Happy
Honolulu
Thursday, October 9th, 2025
Good morning, Honolulu. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 9th of October.
ACCIDENTS NEWS
- ➤ Traffic-related deaths in Hawaii have skyrocketed this year, especially on Oahu—proposed fixes have focused on stricter enforcement and safer driving while Civil Beat's Matthew Leonard said another factor may be involved. Hawaii News Now
- ➤ Firefighters rushed to the H-Power trash disposal plant in Kapolei on Wednesday at 11 a.m. after a fire alarm sounded, finding smoke at the building when a small conveyor belt caught fire; the blaze was contained by 12:20 p.m. and extinguished about an hour later—officials are still investigating the cause. Hawaii News Now
- ➤ The Honolulu Fire Department responded to a fire caused by a propane tank explosion at a waste facility in Kapolei on Wednesday morning at an HPOWER facility in Campbell Industrial Park using seven units and 23 personnel to control the blaze by 12:21 p.m.—it was fully extinguished by 1:22 p.m. with no injuries reported. KITV
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ The Wall That Heals will arrive on Oʻahu at UH West Oʻahu Great Lawn starting mid-January to honor Vietnam veterans and offer a mobile Education Center for reflection and remembrance—exhibits will be free and open 24 hours. Organizers plan opening and closing ceremonies and are calling on community groups and volunteers to support the event. Hawaii Free Press
- ➤ Honolulu residents will enjoy a weekend of events including a sake tasting at the Hawai‘i Convention Center on Friday, a photography workshop and brunch in Waikīkī and a sneaker event on Saturday, along with a food expo running from Friday to Sunday and free Mahalo Month events at the Polynesian Cultural Center on Saturday and Wednesday. Organizers offer a BOGO code and discounted rates for students and seniors—ensuring a weekend of local culture and diverse entertainment—catering to varied interests. Honolulu Magazine
- ➤ YMCA will honor Kumu Hula Auntie Carolee Nishi with a free event at Nuuanu YMCA on Saturday, Oct. 18 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.—attendees can join hula lessons, lei-making, ukulele demonstrations, and live music while a cultural workshop series is offered from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. for $85 with lunch included. Hawaii News Now
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ The Daniel K. Inouye International Airport now features 20 new electric vehicle charging stations installed by Sustainability Partners and the Hawaii Department of Transportation to help reach Hawaii’s goal for carbon neutrality by 2045. The chargers work 24/7 in the international parking area on a pay-per-use basis via the OpConnect mobile app. KITV
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Kauikeaouli Hale closed at 11 a.m. today for unscheduled air conditioning repairs, and court hearings are being moved to a later date. The courthouse at +1111 Alakea St.+ is expected to reopen on Thursday as Acting Chief Justice Sabrina McKenna extended today’s filing deadline. Honolulu Star-Advertiser
- ➤ Federal workers and military families in Honolulu are worried as the government shutdown continues beyond one week — many have not received paychecks and face tough financial choices. They are urging Congress to end the shutdown soon — warning that ongoing delays in pay could force essential employees to cut back on basic needs. Hawaii News Now
- ➤ Cyber threats in Honolulu are rising as officials report tens of thousands of attacks daily and invest in a new data center to secure vital systems—drivers licenses, the 911 system, and other key infrastructure. Experts say that while AI helps improve cyber defenses, older equipment leaves parts of city operations vulnerable. KITV
- ➤ City officials announced a nearly $1.1 million renovation is underway to expand the interior of Fern Community Park’s multipurpose building in Kalihi. The structure will be closed through spring for the improvements—officials explained the facility will better serve local needs. Honolulu Star-Advertiser
- ➤ Former Governor John Waihe’e spoke yesterday at the 2025 Native Hawaiian Convention and urged Hawaiians to unite to fix problems in schools and the economy. Attendees watched a 45-minute preview of the musical The Epic Tale of Hi’iaka, set to open at Leeward Community College in 2026 & many discussed ideas on legalizing gaming to boost revenue while noting its social risks. Hawaii News Now
- ➤ Yesterday, a video by Alan Beck showed that in Hawaii, gun owners must get property owners’ permission before carrying guns into stores and restaurants—this invite-only rule is used in only five states after the Supreme Court’s 2022 Bruen decision. Hawaii Free Press
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Hawaii health officials warned residents today of a recall of Tru-Fru freeze-dried products because they may contain metal that can cause injuries—customers should dispose of the items if found. The voluntary recall, issued by the Georgia Nut Company on Sept. 26, includes freeze-dried strawberries in dark and white chocolate and strawberries with crème sold in major stores. Honolulu Star-Advertiser
- ➤ Gregg Kishaba, HCF’s Health and Wellness Program Director, leads efforts to improve healthcare access in Hawaiʻi by awarding grants to nonprofits that address social and environmental factors affecting health. He has supported nearly $886,000 in grants since 2023—focusing on education and tobacco control—and awarded $282,500 in seed grants in August to reduce mental and behavioral health stigma. Hawaii Business
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
If you do what is easy, your life will be hard. If you do what is hard, your life will be easy.
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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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