Spotlight Now: Hawaii's economic outlook; top stories from 2025

Economist Carl Bonham from the University of Hawaii Economic Research Organization discusses what's in store for the state's economy in 2026, including the impact from Hawaii's minimum wage increase.  And from the New Year's deadly fireworks accident to ICE raid arrests, HNN's Daryl Huff helps bre…

Spotlight Now: Governor on TMT, illegal fireworks, and tax cut pause

Gov. Josh Green joined Spotlight Now to discuss top issues for the state, which includes looking for a new way forward to build the Thirty Meter Telescope on Hawaii Island. With New Year’s Eve and the anniversary of the deadly fireworks incident in Aliamanu approaching, the governor is urging the …

This Is Now (December 3, 2025)

Five alleged leaders of 'Greggy's Cult,' a group targeting kids online, have been indicted. A mom of a teen killed in a crash on Maui last year begs judge to not dismiss the case. A man accused of a Thanksgiving Day robbery at a sushi restaurant has been indicted.

Spotlight Now: Former governor, entrepreneur on Rediscovering Hawaii’s Soul

Community leaders join Spotlight Now to continue the conversation on rediscovering Hawaii's soul. We're joined first by former Gov. John Waihee, followed by entrepreneur Olin Lagon, a movement by the Hawaii Executive Collaborative to build a shared understanding of the depth of meaning, history, an…

Spotlight Now: US Rep. Ed Case and city prosecutor Steve Alm

Today on Spotlight Now, we’re speaking with U.S. Rep. Ed Case, D-Hawaii, on the status of shutdown recovery and the continued impacts of federal cuts. Then Honolulu prosecutor Steve Alm joins us to talk about public safety as we head into the holiday season, and a new initiative to reduce crime in …

Spotlight Now: Governor warns of slow recovery for Hawaii’s economy post-shutdown

The federal government shutdown is over, but Hawaii’s economy is still feeling the effects. Gov. Josh Green says between the shutdown, Trump’s tariffs, and the overall cuts to federal funding, the state is losing about $3 billion. He also addressed the Hawaii Public Utilities Commission’s approval …

Spotlight Now: Addressing Hawaii’s homelessness crisis

Spotlight Now first sits down with the governor’s coordinator on homelessness. Jun Yang sheds light on issues the state is facing when it comes to need and solutions, including expanding the kauhale initiative. Then we’re joined by Connie Mitchell, Institute for Human Services executive director, …

Spotlight Now: HPD interim chief, Hawaii Foodbank CEO, Lt. Gov. Sylvia Luke

Hawaii Foodbank CEO Amy Miller says her organization is working around the clock to get food to the 165,000 people in Hawaii who’ve lost their SNAP benefits. Lt. Gov. Sylvia Luke says the state is trying to fill in some of the gaps with $100 million in assistance to affected families starting Nov.…

Spotlight Now: Former Gov. David Ige, affordability survey, domestic violence awareness

On this episode of Spotlight Now: 🎙️ Former Hawaii Gov. David Ige offers perspective on the decisions he made while in office and weighs in on local and national politics. 🎙️ Holomua Collective's Josh Wisch shares findings from their latest affordability survey, which found an alarming increase…

Spotlight Now: Governor on Hawaii impacts as federal government shutdown enters 4th week

In this week’s Spotlight Now, Gov. Josh Green detailed a $100 million Hawaii Relief Program which aims to support families and nonprofits impacted by the federal government shutdown. Then, Aloha United Way CEO Michelle Bartell revealed how organizations affected by the shutdown can receive financia…