HONOLULU — Crime in Honolulu rose nearly 6 percent in the first half of 2009, even as it fell nationwide. Property crimes accounted for much of the increase here, led by an 18 percent rise in auto thefts. But violent crime also was up, new FBI figures show.

Tonight is shaping up to be a particularly challenging New Year's Eve celebration for the 13 percent of the state population who suffer from breathing difficulties.

Honolulu airport screeners this week caught a man trying to board a plane with fireworks in his luggage, prompting federal officials to issue a reminder that it is illegal to transport any fireworks on commercial aircraft.