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Hawaiian Teenager Eric Schultz Overcomes Homelessness to Graduate High School

Hawaiian Teenager Eric Schultz Overcomes Homelessness to Graduate High School

Eric Schultz, an 18-year-old from Oahu, Hawaii, has successfully graduated from Waianae High School after enduring years of homelessness. Schultz's journey began at age 15 when his parents struggled with addiction, leading him to live in his car for nearly a year while continuing his education. Despite these challenges, he remained committed to his goal of graduating. The latest Point-in-Time count revealed 802 homeless minors on Oahu, including Schultz. He received significant support from his community, particularly from Desiree Adams, who became his 'hanai auntie.' Adams provided him with food and a stable home environment, working with his parents to ensure his return to school. Schultz expressed gratitude for the support, emphasizing that his accomplishment was a result of his own choices and determination.
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U.S. National Parks and Cities Highlighted as Top Family Adventure Travel Destinations

U.S. National Parks and Cities Highlighted as Top Family Adventure Travel Destinations

U.S. National Parks and Cities Highlighted as Top Family Adventure Travel Destinations
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Tropical Storm Pena to Pass South of Hawaiian Islands, Minimizing Direct Impact

Tropical Storm Pena to Pass South of Hawaiian Islands, Minimizing Direct Impact

A new tropical storm, named Pena, has formed south and east of Hawaii. National Hurricane Center forecasters in Miami began issuing advisories for Tropical Storm Pena, which was located approximately 620 miles south-southeast of South Point on the Big Island as of Friday evening. The storm had maximum sustained winds of 45 mph and was moving west at 12 mph. Forecasters at the National Weather Service office in Honolulu have indicated that Pena is expected to remain well to the south of Hawaii, thus avoiding a direct impact on the islands. However, the storm is anticipated to enhance trade winds and could contribute to potential wind advisory conditions in typically windier areas. Brief heavy showers were also possible through Friday night, though a flood watch was not expected.
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Honolulu Summit Addresses AI Workforce Development and Local Self-Reliance in Hawaii

Honolulu Summit Addresses AI Workforce Development and Local Self-Reliance in Hawaii

Honolulu Summit Addresses AI Workforce Development and Local Self-Reliance in Hawaii
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Hawaiʻi State Judiciary Seeks Social Service Assistant V in Hilo

Hawaiʻi State Judiciary Seeks Social Service Assistant V in Hilo

The Hawaiʻi State Judiciary is actively recruiting for a Social Service Assistant V (DL) position in Hilo, Hawaii. This role, classified as SR-13, involves determining continued eligibility for services, making referrals to community resources and professional staff, and performing other related duties. Applicants are required to have a high school diploma, with four years of progressively responsible experience in providing supportive services to social workers, vocational rehabilitation specialists, public housing managers, or other professional workers in fields such as public welfare, family court, vocational rehabilitation, and public housing. Experience can include clerical tasks, client transportation, explaining services, and assisting in group activities. A current and valid driver's license is mandatory for this position. Education from an accredited college or university can substitute for experience on a year-for-year basis, up to three years, or a certificate/associate's degree in a social ser...
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Hawaii AI and Cloud Innovation Summit Explores AI Self-Reliance and Economic Growth

Hawaii AI and Cloud Innovation Summit Explores AI Self-Reliance and Economic Growth

Hawaii AI and Cloud Innovation Summit Explores AI Self-Reliance and Economic Growth
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Netflix Renews 'Untamed' for Second Season, Shifts Setting to Hawaii

Netflix Renews 'Untamed' for Second Season, Shifts Setting to Hawaii

Netflix Renews 'Untamed' for Second Season, Shifts Setting to Hawaii
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Honolulu City Council Advances Bill to Crack Down on Off-Property Shopping Carts

Honolulu City Council Advances Bill to Crack Down on Off-Property Shopping Carts

The Honolulu City Council has advanced Bill 53, a legislative measure designed to prohibit the possession and use of shopping carts outside of the store properties to which they belong. The bill stipulates that shopping carts on Oahu must be identified by their legal owner and used exclusively on premises under the owner's legal control. While the Honolulu Police Department and the Retail Merchants of Hawaii support the bill, the majority of testimony received was in opposition. Critics, including Mandy Fernandes of the ACLU Hawaii, argue that the measure is 'cruel, unnecessary, ineffective, and expensive,' contending that it criminalizes homelessness and is too vaguely written, potentially leading to issues with cart ownership and enforcement. The bill, as currently drafted, classifies the offense as a petty misdemeanor. Dave Erdman, interim president of the Retail Merchants of Hawaii, highlighted the significant cost of shopping carts, ranging from $250 to $1,000, especially with shipping to Hawaii and t...
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Hawaii Department of Health Reports 11th Travel-Related Dengue Virus Case in 2026, Emphasizes Mosquito Control

Hawaii Department of Health Reports 11th Travel-Related Dengue Virus Case in 2026, Emphasizes Mosquito Control

The Hawaii Department of Health (DOH) has confirmed the 11th travel-related dengue virus case in the state for 2026. The latest case was identified on Oʻahu, involving an individual who contracted the virus while traveling in a region where dengue is prevalent. The DOH has stated there is no connection between this new case and previous ones within Hawaii. In response, DOH teams have been deployed to the affected area to conduct inspections and implement mosquito control measures. The risk of local transmission from this particular case is considered low. However, recent rainfall has prompted the DOH to remind the public about the importance of eliminating standing water to prevent mosquito breeding and reduce the risk of vector-borne diseases. Dengue is not endemic to Hawaii, meaning cases are typically limited to travelers, with 10 of the 11 cases in 2026 linked to travel to Pacific-island countries and territories, and one to another dengue-endemic area outside the Pacific.
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Jury Trial Set for Wrongful Death Lawsuit After Hilo Banyan Tree Collapse

Jury Trial Set for Wrongful Death Lawsuit After Hilo Banyan Tree Collapse

A jury trial has been scheduled for September in the wrongful death lawsuit filed on behalf of Michelle Katrina Noelani Comer, 48, and Trisha Jaye Almazan, 35, who were killed last year when a massive banyan tree uprooted and collapsed in Hilo. The incident occurred on July 12, 2025, when the tree fell in a state-owned parking lot near Wailoa Pond, trapping and crushing the two women. Their bodies were discovered eight days later after reports of a foul odor. Autopsies determined the cause of death for both was mechanical asphyxiation, ruled an accident. The lawsuit, filed by the Honolulu law firm Leavitt, Yamane & Soldner, names the state, county, Hawaii Electric, Hawaiian Telcom, and Imua Landscaping and Tree Works as defendants. It seeks monetary damages, alleging negligence and gross negligence due to the defendants' failure to properly maintain the tree.
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Eric Bana Reprises Role as Kyle Turner in Netflix's 'Untamed' Season 2, Set in Hawaii

Eric Bana Reprises Role as Kyle Turner in Netflix's 'Untamed' Season 2, Set in Hawaii

Eric Bana Reprises Role as Kyle Turner in Netflix's 'Untamed' Season 2, Set in Hawaii
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Governor Green Designates 25 Census Tracts for Opportunity Zones 2.0 in Hawaii

Governor Green Designates 25 Census Tracts for Opportunity Zones 2.0 in Hawaii

Governor Josh Green of Hawaii announced the designation of 25 census tracts under the federal Opportunity Zones 2.0 program. These designations include 19 tracts on Oʻahu, four on Hawaiʻi Island, and two on Maui, notably Lahaina’s Front Street census tract. The state successfully appealed to the U.S. Department of the Treasury to secure these designations, as some were not originally eligible. The Opportunity Zones 2.0 program provides federal tax incentives to investors who commit long-term capital to designated low-income communities, with additional benefits for eligible rural areas. According to Governor Green's office, this initiative aims to attract private capital to construct affordable homes for local families and fund energy projects that reduce costs, create local jobs, and advance Hawaii's clean energy objectives. The state also seeks to strengthen and diversify its economy through investments in healthcare, tourism, advanced manufacturing, agriculture, broadband, and film.