Happy
Honolulu
Saturday, September 20th, 2025
Good morning, Honolulu. Here's your local news at a glance for Saturday, the 20th of September.
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Global burger chain Shake Shack will open its first Hawai‘i restaurant on O‘ahu in 2027 — partnering with Honolulu-based Union MAK to offer its signature menu items and local flavors while details about the location remain pending. Honolulu Magazine
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Cast and crew of the Apple TV+ show Chief of War attended a screening of the season finale 'The Black Desert' at the Hawaii Theatre on Thursday evening—local props and a Hawaiian chant set the mood for the event. Gov. Josh Green also attended and stressed the need for tax credits to entice filmmakers to work in the islands. Hawaii News Now
- ➤ O‘ahu’s biggest block party, the annual Waikīkī Ho‘olaule‘a hosted by Aloha Festivals, will take over Kalākaua Avenue tomorrow from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. — the event will feature food, crafts, cultural displays, local music and an award-winning hula hālau. KITV
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ The DOE report showed that Hawaii public schools improved in science, math & language arts along with higher attendance and college enrollment, signaling a strong recovery from pandemic learning loss. The report said these gains reflect the hard work of educators and students across the state. Hawaii Tribune-Herald
- ➤ Federal funds for student services at University of Hawai'i will end at the month’s close—removing over $100 million from programs that support minorities across 10 campuses. Students and staff worry that these cuts may hurt Native Hawaiian services and limit academic opportunities. KITV
- ➤ The Hawaii Department of Education plans to adjust school districts instead of closing schools right away to address declining enrollment and overcrowding in areas like Ewa—redistricting will continue through September 2026 with changes set for the 2026–27 school year and potential consolidations beginning as early as July 2028. The department extended its timeline to let communities assess alternatives and share their input on school identity and access. Hawaii Tribune-Herald
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ Today before dawn, Kilauea erupted at Halemaumau crater, sending lava fountains 500 feet high and a plume of volcanic gases reaching 10,000 feet into the sky. Episode 33, which began at 3:11 a.m., remains confined to Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park—officials warn that fine ash and volcanic smog may irritate skin and eyes. Honolulu Star-Advertiser
- ➤ Hawaii will collect a green fee on hotel stays, vacation rentals, and cruise ship visitors from January to raise $100 million a year for conservation to fight invasive grasses and fund native forest restoration — Gov. Josh Green said the fee will help local communities protect the islands' natural beauty. The new measure aims to boost support for areas critical to Hawaii’s tourism and environment. Honolulu Star-Advertiser
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Governor Josh Green signed an Executive Order on Sept. 18 to improve traffic safety—introducing uniform e-bike rules, boosting driver safety education, and expanding law enforcement support—as the state recorded 93 fatalities that mostly involved pedestrians, bicyclists, and motorcyclists. Hawaii Free Press
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ HMSA has partnered with Stellarus to use its AI technology platform to improve healthcare access for members, a move that will modernize services and boost care in our community. Hawaii News Now
- ➤ On Thursday, HMSA joined health tech company Stellarus as a co-founder with Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas to adopt an artificial intelligence platform that integrates over 60 data sets—improving access to smarter and more affordable care. The new system will help health plans provide personalized services to community members. Hawaii News Now
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Former NFL pro Chris Fuamatu-Maafala now mentors his son Tenari, a sophomore running back leading the Saint Louis Crusaders+ who improves his game through detailed film review and practice. Tenari has earned offers from Arizona and Utah while he works hard to make his parents proud and stay focused on his education. Hawaii News Now
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Everyone you admire started as a version of themselves that they didn't admire.
~ James Clear
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