Happy
Honolulu
Friday, July 18th, 2025
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Good morning, Honolulu. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 18th of July.
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Hawaiian Airlines announced that 250 workers will lose their jobs after its merger with Alaska—layoffs that are set to begin soon. The announcement comes as the first HHSAA surfing tournament is planned while a Las Vegas hotel prepares to feature Bob Marley's music. KITV
CRIME NEWS
- ➤ The Honolulu Police Department will add 12 officers to District 8 (covering West Oahu from Ewa Beach to Makaha) starting in November as calls for service rose by up to 24 percent over the past year (prompting the staffing increase). KITV
- ➤ On Thursday, Brendon Seis, who appeared virtually in court from Oahu Community Correctional Center, pleaded not guilty to first-degree arson for setting a playground near Ala Moana on fire—surveillance video placed him at Sheridan Community Park, he is held on $100,000 bail, and his trial will begin on Sept. 15 while the city plans to build a new playground costing up to $300,000 that will take at least two months—. Hawaii News Now
- ➤ A Kahaluu family is demanding justice after 65-year-old Andrew Brown was fatally struck by a suspected drunk driver on June 25 along Kahekili Highway north of Ahaolelo Road, and the driver remains at large. The family will hold a rally with Mothers Against Drunk Driving & HPD on Saturday from 10 a.m. to noon at the crash site near the Hygienic Store and 7-Eleven. Hawaii News Now
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Hawaii’s 21st Annual Korean Festival will take place on Saturday, Aug. 2 at Honolulu Hale from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.—the free event will offer Korean food, music, dance and cultural contests including taekwondo demonstrations, cooking demos, eating contests and a K-pop talent contest. KITV
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Federal funding cuts are threatening after-school programs for thousands of keiki who rely on these services across the islands—parents and educators warn that many children may lose safe activities during the critical hours after school. The state Department of Education has pledged to help fill the funding gap as the new school year approaches. KITV
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Scott Saiki was appointed as Insurance Commissioner for the state on July 16 and replaced Acting Commissioner Jerry Bump—he will now lead efforts to stabilize the rising premiums and volatile market while drawing on his long experience in public service. Hawaii Free Press
SHOP NEWS
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SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ The Hawaii High School Athletic Association announced that surfing will become an official state championship sport in spring 2026 with the tournament set for May on Maui — the move follows House Bill 133 that allocated $686,000 to fund the season. Local youth surfers, including Leilehua junior Kylie Sato, have long worked to get the sport recognized and expect more kids will join in the future. Hawaii News Now
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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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