Happy
Honolulu
Friday, April 17th, 2026
Good morning, Honolulu. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 17th of April.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ After the Kona low storms, the Hawaiian Humane Society is waiving adoption fees for over 400 adult dogs until April 30 (helping displaced pets find new homes) at its campuses. Local residents have a chance to consider adopting a pet during this period. KITV
- ➤ Starting Apr. 23, diners at The Pig & The Lady in Kaimuki will enjoy a 4-course pre-fix menu and pay what they choose, with proceeds supporting Chef Hui’s work in Kona Low storm recovery. Only three reservations per night are available. Hawaii News Now
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Comedian Ali Wong has added a second show at the Blaisdell Center Concert Hall this July—her performance is set for July 24 and 25 after tickets sold out fast. KITV
- ➤ Frolic’s 2026 Poke Fest returns to Ka Makana Ali‘i on May 16 from 4 to 8 p.m. and will showcase poke vendors from across the island, food trucks, desserts, and keiki activities while guests vote on the King of Poke Fest creation. Honolulu Magazine
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Students at Kalaheo High School in Kailua have experienced an infestation of thousands of millipedes crawling across campus for weeks; school officials are investigating the cause (inspection is underway). Hawaii News Now
- ➤ NASA astronaut Michael Fincke visited local sixth graders on Thursday, Apr. 16 to share lessons from his 549 days in orbit (he said his experience shows that if it happened to him, it could happen to you). KITV
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Governor Josh Green named Keith Amemiya and Marie Laderta to the University of Hawaiʻi Board of Regents on Tuesday, Apr. 14, pending confirmation by the State Senate, with Amemiya offering legal and education expertise and Laderta bringing nearly three decades of public service experience. Hawaii Free Press
- ➤ A second leak was found on an 8-inch water main connected to a repaired 16-inch water main near 85-770 Farrington Highway in Waianae. BWS said repairs continued through early morning Thursday — water service slowly returned to affected homes and businesses. KITV
- ➤ The Waialua Community Assistance Center closes Friday while recovery efforts continue + a 'Rebuild Oahu' event will be held Saturday, Apr. 18 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Waialua District Park gym. A new recovery center at the Waialua Courthouse will offer ongoing support. KITV
- ➤ Gov. Green said storms caused $700 million in damage across the islands, including damage at Waimea Bay, and he authorized $175 million to begin repairs while extending the emergency proclamation through June 7 and offering federal tax relief until July 8. Hawaii Tribune-Herald
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Body Balance Hawaii is hosting its first-ever fitness and wellness retreat this weekend at the Outrigger Waikiki Paradise Hotel (featuring cycling, Pilates, yoga, and lymphatic drainage workshops) to help locals boost their health. KITV
LIFESTYLE NEWS
- ➤ Honolulu food critics say top tonkatsu spots deliver standout dishes as Ginza Bairin in Waikīkī, Nana Ai Katsu in Kaimukī, Tonkatsu Sangi downtown and Tonkatsu Tamafuji in Kapahulu serve limited servings of crispy, juicy pork cutlets with handmade panko & flavorful sauces for a satisfying meal. Honolulu Magazine
REAL ESTATE NEWS
- ➤ A recent Housing Hawai‘i’s Future survey found that 37% of residents seriously considered leaving the state in the past two years, with 91% saying high home prices are a major issue. Respondents urged lawmakers to prioritize reforms such as updated building codes and down payment assistance. Hawaii Free Press
- ➤ Aloha Stadium’s first section was demolished today as crews began the large redevelopment project to update the historic site. Hawaii News Now
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Energy and persistence conquer all things.
Know who said this? Send us an email!
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.
Advertising Opportunities
Advertising with us will make sure you stay at the top of everyone's mind—in Honolulu and across Hawaii. You can learn more here. We'll work together to build a custom plan to hit your goals this year.
Alternatively, you can submit events, announcements, real estate listings, and job postings. We'll include them in our newsletter on whichever dates you like.
Community, delivered
Our hyper-local media company activates communities through daily email newsletters that curate the most positive, impactful local news + events – all for free.
Subscribe to Happy Honolulu
A free Honolulu community newsletter.
- Daily local news
- We curate the most positive, impactful local news + events.
- 6AM City
- A publication of 6AM City, the nation's leading local newsletter-first media network. Nominate your city.
© 6AM City Inc. 2025. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy. Terms of Service. Questions? Contact us here
Sitemap: https://happyhonolulu.com/sitemap