The task isn't simple, since multiple entities share responsibility.

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"We have to work with other utilities, with private landowners, with the government, you know. Everybody has their part to play, but it's also something that we share together," said Darren Pai, HECO spokesperson.

The State is taking action -- the Hawaii Department of Transportation deputy director said they are currently acquiring land to open Paakea Road as a permanent alternate route to Farrington.

"And when this route is open, it will be 24/7, it's not going to be an emergency route, it's going to be for everyday for public use. So there will be no more gates on that route and anybody can access the route at any time," Robin Shishido, HDOT Deputy Director, explained.

Pai added that over 1,300 poles have been inspected in the area since 2023, 100 have been removed since 2020 and vegetation management in the area is expected to be complete by the end of June.

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Spectrum said it does not own any of the poles in question, but they have hundreds of technicians who monitor and maintain its infrastructure.

Honolulu EMS honors newly promoted personnel

Thu, 22 May 2025 03:02:19 +0000

HONOLULU (KHON2) -- The celebrations are in full swing for this year's National Emergency Medical Services Week.

The Honolulu Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Division recently honored the promotions of eight paramedics and two office personnel during a ceremony held at the Mission Memorial Auditorium.

The honorees included:

EMS District Chiefs Jason Moses and Shara Molina
EMS Supervisors Lee Lenchanko, Julia Seto, Jeff Jacobson, Mitch Kam and Mike Park
Administrative Staff Alisa Vincent (Personnel Clerk) and Jessica Bornoff (Supervising Office Assistant)

These men and women have earned their promotions to Paramedic Supervisors, District Chiefs
and office supervisors. EMS is a very difficult career, and in order to move up, you have to have a lot of grit and determination. I commend all of our personnel who were promoted today and thank them for their commitment to our island's sick and injured.
Jim Ireland, Director of Honolulu Emergency Services Department

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The ceremony also featured guest speaker Aaron Mikami, a COVID-19 survivor who credited EMS with saving his life.

Since my battle with COVID-19, I've had time to reflect on everyone who played a role in my
survival and recovery. So many dedicated medical professionals were involved, and it all began
with the men and women of Honolulu EMS. They initiated the chain of survival, and being part of this promotional ceremony during EMS Week brings the entire journey full circle. It's an honor to stand with those who were there for me at the very beginning
Aaron Mikami

In December 2020, Mikami was found unresponsive while quarantining in a hotel room after contracting COVID-19.

Honolulu EMS was able to administer life-saving measures, which kept him alive during the transport to the hospital.

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To learn more about the Honolulu Emergency Media Services Division, visit their website here.

Maui man dies following crash on North Kihei Road

Thu, 22 May 2025 03:02:13 +0000

HONOLULU (KHON2) -- A man has died following a multiple-vehicle crash on Maui.

The incident happened on Tuesday, May 20, at around 7:30 p.m. on North Kihei Road.

According to the Maui Police Department, a 58-year-old male in a Honda sedan was driving west when he crossed the double solid yellow lines and hit a 54-year-old man driving a Nissan truck.

MPD added that the Nissan was struck in the "left rear quarter panel."

Following the initial crash, the 58-year-old man continued driving in the eastbound lane when he crashed head-on with a 53-year-old man driving a Toyota sedan.

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As a result of the crash, the 58-year-old sustained fatal injuries and died at the scene.

Officials said he was not wearing a seat belt at the time of the crash and the airbags did not deploy.

MPD also added the drivers of the Toyota and Nissan were wearing seat belts at the time of the crash and their airbags did deploy.

The 54-year-old male and the 53-year-old male were both taken to Maui Memorial Medical Center in stable condition.

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This is Maui County's 11th traffic fatality for 2025, compared to five around the same time last year.

The investigation is still ongoing.

DOH: Hawaii sees 'worrying' increase in whooping cough

Thu, 22 May 2025 03:02:07 +0000

HONOLULU (KHON2) -- A concerning number of pertussis cases in Hawaii, otherwise known as whooping cough, has health officials on high alert.

According to the Hawaii Department of Health, the number of whooping cough cases is increasing at a "worrying rate."

So far in 2025, officials said 108 cases have been reported, surpassing the 84 total cases for all of 2024.

"Whooping cough is a highly contagious respiratory disease that spreads through the air via the coughs or sneezes of an infected person," health officials said.

While the symptoms may resemble a cold, it can ultimately progress to "intense coughing fits."

It's particularly important for families that are expecting a baby, so pregnant women, but also grandparents who are going to be holding the baby, dads who are going to be holding the baby. So everyone in the household who may be spending a lot of time around a newborn infant, we recommend that they also get their booster for pertussis.
Dr. Sarah Kemble, State Health Department epidemiologist

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Officials said health complications can be serious and include pneumonia, seizures, apnea, brain damage and even death.

The DOH said vaccines are the best protection and are urging parents to keep their children up to date on all recommended vaccines such as DTaP or Tdap.

"In the absence of immunizations, that's where we wind up with folks ending up in the hospital, in the ICU. Sometimes needing respirators, breathing machines to depend on," said Dr. Mahealani Lum, JABSOM Department of Family Medicine.

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The public can view the CDC's recommended vaccination schedules on its website.

United flight bound for LAX makes emergency return to HNL

Thu, 22 May 2025 02:55:53 +0000

HONOLULU (KHON2) -- A United Airlines flight bound for Los Angeles returned safely to Honolulu early Tuesday after a potential security concern was discovered onboard.

Flight 1169, a Boeing 777 was carrying 339 passengers and 10 crew members.

It declared an emergency en route to Los Angeles and turned back to Honolulu, landing without incident at 1:35 a.m.

According to the airline, the flight was diverted after a message was found written on a lavatory mirror prompting immediate concern.

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Law enforcement met the aircraft upon landing and conducted a full security sweep. No further details have been released.

Passengers are being rebooked on another flight to Los Angeles scheduled for later Tuesday.

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United said it is cooperating with local authorities, who are handling the investigation.

Gondola development project proposed for North Shore

Thu, 22 May 2025 02:54:56 +0000

WAIALUA, Hawaii (KHON2) -- When you think of a gondola you might think of riding one to the top of a snowy mountain or a boat ride in Venice, but what about here in Hawaii?

That's what one Canadian businessman is proposing for Oahu's North Shore.

Mt. Kaala is the tallest peak on Oahu, and the owner of Adventure Group in Canada owns 2,300 acres in Waialua and plans to develop it.

"It would significantly impact a sacred and historical space," said North Shore Neighborhood Board Vice-Chair Racquel Achiu-Hill. "Mount Kaala would now be compromised with a proposed gondola, ski lift operation that would lead into a zipline and cafe."

The proposed project is off Kaukonahua Road.

She said the developer introduced himself as the landowner to the board back in 2018 and said he had intentions of opening the area to the public, but according to her, he didn't specify his plans.

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In 2019, she said the neighborhood board was surprised when they were told of a Conditional Use Permit for a gondola project on the land.

"A part of our land use ordinance allows for accessory-activities on ag land, specifically agritourism," explained North Shore City Councilmember Matt Weyer.

He said there's a requirement that at least 51% of the land be in ag production.

"But when you're looking at what's allowed and understanding the primary use of this land which is zoned agriculture, there's always a concern under the requirements and land use ordinances, specifically requiring that you don't diminish the potential of agricultural land and any improvements can't have unreasonable costs to take it down, and I think that's why the community is getting concerned," Weyer explained. "I mean a large gondola going up such an important mountain and the idea of an e-bike track across ag land could harm the area."

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A spokesperson for the development said it currently does cattle ranching, forestry and crop production and they are working on agritourism plans for sightseeing, hiking, biking and other activities accessible by a gondola.

The group is currently applying for minor modifications to its conditional use permit to make its overall footprint smaller than originally approved.

Documents state the gondola route was adjusted to lower elevations which reduced the number of support towers from 18 to eight. The gondola route-length would be 8,240 feet.

The minor modification also shortens the zipline. Originally, there were two zipline routes approved by the CUP for a total of 7,967 feet. The modified zipline has only one route with a total length of 5,285 feet.

The modification also points out redesigning hiking and biking trails and enhanced ADA accessibility with handrails, bridges and viewing platforms.

The gondola stations would have lower visibility and a new driveway alignment to improve traffic safety.

The document states, "Initial visitation is planned for approximately 1,650 people per day to evaluate site capacity, guest experience and to ensure that environmental standards are maintained... Given the vast agricultural lands and proposed agribusiness activities, the physical capacity of the site is far greater, however, the applicant intends to move slowly and increase visitation capacity gradually based on initial findings and engagement with county officials, community leaders and environmental consultants."

The documents also anticipate 750 cars a day.

"When you're doing agricultural projects and you're doing accessory uses, those uses aren't the primary purpose, because that's why we have ag land versus industrial versus commercial, when you look at it that way, I think that's a community concern too," Weyer added.

"The impacts of just drilling into the foundation of Mt. Kaala for what a ski lift would need is overwhelming," Achiu-Hill said. "It's very overwhelming, you're going to compromise this mountain in a way that should never be thought of."

The developer said there are community benefits like job creation and positive economic impacts, health and recreational benefits, historical and cultural opportunities, endangered species protection, wildfire risk management, public access to lands otherwise inaccessible and preservation of ag land so it's not subdivided for residential development.

The Department of Planning and Permitting said the developer still has not met all the conditions of the CUP.

The DPP says if they do not approve of the minor modifications, which reduces the overall footprint of the original CUP, the originally approved CUP would still stand.

A spokesperson for DPP said in an email if the minor modification is approved, the developer must meet all conditions of the CUP, as amended. If approved, the minor modification may add and/or modify existing changes.

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The public can email their comments to DPP planner Steve Tagawa at stagawa@honolulu.gov or DPP email at dpp@honolulu.gov, or by mail.

Hawaiʻi homeowners are heading toward a mortgage crisis: New report

Thu, 22 May 2025 02:54:16 +0000

HONOLULU (KHON2) -- Mortgage debt is piling up across the country, and Hawai‘i is near the top of the list. While some states saw their average mortgage balances shrink at the end of 2024, Hawai‘i moved in the opposite direction and began climbing to the second-highest average mortgage debt in the United States.

The average monthly payment here is also one of the highest. For local homeowners, that’s a serious problem.

A new report recently released is ranking all 50 states on how much mortgage debt they added from the third to the fourth quarter of 2024. Hawai‘i ranked fifth overall, even though the increase in debt was small. That’s because the debt here was already so high, and it continues to grow.

Whether you already own a home, are trying to buy one, or are just watching prices rise, here are the most important things to understand about Hawai‘i’s mortgage situation right now.

1. Mortgage debt in Hawai‘i is some of the highest in the country

Hawai‘i ranked No. 2 in the country for average mortgage balance, at $369,215 in Q4 2024. The average monthly payment was also sky-high: $2,538. That means many homeowners here are paying more for housing each month than residents in nearly every other state.

The increase from Q3 to Q4 2024 was only 0.28%; but because prices are already so high, even small increases can mean big changes in total cost over time.

2. This is about more than numbers; it’s about stress and survival

High mortgage payments can take a toll on a family’s budget. In Hawai‘i, where the cost of living is already steep, a mortgage payment above $2,500 each month can push many people to the edge. Homeowners may feel forced to skip savings, take on more jobs or fall behind on other bills.

When a large portion of your income goes to housing, it limits what you can do in other areas, whether that’s taking care of your health, planning for retirement or supporting your children.

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3. Rising debt makes it harder for first-time buyers to compete

People trying to buy a home for the first time face a tough market. Prices are high, interest rates are high and demand often outpaces supply. With mortgage debt increasing, competition becomes even tougher.

First-time buyers may have to settle for smaller homes, longer commutes, or riskier loans just to get into the market. In a place like Hawai‘i, where land is limited and housing is already expensive, this challenge is even more extreme.

4. Refinancing might not be a good option right now

In past years, homeowners could refinance to a lower interest rate and reduce their monthly payment. But in 2024 and early 2025, interest rates remain high. That means refinancing is often not worth it; and for some, it could even increase their payments.

This puts people in a bind. If you're struggling to keep up with your mortgage, but can’t refinance for relief, options are limited.

5. Small increases in debt can mean thousands more in interest

Even though Hawai‘i's increase in mortgage debt from Q3 to Q4 was under 1%, the impact adds up. With large balances and long repayment periods, small increases in the amount borrowed can lead to thousands of dollars in extra interest over the life of the loan.

This is one reason the WalletHub report included Hawai‘i among the top five states to watch for rising mortgage risk. When already-high debt grows further, financial strain becomes harder to manage.

6. More debt could mean more defaults

When people can’t keep up with their mortgage payments, they risk foreclosure. That means losing their homes and hurting their credit. Rising debt, combined with high monthly payments, increases the chances of homeowners falling behind.

If defaults rise across the state, it can affect the housing market, increase the unsheltered population and put pressure on government services.

7. There are steps homeowners can take to manage their mortgage

If you’re a homeowner in Hawai‘i and worried about your mortgage, there are strategies that might help:

Make extra payments, when possible, to pay down the loan faster and reduce interest.
Switch to biweekly payments instead of monthly to sneak in an extra full payment each year.
Use windfalls, like tax refunds or bonuses, to make lump-sum payments on the loan.
Cut other expenses and redirect that money toward your mortgage.
Talk to your lender early if you think you may fall behind; they may be able to help.

8. The cost of housing touches everyone in the islands

Even if you don’t own a home, mortgage debt affects you. When housing costs rise, rents usually follow. When families spend more on housing, they spend less elsewhere. And when people are forced out of homes they can’t afford, the whole community feels it.

This isn’t just a homeowner issue; it’s a Hawai‘i issue.

9. The mortgage market needs long-term solutions

To bring housing costs under control, local and state leaders will need to support policies that increase housing supply, protect homeowners and help first-time buyers. Affordable housing projects and lending reforms are all part of the solution.

Without action, rising mortgage debt could become the next major financial crisis facing Hawai‘i residents.

10. What you can do now

If you’re already a homeowner, stay on top of your budget and look for small ways to chip away at your loan. If you’re planning to buy, make sure you understand the full cost, not just the price tag, but the long-term payments.

It’s also important to talk to financial advisors, housing counselors or nonprofit services that can help you understand your options.

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You can click here to read the full report.

Even in a tough market, informed choices can make a big difference.

Ewa Beach building fire caused by lithium-ion battery

Thu, 22 May 2025 00:46:57 +0000

EWA BEACH, Hawaii (KHON2) -- The Honolulu Fire Department has classified an Ewa Beach residential building fire as "accidental."

The building fire happened on Sunday, May 11, around 6:30 p.m. when a working fire was found within a single-story residential building on Edgewater Drive.

Upon arrival, HFD said firefighters secured a water supply and commenced a defensive fire attack to bring the fire under control just after 7 p.m.

After further investigation, an HFD investigator said the fire was caused by "the thermal runaway of an electric bodyboard lithium-ion battery that was recently charged."

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The fire displaced four residents, who were found outside the building on the day of the incident.

All residents received treatment from Honolulu Emergency Medical Services and one resident was transferred to The Queen's Medical Center - West Oahu.

According to HFD, two pets were lost in the fire.

The total damage is estimated at $628,000.

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HFD advises the public to only use the manufacturer's original charging equipment and follow charging guidelines precisely.

Officials added that you should inspect batteries regularly for damage, swelling or deformation.

Future innovators participate in 'Robotics Signing Day' at St. Louis School

Thu, 22 May 2025 00:44:53 +0000

HONOLULU (KHON2) -- Signing Day is something KHON2 has covered many times in recent years, as athletes put pen to paper signing a letter of intent to attend the college of their choice.

Over at St. Louis School, another signing day was held, not for athletes, but for other rising stars -- future engineers, computer programmers and more.

"Originally when I joined the high school I really wanted to become a astrophysicist, but after spending a lot of time in the robotics lab and being able to have a lot of access to machines that you don't normally get access to unless you go to university it made me realize I have a strong passion for mechanical engineering," explained Leilani Phan, Kalani High School senior.

This is the first Robotics Signing Day for future innovators, celebrating these students, who, like the star athletes on their respective campuses, have committed to teamwork.

"I came to St. Louis without an interest in sports and that posed a challenge cause it's a predominant sports school. New passion was a bit challenging when I saw that robotics team was interested because I was very interested in engineering at that too," said Isaac Lau, St. Louis School senior.

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Like athletes who are celebrated, these students are also being honored for their teamwork, excellence and innovation as their family and friends witness them take their next big step in their academic and professional journeys.

And even if you get into robotics, it's not necessarily all about engineering.

"A major part of what we do is, yes, building the robots. But getting our names out there and inspiring others and what we do to do that means it's multifaceted. It's business processes. It's management of teams, everything and building the robots," said Mason Nagata, Kalani High School senior.

And it's proving to your classmates that success isn't only defined on the playing field, but sometimes on the battlefield.

"What's a good experience in seeing my brothers here at St. Louis, their signing day with football or baseball, basketball. It felt good to have a Robotics signing day that's been done out of state and being one of the first years to do it here at St. Louis instills a lot of pride and accomplishment," Isaac added.

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And they will all turn pro.

"They will take the skills that they learned through their competition and they could apply that to their professional lives. Less than one and 16,000 high school athletes I'll play professional athletics. But every one of these students can apply what they learned and their profession after they graduate from college."

Man, 33, indicted in Nanakuli hit-and-run

Thu, 22 May 2025 00:30:00 +0000

An Oahu grand jury indicted a 33-year-old man today with second-degree attempted murder and driving without a driver’s license for the May 14 hit-and-run pedestrian crash.

Gabbard aide pushed for rewrite of Venezuela intel to shield Trump

Thu, 22 May 2025 00:00:00 +0000

WASHINGTON >> New emails document how a top aide to Tulsi Gabbard, the director of national intelligence, ordered analysts to edit an assessment with the hope of insulating President Donald Trump and Gabbard from being attacked for the administration’s claim that Venezuela’s government controls a criminal gang.

List of Hawaiian words every tourist needs to know

Wed, 21 May 2025 23:31:40 +0000

HONOLULU (KHON2) -- If you're planning a trip to Hawaiʻi, you’ll likely hear more than just the sound of crashing waves and strumming ʻukulele. You’ll hear words that carry the voice of a place older than the United States itself.

This voice, ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi, the Native Hawaiian language, is still spoken by many; and its words live in the names of streets, businesses and even in the way locals greet each other.

Hawaiʻi is more than a vacation spot. It is a place with deep roots, living culture and a complex history. Knowing some basic ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi terms isn’t just about sounding polite. It’s a way of showing respect to the people and land that host you.

Before you head to the islands, take time to learn and understand these important words. It might help you connect more deeply with the place you’re visiting and with the people who call it home.

Aloha is more than hello or goodbye

Most visitors learn aloha right away, but many miss its deeper meaning. Yes, aloha can mean hello or goodbye. But at its heart, it means love, compassion and a shared breath.

It’s a way of life, not just a word. You’ll hear it everywhere from store clerks to strangers passing by but try to understand it as a reminder to treat others with kindness (lokomaikaʻi) and respect (hōʻihi).

ʻĀina is more than just land

In Hawaiʻi, ʻāina refers to land but not in the way most tourists might think. It doesn’t just mean dirt or soil. It means the living earth, the place that feeds and holds people.

For Native Hawaiians, the ʻāina is sacred. It’s seen as an ancestor and provider. When you treat the land with care, by staying on marked trails or picking up your trash, you’re showing respect for this relationship. A common phrase is malāma ʻāina (take care of the land).

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Mālama means take care

This word appears on signs across Hawaiʻi. Mālama ʻāina means to care for the land. Mālama i ke kai means to care for the sea. This sense of stewardship is part of life in the islands.

Visitors are asked to join in. Take only pictures. Leave only footprints. Think of mālama as a daily action, not just an idea.

Kuleana is both a right and a duty

Kuleana can be a tricky word to translate. It means responsibility, but it also means a personal sense of duty. Someone’s kuleana might be to protect a family tradition or care for a part of the land.

When you visit Hawaiʻi, your kuleana is to be thoughtful. Follow local rules. Don’t trespass. Stay aware. Being a respectful visitor is part of your kuleana.

ʻOhana goes beyond family

The word ʻohana is often translated as family; but it reaches beyond parents, siblings or cousins. ʻOhana includes friends, neighbors and even community members who support one another.

The idea is rooted in connection. It’s why you might hear someone call a close friend “my auntie” or “uncle”. That’s not just kindness. It’s part of the culture.

Kamaʻāina is not just a discount

You might see signs for a “kamaʻāina rate” at hotels or restaurants. Kamaʻāina means “child of the land”; and it’s often used to describe long-time residents, not just Native Hawaiians.

While the discounts don’t apply to visitors, the word itself reflects how deeply connected people are to where they live. Hawaiʻi isn’t just a place to visit. It’s home to many.

Mahalo needs to be used with sincerity

It means thank you. Simple enough. But in Hawaiʻi, mahalo carries weight. It’s more than just about saying thanks when someone hands you a drink. It’s about recognizing the value of what was given -- time, energy or kindness.

Say it with meaning. If someone helps you, offers directions or shares something with you, let your mahalo be more than a habit.

Wai is the water that holds life

Water is essential anywhere, but in Hawaiʻi, wai is life. Freshwater sources are limited and often sacred. Many place names include wai -- Waikīkī, Wailuku, Waimea, and it show how important water has always been.

Be mindful of how you use it. Don’t waste. Don’t pollute. Clean water is a resource to protect, not just enjoy.

Holoholo is the spirit of wandering

You might hear someone say they’re going holoholo. That doesn’t mean they have a plan. It means they’re going out, maybe for a drive, a walk, or even a little fishing.

The word carries a sense of wandering with joy. If you take a holoholo day during your trip, let yourself go slow. Let it be about the journey rather than just the destination or another item on your list.

Hoʻolauleʻa reminds us to celebrate

Hawaiʻi isn’t only about nature. It’s also about community and celebration. A hoʻolauleʻa is a gathering, a festival, a joyful moment.

You might stumble upon one during your visit where you experience live music, dancing, food and people enjoying each other’s company. If you do, stop and take it in. These moments reflect the heart of life in Hawaiʻi.

Ono is more than just delicious

You’ll often hear the word ono to describe food in Hawaiʻi. It means delicious, tasty or really good. But ono is more than a compliment. It reflects the deep connection between food, culture and joy in Hawaiʻi.

When someone shares a meal and says it’s ono, they’re sharing flavor, tradition, family recipes and memories of togetherness. Whether it’s poke, laulau or shave ice, ono reminds us that food is a celebration.

The Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority has a list of ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi words to help our visitors get by and become a part of the experience.

ʻĀina: Land, earth; especially Hawaiian ancestral land.
Akamai: Smart, clever, intelligent.
Aloha: Love, affection; greeting, salutation; Hello! Goodbye!
Hale: House, building.
Haole: A non-Native Hawaiian, especially those of Caucasian ancestry.
Hapa: Part, half; a reference to those of mixed ancestry.
Hoʻolauleʻa: Celebration.
Holoholo: To travel around for enjoyment; also used as a reference for fishing.
Honu: Turtle.
Hula: The dance of Hawaiʻi.
Imu: An underground oven, as often seen at lūʻau.
Kamaʻāina: Native-born; acquainted, familiar; commonly refers to a long-time Hawaiʻi resident.
Kāne: Plural males. Singular is kane.
Keiki: Child.
Koa: Warrior; a native tree with wood used to build canoes and other items.
Kōkua: Help, aid, assistance, relief.
Kuleana: Responsibility; privilege; a traditional land holdings of Native Hawaiians.
Kumu: Teacher.
Kūpuna: Grandparents, ancestors; elderly.
Laulima: Cooperation.
Lei: Flowers, leaves, shells or feathers that are strung and/or entwined; given as a symbol of affection.
Lūʻau: Hawaiian feast; edible young leaves of the taro plant.
Mahalo: Thanks, gratitude, respect.
Māhū: Various Pacific Island cultures refer to individuals who embody both male and female traits and/or masculine and feminine characteristics. This cultural identity is historically significant and promotes acceptance of diverse gender expressions within the community. These individuals are often respected as caretakers and healers and reflects a unique understanding of gender and sex that differs from Western norms.
Maika'i: Excellent.
Makai: Toward the sea/ocean.
Makana: A gift, present.
Mālama: To take care of, preserve, protect, maintain.
Manō: Shark.
Mauka: Toward the mountains.
Moana: Ocean.
Nalu: Wave, surf.
Nani: Beautiful, pretty.
Nui -- Big, large, great, or important.
ʻOhana: Family, kin group, relative.
'Ono: Delicious, tasty, savory; to relish, crave.
Pali: Cliff, a steep hill or slope.
Paniolo: Hawaiian cowboy.
Pau: Finished, ended, all done.
Wāhine: plural female. Singular is wahine.
Wai: Water, usually fresh water.

Understanding is better than repeating

It’s one thing to repeat a word you hear. It’s another to take the time to learn what it means and why it matters. Many ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi words carry stories.

They reflect values, ways of thinking and relationships to the land and people. If you mispronounce something, most locals won’t judge you. But making an effort matters.

As travel to Hawaiʻi grows and as more visitors arrive -- some without understanding the place they’ve come to -- the importance of cultural respect grows, too.

You can click here for a full list of words to know.

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Knowing these words won’t make you local. They won’t earn you a kamaʻāina rate. But they may help you travel with more heart.

That kind of travel leaves a better mark. And that’s something worth remembering.

Hawaii pertussis cases are on the rise

Wed, 21 May 2025 23:30:00 +0000

The Hawaii Department of Health said cases of pertussis are on the rise in the state, and is urging residents to keep up with recommended vaccines.

Maui man, 58, dies in 3-car collision in Kihei

Wed, 21 May 2025 23:00:00 +0000

A 58-year-old man died Tuesday night after being involved in a multi-vehicle collision on North Kihei Road, according to the Maui Police Department.

Hawaii baseball beats UCSB, advances in Big West Tournament

Wed, 21 May 2025 22:56:57 +0000

The University of Hawai‘i baseball team kept its postseason hopes alive on Wednesday, riding a pair of home runs and shutdown relief pitching to a 6-2 win over UC Santa Barbara in an elimination game at the inaugural Big West Tournament.

After earning a spot in the conference tournament with a win-or-go-home victory on Sunday, the Rainbow Warriors went hana hou with another clutch performance, this time away from the islands.

Trailing 2-1 entering the bottom of the fifth, Lahaina’s Ben Zeigler-Namoa delivered the swing of the game, launching a three-run home run to left-center to give UH a 4-2 lead. Two innings later, Matthew Miura added insurance with a two-run opposite-field homer, stretching the lead to 6-2.

Freshman Pitcher of the Year Cooper Walls got the start and tossed four innings, allowing two runs.

From there, the bullpen took over. Corey Ronan earned the win with 2.1 scoreless innings before closer Isaiah Magdaleno slammed the door shut.

Magdaleno recorded the final eight outs without allowing a hit, notching three strikeouts and earning his eighth save of the season.

Zeigler-Namoa finished the day 2-for-4 with three RBIs, while Elijah Ickes went 2-for-3 with an RBI. Miura scored two runs to go along with his two RBIs.

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With the win, the Rainbow Warriors advance to the double-elimination portion of the Big West Tournament and will face top-seeded UC Irvine on Thursday.

First pitch is scheduled for 12 p.m. HST. The game will be streamed on ESPN+ with radio coverage available via ESPN Honolulu.

Hawaiian Airlines: No one will lose their miles

Wed, 21 May 2025 22:30:37 +0000

HONOLULU (KHON2) -- Loyal travelers with Hawaiian Airlines are being told not to worry as their HawaiianMiles are safe.

The program will eventually be phased out because of the merger with Alaska Airlines. But analysts say that's a good thing.

The merger between Hawaiian and Alaska is eight months old now. While passengers haven't seen much change on day-to-day operations yet, the topic of HawaiianMiles has been a point of concern for passengers.

"Not worried about it, but maybe concerned," said traveler Nalani Paio. "We just wanna be updated so we don't lose our miles. And we can use it to travel whether it's interisland or to the mainland."

In an email, Hawaiian Airlines officials say they've been transparent that there will be a combined loyalty program between the two airlines, scheduled to launch this August. Members can rest assured, all their HawaiianMiles will be retained in the new program. No one will lose their miles.

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"We're moving towards a unified loyalty platform that's, frankly, a stronger loyalty program," said Gary Leff, a travel blogger. "And I think most folks who are familiar with HawaiianMiles are probably going to like it for the most part."

Leff says it's because Alaska is part of the One World Alliance, which has partnerships with different airlines from Hawaiian.

"There are more partners and more ways to earn points," Leff said. "There are more partners and ways to spend points. And on average, you'll find that the awards that you're booking cost fewer miles."

That'll allow travellers to use miles to reach new destinations from the islands.

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"If you're going to be flying to Europe, you're already going to be connecting in the mainland," Leff said. "Well, you have the opportunity to fly British Airways and American Airlines, but also carriers like Aer Lingus out of Ireland, Condor from Germany, which are not One World Airlines, but are Alaska Airlines partners."

Experts say there is a downside to the merged rewards program. And it has to do with upgrades. One, they're guessing it could cost more, but two - availability. Because you're basically doubling your passenger base, upgrades could be fewer and far between.

There's also questions on each airline's credit card.

"We'd like to keep Hawaiian's credit card or Alaska's credit card that can use both ways," said traveler Matt Paio. "So we kinda stuck in the middle about that we don't know if Hawaiian's credit card will be good with Alaska Airlines. We don't know."

Hawaiian says both cards will still be valid with miles earned available for either airline. But there will be a new card available soon, with more details this summer.

"But on the whole, it's going to be more positive," Leff said. "I am happy to see my own HawaiianMiles become Alaska Airlines miles."

"I hope it's gonna be better," Nalani Paio said. "And we're just waiting to see and waiting for that confirmation."

Find more Hawaii, Oahu, Maui and Kauai news here

Hawaiian says members can keep checking their website for updates.

Dow tumbles 817 points as U.S. debt fears hit Wall Street

Wed, 21 May 2025 22:30:00 +0000

NEW YORK >> U.S. stocks closed sharply lower today as Treasury yields spiked on worries that U.S. government debt would swell by trillions of dollars if Congress passes President Donald Trump’s proposed tax-cut bill.

Woman critically injured in shooting on Oahu's North Shore

Wed, 21 May 2025 22:28:14 +0000

HONOLULU (KHON2) -- Honolulu police are investigating an attempted murder after a woman was critically injured in an early morning shooting on Oahu’s North Shore.

Officers responded around 2 a.m. Wednesday to reports of a shooting in the Kahuku area.

Investigators said a verbal argument between a man and a 30-year-old woman escalated when the man shot her in the upper torso.

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The woman was taken to a nearby hospital in critical condition.

As of Wednesday morning, the suspect had not been located.

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No arrests have been made, and the investigation is ongoing.

Power, pitching propel Rainbows past UCSB to advance in BWC tourney

Wed, 21 May 2025 21:49:00 +0000

FULLERTON, CALIF. >> Ben Zeigler-Namoa and Matthew Miura hit home runs to power the University of Hawaii baseball team to a 6-2 victory today over UC Santa Barbara at Goodwin Field in Fullerton, Calif.

Hawaii Gas launches pilot project to harness hydrogen energy

Wed, 21 May 2025 21:48:01 +0000

HONOLULU (KHON2) -- Hawaii Gas is partnering with Canadian energy tech company Ayrton Energy on a new pilot project aimed at advancing hydrogen as a clean fuel for the islands.

The project is set to launch in early 2026 and will test Ayrton’s proprietary liquid organic hydrogen carrier (e-LOHC™) technology, a system designed to store and transport hydrogen safely and efficiently at room temperature.

The goal is to explore whether this new method could make hydrogen a more practical and scalable energy solution for Hawaii.

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“Hydrogen has long been recognized as a zero-carbon fuel, but storing and transporting it has been a major hurdle,” said Nicolas Rodier, executive director of clean energy and innovation at Hawaii Gas. “This pilot project with Ayrton Energy will help us bring scalable hydrogen projects to life and continue decarbonizing our fuel supply in a safe and cost-effective way.”

“Hydrogen’s potential as a global energy solution depends on overcoming critical storage and transportation challenges,” said Natasha Kostenuk, CEO of Calgary-based Ayrton Energy. “This project will show how our technology can make hydrogen accessible where it’s needed most.”

Hawaii Gas already blends up to 15% hydrogen into its synthetic natural gas on Oahu which is more than any other utility in the United States.

In 2024, the company announced plans to build the state’s first green hydrogen facility in partnership with Eurus Energy America, as part of its broader push toward renewable energy.

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The upcoming pilot will be based at Hawaii Gas’ Synthetic Natural Gas Plant on Oahu. Officials say it could pave the way for wider use of hydrogen across the state, helping meet Hawaii’s ambitious climate goals.

Pentagon officially accepts Qatari jet for Trump's use

Wed, 21 May 2025 21:31:45 +0000

The United States on Wednesday officially accepted a luxury jet from Qatar to use as Air Force One, the Defense Department confirmed to NewsNation on Wednesday.

“The Secretary of Defense [Pete Hegseth] has accepted a Boeing 747 from Qatar in accordance with all federal rules and regulations,” chief Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell said in a statement to Tanya Noury, senior White House producer at The Hill's sister network.

“The Department of Defense will work to ensure proper security measures and functional-mission requirements are considered for an aircraft used to transport the President of the United States,” he added, referring further questions to the Air Force.

The Qatari gift was also raised at President Trump's meeting with South Africa's president at the White House on Wednesday. Trump shot down the question and repeatedly insulted the reporter who asked about criticism around the jet.

Trump last week said he would accept the $400 million luxury Boeing 747-8, previously used by the Qatari royal family, as a stand-in for the aging Air Force One fleet.

The plane - which is one of the largest foreign gifts ever accepted by a U.S. president - has been criticized by U.S. lawmakers on both sides of the aisle, who say it raises both ethical and security questions.

Numerous Republicans have argued that the purportedly free jet comes with strings, given it will need to go through the lengthy and expensive process of being transformed into Air Force One.

Others have raised safety concerns about the jet, including a group of senior Democratic senators led by Sen. Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), who want the Pentagon’s watchdog to look into the Defense Department’s acceptance of the gifted plane and the Defense Department’s role in the transfer.

Sen. Jack Reed (D-R.I.), has said using the plane as Air Force One “would pose immense counterintelligence risks by granting a foreign nation potential access to sensitive systems and communications.”

But Trump has defended his decision to accept the jet, arguing it is legal and dismissing the bipartisan criticism as a “radical left story.”

“I just want to say, it was a radical left story,” Trump told Fox News’s Bret Baier in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, during a stop on his diplomatic trip to the Middle East last week. “The people here, to show you how crazy it is, they would like me to pay a billion dollars.”

Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman al-Thani on Tuesday described the gift as one “done in full transparency and very legally.”

Boeing has had a contract with the U.S. government since Trump’s first term in 2018 to replace its pair of aging Air Force Ones, two military versions of the Boeing 747. The delivery of the aircraft has been delayed until at least 2027, a timeline Trump has latched onto in arguing the Qatari jet could serve as an interim plane.

But the gifted aircraft from Qatar would face a retrofit that could take years to complete and cost hundreds of millions of dollars, with new power systems, electrical wiring and other technology for secure communications and self-defense needed.

This story was updated at 1:49 p.m.

Target cuts annual forecasts as tariff pressure mounts

Wed, 21 May 2025 21:30:00 +0000

Target slashed its annual sales forecast today, after a surprisingly sharp fall in quarterly same-store sales, as customers pulled back on discretionary purchases due to ongoing worries about inflation and the economy due to U.S. President Donald Trump’s trade war.

Fortnite returns to Apple’s App Store after legal victory

Wed, 21 May 2025 21:00:00 +0000

Apple restored the popular game Fortnite to the App Store in the United States on Tuesday, nearly five years after it was kicked out of the store and its developer sued the tech giant in an antitrust case.

Woman in critical condition after walking into Oahu ER with gunshot wound

Wed, 21 May 2025 20:30:00 +0000

Honolulu police are investigating after a woman with a gunshot wound walked into an Oahu emergency room around 7 a.m. today.

Can you decline to have your photo taken at a TSA checkpoint?

Wed, 21 May 2025 20:01:19 +0000

(NEXSTAR) – The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has been working to bring facial recognition technology to security checkpoints at hundreds of airports over the last several years, with the goal of streamlining the ID process and improving “traveler convenience.”

“The facial recognition technology TSA uses helps ensure the person standing at the checkpoint is the same person pictured on the identification document (ID) credential,” the TSA writes of its Credential Authentication Technology (CAT-2) scanners, which are currently being used at 259 airports, according to a TSA spokesperson.

A Credential Authentication Technology (CAT-2) machine is demonstrated to a member of the media at a TSA checkpoint in Baltimore-Washington Airport in Maryland on April 26, 2023. (Ting Shen/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

The agency also explains that the images are not used for surveillance purposes. These biometrics are “solely” used to assist with ID comparisons, the TSA says, and will be deleted shortly after the verification of a passenger’s identification. (There are “limited” instances when photos are kept to evaluate or test the accuracy of the technology, but passengers will be notified when this is the case, the spokesperson said.)

Despite these assurances, some passengers have expressed reservations about the process, or find it a bit intrusive. But these people may be interested to know that the process is completely voluntary.

Passengers who opt out of the photo, though, will still be subjected to an ID verification process by a TSA officer.

“Travelers who do not wish to participate in the facial recognition technology process may decline the optional photo, without recourse, in favor of an alternative identity verification process, which does not use facial recognition technology to verify their identity,” the TSA says.

The TSA also explains that these “alternate” processes will not result in a passenger losing their place in line. It also won’t take any longer than the CAT-2 scanning process, the agency claims.

When asked what an alternate ID verification process might entail, a TSA spokesperson told Nexstar that an officer will first “visually compare” the passengers face with their ID before taking one (or more) of the following actions: scanning the ID with the CAT-2 machine, or utilizing UV lights, magnifiers or “other tools” to assess the legitimacy of the ID.

“TSA is committed to protecting traveler privacy, civil rights, civil liberties and ensuring the public’s trust as it seeks to improve the traveler experience through its exploration of identity verification technologies,” the agency says.

Signage placed at TSA checkpoints — like those seen hanging from the CAT-2 machines in the image below — also aim to inform travelers of their right to decline a photo during the screening process.

CAT-2 machines are pictured at Miami International Airport in June 2024. (Jeffrey Greenberg/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)

“Participation in TSA facial recognition technology is optional. Your photo is deleted after identity is verified,” reads the signage. “Advise the officer if you do not want your photo taken. You will not lose your place in line.”

Customs and Border Protection (CBP), too, has a similar policy, allowing U.S. citizens (and select other travelers, including those under 14 or over 79) to opt out of its biometrics technology and “request alternative processing, which typically involves a manual review of their travel documents by a CBP Officer.”

That said, the Department of Homeland Security has plenty of confidence in the current biometrics technologies in use by the TSA and CBP. A January report from DHS found that the facial recognition tools accurately match faces well over 99% of the time, regardless of demographic groups.

The TSA also believes that future efforts to implement new identify-verifying technologies to U.S. checkpoints — including biometric tools — will only enhance safety.

“TSA hopes that biometrics technology will result in improved accuracy and speed of identity verification, while making the passenger experience faster and more seamless.”

Kapaa Bypass Road upgrades cause temporary closure

Wed, 21 May 2025 20:00:08 +0000

HONOLULU (KHON2) -- A portion of the temporary Kapaa Bypass Road on Kauai will be fully closed for several days next week as crews work on roadway improvements, the state transportation department said.

The Hawaii Department of Transportation (HDOT) announced that the southbound-only stretch of Route 5600 will be closed from Tuesday, May 27 through Friday, May 30, between 8:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. each day.

Drivers will be detoured to Lehua Street during the closure.

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The work is part of a project to install new striping and pavement markers on the newly resurfaced road.

If weather delays the work, it will be rescheduled for Monday, June 2 through Friday, June 6.

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HDOT said variable message signs will be in place to notify drivers. For updates on lane closures across Kauai, visit hidot.hawaii.gov.

Seabed mining plan near American Samoa advances

Wed, 21 May 2025 20:00:00 +0000

Commercial mining on the miles-deep Pacific Ocean floor came one step closer to reality with an announcement late Tuesday by the U.S. Interior Department that it would evaluate a request from a California-based company to extract metals off the coast of American Samoa.

Layaway for groceries? Is this a new economic norm

Wed, 21 May 2025 19:55:20 +0000

HONOLULU (KHON2) -- It used to be that people turned to credit cards or payday loans when money got tight. Now, more shoppers are using buy now, pay later (BNPL) apps to cover everyday costs like groceries.

These services let you split a purchase into smaller payments, usually without interest. At first, this might sound like a good deal. But what happens when you’re still paying off last week’s groceries when it’s time to shop again for this week?

A growing number of Americans, especially younger adults, are finding themselves in that cycle. In April 2025, a new report found that one in four BNPL users said they’ve used it to buy groceries. That’s up from 14% only one year ago.

For Gen Z users, the number jumps to one-third.

If you’re considering using buy now, pay later to put food on the table, here are the top things you need to know.

1. Buy now, pay later splits up your purchase

BNPL plans work like a short-term loan. At checkout, you might see an option to break your total into four equal payments, with the first one due right away. The rest are due every two weeks. Most plans don’t charge interest if you pay on time, but missing a payment can trigger fees.

Some providers also offer longer-term loans, but these might come with interest that's sometimes as high as 36% APR.

2. Groceries are now one of the most common BNPL purchases

According to the report, groceries are the fourth most popular item people buy using BNPL. That's behind clothing, tech devices and home goods. Services like DoorDash now let customers split food delivery bills into four interest-free payments. Stores like Walmart, Albertsons and Safeway also accept BNPL through cards like CareCredit.

With food prices rising up 0.5% in both January and March, these installment payments may seem like the only way to manage. But this isn’t about one trip to the store. It's becoming part of how people shop every week.

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3. You might be spending more than you think

Here’s the catch: because you’re not paying the full amount up front, it can feel like you’re spending less than you are. If you pay $25 today instead of $100, you might think you can afford to buy more.

But those payments pile up. And if you use BNPL for groceries every week, you could be making multiple payments at once for food you already ate.

4. Missing payments can lead to fees and debt collectors

Most BNPL providers charge late fees if you miss a payment. These can range from $2 to $15 and can sometimes go as high as 25% of your purchase amount. In the survey, more than 41% of users said they had made a late payment in the last year. That’s up 34% from the year before.

If you fall too far behind, your debt could be sent to a collections agency, which may report it to credit bureaus and hurt your credit score.

5. BNPL doesn’t usually help build your credit

While it may feel like a responsible way to manage money, BNPL payments usually don’t show up on your credit report, at least not the ones that use the “pay-in-four” model. That means even if you make every payment on time, it likely won’t improve your credit score.

However, if you stop paying altogether, the debt can still be reported. So, it’s a risk without much reward in terms of building your credit.

6. It’s easy to get approved, even if you have bad credit

BNPL apps perform a soft credit check, which won’t affect your score. That’s one reason why they’re so popular amongst people with subprime credit.

According to a 2025 report from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, many BNPL users already carry high levels of debt on credit cards or other loans.

If you're already struggling financially, using BNPL for food may add more pressure in the long run.

7. These apps are designed to be fast and tempting

It only takes a few clicks to get started with BNPL. Most apps ask for basic personal information, then approve you within seconds. That speed makes it easier to say yes, even if you're unsure whether you can handle the payments later.

That’s part of the design. BNPL providers make money from retailers, who are happy to close a sale. But they can also collect fees and interest from customers when payments are missed or delayed.

8. BNPL may help in a pinch, but it’s not a long-term solution

Using BNPL once in an emergency is different from relying on it every week. If you're finding it hard to afford basics like groceries, it may be time to look at other options: food assistance programs, local food banks or budgeting tools that don’t involve taking on debt.

If you do use BNPL, try to:

Stick with interest-free plans only.
Avoid borrowing for anything you don’t need.
Set reminders for your payment dates.
Use it for one-time purchases you can afford to repay, not regular expenses.

9. Think before you click “buy now”

In today’s economy, it’s no surprise people are looking for ways to stretch their dollars. BNPL can seem like a lifeline. But it’s a loan, and loans come with risks.

Get news on the go with KHON 2GO, KHON's morning podcast, every morning at 8

You can click here to read the full report.

Before using it for your next food purchase, ask yourself: Will I still be paying for this when I need to buy groceries again?

Honolulu-L.A. United flight turns back after bomb threat in lavatory

Wed, 21 May 2025 19:00:00 +0000

A United Airlines flight from Honolulu to Los Angeles returned to the Daniel K. Inouye International Airport early this morning after a bomb threat was found written on a bathroom mirror.

U.S. accepts luxury jet from Qatar for Trump

Wed, 21 May 2025 18:40:00 +0000

WASHINGTON >> The United States has accepted a 747 jetliner as a gift from the government of Qatar, and the Air Force has been asked to figure out a way to rapidly upgrade it so it can be put into use as a new Air Force One for President Donald Trump, a Defense Department spokesperson confirmed today.

Trump confronts South African leader with genocide claims

Wed, 21 May 2025 18:00:00 +0000

WASHINGTON >> President Donald Trump confronted South African President Cyril Ramaphosa at the White House today with allegations of mass killings and land seizures from white people, in a scene reminiscent of his February ambush of Ukraine’s Volodymyr Zelenskiy.

Pedestrian critically hurt after being struck twice on Nimitz Highway

Wed, 21 May 2025 17:00:00 +0000

A 29-year-old woman was critically injured Tuesday night after being struck by two vehicles while walking in the roadway near North Nimitz Highway and Elliott Street, according to Honolulu police.

Elon Musk's pullback from politics comes after his last big investment was a flop

Wed, 21 May 2025 16:50:32 +0000

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Wisconsin could go down as billionaire Elon Musk's last big spend on a political campaign.

And it was a flop.

Musk, the richest person in the world, said Tuesday that he would be spending less on political campaigns. The announcement came as Musk is stepping back from his role in the Trump administration, saying he will spend more time focused on his businesses, and just seven weeks after the candidate he backed in Wisconsin's Supreme Court race lost by 10 percentage points.

Democrats in the swing state said Musk's comments show that a party-led effort in this spring’s election, dubbed “ People vs. Musk, ” succeeded in making Musk and his money “toxic.”

“The people have won,” said Wisconsin Democratic Party Chairman Ben Wikler. “The biggest funder in Republican politics is taking his toys and going home."

Brandon Scholz, a retired longtime Republican strategist in the state, said that at least in Wisconsin, “after that court race he deserves to be labeled as toxic.”

But that doesn’t mean Musk couldn’t spend money on races in the state and nationally again, especially if the stakes are high and his money could make a difference, Scholz said.

“Does he bring with him a lot of baggage? Possibly,” Scholz said. “But over time, maybe not as much."

Musk's spending in this year's Wisconsin Supreme Court race helped make it the most expensive court race in U.S. history. And it came just five months after Musk spent at least $250 million to help President Donald Trump win, reversing losses in Wisconsin and other battleground states four years earlier.

Musk was all-in on the Wisconsin Supreme Court race, even making a personal appearance in Green Bay the weekend before the election wearing a cheesehead hat — popular with fans of the NFL's Green Bay Packers — and personally handing out checks for $1 million to supporters. It was an extension of Musk’s high-profile role in the presidential race, where he campaigned alongside Trump and headlined some of his own rallies.

“It’s a super big deal,” he told the roughly 2,000-person crowd in the event center, where hundreds of protesters were rallying against his appearance outside. “I’m not phoning it in. I’m here in person.”

But his appearance — and money — didn’t work.

The candidate Musk backed lost Brown County, the home of Green Bay, by 3 percentage points, going on to lose statewide by more than three times that margin.

After the defeat, Musk has said little publicly about the race and his involvement in it. His popularity has also plummeted.

An Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs poll taken two weeks after the Wisconsin court election found that just 33% of adults had a favorable view of the Tesla CEO, down from 41% in December.

Musk's involvement in the race came at the same time he was the chain-saw-wielding face of the Trump administration's effort to downsize the federal government.

His Department of Government Efficiency, also known as DOGE, has enacted deep cuts to the workforce and spending, in some cases seeking to shutter entire agencies, but it has fallen far short of its goals for reducing federal spending.

Democratic U.S. Rep. Mark Pocan, of Wisconsin, is one of the most liberal members of Congress and a loud critic of both Trump and Musk.

Pocan is skeptical that Musk truly will back away.

“I don’t believe any of it, first of all,” Pocan said. “This just means they realize how toxic Elon Musk is and the work he did through DOGE.”

Kelda Roys, a Democratic state senator, was also tempered in her excitement over Musk saying he plans to do a “lot less” political spending in the future.

“There’s a ton of other billionaire bros, I’m sure, willing and happy to step up in his place,” Roys said.

Musk could also get involved with future races, but in a much more low-profile way, said Scholz, the Republican.

“In Wisconsin, he had such a huge, huge, huge profile,” Scholz said. "He became the campaign. He became the story.”

Musk spent at least $3 million on the Wisconsin Supreme Court race himself. Musk-backed groups America PAC and a Rebuilding America’s Future spent another $19 million in support of the Republican-backed candidate Brad Schimel. That was part of more than $100 million spent on both sides.

America PAC spent at least $6 million on vendors who sent door-to-door canvassers across the state, according to the nonpartisan Wisconsin Democracy Campaign. It was a reprise of what the group did last fall across the seven most competitive presidential battleground states, including Wisconsin, which were carried by Trump.

In addition to his political contributions, Musk paid three individual voters $1 million each for signing a petition in an effort to goose turnout. Musk also offered to pay $20 to anyone who signed up on his group’s site to knock on doors for Schimel and posted a photo of themselves as proof. His organization promised $100 to every voter who signed the petition against “activist judges” and another $100 for every signer they referred.

Musk himself hosted Schimel on his podcast and cast what was at stake in stark terms.

“A seemingly small election could determine the fate of Western civilization,” Musk said in a social media post on the April 1 election day. “I think it matters for the future of the world.”

Democrats made the race a referendum on both Musk and Trump's agenda, successfully electing a judge whose victory ensures the Wisconsin Supreme Court will remain under liberal control until at least 2028.

Coincidentally, Musk's announcement about spending less on political races came just hours after a liberal judge announced her candidacy for the 2026 Wisconsin Supreme Court race.

Wisconsin Appeals Court Judge Chris Taylor is challenging a conservative incumbent justice who sided with Trump in his unsuccessful lawsuit that attempted to overturn his 2020 loss in Wisconsin. The race will be decided in April, months before the midterms in which Democrats hope unease with Trump and Musk will help the party make gains.

Taylor appeared to be taking a similar approach to her campaign that the winning Democratic-backed candidate did this year.

“My campaign is going to be a campaign about the people of this state," she told The Associated Press, “not about billionaires, not about the most powerful.”

___

Associated Press writer Thomas Beaumont in Des Moines, Iowa, contributed to this report.

NFL keeps tush push legal after vote to ban falls short

Wed, 21 May 2025 16:30:00 +0000

Another season of the “Brotherly Shove” is coming soon after NFL owners failed to pass a proposal to ban the rugby-style, short-yardage play commonly employed by the Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles.

George Wendt, aka Norm from ‘Cheers,’ is dead at 76

Wed, 21 May 2025 16:00:00 +0000

George Wendt, who earned six consecutive Primetime Emmy Award nominations for his role as the bearish, beer-quaffing Everyman Norm Peterson on the enduring sitcom “Cheers,” died on Tuesday at his home in Studio City, California. He was 76.

Walls is BWC freshman pitcher of year; 2 other ’Bows selected to first team

Wed, 21 May 2025 10:06:00 +0000

FULLERTON, CALIF. >> The congratulatory hugs would have to wait.

Hawaii high school surfing still a tough wave to catch

Wed, 21 May 2025 10:06:00 +0000

Learning to surf often includes a teacher gently pushing a rider’s board with the swell of a forming wave, which is kind of what Hawaii’s Legislature did this year to help expand surfing as a public high school sport.

Vegan Pesto

Wed, 21 May 2025 10:05:58 +0000

Traditional pesto sauce calls for a heavy load of pine nuts and Parmesan cheese, which add fat as well as flavor. This vegan version somehow manages to compensate for the lack of nuts and dairy...

Aloha Fridays Reimagined

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Baked To Perfection

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Don’t Fly Empty-Handed

Wed, 21 May 2025 10:05:54 +0000

If you’re from Oahu and heading to a neighbor island to visit family and friends, don’t leave empty handed! Swing by one of these spots on your way to the airport for ono-licious snacks your...

1-Skillet Chicken in Creamy Sauce

Wed, 21 May 2025 10:05:38 +0000

In this weeknight recipe, perfectly browned chicken breasts are smothered in a creamy spinach sauce that comes together with ease, all in one skillet. The highlight of this recipe is the buttery white-wine sauce, which...

Raw Truth: The Salad Solution

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May is National Salad Month and there’s no better place to celebrate than right here in Hawaii, where vibrant, local produce thrives year-round. However, studies show that cooking can strip key nutrients — boiling spinach,...

Sooth Your Soul with Some Spice

Wed, 21 May 2025 10:05:32 +0000

Garlicky, gingery and full of bright flavors, this panacea will heal you from within. The amount of spice is up to you, but know that a little red chile lends immeasurable flavor in addition to...

Slow and Steady Always Wins The Race

Wed, 21 May 2025 10:05:24 +0000

The trick to creating deeply browned, pan-seared broccoli involves two things: high heat and no touching. Allowing your florets and stems to sear in an even layer, undisturbed, gives them time to blister without cooking...

Scoreboard – May 21, 2025

Wed, 21 May 2025 10:05:22 +0000

CALENDAR TODAY No local sports events scheduled THURSDAY No local sports events scheduled BASEBALL Big West All-Stars Field Player of the Year: Colin Yeaman (UC Irvine) Pitcher of the Year: Ricky Ojeda (UC Irvine) Defensive...

You’re The Wine That I Want

Wed, 21 May 2025 10:05:19 +0000

Sommeliers are wine experts who undergo extensive training, gaining deep knowledge of everything from grape varieties to winemaking processes and the best conditions for storing and serving wine. Whether you’re a wine connoisseur or just...

Television and radio – May 21, 2025

Wed, 21 May 2025 10:05:13 +0000

On the air Listings are for Oceanic and Hawaiian Telcom analog/digital. *—premium station. **—retelecast. ***—delayed. Check your TV guide for latest updates. TODAY TIME TV CH HT BASEBALL: MLB Regional coverage 7 a.m. MLBN NA/208...

Local Kine Grindz

Wed, 21 May 2025 10:05:10 +0000

Rene Paulo Jr. was a full-time musician before he decided to pursue another passion of his — food. Enter Laverne’s Catering Hawaii, which he opened in 2000 and runs with his son, Travis, who is...

New Night Market in Downtown

Wed, 21 May 2025 10:05:04 +0000

A fresh night market is making its way to the downtown area. Taste of Aloha takes place 4 to 8 p.m. every second Saturday at Waterfront Plaza. Vendor lineups change each month, so be sure...