Happy
Honolulu
Friday, October 31st, 2025
Good morning, Honolulu. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 31st of October.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Aiea resident Pam Self, 69, who began her 48-year career as an usher at Aloha Stadium in 1975, recalled favorite memories of baseball games, concerts and historic events as the venue prepares for demolition—marking the end of an era. The famous site will soon be taken down after decades of community gatherings. Hawaii News Now
- ➤ Hawai‘i Leadership Forum works to spur change by engaging local leaders through its new impact report—Waves of Change—and a TV series called A Leader’s Journey that shows how they tackle local challenges. The show will air on Mondays at 7:00 p.m., Wednesdays at 6:30 p.m., Thursdays at 10:00 p.m., and Sundays at 2:00 p.m. as it streams online. Hawaii Business
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Ross' Appliance and Mattress in Kalihi saw its sales drop from 30 to 50 percent over the last few weeks as the ongoing 30-day federal government shutdown hurt local and military customers. The store held a 10 percent sale and featured a Spiderman-costumed character on Nimitz Highway to boost business — efforts aimed at supporting the local community while the shutdown continues. Hawaii News Now
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Frolic’s new video series spotlights Harry’s Café in Kaka‘ako as a nostalgic diner that replaced its 99-cent breakfast with a menu of traditional dishes like pancakes and loco moco. Regulars gather on weekends for a taste of old Honolulu—owner Christy Cho greets guests with a warm smile. Honolulu Magazine
- ➤ IONA Contemporary Dance Theatre will mark its 35th anniversary with an immersive First Friday event at Capitol Modern on November 7 from 5 to 9 p.m. Audience members will see live dance performances, hand-made costumes by artistic director Cheryl Flaharty, and a preview of the sold-out gala the following evening—free and open to all. Honolulu Magazine
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Honolulu partnered with Roberts Hawaii to launch a new system—streamlining visitor access to Hanauma Bay. Officials say the system will reduce crowding and improve ticketing to help manage the popular site. Hawaii News Now
- ➤ Applications for rent and utility relief are open for residents with children as Gov. Josh Green announced a $100 million program to help low-income families in Hawaii while federal SNAP benefits will be suspended tomorrow. The program will ease rent and utility pressures during the shutdown — additional funds will go to local food banks. Hawaii Tribune-Herald
- ➤ Gov. Josh Green announced Hawaii will provide $250 on EBT cards to over 160,000 SNAP recipients whose federal benefits are set to expire on Saturday due to the federal shutdown—the $42.2M plan will credit funds by November 14, though it will not fully cover typical household food expenses. Officials said they are seeking additional support from donors if the shutdown continues beyond November. Honolulu Star-Advertiser
- ➤ Honolulu partnered with Roberts Hawaii to launch a new system for accessing Hanauma Bay that starts Saturday, letting visitors reserve December trips online. The system, announced by Mayor Rick Blangiardi, will use electric buses—designed to ease traffic and protect the bay’s environment—to limit daily visitor numbers to about 1,400 while local residents continue to enjoy free entry with a $1 parking fee. Hawaii News Now
- ➤ Officials on Oahu are urging drivers and pedestrians to follow road safety rules after traffic fatalities more than doubled in September. Governor Green signed an order to regulate e-bikes and boost safety education while local campaigns—Safer Roads, Together and Vision Zero—aim to reduce speeding and distracted driving. Honolulu Magazine
- ➤ Hawaii is protecting residents from the federal shutdown by planning to issue a $250 emergency relief payment per eligible individual in November—$42.2 million in total—while also allocating $2 million to food banks and $500,000 for the Farm to Families program. The state Relief Program will help families cover housing and utility costs with $100 million TANF funding, and free school meals will continue for 39,000 students approved for SNAP or TANF. Hawaii News Now
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ The University Lab girls volleyball team, reigning ILH division II champions, dropped only one conference game all season. The team credits strong fundamentals and family support — key factors that drove their performance. Hawaii News Now
- ➤ The University Lab Jr. Bows girls volleyball team, ILH Division II champions from 2021, is relying on strong fundamentals and family support as they return to familiar territory for upcoming games. Coach Walt Quitan and senior Mayah Nakasato lead a small 450-student squad that dropped only one game last season and is determined to build on its success. Hawaii News Now
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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