Happy
Honolulu
Thursday, July 17th, 2025
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Good morning, Honolulu. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 17th of July.
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ The U.S. Department of Transportation approved Hawaiian Airlines' license transfer to Alaska Air Group — a key step in a $1.9 billion merger that will affect Hawaii's international routes. KITV
- ➤ Hawaiian Airlines notified 252 non-union employees at airports, its corporate headquarters and air cargo hangar that their interim roles will end this fall as part of a merger with Alaska Airlines. The airline will offer retention bonuses, severance packages and job placement services, and it is hiring more than 800 workers for new positions + affected employees are encouraged to apply for available roles. Hawaii News Now
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Honolulu residents can look forward to a vibrant weekend from July 17 to 23 with Hawai‘i’s largest outdoor volleyball event at Kailua District Park—featuring a juniors’ clinic on Saturday and a main tournament on Sunday with free spectator admission and a live DJ. Other events on the weekend include the Prince Lot Hula Festival, Mari’s Gardens Summer Fair, Hawai‘i Family & Sports Expo and the International ‘Ukulele Festival of Hawai‘i that will showcase traditional performances and local music. Honolulu Magazine
- ➤ Famed Hawaiian baritone Gary Aiko—son of Genoa Keawe and known for more than 60 years in music—died Tuesday at Kaiser Permanente Moanalua Medical Center at age 90; funeral services are pending. Honolulu Star-Advertiser
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ The Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust awarded $750,000 each to Sustainable Coastlines Hawai‘i and the Papahānaumokuākea Marine Debris Project to fight plastic pollution along Hawaii’s coastlines. The grants will expand cleanup efforts, scientific data collection, and education programs aimed at protecting the reefs in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands — a key step in addressing this environmental threat. Hawaii News Now
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ On June 2, mayor Rick Blangiardi announced that HPD Chief Joe Logan retired three years into his five-year contract, and former judge Randal Lee explained that the city may owe nearly $500k if Logan was forced out rather than retiring voluntarily & Logan can still pull his retirement papers to continue his service for the remainder of his contract. KITV
- ➤ Former state House speaker Scott Saiki was named insurance commissioner for the state’s Insurance Division by Gov. Josh Green + he joined the division in December 2024 and served as acting chief deputy since February+ using his decades of public service to guide new efforts in consumer protection and regulatory standards. Hawaii News Now
- ➤ Gov. Josh Green earned a 63% approval rating among Hawaii voters—tying him for fifth most popular governor nationally—from a survey released today by Morning Consult Pro. He said he will run for re-election in 2026 as his disapproval rate dropped to 27% and his team focuses on housing, affordability and safety. Honolulu Star-Advertiser
SHOP NEWS
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SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Today, University of Hawaii slotbacks Pofele Ashlock and Nick Cenacle were named to the 2025 preseason All-Mountain West football team during media days in Las Vegas — the Warriors were picked to finish seventh in the 12-team conference with 213 points. Honolulu Star-Advertiser
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TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
What labels me, negates me.
~ Soren Kirkegaard
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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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