Happy
Honolulu
Saturday, May 9th, 2026
Good morning, Honolulu. Here's your local news at a glance for Saturday, the 9th of May.
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ The 4th annual Hawaii-Philippines Business Tradeshow, Symposium and Reception is set for Tuesday, May 19, from 2-7 p.m. at Alohilani Resort Waikiki Beach, and keynote speakers include Hawaii Gov. Green, Ilocos Norte Gov. Marcos (relative of Philippine Pres. Bong Bong Marcos) and Senate President Kouchi. Hawaii News Now
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Ocean of Peace exhibit at Honolulu Hale showcases Micronesian art, storytelling, and music (free until June 11) to connect Pacific communities through special events. KITV
- ➤ Hawai‘i lei makers held the May 1 Lei Day Contest at Kapi‘olani Park. Among 145 entries in several categories, Melvin “Moki” Tracy Labra won the Mayor’s Grand Prize with his beautiful lei kui — entries were later honored at the Royal Mausoleum, Mauna ʻAla. Honolulu Magazine
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ The school resource officer pilot began in January at high schools in Kapolei, Waianae and Kaimuki to guide students instead of enforcing rules - early results show a 20%-drop in discipline at Kapolei and calmer classrooms at Kaimuki. Officials will work with the new HPD chief to decide the program's future. Hawaii News Now
- ➤ Education Secretary Linda McMahon guaranteed $46 million to fully fund more than 60 Native Hawaiian education programs for at least another year. The funding will support early childhood sites, home visiting services, and language immersion programs that benefit over 3,000 families. Hawaii News Now
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ Sen. Schatz has urged NOAA to boost public education programs to protect endangered monk seals after a rock was thrown at one on a Maui beach on May 6 (law enforcement quickly detained the suspect). The senator’s letter calls for expanded outreach aimed at educating the 10 million annual visitors. KITV
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Council Chair Tommy Waters and Budget Chair Val Okimoto proposed a new $41M Provision for Operations and Emergency Recovery fund that would require city spending to be approved as officials brace for a tight fiscal year (city director Mike Formby warned the plan might hamper daily functions). Hawaii Free Press
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Health officials in Hawaiʻi are launching two new campaigns (Next Move and Unsubscribe) to help teens and young adults rethink vaping by promoting smart choices and explaining its financial and health risks. KITV
REAL ESTATE NEWS
- ➤ UHERO released its Hawaiʻi Housing Factbook on May 7, which found that housing affordability in 2025 improved with stable prices, rising incomes and lower mortgage rates, but a median home price near $950,000 made homeownership available to 20% of households; insurance, HOA fees, and delays increased risk in Honolulu. Hawaii Free Press
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ The UH men’s volleyball team held their final practice Saturday as they prepared to face Long Beach State in the NCAA semifinal + the team is set to leave for California after their session. Hawaii News Now
- ➤ Kalani High School senior Kaipo‘i Koa won the first ever HHSAA girls bodyboarding title at Ho‘okipa Beach and dedicated her win to her late father while urging safe driving to help others avoid similar loss. Hawaii News Now
- ➤ UH men's volleyball team held its final practice today at Pauly Pavilion before its national semifinal match against Long Beach State. The team, seeking redemption after a Big West championship loss and buoyed by strong fan support, also celebrated associate head coach Kupono Fey's son's birth earlier this week. Hawaii News Now
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Have no fear of perfection - you'll never reach it.
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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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