Happy
Honolulu
Thursday, January 15th, 2026
Good morning, Honolulu. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 15th of January.
ACCIDENTS NEWS
- ➤ A report from the Honolulu Department of the Medical Examiner shows motor vehicle deaths surged 60% to 90 cases and drug-related deaths climbed to 248 between July 1, 2024 and June 30, 2025 (methamphetamine remains the leading cause). Hawaii News Now
- ➤ Farrington Highway near Kahi Mohala is closed this afternoon after workers discovered an unexploded ordnance during a shoulder excavation near Aloun Farms, and motorists are advised to avoid the area. Honolulu Star-Advertiser
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ A new Vietnam War memorial stands at UH West Oahu to honor veterans including Colonel Richard Sharon Pohl; General James Bartholomees said his grandfather’s legacy continues to inspire his family. KITV
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Honolulu police officers began full-time assignments at Kapolei, Waianae & Kaimuki high schools under a new School Resource Officer pilot program that focuses on student guidance rather than traditional patrol; the program started on Monday and runs through the school year with potential to expand based on feedback. Hawaii News Now
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ State officials said that after a 79-foot fishing boat struck the bridge support on Jan. 3, Pier 16 at Honolulu Harbor is closed indefinitely and vessel traffic is barred from the surrounding waters to protect Nimitz Highway. Engineers are assessing damage while evaluating permanent protective measures. Honolulu Star-Advertiser
- ➤ Fighter jets fill Oahu skies as the Hawaii Air National Guard runs its annual Sentry Aloha training, which began on Jan. 14 and will continue until Jan. 28. The exercise tests the unit's readiness + quick response in mission scenarios. Hawaii News Now
- ➤ Decorated veteran Sae Joon Park, who has called Honolulu home for over five decades, self-deported last summer due to an immigration enforcement crackdown. His attorneys are requesting a full pardon from New York governor Kathy Hochul so he can reopen his case & restore his green card. Hawaii News Now
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Local youth from Hawaii nonprofits spoke about mental health + community wellness at the State of Reform Conference in Honolulu. KITV
- ➤ The Hawaii Department of Health confirmed two travel-related cases on Oahu—a Zika case, the first this year, and a dengue case counted as the 15th case for 2025. Officials are increasing mosquito inspections and outreach in the affected areas. Hawaii News Now
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ The Sony Open is underway at Waialae Country Club with PGA players competing in the season's first full-field event. The tournament has raised over $26 million for Hawaiʻi charities & is expected to continue making a big local impact. KITV
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
A smooth sea never made a skilled sailor.
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Reveal the authorAbout Happy Honolulu
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