AG Opens State Investigation Into Alleged Corruption

The state Department of the Attorney General changed course Tuesday after an agreement with federal authorities to share evidence — opening an investigation into an unnamed politician who was mentioned in a corruption probe and allegedly accepted $35,000 in a paper bag.

Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. KHON2.

Power Players: Our Guide To Who To Keep An Eye On In The 2026 Legislature

Civil Beat political writers and editors have been watching legislative sessions and legislators up close for decades. The players change over time but one thing stays the same: The people at the top have tremendous power and are not afraid to use it, sometimes ruthlessly and often behind closed doors. Public participation is limited.

Civil Beat.

Gov. Green on Immigration, Health Care and 2026 Legislative Priorities

As the state Legislature gears up for a new session, there are plenty of issues on the table. Concerns about the cost of living are deepened by rising health care premiums for tens of thousands across the islands.

Hawai‘i Public Radio.

Limiting Immigration Enforcement, School Cellphone Ban Among Key Bills

Dozens of bills are positioned to be introduced in the legislative session that begins today, including measures that would ban cellphones in public schools, bar law enforcement officers from covering their faces, prevent the Hawaii National Guard from helping federal agents deport immigrants in the state, make another effort to prohibit nepotism in the Legislature and Judiciary and give citizens the power to decide contentious issues themselves.

Star-Advertiser.

Housing Committee Chairs Lay Groundwork to Reserve Homes for Residents

Chairs of both legislative housing committees are considering bills to reserve housing for Hawaiʻi residents.

Hawai‘i Public Radio.

O‘ahu Headlines

Man Surrenders to Police Following Barricade Situation in Kalihi

Honolulu police arrested a 47-year-old man involved in a barricade situation Tuesday in Kalihi. Police issued an alert around 3 p.m. stating there was an active barricade situation on Skyline Drive.

Hawaii News Now. KHON2.

Hawai‘i Island Headlines

Lawmakers Try to Block Reopening of Aquarium Fishing

Some elected officials are making a new push to stop aquarium fishing from returning to Hawai‘i waters. In an unanimous vote earlier this month, a Hawai‘i County Council committee approved a resolution urging the state legislature to introduce a measure to ban aquarium fishing for all islands.

Hawaii News Now.

Hawai‘i Island Delegation Discusses Priorities for Upcoming State Legislature Session

With the 33rd Hawaiʻi State Legislature to begin Wednesday, three Big Island lawmakers who sit on the powerful Senate Ways and Means Committee say their priority is to ensure residents’ receive the basic needs of health care, food and housing amid looming federal cutbacks.

Big Island Now.

Speed Limit Changes To Take Effect On Hilo Airport Road

Changes are being made on Kekūanāoʻa Street, also known as Airport Road, to maintain safety and to keep traffic flowing efficiently.

Big Island Now. Big Island Video News.

Newborn Big Island Monk Seal Doing Well in Hospital

Monk seal RU72 was just 3 days old when experts decided to intervene, and admit her into the care of the specialized hospital run by The Marine Mammal Center.

Star-Advertiser.

Maui Headlines

Maui Planning Commission to Consider Light Industrial Future for Historic Pāʻia Sugar Mill

The Maui Planning Commission will consider a proposal Tuesday to transform nearly 20 acres of the historic Pāʻia Sugar Mill site into a light industrial and commercial hub.

Maui Now.

Comment Period Opens for CDBG-DR Action Plan Amendment

Proposed updates to Maui County’s Community Development Block Grant-Disaster Recovery Action Plan are available on the Hoʻokumu Hou website.

Maui News.

A New Insight Into Mysterious Tiger Shark Mating Behavior Off Maui

New research reveals what is attracting tiger sharks to areas off of Olowalu during whale breeding season. A study released last week from the University of Hawaiʻi Mānoa has found that tiger shark mating events in Hawaiʻi may directly coincide with humpback calving season.

Civil Beat.

Kaua‘i Headlines

Wireless Emergency Notification System Test Scheduled

The Kaua‘i Emergency Management Agency (KEMA) is advising the public of a planned test of the Wireless Emergency Notification System (WENS) at 5:30 p.m. on Jan. 26.

Garden Island.

Temporary Bridge in Anahola to Reopen in March

The temporary bridge over Olokauha Stream on Anahola Road is anticipated to reopen in mid-March after issues with construction materials delayed the project.

Kaua‘i Now.