Happy
Honolulu
Tuesday, September 30th, 2025
Good morning, Honolulu. Here's your local news at a glance for Tuesday, the 30th of September.
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Six Hawaii coffee shops made Yelp's Top 100 Coffee Shops List on September 29th in time for National Coffee Day—each shop, including Rainbeau Jo's, Makua Banana Bread, Koana, First Wave Coffee, Coffee Cove Hawaii, and Greenwell Farms, was highly rated by local reviewers. The list was drawn from reviews across the U.S. and shows strong local support. KITV
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ On September 29, Nā Kumu Mehanaokalā Hind and Hinaleimoana Wong-Kalu returned for another Kūkala Kanaka as the first ever Hawaiian History month wound down—sharing their experiences and discussing what kanaka can do to keep the momentum going. The event was sponsored by the Hawaiian Council and celebrated local cultural heritage. KITV
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ The University of Hawaii at Manoa released a video that explains how a dangerous fungus is hurting native ohia trees. Experts say hoofed animals leave wounds that let the fungus infect trees — officials note that fencing these animals may help protect Hawaii’s forest canopy. Hawaii News Now
- ➤ USGS reported Kilauea’s episode 34 of the eruption is expected to start in less than 48 hours. Officials observed more than 8 lava overflows from the north vent—each lasting between 5 and 10 minutes and coming about 30 minutes apart—and noted a strong glow from the south vent that signals a likely eruption in the next episode. Hawaii News Now
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Isaac Choy, a former HTA vice president who reported corruption, was fired by Governor Green’s chief of staff Brooke Wilson on September 5 — an action Choy claims was retaliation and is now seeking to add to his lawsuit against HTA. Hawaii Free Press
- ➤ Construction has begun on the Kukuiola Emergency Shelter and Assessment Center off Kealakehe Parkway in Kailua Kona. The $14 million project will include 16 emergency shelters— a 2,000-square-foot assessment center, restrooms with showers, a community center, a shared kitchen, and a parking lot for overnight vehicle sleeping—and it will open in 2027. Hawaii News Now
- ➤ Gov. Josh Green and Army Secretary Dan Driscoll announced a non-binding Statement of Principles on Monday that sets a framework for returning land, cleaning unexploded ordnance and expanding federal support for housing, infrastructure and energy in Hawaii. They will work toward a Memorandum of Understanding by the end of the year—soliciting local input on land use and community benefits. Hawaii News Now
- ➤ Ala Wai Golf Course finished major upgrades with a 137kW solar system and LED lighting—these improvements save the City about $38,738 per year, support the Climate Action Plan, and help the course serve over 12,000 rounds of golf annually. KITV
- ➤ Honolulu's busy municipal golf course will soon receive an upgrade that will improve play—officials say the work will also protect the environment. Construction is scheduled to begin next month. Hawaii News Now
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Hawaii grocery stores are recalling frozen shrimp skewers from Great American Seafood Import Company sold at Foodland because they may be contaminated with a radioactive isotope. Sprout Organics is recalling its Sweet Potato Apple and Spinach pouches sold at Walgreens as they might contain elevated levels of lead (customers can return these items for a full refund). Hawaii News Now
LIFESTYLE NEWS
- ➤ Chef Jon Matsubara, known for saving Feast Mānoa with his signature lobster roll during the pandemic, opened Hawaiian Style Seafood Co. in Waikīkī on Kalākaua Ave. His menu features a lobster roll made with butter-drenched Maine lobster and local ingredients — offering another seafood spot near established competitors. Honolulu Magazine
REAL ESTATE NEWS
- ➤ Paolo and Akemi remodeled their 1950s home in East Honolulu with help from Blueprint808—creating an open layout for the kitchen, dining, and living areas with Japanese and Scandinavian design touches. The renovation adds a master suite with a spa-like bath designed for comfort, featuring bamboo panels and a hidden pantry to combine function with style. Honolulu Magazine
- ➤ Homeowners completely renovated a 1960s Haʻikū Plantations home in Kāne‘ohe—adding a two-story 1,000-square-foot addition and opening up narrow rooms to create a bright, island-style retreat. The update features a new bath with glass etched with waves and stone tiles that bring a touch of Hawai‘i’s natural beauty inside, with design led by Open Concept Designs. Honolulu Magazine
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Michele Nagamine is in her 14th season with the Rainbow Wahine soccer program and one of its longest-serving coaches—she shares her diverse coaching experience and explains her initial decision to decline the UH head coaching job. Hawaii News Now
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Most smart people overrate the value of intelligence and underrate the value of consistency.
~ Sam Altman
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