Happy
Honolulu
Thursday, October 23rd, 2025
Good morning, Honolulu. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 23rd of October.
ACCIDENTS NEWS
- ➤ Authorities resumed the search early this morning at Kailua Beach Park for missing paddler Jon Naeole, 59, after his overturned outrigger canoe was found near Flat Island on Sunday, and multiple agencies are working by land, sea, and air—drone users are asked to stay clear of the area. Honolulu Star-Advertiser
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Khan Skewer Restaurant on Isenberg St. is offering a 10% discount on its signature spicy skewers and grilled seafood during happy hour from 9 p.m. until closing Thursday through Sunday—diners also receive a complimentary snow ice dessert after their meal. Honolulu Magazine
- ➤ Par Pacific closed its joint venture Hawaii Renewables with Mitsubishi and ENEOS to build a renewable fuels facility at its Kapolei refinery—Mitsubishi and ENEOS acquired a 36.5% stake for $100M—and the plant is set to be finished by year's end to produce renewable diesel, sustainable aviation fuel, renewable naphtha and low carbon LPG. Hawaii Free Press
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ The sold-out premiere of Lāhainā Rising took place today at the Hawaii International Film Festival 45 to show Maui’s strength after the August wildfires. A Fire Weather Watch will be in effect from Friday morning through Saturday afternoon for wind and low humidity in leeward areas—officials say to avoid outdoor burning. KITV
- ➤ Honolulu residents can plan a lively weekend with a farewell concert at Aloha Stadium on Oct 25 featuring local bands, a pet walk at Kapi‘olani Park for the Hawaiian Humane Society, a food garden workshop on Oct 24, a Kāhuli Festival on Oct 25 that spotlights endangered land snails, and a hanafuda play with interactive sessions on Oct 27. All events feature varied admission fees and local venues — offering fun choices for families and friends. Honolulu Magazine
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ On October 17, the Chamber of Commerce Hawaii’s Young Professionals Program gathered over 150 young professionals, community leaders, and policymakers at Prince Waikiki to discuss solutions for Hawaii’s high cost of living. Speakers including Governor Josh Green, Kauai Mayor Derek Kawakami, and State Economist Seth Colby offered ideas on boosting civic participation—emphasizing plans to make housing more affordable and help retain local talent. Hawaii Business
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ State Agriculture and Biosecurity officials caught two opossums at Honolulu Harbor on Tuesday, one at Pier 1 around 6:45 a.m. and another at Pier 51 around 11 a.m.+ a third opossum was trapped at Hilo Harbor on Sept. 15; all three were put down for rabies testing with the Hilo opossum testing negative while the Honolulu samples were sent for further analysis. Honolulu Star-Advertiser
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Crews responded to a 20-inch water main break on Dole Street near Kanewai Community Park—first reported at about 4:20 p.m. Tuesday, which flooded properties and closed roads—and the Board of Water Supply urged residents in Manoa, Saint Louis Heights and Kaimuki to use water only for essential needs until the system is restored. Honolulu Star-Advertiser
- ➤ The Board of Water Supply reported a water main break near the intersection of North King Street and Gulick Avenue in Kalihi—forcing North King Street from Gulick Avenue to Umi Street to close in both directions. Honolulu police were dispatched and drivers were urged to use alternate routes. Hawaii News Now
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ The Hawaii Department of Health announced that a wastewater sample from East Kauai County, collected on Sept. 24, tested positive for the measles virus, but no suspected cases have been identified. Officials said the sample showed a wild type genotype D8 and will prompt continued testing while urging residents to keep current with their MMR vaccinations. Honolulu Star-Advertiser
REAL ESTATE NEWS
- ➤ A study found that building required parking spaces for residential buildings — costs that are passed on to buyers — could drive up housing prices in Honolulu. Hawaii News Now
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
The only way to become excellent is to be endlessly fascinated by doing the same thing over and over.
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Reveal the authorAbout Happy Honolulu
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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