Happy
Honolulu
Friday, January 30th, 2026
Good morning, Honolulu. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 30th of January.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Waikane Store is a family-owned gem along Kamehameha Highway near the Waiahole Poi Factory that keeps century-old traditions alive by serving classic dishes like fried chicken + spam musubi every day. Locals value the store for preserving its rich history and welcoming atmosphere. Hawaii News Now
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Queen Liliʻuokalani was honored as an Episcopal saint at a ceremony held at Royal Mausoleum State Monument in Nuʻuanu on Thursday. The event celebrated her role in promoting peace and forgiveness and followed her addition to the Episcopal Church global calendar of saints in 2024. Hawaii News Now
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Hawaii Pacific University received a $10 million, five‐year grant to fund tuition for healthcare students who will serve rural communities for five years after graduation. The initiative, part of a federal Rural Healthcare Transformation plan, aims to improve access to care in areas where residents often travel for services. KITV
- ➤ Iolani School opened the Arrillaga Student Center on its Makiki campus this semester. The three story 60000 sqft facility offers the Tsai Family Dining Hall (a space for dining and events), classrooms, and wellness services to support learning and community connection. Hawaii News Now
- ➤ Starting this fall, Kamehameha Schools students (from preschool to high school) will no longer pay tuition following a court approval by First Circuit Judge Jeanette Castagnetti. The trust now aligns with Princess Bernice Pauahi Bishop’s intent for its gift to the community. Hawaii News Now
- ➤ The Hawaii Department of Education broke ground in Whitmore Village for a regional kitchen facility ($150 million project) that will provide healthier, local meals to students from central Oahu schools. It will open by June and serve meals in the 2027-28 school year. Hawaii News Now
- ➤ Kapolei High School students practiced first aid, fire safety, and search and rescue in a mock disaster drill — led by Honolulu Department of Emergency Management — as part of FEMA's CERT training exercise. The drill tested teamwork as students simulated real emergency response scenarios. Hawaii News Now
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ Warning signs were posted after a 7-foot shark was seen 300 yards offshore at Pokai Bay in Waianae on Thursday morning. Visitors are advised to check with lifeguards for the latest safety updates before entering the water. KITV
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Advocates, community leaders, Gov. Josh Green, and law enforcement gathered at the Capitol on Thursday to urge lawmakers to lower the state’s blood alcohol concentration from .08 to .05. MADD Hawaii said the change could reduce alcohol-related crashes and save lives. Hawaii News Now
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ West Coast Health Alliance endorsed the 2026 American Academy of Pediatrics immunization schedule released Jan. 26, backing shared vaccine guidelines by medical groups (over one million providers) to keep children and adolescents safely immunized in Honolulu. Hawaii Free Press
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Pearl City topped Kaiser 30 to 24 to win the OIA Division II girls basketball championship at McKinley Gym on Wednesday night, with Kyrie Chen scoring 10 points and Riya Tobosa adding rebounds + blocks + steals. Honolulu Star-Advertiser
- ➤ The University of Hawaii Athletics Department is seeking $22.3 million to upgrade equipment, travel and facilities, including a $5 million fund to boost scholarships in the Name, Image & Likeness era. Athletics director Matt Elliott said the proposal aims to secure a sustainable program for recruiting and retaining student athletes. Hawaii News Now
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
To find yourself, think for yourself.
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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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