Happy
Honolulu
Monday, December 1st, 2025
Good morning, Honolulu. Here's your local news at a glance for Monday, the 1st of December.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ During the pandemic, Blanche McMillan gave shelter to houseless people in Waimānalo without waiting for government permission—her village now houses 96 people including children and elders, and grants have helped expand her work. Honolulu Magazine
- ➤ Ua Hale Aela is launching a rent—to—own program to help local families become homeowners in two years or less. The nonprofit will buy and renovate units in Hilo and Maui and is evaluating opportunities on Kauai to expand its program. Hawaii News Now
- ➤ 81-year-old Edward Kuba walks his Kapahulu neighborhood daily with a trash-grabber to stay active and keep sidewalks clean (he has spent 45 years volunteering in the Okinawan community and helped start local centers). His life and work remind neighbors to care for their community and enjoy life. Honolulu Magazine
- ➤ Pacific Expos is launching its inaugural A VeryMerryFest, a free two-day holiday event with over 120 local vendors offering handmade gifts and local crafts. The festival will take place at the Navy Exchange Parking Lot on December 6 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and December 7 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.—featuring live music, a petting zoo, and a Keiki Wonderland for families. Hawaii News Now
CRIME NEWS
- ➤ Domestic violence helpline calls often rise 20 to 30 percent during the holidays because money problems, family stress and alcohol use can trigger more conflict at home — Domestic Violence Action Center’s deputy director Ella Mojica urged people to look for signs like cuts, scratches or bruises and report suspected abuse. Hawaii News Now
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ On Saturday, October 11, IIDA Hawai‘i Pacific Chapter hosted its 4th Hoʻohuli Design Excellence Awards at ‘Alohilani Resort to honor design projects that change how people live and work. The event recognized projects like Yohei Sushi Kahala by Wander x Wonder and works by Next Design—showing the strength of Hawai‘i’s design community. Hawaii Business
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ The University of Hawaii will launch its annual Giving Tuesday event tomorrow to raise funds for essential resources across all 10 campuses. UH Foundation CEO Tim Dolan said the campaign will help cover students’ basic needs — such as food, housing and emergency aid — and build on support from hundreds of donors last year. KITV
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Former two-term governor John Waihe‘e III urged young people to rise up and protect Hawai‘i’s land and culture by calling on all residents to work together to save their special home. He stressed that preserving the islands is a shared duty for the future. Honolulu Magazine
LIFESTYLE NEWS
- ➤ Today, Tiki's Grill and Bar in Waikiki opens its tenth Christmas Bar Hawaii holiday pop-up and welcomes guests, with the venue open to kids (during daylight hours) until Dec. 30. KITV
- ➤ Tane Vegan Izakaya in Moiliili serves sustainable sushi and plant-based Japanese dishes year-round—open Monday through Thursday from 5 to 9:30 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 4:30 to 10 p.m.—as it builds on its reputation since opening in 2019. Hawaii News Now
- ➤ Stella Shimabukuro — 100 years old — lives actively by swimming three times a week and hosting dinner parties at Mānana Neighborhood Park’s pool in Pearl City, inspiring locals with her friendly wisdom. She shows everyone that age does not stop a person from staying happy and healthy. Honolulu Magazine
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Hawaii is growing its sports tourism as lawmakers and experts plan to attract college and professional teams and visitors from abroad. The University of Hawaii will live stream games overseas and the Honolulu Marathon on Dec. 14 will draw runners from around the world—boosting economic growth in the state. Hawaii News Now
- ➤ Warriors beat Cowboys 27-7 at Ching Complex as Micah Alejado threw for 289 yards and Kansei Matsuzawa tied a field goal record — the win also marked a farewell for 26 seniors in their final regular season game. Hawaii Tribune-Herald
- ➤ Santa Clara beat Hawaii 76-57 today at Bankoh Arena — Sophie Glancey's 19 points and Kylee Fox's 18 points led the win and handed the Wahine their third straight loss in the American Savings Bank Rainbow Wahine Showdown. Honolulu Star-Advertiser
- ➤ University of Hawaii is trying to get $5 million in public funds to help pay for NIL deals for 500 student athletes on 21 teams, officials said at a November legislative briefing. Some UH coaches and lawmakers debated if using taxpayer money is fair — one warned that college sports should not get public money, while another said it could help keep local players — and the university plans to stay competitive in its conference. Hawaii Tribune-Herald
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
The shoe that fits one person pinches another.
Know who said this? Send us an email!
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.
Advertising Opportunities
Advertising with us will make sure you stay at the top of everyone's mind—in Honolulu and across Hawaii. You can learn more here. We'll work together to build a custom plan to hit your goals this year.
Alternatively, you can submit events, announcements, real estate listings, and job postings. We'll include them in our newsletter on whichever dates you like.
Community, delivered
Our hyper-local media company activates communities through daily email newsletters that curate the most positive, impactful local news + events – all for free.
Subscribe to Happy Honolulu
A free Honolulu community newsletter.
- Daily local news
- We curate the most positive, impactful local news + events.
- 6AM City
- A publication of 6AM City, the nation's leading local newsletter-first media network. Nominate your city.
© 6AM City Inc. 2025. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy. Terms of Service. Questions? Contact us here
Sitemap: https://happyhonolulu.com/sitemap