Hawaii News Now at 9 p.m. (August 11, 2026)
Showing mention at 12:02 — highlighted below
Transcript
52 segmentsAloha 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 is Hawaii News Now at 9. And right now at 9, we're tracking your top stories across the islands. The latest on efforts that contain a couple of brush fires on the Big Island that closed down a portion of Daniel K. Inouye Highway. Also tonight, the urgent message from emergency management leaders as we track a possible tropical cyclone. And a judge hears evidence against a police leader accused of corruption as his family shows their support. But first happening now, we begin with a live look inside the state capital, where the election recount for two razor-closed Republican races may still be going on. You can see the workers there moving about. It started at nine this morning and was scheduled to wrap up at around 9 o'clock tonight. State elections officials say it is possible the recount could go until tomorrow because it involves two races. Candidates and their representatives watch the process for hours. State Representative Kanani Suza from Kapole Makakilo had just one vote over her opponent Sheila Maderos. Eva Beach Senator Kurt Favela sat quietly in the gallery. His opponent Bob McDermott was ahead by just seven votes. It's all in God's hands. So we try and keep it even keel over everything. I mean, if you let it get to you, either side, because there's no final outcome yet. I'm great. And I'm just here to observe the process. By law, we have the opportunity as a candidate to be here. So I'm looking forward to the results. The state chief elections officer was not available for any interviews tonight. But Scott Nagel told us earlier, even after the recount results are announced, a final result is not expected until after 4.30 p.m. on Friday when ballots with invalid signatures must be returned. Our coverage on the recounts of the primary election race. continues tonight at 10 o'clock on KHNL and KGMB. And we're still waiting on the storm to officially develop. Right now, you can still see that it's hanging out over the Central Pacific, slightly disorganized, becoming more organized, and many of the weather models take it directly over the islands. By the time we get into Saturday and Sunday, a few outliers while south of us. Taking a closer look at what we're expecting, the timeline Friday night over on Hawaii Island, heavy rain. Those outer bands will start approaching the island there, starting over the east.
We'll be picking up strong gusts. We're talking about winds above 39 miles per hour and above at times, gusts up to even 50 to 60. You see, high surf is going to be approaching the islands first. That could be first as early as maybe Friday, and we'll start seeing it pick up by the time we get into the weekend. And here's the system. According to some of the weather models, the heaviest of the showers, it's going to actually sit over Hawaii Island. We could get up to 14 inches of rain. You see, it kind of stalls out there. I'll take a deeper look at the weather models and what we're expecting for the rest of the island chain coming up in a little bit. All right, thank you, Jen. And government agencies and families are beginning to prepare for a stormy weekend. Our Dylan and Cheta continues our team coverage tonight with expert advice. Are you concerned about the storm that's brewing in the Pacific? We always have to be really aware of storms that are coming through. We never know the intensity today actually hit, but we always have to be prepared. Get prepared if you're not already. That's what state leaders hope people will do with the threat of severe weather lingering in the Central Pacific. Although exact impacts still aren't known, county officials across the state are already in action. Kicking the tires, it's making sure that everybody's in communication with each other and that any kind of prep work we can do before serious impacts occur, that we're doing those in advance. Daily state coordination calls have begun and counties are evaluating their operational readiness. Streams and culverts are being cleared in hopes of preventing flash flooding like in Monoa, where the Kona Lo turned the stream into a raging torrent. Kauai County says their EOC is at level three, enhanced steady state activation. and emergency shelters are on standby. At this point again, it's mainly ensuring awareness and readiness at home. And then we'll shift into organizational readiness, although some partners are already taking steps. Well, you know, we're concerned. I don't want to say we're worried yet. You know, one thing I know is we cannot control the storm, but we can certainly control how we prepare for it. Some of the people we spoke with here in downtown were unaware there was even a storm brewing, while others who live through the recent Kona Loz say they are worried about the potential impacts. Given the recent events, I think we're definitely paying more attention to being ready. Yeah, considering a generator and things like that. One thing, however, that is not taking place are dam inspections. There were great concerns about dam failures and catastrophic flooding during the Kona Lowe's, but the DLNR said engineers aren't doing inspections or visits at this time as they don't anticipate significant impacts to facilities. Dylan and Chesa, Hawaii News Now. And keep up with the latest weather developments. Download our free Hawaii News Now Weather app. Just scan the code you see here to get it on your phone. or search for H&N weather in the app store. Two wildland fires continue to burn on Hawaii Island, and Daniel Kanoi Highway is still shut down in South Kohala. The fires have burned more than 70 acres so far. They broke out about 1.30 this afternoon, and they're close to each other near mile markers 46 and 47. Hawaii County Civil Defense says it is a remote area. No homes are nearby and no evacuations are necessary, but both directions of DKI Highway.
are closed between Old Saddle Road and Highway 190. Multiple agencies are responding and operations are expected to last through the night. A Maui police leader accused of accepting bribes to protect criminals will stay behind bars without bail because a judge agrees he is a danger to the public. Our Chelsea Davis reports from federal court. Michael Vaitzulala's attorney said he should be let out because he knows better and will do the right thing. But after about 30 minutes, the judge says there's no guaranteed. Vaitaulala can be trusted. Maui Police Lieutenant Michael Vaitzulala entered the courtroom escorted by federal marshals Tuesday morning. Vaito Ullala, the head of MPD's criminal intelligence unit, was arrested by the FBI a week ago, accused of accepting bribes to protect drug traffickers, illegal chicken fighters, and illegal fireworks distributors for years. For the first time, John Pellateer answered questions about the public corruption charges his subordinate and friend is facing. The actions of one individual don't reflect. the profession and we've seen policing being politicized in presidential cycles and different things like that we've seen false narratives But remember, law enforcement's the one that took that individual in the custody. About a dozen of Vaito Ullala's loved ones flew over from Maui for the court hearing. The lieutenant's attorney, Gary Singh, told the judge that his support system is one of the reasons he should be released on bail. He also said Vaitzulala has also surrendered his passport and firearms. But the U.S. attorney argued the commander is a flight risk, noting that he canceled his Instagram account right before he was arrested and is now trying to sell his house. The federal criminal complaint said up until last October, Vaitu Ilala was an FBI task force officer and represented himself to be a Fed, all while allegedly helping criminals avoid arrest. The complaint said he is at serious risk of obstructing justice because he illegally disclosed the identities of confidential sources, evidence, a pending wiretap, and information regarding ongoing of federal investigations into the perpetrators and co-conspirators. We get knocked down, but we get back up and we're stronger for it. We're better for it. We're more resilient for it. Vaito Ullala's wife cried while family members spoke to him in Toggin as he was taken back to the federal detention center. One saying, Ofa Atsu, meaning I love you. He's due back in court on August 27th. Vaitzulala remains at the federal detention center for now. His attorney declined an interview with me. Reporting in Honolulu, I'm Chelsea Davis for Hawaii News Now.
On Maui, two brothers pleaded not guilty today to labor trafficking and extortion among other charges. Axel and Brandon Chajil are accused of exploiting a man they brought from Guatemala to Maui. They were arrested yesterday in Kihei. Bail is set at $250,000 each. Maui County's effort to unify the island's water system has run into a surprising roadblock, the state land department. The issue is the massive East Maui water system, which primarily serves Mahiponos. thousands of acres of farmland in central Maui. While the county wants to take it over along with other island water systems, the state is proposing that it be the overseer and that Mahipono be given access to a 30-year license for up to 89 million gallons of water a day. Environmental advocates and traditional taro farmers are protesting the state's move. Why would I think... they would look out after our interests. They haven't looked out of our interests 145 years. There seems to be a great relationship they have with Mahipono because they keep turning the answers over to support Mahipono. I think where we disagree. is that we feel that that's the state's purview. And they have the experienced staff and resources to continue to do that job. Mahipono defended the plan at a meeting the OHA board two weeks ago, but the board cited unanimously with the county. New information now on the deaths of two monk seals in separate cases. Wildlife officials say the body of RV 36, a three-month-old pup, was found last week and tangled in an unattended fishing net, about 10 yards. offshore near Mokulea Beach Park. Researchers plan to conduct a necropsy. A necropsy results on a seal found dead on Oahu's North Shore in May reveal toxoplasmosis as the cause. RU.02 or Umi Umi was a one-year-old male. He was the second monk seal to die this year from that parasite found in the feces of cats. A major upgrade at Hawaii's largest wastewater treatment plant, the new facility coming up next, and we're digging into public records for this luxury yacht that's been cruising around Oahu and Molokai. 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. Taiwan is holding its annual war games this week with soldiers and civilians preparing for a possible invasion by China. Hannah Lisa Burgos has the details. Hawaii is home to Pacific Command, which would oversee America's military response should Taiwan be attacked. I spoke with its commander, Admiral San Papparo, aboard the USS Theodore Roosevelt, about what it takes to avoid war with China. The recent RIMPAC exercise in Hawaii is billed as a critical part of combat readiness training for the U.S. and its ally, especially with China touting its own readiness target date to take back Taiwan. Their leader has declared that by 2027, they shall be ready to execute an unification by force.
While Paparo says it's not a deadline for an attack, it makes his case to Congress for more defense spending and base investments in the Pacific, even as the Iran War strains America's weapon stockpiles. There's so many guided missile destroyers here in Pearl Harbor, and a significant purpose for them is to be able to defend Hawaii and to defend Guam, the Marianas, our allies and partners from missile attack and from air attacks. That's why Paparo is asking for about $122 billion for new missiles, hypersonic weapons, drones, and AI-enabled systems to keep pace with China, which is building 800 missiles per year. We have to increase our rates of production of those interceptors. And as Taiwan rehearses its defense against China, what role the U.S. will play in an actual invasion will be up to the commander-in-chief. Are we ready to intervene? We're ready. And it's not a matter of will we prevail. It's a matter of how much will we prevail by. in terms of the loss. What will we lose and root? The U.S. is also helping the Philippines, which is fighting Chinese aggression and expansion into its sovereign territory in the South China Sea. The USS George Washington Strike Group is deployed there. The purpose of the force that we've got in the South China Sea and the Western Pacific is... It's there to demonstrating the ability to immediately impose costs. And if the unforgiving hour comes, we're better aligned in posture to fight together if we must. U.S. President Donald Trump is expected to submit a $14 billion Taiwan arms package to Congress soon and could use it as leverage when he meets with Chinese President Xi Jinping at the White House next month. Watch my full interview with Admiral Paparo online. Annalisa Burgos, Hawaii News Now. Thanks, Annalisa. Onahu, today the city celebrated the completion of the secondary treatment facility at the Sand Island wastewater treatment plant. The city installed new technology including a superfine filtration system called membrane bioreactors. It's more effective at separating tiny particles from wastewater. Once it's highly filtered, the water is then disinfected by a UV light before entering the ocean. And that's a very advanced technology that produces a really high quality effluent. about the highest quality effluent that you can get from secondary treatment process. We have more work ahead as we continue to strengthen our infrastructure, increasing resilience, and preparing Oahu for its future.
The city says 48 million gallons of wastewater will be processed daily by the secondary treatments. All we now know who owns a large yacht traveling around the islands over the past few days. It was in waters off Ma'ili today and seen in Waikiki yesterday and off Molokai on Sunday. Several boating sites report the boat is the 375-foot German-made Nasaka, owned by Japanese billionaire Usaka Mayazawa. Some on the friendly island worried whether the boat could harm marine life. get defensive about it because there's a lot of people here who still live you know off of the land off of the ocean still you know for a lot of people that's still their main source of um It's unclear what exactly the boat's doing in Hawaii, but the Department of Land and Natural Resources says the vessel does not appear to be doing any charters or breaking any rules. The Rainbow Warriors reached the halfway point of fall camp. Coming up, a check-in on the wide receivers. And later, Hawaii's Ukulele Virtuoso appears on Late Night TV. And remember, Hawaii News Now is your official home for UH sports. Get a glimpse at what's ahead for football, soccer, and Wahine volleyball in our fall season preview special. Tune in to K5 Thursday night at 6 and on Hawaii NewsNow.com and the H&N streaming app. 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 year's Okinawan Festival will be scaled down. Organizers say due to renovations at the convention center, it'll be a modified festival this year, so no early admission or bon dance, but there will still be Ono Okinawan Food. The 44th annual events on September 5th to 6. Tickets go on sale tomorrow starting at 8 a.m. on Okinawan Festival.com. The U.H football team's offense is looking for some new playmakers as they prepare for their season opener. Kyle Chenen has more. As the bows continue fall camp, one of the positions to keep an eye on have been the wide receivers as they look to fill a spot of one of their star players.
UH open camp without Pfele Ashlock, a wide receiver who was garnering preseason awards attention. It is not known how much time Ashlock will be missing, but in the meantime, the bows are looking to their receiving core to step up in his place. Continuing to learn, continue to grow. You know, you don't replace a guy like Lele with the amount of snaps, the amount of reps, and just just production. But, you know, those guys have been doing a great job. And, you know, they're a group that, you know, We lean on heavily because of their work ethic and discipline and who they are. Some of the past catchers in the mix are the Kamoku brothers Kaikai Krivallio and Tama Uiliata, who had a key supporting role last season. We're just a group of boys, you know, we just want to be one unit coming together just, just, you know, support all the boys, you know, for me being more into, um. more experienced side, you know, just being a leader, you know, helping all the other boys. But, you know, we got guys that can, we got from top to bottom, we got guys that can roll. He appeared in all 13 games in 2025, amassing 28 receptions for 231 yards, but was limited during spring ball to get fully healthy. I mean, just stacking days, you know. Just coming from an injury and then just being on the sideline, watching the boys get their reps, you know, and then I'm just on the sideline taking mental reps. So that's, I think, just to get it day by day, you know, keeping life simple outside of football too really help me. And as UH prepares for their season opener against Stanford, Wiliata and the whole receiving corps is ready for any opportunity that comes their way. Whatever the coaches need me. You know, I'm just a leadership. I'm just trying to be the best person I could be in whatever role the coaches want me to be. Reporting in Manoa, Kaochanen, Hawaii News Now Sports. Aloha Warrior fans, the news is out. UH games are coming home to K-5. 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.