Happy
Honolulu
Friday, January 23rd, 2026
Good morning, Honolulu. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 23rd of January.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ YMCA of Honolulu received $425K for its Nuuanu-branch modernization; the upgrades will create a community room for neighbors and nonprofits to collaborate. Hawaii News Now
- ➤ At Schofield Barracks a ceremony was held yesterday to honor Nainoa Hoe, who lost his life in action in Iraq in 2005. The event remembered 11 other soldiers from his unit and showcased his lasting legacy with the 25th Infantry Division. KITV
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Hawaii-born actor Lachlan Ta’imua Hannemann, a Saint Louis School graduate, was nominated for an Academy Award for his role as Mr. James Dickley in the satirical short film 'Jane Austen’s Period Drama.' The film, which educates about menstruation, has won awards at festivals since its 2024 debut. Hawaii News Now
- ➤ Hundreds gather in Waikiki for the Kisei Tournament, a board game event with a $300K prize & attracting seasoned players and newcomers this weekend. KITV
- ➤ Nisshodo Candy Store in Iwilei (founded in 1921) crafts traditional Japanese sweets including mochi and chichi dango using family recipes passed down through generations, and 12 workers start at 5 a.m. daily to serve the community amid local construction challenges. Hawaii News Now
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ UH Mānoa's five programs ranked among the world's top 1% underline the university's commitment to academic excellence (global rankings were released yesterday). KITV
- ➤ The Girl Scouts of Hawaii have launched a policy program that gives high school girls hands-on experience in government during this legislative session. The initiative will guide participants through civic activities across local communities. KITV
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ Last month, the Kauai Invasive Species Committee collected the island’s first ramie moth caterpillar, which may harm native māmaki and other plants, so residents are asked to take photos and report any sightings to help control the pest’s spread. KITV
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ The FAA is redesigning flight paths — affecting neighborhoods like Kaimuki and Ewa — under its Hawaii Airspace Modernization Project. Residents have voiced noise concerns and can submit public comments until March 15. Hawaii News Now
- ➤ Keli'i Akina hosted a talk story with guest Colin Moore to explain what makes Hawaii politics unique compared to mainland trends, highlighting the state’s distinct political culture. The conversation was recorded on Wednesday, Jan. 21. Hawaii Free Press
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Sen. Hirono donated blood at her alma mater at Kaimuki High School on Thursday (before noon) to support a drive by Blood Bank of Hawaii. She met with student organizers and praised staff for promoting lifelong blood donation and strengthening local healthcare needs. Hawaii News Now
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ State Senator Glenn Wakai is leading UH’s campaign to recruit international athletes and secure NIL funding by looking to Asia for talent. The university signed Tokyo pitcher Haruto Asaki for the 2027 baseball season, with plans to expand efforts (Taiwan, Korea, Australia). Hawaii News Now
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.
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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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