Started as a delivery guy. Now he owns the place. That's Mike Rompell, who turned a part-time delivery job into a lifelong career. And right now, Domino's Hawaii is hiring. Whether you're in school, between gigs, or just want something steady, you can make it work here. A place with flexible hours, solid tips, and real opportunities to grow. Apply now at jobs.domino's.com. And if you're hungry, mix and match a two-topping Parmesan stuffed crust pizza for just $11.99. And get the new slice sauce for free. Domino's. This is Hawaii News Now. Right now at 10, the city's new landfill proposal draws opposition in West Oahu. Why I'm so upset? It's because they're lying to us guys. A Mowi family mourns for a gym owner stabbed to death, allegedly by his own son. We love him very much and we miss him. A significant development in the investigation into suspected bribery. Also tonight, the Salary Commission clears the way for more raises at Honolulu Hale. A new lawsuit aims to end a federal scholarship program for Native Hawaiians. And first alert, Surf. We have a high surf advisory as a new swell peaks tonight. Plus, the trade winds making a comeback. How strong will they get? This is Hawaii News Now at 10. All new at 10, the city's proposal for a new landfill is drawing a backlash in West Oahu. But city officials are asking for understanding, saying they're out of options. Our Ben Gutierrez reports. An overflow crowd jammed the Kapolei neighborhood board meeting to sound off on the city's proposal to build a new landfill that would overlook Kapolei. Kapolei, you're next! They're coming for you! Some of them waved signs against the proposed landfill, which would be next to the existing Waimanalo Gulch landfill. A few signs targeted Mayor Rick Langeardi, with protesters saying he broke a promise. He looked at me right to my face, and I was just close to him. And I asked him, I said, is there going to be any more landfills put out on our leeward side? He said, James, I promise you, no. But in his State of the City address last month, the mayor said the city was forced to build a landfill in West Oahu after its plan to build in Wahiawa was rejected. Oahu must have a landfill, and we have no more stones to turn over. Right now, we are out of options, except the one I reject, another landfill on the Waianae Coast. The Blanchiardi administration says the Wahiawa site on Dole Pineapple Land had to be ruled out because the state legislature made it illegal to build over an aquifer. City leaders predicted this when they picked Wahiawa in 2024. It's not what we wanted and it is what we said. But at the same time, he did say, if there's no other place, this is plan C. This is this is what we'll have to do. Mayor Blanchardy has asked lawmakers to modify the law, but west side legislators are pushing back. What do you think that mountain has? That mountain has water. There's an aquifer there. Maybe it's not a labeled aquifer, but when the rain on the mountain, where do we go? Down the mountain, through that valley. Residents and businesses say enough is enough, citing the health impact of another landfill. We would like to see a thorough impact health review on Nanakuli Valley or on the hills of Makakilo, right? Another obstacle for the city, the land is owned by James Campbell Company, which doesn't want to sell. Babcock says it may have to condemn the land in order to get the 150 acres. Even in the city's best case scenario, it will be years before a new landfill will be ready. Right now, we're anticipating that the landfill could open as soon as 2033. That will still be two years after the current landfill is set to reach capacity. The city says there will be several more opportunities for the public to comment as the process moves forward. In Kapolei, Ben Gutierrez, Hawaii News Now. And now to exclusive reporting on the state capitol bribery probe. Hawaii's lieutenant governor has been notified that she is one of the targets of the investigation. Our chief investigative reporter Lynn Kawano broke the story today and shows us who else was alerted by the state attorney general's office. Lieutenant Governor Sylvia Luke was put on notice last week by the state attorney general's office. Then Sunday, she announced she would not be seeking re-election. I think at the very least, she should take a leave of absence. I mean, I think it's very hard to imagine the second most powerful person in state government continuing on with the target letter. Lobbyist Toby Soledum also received a target letter. The two had dinner together in January 2022. Also in attendance and secretly recording the dinner conversation was former State Representative Ty Cullen, who had become an FBI informant after he was snagged in a federal bribery case. Multiple sources say the target letters were emailed and notified Luke and Soledom that the AG's investigation had uncovered evidence of bribery. The letter cited the bribery law, which states a person commits that crime if they confer or agree to confer a benefit upon a public servant with the intent to influence that public servant's vote, opinion, judgment or other action. A public servant commits that crime if they solicit, accept or agrees to accept a benefit with the intent to influence that person's vote, opinion, judgment or other action. She has every right to defend herself, but that's different than saying she should continue in her position. I mean, one of the major roles of lieutenant governor is that you are in charge of the state when the governor is gone. And that means you have to have the trust of the governor, you have to have the trust of legislators, and most importantly, you have to have the trust of residents. The feds and state have been investigating an influential lawmaker who took $35,000 for a campaign in a suspected pay-to-play deal involving Soledum, who made millions during the COVID-19 pandemic when he secured no-bid government contracts to quickly set up testing sites and a lab. Earlier this year, Luke told H&N Investigates she may be associated with that investigation but did not take $35,000. Rather she said accounting errors in her campaign were behind unreported donated checks from Toby Soledom and his daughter Legal experts say the target letters show prosecutors have found concerning information It is a significant development because it's a public acknowledgement that the government has substantial evidence that may warrant a charging of a crime. It's an invitation to basically squeal on anybody else and any other information you may have on other criminal investigations or other criminal acts. The government doesn't just willy-nilly issue these target letters. They're looking at someone that can give them information. We tried multiple times to reach the lieutenant governor by phone and at her office, but we're unsuccessful. I'm Lynn Kawano, Hawaii News Now. And new tonight, Sylvia Luke's attorney, David Louie, released this statement confirming she received the target letter, saying in part the attorney general's office has not provided details or evidence against the lieutenant governor, and that he is surprised that bribery charges are being considered. Should charges be brought against them, they will be vigorously defended. The family of longtime South Maui gym owner, Jim Moser, is inviting the public to his funeral. Police say the 64-year-old was stabbed to death by his oldest son, James, last month at their home in Kihei. Investigators have not released a motive. Moser was a grandfather, a father, husband, and coach. He opened his gym in Kihei in 1992 and was a pillar of the youth weightlifting and strength training community. His family spoke out today as part of National Crime Victims' Rights Week. He helped a lot of people along the way, and that was one of his biggest gifts was being able to just make people laugh and smile and encourage them. He really is going to be missed by a lot of people. I know he's touched a lot of people's lives. We love him very much and we miss him very much. And he's always going to be in our hearts. And wherever I go, I'll have a piece of him in my heart. Moser's funeral will be held on May 2nd at St. Teresa's Church in Kihei with a celebration of life to follow. Look for a link to help with the costs at hawaiinewsnow.com. In West Maui, firefighters airlifted a fisherman who was found about 100 feet down a cliff at Honokohau Bay. The 37-year-old was reported missing by his fishing buddies this morning after they couldn't find him for seven hours and saw his fishing pole on the cliff. He told rescuers he got lost in the dark while trying to return to his vehicle. Honolulu's top elected officials are set to receive their third pay raise in three years. The salary commission's five members unanimously voted today to approve a 4.7 percent salary hike for the next fiscal year. The vote means the mayor's annual salary will be $236,705. The council chair's pay will rise to $137,801. And council members will receive nearly $128,000. The decision was made despite no testimony in support today and criticism raised during last week's council meeting. This is taxpayer money that you're using. It doesn't make sense to me. Over the years, the increases have been 4 percent for last year, 3.59 for the prior year. In 2023, of course, was 64 percent for council members and directors were at almost 13 percent. That 64 percent pay raise for council members was approved in 2023. The new increase goes into effect July 1st. A Utah nonprofit is suing the federal government over a Native Hawaiian health scholarship. The group Do No Harm claims the Department of Health and Human Services program is, quote, blatantly illegal discrimination because only Native Hawaiian doctors and nurses qualify for federal aid. One of the group's former board members, Edward Bloom, founded Students for Fair Admissions, which is suing Kamehameha Schools over its admissions policy favoring Hawaiians. My reaction to that lawsuit, which I consider fibrillous, as well as any lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of Native Hawaiian programs, should be vehemently opposed. The non-profit Papa Ola Lokahi runs the program, which has awarded nearly 360 scholarships. Its CEO said, quote, efforts to dismantle programs like this ignore both the historical context and the ongoing need to safeguard equitable access to care throughout Hawaii. On this beautiful Earth Day, we're tracking the trade winds making a return into the rest of the week and weekend. You can see into the night we have north-northeast winds. nice and refreshing after a very warm and humid day. And then we're not going to be seeing a whole lot of rain, but we will be seeing back to typical windward Amalka showers eventually. Also, the big story, the big swell energy coming through. I'll take a deeper look at your surf report coming up in a little bit. Thank you, Jen. Still to come, the governor's nominee for chief justice apologizes for failing to disclose his political ties. The issue with the House District 1 race is you have two challengers Just one sitting incumbent. Also ahead, new campaign donation numbers from political action committees. Plus, day one of the new check-in rules for Hawaiian and Alaska airline travelers. Time for our guessing game. Where is this? Hmm. We'll see if we get the right answer ahead in this newscast. Started as a delivery guy. Now, he owns the place. That's Mike Rompell, who turned a part-time delivery job into a lifelong career. And right now, Domino's Hawaii is hiring. Whether you're in school, between gigs, or just want something steady, you can make it work here. A place with flexible hours, solid tips, and real opportunities to grow. Apply now at jobs.dominoes.com. And if you're hungry, mix and match a two-topping Parmesan stuffed crust pizza for just $11.99. And get the new slice sauce for free. Dominoes. Governor Green's nominee to be Chief Justice of the Hawaii Supreme Court, Vladimir Devins, apologized today to state senators for not disclosing his prior role with a controversial political action committee. But as our Daryl Huff reports, Devin still has widespread support. Vladimir Devin was a Berkeley educated labor lawyer before Governor Green appointed him to the Supreme Court in 2023 But in judicial applications Devin left out that until 2022 he was a director of Be Change Now which spent millions on local political campaigns including supporting Governor Green. You didn't indicate anywhere that you're a member of one of the most powerful political organizations in the state. At a packed confirmation hearing, Devin said the judicial applications didn't clearly ask about the role. It wasn't my intention at all, And I'm very sorry and regret that it came across that way. You should have disclosed that it was, I think, pretty significant. And I accept your apology. While he was on the Be Change Now board, it ran brutally negative campaigns against candidates like Jill Takuda and Sylvia Luke. Devon said his role was dealing with legal questions, not political tactics. Were you involved in the decision making regarding that huge negative publicity? You know, I'll tell you, it'd be inappropriate for me to disclose the internal business. But I will tell you again that my role was pretty much limited to what I described earlier. That doesn't really answer the question. But because the Chief Justice has immense power over the Supreme Court and the entire state legal system, past and present political ties are a concern. DEVONS, The appearance of undue influence of PRP, We Change Now, overshadows your application, especially since we are talking about being chief justice. PAUL SOLMAN, A handful of testifiers agreed. DEVONS, My objections stem from the concentration of power by the Hawaii State Carpenters Union and all three branches of our government with this appointment. JOHN YANG, The President, Justice Devin is the best suited to serve as the administrator of the judiciary, where we represent the great majority of employees. And I'd say one of the hardest workers I've ever seen. He prepares well. He listens to both sides when we have oral argument. He makes the call. And then he goes and he writes really good opinions. The committee will vote on its recommendation to the full Senate Friday. Daryl Huff, Hawaii News Now. The rates for the 1st Congressional District. State Representative Della Albaladi is calling out one of her opponents, State Senator Jarrett Keohokalole, over fundraising. The latest Federal Election Commission filings show Biladi has not received money from political action committees. Incumbent U.S. Representative Ed Case reported about $433,000 from PACs. Keohokalole reported more than $53,000 in PAC donations, including ones tied to Matson and Longshore and Carpenters unions. I am so proud to run a campaign funded by grassroots donors across Hawaii, not corporations, and I'm calling on my opponents to do the same. It's very, very difficult to run a campaign like this just based on grassroots donations. If you're the challenger, the money is essential because it's the way you put your name out there, the way you build that necessary name recognition. Keo Ho Kalole tells HNN he is disappointed in Biladi's comments and pointed to broad support he's received from local groups, labor unions and human rights activists. Hawaiian and Alaska Airlines rolled out their new integrated website and app today, along with some new check-in procedures. Customers are now asked to get their boarding passes on the app and checked bag tags must be printed at the kiosks. The airlines still have workers in airport lobbies to help with the transition. The new app is available on Google Play and the Apple App Store. The old Hawaiian Air app will no longer work for booking flights. Ahead tonight, bombs away. What did students toss into the Ala Wai this morning? But first this. Have you ever wondered if the streets that cross are designed for the safety of pedestrians or the cars that drive on them? Well, now that's a good question. Who are the kids behind this award-winning video next? started as a delivery guy now he owns the place that's mike rompell who turned a part-time delivery job into a lifelong career and right now domino's hawaii is hiring whether you're in school between gigs or just want something steady you can make it work here a place with flexible hours solid tips and real opportunities to grow apply now at jobs.dominoes.com and if you're hungry mix and match a two-topping parmesan stuffed crust pizza for just 11.99 and get the new slice sauce for free Welcome back, everyone. It sure has been beautiful on this Earth Day. Let's just take a moment and enjoy the views of the islands. You see the pretty colors in the sky during sunrise on Kauai. And we've been seeing these mid to high level clouds sweep over the state and really nice conditions over the ocean. We have been tracking, though, a big swell today. It is going to be on its way down tomorrow, but still very large on north and west facing shores. Into the evening, pleasant as it cools down. And we are seeing the land breeze take over. During the day, we have the sea breeze, a few pop-up showers, especially in Mauka. We saw that on Hawaii Island and lots of sunshine for the rest of us. End of your Thursday, light trade winds return to the islands and getting stronger Friday into the weekend. And it's going to be a beautiful stretch of weather for us. We have been talking about the big surf as storm systems are brewing well north of us, peaking tonight but leveling out tomorrow. 7 to 10 on north-facing shores, 3 to 5 is what we're seeing on west-facing shores. You can actually see 2 to 3 on townside and 5 to 7 on east-facing shores. More energy behind this by the time we get into probably early Friday. And we will be seeing more energy build in on north and west-facing shores. And then a little bit more on Monday into Tuesday, not as big as this current swell. Right now, the winds are now tapping on the brakes. Really beautiful conditions into the night. We will be seeing more of a trade wind flow into the next several days. Into the low 70s and mid-70s, you can actually see 77 degrees over Kailua Kona right now. A few pop-up showers tomorrow. Trade winds dominate the forecast. And it's going to be gorgeous island by island. You can actually see gorgeous trade wind weather bringing just a few windward Amalka showers at times Trade winds will build in anywhere from 10 to 15 at times 20 a little bit stronger over Maui County into the next several days It is still going to be very warm in the afternoon rising well into the mid 80s but feeling like the 90s in some spots like Kailua Kona. It felt like 90 degrees today when you factored in the humidity. East winds at 5 to 15 miles per hour. North Hawaii, just a few afternoon showers. So into the next seven days as we cruise into the weekend, we're back to classic trade wind weather. We will see those gradually get stronger by the weekend and breezy conditions last at least through Monday. And then we'll start seeing the winds slow down slightly by the time we get to Tuesday and Wednesday. Wishing you blue skies and much. Aloha. Enjoy the rest of your night. Thank you so much, Jen. New tonight at 10, some Akamai Keiki just won a big award. It comes after a recent trip to the Hawaii News Now studios. Mahalo! Those are the bright young students from the Alva Scott Elementary Video Club in Aiea. They took a tour of H&N in December and used what they learned in this year's Olelo Youth Exchange Spotlight Competition. It's a contest for kids to create videos about positive changes they'd like to see in their neighborhoods. The students from Alva Scott won in the Healthy Streets, Healthy Communities category, where they promoted the use of crosswalks. Just like some drivers don't pay attention to the road while driving, kids don't always pay attention when crossing. At our school, some of our students experience this danger every day. Let's make it a reality that all schools in Hawaii have equipped crosswalks for all pedestrians. The Olelo Youth Exchange Competition had 10 categories. Congratulations to all of the students who participated. We want to play fast and up-tempo, so just approaching that in a different way. We're getting to know the new head coach of the Rainbow Wahine basketball team. What are her priorities? Plus, a big honor for beloved Kumogula Robert Casimero. What graduation will he be a part of next? Started as a delivery guy. Now, he owns the place. That's Mike Rompell, who turned a part-time delivery job into a lifelong career. And right now, Domino's Hawaii is hiring. Whether you're in school, between gigs, or just want something steady, you can make it work here. A place with flexible hours, solid tips, and real opportunities to grow. Apply now at jobs.domino's.com. And if you're hungry, mix and match a two-topping Parmesan stuffed crust pizza for just $11.99. And get the new slice sauce for free. Domino's. City leaders and students tossed more ganky balls made of mud, rice bran, and microorganisms into the Ala Wai Canal today. In a bid to fight pollution, the group has dropped more than 300,000 balls into the canal in the past seven years, resulting in a 20-inch reduction of sludge in the east end of the canal. Well, from assistant coach to the top job. UH Today introduced the new leader of the women's basketball program. I'm so excited for this! Kalila Mitchell is taking over for the retired Laura Beeman. Mitchell spent seven seasons on UH's staff and plans to keep the same culture and practices as she leads the team in their first year in the Mountain West Conference. The culture is what makes this place special. Like, no one can replicate this here. Like, no one. So we plan to continue what Coach B has started with the culture and then immersing a little bit of a different standard, but same way, right? Same way, a little bit of a different standard. Coach Mitchell says her initial priorities are to lock in her support staff and continue recruiting. The University of Hawaii is giving Kumuhula Robert Casimero an honorary doctorate of humane letters, an award for his significant artistic achievements in music and as the leader of Halao Na Kamalei O Lili Lehua. The degree will be formally conferred during Leeward Community College's fall convocation. Straight ahead tonight, the corpse flower that's about to bloom in Nu'uanu has a new name. Plus, when to catch a special show in the sky during the upcoming Spam Jam. Started as a delivery guy, now he owns the place. That's Mike Rompell, who turned a part-time delivery job into a lifelong career. And right now, Domino's Hawaii is hiring. Whether you're in school, between gigs, or just want something steady, you can make it work here. A place with flexible hours, solid tips, and real opportunities to grow. Apply now at jobs.dominoes.com. And if you're hungry, mix and match a two-topping Parmesan stuffed crust pizza for just $11.99. And get the new slice sauce for free. Dominoes. There's a winning name from Foster Botanical Gardens. Corpse Flower. The city's Parks and Rec Department tells us the top vote is Stink 182. We first told you about the plant and the contest yesterday as the city awaits for the plant to fully bloom. The garden says that's still expected any day now. Look to the night sky this Saturday during the Spam Jam in Waikiki. A free drone show starts at 8 30 p.m. and will last about 15 minutes. The best view will be near the Duke Kahanamoku statue and the show will be synced to music. You attend get Get ready for a mouthwatering event in Kahala. The 18th annual East Honolulu Food Festival is returning May 2nd. More than 20 vendors will dish out ono grinds at the Mary Star of the Sea Church and School Street on Ali'i, a school campus on Ali'i Koa Street. This year's theme is Under the Moon in Old Hawaii. Guests are encouraged to wear nostalgic Hawaiian attire. Tickets are $100. Kids 3 and under get in free. Proceeds will go towards playground upgrades. For tickets, parking, and shuttle information, head to our website. Tonight's Where Is This is an amazing photo. You can see stars and a cool moon, but where is it? I am stumped. Anyone have any guesses? I have no idea. Beautiful, though. Have a good night, everybody. Started as a delivery guy. Now he owns the place. That's Mike Rompell, who turned a part-time delivery job into a lifelong career. And right now, Domino's Hawaii is hiring. Whether you're in school, between gigs, or just want something steady, you can make it work here. A place with flexible hours, solid tips, and real opportunities to grow. Apply now at jobs.dominoes.com. And if you're hungry, mix and match a two-topping Parmesan stuffed crust pizza for just $11.99. And get the new slice sauce for free. Dominoes.
