Happy
Honolulu
Thursday, December 11th, 2025
Good morning, Honolulu. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 11th of December.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Linda Ezuka, executive director of the Hawaii Bankers Association, advised local shoppers to verify website URLs and use secure payment methods after a survey found one-third of Americans have fallen for online scams; Hawaii consumers lost over $61 million last year (FTC data). Hawaii News Now
- ➤ A Baldwin High School senior delivered over 500 plants to Lahaina families rebuilding after wildfires on Dec. 10 (yesterday) through a Mahi Pono internship. The effort supports families returning to restore their homes. KITV
- ➤ Thousands of volunteers will gather this weekend at He'eia Fishpond in Kaneohe to complete its restoration, reviving the ancient pond and boosting local food production. KITV
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Frolic has released its holiday gift guide featuring 14 treats (all edible) from local makers including spicy hot sauce, crisp furikake and a unique boba kit, available at local markets and online. The guide highlights festive flavors for food lovers this season. Honolulu Magazine
- ➤ This weekend features wine tasting at Ka Makana Ali‘i on Dec. 13, holiday improv shows at Kumu Kahua Theatre from Dec. 11 to 14, marathon races on Dec. 13 and 14, a Founder’s Day event at Hawai‘i Children’s Discovery Center on Dec. 13 and half-price pet adoptions through Monday. Honolulu Magazine
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ Hawai‘i specialty crop farmers received limited benefit from the USDA aid package reported on Dec. 10 as only $1 billion of $12 billion was set aside for local crops, raising concerns about adequate support for agriculture. KITV
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ University of Hawaii will hold graduation ceremonies honoring fall graduates at UH West Oahu, UH Hilo, and UH Manoa later this month (details vary by campus). KITV
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ A report from the University of Hawaii at Manoa and Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory found that shallow ground heat exchangers can cool buildings by using groundwater to remove heat. Mapping on Oahu, focused on the Stan Sheriff Center, shows these systems may save energy and reduce costs. Hawaii Free Press
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Mayor Rick Blangiardi is calling on Taiwan’s President to help redevelop the aging Chinatown Cultural Plaza on Beretania Street. The mayor wants to transform the space by renaming it Taiwan Cultural Plaza and creating a new cultural and commercial area as local businesses struggle. Hawaii News Now
- ➤ Honolulu asks locals to help design the new Chinatown rail station; a workshop is held today at 6 p.m. at the Hocking Building & residents can share ideas for its design. KITV
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Himalayan Kitchen in Kaimuki was shut down by the DOH on Tuesday due to insufficient refrigeration for time/temperature controlled foods; the restaurant at 1137 11th Ave. will remain closed until all violations are fixed (including evidence of rodents and mold). KITV
LIFESTYLE NEWS
- ➤ Mad Pie in Kakaako uses a unique dough process that gives its pies a bold flavor, and the restaurant welcomes locals to try its innovative treats during regular dining hours. Hawaii News Now
REAL ESTATE NEWS
- ➤ A new affordable rental community for West Oahu families is set to rise in Kapolei, promising essential housing options for local residents. The project was announced yesterday (Dec. 10) and is expected to move toward construction soon. KITV
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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