Happy
Honolulu
Thursday, December 4th, 2025
Good morning, Honolulu. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 4th of December.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Honolulu City Council honored Spencer Allen (17) for rescuing a man swept out to sea off East Oahu on Nov. 22. The teen, riding a jet ski when he heard calls for help, received an honorary certificate for his quick response. Hawaii News Now
- ➤ The weekend features Kapolei City Lights lighting up Kapolei Hale on Saturday, Dec. 6 and ‘Twas the Light Before Christmas on Ice at Hawai‘i Convention Center through Jan. 4. A sushi class in Iwilei, Jingle Rock Run at Ko Olina and a Hōkūle‘a art exhibit downtown round out the celebrations. Honolulu Magazine
- ➤ Gerald Yamane from Honolulu was inducted into the National Blood Donation Hall of Fame on Wednesday, Dec. 3 for his over 700 lifetime donations—he began donating in his senior year of high school in 1976. Hawaii News Now
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ College athletes at the University of Hawaii can now earn money from NIL deals, which supports the school’s effort to attract talent, while minor coastal flooding is forecast at early morning high tides through Saturday — residents should avoid flooded coastal roadways. KITV
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ The U.S. Navy removed large portions of the World War II-era concrete mooring platforms from the USS Arizona at Pearl Harbor after concerns the heavy structures might damage the aging ship's decks; a month-long effort by a Navy diving and salvage team aimed to protect the war grave site while ensuring safety. Hawaii News Now
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ A Hawaii mental health patient transferred from Hawaii State Hospital to a South Carolina facility died by suicide in November, and lawmakers are calling for a review of his care as part of the state's plan to ease hospital overcrowding. Hawaii News Now
- ➤ Governor Josh Green will work with The Queen's Health Systems and Hawaii Health Systems Corporation to build a new 50,000+ sqft outpatient care center in central Kailua-Kona that will expand healthcare access. The project will ask the state for $50 million for planning and design, which should create jobs. KITV
LIFESTYLE NEWS
- ➤ Duk Kee in Kaimukī now offers a family-sized prix fixe meal for $88 that serves six to seven people and changes monthly, featuring Cantonese favorites such as crispy gau gee and fish fillet, available daily from 10:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. (88 symbolizes prosperity in Chinese culture). Honolulu Magazine
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ UH plans to expand NIL deals for student athletes by proposing a $5 million fund and urging local business support. The university is asking the state legislature to help athletes earn money off the court through endorsements. KITV
- ➤ Several top high school football players signed national letters of intent on Wednesday, choosing colleges such as Cal, Michigan, and Oregon while one defender will remain with the University of Hawaii (players call the move 'a blessing'). Hawaii News Now
- ➤ The Polynesian Football Hall of Fame announced its 2026 class on Tuesday morning, naming UH wide receiver Chad Owens among inductees chosen from over 100 nominees. The enshrinement weekend is scheduled for Jan. 16-18, with the Polynesian Bowl held Friday at Clarence T.C. Ching Field. 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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