Happy
Honolulu
Friday, May 8th, 2026
Good morning, Honolulu. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 8th of May.
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Shangri La is a museum in a Kahala estate built in 1936 as Doris Duke’s retreat (a historic landmark) and now displays Islamic art and global artifacts for visitors. Hawaii News Now
- ➤ Mele Apana will host her 17th annual Mother’s Day Spectacular in Waikiki on May 10, featuring local musicians and discussing her upcoming musical debut on Billy V Live (streamed every Thursday at 12:30 p.m.). Hawaii News Now
- ➤ Frolic’s 9th Annual Poke Fest will be held Saturday, May 16 from 4 to 8 p.m. at Ka Makana Ali‘i and features live music by Trishnalei and the Situationships, free admission, and exclusive poke dishes from local vendors (including Poke Stand by Shokudo and Monarch Poke). Honolulu Magazine
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Despite flooding from the Kona Low Storm, Waialua Robotics excelled at several regionals by winning the Canadian Pacific and Idaho events and earning the FIRST Impact Award at the Hawaii Regional — the team also supported local families with a dedicated GoFundMe link on its website. Hawaii Free Press
- ➤ College tuition is the fastest growing cost for families, rising by 5.5% per year, so applying for FAFSA and scholarships early can ease the burden. Experts noted deadlines begin in February and Parent PLUS loan changes in July will cap borrowing at $20,000. Hawaii News Now
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ The first three homebuyers closed on mortgages through the Hale Kamaaina Mortgage Program (offering rates as low as 4.65%) on Thursday, May 7 in Honolulu, as HHFDC recognized the new milestone. The program was launched in December 2025 to boost homeownership amid rising interest rates. Honolulu Star-Advertiser
- ➤ State regulators today ordered BG Wealth Sharing — along with Joy Arcenas and Cranci Ilima Luci Hoopai — to halt crypto investment promotions after an April meeting at Nanakuli Library that encouraged small investments with promises of quick wealth; federal authorities are also investigating the platform and bank accounts. Hawaii News Now
- ➤ The state legislature passed a bill to strengthen film tax credits by boosting base rates to 22% on Oahu and 27% on neighbor islands + adding a 5% uplift for productions hiring 80% locally, and it now heads to Governor Green for signature to help keep local talent home. KITV
- ➤ An Aiea foster home operator was fined $500 by health officials for reportedly leaving clients unattended. The operator has 20 days to request a hearing before the penalty becomes final. KITV
REAL ESTATE NEWS
- ➤ UHERO released the Hawaii Housing Factbook 2026 showing that although home affordability improved in 2025, buying a single-family home still requires more than 180% of the median income due to rising fees and costs — thousands will need flood insurance this summer as FEMA maps update. Hawaii News Now
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ The University of Hawaii men's volleyball team will face Long Beach State in the NCAA championship semifinals on Saturday in Los Angeles after defeating USC yesterday. The Rainbow Warriors were sent off with cheers and aloha from Honolulu. KITV
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Art is not what you see, but what you make others see.
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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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