Good morning, Honolulu.

The Hawaiian Humane Society is caring for nearly 1,300 animals across Oahu and asks residents to help with fostering and donations as its shelters become overcrowded.

Aloha Tower—at Honolulu Harbor—reopens its observation deck after an $8.5 million rehabilitation for its 100th anniversary.

The free deck welcomes visitors daily and hosts a centennial pāʻina at Pier 9 today from 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.

UH Mānoa's Kennedy Theater is putting on a production of The Wizard of Oz set in a landfill where trash is turned into costumes and sets.

The show will run from Oct. 23 through Halloween.

Waikiki’s tourism generated 6% of Hawai‘i's economy in 2024 with $6.9 billion, supporting 62,000 jobs statewide and producing $799 million in tax revenue.

Lawmakers in Hawaii considered raising the tax on rental car fleet purchases from 0.5 percent to 4.5 percent, a change that would add hidden costs to rentals, push companies toward older fleets, and encourage out-of-state titling.

The proposal remains stalled in committee.

Roosevelt High School seniors have received Direct2UH acceptance letters as the program (designed to help keep graduates in Hawaii) simplifies the college application process.

The initiative offers clear pathways for postsecondary opportunities.

Hundreds of Roosevelt High School students received their Direct2UH acceptance letters on Thursday, Oct.

15 in a school ceremony with state education leaders present. The program, now expanded to all 10 UH campuses, offers eligible seniors fee-free direct admission for fall 2027 applications until May 1.

Police Chief David Lazar held his fourth Talk Story session in Waialua, where residents and Councilmember Matt Weyer discussed concerns over long response times and police staffing.

Lazar said adding substations and increasing patrols would help build trust (as he works to fill department vacancies).

Pacific leaders met at a U.S.-Japan Council event to discuss Hawaii's ties with Japan beyond tourism.

They focused on business exchange, investment, and family bonds that strengthen the connection between the islands and Japan.

A new affordable kupuna housing community (250 units) opened on Oahu yesterday to help meet the growing need for senior housing.

The project provides more options for local kupuna in a market seeking relief.

An affordable housing complex in Ewa Beach called Kaleima’o Village is set to welcome 126 families by the end of October on a 3.7-acre city-owned lot along Renton Road — it offers one-, two-, and three-bedroom units with income-based rents ranging from about $700 to over $1,500 a month.

The Party Animals and Loco Beach Coconuts will play a two-game Banana Ball series at Les Murakami Stadium on April 30 and May 1, 2027, promising local sports fans a fresh taste of action.

Banana Ball will debut in Honolulu in 2027 with two games at Les Murakami Stadium on April 30 and May 1, featuring the Party Animals and Loco Beach Coconuts with Maui native Shane Victorino.

Ticket entries are via a lottery open until Oct. 31 (11:59 p.m. HST).