Happy
Honolulu
Monday, January 12th, 2026
Good morning, Honolulu. Here's your local news at a glance for Monday, the 12th of January.
ACCIDENTS NEWS
- ➤ Lifeguards rescued an unresponsive man pulled from Sherwood’s Beach in Waimanalo at 1:24 p.m. today and transferred him to Honolulu EMS for further treatment after bystanders started CPR. Honolulu Star-Advertiser
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ ME BBQ, a family-owned Korean eatery known for its *Sunny Special*, now operates at 2427 Kuhio Ave after relocating last year when its lease ended in 2022. The owners say another restaurant using a similar name has confused longtime customers. Hawaii News Now
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Hundreds gathered at the Japanese Cultural Center of Hawaii in Moiliili on Sunday, Jan. 11 for the 33rd annual Ohana Festival. The family-friendly event featured mochi pounding, tea ceremonies & origami workshops with live performances celebrating New Year traditions. Honolulu Star-Advertiser
- ➤ The Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund’s exhibit The Wall That Heals is on display from today through Jan. 19 at the University of Hawaii’s West Oahu campus to honor Vietnam veterans like Marine Corps veteran Clarence ‘Eddie’ Freeman — a reminder of the Saigon evacuation in 1975. Honolulu Star-Advertiser
- ➤ The Hong Kong Business Association of Hawaii will host its inaugural Honolulu-Hong Kong Festival from Jan. 31 to March 1 to celebrate its 30th anniversary. The festival will offer Chinatown lifestyle tours, an Expo and Trade Fair, and food promotions to share Hong Kong’s rich traditions. Hawaii News Now
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ The University of Hawaii introduced AI chatbots at its 10 campuses to boost student success with a 94% opt-in rate between Aug. 1 and Dec. 10, 2025 — the bots answered 4,294 questions and connected 5,554 students to resources, saving 357 staff hours. KITV
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ USGS scientists say the next phase of Kilauea's eruption, 'Episode 40' with high fountains, may begin any time from now until Saturday at Halemaumau crater. Lava overflowed from both north and south vents, and the south vent slowed to one overflow per hour this morning. Honolulu Star-Advertiser
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Honolulu Fire Department marked its 175th anniversary on Sunday at its headquarters on South Street. Founded in 1851 by King Kamehameha III, the department celebrated its long history and its commitment to protecting life, property, & the environment. Hawaii News Now
- ➤ Crews repaired a 4-inch water main break reported at 1 p.m. Sunday on Kamehameha Highway between Kawailoa Drive and Papailoa Road in Haleiwa. Hawaii News Now
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Honolulu Ocean Safety Department has issued a box jellyfish advisory for Ala Moana, Waikiki, and Hanauma Bay today after first responders treated several stings; swimmers are urged to exercise caution. Hawaii News Now
- ➤ Honolulu Ocean Safety responded to 12 jellyfish incidents on Sunday along Ala Moana Beach, Kuhio Beach, and Waikiki, with one person needing EMS care (injury details were not provided). Lifeguards urge beachgoers to check warning signs as the influx of box jellyfish and Portuguese man o’ war continues through Wednesday. KITV
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ On Saturday, the University of Hawaii men’s basketball team won a thrilling game in Manoa with Hunter Erickson’s buzzer-beater giving them a 67-66 win over UC Irvine. Isaac Johnson scored 15 points as the team improved to 4-1 in conference play. Hawaii News Now
- ➤ Hawaii underclassmen took to the field today for their annual showcase ahead of the Polynesian Bowl scheduled to begin later this week. Hawaii News Now
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
He who has a why to live can bear almost any how.
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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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