Happy
Honolulu
Wednesday, April 29th, 2026
Good morning, Honolulu. Here's your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 29th of April.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ The HONOLULU Edit Marketplace hosts a free Mother’s Day shopping event on May 9 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Ward Centre (former Roger Dunn space next to Fat Cheeks) where over 50 local vendors offer special deals and early shoppers receive a free tote. Honolulu Magazine
- ➤ We Rock the Spectrum Honolulu is offering an inclusive space built around sensory play and acceptance where neurodivergent and neurotypical children can play side by side. Families can visit the facility for a safe place that lets kids simply be themselves. KITV
ACCIDENTS NEWS
- ➤ On Monday, a 20-inch water main broke on Ikeanani Drive near Kaneohe Bay Drive, causing the road to collapse and service disruptions; BWS crews began repairs at 11:30 a.m. and set up water wagon stations for affected residents, though the road remains closed. KITV
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ First Hawaiian Bank was named Lender of the Year by the U.S. Small Business Administration on Apr. 28 for its support of small businesses across the state — the recognition highlights its commitment to local growth. KITV
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ Hawaii drivers felt the squeeze as regular gas jumped to $5.65 per gallon (up 30 cents in one month) and diesel climbed above $7, a rise linked to Middle East conflicts affecting global oil supply. KITV
- ➤ The state will receive over $618K in a federal grant to fund eight projects boosting specialty crops such as fruits, vegetables (and dried nuts) in Hawaii. The program is expected to enhance local agricultural competitiveness. KITV
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Students at Wilcox Elementary School experienced a STEM Night on Tuesday, Apr. 28 — featuring robotics battles and chemistry experiments across dozens of science stations — that sparked curiosity locally. KITV
- ➤ Hawaii public schools will offer a new tofu poke bowl made with local ingredients next school year after updating their menus with local culinary partners. The dish features tofu with green onions and a Hawaiian style sauce as student feedback helps refine the recipe. KITV
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ Experts expect a strong El Nino to raise hurricane activity, warm ocean temperatures, and sticky summer weather on the islands. They also warn that a drier winter into spring may boost drought conditions. KITV
- ➤ University of Hawaii researchers solved an ocean biodiversity mystery after eight years of study — they found that microbes use shared resources at different times of the year and detected seasonal cycles nearly 2.5 miles deep. KITV
- ➤ Following weeks of heavy rains, gnats have swarmed parts of Oahu, affecting spots like Waikiki and Kapolei and prompting action from International Market Place (Orkin) to manage the issue. Experts predict the infestation will lessen as the summer sun takes hold. KITV
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ The Hawaii state senate will honor former U.S. Representative and Senate president Colleen Hanabusa on Thursday, May 7, at the Capitol Senate Chamber. Doors open at 9:45 a.m. and the public is invited to attend with security screening required. Hawaii News Now
LIFESTYLE NEWS
- ➤ Yakitori Torishin launched Honolulu’s only yakitori omakase in Kaka‘ako a month ago near Rinka; the restaurant offers a multi-course tasting menu featuring grilled chicken and fish served daily from 5 to 9 p.m. except Monday and Thursday (free parking is available on-site). Honolulu Magazine
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
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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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