Happy
Honolulu
Saturday, May 2nd, 2026
Good morning, Honolulu. Here's your local news at a glance for Saturday, the 2nd of May.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ College culinary students from Kapiolani Community College partnered with the University of Hawaii’s Hui Ola Pono program to host a bake sale Friday afternoon (raising funds for flood survivors) that offered flatbreads, scones and banana bread; proceeds supported families affected by Kona Low floods. Hawaii News Now
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ At Kapiolani Park, Waikiki hosted its 98th annual May Day celebration on Friday — featuring a lei contest, hula performances and local vendors. Puamana Louise Garcia was crowned Lei Queen while longtime maker Melvin Labra earned the Mayor’s grand prize. Hawaii News Now
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ In March, consecutive Kona low storms caused visitor spending to fall 1.6% to $1.96 billion and arrivals to drop 1.7% to 888,349 as severe weather delayed flights + cancelled cruises. State officials say local tourism groups are planning recovery steps for a busy summer season. Hawaii Tribune-Herald
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ St. Michael School in Waialua, a longstanding institution since 1944, will close at the end of the school year due to mounting debt and low enrollment — a decision that leaves families saddened and uncertain about future schooling. KITV
- ➤ Federal funding cuts have forced the Tutu and Me Traveling Preschool to announce closures at 17 sites statewide, leaving families on Oahu scrambling for new options (closings already affect sites in Waialua and Waiʻānae). Lawmakers are urged to secure funding before the August deadline. Hawaii News Now
- ➤ Hawaii public schools added fresh, locally-sourced poi to the regular cafeteria menu, announced by the Hawaii State Department of Education on Friday, May 1. New menu items include a kalo yogurt bowl parfait for breakfast and poi with kalua pork at lunch to support farm-to-school initiatives. KITV
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ Divers from the state Department of Land and Natural Resources planted about two dozen nursery-grown corals at Kewalo Basin and Maunalua Bay Friday. The effort is part of a larger project to restore coral reefs, and local dive shops (tracking progress) will help after nearly 100 corals are planted in total. Hawaii News Now
- ➤ Residents in Aina Haina should test their homes for little fire ants after the Kona low storms may have spread the insects through local streams — experts advise checking twice a year to help protect pets and children. Hawaii News Now
FINANCE NEWS
- ➤ The Finance Department warned residents today about phishing texts that claim to be from Hawaii courts or the DMV and urge immediate payments. Residents are advised not to click suspicious links + verify official notices directly with the DMV. Hawaii News Now
REAL ESTATE NEWS
- ➤ Applications are open for the Koa Vista II affordable housing project in Waipahu — qualifying families may apply for one of 97 one-bedroom units at Koa Ridge until May 21, with monthly rents from $1,800 to $2,280. Hawaii News Now
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Drivers in Manoa should plan for increased traffic today as UH men's volleyball hosts the NCAA Regional match and the baseball team plays UC Riverside at Les Murakami Stadium; school officials advise early arrival & ride sharing for smoother parking. Hawaii News Now
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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