Happy
Honolulu
Monday, March 9th, 2026
Good morning, Honolulu. Here's your local news at a glance for Monday, the 9th of March.
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Tricia Fujikawa Lee's leadership at First Hawaiian Bank has earned the bank the highest CRA rating through 11 consecutive examinations, the only local bank to do so since 1995. As chief compliance officer, she leads efforts to support low- and moderate-income neighborhoods. Hawaii Business
- ➤ Mike Irish, known as the kimchee king, is a philanthropic real estate investor who built his Halm’s Enterprises after overcoming challenges. His journey of survival and success showcases his commitment to local business growth. Honolulu Star-Advertiser
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Grammy-nominated musician Weldon Kekauoha said he is owed about $60,000 by promoter Masa Honda after performing at 11 events in the past month and a half. The local music community remains disappointed as artists await a resolution. Hawaii News Now
- ➤ Crowds attended Kamaaina Sunday at Iolani Palace on March 8. The event showcased family fun with konane games, lei making, and hula performances that celebrated Hawaiian culture. Honolulu Star-Advertiser
- ➤ A kalo festival and symposium was held Sunday morning to celebrate (Hawaiian) kalo varieties and honor their cultural heritage; organizers showcased the plant’s local importance and legacy. Hawaii News Now
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ Hawaiian Electric filed a request with state regulators to raise utility rates for the next two years to cover higher expenses from inflation & insurance premiums. In December, crews replaced a downed utility pole near the intersection of 16th and Waialae in Kaimuki. Honolulu Star-Advertiser
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Aliamanu Middle School students won the Design Thinking AI Challenge with their app (WhereU@AMS) that uses AI to help connect the school community. They beat 11 teams and said the project taught them design thinking and teamwork. Hawaii News Now
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ On Sunday, March 8, the Hawaiʻi Department of Taxation charged rideshare driver Troy R. Levaughn with four counts for failing to file GET returns in Honolulu — a step that follows DOTAX guidelines for ensuring tax compliance among drivers for rideshare and food delivery services. Hawaii Free Press
- ➤ Neighbors voiced strong concerns over a county plan to build a nonprofit-run transitional house on Waiakea Uka Circle last week. They told the County Council Finance Committee that more project details are needed — a call for clearer transparency from county officials. Hawaii Tribune-Herald
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ A new University of Hawaii study finds that outrigger canoe paddling boosts physical, emotional, cultural and spiritual well-being in local paddlers. The survey of 362 individuals statewide showed 47% identified as Native Hawaiian and 65% were female. Honolulu Star-Advertiser
LIFESTYLE NEWS
- ➤ Ohana DriftLab offers electric drift carts that let drivers slide and spin around a track — a fun experience for all ages in our community. Hawaii News Now
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Hawaii’s Max Holloway lost his BMF title belt to Charles Oliveira at UFC 326 in Las Vegas Saturday night & he pulled off his signature finisher just before the final bell. The Waianae native said he will return for another fight to seek a title shot. Hawaii News Now
- ➤ Cal Poly beat Hawaii 7 to 3 today at Les Murakami Stadium, sweeping its three game series in Big West play as Cam Hoiland hit a two run single and Casey Murray hit a solo home run. Honolulu Star-Advertiser
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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