Hawaii
‘Oprah of China’ expresses regret over death of protected bird on her Oahu property
HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – A woman who’s been called the “Oprah of China” says she’s heartbroken over the killing of a protected bird on her former North Shore property.
Yue-Sai Kan says she didn’t order its death and donated the multi-million dollar property to the state to avoid a long legal fight.
The media and cosmetics mogul has a wall of fame in her Hawaii home, showing off her interactions with everyone from former President Barack Obama to actress Halle Berry, and a lifetime of global experiences detailed in her new book “The Most Famous Woman in China.”
“BYU was my school and I literally grew up for years, 16 to 20. I was in Laie and when I saw this piece of land, I thought how wonderful it would be,” Kan told Hawaii News Now.
Last year, controversy erupted at her 4.7-acre property at Marconi Point in Kahuku after the death of a protected native mōlī (Laysan albatross) named Ho’okipa. State investigators reported a groundsworker threw a rock at the bird’s head, which angered conservationists.
Entrepreneur dubbed ‘Chinese Oprah’ poised to donate beachfront property to avoid high fines
“Of course, I was very sad. There was a bird that was raising eggs on my property and we were so excited,” said Kan.
“I’m not a bird killer. I’m a daughter of a horticulturist,” she added.
Kan says she wanted to create a kukui and taro farm for the community and was in Europe when it happened.
Hawaii News Now asked what happened to the groundkeeper.
“Honestly, I don’t know and I have never met him. I don’t know him. Actually, I think we didn’t even hire him directly. We hired someone else to clear our weeds for us and that person hired him,” said Kan.
Kan could have faced $1.5 million in fines for alleged violations, but says rather than a long legal fight, she decided to donate her more than $5 million property to the North Shore Community Land Trust.
“I don’t have the time, nor the energy or the age to try to fight everything,” said Kan.
She says she was not aware of the regulations over her land.
The “settlement does not compensate the state for the devastating loss of the albatross, the bees, or of high-quality habitat, but ensures that Unit 1 (the donated land) is preserved for the benefit of those same species and restored with their survival in mind,” said the Department of Land and Natural Resources, in a statement.
“The DLNR has agreed to not pursue criminal charges and Kan is not required to admit fault, liability, guilt, or obligation,” the state agency added.
“We will make the highest use of this opportunity to advance our efforts to fully restore this amazing coastal dune environment,” said Adam Borrello, executive director at the North Shore Community Land Trust, in a statement.
Kan believes her portrayal has been unfair, but says with the donation, it’s time to move on and focus on the philanthropy.
“I do care more that the land is under the stewardship of people who know how to take care of that land,” she said.
Copyright 2024 Hawaii News Now. All rights reserved.
HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – Emergency crews responded to a medical incident offshore of Kualoa Regional Park Tuesday.
The Honolulu Ocean Safety Department said rescuers were called around 1:01 p.m. for an unresponsive adult man aboard a vessel about 10 miles offshore in Kaneohe waters.
Crews met the vessel near Mokolii, also known as Chinaman’s Hat, where a lifeguard boarded and began CPR and oxygen treatment.
The man was transported to Kualoa Regional Park, where Honolulu Emergency Medical Services took over care and continued advanced treatment.
No additional information about the man’s condition was immediately available.
Copyright 2026 Hawaii News Now. All rights reserved.
Kilauea began a new episode of lava fountaining at its summit today, prompting an ashfall advisory for parts of Hawaii Island.
The Hawaiian Volcano Observatory said Episode 46 started at 8:17 a.m. inside Halemaʻumaʻu crater, with activity confined to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.
The volcano remains at watch alert level and orange aviation color code, indicating heightened unrest with increased potential for eruption hazards.
The National Weather Service issued an ashfall advisory through 8 p.m. for areas downwind of the summit, including Volcano and Mountain View.
Light and variable winds shifting southeast are expected to carry volcanic gas and ash across the summit region and toward the north and northwest areas.
Tephra, including ash and Pele’s hair, is most likely within about 3 miles of the vents, but lighter material can travel much farther.
Officials said impacts are expected to be limited, though ash particles can irritate eyes and lungs, especially for those with respiratory conditions.
Residents are urged to limit exposure by staying indoors when possible, closing windows and doors and wearing masks and eye protection if going outside.
People with water catchment systems should cover and disconnect them to prevent contamination.
Anyone observing ashfall is encouraged to report conditions to the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory at hawaiiash.science/report_form.
HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – One of the world’s premier adaptive surfing events is getting underway in Waikiki.
AccesSurf Hawaii is hosting the 2026 Hawaii Adaptive Surfing Championships this week, with competition beginning Tuesday, May 5, and running through Friday, May 8, at Queen’s Surf Break.
Now in its 18th year, the championships are part of the Adaptive Surfing Professionals World Tour and bring together more than 90 adaptive surfers from around the world competing across multiple divisions.
Organizers said the championships highlight not only elite competition, but also community, culture and inclusion.
“The Hawaii Adaptive Surfing Championships is a powerful gathering of athletes, community and purpose,” said AccesSurf Executive Director Zoe Lewis. “We are proud to host this in Waikiki, where adaptive surfers can compete at an elite level while also experiencing the culture, community and spirit of Hawaii.”
Events began Monday with an opening ceremony at the Duke Kahanamoku Statue, kicking off a week of competition and activities.
In addition to the surf competition, the week includes special events such as the Hawaiʻi premiere of The Incredible Paulk on May 6 and a community pau hana gathering on May 7.
Surf competition runs daily from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. and will also be streamed live online.
The public is invited to attend and support the athletes, with the week wrapping up Friday with an awards ceremony.
Copyright 2026 Hawaii News Now. All rights reserved.
-
Entertainment5 minutes agoTed Turner, CNN creator who revolutionized the media industry, dies at 87
-
Lifestyle11 minutes agoAn Altadena glassblower lost his home to flames. In his studio, he’s forging something new
-
Politics17 minutes agoCommentary: How I learned to stop worrying about noncitizens voting in L.A. elections
-
Science23 minutes agoRFK Jr. clears path for minors’ use of tanning beds, much to the dismay of dermatologists
-
Sports29 minutes agoLakers hurting for Luka Doncic as offensive slump continues in Game 1 against Thunder
-
World41 minutes agoEU reset: Hungary’s incoming PM to meet Giorgia Meloni in Rome
-
News1 hour agoPope Leo rejects claim he supports nuclear weapons after Trump tirade
-
New York3 hours agoPollution Worsened in South Bronx After Congestion Tolls, Study Finds