Happy
Honolulu
Thursday, September 18th, 2025
Good morning, Honolulu. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 18th of September.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Local small businesses will showcase handcrafted jewelry, Hawaii-inspired fashion and artwork at the Hawaii Shop Local Pop-Up presented by American Savings Bank at Ala Moana Center’s Mauka Wing this Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.—vendor David Shepard Hawaii will debut a new board short collection and the first 250 completed activity cards will earn an exclusive ASB x Fighting Eel tote bag. Hawaii News Now
- ➤ Ward Village in Honolulu opened Ka La’i o Kukuluāe’o Park on Wednesday, turning old buildings and pavement into nearly 26,000 square feet of green space with pathways, seating, an interactive play structure, a Biki Bike station, and a water refilling station—adding key amenities for local residents. The park’s name honors the area’s native heritage and lies next to the upcoming Ulana Ward Village. Hawaii News Now
ACCIDENTS NEWS
- ➤ The Honolulu Ocean Safety Department issued an HNL Alert at 11:04 a.m. on Wednesday after a 10-foot shark was seen 10-50 yards from shore at Pokai Bay and posted warning signs to keep beachgoers safe. Hawaii News Now
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ The Aloha Festivals will end with two events this month. On Saturday, Sept 20, Waikiki Hoʻolauleʻa will fill Kalakaua Avenue with food, crafts and live hālau hula, and on Saturday, Sept 27 the Floral Parade will march from Ala Moana Park along Kalakaua Avenue to Kapiolani Park—featuring intricate floats, horseback riders, marching bands, hālau hula and civic leaders. Hawaii News Now
- ➤ Pearl Harbor Historic Sites will offer free passes this weekend — Sept. 20-21 — for active duty members, retirees, dependents, and veterans to visit Battleship Missouri Memorial, Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum and Pacific Fleet Submarine Museum. Hawaii News Now
- ➤ BEHawai‘i and the Lei Poinaʻole Project are reviving the local lei industry by linking native flower growers and lei makers in a statewide network that hosts workshops and supports cultural preservation—efforts aimed at reducing the reliance on imported lei. The project will help both small family farms and larger growers tackle challenges like pests and diseases while preserving this cherished art form. Hawaii Business
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ A 10-foot shark was spotted at Pokai Bay on Wednesday morning & warning signs were posted near the shore where it was seen 10–50 yards from land. No injuries were reported and visitors are advised to check with lifeguards before entering the water. KITV
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Four Western states including Hawaii issued new guidelines today for seasonal flu, COVID-19 and RSV vaccines for groups such as young children, pregnant women and older adults—backed by top medical doctors and national recommendations. The guidelines aim to reduce hospital strain and counter Kennedy's changes to federal vaccine policy. Honolulu Star-Advertiser
- ➤ Olay’s Thai Food Express in Aiea reopened with a green pass placard after fixing issues with refrigeration, soap, and food storage that led to its Sept. 11 closure. Health officials confirmed in a Sept. 12 inspection that all violations were corrected—ensuring the restaurant complies with state health codes. Honolulu Star-Advertiser
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Saint Louis high school football team is in Southern California for a meeting with St. John Bosco and will play Friday night to prove they can compete with top mainland teams—after winning games against Kahuku, Bishop Montgomery, and Mililani. The undefeated Crusaders will return to the islands next week to open ILH play against Punahou. Hawaii News Now
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
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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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