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Hawaii County Mayor-Elect Alameda looks to ‘engage and assess’ after taking office Monday

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Hawaii County Mayor-Elect Alameda looks to ‘engage and assess’ after taking office Monday


HILO (HawaiiNewsNow) – Hawaii County will have a new mayor Monday, and he says he’s ready to hit the ground running.

Mayor-Elect Kimo Alameda is new to public office but not new to government, having served under mayors Billy Kenoi and Harry Kim. His campaign focused on bringing change and transparency to government.

Alameda is a staunch advocate for geographic equity, which is why the Hilo native says his inauguration ceremony will be in Kona on Monday at noon. It is expected to draw at least 1,000 people.

He said his first priority is to connect with the staff and assess the needs of all the county departments, in particular the wait times for building permits and obstacles to constructing more affordable housing. He said he’s considering improvements like third party reviews and shot-clock deadlines.

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Alameda draws from a range of experience from various positions, including as a school counselor and special education teacher at the state Department of Education.

He later served in the Department of Health Children’s Division as a statewide transition specialist and as head of the Adult Mental Health Division’s Office of Multicultural Services and the Office of Health Equity.

He also advocates for healthcare equity on an island plagued by a shortage of doctors in rural areas and a growing aging population.

As head of the fentanyl task force, he also plans to address drugs and homelessness.

He said he also plans to focus on emergency response to natural disasters in Hawaii County, the handling of cesspools and what’s next for the Thirty Meter Telescope (TMT).

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La Hoihoi Ea highlights Native Hawaiian perspective amid 4th of July celebrations

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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.

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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.



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Man accused of trying to run over police officers in Kalihi arrested

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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.

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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.



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State parks superintendent accused of having 2 million secret nude recordings of employees

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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.

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“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.

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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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