Safety

The new law establishes safeguards for these ponds and requires new ones to meet strict safety regulations before they are built. It also requires signage clearly indicating that swimming is not allowed, enclosed fencing, and flotation devices to be installed around or near each pond.

The department's Vision Zero Hawaiʻi campaign comes as traffic deaths in the state are on the rise. It reported 68 traffic fatalities this year, which is about 50% more than the 45 fatalities in the state at this point last year.

Gov. Josh Green signed two bills into law that will enforce harsher regulations and enforcement on illegal fireworks.

City and County of Honolulu officials said there are plans to build crosswalks and speed humps at about 20 schools. They will also need to replace over 600 speed limit signs with the updated, lower speed signs.

About 50 residents on Maui evacuated their homes as a fast-moving brush fire fueled by strong winds encroached on their rural community. Fire officials say the brush fire in East Maui grew to about 500 acres on Sunday night, but recalculated that to about 330 acres following an aerial survey.

A new lifeguard tower has been installed at Kohanaiki Beach Park thanks to community advocacy. Resident Rachel Able advocated for the tower after her daughter sustained injuries while surfing and died in November 2022.

The Hawaiian Electric Company says telecommunication lines are often mistaken for power lines, resulting in delays for hazard and service responses.

On Wednesday, a crash involving a city bus and a pickup truck near the Daniel K. Inouye International Airport left more than a dozen injured. Dr. Jim Ireland, director of the Honolulu Emergency Services Department, recounted the event.

Dr. Jim Ireland with Honolulu EMS discusses the response to a major crash between a city bus and a pick-up truck; South Korea has elected a new president months after the country faced a martial law crisis

The Honolulu Federal Detention Center could be back on the table to replace the deteriorating and overpopulated Oʻahu Community Correctional Center. HPR’s Ashley Mizuo reports that Gov. Josh Green has asked the Trump administration to consider allowing the state to acquire the underutilized federal prison.