Happy
Honolulu
Thursday, September 25th, 2025
Good morning, Honolulu. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 25th of September.
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ During Hawaiian History month—Kumu Kawaikapuokalani Hewett explained the differences between words like pololei and pololoi and shared his views on the proper etiquette when people speak ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi in different ways. KITV
FINANCE NEWS
- ➤ Jean Chatzky, a former Today Show financial editor, will headline the Money Matters Financial Conference on November 22 at Punahou School—WestPac Wealth Partners CEO Nash Subotic will also speak—at the event presented by Hawaii State Federal Credit Union and hosted by Hawaii Business Magazine. Hawaii Business
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Since Aug. 4, Honolulu has used the new HNL Build system—manual account creation has slowed permit approvals to 352 compared to 1,932 last year, and solar permits have also lagged behind. City officials will review the process with council today to address the delays affecting both building and solar applications. Hawaii News Now
- ➤ Senator Henry J.C. Aquino of District 19 announced his retirement from the Hawaii State Senate and will end 17 years of service on November 30—he will join a local consulting firm and continue work as Executive Director for the Waipahu Community Association. KITV
- ➤ Tens of thousands of residents in Hawaii will see their SNAP benefits drop starting Oct. 1 — a single person’s support will fall by about $11 a month and a family’s support by $34 as the federal government corrects previous miscalculations. The state Department of Human Services is urging families to report additional expenses to help adjust benefit amounts. KITV
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Optimum Air began operations on September 1 to meet rising emergency air transport needs while state health officials work on a central emergency transport center—Oregon-based Life Flight Network will launch on Hawaii island by year-end to boost capacity. Hawaii News Now
- ➤ Cardiologist Dr. Carolyn Lam told Hawaii News Now how to protect heart health as World Heart Day nears—she shared tips to help local residents prevent heart disease. Hawaii News Now
- ➤ The Hawaii Department of Health has launched a free online portal that lets people print or download their immunization records and is part of a larger state system that began in June — it provides secure proof for school, daycare, work, or travel. Hawaii News Now
LIFESTYLE NEWS
- ➤ Since March 2024, chef Khan Meyer and partner Audrey Loundsbury have honed their recipes at downtown Hana Kitchens to craft bagels and sandwiches with bold, fresh flavors for local fans. Big Time Bagels will be available at Aloha Farm Lovers’ Kaka‘ako farmers market on Saturday and at Kailua Town farmers market next to Adventist Health Castle on Sunday—offering innovative taste to island residents. Honolulu Magazine
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Your calendar reflects your priorities better than your Twitter feed.
~ James Clear
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