Happy
Honolulu
Friday, December 12th, 2025
Good morning, Honolulu. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 12th of December.
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Honolulu airport sees changes as Qantas will ban in-flight power bank use on nonstop flights from Honolulu to Sydney starting Monday; passengers may pack them in carry-on but must use seat outlets for charging. Experts say the measure aims to boost safety during long over-water journeys. Hawaii News Now
- ➤ Ani’s Bake Shop in Halawa celebrates 40 years since its start in 1984 when Abe and Ani Tanaka opened a small location. Max Tanaka says the family bakery still makes its signature sweetbread and treats by hand (a nod to its heritage) and remains a local favorite. Hawaii News Now
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Kalaupapa (historic Hansen’s disease and Catholic saint site) reopens after a five-year closure, with guided tours now allowing visitors to learn its legacy and history. The inaugural tour began on Sept. 24 and a 600-person waitlist shows local demand for upcoming dates. Hawaii Free Press
- ➤ Ballet Hawaii’s production of 'The Nutcracker' will begin tonight at Blaisdell Concert Hall as part of the holiday season. Chun Wai Chan and Megan Fairchild headlined the show, bringing festive cheer to the performance. Honolulu Star-Advertiser
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ Hawai'i's unemployment rate dropped to 2.5% in September, showcasing a strong local job market — a trend that supports robust economic growth affecting Honolulu and the islands. KITV
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ At UH West Oahu, mom Tanya Hōkūlani Racoma and her eldest son Brendan will graduate together at the mid-year commencement on Dec. 13, 9 a.m. in the campus courtyard (near the library), marking a full-circle moment after nearly two decades of study. Hawaii News Now
- ➤ On Dec. 11, 2025, veteran journalist Jai Cunningham (with 30 years of experience) shared insights with University of Hawaii journalism students to inspire future storytellers. KITV
- ➤ Students at Pearl City High and Momilani Elementary enjoyed ono local ‘uala bread as part of the DOE’s farm-to-school initiative, which used nearly 1,700 pounds of Okinawan sweet potato for 127 school cafeterias (supporting local farmers). Many students and parents praised the fresh taste. KITV
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Local veteran Sae Joon Park — deported from Hawaii to Korea — appeared today via video in a congressional hearing as Rep. Seth Magaziner urged Homeland Security to review his case while Secretary Kristi Noem maintained that no veterans are being deported. KITV
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ The annual ‘Iolani Classic girls prep basketball tournament features an 8-team field with five local teams facing three mainland teams (including teams from Oregon and California) in the Lower Gym. Coaches and players are set to use this high-level play as a springboard for the season. Hawaii News Now
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Life shrinks or expands in proportion to one's courage.
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.
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