Happy
Honolulu
Saturday, January 3rd, 2026
Good morning, Honolulu. Here's your local news at a glance for Saturday, the 3rd of January.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Law enforcement officers reported a quieter New Year's Eve following community cooperation, enhanced 911 response, and thorough port inspections; they seized two shipping containers (holding 30,000 lbs of illegal fireworks) before the celebrations. KITV
- ➤ Preparations are underway for the 2026 Point in Time Count on Monday, Jan. 26 in Honolulu as volunteers survey individuals experiencing homelessness. Partners In Care O‘ahu asks the public to donate essential items (socks, water, food) by mid-January to help boost participation. KITV
ACCIDENTS NEWS
- ➤ A lifeguard at Waimanalo Beach Park rescued a man caught in a rip current at 2:23 p.m. Friday, Jan. 2, 2026, pulling him from 30 yards off shore before Honolulu Emergency Medical Services took over his care. KITV
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ JINYA Ramen Bar at Ward Village in Honolulu will close permanently on Feb. 9 after operating for three and a half years. The closure will eliminate 86 jobs + affect its three dining concepts as rising costs and lower sales prompted the decision. Honolulu Star-Advertiser
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Cirque du Soleil’s Auana at the Outrigger Waikiki Beachcomber Hotel was named the fourth Best New Attraction for 2026 by USA TODAY’s 10Best list — it blends acrobatics with hula, Native music and local storytelling. Hawaii News Now
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ The Hawaii News Now First Alert Weather Team declared Sunday and Monday as First Alert Weather Days across all islands – heavy rain and possible thunderstorms are expected. Residents should monitor updates and prepare for changing conditions. Hawaii News Now
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Gov. Josh Green signed a law that requires macadamia nut products sold in Hawaii to show a label if the nuts were grown outside the state, a rule that took effect Jan. 1. The law intends to boost consumer awareness + protect Hawaii’s premium macadamia brand. Hawaii News Now
- ➤ Authorities reported progress curbing illegal New Year’s Eve fireworks on Oahu yet warned that more work remains to fully enforce the ban—a move aimed at protecting community safety. Hawaii News Now
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Rep. Ed Case warned that rising health care costs are straining Hawaiʻi families after tax credits expired — state relief efforts are underway while a bipartisan group works on federal reforms. ACA coverage remains available through Jan. 15, with benefits starting Feb. 1. KITV
- ➤ Hawaii families may soon face difficulty affording healthcare as Affordable Care Act tax credits expire; the Kaiser Family Foundation projects a 26% rise in marketplace premiums, prompting a review of support measures. Local officials are monitoring the situation closely. KITV
- ➤ Queen's Health Systems is expanding care by planning a new outpatient center in Kailua-Kona and enhancing emergency services at West Oʻahu and Punchbowl to cut wait times and meet rising local needs. Hawaii Business
REAL ESTATE NEWS
- ➤ The Department of Hawaiian Home Lands has increased home awards to assist families like Jade Mapuana Riley’s return to Maui after a 38-year wait at the new Pu’uhona Homestead in Waikapu (a federal-financed project). A 23-story high-rise (at the Bowl-A-Drome site) in Honolulu will open in December with rental options. Hawaii News Now
- ➤ A modular home project in Waianae offers an affordable option for families; Council member Andria Tupola said homes could cost about $23,000 (if land is already owned) as the county works to ease permitting restrictions. Hawaii News Now
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Hawaii’s men’s volleyball team overwhelmed NJIT in their season opener held Friday at Bankoh Arena at Stan Sheriff Center as Kristian Titriyski, Trevell Jordan and Louis Sakanoko made key blocks that energized the crowd. Honolulu Star-Advertiser
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
No man ever steps in the same river twice, for it's not the same river and he's not the same man.
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Reveal the authorAbout Happy Honolulu
Welcome to the Happy Honolulu, your community newsletter that's anything but snooze-worthy, packed with positive, impactful local news + events across the Honolulu, Hawaii community. If you like the Happy Honolulu, support us by subscribing to our email newsletter and sharing us with your friends and family in Honolulu.
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