Hawaii
Roberto Orci, ‘Star Trek,’ ‘Transformers’ and ‘Hawaii Five-0’ Writer-Producer, Dies at 51
Roberto Orci, the writer and producer behind franchises like Star Trek, Hawaii Five-0 and Transformers, has died. He was 51.
Orci died Tuesday in his home in Los Angeles following a battle with kidney disease, his manager told The Hollywood Reporter.
Orci began his career as a writer on Xena: Warrior Princess and Hercules: The Legendary Journeys in the late 1990s.
For a time, Orci was among the hottest screenwriters in Hollywood. He and partner Alex Kurtzman had hands in multiple franchises, with the duo earning credit on J.J. Abrams’ Star Trek (2009) and Star Trek Into Darkness (2013), Michael’s Bay’s Transformers (2009) and Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (2009) and The Amazing Spider-Man 2 (2014).
The duo was also entrusted to expand Sony’s Spider-Man universe on films that never came to fruition, such as Amazing Spider-Man 3 that would have starred Andrew Garfield and a Venom movie that was scrapped before Tom Hardy’s incarnation. The duo also worked on The Mummy, Now You See Me, Ender’s Game, Cowboys & Aliens, The Proposal and Mission: Impossible III.
For television, he was among those who developed Hawaii Five-0 and was also heavily involved with Sleepy Hollow, Matador, Transformers Prime, Fringe and Alias.
His latest venture was Rubber Room Media, a writer-driven production company.
Orci was born in Mexico City and moved to the U.S. when he was 10. He is survived by his father, Roberto Orci Sr.; mother Macuqui Robau-Garcia; siblings J.R Orci, Taylor Orci and Courtney Ford; and his dog, Bogey.
“He was a visionary storyteller with a boundless heart and a beautiful soul,” his brother J.R. said in a statement. “But beyond his creative talents, he was a compassionate friend who would put his life on hold to help a stranger and find room in his home for the most overlooked pup at the shelter.”
HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – Emergency crews responded to a medical incident offshore of Kualoa Regional Park Tuesday.
The Honolulu Ocean Safety Department said rescuers were called around 1:01 p.m. for an unresponsive adult man aboard a vessel about 10 miles offshore in Kaneohe waters.
Crews met the vessel near Mokolii, also known as Chinaman’s Hat, where a lifeguard boarded and began CPR and oxygen treatment.
The man was transported to Kualoa Regional Park, where Honolulu Emergency Medical Services took over care and continued advanced treatment.
No additional information about the man’s condition was immediately available.
Copyright 2026 Hawaii News Now. All rights reserved.
Kilauea began a new episode of lava fountaining at its summit today, prompting an ashfall advisory for parts of Hawaii Island.
The Hawaiian Volcano Observatory said Episode 46 started at 8:17 a.m. inside Halemaʻumaʻu crater, with activity confined to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.
The volcano remains at watch alert level and orange aviation color code, indicating heightened unrest with increased potential for eruption hazards.
The National Weather Service issued an ashfall advisory through 8 p.m. for areas downwind of the summit, including Volcano and Mountain View.
Light and variable winds shifting southeast are expected to carry volcanic gas and ash across the summit region and toward the north and northwest areas.
Tephra, including ash and Pele’s hair, is most likely within about 3 miles of the vents, but lighter material can travel much farther.
Officials said impacts are expected to be limited, though ash particles can irritate eyes and lungs, especially for those with respiratory conditions.
Residents are urged to limit exposure by staying indoors when possible, closing windows and doors and wearing masks and eye protection if going outside.
People with water catchment systems should cover and disconnect them to prevent contamination.
Anyone observing ashfall is encouraged to report conditions to the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory at hawaiiash.science/report_form.
HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – One of the world’s premier adaptive surfing events is getting underway in Waikiki.
AccesSurf Hawaii is hosting the 2026 Hawaii Adaptive Surfing Championships this week, with competition beginning Tuesday, May 5, and running through Friday, May 8, at Queen’s Surf Break.
Now in its 18th year, the championships are part of the Adaptive Surfing Professionals World Tour and bring together more than 90 adaptive surfers from around the world competing across multiple divisions.
Organizers said the championships highlight not only elite competition, but also community, culture and inclusion.
“The Hawaii Adaptive Surfing Championships is a powerful gathering of athletes, community and purpose,” said AccesSurf Executive Director Zoe Lewis. “We are proud to host this in Waikiki, where adaptive surfers can compete at an elite level while also experiencing the culture, community and spirit of Hawaii.”
Events began Monday with an opening ceremony at the Duke Kahanamoku Statue, kicking off a week of competition and activities.
In addition to the surf competition, the week includes special events such as the Hawaiʻi premiere of The Incredible Paulk on May 6 and a community pau hana gathering on May 7.
Surf competition runs daily from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. and will also be streamed live online.
The public is invited to attend and support the athletes, with the week wrapping up Friday with an awards ceremony.
Copyright 2026 Hawaii News Now. All rights reserved.
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