Latest news with #HawaiiKai
Yahoo
08-07-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Koko Crater Stairs closed until bunker is secured
The Koko Head Tramway – better known as Koko Crater Stairs in Hawaii Kai—will remain closed indefinitely after a critical injury over the weekend. The Honolulu Department of Parks and Recreation closed the trail after an 8-year-old boy fell about 20 feet at the bunker at the summit on Saturday evening. DPR said the trail remains closed today, and will remain closed until a crew can secure the area where the child accessed the bunker. The Honolulu Fire Department received a 911 call at about 5 :24 p.m. Saturday for the injured boy, who was said to be hiking with his parents when he fell. The first unit arrived within 15 minutes, and ascended the stairs by foot. Rescuers were able to reach the boy's side to extricate him from the space at 5 :57 p.m. Honolulu Emergency Medical Services took the boy, who suffered multiple injuries, to a hospital in critical condition. Two years ago, DPR removed a deteriorating, metal grate used by many hikers as a viewing platform at the summit, and with a smaller one made of steel and surrounded by railing to improve safety. The tramway at Koko Crater was originally built by the U.S. Army in the 1940s to transport supplies and equipment from a base camp to the summit. The more than 1, 000 steps to the summit have since become a popular hike for tourists and residents alike. The city's nonprofit partner, the Kokonut Koalition, raises funds and volunteers thousands of hours to rehabilitate the steps. 'We are aware of the recent incident that took place at Koko Crater Stairs on July 5th, involving a young hiker, ' said the Kokonut Koalition in an Instagram post this morning. 'The Koalition would like to extend our heartfelt wishes for a swift recovery to the young man and his ohana.' The Koalition said its agreement with the city is to rehabilitate and revitalize the steps on the trail, and that safety assessments and maintenance to surrounding areas and structures are conducted and contracted out by the city. 'Warning signs are posted throughout the park, parking lot, trail head, and summit, ' said the Koalition in the post. 'We encourage everyone to heed all warning signs and take every precaution seriously while enjoying the beautiful trails, beaches, and parks of Hawaii.' HFD recommends that parents keep children within sight at all times during hikes, and that they not play out-of-sight games like hide-and-seek or tag. 4 Comments By participating in online discussions you acknowledge that you have agreed to the. An insightful discussion of ideas and viewpoints is encouraged, but comments must be civil and in good taste, with no personal attacks. If your comments are inappropriate, you may be banned from posting. Report comments if you believe they do not follow our. Having trouble with comments ? .
Yahoo
06-07-2025
- Yahoo
Boy, 8, falls down shaft at Koko Crater Trail
An 8-year-old boy was critically injured today after falling roughly 20 feet down a shaft into a bunker-like room near the top of the popular Koko Crater Trail in Hawaii Kai. The Honolulu Fire Department received a 911 call about the incident at 5 :24 p.m. and dispatched five units staffed with 13 personnel. The first unit arrived on the scene at 5 :39 p.m., with rescuers heading up the steep trail on foot while other units secured a landing zone nearby for HFD's Air 1 helicopter. The boy, who reportedly is a local resident, was hiking with his parents when he fell. Rescuers reached him at 5 :57 p.m. and provided treatment to prepare him for extraction, HFD said. Air 1 safely airlifted the child to the landing zone, where his care was transferred to a Honolulu Emergency Medical Services crew at 6 :10 p.m. EMS said he was taken to a hospital in critical condition. 3 Comments By participating in online discussions you acknowledge that you have agreed to the. An insightful discussion of ideas and viewpoints is encouraged, but comments must be civil and in good taste, with no personal attacks. If your comments are inappropriate, you may be banned from posting. Report comments if you believe they do not follow our. Having trouble with comments ? .
Yahoo
29-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Joseph Gedeon announced as Gene Ward's successor for House District 18
HONOLULU (KHON2) — A new face has been appointed to fill the vacant seat for House District 18. On Wednesday, May 28, the Hawaii House Republican Caucus announced that Joseph Gedeon would be the successor to the late Rep. Gene Ward, who served the Hawaii Kai community for nearly three decades. Former Rep. Gene Ward passes away at 82 Gedeon fills the seat as a born-and-raised Hawaii Kai resident himself and looks to continuously give back to his community through his involvement in many advocacy organizations. He brings in 20 years of business leadership experience, and currently works in marketing and advertising. According to the Hawaii Republican Party, Gedeon has 'worked tirelessly to uplift conservative voices and support over 80 political campaigns across the islands through his work.' Download the free KHON2 app for iOS or Android to stay informed on the latest news Multiple members of the Hawaii Republican Party expressed their excitement and appreciation for Gedeon to take the vacant seat. We are confident Joe will bring energy, integrity, and innovative thinking to the State Legislature. He represents a new generation of Republican leadership—grounded in local values, equipped with real-world experience, and ready to fight for Hawaii's future. Art Hannemann, Hawaii Republican Party State Chair Check out more news from around Hawaii Gov. Josh Green, M.D., selected Gedeon out of three proposed candidates. He is set to serve in the House until the term expires on Nov. 3, 2026. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
14-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Sidewalk encroachments could cost you
HONOLULU (KHON2) — Sidewalks with gravel, trees, large boulders or even concrete are a common sight in residential areas. According to the Department of Planning and Permitting, the space between the property line and road is called the unimproved sidewalk area and the property owner is responsible for it even though they don't own it. Judge denies bail for doctor accused of trying to kill wife It's a lesson one Hawaii Kai homeowner is learning after getting a notice of violation in the mail on April 30 for unauthorized gravel in the planter strip. The homeowner asked not to be identified. 'We've been here like over 30 years and then nothing ever happened. Nothing has never been mentioned, but suddenly we got that letter so it kind of freaked out,' the homeowner said. 'If it's gravel, what's wrong with this gravel?' According to DPP, four other homes on that street also received said gravel is generally not permitted because it can create a hazard or interfere with storm water drainage. However, the property owner may apply for a surface encroachment authorization request to get an exemption. Without an authorization, the gravel has to be removed. The standard ground cover is lawn grass. Just about everything else is considered a surface encroachment including: Rocks and boulders Fruit trees Paving and concrete for parking Thorny plants like cactus or bougainvillea Download the free KHON2 app for iOS or Android to stay informed on the latest news DPP said they don't go looking for these things, they are 'complaint driven.' And it doesn't matter how long ago the changes were made. Without an authorization, they are in violation. Real estate broker Kasandra Shriver said that's often where the confusion lies. 'So it's just really about making sure that you know where your property lines are, and you appreciate that while you're responsible for certain areas, it doesn't mean that it belongs to you,' Shriver said. 'You can't do anything there.' Missing dog reunited with owner on her birthday Homeowners are given 20 to 60 days to return it to its original state according to the Hawaii Revised Statutes. The law also specifies that if homeowners do not return the area to its original state within the allotted timeframe, the city will do fix it themselves and send the homeowner the bill for the service. Shriver said the best thing to do is contact the city if you ever get a notice. 'I imagine if you need a little extra time, that they would be willing to grant you that extra time,' she explained. 'I think it's the folks that don't respond that stick their heels in and say it's been this way. So I'm going to leave it this way. That will have the most issues.' An application for an authorization costs $200 and can be done online. Click here for more information. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
05-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Longtime GOP lawmaker Gene Ward dead at 82, leaving legacy of principle and political resilience
HONOLULU (KHON2) — Hawaii has lost one of its longest serving and most influential Republican voices. Representative Gene Ward died early on the morning of April 4, according to his family. For 27 years, Ward was the voice of Hawaii Kai at the State Capitol. Ward was fondly remembered today on the House floor for his commitment to public service and his legacy as an outspoken advocate for his district. Excessive speeding bill gives mandatory jail time, possible forfeiture of vehicle for repeat offenders As a Republican, Ward carved out his own style of politics, championing his constituents and was never afraid to speak up. 'He embodied what it means to be the opposition. He would never back down from a fight. He would stand firm on his principles, even if he was the only one standing,' said Minority Floor Leader Diamond Garcia. Ward's life was one of service: in the Vietnam war and in the Peace Corps, a stint with USAID under the Bush Administration and over two decades in the state governor ordered the flag to be lowered in his honor, calling him a 'fighter in every sense' and a 'dedicated leader.' 'Fearless' is also a word many are using to describe Ward. 'I would say, fearless when it came to wanting to get his point across as to how he represented his community. So I'm just deeply saddened,' said Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi. His passing leaves the Hawaii Republican Party working to compile a list of nominees to replace him. While his seat will be filled, his shoes may not be. 'I was at an event when I got the news and the amount of text messages and calls, just showed how many lives that he touched. So again, the legislature won't be the same without Representative Gene Ward,' said House Minority Leader Rep. Lauren Matsumoto. Hawaii Republican Party members say a state funeral will likely be held at the Capitol. Gene Ward was 82. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
