Happy
Honolulu
Wednesday, November 19th, 2025
Good morning, Honolulu. Here's your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 19th of November.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Honolulu drivers are urged to slow down and give space to first responders during National Crash Responders Safety Week — a push to enforce the Move Over Law and keep emergency lanes clear for safe travel. KITV
- ➤ Kapolei City Lights will host a 'Season of Stars' celebration on December 6 at Kapolei Hale with a block party from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.—featuring over 60 vendors, live music, and a holiday parade starting at 5:30 p.m. from Kapolei High School to Kama’ahua Ave with a tree lighting at 6:15 p.m. The event will also include a 50-foot holiday tree, crafts for keiki, and community displays while volunteers are asked to join a cleanup on December 7 from 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. KITV
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Waikiki restaurants are struggling as tourism falls and costs rise after a federal shutdown led to cancelled flights. Owners say lower sales and a $2 rise in wages on January 1 may threaten jobs and affect local suppliers. KITV
- ➤ Daniel K Inouye Airport has an 87.4% on-time rate for arriving and departing flights, making it the nation’s most punctual airport—officials said the high rate reflects effective scheduling efforts. KITV
- ➤ Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines are nearing a $1.9 billion merger and face a union battle over representing aircraft mechanics—this struggle may change maintenance practices and impact local jobs. Hawaii Tribune-Herald
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Allen 'Doc' Hoe, a Vietnam War combat medic, shared stories about a battle flag that shows his family’s long military service in Hawaii—his recounting reflects a legacy passed down through generations. KITV
- ➤ The Hawaii Convention Center will host ‘Twas the Light Before Christmas on Ice from Dec. 4 to Jan. 4 with an 8,000-square-foot ice-skating rink and a 10,000-square-foot immersive light experience called Spectacular Factory — A Holiday Multiverse produced by ARTECHOUSE. Guests can enjoy festive activities including a keiki wonderland, Santa sleigh station and special events presented by American Savings Bank. KITV
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ A sample collected near the MCBH Wastewater Treatment Plant's ocean outfall on Nov. 17 showed wastewater with too high bacteria levels—warning signs have been posted in Kailua Bay and officials will run daily tests until the water is safe. KITV
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ The Honolulu Police Department will launch its first annual Lights of Aloha online campaign in mid-December to promote safe holidays and community service. The campaign will include 12 Days of Service—running from Dec. 13 to 24—and a safety blitz from Dec. 24 to 31 aimed at reducing impaired driving and illegal fireworks use. KITV
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ The American Red Cross of Hawaii reminded Honolulu residents to practice home fire escape drills and follow cooking and decorating safety tips to prevent fires this holiday season—Molly Schmidt, CEO, said everyone should be able to exit in under two minutes. The organization also shared advice to keep stoves off when unattended and avoid fire risks in the kitchen. KITV
- ➤ Hawaii’s 260,000 unpaid caregivers, who spend about $7,200 each year, need legislative support like tax credits and paid leave to prevent burnout—legislators are urged to review measures that ease their financial strain. KITV
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Konawaena is getting ready for its Division One semifinal game against Kailua — Wildcats aim for a fourth straight championship game appearance after a recent heartbreak. The team will try to make strong plays as it faces a tough opponent in hopes of reaching the championship game. 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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