Hawaii

During the Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2026 exercise, U.S. and allied forces sank two decommissioned warships—USS Peleliu and USS Mobile Bay—in a sinking exercise (SINKEX) off Hawaii. The event showcased expanding allied anti-ship capabilities, including U.S. Army HIMARS, Japanese Type 12 missiles, Navy LRASM, submarine-launched Harpoons, and drone strikes. Involving 30,000 personnel from 30 nations, the drills emphasized integrated maritime strike systems aimed at countering Chinese naval expansion in the Indo-Pacific.

14 reports · 6 sources · Updated Aug 4, 09:17 AM UTC

On July 17, 2026, the U.S. Navy conducted its first live-fire training exercise with the Global Autonomous Reconnaissance Craft (GARC), a kamikaze drone boat, during RIMPAC 2026 off Hawaii. The GARC struck the decommissioned USS Peleliu in a sinking exercise (SINKEX), carrying a 1,000-pound payload and using Anduril’s Lattice autonomy. The milestone, announced by USVDIV-32 Commander Sarah Weinstein, follows the Navy’s first combat use of similar USVs against an Iranian facility weeks earlier.

10 reports · 4 sources · Updated Jul 29, 04:16 PM UTC

Portuguese surfer Maria Salgado qualified for the second round of the US Open of Surfing, the second stage of the Challenger Series, held in Huntington Beach, California. She finished second in the sixth heat of the opening round with 7.43 points, behind South African Sarah Baum (10.03 points). Hawaiian Eweleiula Wong and South African Louise Lepront were eliminated. Salgado will face Hawaiian Bettylou Sakura Johnson, Japanese Kana Nakashio, and Australian Sophie McCulloch in the round of 32. Fellow Portuguese surfers Teresa Bonvalot and Francisca Veselko, exempt from the first round, will debut in later heats. In the men's draw, Francisco Morais and Guilherme Ribeiro are set to compete.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 29, 10:10 AM UTC

Hawaii's Democratic Lieutenant Governor Sylvia Luke, along with four others, has been indicted in a state corruption investigation. The charges include bribery conspiracy, as reported by multiple news outlets including Fox News, The New York Times, KHON2, Honolulu Star-Advertiser, and Honolulu Civil Beat. The indictment stems from a probe into alleged corrupt activities, raising questions about governance and prompting discussions on reforms. The case involves former state representatives and other individuals, marking a significant political scandal in Hawaii.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 25, 01:44 PM UTC

During the Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2026 exercise, the U.S. Navy used one-way attack unmanned surface vessels (USVs) to sink the decommissioned amphibious assault ship USS Peleliu off Hawaii. Two Global Autonomous Reconnaissance Craft (GARC) drones from Unmanned Surface Vessel Division 32 struck the ship's waterline after missile impacts from Harpoon, Spike, and LRASM systems. The demonstration marks a milestone in the Navy's push to field autonomous attack drones, drawing on lessons from Ukraine's use of kamikaze sea drones against Russian forces in the Black Sea. The exercise also served as an Operational Test event, showcasing capabilities to allies and adversaries. The Navy's Combined Task Force 66, focused on asymmetric warfare, has closely studied Ukraine's battlefield experiences to accelerate U.S. unmanned initiatives.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 25, 07:45 AM UTC

U.S. Space Force 1st Lt. Thomas Moriarty, a 48-year-old operations officer at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, set six Hawaii state powerlifting records at the 2026 USA Powerlifting Hawaii State Championship on April 25. His lifts included a 537.5 kg total. He trains at 3 a.m. three days a week, emphasizing fitness for military readiness. He also mentors fellow service members, helping one lose 26 pounds and pass a fitness test. He aims to compete in Las Vegas in September for a pro card and 2027 Masters Nationals qualification.

6 reports · 2 sources · Updated Jul 24, 02:48 PM UTC

Published on July 22, 2026, by The Hindu, this feature article by Indulekha S. examines the extensive training astronauts undergo for space missions. It covers Extra-Vehicular Activity (EVA) training in neutral buoyancy pools at NASA's Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory and Russia's Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center. Geological field training prepares astronauts for planetary exploration using Earth analogs like Hawaii's volcanic landscapes, as done for Apollo missions. Survival training addresses emergency scenarios during spaceflight. The article emphasizes the years of rigorous preparation—physical, mental, and simulated—required to ensure astronauts are efficient and valiant in space. It includes images of European astronauts training for lunar missions and historical Apollo training photos.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 22, 04:49 AM UTC

The article reports on the U.S. military's ongoing strikes against Iran, marking the ninth consecutive night of precision strikes and the start of a tenth round, as the reinstated blockade of Iranian ports nears one week. Over 20 U.S. Navy warships are operating in the Arabian Sea and Indian Ocean, including two Carrier Strike Groups (USS Abraham Lincoln and USS George H.W. Bush) and an Amphibious Ready Group (USS Boxer). CENTCOM forces have redirected seven commercial vessels and disabled one oil tanker with Hellfire missiles. In the Pacific, USS George Washington is conducting operations in the Philippine Sea, USS Theodore Roosevelt is participating in RIMPAC 2026 near Hawaii, and several carriers are in port or maintenance in the U.S. The article provides a comprehensive status update on U.S. carrier and amphibious ready group deployments worldwide.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 20, 10:36 PM UTC

The U.S. conducted a ninth consecutive night of precision strikes against Iran and announced a tenth round, as the reinstated blockade of Iranian ports nears one week. Over 20 U.S. Navy warships operate in the Arabian Sea and Indian Ocean, including two Carrier Strike Groups (USS Abraham Lincoln, USS George H.W. Bush) and an Amphibious Ready Group (USS Boxer). CENTCOM forces have redirected seven commercial vessels and disabled one oil tanker with Hellfire missiles. In the Pacific, USS George Washington conducted fueling operations in the Philippine Sea, while USS Theodore Roosevelt participates in RIMPAC 2026 near Hawaii. USS Nimitz is at Norfolk for deactivation, USS Carl Vinson is in San Diego after certifications. Overall, three carriers are deployed, three are training or in port, four in maintenance, and one used for training. Two amphibious ready groups are deployed.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 20, 10:36 PM UTC

This Yahoo Finance article analyzes U.S. Census Bureau data on median retirement savings by state, highlighting significant geographic disparities. The highest median savings are found in Massachusetts ($149,000), Hawaii ($149,000), Washington ($143,400), New Jersey ($134,000), and Maryland ($120,000). These states generally have higher costs of living, but also higher wages. The article notes that factors such as cost of living, state income taxes, and housing prices heavily influence how much residents can save. It emphasizes using median rather than average figures to avoid distortion by very wealthy households. The piece also discusses how taxes on retirement withdrawals and Social Security vary by state, affecting overall retirement preparedness.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 20, 09:43 PM UTC

This Yahoo Finance article analyzes U.S. Census Bureau data on median retirement savings by state, highlighting significant geographic disparities. States with the highest median savings include Massachusetts, Hawaii ($149,000), Washington ($143,400), New Jersey ($134,000), and Maryland ($120,000). The article explains that cost of living, wages, and state tax policies heavily influence savings capacity. Higher-cost states like California, Hawaii, and New York require larger nest eggs but often offer higher wages. The analysis uses median rather than average figures to avoid distortion by high-net-worth households. It also notes that state income tax rates and retirement tax treatment vary considerably, affecting both saving ability and retirement income needs.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 20, 09:43 PM UTC

This Yahoo Finance article analyzes U.S. Census Bureau data on median retirement savings by state, highlighting significant geographic disparities. States with the highest median retirement savings include Massachusetts, Hawaii ($149,000), Washington ($143,400), New Jersey ($134,000), and Maryland ($120,000). The article explains that cost of living, wages, and state tax policies heavily influence savings capacity. Higher-cost states like California, Hawaii, and New York require larger nest eggs but often offer higher wages. The analysis uses median rather than average figures to avoid distortion by high-net-worth households. It also notes that state income tax rates and retirement account withdrawal rules vary considerably, affecting both saving potential and post-retirement income. The piece provides context for readers to compare their own savings against national benchmarks.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 20, 09:43 PM UTC

Business Insider reports that US national average gas prices have surged above $4 per gallon, driven by escalating geopolitical tensions including US-Israeli bombing of Iran and Iranian retaliation on Middle East oil refineries, as well as blockades in the Strait of Hormuz. Prices rose from $2.98 in late February to over $4 by March 31, peaked above $4.50 in mid-May, cooled to around $3.70, then jumped again over $4 in the past week. West Coast and non-continental states (California, Hawaii, Alaska, Washington, Nevada) have the highest prices, while central states like Oklahoma and Kansas have the lowest. Analysts also cite Ukrainian attacks on Russian refineries, seasonal fuel blend changes, and Midwest refinery outages as contributing factors. Despite the US being the world's largest oil producer, global oil trading dynamics keep prices elevated.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 20, 02:09 PM UTC

This opinion article from Reason.com analyzes whether Hawaii's statutory definition of the 'Aloha Spirit' violates the U.S. Constitution's Establishment Clause. The statute, codified as § 5-7.5, requires state officials to contemplate and reside with the 'life force' and adhere to traits like kindness, unity, and humility. The author argues that the law bears hallmarks of a traditional religion, including a moral code similar to the Golden Rule and an implied higher power that 'presented' the spirit as a gift. The piece questions why this law would survive constitutional scrutiny when a hypothetical Texas law instructing officials to consider 'Christ's Spirit' would not. It also suggests the law may violate the Guarantee Clause and calls for courts to more rigorously define what constitutes a religion to prevent exploitation of religious exemptions.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 20, 01:46 PM UTC

This opinion article from Reason.com argues that Hawaii's statutory definition of the 'Aloha Spirit' (HRS § 5-7.5) may violate the Establishment Clause of the U.S. Constitution. The statute requires state officials to 'contemplate and reside with the life force' and adhere to a moral code based on traits like kindness, unity, and humility. The author contends that the law exhibits hallmarks of a traditional religion, including a reference to a 'gift' implying a higher power, a comprehensive moral code similar to the Golden Rule, and a spiritual framework. The piece questions why such a law would be constitutionally permissible if a similar law instructing officials to consider 'Christ's Spirit' would clearly violate the Establishment Clause. The author also suggests the law may violate the Guarantee Clause and calls for courts to more rigorously define what constitutes a religion to prevent exploitation of religious exemptions.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 20, 01:46 PM UTC

This opinion article from Reason.com argues that Hawaii's statutory definition of the 'Aloha Spirit,' which imposes a duty on state officials to abide by it, may violate the Establishment Clause of the U.S. Constitution. The author contends that the law, which requires officials to 'contemplate and reside with the life force' and follow a moral code of kindness, unity, and humility, bears all the hallmarks of a traditional religion. The statute describes the Aloha Spirit as a 'gift to the people of Hawaiʻi,' suggesting a higher power. The author compares it to instructing Texas officials to follow 'Christ's Spirit,' which would clearly be unconstitutional. The piece questions whether the Aloha Spirit violates both the Guarantee Clause and the Establishment Clause, and calls for courts to be more diligent in determining what constitutes a religion to prevent the manufacture of false faiths for legal exemptions.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 20, 01:46 PM UTC

A missile-armed variant of Saildrone's 20-meter Surveyor unmanned surface vessel (USV) has joined the at-sea phase of Exercise Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2026. The USV, designated SD-3001, features a custom Lockheed Martin launcher capable of firing four AGM-179 Joint Air-to-Ground Missiles (JAGM). This deployment marks a critical milestone in the U.S. Navy's push to field a hybrid fleet of crewed and uncrewed combatants in the Indo-Pacific. The Surveyor, designed for persistent maritime surveillance, can operate for months at sea. Lockheed Martin invested $50 million to integrate the launcher. A live-fire exercise with the JAGM-equipped USV is slated for summer 2026, aligning with RIMPAC activities. Alongside the Surveyor, sea drones from HavocAi, Leidos, and Splash Industries are participating, and unspecified UUVs will operate alongside nuclear attack submarines for target detection and tracking.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 20, 12:30 PM UTC

A missile-armed variant of Saildrone's 20-meter Surveyor unmanned surface vessel (USV) has officially joined the at-sea phase of Exercise Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2026. The USV, designated SD-3001, features a custom Lockheed Martin launcher capable of firing four AGM-179 Joint Air-to-Ground Missiles (JAGM), marking a critical milestone in the U.S. Navy's push to field a hybrid fleet of crewed and uncrewed combatants in the Indo-Pacific. The drone departed Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii, on July 8, 2026. Lockheed Martin invested $50 million to integrate the launcher, which can also be used for counter-unmanned aerial system roles. A live-fire exercise with the JAGM-equipped Surveyor is slated for Summer 2026. Other sea drones from HavocAi, Leidos, and Splash Industries are also participating in RIMPAC, alongside unspecified UUVs operating with nuclear attack submarines.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 20, 12:30 PM UTC

This opinion piece from Reason.com, published July 20, 2026, explores the concept of 'Red Sox Spirit' as a lens for interpreting the Massachusetts state constitution, inspired by a co-blogger's critique of the Hawaii Supreme Court's 'Aloha Spirit' decision. The author argues that Red Sox Spirit embodies protecting liberty and resisting tyranny, rooted in Massachusetts' revolutionary history and its early abolition of slavery. The article applies this principle to contemporary issues like rent control, exclusionary zoning, and gun rights, referencing the U.S. Supreme Court's Bruen decision. It also critiques the 'history and tradition' approach for federal constitutional interpretation, favoring original meaning originalism, but suggests state courts may legitimately use different methods to expand rights. The piece touches on the justiciability of 'invasion' in the federal Constitution and the Guarantee Clause, advocating for strict definitions to protect civil liberties and separation of powers.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 20, 12:01 AM UTC

This financial analysis article examines the feasibility of retiring in Hawaii at age 62 with a $1.5 million portfolio, aiming to live solely on investment yield without drawing down principal. It breaks down the real costs of living on Oahu, including HOA fees, property taxes, insurance, electricity, groceries, healthcare, and transportation, totaling $55,000 to $60,000 annually. The article calculates that a 4% yield on $1.5 million generates $60,000 gross, but after federal and Hawaii state taxes (up to 11% on IRA withdrawals), net income drops to roughly $48,000-$53,000, leaving a thin margin. It highlights that delaying Social Security to age 70 could add over $40,000 in inflation-adjusted income, making the budget workable. The piece also notes Hawaii's tax exemption for Social Security benefits, contrasting with its taxation of IRA withdrawals. The article includes a sponsored link to a financial advisor matching service.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 19, 10:55 PM UTC

This opinion article from Reason.com critiques the Hawaii Supreme Court's use of the 'Aloha Spirit' to interpret the federal Second Amendment. It highlights Justice Jackson's dissent in Wolford, which cited King Kamehameha III's 1833 ban on dangerous weapons as part of Hawaii's unique history. The article contrasts this with the U.S. Supreme Court's ruling that the Second Amendment applies uniformly across all states, rejecting localized interpretations. The author questions whether a state justice can base constitutional decisions on a 'spirit' inconsistent with American history and tradition, drawing parallels to British colonial arms restrictions that sparked the Revolutionary War. The piece argues that Hawaii's monarchical legal history should not inform Second Amendment rights, and raises concerns about the compatibility of such judicial philosophy with a republican form of government.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 19, 04:13 AM UTC

This opinion article from Reason.com critiques the Hawaii Supreme Court's use of the 'Aloha Spirit' and the state's unique monarchical history to justify strict gun control laws, arguing this approach conflicts with the U.S. Constitution's Second Amendment. The article highlights Justice Jackson's dissent in Wolford, which cited King Kamehameha III's 1833 ban on dangerous weapons, and Justice Eddins's concurrence in State v. Wilson, which invoked the 'Aloha Spirit' to interpret the federal Constitution. The author contends that citing a king's edict is as problematic as citing British colonial restrictions that sparked the American Revolution. The U.S. Supreme Court is noted for rejecting such localized interpretations, affirming that the Second Amendment applies uniformly across all states. The piece questions whether a state justice can base decisions on a 'spirit' inconsistent with American history and tradition, and whether this approach is compatible with a republican form of government.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 19, 04:13 AM UTC

The 2026 TAAF Heritage Month Summit, organized by The Asian American Foundation, convened over 1,400 attendees in New York City on May 14-15. The summit featured discussions on representation, storytelling, and community empowerment for Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander communities. A highlight was a conversation with Auliʻi Cravalho and Native Hawaiian filmmakers about the release of Moana 2 in ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi, the indigenous Hawaiian language once near extinction. Speakers emphasized the importance of reclaiming narratives and using popular media to preserve language and culture. The event included panels with leaders from entertainment, tech, sports, and fashion, under the theme 'Together We Are the Asian+American Dream.'

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 17, 04:28 PM UTC

During the Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) exercise in Hawaii, the U.S. military is conducting its largest advanced manufacturing demonstration to date, testing technologies like self-driving boats and rugged 3D printers that can be parachuted from aircraft. The goal is to overcome the 'tyranny of distance' in the Pacific theater by enabling rapid, on-demand production and delivery of replacement parts. Key technologies on display include Firestorm's expeditionary manufacturing cell, Fieldmade's parachutable 3D printer, Snowbird Technologies' shipboard printer, Havoc's 14-foot autonomous boat, and Splash Industries' Typhoon drone boat, which recently executed the first autonomous resupply of a warship at sea. Marine Lt. Col. Michael Radigan described the effort as 'Uber for manufacturing delivered at the speed of Amazon,' emphasizing that while the technology is mature, the challenge lies in operationalizing advanced manufacturing at scale across the theater.

1 reports · 1 sources

Costco opened its first standalone gas station in Mission Viejo, California, on June 24, 2026, selling regular gas at $4.59/gallon—71 cents below the Orange County average. The 40-pump facility is members-only and aims to relieve capacity constraints at warehouse-adjacent stations. A second standalone station is planned for Honolulu. The move pressures convenience store chains like Circle K and 7-Eleven, as Costco treats fuel as a membership benefit, not a profit center. Record fuel volumes were reported in Q3 2026.

6 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 20, 01:27 PM UTC

Nick Lachey has publicly confirmed an impromptu reunion with his ex-wife, Jessica Simpson, aboard a flight to Hawaii, nearly two months after initial reports surfaced. The former couple, whose divorce was finalized in 2006, had not seen each other for twenty years prior to this encounter. Speaking on Watch What Happens Live, Lachey described the six-and-a-half-hour journey as "strangely okay" and noted that both parties were cordial and respectful. He was traveling with his wife, Vanessa Lachey, and their children, while Simpson was accompanied by her mother, ex-husband Eric Johnson, and their kids. Although they shared the same vicinity, Lachey emphasized that the interaction was peaceful. Additionally, Lachey reflected on the unexpected success of their early 2000s MTV reality series, Newlyweds: Nick and Jessica. He revealed that the show, originally intended to promote their music albums, ultimately allowed him to connect with a broader audience and showcase his authentic personality, transforming his public image from a boy band member to a relatable television personality.

1 reports · 1 sources

The US Army announced the creation of the Multi-Domain Command-Pacific (MDC-PAC), merging the 7th Infantry Division and 1st Multi-Domain Task Force. Revealed at the 2026 Land Forces of the Pacific Symposium in Hawaii, this restructuring aims to enhance agility by integrating cyber, electronic warfare, and long-range fires capabilities. Scheduled to begin in mid-June 2026, the move strengthens deterrence against China and North Korea. It aligns with expanded multinational exercises like Balikatan 2026, emphasizing deeper defense collaboration with allies such as Japan, Australia, and France in the Indo-Pacific region.

5 reports · 3 sources · Updated May 15, 10:25 PM UTC

A recent study by MoneyLion analyzes the monthly savings required for Americans to retire comfortably across different states, highlighting significant regional disparities in cost of living. The report identifies Hawaii as the most expensive state for retirees, with an annual comfortable living cost of $156,610 after accounting for Social Security. To afford this, a 20-year-old would need to save $5,800 monthly until age 65. In contrast, West Virginia offers the lowest costs, requiring only $1,230 in monthly savings for those starting at age 20. California ranks second in expenses, driven by high taxes and living costs. Experts note that tax policies significantly influence these figures, prompting many retirees to relocate from high-tax states like New York and California to more favorable environments such as Florida, Texas, and Tennessee, which lack state income taxes. The analysis considers factors including national average expenses, Social Security income, and the age at which individuals begin saving. The findings underscore the financial strain on retirees on fixed incomes and emphasize the importance of location choice and early financial planning in achieving a comfortable retirement.

1 reports · 1 sources

FBI Director Kash Patel is under intense scrutiny after reports revealed he participated in a VIP snorkeling excursion around the USS Arizona Memorial during an official trip to Hawaii. Critics and veterans’ groups condemn the act as disrespectful to the sacred military cemetery, while the FBI defends it as a solemn historical engagement honoring fallen service members. The controversy, fueled by leaked emails, raises ethical questions about mixing leisure with official duties and adds to existing criticisms of Patel’s conduct and use of government resources.

8 reports · 8 sources · Updated May 18, 05:41 AM UTC

Branden Kawazoe has been officially appointed as the new head coach for the Iolani School girls basketball team, succeeding the legendary Dean Young. The announcement comes after Young's sudden departure and the retirement of athletic director Wendell Look. Kawazoe, a 42-year-old former Kaiser High School head coach and longtime Iolani boys basketball assistant, expressed gratitude for the opportunity and emphasized his commitment to honoring the program's legacy while introducing his own perspective. He aims to maintain the Raiders' standard of excellence and build trust with the returning players. A significant boost for the team is the expected return of three-time All-State guard Justice Kekauoha, who had been rumored to transfer. With defending state champion Kamehameha losing key players, the path to the 2026-27 title appears open. Kawazoe plans to continue his role as a school counselor at Kaiser, noting that the position complements his coaching philosophy. His hiring marks a new chapter for the historic program as it navigates a dynamic transitional period.

1 reports · 1 sources