Happy
Honolulu
Wednesday, September 24th, 2025
Good morning, Honolulu. Here's your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 24th of September.
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Manaola, the fashion brand run by Manaola Yap, is weaving sacred Hawaiian traditions into a modern clothing line—proving that indigenous culture can support a thriving business in Honolulu. KITV
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Frolic will host a 7-course tofu feast on Oct. 2 at Robata Jinya on Ala Moana Blvd featuring creative tofu dishes such as egg custard tofu and house-made yuba—tickets cost $102 and include food, tax and tip while drinks incur an extra corkage fee of $20 per bottle. Honolulu Magazine
- ➤ Today, guided tours resume at Kalaupapa National Historical Park on Molokai—visitors will explore patient cottages, cemeteries, and St. Philomena Church while learning about the lives of local patients and historic saints. Seawind Tours & Travel operates the small groups to respect current patient-residents—tickets are now sold out through December. Hawaii News Now
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ At the Hawaii Tourism Conference, leaders said that major show cancellations have stalled the film industry for the first time in 20 years, which has impacted local jobs and native storytelling—Senator Lynn Decoite urged state investment to revive this vital sector. KITV
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ The beloved Hawaiian monk seal Hō‘ailona has returned to Waikiki Aquarium after several years away from the island—bringing joy to local visitors who are invited to celebrate its homecoming. Hawaii News Now
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Hawaii Supreme Court ruled that police must record both video and audio during station interrogations of arrested suspects—Honolulu police will update their procedures, and the new rule may affect pending cases. Hawaii News Now
- ➤ On Monday in Kona, a ceremony marked the opening of Hawaii Island’s first Women’s Court. Funded by Act 228, the new program Nā Hulu Wehi will offer trauma-informed care—helping justice-involved women avoid jail while also giving support to men in the Drug Court. Hawaii News Now
- ➤ The Honolulu City Council delayed voting on Bill 54, which would raise cash bus fares by 25 cents and increase monthly and annual pass prices, after a Budget Committee meeting on Tuesday. Transit officials say the fare hikes would bring in an extra $4 million annually—while advocates warn that even small increases may hurt low-income riders—and the Council is set to debate the issue today. Hawaii News Now
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Diamond Bakery and Blood Bank of Hawaii launched a year-long partnership—Diamond Bakery will supply post-donation snacks starting Oct. 1, and the blood drive hosted today at its Kalihi shop drew nearly 100 donors from the local community. KITV
- ➤ The Hawaii Supreme Court cleared a path for customers of the state’s largest health insurer to sue over coverage denials that they say harmed them or their families (customers can now bypass mandatory arbitration) and critics say the decision may force the insurer to work more cooperatively with doctors. Hawaii News Now
- ➤ Kaiser Permanente Hawaii workers voted to authorize a strike if no new contract is reached by Sept 30; union leaders reported 97% support from UNITE HERE members and 89% from other groups. The workers seek safe staffing and higher wages and could trigger the strike after a 10-day notice—if negotiations fail. Hawaii News Now
LIFESTYLE NEWS
- ➤ Fall festivals and pumpkin patches will take place across Oahu from Sept. 27 through early November with family-friendly activities like tractor rides—hayrides, petting zoos and live music available at farms and town events. Visitors can find offers at Waimānalo, Kailua, Mililani, ‘Ewa, Kapolei and Kuilima that include seasonal treats and local crafts at varied prices. Honolulu Magazine
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ The Rainbow Wahine soccer team held its first practice Tuesday on the renovated Cooke Field—featuring an NCAA-compliant playing surface with a new retaining wall, drainage, and irrigation—and coach Nagamine said the field gives the team a large space to train. The team will use the new facility more often as it shifts away from smaller practice sites. Hawaii News Now
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
The most valuable thing you can make is a mistake - you can't learn anything from being perfect.
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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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