Happy
Honolulu
Tuesday, July 29th, 2025
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Good morning, Honolulu. Here's your local news at a glance for Tuesday, the 29th of July.
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Okdongsik has opened a new restaurant on the ground floor of Sky Honolulu on Kapi‘olani Blvd near Ala Moana Center after its successful pop-up in ‘Ewa Beach in 2023—now serving lunch and dinner with Korean dishes like dweji gomtang and donkatsu along with family-friendly options and validated parking. The restaurant offers a pared-down menu that focuses on simple Korean flavors while providing special discounts for seniors on select days. Honolulu Magazine
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ The 182nd La Ho'iho'i Ea ancestral celebration occurred Sunday at Thomas Square and honored centuries of Hawaiian history—organizers said the event reinforced important cultural traditions for local residents. The commemoration underscored a long-held respect for the heritage that shapes life in Honolulu. KITV
- ➤ A U.S. mainland company plans to launch a ghost tour in Lahaina two years after wildfires that killed more than 100 people, covering the town's haunted spots. Many local residents have criticized the planned tour — saying it exploits recent tragedy and disrespects sacred cultural sites as communities continue to heal. KITV
- ➤ Hawaiian Airlines and the Made in Hawai‘i Festival are partnering to host a celebration of local products, music and crafts at the Hawai‘i Convention Center from August 15—17. The festival adds a new rest area for seniors, supports hunger relief donations and features exclusive products for Hawaiian Airlines’ 95th anniversary. Honolulu Magazine
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ The Hawaii Public Utilities Commission approved new wastewater rates for Hawaii American Water in Hawaii Kai, Mauna Lani, and Waimea following over $40 million in local infrastructure upgrades—this upgrade will replace old systems and meet environmental standards. New rates will take effect in early August and will raise monthly bills by about $4 in Hawaii Kai and approximately $18—$25 in Mauna Lani and Waimea. Hawaii Free Press
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ JABSOM held its white coat ceremony for the Class of 2029 at the Japanese Cultural Center in Moiliili on Friday. Out of 77 students chosen from 2,200 applicants—68 are from the islands and 14 are Native Hawaiian—the school hopes the new class will help ease the state's physician shortage. Hawaii News Now
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ Hawaii Pacific University launched its marine debris Plastic Recycling Research Facility in Kalihi to turn ocean plastic into durable construction materials for affordable housing. The project works with a Kauai contractor and a Nebraska recycled plastics company to test plastic lumber and interlocking scaffolding — improving local resilience. Hawaii News Now
- ➤ The eastern Pacific hurricane season started with six named storms in the first month — nearly double the norm, though most were short-lived. Experts warn that even one tropical storm can bring heavy rain and mudslides — so residents should prepare for potential impacts. KITV
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ City officials said roadwork begins tonight on Kapiolani Boulevard from Harding Avenue to Atkinson Drive, causing overnight lane closures from 7:30 p.m. to 4 a.m. Monday to Thursday for several months. The final phase will finish by November—drivers must obey posted 'No Parking' signs and plan for delays. Honolulu Star-Advertiser
SHOP NEWS
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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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