Good morning, Honolulu.

Honolulu Fire Department posted a viral video at 5 a.m. Wednesday that warns hikers on Oahu to avoid common mistakes like not carrying water, a charged cell phone, or proper footwear at Koko Head Stairs.

Firefighters advise staying on marked trails and informing someone of hiking plans.

State leaders and community partners celebrated the expansion of Hoʻokahi Leo Kauhale on Middle Street in Kalihi on Thursday, which added 30 affordable housing units with supportive services for formerly homeless residents.

Hawaii Business Magazine won 23 statewide journalism awards, including nine first-place prizes, last Wednesday for its 2025 reporting and design work on topics such as Lahaina’s recovery and housing.

Managing Editor Ken Wills and fellow writers received recognition for government, business, and feature reporting (highlighting strong local coverage).

Billy V Live streamed at 12:30, sharing the latest updates with local recording artists and their stories.

The live broadcast, reported by Hawaii News Now, featured host Billy V — a familiar face in local entertainment — discussing fresh directions.

Jeanne Gibson, a cherished WWII Rosie the Riveter who shared her wartime stories at the Pearl Harbor Memorial, died Thursday at age 100.

She worked as a welder building destroyers and inspired young girls, and was honored with the Congressional Gold Medal in 2024 + Pacific Historic Parks noted her lasting impact.

Hawaii News Now was honored with six Society of Professional Journalists awards Wednesday night in Honolulu and earned over $10,000 for investigative reporting entries; the awards recognized work in categories such as Internet, newsletter, and radio.

Researchers are checking a lone humpback whale near Kaanapali to see if it is an orphaned calf whose mother died off Molokai or a young whale that missed its migration.

Boaters are advised to keep at least 100 yards away + officials monitor its unusual behavior.

Honolulu’s Department of Transportation Services lowered school zone speed limits from 25 to 20 mph when children are present from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. on school days.

New signs near more than 200 schools will be installed as part of the Complete Streets and Vision Zero initiative.

The Blood Bank of Hawaii is urgently seeking blood donations due to a national supply crisis declared by the American Red Cross because of extreme heat, poor air quality, and foodborne illnesses.

Appointments can be made online to help hospitals secure lifesaving supplies.

The DOH red carded Baan Thai Family Cuisine in Kailua-Kona on July 29 for a rodent infestation + critical food safety violations found during an inspection.

The restaurant remains closed until it corrects issues such as cleaning, pest control, and equipment repairs.

On Thursday, UH women’s volleyball head coach Joshua Walker opened fall camp with a new staff — including UH alum Kolby Kanetake and former BYU head coach Heather Olmstead.

Walker stressed player health after last season’s injuries as the team prepares for an exhibition match with UH at Hilo.

The University of Hawaii men's basketball team held practice Thursday as they prepared for a cultural tour and two exhibition matches in Sydney from Aug.

6–13. They will face the Illawarra Hawks on Aug. 10 and the Sydney Kings on Aug. 12 to gain international experience.