Good morning, Honolulu.

Big Brothers Big Sisters Hawai‘i received a $1M donation from the Clarence T.C.

Ching Foundation to support its new headquarters in Kakaako—officials said the gift will help expand mentoring and youth programs across the islands. The blessing ceremony also honored Clarence T.C. Ching and marked a new chapter for the nonprofit.

Today, the Hawaii Foodbank is hosting a food distribution event at Inspire Church at Patsy T.

Mink Central Oahu Regional Park from 9—10 a.m. for those affected by the government shutdown; additional events will be held on Wednesday at Windward Community College from 3—5 p.m., Friday at Hawaiian Airlines ‘Ohana Hangar from 8—10 a.m., Saturday at Ke’ehi Lagoon Memorial Park from 10 a.m.—noon, and an event on Thursday with details to be announced.

In Hawaii, locals are urged to plan regular donations by budgeting a percentage of their income to support nonprofits and cultural groups.

Brandy Oki of HawaiiUSA Federal Credit Union noted employer programs such as matching gift plans and payroll deductions can boost every donation—helping community efforts grow.

May Kamaka, an Iolani School graduate, was crowned Miss Chinatown in Honolulu on Nov 3 and will represent Hawaii in prestigious pageants alongside other talented women.

Her win boosts local pride — it brings new opportunities for community representation in upcoming events.

Hawaii is exploring projects funded by green fees from visitors to protect natural resources and boost sustainable tourism—officials plan to invest in local conservation efforts and eco-friendly travel programs.

The state is moving forward with a $7.75 million project to build a new 1,100-foot drinking water well at Kunia Village after toxins were found in its water three years ago.

The well, set to be completed in 2027 with federal funding, offers the community a chance to gain greater control over its water system — the public can share comments until November 24th.

Hawaiian Electric customers facing financial hardship can apply today for help with utility bills through the Hawaii Relief Program, which offers interest-free monthly plans and waived late fees.

Gov. Josh Green announced the program last month, and HECO also provides a donation-based Ohana Energy Gift Card program that lets donors help cover electric bills.

Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi and Shonai Mayor Toru Togashi signed a Friendship City Agreement Monday morning at Mission Memorial Auditorium, formalizing a 23-year relationship that began when a student from Shonai studied in Honolulu.

The agreement promotes educational, cultural, and economic exchange and builds on student programs sustained by local figures such as Masashi Ando — a key connector between the two cities.

State officials today launched the Kokua Food Drive in partnership with the State Public Library System as a weeklong effort to collect canned and nonperishable food items for local food banks — residents are asked to drop off donations at most public libraries and the Lieutenant Governor’s office through Friday to help families affected by federal shutdown disruptions.

Honolulu's Department of Budget and Fiscal Services has extended the deadline for rail-related Transit Construction Mitigation Fund grants (now due Monday, December 15 at 4 p.m. HST) to help local businesses impacted by rail construction.

The fund was established by Bill 40 to support eligible businesses that meet specific revenue and location criteria.

Physician assistant Kyle Ohisa improved the care of Travis—a patient with a brain injury who cannot speak—by refining his medication through four years of telehealth consultations.

Travis and his family celebrated his compassionate care with a surprise gathering in August to honor him as their Healthcare Hero.

The Hawaii Department of Health warned residents about a recall of yellow and white peaches sold at local stores—Costco, Target, Whole Foods, Times Supermarkets and Big Save—due to potential listeria contamination.

Moonlight Companies voluntarily recalled the California-grown peaches sold from Sept. 16 to Oct. 29 and DOH is working with retailers to remove them while no illnesses have been reported.