Happy
Honolulu
Monday, May 18th, 2026
Good morning, Honolulu. Here's your local news at a glance for Monday, the 18th of May.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ A recent report shows homelessness in the Waikiki core dropped by 91% with community outreach efforts making a big difference. Outreach specialist Susan Willick and business leaders worked with police on Wednesday morning near Kuhio Beach — a sign of effective local support. Honolulu Star-Advertiser
ACCIDENTS NEWS
- ➤ A 73-year-old diver was rescued at 8:25 a.m. near Kewalo Basin and taken to hospital after being found unresponsive offshore & a 75-year-old surfer received treatment on East Oahu at 10:25 a.m. after he went unresponsive. Hawaii News Now
- ➤ A surfer in his 70s went unresponsive near the Keahole St. dock area on Sunday morning and was brought to shore by boat before Honolulu EMS rushed him to a nearby emergency room in critical condition around 10:23 a.m. KITV
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Oahu’s first Sonic Drive-In opened Saturday in Kapolei (a new drive-thru restaurant by the popular chain) and offers a unique drive-in dining experience for locals and visitors (located near emerging shopping areas). Hawaii News Now
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ UH Manoa is hosting nine graduation ceremonies for the class of 2026, starting today at the Stan Sheriff Center and Andrews Amphitheater. Local drivers should plan ahead for traffic delays two hours before and one hour after each event; parking is $10 per vehicle via credit card+contactless. Hawaii News Now
- ➤ Today the Department of Education expands its farm-to-school program at Waipahu High School by serving fresh produce grown on campus to students. The program will boost access to local fruits and vegetables and connect students with nearby farming. Honolulu Star-Advertiser
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ A viral video showing a visitor tossing a rock at a monk seal in Lahaina has spurred wildlife advocates and U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz to call on NOAA to boost education for visitors - while Hawaiian Airlines and the Hawai‘i Tourism Authority continue to share guidelines for respecting wildlife. Hawaii Tribune-Herald
- ➤ Army civilians trained last week at Schofield Barracks on safely handling decades-old unexploded munitions from military exercises scattered across the islands. Heavy rains and volcanic soil make detection tough, and the Army works with local experts (including archaeologists) as it plans new methods amid land lease talks. Hawaii Tribune-Herald
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ A report from the University of Hawaii Economic Research Organization finds that expanding the childcare tax credit could boost workforce participation and ease childcare costs. The plan by Lt. Gov. Sylvia Luke and acting Lt. Gov. Keith Regan was illustrated when preschoolers played at Keiki Care Center in Pearl City. Honolulu Star-Advertiser
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ A $50M state allocation has advanced plans for a 50,000 sqft outpatient center in Kailua-Kona, offering general surgery, orthopedics, women's health, and primary care. The facility is set to open in 2030 while lawmakers work to secure the remaining funding. Honolulu Star-Advertiser
LIFESTYLE NEWS
- ➤ Laotian food truck Saap Saap brings fusion Lao curries and Japanese matcha drinks to Honolulu today. Owners Rocky and Tamara Chandara serve meals with blue butterfly pea sticky rice on weekday mornings at UH Manoa’s Food Truck Row — they also offer catering services. Hawaii News Now
REAL ESTATE NEWS
- ➤ Residents recovering from the recent Kona low report that their landlord is raising rent by $300 a month while they wait for repairs on flood-damaged homes, adding to their recovery challenges. Hawaii News Now
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Moanalua Na Menehune stunned perennial power Punahou in a five-set match on Saturday night to secure their first HHSAA Division I boys volleyball championship. The match, rescheduled from Friday due to severe weather, saw Jarryn McCutcheon and Lionel Gannon record 18 kills each (historic OIA win). 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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