Good morning, Honolulu.

Schofield soldier Dewayne Johnson II was sentenced to 23 years in prison on June 5 for killing his pregnant wife Mischa Johnson with a machete at their home on July 12, 2024—he also will serve an extra 303 days and face a dishonorable discharge.

Dewayne Johnson II, a Schofield soldier, pled guilty to killing his pregnant wife Mischa Johnson with a machete in their home in July 2024 — he was sentenced yesterday to 23 years in prison and 303 days in confinement and received a dishonorable discharge — during his plea trial at Wheeler Army Courthouse.

Two Hilo lawyers and a Big Island businessman were convicted Wednesday by a federal jury in Honolulu for a scam that used Hawaii County affordable housing credits and land conveyances worth at least $10.98 million—without plans to build affordable housing.

University of Hawaii President Wendy Hensel named Matt Elliott as the next athletics director pending UH Board of Regents approval on June 16.

Elliott, who led UCLA’s shift from the Pac-12 to the Big Ten and has worked with the Hawaii Community Foundation since 2024, will start no later than July 1—his base salary is $425,004 with performance incentives.

Alliance Defending Freedom attorneys representing The Babylon Bee and a Hawaii resident filed a federal lawsuit Wednesday in U.S. District Court challenging a law that censors political memes and satire and imposes fines and jail time.

Gov. Green signed the law in July 2024 and officials noted concerns over First Amendment rights during its passage—critics say the law forces large disclaimers that undermine the purpose of satire.

Honuaʻula, a housing developer in Kona, sued West View Developments and PMJ Kona over a restrictive covenant that limits building height and blocks its approved affordable housing project—alleging that West View misrepresented its rights and breached agreements to profit from the sale of key land. The lawsuit seeks a declaration of rights, injunctive relief and damages to enable the project to move forward.

Honolulu City Council is reviewing Mayor Blangiardi’s $4B budget proposal that will set spending priorities for local projects—this plan is expected to influence funding for public services across Oahu.

The University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa has selected Matt Elliott as its next athletics director—his appointment now awaits approval by the UH Board of Regents on June 16 before he is set to begin by July 1 if approved.

Elliott brings extensive Division I experience and strong local ties that are expected to bolster the athletics program.