Hawaii

‘Mai poina ‘ole’: Native Hawaiians unite on 132nd anniversary of illegal overthrow

Published

1 year ago

January 18, 2025

‘Mai poina ‘ole’: Native Hawaiians unite on 132nd anniversary of illegal overthrow

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – Friday was a unifying day of remembrance, tradition, and reflection for the Native Hawaiian community.

The annual Onipa’a march commemorated 132 years since Queen Liliuokalani was ousted from the throne of the Hawaiian kingdom in an illegal overthrow.

“I think that this is a very important time for us to remember what happened in 1893 with the overthrow. She was so gracious to forgive — but we don’t forget. Mai poina ole,” Kumu Hula and cultural practitioner Vicky Holt Takamine said.

Thousands came together from the Native Hawaiian community, school groups, and other organizations to take part in the march that began at Mauna’ala, the royal mausoleum in Nu’uanu.

The masses weaved through the streets of Honolulu and concluded with a gathering at ‘Iolani palace.

“It’s beautiful to me. It’s heartwarming in showing our people are here. Our voices are being heard, cause I can hear them all the way in the back — and it’s just wonderful,” Waianae resident and Queen’s Court Attendant Kealaula Kapololu said.

This year’s march blended a sense of Hawaiian pride while also renewing the call for indigenous rights. Many acknowledge the progress made, but say there is still much needs to be done.

“The wrongs have not been righted. We are still at the highest level of health issues. We have the most people that are homeless. We have the most people that… don’t have enough food to eat — and keiki, and education… So we’re at the bottom of that totem pole, and I was like, we have to fix this,” Kumu Vicky said.

The day also highlighted issue like land rights, occupation, and clean water access. Ernie Lau of the board of water supply was among the speakers.

Kumu Hula Kawaikapuokalani Hewett was at the first Onipa’a march 32 years ago, and remembered speaking after respected Hawaiian scholar, the late Haunani-Kay Trask.

“From 1993 till now, of course it has grown, but it has to grow more. And more people should be become involved to do the right thing. You cannot live in Hawaii and not perpetuate what is right and what should be done,” he said.

From keiki to kupuna, the day was chance for the lahui to come together and show that Hawaiian culture is alive and well.

“Until the last kanaka maoli takes the last breath, we will fight, we will fight, and we will continue to fight for pono. For justice of our land and our people,” Kumu Kawaikapuokalani added.

Participants encouraged more people to attend next year. The march always happens on Jan. 17, the date of the overthrow

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Hawaii

Hawaii AG provides update on public corruption investigation

Published

11 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.

Previous coverage

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Hawaii

Meet Miss Aloha Hula 2026: Faith Kealohapauole Paredes

Published

23 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

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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