Happy
Honolulu
Friday, October 24th, 2025
Good morning, Honolulu. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 24th of October.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Hawaii's Vietnam Veterans on the Honor Flights program receive a heroes' welcome as the initiative aims to become a regular tribute for veterans traveling to the nation's capital — the program honors their service and sacrifices. KITV
- ➤ The search for missing Kailua paddler Jon Naeole ended after three days—his family said they found comfort in knowing he was doing what he loved. KITV
ACCIDENTS NEWS
- ➤ Two water main breaks near UH Manoa and Kalihi disrupted traffic today and emergency crews are checking the damage — drivers may face delays if road closures occur. KITV
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Chef Alan Wong is opening a new restaurant at The Kāhala to replace Hoku's—his new venue will bring back classic dishes made with local ingredients, with longtime beverage director Mark Shishido now serving as general manager. The restaurant will target an opening in early 2026 with executive chef Joe Almoguera leading the kitchen. Honolulu Magazine
- ➤ Waikīkī is set to welcome several new dining and shopping venues as local operators roll out openings, including a sherbet shop planning a reservation-only shave ice counter at the Hyatt Regency in November & Earls Waikīkī, which has been repurposed from former restaurant spaces. Other ventures include a Free-est boutique, a Hawaiian Style Seafood Co. offering free validated parking on purchases of $20 or more, a Lagree Oahu fitness studio opening in December, a Liliha Bakery expected this summer, Nick Kuchar’s art gallery, a Nori Bar slated for February and Tenōre’s flagship store hosting community events at Waikīkī Shopping Plaza. Honolulu Magazine
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Jolanie Martinez visited the Nakamura Haunted House—a local attraction with nearly 30 years of history—to preview its return for this year's spooky holiday. Hawaii News Now
- ➤ Today, the Hawaii International Film Festival held its HIFF45 Awards Ceremony at the Halekulani Hotel to honor films and lifetime achievements. The event awarded Made in Hawaii films 'Lahaina Rising' and 'Before The Moon Falls'—and also recognized Pacific Islander creatives along with international winners like Park Chan-Wook, Kenji Tanigaki, and Yuriyan Retriever. Honolulu Star-Advertiser
- ➤ Honolulu Magazine has compiled a holiday playlist featuring local DJs such as Tittahbyte, Compose, Delve, Packo, and Aloha Got Soul’s Roger Bong and DJ O’Spliff who shared their favorite local holiday songs — offering festive tracks for holiday parties and cruising past downtown light displays. Honolulu Magazine
- ➤ Billy V interviewed musician Devin Teruya from PARTYFOUL, who released a new single called 'IHateLuv' and discussed how the group supports individual projects as they plan the docuseries 'Crossing Over' — which begins with audition sessions. The Sunrise Extra episode also featured cast member Kaui Goodness from Oahu Shores — highlighting the strong bond within the Miss Hawaii Scholarship Pageant sisterhood. Hawaii News Now
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ DJ Moses, a sixth grader from Hau’ula Elementary, is named Hawaii’s Kindest Kid in America after winning a national award for spreading kindness—his honor shows his positive influence in school and beyond. KITV
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ The statewide red flag warning is causing Honolulu officials to add extra fire staff and boost resources while warning residents to clear flammable brush and avoid outdoor actions that might spark a fire. Honolulu Emergency Management is working with state, federal and local groups—aircraft, water tankers and brush trucks are on standby until 6 p.m. Saturday. Hawaii News Now
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ The Hawaii Department of Health said a wastewater sample from Kauai collected Sept. 24 tested positive for the measles virus and the University of Missouri confirmed it as a wild genotype D8—no suspected cases have been reported on Kauai. The department urged residents to keep their MMR vaccines up-to-date while it continues testing to detect any new measles activity. Honolulu Star-Advertiser
- ➤ Hawaiʻi’s University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo launched a new PharmD-XO program that lets working adults and off-island residents earn a Doctor of Pharmacy degree online with in-person training in Hilo and a December 1 application deadline—its inaugural class starts in January. The College is also hosting the Hallo-Health and Science Fair on Sunday, October 26 at the DKICP Building, where trick-or-treating, health screenings, and vaccinations will be available. Hawaii News Now
REAL ESTATE NEWS
- ➤ Construction began on Wednesday for the new Launiu Ward Village tower at the corner of Ala Moana Boulevard and Ward Avenue — the project will add 486 homes, retail space, and extra public green space — and is expected to boost local jobs and economic activity. Hawaii News Now
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
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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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