Happy
Honolulu
Thursday, November 20th, 2025
Good morning, Honolulu. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 20th of November.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ At 8 a.m. on Nov. 27, the Institute for Human Services will partner with Punahou School’s girls' cross country team for the annual Homeward Bound 5K at Manoa Valley District Park — supporting Hawaiʻi’s homeless. More than 300 participants are expected to join the fun run that has already raised over $46,000, and online registration is required. KITV
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Tali’s Bagels and Schmear, a Honolulu bagel shop, won three awards at New York’s BagelFest—earning Rising Star, runner up for Best Showmanship and third in Best Bialy—after competing against bakers from 12 states and three countries; the shop has locations in Ward Village and Kailua and is noted for its Hawaii-inspired flavors. Hawaii News Now
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ City officials say a monument honoring early Portuguese settlers near Our Lady of Peace church in downtown was defaced with graffiti and litter. Repairs are planned in the coming months—aiming to restore the site before the 150th anniversary of Portuguese immigration. Hawaii News Now
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ Many young workers in Hawai‘i are choosing trade careers over traditional college paths as they earn over $100,000 a year and avoid heavy student debt—Kylie Umebayashi’s success and a 43% placement rate for college grads in the state highlight these practical job opportunities. Hawaii Business
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ The Hawaii Studio Group unveiled its plan for a state-of-the-art film studio complex adjacent to UH West Oahu—its proposal includes design, construction, financing, operations, and management of the project. UH West Oahu is negotiating a long-term lease to provide students film industry training, and the first phase will cost $125 million with construction to begin after permit approvals and the campus set to open in spring. Hawaii News Now
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ Honolulu added e-waste to its recycling program, with residents dropping off about 37 tons each month while the city faces extra costs for shipping discarded materials and paying penalties for lower waste volumes. The planned food composting project will be delayed until spring as construction of an upgraded facility is still underway—original fall plans were postponed. KITV
- ➤ Honolulu City Council received an update that the Board of Water Supply removed fuel from Red Hill tanks but is still tracking all areas affected by past releases—officials expect complete remediation to take decades. The BWS is also studying groundwater movement and testing treatment methods for PFAS (forever chemicals). Hawaii News Now
FINANCE NEWS
- ➤ Personal finance expert Jean Chatzky urged Honolulu residents to track their daily spending — a habit that can help them control expenses and build resilience. More tips will be shared at the financial conference at Punahou School on November 22. Hawaii News Now
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ The U.S. Postal Service removed blue collection boxes in Foster Village, Mapunapuna, and Kapahulu, forcing residents to travel farther for mail. A Mapunapuna box was saved after locals called the number on the notice—USPS said low usage led to the removals as part of a plan to modernize services. Hawaii News Now
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Department of Health data shows that ten Oahu schools have sinks with lead levels above 15 parts per billion, and Jarrett Middle School recorded a kitchen sink at 725 parts per billion—14 water sources at Waikea Intermediate School improved on retesting. The Department of Education will replace fixtures with measurable lead or remove them from service if deeper plumbing issues are found. Hawaii News Now
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Kamehameha Kapalama advanced into the open-division state playoffs for the first time since 2009 after earning undisputed ILH championship status, and head coach Kaeo Drummondo said the team’s extra rest helped key players get healthy — a boost that will be vital as the Warriors chase their first state title in over 15 years. They will face a Kapolei team Friday at 7:30 p.m. at John Kauinana Stadium in Mililani. Hawaii News Now
- ➤ John John Florence announced he will return to the World Surf League—Carissa Moore will join the tour next year with a season wildcard. Hawaii News Now
- ➤ Konawaena will host the Kailua Surfriders in the Division 1 playoffs in West Hawaii this weekend as the Wildcats (holding a 44-game winning streak since 2019) rely on championship experience. The Surfriders, led by 6 foot 5 Cal commit Esaiah Wong (a key player), will challenge Konawaena’s fast-paced style as they meet on the field. Hawaii News Now
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
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