Inflation has pushed the estimated cost of Honolulu's planned elevated commuter rail line up $200 million in the past two years, to $3.9 billion, according to a new city study. The study also said the train would reduce traffic congestion by as much as 23 percent in 2030, compared with an alternative scenario that includes improvements to the freeway and bus systems.

Central Pacific Financial Corp. returned to profitability during the third quarter.

For Hawai'i County mayoral candidate Billy Kenoi, expanding the Big Island's free bus service to benefit the elderly, workers and students is his top priority.

After jurisdiction was waived by Family Court, an 18-year-old man was arrested yesterday and later charged in connection with the Aug. 11 Aliamanu home invasion robbery and shooting that left a man paralyzed.

The Honolulu Medical Examiner's office has identified the 5-year-old Makaha girl who died Wednesday morning after being found unconscious in her home as Victoria Sanchez.

Families facing eviction from Kahana Valley gained support yesterday from the University of Hawai'i's Hawaiian studies center, which called on the governor to stop the evictions and give the valley to the state Office of Hawaiian Affairs.

When it comes to holiday travel, good things may come to those who waited. U.S. airlines have cut many fares for the Thanksgiving and Christmas seasons, including fares out of the Islands.

DFS Group, whose Hawai'i stores serve a shrinking pool of tourists, has slashed about 130 local jobs, becoming the latest big Hawai'i company to cope with its economic troubles by reducing staff. "Right now in our business it's like riding a roller coaster," said Sharon Weiner, vice president of global communications for DFS. "It's been a hard time."

Six Marines based at Kane'ohe Bay could be sentenced to up to 10 years in prison if convicted in federal court of selling stolen night-vision equipment on the open market.

The nation's obesity epidemic is exacting a heavy toll: The rate of new diabetes cases nearly doubled in the United States in the past 10 years, the government said yesterday.