Happy
Honolulu
Saturday, May 16th, 2026
Good morning, Honolulu. Here's your local news at a glance for Saturday, the 16th of May.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Beloved director Braden, who led Good Morning Hawaii for over 30 years, is retiring to start new family adventures. His departure marks the end of an era for the station (a trusted voice for locals). KITV
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ First Hawaiian Bank recognized Best of Small Business honorees who power our community and shared stories of family run shops and veteran led ventures — the award celebrates entrepreneurs whose work creates jobs and essential services across our islands. Hawaii Business
- ➤ Pural Water, known for its employee-owned model, has long kept Hawai‘i’s essential water systems running safely. The company plans to expand its specialized services and invest in workforce development, further strengthening its role as the go-to provider for water solutions across the islands. Hawaii Business
- ➤ Johny Le of Grand Hawaii Electric grew from an apprentice running conduit to a solo owner serving residential projects in Honolulu. He built streamlined systems on commercial jobs and now designs a franchise model that helps other electricians build lean, efficient businesses — a new approach to a once-overlooked trade. Hawaii Business
- ➤ Peter and Debbie Anderson, who built their coffee business over 31 years, are launching their third cafe on University Avenue near UH Mānoa to serve students (continuing their unique community touch). Hawaii Business
- ➤ Hawaii Estate & Jewelry Buyers in Honolulu, led by Moshe Hakemolo, provides clear jewelry valuations by appointment Monday through Friday + offers free verbal appraisals for seniors and military while building trust across generations. Hawaii Business
- ➤ Ferraro Choi, founded in 1988 by Joe Ferraro and Gerald Choi, designs energy-efficient structures that boost Hawaii's cultural and environmental resiliency. The firm works on projects like the Hoʻokuaʻāina kalo farm (its first LEED architects milestone) and has plans for work abroad at both the Arctic and the South Pole. Hawaii Business
- ➤ Hawaii Tech Support partners with local businesses to provide IT, cybersecurity and accounting system support. Founded in 2004, the company now has 16 employees in two Oʻahu offices & works with client-partners while training students at Pearl City High School and UH Mānoa. Hawaii Business
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Inspiration Hawaii Museum was transformed today for HONOLULU Magazine’s annual Rosé Soirée featuring The Devil Wears Prada-inspired fashion, rosé tastings and chef-driven bites. The event, presented by First Hawaiian Bank and Mastercard, offered many photo-worthy moments that fused style and flavor. Honolulu Magazine
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ UHERO released a forecast on Friday showing that rising oil prices plus repair costs from Kona Low storms are hurting the economy by raising inflation and slowing tourist spending. The report says airlines may cut more capacity while tourism growth is expected to slow next year. Hawaii Free Press
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Honolulu's City and County and the Hawaiʻi Good Food Alliance helped 32 farmers markets and two food hubs accept SNAP and WIC benefits. SNAP sales rose from $314K to $339K, and the new O‘ahu Food Systems Plan draft is open for public comment until June 30. Hawaii Free Press
- ➤ Kamehameha Hwy near Waimea Bay is closed Sunday from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. for rock mitigation work after storms dislodged boulders; a helicopter will drape netting over the slope to keep boulders from falling — emergency vehicles and TheBus are allowed through. Hawaii News Now
REAL ESTATE NEWS
- ➤ TY Realty, founded in 1995 and now led by founder Steven Yamamoto’s son Matt, offers furnished condos with premium cable and weekly cleaning to military personnel, government contractors, and locals in need. The firm earned awards last year and supports community groups (like the Hawaiʻi Foodbank) through charitable donations. Hawaii Business
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
The only normal people are the ones you don't know very well.
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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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