Happy
Honolulu
Thursday, April 16th, 2026
Good morning, Honolulu. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 16th of April.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Kaimuki’s The Pig & The Lady launches its Only Good Vibes Project on April 23 to offer free meals (available by reservation for lunch and dinner) in partnership with Chef Hui, a nonprofit linking guests to essential resources. KITV
- ➤ Residents of the self-governed Puuhonua O Waianae community are preparing to move to a new site in Wai‘anae Valley as recent Kona low storms have delayed key groundwork at Waianae Boat Harbor. DLNR granted a temporary extension for the move — now residents await drier conditions to resume essential work. Hawaii News Now
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Waikiki Spam Jam Festival returns on Saturday, April 25 from 4 to 10 p.m. along Kalakaua Avenue—featuring spam-inspired dishes, retail booths, crafts and keiki activities, live hula, music and a drone show, with proceeds supporting local groups such as the Hawaii Food Bank. KITV
- ➤ Honolulu hosts a busy weekend featuring the HONOLULU Magazine marketplace (Sat, 10 a.m.–3 p.m. at Ward Village), HIFF ‘Ōpio Fest from Fri to Sun for student films, Ea Mai ‘Eiwa’s hula-inspired exhibit at Bishop Museum, and Hōkūle‘a 50 concerts at Neal S. Blaisdell Concert Hall. Honolulu Magazine
- ➤ Grammy-nominated pianist Jim Brickman will perform his Hits Live tour at the Hawaii Theatre on Saturday, Apr. 18, featuring his popular love songs (Valentine, The Gift, and Destiny) for local audiences. KITV
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ The Partners in Development Foundation will close 17 Tutu and Me traveling preschool sites across Hawaii by the end of August because federal funding for Native Hawaiian programs has dried up after nearly 30 years of service. The closures will affect thousands of keiki and families in rural communities (impacting early education programs). KITV
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ The famed Lahaina Banyan Tree now displays lush foliage (free of wildfire damage) following the 2023 wildfires, reaffirming its role as a local landmark in Lahaina. KITV
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Lawmakers propose a bill that will alter cash transactions by rounding amounts up or down to the nearest 5 cents (phasing out pennies). Local business owners and customers are concerned the change may affect pricing and trust in cash payments. KITV
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Annalisa Burgos interviewed leaders from HMSA and HPH on April 15 about One Health Hawaii, a proposed merger designed to streamline care amid rising healthcare costs in Honolulu. The executives said the plan could save up to $2 billion over the next decade (while regulators review the merger). Hawaii News Now
- ➤ University of Hawaii faculty members Dr. Michele Carbone and Dr. Haining Yang received a $1M grant on Apr. 15 to study rare cancers and the role of genes in treatment at the UH cancer center in Honolulu. KITV
REAL ESTATE NEWS
- ➤ Fourteen units along Koali Road are still waiting for home repairs after a water main break and the Kona Low flood caused additional damage. A property manager said crews worked on one unit Wednesday & repairs for another may begin next week. Hawaii News Now
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Student-athletes across Hawaii signed their letters of intent yesterday, officially committing to compete at higher levels. The event marked National Signing Day and highlighted a key moment for local sports — a milestone for future competitions. KITV
- ➤ Tiger Cuff is set to join his older brother Tanner on UH's men's basketball team + strengthening the squad's close bond on campus. The move comes as the team gears up for its upcoming games. Hawaii Tribune-Herald
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
The price of freedom is eternal vigilance.
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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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