Hawaii mobilized more National Guard personnel ahead of this weekend, as another heavy storm hits the state. 

More than 300 National Guard troops are now mobilized, up from “just over 200” still active from the previous month’s storm response mission, a spokesperson for the Hawaii National Guard confirmed to Task & Purpose on Friday. The activation came as state and local governments spend several days preparing for what is expected to be a week of severe weather from another “Kona Low” storm. Last month, Hawaii saw record breaking levels of rain, with more than six inches of water pouring down on several of the islands and elements of the National Guard, Coast Guard and other military personnel helping with extensive search and rescue operations on multiple islands. 

Now the state is dealing with another “Kona Low” storm, a type of cyclone that hits the islands with westerly winds and rain. Heavy rains hit Oahu again on Friday, with much of the deluge impacting the northern and western shores of the island, according to local media. The storms closed several roads, but a flash flood warning was lifted in the evening. 

Although this week’s weather hasn’t prompted search and rescue missions yet, the Hawaii National Guard Joint Task Force, which is overseeing responses across the islands, has spent several days preparing.

As part of those efforts, troops filled more than 4,000 sandbags ahead of this week’s storms, a spokesperson said. Additionally, two Black Hawk helicopters are staged on the island of Hawaii and on Oahu for search and rescue and medical evacuations missions if need be. The National Guard also set up High Water Vehicle Teams around Oahu, Maui and the big island, meant to move into flooded areas to help rescue people trapped. As the storms began to come in ahead of the weekend, Hawaii Gov. Josh Green activated the additional personnel. 

A flood watch was in effect for several Hawaiian islands overnight. Although the National Weather Service forecasts a drier Saturday, more rainfall is expected over the weekend. Rain is expected to continue into the start of next week, bringing several inches to parts of the state. Many parts of Oahu are still recovering from last month’s storms, with crews still working to repair infrastructure and clear debris, according to the Honolulu city and county government. 

Hawaii has been battered by multiple Kona Lows in recent weeks. The first left much of Oahu heavily saturated, causing large parts of the island to flood when a second storm hit it between March 20-23. National Guard troops also deployed to a major dam on Oahu, which faced the risk of failure if water levels continued to rise. 

No one is reported to have died during the March storms, but the flooding caused extensive damage in Hawaii and large-scale evacuations of parts of Oahu. Military personnel including the Hawaii National Guard and Coast Guard helped rescue more than 230 people.

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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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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