Happy
Honolulu
Friday, September 12th, 2025
Good morning, Honolulu. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 12th of September.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ On Ford Island at Pearl Harbor, nearly 9,000 boots span 150 feet across and 450 feet deep in a memorial honoring fallen servicemembers since 9-11. Founder Theresa Johnson said each boot bears a name, photo, and story—keeping their memories alive. Hawaii News Now
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Brian Burik, a former FDNY firefighter who served at Ground Zero on 9/11, runs a Kailua coffee shop that honors his fallen colleagues—he displays his retired helmet with the number 343 and a World Trade Center steel cross as daily reminders of their sacrifice. KITV
- ➤ On Thursday, dozens gathered in downtown Honolulu to remember lives lost in the Sept. 11 attacks while former first responder Barbara Melamed recalled witnessing the North Tower hit and supporting grieving children. Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi said the ceremony served as a reminder that no community was untouched by the tragedy — and he urged more involvement by young people in future events. KITV
- ➤ At Mauna Kea, the Gemini Observatory launched its first Hawaiʻi Culture and Language Residency today to bring Hawaiian cultural experts into astronomy as cultural resident Leilehua Yuen creates star charts from traditional moʻolelo; the program includes public and staff workshops to connect ancient practices with modern science—Gemini plans to add more cultural residents later. KITV
- ➤ Kealohi Lucero’s award-winning film Paper Bag Plan tells the story of a father helping his disabled son while battling cancer and debuts at Ward Consolidated Theaters from Sept. 18 through 25. She will host a Q&A on Sept. 19 and 20 to engage local audiences. Hawaii News Now
- ➤ A salvage crew is working today at the USS Arizona Memorial to preserve the ship & protect the memorial structure above. The team will continue efforts to secure the site and maintain its historical value for future visitors. Hawaii News Now
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Blue Hawaiian Helicopters asked the FAA for permission to fly as low as 700 feet on several islands including Oahu, Maui, Molokai and the Big Island — more than 55,000 public comments oppose the request, citing noise and safety concerns. Honolulu Star-Advertiser
- ➤ The Hawaii Supreme Court ruled on Thursday that Gov. Green’s affordable housing emergency proclamations must be linked to public health, safety or welfare—limiting the governor’s and future state leaders’ use of emergency powers. The decision follows concerns raised by community members and maintains the existing proclamations while requiring closer review of executive actions. KITV
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ A Hawaii family is asking for help to pay for expensive treatment for 20-year-old Kahaone Kelau, who became critically ill from Valley Fever after his time in Arizona. His insurance has denied the experimental care needed out-of-state—his family now relies on community support for his lifesaving treatment. Hawaii News Now
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ On Thursday, the Honolulu All-Stars received certificates from Mayor Rick Blangiardi at Honolulu Hale after winning the West Region Tournament on Aug. 7 and representing the state at the Little League World Series—an honor given despite an early series exit. Hawaii News Now
- ➤ Hawaii junior outside hitter Tali Hakas will miss the rest of the Rainbow Wahine’s volleyball season because she injured her right shoulder on August 31 — she has not played since and her absence affects the team as they face Portland tonight. Honolulu Star-Advertiser
- ➤ Hawaii’s women’s volleyball team beat Portland in five sets on Thursday, September 11 at Bankoh Arena—avoiding a loss after missing three match points in the fourth set. Cha’lei Reid led with 18 kills while the team recorded a season-high 18 blocks to secure the win. Honolulu Star-Advertiser
- ➤ The Honolulu Little League team was honored at Honolulu Hale by Mayor Rick Blangiardi for their participation in this year's Little League World Series— the team represented the West Region and has competed in the tournament four times. KITV
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
The biggest risk is not taking any risk.
~ Mark Zuckerberg
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