Happy
Honolulu
Wednesday, October 1st, 2025
Good morning, Honolulu. Here's your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 1st of October.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Maui wildfire survivors now have access to free legal services from PONO Legal, which launched a new resources webpage earlier this month as part of its summer internship program; experts help affected residents with FEMA applications, appeals, lost document replacement and housing guidance. Hawaii News Now
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Honolulu will celebrate Pride Month throughout October as the Pride flag is raised outside the Frank F. Fasi Municipal Building, and Honolulu Hale and the Neil S. Blaisdell Arena — two major landmarks — will be illuminated in rainbow colors from sundown on Oct.16 to sunrise on Oct.19. A parade will begin at 3 p.m. on Oct.18 at Magic Island and continue to the Waikiki Shell for a festival starting at 5 p.m. KITV
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ University of Hawaii scientists tested a 3D printed ceramic structure with a spiral design in Kaneohe Bay last September – the design protected baby corals from predators, algae, and strong waves and helped them grow 80 times more and survive up to 50 times better than on flat surfaces. The study offers a promising method to restore Hawaii’s coral populations. Hawaii News Now
- ➤ A federal judge ruled that the Navy must face trial over claims that the Red Hill Bulk Fuel Storage Facility is contaminating Pearl Harbor and Hālawa Stream—evidence points to intermittent fuel leaks and a high risk of future spills. The trial will begin on Dec. 17 under Senior U.S. District Judge Leslie Kobayashi, answering concerns from environmentalists and Native Hawaiian cultural practitioners. Hawaii Free Press
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ The Hawaii Community Foundation has reactivated its Hawaii Resilience Fund to help local nonprofits deal with federal funding cuts—affecting food programs, housing assistance and child welfare. Leaders said the fund will build capacity to help organizations manage reduced support during this challenging period. Honolulu Star-Advertiser
- ➤ Hawaii Chief Justice Mark Recktenwald (15 years in the role) announced his retirement today, ending a tenure that reshaped the state's courts by expanding Diversion Courts, starting Electronic Filing, and opening self-help centers (all meant to improve access to civil cases). KITV
- ➤ A government shutdown is looming after lawmakers proposed budget cuts that would cut Medicaid by $1 trillion and Medicare by $500 billion — affecting about 390,000 Honolulu residents who rely on these programs. Federal funds remain secure through the first quarter — but community leaders warn that long-term impacts may disrupt health care services. KITV
REAL ESTATE NEWS
- ➤ Dozens of Union Plaza tenants in Downtown Honolulu received four days notice to leave today as management shuts off utilities for urgent repairs addressing broken elevators, leaking pipes, pest infestations, and electrical hazards. Union Mall Development Group said it will offer options for tenants—such as remaining if they can climb stairs or moving to temporary space—and plans to transform the 1966 building into a 240 bed student housing facility with sustainable features by the school year 2027 to 2028. KITV
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Punahou swept Mid-Pacific to clinch the third seed in the ILH playoffs. The team now prepares for the next round in the tournament. Honolulu Star-Advertiser
- ➤ Wailuku’s Wehiwa Aloy was picked as a first-round draft choice by the Baltimore Orioles in July after earning the Golden Spikes Award and being named SEC player of the year—he plans to work through the minor leagues on his way to the majors. Honolulu Magazine
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
If the path ahead of you is clear, you're probably on someone else's.
~ Joseph Campbell
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