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.
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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