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Hawaii State Officials Indicted in Major Bribery Scandal

Hawaii State Officials Indicted in Major Bribery Scandal

A significant bribery scandal has unfolded in Hawaii, leading to the indictment of several high-profile state officials. The state attorney general's investigation culminated in a 12-count grand jury indictment involving Lt. Gov. Sylvia Luke, former Department of Human Services director Ryan Yamane, Department of Transportation airports administrator Ford Fuchigami, former Hawaii Public Utilities Commission chair Leo Asuncion Jr., and lobbyist Tobi Solidum. The charges include criminal conspiracy to commit bribery, bribery, falsifying election documents, and obstruction of justice. The investigation, which followed a federal bribery case, revealed cash bribes and campaign donations linked to emergency COVID-19 testing contracts. Governor Josh Green has called for Luke's resignation, and further charges may be forthcoming.

Lt. Gov. Sylvia Luke Indicted in Hawaii Bribery Scheme Affecting State Legislature

Lt. Gov. Sylvia Luke Indicted in Hawaii Bribery Scheme Affecting State Legislature

Lt. Gov. Sylvia Luke of Hawaii has been indicted on charges of criminal conspiracy to commit bribery, bribery, and falsifying candidate committee reports. This indictment is part of a broader investigation by Hawaii's Attorney General into corruption within the state legislature. The investigation, which has been ongoing for six months, resulted in a 12-count indictment from an Oʻahu grand jury. Alongside Luke, four other individuals, including former State Rep. Ryan Yamane and Ford Fuchigami, deputy director for the Airports Division at the state Department of Transportation, have been indicted on related charges. The case stems from a bribery incident in January 2022, where an influential state legislator allegedly accepted $35,000 in a paper bag. Luke, who has denied taking the money, went on indefinite leave in April after being identified as a target in the investigation.

State Sen. Karl Rhoads Reflects on Legislative Career as Retirement Approaches

State Sen. Karl Rhoads Reflects on Legislative Career as Retirement Approaches

State Senator Karl Rhoads, a prominent figure in Hawaii's legislative landscape, is set to retire at the end of his term in 2026 after 20 years of service. As the chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee, Rhoads has been instrumental in passing significant legislation, including a 'red flag' law to curb gun violence, taxation on e-cigarette products, and restrictions on corporate campaign donations. His career is marked by a focus on social issues and electoral reforms. Rhoads will be honored at a gala by Common Cause Hawaii in October, celebrating his contributions to the state legislature.

Hurricane Fausto Poses 'Increasing Risk' to Hawaii, NWS Warns

Hurricane Fausto Poses 'Increasing Risk' to Hawaii, NWS Warns

The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a warning about an 'increasing risk' of Hurricane Fausto impacting Hawaii with strong winds and heavy rainfall next week. As of Friday afternoon, Fausto is a Category 2 hurricane with maximum sustained winds of 105 mph (169 km/h) and is located approximately 1,560 miles (2,511 km) east of Hilo, Hawaii. The storm is moving westward at 16 mph (26 km/h) and is expected to weaken to a tropical storm by early Monday morning. High-surf and small-craft advisories are already in effect across Hawaii, though no tropical storm watches or warnings have been issued yet. Additionally, the National Hurricane Center (NHC) is monitoring Tropical Depression Seven-E, which is expected to strengthen into Tropical Storm Genevieve and potentially become a major hurricane by early next week. [Source time: Fri, 24 Jul 2026 21:21:00 GMT]

Tropical Storm Genevieve forms in the Pacific Ocean as Hurricane Fausto strengthens to Category 2

Tropical Storm Genevieve forms in the Pacific Ocean as Hurricane Fausto strengthens to Category 2

Tropical Storm Genevieve has formed in the Pacific Ocean as Hurricane Fausto has strengthened into a Category 2 storm

Hurricane Fausto Weakens as It Approaches Hawaii

Hurricane Fausto Weakens as It Approaches Hawaii

Hurricane Fausto, which peaked as a Category 2 storm, is moving through the East Pacific toward Hawaii. The storm is expected to weaken significantly due to cooler waters and dry air, potentially downgrading to a tropical storm or remnant low by the time it reaches the islands. Impacts to Hawaii could include heavy rain and high surf, particularly on east and northeast-facing beaches. Meanwhile, Tropical Depression Seven-E has strengthened into Tropical Storm Genevieve and is forecast to become the first major hurricane of the 2026 East Pacific season. Another system southwest of Hawaii is also being monitored for potential development. (Source time: not specified)

Hurricane Fausto Weakens Slightly as It Tracks Toward Hawaii

Hurricane Fausto Weakens Slightly as It Tracks Toward Hawaii

Hurricane Fausto, currently in the central North Pacific, is moving westward on a trajectory that could bring it close to Hawaii early next week. As of 11 p.m. Friday, the storm was located 1,305 miles east of Hilo, moving west at 14 mph (22.5 km/h). Fausto has maximum sustained winds of 100 mph (161 km/h), with hurricane-force winds extending up to 45 miles (72 km) from its center and tropical storm-force winds reaching up to 205 miles (330 km). The system is expected to weaken further as it encounters drier air, cooler ocean waters, and increasing wind shear. Current forecasts suggest Fausto will pass just north of the Hawaiian Islands between Tuesday and Wednesday, potentially as a tropical storm or remnant low.

Hurricane Fausto Maintains Strength, Continues Westward in Pacific

Hurricane Fausto Maintains Strength, Continues Westward in Pacific

Hurricane Fausto is currently located 1,950 miles east of Hilo, Hawaii, moving westward at approximately 13 mph. The hurricane has sustained winds of 80 mph, with potential for minor intensity fluctuations. The National Hurricane Center forecasts a gradual weakening trend over the weekend as Fausto moves into the Central Pacific. Despite its distance, Fausto is expected to generate swells impacting east-facing shores of Hawaii, potentially bringing a decent swell late this weekend into early next week.

Southwest Airlines Introduces Reverse Red-Eye Flight from Las Vegas to Honolulu

Southwest Airlines Introduces Reverse Red-Eye Flight from Las Vegas to Honolulu

Southwest Airlines is set to launch a 'reverse red-eye' flight from Las Vegas to Honolulu starting in March. This unusual westbound red-eye flight will depart Las Vegas' Harry Reid International Airport at 2:45 a.m. PDT and land at Honolulu's Daniel K. Inouye International Airport at 6:10 a.m. Hawaiian standard time. The flight is designed to cater to the high demand from Hawaii residents who frequently travel to Las Vegas, often referred to as the 'ninth island.' The flight schedule allows passengers to maximize their time in Las Vegas or Hawaii, despite the early morning arrival in Honolulu.

Diver Sees A Flash Of Orange Underwater — Then A Turtle Swims Up Asking For Help

Diver Sees A Flash Of Orange Underwater — Then A Turtle Swims Up Asking For Help

Brittany Ziegler was diving deep below the ocean’s surface off the coast of Maui, Hawaii, recently when something bright orange in the distance caught her attention.

Mauna Kea's Telescopes: A Global Hub for Astronomical Research

Mauna Kea's Telescopes: A Global Hub for Astronomical Research

Mauna Kea in Hawaii hosts one of the world's largest concentrations of telescopes, attracting astronomers from 11 countries. The summit's unique atmospheric conditions, with thin and dry air, provide exceptional clarity for observing distant galaxies and other celestial phenomena. Thirteen major telescopes, including the Keck and Subaru, have been built on the dormant volcano since the 1960s. However, the future of these observatories is uncertain due to administrative and cultural challenges, including the need for new leases and the impact of the Thirty Meter Telescope project.

Hawaii's Congressional Delegation Urged to Oppose President Trump

Hawaii's Congressional Delegation Urged to Oppose President Trump

A letter published in the Honolulu Star-Advertiser calls on Hawaii's congressional delegation, including Representatives Ed Case and Jill Tokuda, and Senators Brian Schatz and Mazie Hirono, to actively oppose President Trump's policies. The letter, written by Lynne Kobayashi, emphasizes the need for the delegation to represent the voices of their constituents and stand against what is perceived as an attack on democratic values.