Read the latest news from regional and global sources, presenting different voices and perspectives.

Honolulu EMS program trains students for life-saving careers
HONOLULU (Island News) – Students got to experience a series of hands-on medical scenarios in the Honolulu Emergency Medical Services’ (EMS) five-week summer training program. EMS’ Explorers Program just wrapped up its second annual “EMS Olympic...

Hawaiian Electric utility work in Kaneohe to close a lane by Duncan Dr
KANEOHE, Hawaii (Island News) -- A northbound lane in Kaneohe by Duncan Drive will be closed due to utility work by Hawaiian Electric on Thursday. Hawaiian Electric crews are replacing a pole-mounted transformer along Kamehameha Highway and...

Hawaii Tourism Authority board members resign
The Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA) board members have resigned at the request of Governor Josh Green, marking a significant shift in the agency's operations. As of July 1, 2025, the HTA will operate with a clean slate after criticism over...

Wapello native Lydia Fisher, now Miss Iowa, follows childhood dreams toward medical degree
Best big college towns in America Best big college towns in America Every year, students from across the country agonize about where to go to college. The choices are endless: Big university or small private school? Close to home or far away?...

US is the only country facing tourism decline as Trump policies to cost $29 billion in visitor revenue: study
Your support helps us to tell the story From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our...

Cheapest diesel in cities across Honolulu County in week ending June 28
Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) Chairman Willie L. Phillips | www.ferc.govFederal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) Chairman Willie L. Phillips | www.ferc.gov There was a single gas station in cities across Honolulu County selling...

Former Colorado firefighter dies while vacationing with family in Hawaii
Greg Durocher, 51, experienced shortness of breath after surfacing from a dive and then became unresponsive. CASTLE ROCK, Colo. — A former West Metro Fire Rescue firefighter is being remembered as a devoted husband, father, and public servant...

The Best Way to Pack Your Carry-On Bag for Fourth of July Weekend Travel
Summer is in full swing, delivering scorching temperatures and vacation season for millions of Americans. If you've got a trip planned for the Fourth of July weekend, it's best to prepare early to ensure that you can relax while traveling, instead...

Months after leading Oklahoma State to NCAA third place, David Taylor vacations in Hawaii with his favorite people
Oklahoma State Cowboys wrestling head coach David Taylor took to social media to share a few glimpses of his time on vacation with his family. Taylor concluded his first NCAA season as head coach earlier this year, helping his team to a...

I lost 1kg in one hour by training in the heat like a Tour de France cycling pro
I thought I might be somewhat used to the heat of the Tour de France at this point. It's been almost two decades since I first stood on the roadside and fell in love with the sport. Since then, I've travelled across Europe to watch the world's...

Hawaii police investigating possible drowning of Colorado man
Hawaii's "Big Island" police are investigating the possible drowning of a 51-year-old male visitor that occurred Monday afternoon in Hilo. The man, identified as Greg Durocher of Castle Rock, Colorado, was visiting the island with his family. At...

U.S. military's attempt to retain strategic land for training runs into Native Hawaiian opposition
HONOLULU — A high-altitude plateau on the Big Island is the only place in Hawaii where thousands of ground forces can practice firing live munitions. It's also a place many Native Hawaiians consider the spiritual heart of the island. The U.S....
Inspired by 'Love Island?' Here's what to know about visiting Fiji.
Hotel searches for Fiji increased by 30% in June 2025 compared to June 2024, potentially influenced by the reality show "Love Island USA." Fiji Airways offers nonstop flights from several U.S. cities, with round-trip fares as low as $753 in...

Letter: Cooperation is key in managing tourism
The recent legislative hearing involving the Hawai‘i Tourism Authority highlighted valid concerns and a shared desire and commitment to strengthen our visitor industry. While questions surrounding spending, leadership stability and accountability...

Pensacola Beach dining guide: Where to eat on the beach, from fancy to flip flops
If you’re making the trek out to Pensacola Beach for a sun-soaked day on the sand, you need to give some thought to your dining options to fuel the day. Whether you’re looking for a quick slice of New York-style pizza or a waterfront fresh catch...

World News | US Military's Attempt to Retain Strategic Land for Training Runs into Native Hawaiian Opposition
Honolulu, Jul 4 (AP) A high-altitude plateau on the Big Island is the only place in Hawaii where thousands of ground forces can practice firing live munitions. It's also a place many Native Hawaiians consider the spiritual heart of the island. The...

I've done gig work in all 50 states. Here's how I use apps like Lyft and DoorDash to support my love of travel and food.
This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Kreskin Torres, a gig worker who has visited each of the 50 US states while working as a ride-hailing driver for Lyft. The interview has been edited for length and clarity. I've been a...

Knox the Fox shares Dorans’ Oahu vacation: Part III
Over the past two Fridays, I have shared my friends’ perfect plan for visiting what most people have on their bucket list: a trip to Oahu, Hawaii. See some Oahu history and the first four days of their trip here and their next few days here. This...

Hawaii police investigating apparent drowning of Castle Rock man who died while scuba diving
HILO, Hawaii — Police in Hawaii are investigating the apparent downing of a Castle Rock man who died while scuba diving on The Big Island. Greg Durocher, 51, of Castle Rock, was apparently participating in scuba diving lessons with his family on...

US military's attempt to retain strategic land for training runs into Native Hawaiian...
But the Army's lease for state lands beneath a key part of the training range expires in 2029. Native Hawaiians upset with the U.S. military's history of damaging Hawaiian lands with target practice and fuel leaks want the Army out. “They have...