Happy
Honolulu
Saturday, October 4th, 2025
Good morning, Honolulu. Here's your local news at a glance for Saturday, the 4th of October.
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Today, the Polynesian Cultural Center begins its month-long birthday celebration with the 34th annual Moanikeala Hula Festival honoring its first kumu hula—Aunty Salley Moanikealaonapuamakahikina Wood Naluai. The festival features hula performances every half hour from 1 to 5:30 p.m. at the Hawaiian Village along with hula lessons, traditional games, and poi sampling available all day. Hawaii News Now
- ➤ October brings a range of Halloween events across O‘ahu—haunted tours, pumpkin patches, film screenings, costume contests, and interactive haunted houses are planned at local venues like Waimānalo Country Farms, The Boardroom Kailua, and Sea Life Park. Locals can also enjoy themed pop-up bars and educational ghost tours that highlight spooky traditions throughout the month. Honolulu Magazine
- ➤ The long-awaited release of Slack Key Heaven brings seven never-before-heard songs from a celebrated slack key legend to local fans today, while an e-waste recycling event at Nānākuli High and Intermediate lets residents drop off old electronics between 9:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m.—no tires, paint, oils, or hazardous fluids accepted. KITV
- ➤ The Aloha to Aloha Stadium farewell concert will take place on October 25 at Aloha Stadium in Halawa to honor nearly 50 years of community events and memories with performances by Henry Kapono and Friends and other local Hawaiian bands — this event marks the final celebration before demolition begins for a new entertainment district. KITV
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Hawaii Pacific University hosted its annual Go-Baby-Go event in Honolulu—HPU occupational therapy and engineering students built child-sized cars with adaptive seating to help children with disabilities practice mobility and social play. The event offered a safe, fun way for local kids to gain confidence and participate in community activities. Hawaii News Now
FINANCE NEWS
- ➤ Central Pacific Bank is promoting its Business Exceptional Checking Account to help small business owners manage fees and access cash bonuses during September and October. Customers who deposit qualifying funds may receive up to $1,200, and the offer includes free ACH transfers and ATM fee reimbursements—supporting local entrepreneurs. Hawaii Business
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ City crews will install loop detectors, striping and pavement markers at the Kalakaua Avenue intersection on Kapiolani Boulevard from Oct. 6 to Oct. 8 between 8:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. Additional overnight work is set for Oct. 13 to Oct. 16 and Oct. 20 to Oct. 23 — drivers should plan for delays. Hawaii News Now
- ➤ On Friday, the Supreme Court said it will take up a case to decide whether Hawaii’s rule— which bans firearms on private property unless an owner allows them—violates gun rights by forcing most owners to deny carry. The case does not cover bans in parks, beaches or restaurants and a win by challengers will change how the law is enforced. KITV
- ➤ A UHERO analysis found that over $100M in federal funds are at risk for Hawaiʻi nonprofits, putting key healthcare and human services programs and over 500,000 residents in danger of losing support — with layoffs and service cuts expected through 2027. In response, the Hawaiʻi Community Foundation activated its Hawaiʻi Resilience Fund and awarded $146,000 in grants to help build capacity as nonprofits face these funding challenges. Hawaii Free Press
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Kaiser Permanente workers in Hawaii have scheduled a five-day strike following their contract's expiration on Sept.30—union members said the action will begin soon to press for a new agreement. Hawaii News Now
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Kapolei played Campbell in a prep football game on Oct. 3—Kapolei’s players made key plays including a safety and a touchdown while Campbell’s quarterback faced pressure throughout the match. Honolulu Star-Advertiser
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
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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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