Happy
Honolulu
Wednesday, November 5th, 2025
Good morning, Honolulu. Here's your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 5th of November.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Hawaii Foodbank will host its largest relief distribution event at Aloha Stadium on Thursday, Nov 6 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.—assisting 2,000 households affected by the government shutdown and the suspension of SNAP benefits. KITV
- ➤ Aloha United Way has increased its number of 211 Specialists to handle a surge in calls from residents seeking help during the federal government shutdown — with food assistance now the top request for the first time in five years. KITV
ACCIDENTS NEWS
- ➤ UPS Flight 2976, a McDonnell Douglas MD-11 headed to Daniel K. Inouye International Airport, crashed on November 4th at Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport in Kentucky, killing at least three people and injuring 11—authorities issued a shelter-in-place for nearby areas. Hawaii News Now
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Miwako Mulder (of NOA Makaha) learned the art of Hawaiian feather work from lei hulu masters and created pieces for an Apple TV series. Her work honors her kumu's legacy (a nod to the island's cherished traditions). Hawaii News Now
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ The City and County of Honolulu extended the deadline for the Transit Construction Mitigation Fund to 4 p.m. on Dec. 15 so local business owners near active rail construction on Dillingham Boulevard with a 10% revenue drop can apply. The grant offers up to $10,000 per applicant on a first-come, first-served basis — the online portal opened on Oct. 20. Hawaii News Now
- ➤ OHA Trustee Keli‘i Akina announced a new Kūlana ʻĀina program that supports local farmers, food workers, and chefs with training and job opportunities on legacy lands—an effort designed to boost food security and honor cultural traditions in Hawaiʻi. The initiative will help bring agriculture back to active use and reduce reliance on imported food. Hawaii Free Press
- ➤ Today, the Hawaii Department of Health set new rules requiring hemp retailers to register by January 1 for a $50 fee covering a five-year period to ensure safe and fair market practices. The agency will offer outreach in 2025 to help both local and out-of-state businesses update product labeling, packaging and testing standards — the initiative aims to protect consumer health. KITV
- ➤ The OHA Board of Trustees will meet tomorrow at 9:00 a.m. in Hilo at Ka Haka ‘Ula O Ke’elikōlani College of Hawaiian Language to decide on three options for a $6.1 million fund for Native Hawaiians affected by the federal shutdown and reduced SNAP benefits. The plan may give up to $350 per person to nearly 14,000 households and $1,200 to about 1,000 furloughed federal workers & aims to help vulnerable families quickly. Hawaii Free Press
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ The Hawaii Department of Health is launching an outreach and education initiative to help hemp retailers prepare for a registration requirement that takes effect Jan. 1. The OMCCR program provides compliance guidance and a grace period — ensuring consumer safety and fair market practices. Hawaii News Now
- ➤ Federal officials say a multi-state listeria outbreak linked to pre-cooked pasta meals has sickened two Hawaii residents, including one fatality, while state health officials found no clear connection to recalled products. The FDA & CDC are working with local authorities to investigate if other foods may be contaminated. Honolulu Star-Advertiser
- ➤ HMSA was founded in 1938 by nurse Margaret Catton and now leads with many wahine who work to improve health care in Hawaii. The company will air a new TV commercial this fall featuring CEO Mark M. Mugiishi to share its vision for the future—showing local progress in health care. Hawaii Business
LIFESTYLE NEWS
- ➤ Honolulu Restaurant Week will start Nov. 8 — running through Nov. 16, with 64 restaurants offering special prix fixe menus at discounted prices from sushi to ramen. The event will take place after summer visitors leave — letting local diners try tasty meals at good prices. Honolulu Magazine
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
In matters of style, swim with the current; in matters of principle, stand like a rock.
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Reveal the authorAbout Happy Honolulu
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