This Is Now (August 7, 2026)

Aloha Warrior fans, the news is out. UH games are coming home to K5. All the games, UH shows, athlete profiles, and throwbacks to your favorites are all in one place. Hawaii News Now. Celebrate the home team with us and let's go Bose. This podcast is sponsored by Long's Drugs. Download the CVS app today and make Longs a part of your day. First at noon, Honolulu police have arrested two people after a child reported being tortured at a home in Wai Anai. A 35-year-old woman and a 36-year-old man were taken into custody yesterday. HPD says officers found evidence in the home consistent with the ongoing abuse allegations reported by the juvenile. Child welfare services took three kids into protective custody. The investigation is ongoing. We're going to pass along any update. as we get them. We're hearing from the siblings of Peter Boycema for the first time since the state agreed to settle a lawsuit over their brother's death in 1996. The deal means they won't have to testify at a trial that would stir up painful memories. Ben Guterres has the latest. Peter Boy's brother and sisters filed the civil lawsuit eight years ago and were prepared to go to trial next month. The state has agreed to pay them three and a quarter million dollars, but they say it's not about the money. I know like with my sisters, we've all had some kind of trauma going on, just trying to relive the memories and then just digging them back up and it just eats at you. Alan Nicole and his sisters sued the state in 2018, more than 20 years after their six-year-old brother disappeared in Hilo. It was also the year after their parents, Peter Kemma Sr. and Jalen Kema admitted in court that the boy died in 1997 after years of abuse by their father. For me, it just felt like a big exhale. Like we were holding your breath for a long time and then just finally being able to just let that out. I didn't realize because they put on a brave face and were willing to go to trial. But then as we got closer, it became clear that what they really wanted to do is get it resolved. so that they could try and move on from it. Jalen died in 2019, and Kemma's senior is serving a 20-year prison term. The siblings say they spoke up for the little boy they still affectionately call Pepe. And it wasn't until we really dug deep into those who were in charge and who were responsible for us. that they made gross missteps very, very bad, and it cost Pepe's life. The proposed settlement also includes an apology from the state for failing to act on warnings that the child was in danger just months before he disappeared. That apology might be issued by Governor Green himself, though that hasn't been finalized. The case is clear, as clear as it could possibly be.

that they made horrible, horrible mistakes that led to Peter Boy's death. And so an apology is... completely appropriate in this situation. Pepe's siblings are now in their 30s, and they think of him, even as they raise their own kids. You know, this also is just big lessons on raising my children and making sure my boys are getting cared of and taking care of properly. If they've done their best to move on and have normal lives, they're all parents, they're all great parents, which is gratifying. And in some ways, surprising, given how things started out for them. I think it has given me the ability to speak out and speak up for Pepe's life. This settlement agreement still needs to be approved by the court and the legislature, which won't be back in session until January. Ben Guterres, Papua News now. Thank you, Ben. On Maui, we're learning more details about the beating death of a man at a Lahaina condo complex. 63-year-old Michael Dyer of Lahaina was killed in his office at the Sands of Kahana Complex early Wednesday. They believe he was attacked by 20-year-old legend store. The Lahaina man was arrested a few hours after the attack, after he was found wandering naked in a community close by. Police say they used surveillance footage to link store to the crime. People who knew the victim expressed shock over the violence. We spoke to a coworker who did not want to be shown on camera. I just knew he was a great guy, and all his coworkers are super shocked and saddened. And he had a wife that's a waitress at Lilani's and kids. His whole family lost him. It's horrible. I heard a lot of screaming and commotion. And at first, it sounded like here in the parking lot. It's very unsafe for sure. Store has been charged with murder, burglary, and indecent exposure. He remains in custody without bail. He's expected in court this afternoon. Now to the commander of MPD's criminal intelligence unit who's now facing federal charges, as investigators say he aspired to be a godfather of crime. The feds say the lieutenant accepted bribes to allow meth trafficking, chicken fights, and illegal fireworks on Maui. Chelsea Davis has more from federal court.

Lieutenant Michael Vaito Ullala walked into the federal courtroom wearing a white jail jumpsuit. He stood silent. His attorney says he's not guilty. Federal court bans video, but we can tell you that Maui Police Lieutenant Michael Vaitzulala faced a judge in Honolulu Thursday with his ankles shackled. In this 31-page criminal complaint, the FBI says the 53-old commander of MPD's criminal intelligence unit accepted thousands of dollars to allow meth and cocaine trafficking, illegal chicken fights, and the importing of illegal fireworks. It says Vaitzulala accepted cash from criminals to help them avoid a... and gave them confidential information about investigations into their criminal activities. Vaito Ullala was put on leave after allegedly allowing illegal fireworks at a New Year's Eve party at the home of Maoli singer Glenowong, where an aerial exploded into a neighbor's house. Investigators also say this is the firework shipment he helped bring in. But the feds say Vaitzulala's crimes go back years. Retired FBI special agent Tom Simon. says it appears investigators built this case patiently. The currency of policing is public trust. Once officers begin to sell access to confidential information, every investigation they touched comes under scrutiny. The charging document shows photographs of chicken fights and derbies being promoted on Maui that Vaitaulala allegedly allowed in exchange for money. It also shows photographs of meth and cocaine being mailed out that investigators say Vaitoulala knew about and got paid to protect. They say Vaitzulala a spy. to become the Larry Mayhow of Maui, a reference to a former Big Island police officer long alleged to have served as the godfather of organized crime in Hawaii. Alexander Silver, a retired federal public defender, says he wouldn't be surprised if more people are charged. Well, it's possible there could be more out of this. because it's hard to believe that other people in law enforcement didn't either suspect or didn't know some of what was going on with this officer because this is too sophisticated over too long a period of time for other people in law enforcement not to at least suspect that something was going on. MPD says if proven true, such actions represent a betrayal of the oath sworn by every member of this department. Shopo said these allegations are egregious and deeply troubling. Weitz Ullala supporters and his attorney refused to do an interview with us. If convicted, he faces up to 20 years in prison.

The judge said they're going to address bail at the next court hearing, which is scheduled for next week. Vaito Ulala will remain at the federal detention center at least until then. Reporting from federal court in downtown Honolulu, I'm Chelsea Davis for Hawaii News Now. Aloha on this Friday. So it's going to be rather small today, kind of no matter where you go, but a series of South Wales near advisory levels coming in over the weekend. So heads up on that. Also, box jellyfish still swimming in today and for the next couple of days. Now, the good thing is that the tradunes will be picking up speed through the weekend. So comfortable conditions out there, lower humidity levels, a fair bit of sunshine. But starting on Sunday and through Monday, and the disturbance will move in. We'll see more showers, especially for the Big Island and for Maui through Monday. Thank you, Guy. The families of a Massachusetts couple killed in a helicopter crash on Kauai in March have filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the tour operator. The suit says the couple initially survived the crash but drowned because they could not escape the aircraft. They blame airborne aviation for failing to provide passengers with a safe exit.

U.S. Army 1st Lieutenant Tyler James Feehan has been laid to rest. The soldier who previously lived in Eva Beach was honored today with a military procession before his funeral at Georgia National Cemetery. Feehan was killed in an attack on a U.S. air base in Jim Jordan last month and was buried with military honors. Flags across Georgia are flying at half staff today in his honor. Well, just over a month after the Supreme Court rejected the Trump administration's attempt to end birthright citizenship, President Trump is trying again. He signed two executive orders to limit those rights for certain groups of people. Natalie Brand has details from the White House. Facing a recent loss at the U.S. Supreme Court for his earlier effort to end birthright citizenship, President Trump is looking at other ways to limit it for certain groups. Unfortunately, we had a bad decision, very unfair decision. Our country suffers because of it. And we're ending it a different way. He signed two executive orders Thursday aimed at expanding categories of people not eligible for automatic citizenship upon birth on U.S. soil, including children of a foreign government employee, children of foreign citizens who lobby on behalf of foreign governments, and children of anyone considered, quote, an alien enemy of the U.S. The administration says it's also cracking down on what it calls birth tourism. If you're telling a consular officer you're here as a tourist, but your true purpose and intent, is to go to a baby mill, give birth, and try to mint an American citizen while you're here, then you're committing a fraud against the American government. The Trump administration believes that narrower orders will be easier to defend against expected legal challenges. And the way I think the Supreme Court will think about it is... Do these new categories fall within the historical exceptions to birthright citizenship? It looks like the initial hook is a pre-existing exception, but then the Trump administration wants to broaden that out. And frankly, I think they'll have serious legal issues doing so. In a statement, the American Civil Liberties Union said the Supreme Court has already decided the issue, warning any executive order that tries to rewrite birthright citizenship will meet the same fate as the last one. Natalie Brand, CBS News, the White House. State elections officials say early voting for the primary is lagging compared to past years. At last check, about 196,000 ballots have been cast statewide, representing about 23% of the state's 840,000-plus registered voters. That turnout is 5% behind the pace of the last primary election around the same time. If you still haven't sent in your ballot, it's not too late to do so. You can drop it off at one of the boxes at 17 locations statewide by 7 p.m. on Saturday. And join Hawaii News now for the primary election. We're going to have live results, reaction, and analysis on air and online beginning Saturday at 5 p.m.

Well, head on this is now. We're learning more about the suspected arsonist accused of setting one of the fires raging out of control in Washington State. Details on his long criminal history and mental health record. Plus, the latest jobs report is out, and the White House is being accused of down plain, the disappointing numbers. That story in two minutes. Aloha Warrior fans, the news is out. UH games are coming home to K5. All the games, UH shows, athlete profiles, and throwbacks to your favorites are all in one place. Hawaii News Now. Celebrate the home team with us and let's go Bose. Now to those wildfires burning in Washington State, officials say they're making progress containing the flames, but the suspect accused of setting one of those fires is back in court to face arson charges. Ryan Chandler is in Spokane with more. We're getting a new look at the scale of the destruction here in the epicenter of one of the worst wildfires in Washington history. You see what it is left of this home. It's nothing but ash and burnt brick. This is one of hundreds of homes and neighborhoods that have been nearly leveled by these destructive wildfires. And now we're learning more about the man that investigators believe is responsible for this. An intentional act of arson, they say, on behalf of 37-year-old Aaron Farinacci, who has a long criminal history and a mental health record. In fact, this is not the first time he's been investigated for arson. Today we're learning he is facing four additional arson charges for fires that happened right here in Spokane last year. That on top of the first degree arson charge he's facing for, as investigators say, causing all of this damage. has been on investigators radar in the past. In fact, he was convicted of manslaughter in 2012 for killing his own adoptive father in 2010, but he was released from prison in 2020. And since then, investigators believe he has caused more fires right here. And he'll have his first day in court today when his arraignment is scheduled for this afternoon right here in Spokane. We'll be following all the developments as they happen from the courthouse. For now in Spokane, I'm Ryan Chandler. Back to you. The new government jobs report shows a tightening labor market and stagnating wage growth. But the White House is downplaying the disappointing numbers. And as the race to control Congress grows nearer, President Trump says he's not worried. Julia Ainsley has more from Washington. A disappointing and surprising jobs report today. The economy lost 23,000 jobs last month. Far off from the 83,000 jobs economists projected to add. It's almost like a job market on life support right now. Another troubling sign, stagnant wage growth, not keeping up with inflation. And that means consumers buying power is weaker.

Aloha Warrior fans, the news is out. UH games are coming home to K5. All the games, UH shows, athlete profiles, and throwbacks to your favorites are all in one place. Hawaii News Now, celebrate the home team with us, and let's go Bose. Now, first alert weather with Guy Huggy. Aloha on this Friday. We are still cyclone free in the central and east Pacific. Things are looking calm and quiet with that regard for the next seven days. Now, as far as the rain, there's not a lot out there. It's fairly dry this morning, save for a few showers for our winter side here on Oahu. However, get ready. We're going to see more showers come in from the east starting on Sunday, so the rain will focus on the east side of the state. As far as the winds, they're pretty slow right now. But as the day progresses, they'll pick up speed. In fact, breezy trade winds will run from today all the way through the weekend. Lighter winds pick up again on Monday. So it's going to be a gorgeous day today. We start out with a few showers, really not much rain out there, mainly for the windward sides of Oahu. And then we'll see a fair bit of sunshine, partly sunny to partly cloudy skies, and those winds picking up speed. So it's going to be pretty nice today. Humidity levels will definitely be lower than the last few days. And the surface is going to be rather small today. Still, four feet or less shoulder high or smaller. but a series of South Wales is due in over the weekend. We could get waves to near advisory levels over the weekend as well, again, mainly for South Shores and for South and Southwest Shores. Box jellyfish is likely swimming in today as well as tomorrow. So check with lifeguards. You do not want to get stung. So fairly calm conditions, fairly dry conditions through tomorrow with those breezy winds through Sunday. But starting on Sunday through Monday, look for increasing showers. The showers will favor the East and the States. So the Big Island, Maui, they're going to get most of these showers favoring windward sides. The winds start to lighten up on Monday and much drier conditions with those breezy winds picking back up again on Tuesday. All right, thank you, Guy. A spectacular sight sailed into Honolulu Harbor this morning. Check it out. Mexico's towering three-masted Navy training ship is now in Hawaii, and there's a deeper meaning behind this historic visit. This is a new chapter for one of Mexico's most recognizable ships. Honolulu is the vessel's first international port of call during this major training voyage. The vessel will be open to the public from August 8th through August 11th, providing residents and visitors with a rare opportunity to board the ship, meet members of the Mexican Navy, and experience one of the world's most celebrated tall ships.

How empty chairs are filling a growing need for connection. I'm Tina Krause with a simple invitation that's boosting people's mental health. Aloha Warrior fans, the news is out. UH games are coming home to K5. All the games, UH shows, athlete profiles, and throwbacks to your favorites are all in one place. Hawaii News Now. Celebrate the home team with us, and let's go Bose. When it comes to loneliness, sometimes the best medicine is just having someone to talk to. A global movement is bringing strangers together with a simple message, pull up a chair. Tina Krauss has the story from London. It was the most intense pain I think I've ever experienced emotionally. It was just, I can't explain. Dean Perryman lost his best friend Robb nine months ago. He died by suicide in England. I'd never had to come to terms of grief like that before, and it was just literally just laid me flat on the ground. In a call with a friend after, the one thing that we both kind of highlighted was that the thing we were going to notice the most was the empty chair that will always be there where he would have sat. So Dean turned his grief into a call for connection by sitting alone in a pub and inviting strangers to join him through an online movement called empty chairs. There's a pub, there's an empty chair waiting for you just to go and fill it. Sarah Haynes, who lost her best friend Jenny, says it brings her comfort. I think the worst thing is feeling like you're dealing with something all alone. That's really what is the scariest thing. In a recent mental health poll, the American Psychiatric Association found 42% of people surveyed felt lonely at least once a week, with 16% reporting loneliness every day. This is a super safe space. So if there's anything you want to talk about, feel free to just let me know. Dean's bright orange shirt helps people know they found someone who's there to listen. We need it. We need to be connected to other humans, and it's a really important aspect of life. What started is one empty chair. has now filled seats in more than 20 countries, including the U.S., with others hosting their own events. Every person that does fit an empty chair, I'm just like, well done. Because sometimes taking an empty seat can help fill a little of what's missing. Tina Krause, CBS News, London. And thank you for watching. This is now. More news first of four right here on K-Channel. Happy Law Friday. This podcast is sponsored by Long's Drugs. Download the CVS app today and make Longs a part of your day. Aloha Warrior fans, the news is out. UH games are coming home to K5. All the games, UH shows, athlete profiles, and throwbacks to your favorites are all in one place. Hawaii News now. Celebrate the home team with us, and let's go Bose.