Rick Daysog
- Investigative Reporter, KGMB-TV (Honolulu, HI)
- Investigative Reporter, KHNL-TV (Honolulu, HI)
- Investigative Reporter, KSIX-TV (Honolulu, HI)
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Articles by Rick Daysog
In emails, DOE threatened to pull state contracts if companies didn’t remove outspoken critic
HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) - A mental health expert is accusing the state Department of Education of retaliating against her because she’s criticized the way disabled students are being taught. Amanda Kelly, an award-winning behavioral analyst, has been an outspoken advocate for public school students with autism and other mental disabilities, often criticizing the Department of Education for not using licensed behavioral analysts — as required by law.
At trial, mother of murdered acupuncturist describes moment she discovered son’s body
HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) - Lilly Tokuhara weeped on the witness stand Wednesday as she talked about the day she discovered her son’s body in his Waipahu office last year. “I went to the office and I saw him on the floor and I saw paperwork all over the room,” said 81-year-old Lilly Tokuhara. Jon Tokuhara was shot three times in the head and prosecutors have charged Eric Thompson with the killing.
DOE spent $168M on bell and alarm system, but more than half of schools still don’t have it
HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) - More than half of Hawaii’s 255 public schools rely on aging bell, alarm and P.A. systems due to delays in installing promised high-tech upgrades, Hawaii News Now has learned. The upgrades were supposed to be part of the Department of Education’s Converge Infrastructure Initiative which the DOE has spent at least $168 million on since 2014. But due to a recent lack of funding, more than a 100 public schools still rely on outdated and failing analog equipment.
Investigation finds DOE wasted millions on solar-powered AC systems
HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) - A Hawaii News Now investigation has found that the state Department of Education wasted millions of dollars on solar-powered air conditioning systems that either had to be disconnected or aren’t doing an adequate job of cooling classrooms. During the past six years, the DOE has installed solar-powered AC systems in 880 classrooms at a cost of $122 million — or more than $138,000 per classroom.
Lawyers say federal investigators targeting major fentanyl dealers
HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) - Based on the charging documents, lawyers say Avery Garrard and Keina Drageset were major fentanyl distributors in Hawaii. When federal investigators searched the couple’s Honolulu Symphony apartment last Friday, they said they discovered more than a pound of fentanyl on their kitchen table. “They are the top dealers for fentanyl,” said attorney Megan Kau.
Review concludes officers were justified in fatally shooting man who drove toward them
HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) - Honolulu Prosecutor Steve Alm on Thursday cleared the officers in the police shooting death of a Kahaluu man in 2020. Caillen Gentzler was shot in the head by police after he drove his Jeep at one of the officers attempting to arrest him at Hookipa Kahaluu Housing projects in December 2020. “We are convinced he would have put folks in danger of death or serious bodily injury.
‘First of its kind’: City previews new rail operating center ahead of grand opening
HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) - When the rail system begins interim service on June 30, the new Rail Operating Center in Pearl City will serve as its high-tech nerve center. “We should be very proud of this system because it is state of the art ... It’s the first of its kind,” said Patrick Preusser, the city Department of Transportation Service’s Director of Rapid Transit.
City tries novel approach to crack down on illegal game rooms: Going after landlords
HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) - Since 2018, the Honolulu Police Department has raided the Ohana Grocery in Palama three times for illegal game rooms. But after each raid, the same types of criminal activity moves back in, said Rev. David Gierlach, rector of St. Elizabeth’s Episcopal Church. “It hasn’t stopped doing business,” said Gierlach. “It’s not only the illegal gambling and drug activity going on there but it’s ... become a real draw for the houseless population.
State judge rules officer accused of harassment can’t carry firearms
HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) - A state judge has ruled that a Hawaii County police officer who pulled a gun on a Big Island man in a police station parking lot cannot carry firearms. Det. Justin Gaspar and Jake Kahele-Bishop of Kailua-Kona have traded allegations of harassment after the March 10 police shooting death of Kahele-Bishop’s brother, Kainoa.
A ‘game-changer’: State seeks federal grants to go all in on green hydrogen
HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) - As part its plan to reduce Hawaii’s dependence on fossil fuels, the state is making a big bet on green hydrogen. It’s one of dozens of states and regions vying for federal funding under the U.S. Department of Energy’s Regional Clean Hydrogen Hub program. “It’s a game-changer,” Mark Glick, chief energy officer for the state Energy Office, said of the DOE grants.
Kauai residents seek state’s help to preserve affordable housing
HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) - Residents at a Kauai housing project are asking for the state’s help to keep their apartments affordable. They say the owner of the Courtyards at Waipouli Apartments plans to sell the 82-unit Kapaa complex to a private developer, and they’re asking the state for funding to keep rents at affordable levels. “There is no affordable housing, and I have diligently looked everywhere every day,” said Waipouli resident Rowena Contredes Pangan.
Hawaii coal power plant to be dismantled, transitioned to renewables facility at cost of $20M
HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) - AES Corp. said it will spend $20 million over the next two years to dismantle its coal power plant in Campbell Industrial Park. But on the ashes of the shuttered complex, the company is considering building a new battery storage complex. “I see energy storage as a very solid technology that is going to be part of the rest of the renewables,” said Bernerd Da Santos, chief operating officer and president of AES Global Renewables.
In about-face, state agrees to pay women’s prison sex assault victims $2M in settlement
HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) - The state has agreed to pay $2 million to six former and current inmates who were sexually assaulted by adult correctional officers at the Women’s Community Correctional Center. “I am pleased that we can put this case to rest,” said state Attorney General Anne Lopez.
Lawyers threaten suit over state of special education services in Hawaii public schools
HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) - Attorneys for special education students are threatening to sue the state, saying access to special education and mental health services has gotten worse since the pandemic. In a letter to Gov. Josh Green on Wednesday, attorney Eric Seitz said Hawaii is behind the national average when it comes to the percentage of students receiving special education services.
‘Flabbergasted’: State agency charged with protecting Hawaii’s resources faces $600,000 fine for pollution
HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) - The state Department of Land and Natural Resources, a state agency tasked with protecting Hawaii’s natural resources, faces a $600,000 fine for pollution at the Heeia Kea Small Boat Harbor. Between 2015 and 2020, the state Health Department said there were 62 instances where wastewater from the harbor exceeded limits for measures of bacteria levels.
Hawaii CEO rose only slightly in 2022, but critics say executive salaries are still too high
HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) - A tougher business climate and higher interest rates led to smaller pay raises for Hawaii’s top CEOs last year. But critics complain that local CEO compensation is still too high. Company filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission show that average CEO compensation in Hawaii rose just 2% in 2022 to about $3.4 million.
Federal grand jury is conducting criminal probe into Red Hill fuel spills
HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) - A federal grand jury is conducting a criminal investigation into the Red Hill fuel spills that sickened thousands of Hawaii families. Hawaii News Now has learned that a number of military and civilian officials have been subpoenaed in recent months to testify about the 2021 spills, which contaminated the drinking water of more than 90,000 military personnel and civilians. Environmental activist Carroll Cox applauded the criminal probe.
Amid harassment claims, family of Hawaii Island man fatally shot by police files wrongful death suit
HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) - The family of a Kona man who was fatally shot by Big Island police officers last month has filed a wrongful death suit. The suit comes as Kainoa Kahele-Bishop’s relatives and Big Island police have accused each other of harassment and terroristic threatening.
Some contend prosecutors were too lenient with charges against officers in near-fatal chase
HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) - Some critics are the city Prosecutor’s Office of being too lenient on the four police officers involved in a near-fatal chase in Makaha in 2021. But others say the criminal charges against Honolulu Police Officer Joshua Nahulu (for allegedly causing the collision) and Officers Erik Smith, Jake Bartolome and Robert Lewis (for hindering prosecution) were appropriate.
4 HPD officers charged with felonies in connection with police chase, near-fatal crash
HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) - Four HPD officers who allegedly pursued a sedan without their blue lights on and then failed to render aid after a horrific crash that left six people injured ― showing up at the scene after the fact, witnesses said, and claiming not to know what happened ― have been charged with felony counts. The officers charged are: Officer Joshua Nahulu, who was charged with collisions involving death or serious bodily injury.
‘Unfair’: City plan to restrict commercial activities at parks hits opposition from a surprising source
HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) -The city wants to restrict commercial activities to all city parks. But Bill 19 also repeals the ban on tour buses at Windward Oahu beaches ― and that’s got some residents concerned. “It’s unfair that our voices are being silenced,” said Waimanalo resident Mialisa Otis, who is in favor of restrictions but said the outright ban for Windward Oahu should stay in place.
Protesters who ‘reclaimed’ DHHL land step up pressure campaign ... with a bulldozer
HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) - Frustrated by the state Department of Hawaiian Home Land’s growing waitlist, Native Hawaiian activists are increasing the pressure on the department. Over the weekend, one protester ― De Mont Manaole ― used an excavator to clear a long-vacant, four-acre DHHL parcel that was overrun by weeds and nonnative trees. “This land was just wasting away. It’s just growing ... overgrown with invasive species,” said Manaole.
Convention center grapples with mounting problems from major rooftop leak
HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) - The Hawaii Convention Center says a major rooftop leak problem threatens to cause structural damage to the $350 million complex. So far, the leaks haven’t led to cancellations. But the center’s manager said it has forced the venue to move events to other rooms. “At one point, we took out 10 rooms when we had that heavy rains for like two or three weeks. It just got so saturated, we couldn’t stop it,” said Teri Orton, the center’s general manager.
Native Hawaiian protesters who are ‘tired of waiting’ stage protest to claim DHHL lands
HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) - Native Hawaiian protesters frustrated by a growing waitlist for a homestead are taking matters into their own hands. This week, the group began placing signs on vacant Department of Hawaiian Home Land parcels in Waianae and Kalaeloa, “reclaiming” the land for beneficiaries. “We’re tired of waiting. We’re tired of dying on the death list. And it’s time for kanakas to stand up and reclaim our lands,” said Native Hawaiian activist De Mont Manaole.
Mayor throws his weight behind big tax break for company proposing film studio on Oahu
HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) - Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi said a plan to build a new film studio in west Oahu will not only create high-paying jobs but will help diversify the island’s economy. Last year, Hawaii’s film industry generated a record $480 million in revenues. But much of the post-production work for the filming here was shipped off island due to the lack of studio space. Building a new studio could help the industry double those revenues, Blangiardi said.
Parents and teachers detail mold problems, rodent infestations at Big Island school
HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) - Parents, teachers and the teachers union say mold problems at the Holualoa Elementary School on the Big Island have gotten so bad, it’s not only compromising student’s health but also their education. “We have students who have allergies, we have students who have asthma, and they are affected and they are impacted on a daily basis,” said Courtney D’Agostino, who teaches at the school.
City agrees to pay $2M to settle lawsuits over flood damage in East Honolulu
HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) - The city has agreed to pay more than $2 million to settle lawsuits filed by nine East Oahu homeowners and a church over damages caused by the 2018 flood. The City Council’s Executive matters and Legal Affairs Committee approved the measure last week. The settlement goes to the full Council next week.
Lawmaker apologizes for comparing housing chief to the devil, but doubles down on DHHL criticism
The Winds Of Change May Be Starting To Blow In An Otherwise 'Dark Time' Gov. Josh Green is talking a good game when it comes to public records and making it easier to access them. Now we just need to see if he’s serious. It’s been great to hear him respond positively to a letter sent to him when he took over as governor by a coalition of 30 media organizations and good government groups.
Green files harassment claim against lawmaker who compared housing director to the devil
Ban on forced employee microchip implants initially passed by Senate CHEYENNE — A bill that bans employers from requiring employees to have microchips implanted into their bodies passed the Wyoming Senate on first reading Tuesday. Senate File 72 was brought by Sen. Dan Laursen, R-Powell, and received a unanimous recommendation out of the House Labor, Health and Social Services Committee before it came to the Senate floor.
After state senator compares housing chief to the devil, Gov. Green files harassment complaint
HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) - Gov. Josh Green said today that state Sen. Kurt Fevella violated the Senate’s anti-harassment policy when he compared his housing chief to “the devil” and questioned her commitment to the Hawaiian people. In a letter to Senate President Ron Kouchi, Green said Fevella’s recent comments about Housing chief Nani Medeiros violated the Senate rules barring offensive language about a person’s race. “I will not tolerate anyone from my team being treated this way.
Former police chief prevails in defamation suit brought by ex-SHOPO president
HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) - A jury on Monday sided with former Police Chief Susan Ballard in a defamation suit. The suit was brought by Tenari Maafala, who stepped down as president of the police union in 2018. Maafala had argued that Ballard damaged his reputation with statements she made to Honolulu Civil Beat in 2017, accusing him of overtime abuse. In testimony, Ballard claimed her statements were mischaracterized.
Co-defendant of former Bend woman convicted in Hawaii slaying
HONOLULU — After less than a day of deliberations, a jury on Friday found Stephen Brown guilty of murder and kidnapping in the 2017 killing of Telma Boinville at a North Shore vacation rental. Brown was found guilty of murder, two counts of kidnapping and burglary. While the verdict was being read Friday morning, Brown showed no emotion and stared straight ahead. The judge later rescinded Brown’s bail, ordering him to remain behind bars.
Hawaii woman at center of Trump-era influence peddling scheme sentenced to prison
Hawaii's state Supreme Court ruled that Frederick Nitta, MD, of Hilo, Hawaii, is allowed to keep $205,000 in enhanced Medicaid payments, despite state officials' attempts to recoup the funds, the American Medical Association said Jan. 18. Dr. Nitta, an obstetrician-gynecologist, provided primary care services for patients in rural areas 60...
Hawaii woman at center of Trump-era influence peddling scheme sentenced to prison
HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) - Saying she lacked remorse and took no responsibility for her actions, a federal judge on Wednesday sentenced a Kahala woman to two years in prison for her role in a Trump-era influence peddling scheme. U.S. District Judge Leslie Kobayashi also fined Nickie Lum Davis $250,000 and ordered her to complete three years of supervised release. Davis, a Punahou School graduate, also agreed to pay $3 million in restitution to the government.
Campaign Spending Commission fines shadowy PAC over print advertisement
First Alert Surf: North and West Shorelines - Advisory level surf swell today, another Warning size. Cooler than normal temps for early mornings; Light winds and dry conditions thru Tuesday.
State considers another tax refund to ease pinch of Hawaii’s rising cost of living
A Kaneohe family is suing state education and health officials for failing to place their son, who has serious behavioral issues, in intensive treatment. Michelle Shores and her husband Dane filed a lawsuit against state schools Superintendent Keith Hayashi and Department of Health Director Elizabeth Char, among others, for violating the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, which requires their departments to provide appropriate services and placements for disabled children.
Cabinet jobs for lawmakers will mean more turnover in state House
Gov. Josh Green, M.D. announced today a third round of nominees to serve as Director and/or Deputy Directors and other appointed positions for state departments. “These exceptional and experienced individuals will work to advance our community’s quality of life, sustainably develop our economy, and modernize our systems to increase government efficiency and cross-collaboration.
Judge: City could be held liable for Kealohas’ crimes, potentially costing millions
HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) - A federal judge ruled that the City and County of Honolulu could be held liable for the crimes committed by former Honolulu Police Chief Louis Kealoha and his estranged wife former Honolulu Deputy Prosecutor Katherine Kealoha.
Rents at new affordable project in Makiki will start at $1,200
HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) - The latest affordable rental project is an attractive location for people who work Downtown. And for those with the incomes that qualify, the starting rents for the three-story, 26-unit project in Makiki are even more attractive. “I would say somewhere around $1,200 a month,” developer Paul Lam said, during Friday’s groundbreaking ceremony. The development will be located at the corner of Ernest and Green streets.
Oahu homeowners balk after property tax assessments soar 20 to 30%
HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) - When Connie Irwin received her real property tax assessments for her Haleiwa home last week, she was shocked. The retiree ― who lives on a fixed income ― said the property tax assessment for her home went from $2,585,000 last year to $3,337,000. Similar increases next year could force her to sell, she said. “You know, I was mad. I was angry that this is just an arbitrary number,” said Irwin. “It went up almost $800,000 in one year. We’ll probably squeeze by this year ...
Massive Kalihi home under construction draws flurry of complaints ― and new city scrutiny
HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) - The city says it plans to issue notices of violations to the owners of a massive home in Kalihi that includes eight bedrooms, four kitchens and two wet bars. The city Department of Planning and Permitting said one of its inspector conducted a site visit at the home on Kamehameha IV Road on Monday and found that the owner had installed air conditioners that weren’t part of the approved permits.
HFD: Lithium ion batteries, like those in electric cars and cell phones, blamed in dozens of Oahu fires
HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) - More than a third of Oahu’s accidental fires between 2020 and 2022 involved lithium ion batteries, the Honolulu Fire Department said Wednesday. Of the 167 accidental fires on Oahu during that period, the HFD said 58 involved these types of batteries. However, none of these fires involved fatalities, fire officials said. “Luckily, there have only been minor injuries because of lithium ion batteries,” said HFD fire investigator Kamehalani Ortiz.
Prosecutors: Bats, knives and machete used in brutal 2017 Pupukea killing
HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) - Prosecutors said Stephen Brown and Hailey Dandurand used a bat, knives and a machete in the brutal killing of a Haleiwa woman in 2017. In a hearing on Wednesday, prosecutors described some of the weapons the duo used to kill Telma Boinville while she was cleaning a vacation rental home in Pupukea. “Three throwing knives... a machete,” said Deputy Prosecutor Scott Bell. Bell added the duo also used a baseball bat. “The bat is in close proximity,” Bell said.
Another former Maui wastewater official pleads guilty to bribery in corruption scandal
HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) - Former Maui wastewater Supervisor Wilfredo Tamayo Savella pleaded guilty to bribery charges on Monday as part of a sprawling corruption scandal that also netted public officials. Savella, 71, admitted he received more than $40,000 in bribes from Honolulu businessman Milton Choy. In return, Savella said he helped steer 35 non-bid contracts worth more than $10 million to Choy’s company, H20 Process Systems.
Lawmaker: Rescue plan for Hawaii’s last commercial dairy underway
HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) - The bankruptcy reorganization of Hawaii’s last commercial dairy marks another sad chapter in the long demise of the state’s dairy industry. But lawmakers said a rescue plan for Hawaii’s Cloverleaf Dairy is already underway. “This is the only dairy in the state,” said state Sen. Lorraine Inouye, (D) Hilo.
Ex-labor leader who used union money to fund lavish lifestyle found guilty of fraud, embezzlement
HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) - A former labor leader who used union dues to fund a lucrative lifestyle for himself and members of family has been found guilty on all 69 counts against him. A federal jury returned the verdict in Brian Ahakuelo’s trial on Monday afternoon. The counts against him included fraud, money laundering, and embezzlement. As IBEW Local 1260′s business manager, Ahakuelo put five of his family members on the union’s payroll at six figure salaries.
Prosecutors say high court ruling will make streets safer, but others expect more legal wrangling
HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) - Prosecutors and law enforcement are breathing easier now that they can keep people charged with serious crimes in custody for up to 60 days. But some expect even more legal challenges following a new state Supreme Court ruling. Law enforcement officials say the state Supreme Court ruling in the DeAngelo case will make Oahu’s streets safer while others expect legal challenges in the federal courts.
FEC says Kahele congressional campaign must return $48K to donors
HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) - The Federal Election Commission says U.S. Rep. Kai Kahele’s congressional committee must refund more than $48,000 to its political donors. That’s because the contributors donated for the November 2022 general election, which Kahele didn’t run in. “You can keep money that was donated to you for an election you’re running in, but you can’t accept donations from elections you didn’t run in,” said University of Hawaii political science Professor Colin Moore.
Judge allows family of man shot by police to pursue legal claims that HPD lacked training
HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) - A federal judge issued a key ruling in a lawsuit against Honolulu Police over the shooting death of a 26-year-old man in Mililani in 2019. U.S. District Judge Jill Otake ruled that the family of Kyle Thomas can pursue claims against the city and the HPD that plainclothes officers lacked training when they surrounded his car in a residential neighborhood and shot him.
Critics: State didn’t do enough to protect 2 young kids from horrific alleged abuse at foster home
HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) - Child welfare advocates are criticizing the state over the alleged sex assaults of two young girls at a foster home over a six-year period. The victims were 6 and 8 years old when the alleged abuse started. Child welfare advocates allege suspect Bryson “Bula” Mahoe of Wahiawa was able to get away with the crimes for so long because state social workers did an inadequate job of monitoring the foster home. “It’s horrible. They’re supposed to do checks once a month.
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