Hawaii

Hawaii’s Catholics react to the death of Pope Francis

Published

12 months ago

April 21, 2025

Hawaii’s Catholics react to the death of Pope Francis

Hawaii’s Catholic leaders, churches, schools, and others reflected and mourned after Pope Francis died on Easter Monday at age 88. Pope Francis had led the church since 2013. Here is a roundup of what they said.

Chaminade University

The president of Chaminade University, which is Hawaii’s only Catholic university, shared a statement reflecting on the legacy of Pope Francis, who she said would “be greatly missed.”

“Chaminade University of Honolulu joins with communities around the islands and the globe in mourning the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis on Easter Monday,” began Chaminade University President Dr. Lynn Babington’s statement.

She described the late pope as “a defender of the marginalized, an inspirational advocate for our Earth, and a beacon of hope to people from all walks of life.”

“Pope Francis challenged us to give of ourselves to ease the suffering of our neighbors and underscored the responsibility we all have to use our skills to make the world a better place for everyone,” Babington continued. “Pope Francis also believed fiercely in the transformative power of education to lift communities. He leaves us with a legacy of service and selflessness.”

“Through his writings, addresses, and homilies, Pope Francis has encouraged us to be people of hope, reconciliation and mercy. Those attributes are needed in our world at this time,” she said.

Her statement ended by saying that over the next week, prayers would be offered at various campus events for Pope Francis.

Along with being Hawaii’s only Catholic university, Chaminade University of Honolulu is one of three Marianist higher-education institutions in the U.S. Marianists are members of the Society of Mary, a 200-year-old Catholic religious congregation of brothers and priests. William Joseph Chaminade found the Society of Mary in 1817. Chaminade University of Honolulu was established in 1955 and offers more than 30 undergraduate and graduate programs.

Maryknoll School

Maryknoll School shared on Facebook a remembrance of Pope Francis, which said: “On this Easter Monday, we thank God for your life of humble service and your prophetic call to care for creation, defend human dignity, and live with boundless compassion. May your legacy continue to inspire us to walk humbly with Christ.”

Maryknoll School, a private Catholic school in Honolulu, was blessed in 1927. The school is administered by the Diocese of Honolulu in association with its original founders, the Maryknoll Society of brothers and priests and the Maryknoll Congregation.

Saint Louis School

Founded in 1846, Saint Louis School is a Catholic college preparatory school for boys, which is adjacent to Chaminade University in Honolulu.

“Rest in peace Pope Francis,” the school wrote on Facebook, while sharing the image below.

Cathedral Basilica of Our Lady of Peace

The Cathedral Basilica of Our Lady of Peace, which is the mother church and cathedral of the Diocese of Honolulu, shared a statement via Facebook.

“As one body in the Risen Christ, we pray for the repose of the soul of our beloved shepherd, Pope Francis, who passed on Easter Monday, April 21, 2025, at his residence in the Vatican’s Casa Santa Marta. He was 88 years of age.”

The first Catholic missionaries arrived in Hawaii on July 7, 1827, and the following year the Cathedral of Our Lady of Peace was built, according to the Cathedral Basilica of Our Lady of Peace website. In 1831, King Kamehameha III, who had converted to Protestant Christianity via the Congregational church, restricted Catholicism from being practiced in Hawaii. But in 1839, the king reversed his boycott, allowing for the establishment of the Hawaii Catholic Church. Catholic priests formally dedicated the Cathedral on August 15, 1843.

Catholic Diocese

Since 2023, Bishop Larry Silva has served as the Catholic Diocese of Honolulu.

“After many prayers for his recovery, Pope Francis has passed to his eternal rest,” Silva said in a statement. “How blessed is Pope Francis to have died on this Easter week, after dedicating his life and his papacy to proclaiming the Lord Jesus as alive and active in our world.”

“May he be raised up to eternal life with the risen Lord he loved so much. May his apostolic ministry bear much good fruit for generations to come!”⁣

Vicar General Msgr. Gary Secor of the Diocese of Honolulu said: “I was surprised and saddened by the death of Pope Francis which occurred late this evening/early morning in Rome.”⁣

Noting that Pope Francis had appeared in St. Peter’s Square on Easter Sunday, the day before his death, to deliver his annual “urbi et orbi” (“to the city and the world”) message, Msgr. Secor added, “It seems that he really desired until the end of his life to fulfill his important duty as the Holy Father and did that with much courage and determination.”⁣

“I know that an essential part of his pontificate was a desire to reach out to people, as he said, ‘on the peripheries of the world,’ and that was certainly something that he did and something that he challenged use to do as a church and for that I am very grateful.”⁣

Catholic Charities of Hawaii

Started in 1947, Catholic Charities of Hawaii supports and helps Hawaii residents with the greatest need, regardless of their faith or culture. The nonprofit organization shared a statement on Facebook that they are “mourning the passing of Pope Francis.”

Catholic Charities of Hawaii described Pope Francis as “a compassionate leader who reminded us all of our shared duty to serve others with love, dignity, and humility.”

They shared a quote from Pope Francis: “Charity — caritas — is our very life; it is what makes us ‘be’ what we are.”

“He called us not to be indifferent bystanders, but Good Samaritans who cross the road and reach out to those in need,” the statement continued. “His legacy lives on in every act of compassion, every hand extended in service, and every life touched by love.”

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Hawaii

Hawaii AG provides update on public corruption investigation

Published

9 hours ago

April 11, 2026

Press Room

Hawaii AG provides update on public corruption investigation

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – The Hawaii Attorney General‘s office issued its regular biweekly update Friday regarding an ongoing criminal public corruption investigation.

The case concerns the disclosure of about $35,000 to a Hawaii politician.

The AG’s Special Investigation and Prosecution Division has reviewed thousands of pages of subpoenaed materials and conducting 18 interviews, which have helped shed light on the circumstances under investigation.

According to this latest update, they are getting a more refined timeline of events surrounding the transaction in question, bringing investigators closer to some of the key answers they need.

Hawaii Attorney General Anne Lopez addressed the lengthy process as the public waits for details.

“I understand that people want answers, and we want the same,” Lopez said. “Following the rule of law is paramount to ensure that individual constitutional rights are protected. Releasing information for any purpose other than to further the investigation would violate my oath of office and my promise to the people of Hawaii.”

Lopez also took a moment to praise the work of the news outlets coverage of the case.

“I appreciate the responsible reporting from the news media,” Lopez said. “More than anyone, journalists understand the importance of being absolutely certain of the facts before releasing information.”

The AG has not identified any individuals involved because the investigation is active.

The next public update is scheduled for Friday, April 24.

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Hawaii

Meet Miss Aloha Hula 2026: Faith Kealohapauole Paredes

Published

21 hours ago

April 10, 2026

Press Room

Meet Miss Aloha Hula 2026: Faith Kealohapauole Paredes

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – Faith Kealohapau‘ole Paredes of Hālau Kekuaokalāʻauʻalaʻiliahi (Nā Kumu Haunani & ‘Iliahi Paredes) was crowned Miss Aloha Hula Thursday night at the Merrie Monarch Festival, topping a field of 13 competitors in the festival’s first night of competition.

The contest features performances in hula kahiko, hula ʻauana and oli, showcasing both technical precision and artistic interpretation.

Judges scored competitors on a range of elements, including kaʻi; interpretation and expression; posture and precision; hand gestures; foot and body movement; hoʻi; authenticity of costume and adornments; grooming; and overall performance.

The 21-year-old from Maui received 1,161 points.

“It’s surreal,” she said. “I’m just so honored and blessed to be able to show and share my lineage and share the hula from my hello with all of Hawaii and all of the world.”

Paredes also won the Hawaiian Language Award.

“Hula will forever live,” she said. “It is through us speaking out in ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi. It is through us (to) not be ashamed of who we are and to hula on. Dance with your heart out.”

Paredes is a Kamehameha Schools graduate and attends Dartmouth College. She won the title of Miss Keiki Hula in 2015.

The rest of the finalists were as follows:

1st runner up: Keoe Momilani Michiko Hoe (1,156)

2nd runner up: Lahela Hoʻokela Medina Maio (1,134 points)

3rd runner up: Leimana Kaleinamanu Purdy (1,115 points)

4th runner up: Jelacia Naomi Waiauokalaniākea Peralta (1,098 points)

The festival continues Friday night with group hula kahiko.

View our Merrie Monarch Festival online hub here.

Samantha Makanani Aguon Newman

Nā Kumu Hula Karl Veto Baker & Michael Lanakila Casupang

Haily Kamakahukilani Nawahine Nascimento

Nā Kumu Hula William Kahakuleilehua Haunu‘u “Sonny” Ching & Lōpaka Igarta-De Vera

Kēhaulani Kaleikaumakamaeʻiʻomakamae Rubonal

Kumu Hula Keolalaulani Dalire

Mālie Kapuaonaonaikamauʻuuaolalokoikealohaokalaniākea Moe

Kumu Hula Kapua Dalire-Moe

Lilia Kaleialohaokealohalani Ka’ōnohi’ula Keohokapuakeakua Iokepa-Guerrero

Kumu Hula Niuliʻi Heine

Jovian Kauanoeokalaulani Range-Semisi

Nā Kumu Hula Kunewa Mook & Kau‘ionālani Kamana‘o

Keoe Momilani Michiko Hoe

Kumu Hula Robert Ke‘ano Ka‘upu IV

Lahela Hoʻokela Medina Maio

Nā Kumu Hula Tracie & Keawe Lopes

Faith Lynn Kealohapauʻole Paredes

Nā Kumu Hula Haunani & ‘Iliahi Paredes

Jelacia Naomi Waiauokalaniākea Peralta

Kumu Breeze Ann Kalehuaonālani Vidinha Pavao

Hiʻileilanikauakapukapuokeānuenue Puchalski

Kumu Hula Keli‘iho‘omalu Puchalski

Leimana Kaleinamanu Purdy

Kumu Hula Nāpua Silva

Līlianani Maya Rae Pi

Kumu Hula Kenneth Dean Alohapumehanaokalā Victor

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Hawaii lawmakers push for continued tax relief for most families

Published

1 day ago

April 10, 2026

Press Room

Hawaii lawmakers push for continued tax relief for most families

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – The Hawaii State Legislature is entering the final weeks of the 2025 session with at least one point of agreement: income taxes will continue to decline for most families.

Both the House and Senate rejected the governor’s plan to cancel some tax relief, despite earlier uncertainty about the state’s financial situation.

“So what the Senate’s position is, is we want to make sure that the promises that were made are kept, especially with those families that make $350,000 a year or less,” said Senate Ways and Means chair Donovan Dela Cruz.

House Finance chair Rep. Chris Todd agreed the priority is ensuring ongoing tax relief.

Energy tax credits targeted to offset revenue loss

Continuing to reduce taxes means nearly $2 billion has to come from somewhere else. The Senate Ways and Means Committee voted to eliminate state energy tax credits for things like solar power and electric cars in 2029.

The credits could be saved if the economy improves.

“So this becomes a shared approach. Government cuts, business tax credits, get sunset, and then we’re still charging some of the higher end income brackets,” Dela Cruz said. “Their tax breaks are going to get repealed.”

House proposes tax increase on high earners

The House moved along a redesigned tax package that makes tax credits for spending on child care and food more generous and raises income taxes on families with incomes over $350,000.

“It would provide some ongoing tax relief to low to middle income families, but in return, we would request a 1% tax increase on very high income families,” Todd said.

The financial picture is clearer now, even with flood disaster costs, because of the federal disaster declaration.

“Now the state’s eligible to get reimbursed for a lot of these funds. We’re not sure what it’s going to look like, but that’s going to be positive for us,” Dela Cruz said.

Todd said the state is sitting on a solid reserve, a luxury not many states have right now.

All the proposals from the House and the Senate are now going into conference committee, where the final details will be worked out over the next month.

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