Happy
Honolulu
Tuesday, December 16th, 2025
Good morning, Honolulu. Here's your local news at a glance for Tuesday, the 16th of December.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Fathers at Waiawa Correctional Facility hosted Winter Wonderland Keiki Day on Sunday, Dec. 14, engaging with 33 children and family members through crafts + a shared meal that strengthened family bonds despite a rainy morning. KITV
- ➤ Over 4,000 bikers gather today at Magic Island for the 49th annual Street Bikers United Toy Parade to support Toys for Tots, showing the biker community's commitment to helping children in need. KITV
- ➤ At Waiawa Correctional Facility, fathers reunited with their keiki during a Winter Wonderland event — sharing holiday crafts and cherished moments that strengthened family bonds. KITV
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Local entrepreneurs in Honolulu are turning hobbies into profitable full-time ventures at craft fairs and markets today (such as events hosted by Island Craft Fairs and Events) by launching handmade crafts, snacks, and clothing to meet the steep cost of living. Hawaii Business
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Cirque du Soleil’s ‘Auana’ celebrated its first anniversary in Waikiki and drew record crowds even as visitor numbers declined amid economic uncertainty. The production blended circus artistry with Hawaiian storytelling during its special Dec. 5 performance. Honolulu Star-Advertiser
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ A new report from the Hawaii Appleseed Center for Law & Economic Justice warns that rising climate disasters and aging homes are making insurance less available in Hawaii. It shows that nonrenewals and premium hikes are spurring calls for tougher building codes and laws to hold polluters responsible. Hawaii Tribune-Herald
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Fire Chief Kazuo Todd died Sunday morning from natural causes, county officials said; he led the department for 21 years, was known for his commitment to fire safety and education, and was 45 while memorial service details remain pending. Honolulu Star-Advertiser
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ The Hawaii Department of Health is reporting a surge in flu cases and a 45% increase in respiratory-related EMS calls as winter drives more indoor gatherings. Officials urge vaccination and early treatment to help reduce the strain on hospitals statewide. Honolulu Star-Advertiser
- ➤ Hawaii health officials granted Himalayan Kitchen (on 11th Ave in Kaimuki) permission to reopen after corrective measures addressed food safety violations that closed it Tuesday last week, and the restaurant has served Indian and Nepali dishes for over 15 years. Honolulu Star-Advertiser
- ➤ A WalletHub study showed that health care in Honolulu cost 8.69% of the median monthly income on Monday, Dec. 15, ranking the city 15th highest in the nation + many top-ranked cities report lower incomes, which could strain local budgets. Hawaii Free Press
- ➤ The Hawaiian Humane Society launched its $10 Microchip Madness initiative at participating Oahu veterinary clinics to help pet owners reunite with missing animals from Dec. 15 to Jan. 15. KITV
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Kansei Matsuzawa became UH’s second Associated Press All-American & the first UH player to earn first-team All-America honors from the Walter Camp Football Foundation last week as he further delineated UH’s proud sports legacy. Hawaii News Now
- ➤ Kaylee Osaki surprised Honolulu today by finishing the local marathon despite not being accommodated last year (she was born with cerebral palsy), proving her determination amid challenges. KITV
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
The greatest good you can do for another is not just to share your riches but to reveal to him his own.
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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