West Oʻahu

The 2024 general election was seen as a big win for Republicans, not just nationally, but locally as well. HPR’s Ashley Mizuo reports on shifting political views in Hawaiʻi — particularly in West Oʻahu.

Recent shootings on Oʻahu's Waiʻanae Coast have residents on high alert. Some said their community has never experienced this severity of violence. HPR's Cassie Ordonio spoke with several community members who described Waiʻanae as close-knit, family-oriented and scrappy.

The organization started with addressing needs along the Waiʻanae Coast, but has since expanded to Molokaʻi, the Big Island and Kauaʻi. The Conversation walked down memory lane with INPEACE co-founder and board member Kathy Au.

Hawaiʻi lawmakers have advanced a measure to bolster a native fish hatchery program in Waiʻanae that would produce pua, or juvenile mullet, for fishponds and stock enhancement. HPR's Kuʻuwehi Hiraishi reports.

A growing demand for Hawaiian language education has prompted communities in Leeward Oʻahu to establish their own immersion school. HPR reporter Kuʻuwehi Hiraishi visited the newest kaiapuni program at Kapolei Middle School. Seventh graders spent the year carving canoes from clay, creating Makahiki dioramas, and studying the phases of the Kumulipo creation chant.

Honolulu police reported yet another case of gun violence in West Oʻahu. Residents there rallied against gun violence last fall after a series of shootings. State Rep. Cedric Gates covers that district, which stretches from Waiʻanae to Mākaha to Māʻili.

A letter sent to the Department of Education asks for the use of private security guards to patrol after school hours due to safety concerns.

Four Honolulu police officers are pleading not guilty to charges related to their roles in a cover-up of a high-speed chase in Waiʻanae on Oʻahu that resulted in a crash and a traumatic brain injury to the driver of another car.

Prosecutors alleged in court documents filed Thursday that Officer Joshua Nahulu drove a vehicle involved in a collision resulting in serious bodily injury and failed to stop at the scene.

The Hawaiian Humane Society will expand its services to Leeward Oʻahu with a new shelter in Ewa. The 5-acre campus will feature shelter spaces, spay and neuter rooms, and a dog park for public access.