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Hawaii
Hawaii star Kimie Miner headlines free Gift of Mele concert
HONOLULU (KHON2) — Music lovers listen up, the free Fifth Annual Gift of Mele concert is going down this weekend at International Market Place.
“Our Gift of Mele program is actually in its fifth year,” International Market Place marketing and sponsorship director Malia Zannoni said. “The first year that it launched, it was in 2020, was the pandemic and we wanted to support local artists who hadn’t been able to perform all year. And we partnered with the amazing team at Haku Collective, to bring virtual concerts into the center and play through social media. At the end of the year, we purchased a whole bunch of music from these artists and we just gave it out for free, the Gift of Mele. The following year, concerts were back online and it perfectly aligned with the launch of Kimie’s Christmas in Hawaii album. So what better way to kind of bring those two projects together than during the holiday season?”
The goal is for the concert to be a celebration of music that cultivates culture.
“Don Ho, when you think about the nostalgia of the heart of Waikiki, we are trying to continue that tradition with a new tradition,” Miner said. “I always say we’re the way finders of a new generation, but our songs carry the echo of our kupuna. And so that’s what we’re gonna do, continue doing this Friday.”
There will be an hour and a half of music with special guests and hula dancing. The concert runs from 5:30 to 8:00 p.m. Friday. International Market Place recommends accessing the center from Kapahulu Avenue to avoid parade traffic. Take Kapahulu Avenue to Ala Wai Blvd and turn left onto Walina Street directly into the parking garage.
Hawaii
La Hoihoi Ea highlights Native Hawaiian perspective amid 4th of July celebrations
HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – As the United States marks 250 years as a nation today, another observance is highlighting Hawaiian sovereignty and history.
A Lā Hoʻihoʻi Ea celebration is taking place today at Iolani Palace in Honolulu, offering a Native Hawaiian perspective alongside U.S. 250th anniversary observances.
The event highlights Lā Hoʻihoʻi Ea (Sovereignty Restoration Day), which commemorates the 1843 restoration of Hawaiian Kingdom sovereignty after a brief British occupation. Although traditionally observed on July 31, related events are being held throughout the month.
Today’s program runs from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. and includes protocol ceremonies, a historical reenactment, music, and community speakers. Musicians and speakers begin at 11 a.m. on the bandstand.
The event also includes screen-printing, and discussions on topics such as geothermal energy and RIMPAC.
Organizers say the gathering is meant to create space for Native Hawaiian voices and reflection on history, sovereignty, and the future of Hawai’i.
For more information about events click here.
Copyright 2026 Hawaii News Now. All rights reserved.
Hawaii
Man accused of trying to run over police officers in Kalihi arrested
HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – A man accused of attempting to run over police officers in Kalihi was arrested Friday.
According to the Honolulu Police Department, at around 6 p.m., officers observed a man working on a vehicle that was partially blocking the roadway.
Officers said as they approached to investigate, the suspect, a 42-year-old man, quickly entered the vehicle and then allegedly drove directly toward one officer, then reversed toward a second officer.
HPD said the suspect vehicle did hit an unmarked police vehicle.
No officers were injured.
The suspect was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder in the first degree on a law enforcement officer and resisting an order to stop.
The investigation is ongoing.
Copyright 2026 Hawaii News Now. All rights reserved.
Hawaii
State parks superintendent accused of having 2 million secret nude recordings of employees
LOS ANGELES, Calif. (KCAL/KCBS/CNN) – A former California State Parks superintendent is accused of secretly filming male employees in the nude while they changed in a locker room.
“It was like getting punched in the stomach,” said California State Parks employee Matthew Dawson.
Dawson is afraid that he was one of the Bolsa Chica lifeguards or other workers allegedly recorded in a men’s locker room in Orange County by his then-boss Kevin Pearsall.
Pearsall, who has retired, was charged by the district attorney last week with eavesdropping, secretly filming and sharing some of the nude images.
“When I was naked changing into uniform in the locker room, I remember Kevin directing me to the back area. I never thought anything of it; it just seemed eccentric and now I feel he was setting me up to undress on camera,” he said.
Attorney Gloria Allred said a lawsuit has been filed on behalf of Dawson and three other State Parks employees.
Senior Park Aide Manager Richard Corey said workers were encouraged to change in and out their uniforms in the locker room before and after their shifts.
“What happened with Kevin Pearsall is the ultimate betrayal of trust. He not only was in one of the highest positions of California State Parks, but he was a sworn, post-certified peace officer, a position of trust, and you know he, he swore not only to protect the public but also us, his employees, he failed us,” said Corey.
Pearsall is accused of hiding a USB stick that was also a tiny camera in the locker room for at least a year, recording both audio and video.
An attorney representing another potential victim says 2 million images were recorded.
Pearsall was expected to be in court in August.
Copyright 2026 CNN Newsource. All rights reserved.
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