Safety

The legislative session is at its halfway point. Thursday is the key deadline, called "crossover," for bills to pass out of their originating chamber to survive. As HPR’s Ashley Mizuo reports, lawmakers will continue to focus on stabilizing the insurance market, fireworks, climate funding and preparing the state for federal cuts.

Hawaiʻi County is updating its hazard mitigation plan for the first time since 2020, and the county is taking public feedback on the plan now.

Two measures, House Bill 1231 and Senate Bill 1009, would add to the fund by increasing fines on vehicle violations.

The Hawai‘i Department of Health announced Wednesday a new travel-related case of dengue virus on Oʻahu, bringing the number of cases in 2025 to two, so far.

An explosion at a Maui beachside resort in a popular tourist area has injured seven people and left a pile of debris. Police say the explosion happened Thursday night at a resort on Kāʻanapali Beach.

HPR continues to track the local impact of federal funding freezes. HPR's Savannah Harriman-Pote speaks to a Hawaiʻi Island group that has had its funding for a wildfire prevention project pulled.

While the patients still have a long recovery ahead, good progress is being made. Medical teams are drafting up discharge plans for them, but it's unclear if they'll remain in Arizona or return home to Hawaiʻi for rehabilitation.

The state Legislature is considering several measures to crack down on illegal fireworks. HPR’s Ashley Mizuo reports on the different tactics lawmakers are looking at, such as increasing both inspections at the harbors and penalties for violators.

Following the deadly New Year's Eve fireworks explosion in Āliamanu, some are looking for an alternative to fireworks. Drone light shows could be a substitute. The Conversation talked to Tyler Hiranaka, the director of operations at Sky Elements Hawaiʻi, about the growing demand for drone shows.

Palestinian activist Ma’an Odah reacts to President Trump's statements that the U.S. should take ownership of the Gaza Strip; Could drone light shows replace firework displays?