Happy
Honolulu
Saturday, January 10th, 2026
Good morning, Honolulu. Here's your local news at a glance for Saturday, the 10th of January.
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ DFS Hawaii will close its operations in Waikiki and at Honolulu and Kahului airports from Jan. 28 to Aug. 31 — 183 employees will be laid off, with closures on March 8, March 31, and Aug. 31 as the company faces growing challenges in international travel. Honolulu Star-Advertiser
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ A new UH Mānoa study found that freshwater microbes may one day power biofuels and inform medicine, as researchers Dr. Ty Shitanaka and PhD student Sally Do detailed their findings on Jan. 9 in Honolulu. The work may open new paths for sustainable energy and healthcare advances. KITV
- ➤ Hawaii observatory scientists detected superheated gas erupting from a black hole at a disk-shaped galaxy that stretches 20,000 light-years from its core. The discovery offers new insight into how galaxies evolve and may shape future research. Hawaii News Now
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ A policy brief from the Grassroot Institute (released Jan. 6) recommends state and county lawmakers relax regulations so more farmworker housing can be built on local agricultural lands to address labor shortages and boost revenue. Hawaii Free Press
- ➤ A new Hawaii law that took effect Jan. 1 now requires macadamia nut packages sold locally to include a statement if the nuts were grown outside the islands. Local grower Tropical Farms near Kaneohe said its products will proudly display their 100% Hawaiian origin (undercutting imported options). KITV
- ➤ Homes in Halawa Heights experienced low water pressure Friday after a 12-inch water main broke between Aliipoe Drive and Kaholi Place. BWS crews are working on repairs, providing alternate water sources and limiting lane access so drivers should avoid the area. KITV
- ➤ The Hawaiʻi State Department of Health and the State Department of Human Services are linking SNAP and WIC to help families get nutritious food. SNAP will share referrals with WIC and officials say families will be contacted within a few business days (via phone, text, or email) after a referral. Hawaii Free Press
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Hawai‘i Pacific Health and Hawai‘i Medical Service Association have proposed One Health Hawai‘i, a nonprofit aimed at streamlining care delivery by reducing redundancies and reinvesting savings into community programs. The boards approved the proposal for submission to state and federal agencies. Hawaii Business
- ➤ More than 200 healthcare workers and family members rallied Friday outside the Makiki rehabilitation center on Pensacola Street since staff have been without a contract since December + they called for improved patient care and better working conditions. Hawaii News Now
- ➤ The Office of Wellness and Resilience released a framework report to guide peer support services by outlining role definitions, career pathways, and training standards for specialists across state agencies. The 10‑month effort—based on input from community organizations—aimed to strengthen mental health support and sustainability statewide. Hawaii Free Press
LIFESTYLE NEWS
- ➤ Honolulu residents have a 2026 list of must-do local experiences, from sunset wine tours at the Liljestrand House to a Kona coffee cruise along Waikīkī. The guide offers diverse cultural, food, and art activities — providing fresh ways to explore and support our local gems. Honolulu Magazine
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ The University of Hawaii men’s volleyball team defeated the Loyola Chicago Ramblers on Jan. 8 at Bankoh Arena — the Rainbow Warriors delivered strong blocks, spikes and teamwork to secure the win in the NCAA game. Honolulu Star-Advertiser
- ➤ Nanakuli lineman Richard 'Keoki' Chun will represent Hawaii in the Native All-American Game as his journey from Nanakuli to Minneapolis highlights his indigenous pride + his role inspires local support. Hawaii News Now
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
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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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