Happy
Honolulu
Friday, April 3rd, 2026
Good morning, Honolulu. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 3rd of April.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Goodwill Hawaii launches an emergency voucher program today at sites on Oahu, Maui and Hawai‘i Island to help families replace essential items lost in recent flooding. Funded by Goodwill International and local partners (over $65,000 committed), vouchers of up to $100 per person are valid until year’s end. KITV
- ➤ Owners Jaymie and Josh Tyau have taken over Kailua Cinemas in Kailua Shopping Center and plan to create a community hub (including film screenings, book club meetings, and event rentals) that gives families a relaxed space to make memories. Hawaii News Now
- ➤ In Haleiwa on the North Shore, the Lucero ohana is slowly recovering from March floods that left 20 inches of water in their longtime home and damaged much of their belongings; neighbors helped as the family plans repairs and considers raising the house to avoid future issues. Hawaii News Now
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Tamashiro Market, a family-run seafood landmark in Kalihi, will close on Thursday, April 30 after serving the community for over 80 years. Owners Cyrus and Guy Tamashiro said they plan to retire to spend more time with family. Hawaii News Now
- ➤ Hawai‘i’s top employers and HR experts will meet on Thursday, April 23 at the Japanese Cultural Center of Hawai‘i for a half-day workshop on building workplaces people enjoy. The event features a keynote by Peter Burke and breakout sessions on talent, culture, and employee well-being. Hawaii Business
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ HECO announced that rising global oil prices drove a 20-30% jump in Oahu electric bills in April while neighbor islands will see increases in May and June. The company is offering interest-free payment plans starting April 6 to ease costs + help residents manage their energy use. Hawaii Free Press
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ The Hawaiʻi State Department of Education announced a full schedule for the Class of 2026 graduation ceremonies across the islands, with events planned from May 16 to May 27 at venues like Hawaiʻi Convention Center and Neal S. Blaisdell Arena. Families should contact their schools for updated details. Hawaii Free Press
- ➤ Kapolei Middle School agriculture teacher Ashley Fuerst was honored on Wednesday, Apr. 1 with the Milken Educators of Hawaii 2026 State Teacher of Promise award when she received a $4,000 cash prize for launching a new agriculture program; she also secured over $45,000 in grants and formed community partnerships to support student learning. KITV
- ➤ Kamehameha Schools has named Dr. Punihei Lipe (a longtime Hawaiian education leader and graduate) as its new Poʻo Kula, effective June 15. The appointment reinforces the school’s commitment to Hawaiian education. KITV
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ The Hawaii Department of Health Food and Drug Branch is recalling Raw Farm raw milk cheddar cheese after FDA tests indicate possible E. coli contamination, and local specialty stores are working to remove the affected products—no related illnesses have been reported in Hawaii so far. Hawaii News Now
- ➤ Honolulu EMS and CORE aided residents recovering from recent flood damage by distributing 150,000 emergency supplies and operating a free mobile clinic. The teams reached community sites along the North Shore and Leeward Coast — including Waialua District Park and St. Michael Parish — to treat dehydration and related symptoms. Hawaii News Now
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
A happy person isn't someone who's happy all the time. It's someone who effortlessly interprets events in a way that benefits them.
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