Happy
Honolulu
Wednesday, March 18th, 2026
Good morning, Honolulu. Here's your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 18th of March.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ A new episode of Spotlight Now looks at hunger in Hawaii as Foodbank CEO Amy Miller + first lady Jaime Green discuss a report on food shortages and the expansion of free school lunch access, while Aloha United Way’s Kayla Keehu-Alexander explains how nonprofits help families through the 211 helpline. Hawaii News Now
- ➤ 100-year-old Millie Carlstrom celebrated her first birthday party yesterday in Kapolei — friends and family gathered to mark her rare milestone. KITV
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ BrunchFest, presented by First Hawaiian Bank and Mastercard, will bring award-winning restaurants and special tastings to Ho‘okupu Center in Kewalo Basin on Sunday, March 29 (VIP admission begins at 10:30 a.m.). Attendees should use ride-sharing since limited complimentary valet parking is available. Honolulu Magazine
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ A March 16 report by Pacific Resource Partnership shows that in 2025, Hawai‘i’s construction industry spent $7.1B mainly on public works ($3.4B) and new housing ($2.7B), with multi-family projects booming and O‘ahu leading at $3.6B. Hawaii Free Press
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Nearly 200 high schoolers participated in career fairs at Pali Momi Medical Center and Wilcox Health, learning about medical careers and clinical activities. The events offered hands-on tours and a virtual reality experience to inspire future health professionals. Hawaii News Now
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ The Uproar Conservation Challenge features two rare native plants (ohia lehua and Kanaloa) in a global contest hosted by the Indianapolis Zoo; voting runs March 16-19 to support $10,000 in conservation efforts. Hawaii News Now
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ About 4,760 HECO customers remain without power on Oahu, Maui, and Hawaii island after a Kona low storm brought heavy rain and flash flooding. HECO crews are working to restore service amid flooding and blocked access to underground lines — some repairs may take several days. Honolulu Star-Advertiser
- ➤ This week, the Navy continues decommissioning the Red Hill Bulk Fuel Storage Facility in Honolulu by starting the degassing of Tank 12 of the World War II-era fuel farm. The operation is part of a safe shutdown effort led by the Navy Closure Task Force working with local agencies. Honolulu Star-Advertiser
- ➤ JERA, a Tokyo-based energy company, has proposed a 500-megawatt LNG power plant on Oahu to reduce electricity costs by 20%. Gov. Josh Green said the plan could lower costs + cut carbon emissions but needs financing and regulatory approvals for a possible start in 2030. Honolulu Star-Advertiser
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ The Hawaii Department of Health reported measles virus detected in a wastewater sample from Kauai County (collected Feb. 25 and confirmed March 16). Officials urge residents to update MMR vaccinations as routine wastewater surveillance helps catch potential outbreaks. KITV
LIFESTYLE NEWS
- ➤ Hawaii led the nation (1 in 13 homes housed three generations) based on Census data analysis by FinanceBuzz published Monday, March 16. Rising housing pressures and caregiving needs shifted local household trends. Hawaii Free Press
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Christian 'The Hawaiian Punch' Natividad remains undefeated at 9-0 and is campaigning to join the UFC. Local MMA fans can catch him at X-1 Battle at the Barracks 13 on Saturday. KITV
- ➤ Hawaii’s Rainbows basketball team boarded a plane in Las Vegas on St. Patrick’s Day + headed for Portland for the NCAA tournament. 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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