Hawaii News Now

Election Day is in full swing across Hawaiʻi with key races for governor, county mayors, and charter amendments on the line, even as local turnout lags compared to past midterms. Other states are seeing historic turnout as candidates reach the home stretch with control of Congress up for grabs. Plus, a break down of the issues driving voters to the ballot box and examine why the battle for the U.S. Senate is closer than ever.

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Big shopping deals, live local music and the ultimate holiday feast shortcut. We are tracking down the best places to find one-of-a-kind gifts, hear local music and grab pre-ordered Thanksgiving grindz before spots fill up.

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Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi joins "Spotlight Now" to address the biggest issues facing the City and County of Honolulu. The mayor reveals his push to make the general excise tax surcharge for rail permanent to fund future extensions to Waikīkī and the University of Hawaiʻi, explains the city's urgent interim options as the Waimānalo Gulch landfill deadline nears, discusses police patrol reassignments to curb overtime, and shares an update on the city's bid to bring giant pandas to the Honolulu Zoo.

Then, Department of Business, Economic Development & Tourism (DBEDT) economist Jacob Vuillemin breaks down a new report on Japan’s evolving economic footprint in Hawaiʻi. From shifting tourist spending patterns and exchange rates to multibillion-dollar opportunities in defense contracting, agricultural seed research, and prefabricated housing, Vuillemin explains how the bilateral relationship extends far beyond Waikīkī.

Finally, in our Community Spotlight partnership with Hawaiʻi Pacific Health, Honolulu pulmonologist and critical care specialist Dr. Samuel Evans addresses Hawaiʻi’s low lung cancer screening rates. Dr. Evans explains risk factors for both smokers and non-smokers, and spotlights cutting-edge robotic bronchoscopy technology that is revolutionizing early detection right here at home.

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Voters across Hawaii are heading to the polls today for the midterm election. The driver who struck and killed a teenager near McKinley High School nearly four years ago is set to be sentenced today. Plus, a woman who confronted a naked kidnapping suspect warns others to stay on guard.

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The federal government denies aid for Hawaii homeowners with storm damage we'll tell you why. Plus, it's Election Day in Hawaii, Casey Lund will be live at the polls this morning to tell us more on how officials are preparing for today. The alert level for Kilauea is now at a WATCH, with scientists warning a major fountaining episode could begin at any moment.

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We break down early ballot turnout and everything you need to know before heading to the polls on Election Day. On Maui, Kula Hospital has a target reopening date and a repair plan in place after devastating storm damage forced it to shut down. Plus, federal investigators are searching for answers in South Florida following a private jet crash that left nine people dead.

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A century of creativity and tee times with a view. Tune in as 101-year-young crafter Madge Kano shares her secrets to a purposeful life, then discover how to score budget-friendly rounds on Oahu’s Ala Wai Golf Course.

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Hawaii Island police are investigating the death of a woman in Kona. Video of an attack at Baldwin High School in Wailuku is now part of a criminal investigation. Plus, details are unfolding after several people were shot to death at a northern California beach.

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New reports of the door kicking challenge this time on Oahu. We'll hear about the terrifying experience from an Ewa Beach homeowner and how she's asking for help from the community. Investigation ongoing after a small plane crashed on Kauai. How many were injured and who was able to walk away. Closed for repairs. Where to go with the Ala Wai boat dock out of commision and how long it's expected to last.

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On Sunrise, Kuhio Highway near Hanalei Bridge was reopened Sunday morning after it was closed overnight due to flooding. And on Hawaii Island, police are still investigating the death of a 34-year-old Kona woman after an autopsy confirmed it was a homicide.

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On Sunrise: We examine the ongoing investigation and growing community concerns following a violent attack on Maui’s Baldwin High School campus. With a busy Halloween night ahead on Oahu's roads, we look at essential safety tips to keep trick-or-treaters and drivers safe. Plus, details on how five people managed to escape after a small plane crash-landed on Kauai.

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Gov. Josh Green approved a new Office of Elections rule Friday that sets a written procedure for deciding a winner in a tied race. Maui police have made an arrest and increased security at Baldwin High School after a video of an assault on campus became part of a criminal investigation.

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we're following developing news out of Kauai, where a small tour plane was forced to make an emergency crash landing. Ahead of a busy Halloween weekend, a message of caution from city leaders and plans for stepped up enforcement. Plus, local environmental groups gathered at the federal building today to speak out against a bill aimed at protecting America's energy producers.

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Spooky season fun, weekend nightlife and early holiday shopping. We are getting into the Halloween spirit with HNN employee costumes, exploring thrilling events at The Gatsby in Kakaʻako, and previewing the upcoming Na Lehua Marketplace and Festival.

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We're following developing news out of Kauai, where one person is injured after a small plane made an emergency crash landing in Waimea. An Oahu grand jury indicted the man charged with kidnapping a woman in Diamond Head this week. And Honolulu's police chief says the plan to reassign one hundred police officers from desk jobs to the streets starts Sunday.

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A planned staffing shakeup elicits tough questions for HPD's chief. The progress he says is being made to protect the community. Is your driver's license set to expire? The city says a surge of renewals will be needed in the weeks ahead. What you need to know if you want to avoid those long lines at the DMV. A new rule on how the state will handle election ties. What will be done if candidates end up neck-and-neck.

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A 23-year-old man accused of kidnapping a woman from a garage on the Diamond Head Gold Coast appeared before a judge for the first time Thursday morning. Meanwhile, Honolulu City Council member Tyler Dos Santos-Tam has introduced a resolution to become chair of the City Council. His rival for the job, Andria Tupola, said he is moving too quickly and may have broken the law.

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Hawaii's sports community is heartbroken over the loss of legendary UH Football Coach June Jones. Heavy rainfall has caused dangerous flash flooding and an evacuation warning on Maui. And the young man accused of kidnapping a woman from a Diamond Head apartment building appeared before a judge today.

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Powerful steps, personal stories and a celebration of island craft. Find out how local families are honoring loved ones at the 2026 Walk to End Alzheimer’s Oahu, and explore handcrafted sips from the 13th annual Made in Maui County Festival.

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A flash flood warning has been extended for Maui County until 3 this afternoon as we continue tracking the threat of heavy rain, thunderstorms, and flooding. Hawaii's sports community is mourning the loss of legendary UH Football Coach June Jones, who passed away last night at the age of 73. And the man accused of trying to kidnap a woman on the Diamond Head Gold Coast appeared before a judge today.

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