Hawaii
10 missing children and youth on Oahu recovered through ‘Operation Shine the Light’
HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – A multi-agency operation, called “Operation Shine the Light,” successfully recovered 10 endangered missing children and youth on Oahu over the weekend.
The effort, led by the Hawaii Department of the Attorney General and the Hawaii Department of Human Services, also resulted in several arrests and investigations into child victimization.
The recovered individuals, ranging in age from 13 to 18, were reported as runaways and were considered to be at high risk of abuse, exploitation, and/or trafficking.
This initiative not only located the vulnerable children and provided them with essential services, it simultaneously deterred other predators.
Operation Shine the Light involved a large coalition of agencies, including the Honolulu Police Department, FBI, U.S. Marshals Service, U.S. Secret Service, Army Criminal Investigation Division, Department of Law Enforcement Sheriff Division, Hale Kipa Statewide Trafficking Victim Assistance Program, Oahu First Circuit Family Court, and the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, alongside other community partners.
According to the NCMEC, one in seven of the more than 29,000 children reported missing in 2024 were likely victims of child sex trafficking. The number rises to 18% for children who had run from child welfare care.
Federal law, specifically the Preventing Sex Trafficking and Strengthening Families Act of 2014, mandates that state social service agencies immediately report any missing or abducted child in state care to both law enforcement and NCMEC.
Operation Shine the Light was originally launched in 2020 by the Hawaii Department of the Attorney General’s Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force and Missing Child Center-Hawaii.
It serves as a cooperative model focused on the recovery and protection of endangered missing foster youth.
“Operation Shine the Light is a multidisciplinary task force model unique to our state where compassion, focus, attention, professionalism and preparedness all come together to bring endangered keiki home safely,” said MCCH Coordinator Amanda Leonard. “There is no waiting period to report a missing, abducted or runaway child to your local police department.”
Community members are urged to help in the fight against child abuse and trafficking by contacting the Hawaii Department of Human Services hotlines:
- Child Abuse or Neglect: (808) 832-5300 (Oahu)
- Child Abuse aor Neglect: (888) 380-3088 (Hawaii Island, Maui, Molokai, Lanai, Kauai)
- Child Trafficking: (808) 832-1999 (Oahu)
- Child Trafficking: (888) 398-1188 (Hawaii Island, Maui, Molokai, Lanai, Kauai)
Anyone with information regarding missing children or the exploitation of children is encouraged to contact the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children at (800) THE-LOST (1-800-843-5678).
Copyright 2025 Hawaii News Now. All rights reserved.
HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – Honolulu police are investigating an shooting near Ala Moana that left one person critically injured.
Police say it happened around 4:53 a.m. near the intersection of Keeaumoku Street and Kapiolani Boulevard.
Honolulu EMS said crews treated a 23-year-old man with an apparent gunshot wound and transported him to an emergency room in critical condition.
No additional details were immediately available.
The investigation is ongoing.
Copyright 2026 Hawaii News Now. All rights reserved.
LIHUE — A number of road-related projects are on tap in the days ahead with grass cutting, tree trimming and guardrail repair making up the bulk of the work, the Hawaii Department of Transportation said in an update on Friday.
Lane closure schedules may change at any time without further notice. All projects are weather permitting. A map of lane closures can be found here, https://hidot.hawaii.gov/highways/roadwork/
The following is a list of projects scheduled for the workweek ending Friday. All work is weather permitting.
Kipu to Omao
Single lane closure on Kaumualii Highway (Route 50), possible in either direction, between mile post 2.9 to 8.5 in the vicinity of Kipu Road and Maha Road, on Sunday, June 14 to Friday, June 19 from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. for installing rumble strips on the edges and striping. Alternating traffic will be routed through the open lane.
Omao to Kalaheo
Single lane closure on Kaumualii Highway (Route 50), possible in either direction, between mile post 8 to 13, on Monday, June 15 to Friday, June 19 from 7:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. for landscape maintenance.
Omao to Lawai
Single lane closure on Kaumualii Highway (Route 50), possible in either direction, between mile post 9 to 9.6 in the vicinity of Upa Road and Piko Road, on Monday, June 15 to Friday, June 19 from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. for reconstruction of weakened pavement.
Makaweli to Pakala
Single lane closure on Kaumualii Highway (Route 50), possible in either direction, between mile post 20.6 to 21 in the vicinity of Private Road, on Wednesday, June 17 from 9 p.m. to 12 p.m. for KIUC to do utility line work. Alternating traffic will be routed through the open lane.
Nawiliwili
Single lane closure on Rice Street (Route 51), possible in either direction, near mile post 0.8 in the vicinity of Lala Road and Kapule Highway, on Monday, June 15 to and Friday, June 19 from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. for installing pavement striping and markers on the roadway. Alternating traffic will be routed through the open lane.
Lihue
Center lane closure on Kuhio Highway (Route 56) in both directions, between mile post 0.1 to 0.3, in the vicinity of Hardy Street and Poinciana Street nightly on Sunday, June 14 to Friday, June 19 from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. for waterline replacement. No left turns will be allowed through the work area. Details: Details: https://bit.ly/48k1X3p
Roving single lane closure on Kuhio Highway (Route 56), possible in either direction, between mile post 4 to 12, in the vicinity of Kauai Beach Road, on Tuesday, June 16 to Thursday, June 18 from 1 a.m. to 6:30 a.m. for herbicide application on guardrails, signs and mile marker poles.
Anahola
Single lane closure on Kuhio Highway (Route 56), possible in either direction, between mile post 13 to 14, in the vicinity of Kukuihale Road and Aliomanu Road, on Monday, June 15 to Friday 19 from 7:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. for landscape maintenance.
Kalihiwai to Princeville
Single lane closure on Kuhio Highway (Route 56), possible in either direction, between mile post 24.2 to 28.1, in the vicinity of Kahiliholo Road to Emmalani Drive, Monday, June 15 to Friday, June 19 from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. for striping.
Hanalei
Single lane closure on Kuhio Highway (Route 560), in the westbound direction, between mile post 2.6 to 2.8, in the vicinity of Aku Road and Malolo Road, on Sunday, June 14 to Friday, June 19 from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. for paving work. Traffic will be detoured to Weke Road via Aku Road and Malolo Road.
Waikoko
Single lane closure on Kuhio Highway (Route 560), in the westbound direction, between mile post 4.6 to 4.8, in the vicinity of Waikoko Bridge and Lumahai Beach, on Monday, June 15 to Friday, June 19 from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. for striping, planting, hydroseeding, and anchoring mesh. Alternating traffic will be routed through the open lane.
Kokee
Full closure of Waimea Canyon Drive (Route 550), between mile post 0.4 to 6.7, in the vicinity of Maule Road and Kokee Road, on Wednesday, June 17 to Friday, June 19 from 8 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. for full depth road reconstruction. Details: https://bit.ly/4eD9kX7
Single lane closure of Waimea Canyon Drive (Route 550), possible in either direction, between mile post 3 to 6, on Monday, June 15 to Friday, June 19 from 7:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. for landscape maintenance.
Pua Loke
Single lane closure on Nawiliwili Road (Route 58) in the eastbound direction between mile post 1.8 to 1.9 in the vicinity of Haleko Road and Kukui Grove Street on, Monday, June 15 to Friday, June 19 from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. for sewer line installation.
Wailua Homesteads
Roving lane closure of Kuamoo Road (Route 580), possible in either direction between mile post 3 to 3.5, in the vicinity of Pokukala Street and Paako Street on Monday, June 15 to Tuesday, June 16 from 7:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. for landscape maintenance.
Wailua to Kapaa
Single lane closure of Kapaa Bypass Road (Route 5600), between mile post 0.8 to 3, in the vicinity of Kuhio Highway (Wailua) to Olohena Road (Kapaa) on Sunday, June 14 to Friday, June 19 from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. for marking and striping. Details: https://bit.ly/4vWH8Fg
HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – Firefighters responded to a wildland fire that broke out in Nanakuli on Saturday morning.
The fire was first reported around 10:36 a.m., prompting a response from multiple Honolulu Fire Department units.
Officials said no evacuations were necessary as crews worked to contain the blaze.
HFD reported the fire was 50% contained at 11:32 a.m., increasing to 75% by 11:46 a.m.
Several engines, tankers and command units were on scene, along with additional resources to support suppression efforts. No injuries or damage to structures were immediately reported.
The cause of the fire was not immediately available.
Copyright 2026 Hawaii News Now. All rights reserved.
-
News20 minutes agoFate of historic slavery exhibit targeted by Trump hangs in the balance
-
Los Angeles, Ca2 hours agoPasadena man run over by catalytic converter thieves faces long recovery
-
Detroit, MI2 hours agoVernors fans tickled to celebrate 160 years of iconic pop at Detroit event
-
San Francisco, CA2 hours agoChicago Cubs vs. San Francisco Giants preview, Sunday 6/14, 2:10 CT
-
Dallas, TX2 hours agoDallas Stadium Live: Traffic, weather & match updates — Japan vs Netherlands
-
Miami, FL2 hours agoSpirit Airlines acquisition bid submitted by Mooney International, company says
-
Boston, MA3 hours agoBoston Police Blotter: Boat fire in Dorchester near Rainbow Swash mural
-
Denver, CO3 hours agoKalshi World Cup Promo Code DENVER: Trade $10, Get $10 Bonus for Sunday Night Matches – Denver Stiffs
