‘Hawaii Five-0’ Season 8: New Set Photos Feature Meaghan Rath, Buelah Koale

“Hawaii Five-0” Season 8 newcomers Meaghan Rath and Buelah Koale were recently photographed on the set of the hit CBS series.

According to TV Line, Rath will play the role of Tani Rey, a hotel lifeguard who was kicked out of the Police Academy. Koale, on the other hand, will play the role of Junior Reigns, a former Navy SEAL who will personally ask McGarrett (Alex O’Loughlin) for a job.

In one of the photos, Tani is seen talking to Daniel (Scott Caan) and McGarrett. The female character has a serious look on her face. In another snap, Daniel and Tani are on the field with their badges on. The actress is also photographed wearing a red swimsuit while standing close to a swimming pool.

Koale’s Junior is seen shaking hands with McGarrett and by the looks of it, the lead character will be giving the newbie a job. Junior is also wearing his military pants in the photo. In the second picture, he gives McGarrett a salute after the former opened the door and found him standing there.

Rath and Koale’s casting came weeks after Daniel Dae Kim and Grace Park announced their departure from “Hawaii Five-0” after seven seasons following an alleged contract dispute. Kim, who played the role of Chin Ho Kelly, claimed that he and Park wanted salary parity with O’Loughlin and Caan, but CBS did not grant their request.

“Hawaii Five-0” showrunner Peter M. Lenkov debunked the actor’s statement and said that CBS was very generous at offering him and Park a pay increase. However, they still decided to leave the police procedural. Despite their differing points of view, Lenkov expressed his fondness for both Kim and Park.

“I will never forget meeting Daniel while still writing the pilot and being certain there was no other actor who I’d want to play Chin Ho Kelly. Needless to say, Daniel has been an instrumental part of the success of ‘Hawaii Five-0…’ Grace’s presence gave ‘Hawaii Five-0’ the beauty and serenity to each episode. She was the consummate collaborator, helping build her character from Day 1,” he said. Park played the role of Kono Kalakaua in the series.

“Hawaii Five-0” Season 8 will premiere on CBS on Sept. 29 at 8 p.m. EDT.