Hawaiʻi Issues Cease and Desist Against BG Wealth Sharing LTD for Alleged Crypto Investment Scam

The Hawaiʻi Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs (DCCA) has issued a cease and desist order to BG Wealth Sharing LTD and individuals Cranci Ilima Luci Hoopai and Ligaya Joy Arcenas for allegedly offering unregistered securities through a cryptocurrency investment platform.

The group reportedly held presentations statewide, directly soliciting local residents without proper registration or authorization.

Each is facing a proposed $50,000 fine and a permanent ban from securities activities in Hawaiʻi, bringing the total penalty to $150,000.

Officials warn residents to be wary of investment pitches that claim high returns with little or no risk, as these are often linked to fraudulent activity.

Anyone contacted or invested in BG Wealth Sharing LTD should reach out to the State Securities Enforcement Branch’s Scam Line at 1-877-HI-SCAMS.

The Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation (HART) will receive a nearly $90 million reimbursement from the state of Hawaiʻi, supporting the city’s ongoing rail project.

The approved $89.4 million covers construction, debt service interest, consultant fees, and insurance costs, following a thorough state audit that removed $43,000 in duplicate charges.

This careful review highlights the state’s focus on fiscal transparency and responsible public spending.

HART also secured major federal support, with the Federal Transit Administration releasing $125 million in April 2024 and an additional $250 million in December after key contracts were awarded.

In August 2024, HART awarded a $1.66 billion contract to Tutor Perini Corporation to build the City Center segment, featuring six stations and three miles of elevated guideway, aiming for completion by 2030.

Construction is advancing in Iwilei and Downtown, bringing Honolulu’s vision for modern rail closer to reality.

George Ariyoshi, Hawaiʻi’s third governor and the first Asian American to lead a U.S. state, passed away peacefully on April 19, 2026, at age 100.

Born and raised in Honolulu, Ariyoshi served as governor from 1974 to 1986 and was widely admired for his humility, steady leadership, and deep commitment to Hawaiʻi’s people.

He guided the state with wisdom and integrity during times of economic transition, earning lasting respect across generations.

Governor Ariyoshi’s legacy as a visionary and trailblazing public servant will continue to inspire the local community and the nation for years to come.

The Hawaiʻi State Legislature is nearing the finish line for the 2026 session, with lawmakers preparing for crucial final votes by Friday, May 8.

The centerpiece is the proposed state budget, targeting vital issues like housing, education, and recovery from recent Kona Low storms.

This week, House Bill No. 1800 CD1, the supplemental budget for 2025-2027, cleared major hurdles and now awaits approval in both the Senate and House before heading to the Governor.

The plan proposes $10.42 billion in general fund spending for 2026, increasing to $10.63 billion in 2027, with total funding across all sources set at $19.77 billion and $20.31 billion, respectively.

Senator Donovan M. Dela Cruz stressed support for Hawaiʻi's working families through tax relief and cost-saving steps, while Representative Chris Todd highlighted the budget’s balanced and collaborative approach.

Final decisions will shape essential services and impact every Hawaiʻi resident.

A Kalani High School senior has earned a coveted spot at the United States Air Force Academy, marking a significant milestone for both the student and the Honolulu school community.

This accomplishment showcases the student’s dedication and the nurturing, achievement-focused environment at Kalani High School.

Founded in 1958 and serving 1,400 students, Kalani High stands out with a 93% graduation rate, affirming its place among Hawaii’s top-performing high schools.

The Air Force Academy’s rigorous admissions process—requiring a congressional nomination and outstanding credentials—makes this acceptance an extraordinary honor. In December 2025, U.S. Representative Ed Case recognized a Kalani student as a principal nominee, reflecting the school’s high caliber.

This success story underscores the promise and pride of local students eager to serve their country, highlighting the boundless opportunities open to Honolulu youth with determination and vision.

The Kalani community celebrates and supports the senior as they advance toward this ambitious new chapter.

Divers from the state Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) have recently planted about two dozen nursery-raised corals at Kewalo Basin and Maunalua Bay, advancing efforts to restore Oahu’s reefs.

These corals, cultivated at the Hawai‘i Coral Restoration Nursery on Sand Island, were placed as part of a project aiming to outplant around 100 corals in total across the two sites.

Community engagement is a core element, with local dive shops volunteering to monitor the health and growth of the new coral, capturing photos to track their progress.

Planting nursery-grown corals increases resilience and accelerates reef recovery—what normally takes decades can be achieved in just one year.

The Restore With Resilience project has also brought community members into hands-on coral restoration, establishing new models for grassroots conservation in Hawai‘i.

United action by scientists and residents offers hope for thriving reefs in the future.

A Hawaiian monk seal pup was born at Kaimana Beach in Waikīkī on May 3, 2026, marking the seventh offspring for Kaʻiwi, a 15-year-old seal well known to locals.

This rare event highlights ongoing challenges in balancing wildlife conservation with public enjoyment at one of Oʻahu’s busiest gathering spots.

Authorities have installed new safety measures, asking everyone to keep at least 150 feet from mother-and-pup pairs and 50 feet from other seals.

Pet owners are required to leash their dogs and keep them well away from seals to avoid disruption.

Kaʻiwi’s consistent pupping at Kaimana, including births in 2021, 2023, and 2024, underscores the beach’s growing importance as an endangered seal nursery.

With only about 1,200 Hawaiian monk seals left, each pup born offers hope for the future.

Community vigilance and reporting sightings remain key to their protection.

FEMA is providing critical disaster relief to Honolulu communities impacted by recent natural disasters.

Local governments, non-profits, and houses of worship may qualify for financial assistance through FEMA’s Public Assistance program, which supports emergency work, debris removal, and the restoration of damaged facilities.

Residents facing hardship can apply to the Individual Assistance program for help covering essential expenses like temporary housing, urgent home repairs, and other needs insurance will not cover.

The Hawaii Department of Human Services is also offering the Disaster Case Management Program (DCMP), connecting survivors with case managers to build recovery plans and access resources.

For DCMP, individuals can join the waitlist by calling 211.

Applying promptly for these relief programs is essential for those seeking to rebuild and recover stronger.

Hawai‘i's seasonally adjusted unemployment rate rose slightly to 2.4% in March from February's 2.3%, signaling a minor shift in local labor trends.

Despite this uptick, the state remains one of the nation’s leaders in low unemployment, reflecting ongoing economic resilience.

March saw 671,150 residents employed while just 16,200 were jobless, producing a total labor force of 687,350.

Compared to the U.S. average of 4.3%, Hawai‘i maintains a stronger employment landscape, further setting itself apart.

Honolulu County echoed this strength, posting a 2.2% unemployment rate in February 2026—a 0.5 percentage point drop from the prior year.

These trends underscore stable economic conditions and a robust job market, suggesting ongoing prosperity for both the state and its capital.

Honolulu is gearing up for the lively Poke Fest Honolulu, celebrating Hawaii’s iconic poke bowls and fresh seafood on May 18, 2026.

The open-air festival will showcase inventive poke creations from both seasoned chefs and rising amateurs, each seeking the honor of "King of Poke Fest."

Organizers are introducing a Poke Pass this year, offering guests quicker access to tasting stations and more chances to sample the festival’s unique bowls.

This is designed for seafood lovers eager to explore all the flavors without the lines.

The event promises more than food, with live entertainment, interactive games, and classic Hawaiian dishes creating an engaging, island-style atmosphere for everyone.

Advance Poke Passes are recommended due to strong demand, so plan ahead for smooth entry.

Both locals and visitors are invited to savor, celebrate, and connect at Poke Fest Honolulu this spring.

Honolulu’s food lovers are gearing up for the Poke Fest on Saturday, May 16, 2026, at Ka Makana Ali‘i in Kapolei.

From 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM, more than 40 local vendors will offer their signature poke creations, making it a paradise for seafood fans.

The festival promises live music, family activities for keiki, and exciting giveaways.

Exclusive Poke Passes are available for $45, granting expedited entry, five 4 oz poke samples, and a collectible cooler bag — but they’re expected to sell out fast.

Top names like Ali‘i Fish Market, Ilea’s Kitchen, and Nico’s Pier 38 will serve up unique poke dishes just for the event.

Attendees can vote for their favorite, adding a delicious competitive twist.

Looking ahead, the 6th Annual Kauai Poke Fest is set to return on June 19–20, 2026, at Koloa Landing with Chef Sam Choy, live chef competitions, and Hawaiian entertainment — all supporting local nonprofits.

Don’t miss a true local culinary celebration.

Discover the vibrant charm of Waimānalo on O‘ahu with sunflower fields and family-friendly farm adventures that welcome guests of all ages.

Waimānalo Country Farms is preparing for its 2026 Sunflower Spring and Summer Event, expected to launch in June, depending on the blooms and weather.

Visitors can wander among golden sunflowers, sip on Nalo Made Lemonade, and taste farm-fresh cornbread from Tuesday to Sunday, 9 AM to 4 PM.

Private picnics and after-hours photo sessions can be reserved for a more personalized experience.

For animal lovers, Nalo Keiki Paniolo at DLT Ranch invites families to “DA ZOO” in May, featuring horses, alpacas, goats, and more.

Children enjoy a playground picnic area, while entry is $15 per person, with little ones under 2 admitted free.

Waimānalo’s sunflower farms deliver unforgettable moments where scenic beauty meets hands-on fun.

In the heart of Honolulu, a bernadoodle therapy dog named Aka is spreading comfort and hope.

This compassionate two-year-old provides emotional support to patients in hospitals, residents in nursing homes, and Hawaii Life Flight crews who face life’s toughest moments.

Aka’s visits offer respite to both those in need and frontline responders, highlighting the healing power of animals.

Part of a growing movement in Hawaii, therapy dogs are making remarkable impacts across the islands.

At The Queen’s Medical Center, facility dogs like Yoda and Ipo brighten patients’ days, easing discomfort and helping them connect.

Tripler Army Medical Center celebrates Nalu, a Labrador retriever, who supports young patients by reducing anxiety and building trust.

Together, these therapy dogs embody the aloha spirit, delivering hope and healing throughout Hawaii.

Honolulu’s Filipino community is preparing for the festive Filipino Fiesta on Saturday, May 2, 2026, from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM at the Filipino Community Center in Waipahu.

This beloved gathering is Oʻahu’s largest celebration of Filipino heritage, bringing together vibrant music, dance, and art traditions.

Food lovers can savor authentic dishes from local icons like Elena’s Home of Finest Filipino Foods and Max’s of Manila, featuring crowd-pleasers such as pork adobo and crispy pata.

For a creative spin on old favorites, try Peso, a Honolulu hotspot known for its inventive Filipino-American offerings.

Visitors will also discover a lively marketplace, where artisans and small businesses present unique crafts and community services.

With performances and activities for all ages, the Filipino Fiesta is a vibrant, inclusive celebration of culture and community spirit.