Happy
Honolulu
Friday, May 15th, 2026
Good morning, Honolulu. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 15th of May.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ The Building Industry Association warned homeowners with unsafe homes on Oahu after March’s Kona low storms to get multiple repair quotes and verify contractor licensing to avoid scams. Those without full insurance should apply for FEMA aid by June 14 and compare contract terms to prevent large upfront deposits. Hawaii News Now
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ After over 80 years in business, Ted's Automotive Machine Shop in Kalihi will close on Friday, May 22. Owner Craig Takeguchi said he plans to focus on his health and family while enjoying more time on the pickleball court and cherishing his new role as a grandfather. Hawaii News Now
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Brian Keaulana, a world-renowned waterman, actor and producer, received the Hawaiʻi Lifetime Achievement Award from Waikīkī Film Awards on May 14. The event recognized his lifelong contributions to surf culture and film. KITV
- ➤ Honolulu residents can vote for their favorite poke dish at Poke Fest 2026. The contest winner will be announced on May 20. Honolulu Magazine
- ➤ A new exhibit at the U.S. Capitol highlights early Filipino migrant workers who built Hawaii’s plantation economy in the early 1900s + it shows their journeys and community contributions. KITV
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Thousands of graduates from nine UH campuses are celebrating graduation ceremonies today and throughout the weekend — the City will add extra bus service Saturday to ease traffic near UH Mānoa. KITV
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ Kilauea’s 47th eruption episode began on Thursday, May 5 at 3:27 p.m. when continuous lava fountains from the north vent reached about 65 feet (the south vent has intermittent overflow), marking a return after a previous 9-hour episode. KITV
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Hawaii County completed the purchase of Honolulu Landing, a 364-acre property on the Puna coast, for $3.7 million through the PONC program. The land, featuring ancient cultural sites and native habitats, will be preserved in perpetuity for public use. Hawaii Tribune-Herald
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Kristian Titriyski, a six-foot-eight volleyball player from Bulgaria, is leaving the University of Hawai‘i men's program after the NCAA championship win + he will soon pursue a professional career and thanked fans and coaches for their support during his two years in Manoa. Hawaii News Now
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
The shoe that fits one person pinches another.
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