Happy
Honolulu
Monday, April 13th, 2026
Good morning, Honolulu. Here's your local news at a glance for Monday, the 13th of April.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Food truck owners Jeramiah Quenga of Jeramiah’s Island Fusion and Jerhome Estioco of Dom’s Chibog have paused operations to donate meals to flood victims on Oahu’s North Shore following recent storm damage. They have been feeding neighbors, cleanup crews, and farmers for about a month. Hawaii News Now
- ➤ Food truck owners from Jeramiah’s Island Fusion and Dom’s Chibog cooked and delivered meals to neighbors, cleanup crews, and farmers on Oahu’s North Shore today as flood relief efforts continue. Hawaii News Now
- ➤ Iolani School will host its annual fair, themed 'Beneath Island Skies', this weekend from noon to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday, April 17-18. Attendees can enjoy thrill rides, midway games, an e-sports room, food favorites, and special keiki rides — proceeds benefit student programs. Hawaii News Now
- ➤ According to the 2026 Family Structure Index, Hawai‘i ranks 26th nationally with 52.1% of adults married and 63.4% of teens living with married parents — a significant drop in marriage over the last decade. Local leaders are urged to boost family stability with affordable housing and supportive policies. Hawaii Free Press
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Local startup founders Richard Matsui of kWH Analytics and Brent Akamine of Vinovest secured multi-million dollar deals when their tech companies were acquired internationally this week. They discussed how AI is cutting costs and scaling ideas (a tool increasingly vital for startups) during their session at Sunrise. Hawaii News Now
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ The 2026 Merrie Monarch Festival awards ceremony recognized outstanding hula auana performances with groups such as Halau Ka Liko Pua Kalanikea + Kane showcasing their talent as part of the ongoing cultural celebration. Organizers say the event honors local traditions and builds community pride. Hawaii News Now
- ➤ Halau Kala'akeakauikawakiu swept the kane divisions and claimed the overall title at the 63rd Annual Merrie Monarch Festival on Friday in Hilo after a strong kahiko performance. Hawaii Tribune-Herald
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ UH's Giving Day raised over $1.3M to support scholarships (student resources, faculty research initiatives) and flood relief, with the funds set to benefit student programs and flood victims in the coming weeks. Hawaii News Now
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Today, the Army begins its annual prescribed burn at Schofield Barracks training range, set to run through Saturday, Apr. 18 to reduce wildfire risks by managing invasive vegetation (officials will adjust burn times based on weather conditions). Hawaii News Now
- ➤ Repairs to the slope under Aiea Cemetery have triggered closures of both lanes on westbound Kamehameha Highway starting today at 6 a.m.—HDOT said the left lane for Pearl City-bound traffic will reopen weekdays from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m., and drivers should plan alternate routes during the two-week repair period. KITV
- ➤ During a ceremony Saturday (in his office) Mayor Rick Blangiardi thanked the 14-member FDNY team for their aid following the Kona low storms. The team arrived on Oahu on March 29 to help coordinate logistics and remove debris as part of the disaster recovery effort. Hawaii News Now
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Doctors and students from the University of Hawaii John A. Burns School of Medicine’s H.O.M.E. project (following testing that found muddy floodwaters pose potential health risks) are providing services to storm victims at Waialua District park through April 17. Honolulu Star-Advertiser
- ➤ Wahiawa Health’s mobile clinic will relocate to Waialua Gym and operate every Tuesday and Thursday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. starting April 14 through May, providing basic care, medication, vaccinations, and social services for flood victims. KITV
- ➤ Healthcare leaders met recently in Honolulu to debate the proposed combination of HMSA and HPH into One Health Hawaii, a nonprofit aimed at generating over $2 billion in savings by reinvesting in care while critics warn it may lead to service cuts and provider isolation. Hawaii Business
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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