Good evening, Hawaii. Here are the main stories we've been following today:
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Today's Big Stories
1. Pope Francis, first Latin American pontiff who ministered with a charming, humble style, dies at 88
Pope Francis, history's first Latin American pontiff who charmed the world with his humility and concern for the poor but alienated conservatives over climate change and critiques of capitalism, died Monday. He was 88.
The Vatican said Francis died of a cerebral stroke that put him into a coma and led to irreversible heart failure.
Bells tolled in church towers across Rome after the announcement, which was read out by Cardinal Kevin Farrell, the Vatican camerlengo, from the chapel of the Domus Santa Marta, where Francis lived.
"At 7:35 this morning, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the home of the Father. His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and of his Church," Farrell said.
Francis entered Gemelli hospital on Feb. 14, 2025, for a respiratory crisis that developed into double pneumonia and, at 38 days, became the longest hospitalization of his papacy. Part of his right lung was removed in the late 1950s after a bout of pneumonia, and he suffered from chronic lung disease.
He emerged on Easter Sunday — his last public appearance, a day before his death — to bless thousands of people in St. Peter's Square, drawing wild cheers and applause.
The death now sets off a weekslong process of allowing the faithful to pay their final respects, first for Vatican officials in the Santa Marta chapel and then in St. Peter's for the general public, followed by a funeral and a conclave to elect a new pope.
2. Hawaii’s Catholics react to the death of Pope Francis
Hawaii’s Catholic leaders, churches, schools, and others reflected and mourned after Pope Francis died on Easter Monday at age 88. Pope Francis had led the church since 2013.
The president of Chaminade University, which is Hawaii’s only Catholic university, shared a statement reflecting on the legacy of Pope Francis, who she said would “be greatly missed.”
“Chaminade University of Honolulu joins with communities around the islands and the globe in mourning the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis on Easter Monday,” began Chaminade University President Dr. Lynn Babington’s statement.
She described the late pope as “a defender of the marginalized, an inspirational advocate for our Earth, and a beacon of hope to people from all walks of life.”
Founded in 1846, Saint Louis School is a Catholic college preparatory school for boys, which is adjacent to Chaminade University in Honolulu.
"Rest in peace Pope Francis," the school wrote on Facebook.
Maryknoll School shared on Facebook a remembrance of Pope Francis, which said: “On this Easter Monday, we thank God for your life of humble service and your prophetic call to care for creation, defend human dignity, and live with boundless compassion. May your legacy continue to inspire us to walk humbly with Christ.”
The Cathedral Basilica of Our Lady of Peace, which is the mother church and cathedral of the Diocese of Honolulu, shared a statement via Facebook.
“As one body in the Risen Christ, we pray for the repose of the soul of our beloved shepherd, Pope Francis, who passed on Easter Monday, April 21, 2025, at his residence in the Vatican's Casa Santa Marta. He was 88 years of age.”
Since 2023, Bishop Larry Silva has served as the Catholic Diocese of Honolulu.
“After many prayers for his recovery, Pope Francis has passed to his eternal rest,” Silva said in a statement. “How blessed is Pope Francis to have died on this Easter week, after dedicating his life and his papacy to proclaiming the Lord Jesus as alive and active in our world."
“May he be raised up to eternal life with the risen Lord he loved so much. May his apostolic ministry bear much good fruit for generations to come!"
Started in 1947, Catholic Charities of Hawaii supports and helps Hawaii residents with the greatest need, regardless of their faith or culture. The nonprofit organization shared a statement on Facebook that they are “mourning the passing of Pope Francis.”
Related: Hawaii governor lowers flag in remembrance of Pope Francis
3. Maui housing plan calls for $42M in affordable housing funding
The newly created Maui Department of Housing’s Affordable Housing Fund plan for Fiscal Year 2026 includes more than $42 million for a dozen affordable housing projects across the county, including grants and loans for acquisition, rehabilitation and new construction.
“The projects funded by the Affordable Housing Fund represent a major step forward in addressing the housing crisis in Maui County,” said Maui Mayor Richard Bissen. “By providing targeted investments in affordable units and support for vulnerable populations, we are helping to ensure that more residents can find safe, stable and affordable housing.”
Funding for the projects in the department’s plan is subject to Maui County Council approval.
The plan calls for the development of 843 affordable housing units for families and individuals, making up to 140% of the area median income.
Individual projects will serve specific populations in need of affordable housing.
4. Kauai Climate Adaptation and Action Plan open houses scheduled for May
Kauai County’s Department of Planning invites residents to attend any of the upcoming open houses in May to provide feedback on the public draft of its Kauai Climate Adaptation and Action Plan.
The Kauai Climate Adaptation and Action Plan is an “action-driven” plan with 79 strategies to prepare for climate change and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
"We are deeply grateful for the hundreds of residents, partners, and stakeholders who have participated in the multi-year process to create the plan," said Planning Director Kaaina Hull in a release. "This marks an important milestone in our ongoing effort to ensure a climate-resilient future for Kauai. We encourage everyone to review the draft, share your feedback, and continue being part of the solution as we move forward together."
Click the link above for the list of in-person open-house schedule.
5. Work continues at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
Announced in Dec. 2024, the two-year-long renovation project continues at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park with an update provided by park officials.
Officials advise visitors to expect delays, detours and traffic control at the park entrance and Crater Rim Drive, especially with Kilauea volcano’s ongoing episodic eruptions. Click here for construction updates.
Several disaster recovery construction projects resulting from the 2018 Kilauea eruption and summit collapse are underway, including the Kilauea Visitor Center renovation, construction of a roundabout and more.
Work is being done to increase space within Kilauea Visitor Center while maintaining its historic character. KVC remains closed, including the building, restrooms, sidewalks, water station and adjacent parking. Park film and programs usually held at the KVC auditorium are suspended temporarily.
Volcano House and the Volcano Art Center remain open with parking available. Hele-On bus services continue near the visitor center.
Your Notes for Tomorrow
Tuesday, April 22
- U.S. Supreme Court considers case regarding use of LGBTQ+ books in public school curriculum
- IMF World Economic Outlook published
- Earth Day
- Lyrid meteor shower due to peak
In Case You Missed It
Hawaii men's volleyball swept at UC Santa Barbara, gets No. 2 Big West tournament seed
The shorthanded Hawaii men’s volleyball team ran out of steam in its regular-season finale.
Down pin hitters Kristian Titriyski (ankle) and Louis Sakanoko (lower leg) for the second straight day, No. 3 UH was unable to replicate its four-set success from Friday night in a 25-22, 25-22, 27-25 sweep defeat to No. 18 UC Santa Barbara at the Thunderdome in Isla Vista, Calif., on Saturday.
UH (24-5, 7-3 Big West) was denied a share of the conference regular-season title and the host team for the Big West championships now licks its wounds ahead of action at the Stan Sheriff Center. It awaits the winner of Thursday’s first-round matchup between No. 3 UC Irvine (20-6, 6-4) and No. 6 Cal State Northridge (18-10, 3-7) in the semifinals on Friday.
Long Beach State swept UC San Diego to lock up the No. 1 seed. The Beach will face the winner of No. 4 UCSD and No. 5 UCSB.
UH coach Charlie Wade was denied in his first opportunity to surpass Mike Wilton for the most wins in program history. Wade, the program’s 16th-year leader, and Wilton are tied at 315.
