Happy
Honolulu
Thursday, March 26th, 2026
Good morning, Honolulu. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 26th of March.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Today, a large-scale relief effort at the Polynesian Cultural Center in Lāʻie is providing hot meals, water, cleaning supplies, and hygiene kits to families impacted by North Shore flooding. Volunteers say smaller pop-up hubs and cleanup efforts — crucial for restoring homes — will continue soon. KITV
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ The Local General Store was honored with the People’s Choice Award from the Hawai‘i Venture Capital Association and Hawaii Business Magazine, celebrating its commitment to local food and farmers. Owners Harley (trained in pastry in San Francisco) and Jason plan to expand and strengthen connections with local producers. Hawaii Business
- ➤ Cotti Coffee, a global brand, will open a Ward Village location on Friday, March 27 with opening specials including free drinks for early customers and will serve Monday to Thursday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Friday to Sunday from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. KITV
- ➤ The Hawaii Entrepreneur Awards 2026 celebrate local startups (such as Kō Hana Rum) and innovation by honoring winners in key categories from Entrepreneur of the Year to Consumer Packaged Goods. Organized by the Hawaii Venture Capital Association, the awards program highlights Hawaiʻi’s resilient business spirit and community commitment. Hawaii Business
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Staff at Noelani Elementary School rescued keiki — water from the overflowing Manoa stream reached nearly table level in the parking lot and cafeteria on Wednesday, Mar. 25. Cleanup efforts are underway. KITV
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ The Honolulu Board of Water Supply urged residents on the Leeward Coast to conserve water today for essential needs due to power outages from the recent Kona low storm (from Honokai Hale to Makaha, residents are told to limit use until electricity returns). Honolulu Star-Advertiser
- ➤ Hawaii law enforcement agencies will host a no-questions-asked gun buyback tomorrow from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Aloha Stadium to reduce firearm suicides + offer gift cards in exchange for unwanted guns. KITV
- ➤ City inspectors are continuing street-by-street and door-to-door damage assessments following last week’s Kona low storm in areas like Waialua, Haleiwa, and Manoa—residents with home damage should fill out the assessment form by today as officials prepare to review reports with FEMA over the weekend. Hawaii News Now
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ A new report on Red Hill jet fuel contamination calls for expanded health research and improved environmental monitoring after up to 93,000 people may have been exposed through water, vapors, or skin contact — officials say more study is needed. KITV
- ➤ At Hawaii Kai's 24 Hour Fitness, Celeste Lajala leads kickboxing classes for all ages and has grown popular SilverSneakers sessions since COVID restrictions eased; she was named the 2025 SilverSneakers National Instructor of the Year and her students praise her supportive approach. Honolulu Star-Advertiser
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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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