Happy
Honolulu
Monday, September 29th, 2025
Good morning, Honolulu. Here's your local news at a glance for Monday, the 29th of September.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Local farmers will sell tropical produce and homemade goods at Kunia Loa Ridge Farmers Market — held on October 4 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 94-1100 Kunia Road in Waipahu — to reduce waste and cut the area's reliance on imports. Hawaii News Now
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Claire's Boutiques in Hawaii warned that financial challenges may force it to permanently lay off up to 63 non-union employees from its stores starting November 3—while the company continues its efforts to secure additional capital and explore alternative transactions. KITV
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Local designers are reviving the palaka pattern, a checkboard design with roots from plantation fields and early sailors that links Hawaii's diverse people. The pattern is featured in modern fashion—highlighting its role in our cultural history. KITV
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ Hawaii reclassified nearly $3 billion in assets and used COVID aid in 2024 to shrink its debt gap but still had a $4.4 billion shortfall that left each taxpayer facing an $8,800 burden—its report gave the state a 'D' grade. The report warns that a future $1.9 billion cut in federal funds may challenge the state's ability to pay bills and maintain services. Hawaii Free Press
- ➤ University of Hawaii business experts said that rising prices and a slow economy will force a median-income family to pay an extra $1,400 per year. They discussed these economic concerns while sharing donuts at Donut King in Market City Shopping Center. Honolulu Star-Advertiser
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Grassroot Institute submitted testimonies to Honolulu and Maui County Councils and planning commissions that addressed property tax relief, faster permitting for affordable housing, taxi rate changes, and rail extension proposals. The proposals include bills to adjust tax classes, extend permit deadlines, and alter ADU limits—underscoring regional efforts to improve housing and transportation. Hawaii Free Press
- ➤ Isaac Choy, acting Chief Administrative Officer and vice president of finance at HTA, was terminated effective September 15 after lawmakers raised concerns following allegations of racist and sexist remarks and reported contract violations—his attorneys claim the move was retaliatory while the state denies those claims. He had been placed on unpaid leave in May and filed a lawsuit in June alleging retaliation for reporting misuse of funds. KITV
- ➤ The Public Utilities Commission will hold an evidentiary hearing on Young Brothers’ rate increase request starting today through Oct. 3 at 9 a.m., broadcast live on ʻŌlelo Community Media and PUC’s YouTube channel. The hearing will feature testimony from Young Brothers’ representatives while written comments referencing Docket No. 2024-2025 are accepted—public testimony will not be allowed. Hawaii News Now
- ➤ Drivers are urged to use an alternate route as pavement repair work begins today on South King Street —located between Alapaʻi and Keʻeumoku— with partial lane closures on weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The city said the work will continue through the end of year —commuters should allow extra time—. Hawaii News Now
- ➤ Honolulu's Department of Community Services will move to its new headquarters at the former Central Pacific Bank Operations Center on North School Street after the city purchased the building for $12 million. Renovations will begin later this year—making housing support, job training, and community programs easier for residents to access. Hawaii News Now
REAL ESTATE NEWS
- ➤ Residents at Union Plaza in downtown Honolulu are unsettled after a letter posted Saturday ordered 12 rule-breakers to vacate by Tuesday at 5 p.m.—the owner later clarified that most tenants can stay during repairs to fix safety issues such as a broken door and elevator malfunctions. He said he will renovate the building into student housing and has prorated rent during the repair period. Hawaii News Now
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ On Sunday, Sept. 28, the women crew of AS’ihilani Va‘a from Tahiti beat defending champion Team Bradley in the Na Wahine O Ke Kai Molokai Channel canoe race in Honolulu—finishing just seconds ahead to earn their first historic win. Honolulu Star-Advertiser
- ➤ Van Ransom, a dedicated Hawaii Little League World Series volunteer, hosted this year’s Taipei champion and the 2008 Waipio title team—he said he loves to connect with kids and coaches. Honolulu Star-Advertiser
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
The only true failure is abandoning your principles.
~ Ryan Holiday
About 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.
Advertising Opportunities
Advertising with us will make sure you stay at the top of everyone's mind—in Honolulu and across Hawaii. You can learn more here. We'll work together to build a custom plan to hit your goals this year.
Alternatively, you can submit events, announcements, real estate listings, and job postings. We'll include them in our newsletter on whichever dates you like.
Community, delivered
Our hyper-local media company activates communities through daily email newsletters that curate the most positive, impactful local news + events – all for free.
Subscribe to Happy Honolulu
A free Honolulu community newsletter.
- Daily local news
- We curate the most positive, impactful local news + events.
- 6AM City
- A publication of 6AM City, the nation's leading local newsletter-first media network. Nominate your city.
© 6AM City Inc. 2025. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy. Terms of Service. Questions? Contact us here
Sitemap: https://happyhonolulu.com/sitemap