Honolulu Star-Advertiser

Honolulu police charge suspect in Young Street fatal stabbing

The suspect in Friday’s fatal stabbing on Young Street was charged with second-degree murder, the Honolulu Police Department announced tonight.

Saudis aided family of engineer accused of bugging OpenAI, prosecutors say

SAN FRANCISCO >> A federal judge today ordered a former OpenAI engineer who was accused of planting a hidden recording device at the company to remain in custody without bail, after prosecutors said in a filing that the employee’s ties to the government of Saudi Arabia were extensive.

Firefighters quickly extinguish fire at Nuuanu home

Firefighters extinguished a fire at a Nuuanu home in about 30 minutes late Sunday night.

U.S. Supreme Court to review 1868 federal ban on home distilling of liquor

WASHINGTON >> The U.S. Supreme Court agreed today to decide the legality of a federal ban on the home distilling of alcoholic spirits that was enacted in 1868 after the U.S. Civil War to crack down on liquor tax evasion.

Trump is pushing Ukraine to surrender to Russia, Zelenskyy says

KYIV, Ukraine >> President Donald Trump is trying to force Ukraine to surrender in the war, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of Ukraine said in an interview published Sunday, as a feud between the two leaders drives their relations to new lows.

France to impose curfews after nationwide rioting

PARIS >> Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu of France said he had ordered localized curfews for tonight in some French towns and neighborhoods, as the government moved to reassert control after the worst riots in decades hit cities around the country.

How one hacker used AI agents to break into over 100 company websites

WASHINGTON >> Over the past couple of weeks, a cybersecurity researcher watched as a Chinese-speaking hacker broke into websites belonging to more than 100 companies, including farm equipment maker Deere & Co., home appliance company SharkNinja Inc. and engine manufacturer Cummins Inc..

Zelenskyy says Trump risks ‘historic mistake’ if he backs Russia

KYIV, Ukraine >> President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed concerns on Sunday that the United States might abandon Ukraine and side with Russia, following a series of moves by the Trump administration, including what he described as ongoing restrictions on a U.S.-provided military-grade satellite internet service used…

Dave Reardon: Wonderful defensive effort wasted in Hawaii loss

It was a day of college football when anything seemed possible. Five of the top seven ranked teams lost.

Television and radio — October 19, 2026

On The Air Listings for Spectrum and Hawaiian Telcom (analog/digital). * Premium station | ** Retelecast | *** Delayed Event / Matchup Time TV CH (Spectrum) HT TODAY BASEBALL: MLB PLAYOFFS, CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES Game 6:...

Column: Why liquefied natural gas is a threat to Hawaii’s environment and sustainability

In an effort to meet its carbon-neutral goal by 2045, Hawaii is being asked to consider whether liquefied methane is the solution to climate pollution. Joint efforts by the Hawaii State Energy Office and the Governor’s Office seek to “bridge” Hawaii’s climate goals through a $2 billion agreement with Japanese methane…

Column: Instead of LNG, pursue low-risk policies to make more homegrown electricity

The debate over whether Hawaii should turn to liquefied natural gas (LNG) to generate its electricity reveals startling disagreement over whether it would help or hurt ratepayers. What’s not debatable, though, is that it would be an enormously costly and risky decision — a $2 billion decision with consequences for…

Off the news: HPD officer shuffle tough but necessary

Difficult as it might be for some entrenched officers, Honolulu Police Chief David Lazar is doing the right thing by reassigning 100 officers to patrol and central receiving, effective Nov. 1. It’s partly to tackle a $34 million shortfall projected by year’s end, including an overtime budget that’s already gone over…

Column: Can 100% renewable energy be reasonably achieved without thermal power? Unlikely

In the debate over switching Oahu’s power from oil to liquefied natural gas, LNG is framed as a transition fuel to 2045, when Hawaii is assumed — required? — to reach 100% renewable energy. We question that assumption, with major implications for the LNG infrastructure timeframe.

Editorial: Experience wins against upstarts in City Council race

This year’s Honolulu City Council election fireworks went off in the primary, when Council Chair Tommy Waters saw his bid for another term torpedoed by a successful eligibility lawsuit from former Council member and three-time challenger Trevor Ozawa . Still, with two Council seats up for grabs, November will be a…

Editorial cartoon for Monday, October 19, 2026

By Star-Advertiser staff

Letter: Bring back time-of-use to lower electricity fees

Hawaiian Electric gets its proposed rebasing increase of $170 million and residential customers get a more than 50% reduction in their monthly bills by bringing back the voluntary time-of-use (TOU) program that was available until February 2025.

Letter: Ala Moana project makes no sense in this economy

The buzzwords in town now are “affordable housing.” Say them and our politicians fall all over themselves to approve new developments. The affordable units are token in number and are still too high-priced to rent or buy for most of us.

Letter: Grousing alone won’t solve Oahu’s landfill problem

“You’re not dumping opala in my backyard,” say residents near Kapaa Rock Quarry. All of Oahu’s opala is dumped on the Leeward side — Waimanalo Gulch. No complaints from them.

Letter: Dominant Asia rightly poised to run the world

Asia is now the most vital part of the world because it drives global economic growth by anchoring international supply chains. It is home to over 4.9 billion people (60% of the world’s population) and provides giant labor pools and fast-growing consumer markets. Their factories produce most of the world’s…

Letter: Use taxpayer fund, not bond for infrastructure

Two fancy fliers in my mailbox enthused about Constitutional Amendment Question 2 without actually describing what that is. Recent columns raised more concerns, one clearly representing corporate interests, one raising serious doubts about the results (“ RISE bonds are a tool, but not an affordable housing silver…

HIFF46 to open with ‘The Navigator’ about Nainoa Thompson’s Tahiti journey

The world premiere of “The Navigator,” a Hawaii-made documentary following Native Hawaiian navigator Nainoa Thompson’s final 2,400-mile voyage to Tahiti with a crew of student navigators, will open the 46th Hawai‘i International Film Festival on Wednesday at the Hawaii Theatre.

How Hawaii players fared in NFL Week 6

Hawaii Beat: Wahine soccer, sailing

Wahine soccer team wins fifth in a row

Diversified farming company to grow avocados on 1,000 Maui acres

Maui’s biggest diversified farm company plans to grow avocados on about 1,000 acres of land after successful test plantings.

U.S. Army in Hawaii prepares for joint training exercises

The U.S. Army has placed Hawaii and island-based units firmly at the center of its strategy in Asia as it refines its approach to Pacific operations.

Hawaii to pay tuition in exchange for 5 years working in rural area

Imagine going to medical or nursing school with tuition fully paid.

Hawai‘i Convention Center’s $108.7M repair project faces delays

The $108.7 million effort to repair the Hawai‘i Convention Center’s leaking rooftop terrace could face new delays and cost increases after demolition uncovered conditions that differ from the original building plans, forcing engineers to revisit portions of the project.

Scoreboard — Oct. 19, 2026

CALENDAR & RESULTS Category / Day Sport Event / Tournament Details / Results TODAY BOWLING ILH Boys 4:15 p.m. Pier Side Bowling Center. GOLF College Women Rainbow Wahine Invitational, first round, all day at...

University of Hawaii to invest $123M for system’s top priorities

The University of Hawaii plans to invest $123 million across its 10-campus system over the next two to three years, using accumulated cash balances to fund more than 100 initiatives aimed at improving student success, addressing workforce shortages and modernizing university operations.

Hawaii vital statistics: Marriage licenses and birth certificates

Marriage licenses and birth certificates

Ka’imi Fairbairn kicks Texans past Jaguars in London

CJ Stroud threw for 312 yards and three touchdowns to set the stage for Punahou alum Ka’imi Fairbairn’s game-winning 49-yard field goal as time expired, helping the Houston Texans pull out a 34-31 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars Sunday in London.

Trump: Washington golf course renovation to start in November

President Donald Trump said today that his administration would begin renovation work next month on a historic Washington golf course that a federal judge had ordered could not proceed without prior court notification.

Hurricane Trudy weakens off Mexico’s Pacific coast as cleanup effort begins

MEXICO CITY >> Hurricane Trudy weakened slightly off Mexico’s Pacific coast on Sunday and was expected to begin rapidly losing strength later in the day as it moved away from the mainland, forecasters said.

Trump endorses Netanyahu in close Israeli election

WASHINGTON/TEL AVIV >> President Donald Trump on Sunday endorsed his ally Benjamin Netanyahu as the longtime Israeli prime minister struggles for an edge in next week’s parliamentary election.

Burning car prompts closure of Pali Highway by St. Stephen Diocesan

A burning vehicle stalled on the Pali Highway has prompted the Honolulu Police and Fire Departments to close the highway in both directions in the Saint Stephen Diocesan Center area.

Macron urges calm as France counts the cost of worst unrest in years

PARIS/LIMOGES >> President Emmanuel Macron appealed for calm on Sunday, a day after France suffered one of its worst days of unrest in years, with thousands arrested and shops looted or damaged after protests over high prices and declining public services.

Rubio: Trump to take up to 60 days to weigh Russia sanctions

The day after waiving sanctions and tariffs related to Russian exports, US President Donald Trump said on Saturday he has yet to announce a final decision on the matter, while Secretary of State Marco Rubio said officials want more time to evaluate the situation.

Fire evacuation orders lifted for most of Los Angeles, Orange counties

LOS ANGELES >> German travelers Luis Widmesser and Lukas Holzer, both 19, were heading to a campground in San Diego on the 5 Freeway on Friday afternoon when authorities blocked off the road and diverted traffic.

Major fire kills 4, injures dozens at Canadian military base

CALGARY, Canada >> Flames that killed four Canadian soldiers and left 19 people in critical condition began with a smoldering grass fire that quickly grew in an Alberta base’s training area where personnel were carrying out exercises, officials said on Sunday.

Weak links start to show in AI borrowing

Trillions of dollars in borrowed money have powered the artificial intelligence boom. But now there is growing uncertainty around just how easily more money can be obtained — and how much of it will be paid back.

Pope Leo pledges return to duties in first event since cancer surgery

VATICAN CITY >> Pope Leo pledged today to slowly resume his usual activities as the leader of the world’s 1.4 billion Catholics as he greeted crowds in St. Peter’s Square during his first public event since undergoing surgery for lung cancer five days ago.

Television and radio – October 18, 2026

ON THE AIR Listings are for Spectrum and Hawaiian Telcom analog/digital. *—premium station. **—retelecast. ***—delayed. Check your TV guide for latest updates. TODAY – TV Event TIME TV CH HT AUTO RACING NHRA Ennis 10...

Scoreboard – October 18, 2026

CALENDAR TODAY Sport Event Time Location / Notes GOLF College men: Hawaii Tri Match, final round 7:30 a.m. At Pearl at Kalauao MONDAY Sport Event Time Location / Notes BOWLING ILH boys 4:15 p.m. Pier...

UH hoops individual game tickets on sale

Individual game tickets for the Hawaii men’s and women’s basketball seasons will go on sale Monday.

Editorial: RISE bonds are tool to boost affordable homes

Hawaii voters in the Nov. 3 general election have two chances to change the state Constitution — via two proposed amendments that each will require a majority “yes” of all ballots issued in order to pass (in other words, blank votes count as “no”).

Column: City must work toward housing solution

What makes Honolulu home is not only its natural beauty. It is our people: the families, caregivers and kupuna whose lives and stories have shaped our communities across generations.

Column: LGBTQ equity and inclusion on ballot

This November, Hawaii voters will make decisions that reach beyond the names printed on their ballots. From LGBTQIA+ candidates seeking public office to charter amendments that could strengthen community participation in government, the choices before us raise a fundamental question: What kind of Hawaii do we want to…

Editorial cartoon for Sunday, October 18, 2026

By Star-Advertiser staff

Vegas Advisor: Posh hotel-in-a-hotel coming to the Strip

Already considered home to some of the swankiest rooms in Las Vegas, the Palazzo is creating a luxury hotel-within­-a-hotel called Milano. The 275-suite boutique hotel will include a private pool and personalized concierge service to complement suites ranging from 720 square feet to multiroom accommodations spanning…

Signs of Hawaiian Life — October 18, 2026

Did you spot a sign of Hawaiian life on your travels? To submit photos, check out our new, simple online submission form at staradvertiser.com/signs . You must fill out all required fields in order to be considered for publication. Photos must have a person in them and contain a “sign” of Hawaiian life. Email…

Rick Steves’ Europe: Savoring the scenery — and port — of Portugal’s Douro Valley

One of Portugal’s most endearing slices is the Douro River Valley — the winding, terraced region that produces the country’s beloved port wine. Unlike other great European rivers like the Rhine or Loire, the Douro was never a strategic military location. So, rather than castles and stony ramparts, visitors encounter…

Letter: Navy must explain TPH in filtered water

At a recent town hall, the Navy announced it was given permission to reopen its Aiea/Halawa shaft. The Navy stated no total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPH) were found in the water. However, its own pilot study showed that TPH was indeed found, even after the water went through the granulated activated carbon (GAC)…

Letter: Immigrants give isles diversity, strength

A recent letter voiced concern about immigration enforcement policy (“Protect Hawaii from sanctuary state laws,” Star- Advertiser, Oct. 4) . Gov. Josh Green’s signing of Act 141 to stop our local law enforcement from cooperating with federal immigration actions, the writer claims, is a step toward Hawaii becoming a…

Letter: MAGA values not in line with Christianity

A recent Washington Post/ ABC News/Ipsos survey showed that 80% of Americans thought the execution of Fort Hood shooter Nidal Hasan shouldn’t be livestreamed. It also showed that the only demographic group in which a majority supported this ghastly idea dreamed up by Pete Hegseth was MAGA-identifying men, with nearly…

Letter: Caring for plants and forests sustains hula

In 1996, I helped convene No Na Pua O Ka Halau Hula at Kamehameha Schools. Kumu hula, lei makers and biologists discussed how to gather plants for hula while caring for the native forests that provide them.

Volcanic Ash: First they came for Somalis; are Hawaii immigrants next?

Of the 20 City Charter amendments on the general election ballot, I’ve wrestled most with No. 6, to require Honolulu police to adopt policies protecting the rights of all people, regardless of citizenship, and limit HPD’s cooperation with federal immigration authorities.

USPS considers curbside delivery for rebuilt Lahaina homes

The U.S. Postal Service is open to reversing its heavily criticized decision to not resume curbside mail service for many Lahaina residents who rebuilt homes destroyed by the 2023 wildfire.

Centene exiting Hawaii’s Med-QUEST program at end of year

National health insurer Centene is pulling out of Hawaii’s Medicaid market, leaving 24,000 members in need of a new plan.

Kokua Line: Will torched playground ever be replaced?

Q uestion : An arsonist burned down the Sheridan Park playground well over a year ago. Does the city intend to ever rebuild it?

National Park Service designates Honolulu as World War II Heritage City

The National Park Service officially designated the City &County of Honolulu as an American World War II Heritage City in recognition of its unique history during the war and ongoing efforts to preserve that history.

Hawaii’s plantation legacy leaves lasting risks of flooding and fires

Months after Kona-low storms in March flooded homes and farmland on Oahu’s North Shore, community members say damaged infrastructure, blocked waterways and a lack of clear responsibility for maintaining plantation-era irrigation systems continue to leave the area vulnerable to flooding.

HTA seeks tourism emergency declaration after Lowell takes a toll

Kilohana Plantation General Partner Fred Atkins is still waiting for insurance funds needed to fully reopen and bring workers back to the 104-acre historic estate and visitor attraction in Lihue more than a month after Hurricane Lowell toppled 185 mature trees and left about 900 truckloads of debris.

Kona community mourns teen who died while free-diving

Family, friends and the Kona community are mourning the loss of Joven Young, an 18-year-old Kailua-Kona man who apparently drowned Tuesday while free diving off Pebble Beach in Captain Cook.

Warriors unravel in homecoming loss to New Mexico, fall to 1-6

New Mexico’s night to remember was the Hawaii football team’s nightmare to forget.

Wahine mix and match their way to victory at Wyoming

The Hawaii women’s volleyball team continues to find different ways to win matches.

Kamehameha stuffs Saint Louis to clinch ILH crown

Jayden Braun’s career night came at the right time for the Kamehameha Warriors.

No. 1 ‘Iolani sweeps No. 2 Kamehameha; teams meet again Tuesday

Poema Kalama-Kingma, Georgie Lee and Elle Arceneaux combined for 31 kills as No. 1 ‘Iolani swept No. 2 Kamehameha 25-14, 25-23, 25-21 on Saturday, handing Kamehameha its first loss in the ILH double-elimination tournament.

Intruders flee in stolen vehicles after Makaha home invasion robbery

Honolulu police are investigating a home invasion robbery involving a handgun at a Makaha residence Saturday afternoon.

New Mexico comes alive late, runs away from UH

New Mexico took advantage of Hawaii misfortune tonight to score 21 unanswered points and pull away to a 21-10 victory at the Ching Complex.

Hawaii women’s volleyball still undefeated in Mountain West

The Hawaii women’s volleyball team remained undefeated in Mountain West Conference play with a 26-28, 25-18, 25-22, 25-12 win over Wyoming today at UniWyo Sports Complex in Laramie, Wyo.

GAME DAY BLOG: Hawaii held scoreless in second half of loss to New Mexico

Editor’s Note: Bookmark this page for live updates from the game. Tweets below will automatically refresh.

Super Typhoon Champi passes near Guam with ‘extremely dangerous’ winds

A powerful storm named Super Typhoon Champi passed near Guam early Saturday, bringing powerful winds that the National Weather Service called “extremely dangerous” and “life-threatening.”

Mass protests in France spiral into worst riots in years

PARIS >> Rioting erupted in cities across France today as demonstrations against rising living costs and declining public services spiraled out of control in some of the worst violence the country has witnessed for decades.

2 people seriously injured in Aiea house fire

Two people were seriously injured in house fire in Aiea late this morning, Honolulu fire officials said.

Maui police identify Wailuku man, 44, killed in motorcycle crash

The 44-year-old man who died in a Sunday motorcycle crash has been identified as Matthew Adamson of Wailuku, Maui police said Friday.

Honolulu police arrest suspect in fatal Young Street stabbing

UPDATE: SATURDAY, 6:05 p.m.

Kilauea lava fountaining ends after nearly 6 hours in Halemaumau crater

Lava fountaining returned to the summit of Kilauea volcano overnight for the first time since late August,.

Cornell trustees present a united front amid crisis

In protests, statements and open letters, some Cornell University students and faculty members continued to express outrage this week at how the university had handled allegations of a gang rape at a fraternity house in upstate New York two years ago.

Homeownership drifts further out of reach as rates rise

In late February, would-be homebuyers and sellers rejoiced.

Feel like you’re overpaying for hotels? Blame Expedia, lawsuit says.

A lawsuit filed this month accuses Expedia Group of forcing millions of customers to pay significantly inflated prices for hotels, even if they’ve never used the booking giant’s platforms.

Scoreboard – October 17, 2026

CALENDAR & SPORTS BULLETIN EVENT / MATCHUP TIME LOCATION / NOTES DETAILS RESULT TODAY AIR RIFLERY ILH: Individual Championships 9 a.m. Saint Louis — — OIA: Individual and Team Championships 2 p.m. Kaiser — —...

Television and radio – October 17, 2026

ON THE AIR Listings are for Spectrum and Hawaiian Telcom analog/digital. *—premium station. **—retelecast. ***—delayed. Check your TV guide for latest updates. ON THE AIR — TV & RADIO LISTINGS EVENT / MATCHUP TIME NETWORK...

Column: Nā kaupale makani pāhili kūlohelohe

Synopsis: The many hurricanes that have passed through the islands have caused major damage in some areas. Wetlands and sand dunes are two of nature’s barriers to widespread damage to the land. Each island has wetlands, but some of these areas have been developed for human occupation — development that profits some…

Letter: Kauhale are doing their job, and so is state audit

Methinks the governor doth protest too much (“ Kauhale work, making valuable inroads ,” Star-Advertiser, Island Voices, Oct. 11). The initiative has been a godsend for the unhoused and a relief for many areas of Oahu. A long-overdue solution to a vexing problem.

Letter: ICE might be only hope to stand against Trump

The recent letter expressing fear of Donald Trump setting the stage for a crackdown is in line with my worst fears (“ Trump is sandbagging, prepare for crackdown ,” Star-Advertiser, Oct. 14). He wants complete control, as we all know, and he got away with Jan. 6. He has no moral guardrails.

Letter: Don’t default to military action in Iran response

Iran has committed serious acts of aggression and supported armed groups that threaten Americans and U.S. allies. Those threats deserve a strong response. But describing military action as automatically justified oversimplifies a complicated question.

Editorial cartoon for Saturday, October 17, 2026

By Star-Advertiser staff

Housing scholarships offered for Hawaii families facing homelessness

Family Promise of Hawaii has launched a Housing Scholarships program to help families experiencing or at risk of homelessness secure housing and develop the financial stability needed to remain housed long term.

Ex-Moanalua wrestling coach indicted for sex crimes with underage girls

A federal grand jury returned a 14-count indictment Thursday charging a former Moanalua High School girls wrestling coach with exploiting and raping a former wrestler and sex trafficking another underage girl.

Direct2UH expands to all 10 campuses, extends to 13 public charter schools

The University of Hawaii’s Direct2UH program is expanding for its second year, offering Hawaii public high school seniors a streamlined path to all 10 UH campuses and extending eligibility to students at 13 participating public charter schools for the first time.

Oahu desalination plant fully funded thanks to EPA loan

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency awarded a $109 million loan to help the Honolulu Board of Water Supply build a large-scale seawater desalination plant that has been decades in the making.

Hawaii justices push state to help dysfunctional Elections Commission

Hawaii Supreme Court justices on Friday appeared perturbed with the State Office of Elections not trying to help a dysfunctional oversight commission meet during an ongoing elections season.

Hawaii County Council panel rejects Waikoloa housing project

The Hawaii County Council’s Committee on Legislative Approvals and Acquisitions has voted 5-3 against forwarding a favorable recommendation to the full Council regarding zoning changes requested for the proposed Waikoloa Green housing project.

Corrections – October 17, 2026

The Honolulu Star-Advertiser strives to make its news report fair and accurate. If you have a question or comment about news coverage, call Marsha McFadden, managing editor/news, at 808-529-4759 or email city editors at [email protected].

On the Move: Joshua Symes

Mid-Pacific Institute has hired Joshua Symes as middle and high school assistant principal for student life. Symes joins with more than 25 years experience in teaching, school administration and student wellbeing across Australia, Asia and the United States; including serving as an education-focused academic in Deakin…

Hawaii Hilo volleyball team sweeps HPU

Alohi Garcia finished with 12 kills and Logan Blutreich added 10 as Hawaii Hilo beat Hawaii Pacific 25-10, 25-17, 25-23 on Friday at Vulcan Gymnasium.

Former Hawaii players inspire current Warriors for homecoming

Playoff-bound Nanakuli holds off Moanalua

Moanalua wanted a shot at the playoffs so badly, but Nanakuli just said no.

Trump exempts Russia from new sanctions law

WASHINGTON >> President Donald Trump signed an executive order Friday night exempting Russia from a new sanctions measure that Congress passed last month, offering another economic lifeline to Russian President Vladimir Putin as the United States turns to Russia for help in lowering gas prices.