Happy
Honolulu
Thursday, December 18th, 2025
Good morning, Honolulu. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 18th of December.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Rainbow Drive-In partners with the Salvation Army to help local families by inviting customers at its Kapahulu and Kalihi locations to round up their purchase + extra funding supports essential local services through Dec. 31. Hawaii News Now
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Honolulu community members will gather at King Kalakaua Park for a public menorah lighting on the fourth night of Chanukah — an event that unites neighbors amid recent international tensions. KITV
- ➤ The Hawaii Symphony Orchestra will perform a live score for Home Alone in Concert on Saturday, Dec. 20 + Sunday, Dec. 21 at Neil Blaisdell Concert Hall. Tickets can be purchased online or at the HSO Box Office. Hawaii News Now
- ➤ Comedian Tumua Tuinei is set to perform his Chee Hoo Tour at the iconic Blaisdell Arena — a second show was added to meet local demand. Fans can check local listings for performance times. KITV
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Astronomers discovered a brown dwarf on Mauna Kea on Feb. 23, 2024 using Keck and Subaru telescopes. The object was chosen as the first test target for NASA’s Roman Space Telescope imaging technology (a 'failed star') (to refine its infrared calibration). Honolulu Star-Advertiser
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ Flash flood watches remain in effect through Thursday afternoon on Niihau, Kauai and Oahu with potential road closures and landslides as unstable weather continues. Meanwhile, UH Mānoa sophomore Eric Pōmaikaʻi Gee returns from Antarctica and will share urgent climate lessons to inspire future community leaders. KITV
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Inspectors detected erosion weakening Kamehameha Hwy near Kualoa Regional Park Monday, so the state began emergency repairs Tuesday and DOT will hold a hearing today to declare a traffic emergency zone before finalizing 15 days of weekday work (8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.). Hawaii News Now
- ➤ Booking.com is fighting to allow a pre-enforcement challenge to a 2018 tax rule that charges 4% on online bookings before tax is paid. Justices in Honolulu have questioned the companys approach as the state defends the rule as crucial for revenue + fair appeals. Hawaii Free Press
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Lee Evslin, a Kauaʻi pediatrician, has warned that Bayer’s petition to the U.S. Supreme Court (which seeks to block state-mandated pesticide warnings) could prevent Hawaiʻi from requiring Roundup labels as new research shows harm at doses far below EPA standards. Hawaii Business
- ➤ Dave & Buster's and the Blood Bank of Hawaii will partner for a one-day blood drive at Ala Moana Center today, offering free play for donors. Community members are invited to donate and enjoy the fun event as part of a local health outreach effort. KITV
- ➤ The Hawaii Department of Health warns residents to check for recalled So Delicious Dairy Free Salted Caramel Cluster pints that may contain small stones at local stores. Consumers should stop using the product and call the manufacturer & request refunds. KITV
LIFESTYLE NEWS
- ➤ Local food writers have named their best new restaurants of 2025, including Chao Hawai‘i, Faria, Kevin’s Kitchen, Mad Pie, and Mama Guava in Honolulu. The list spotlights venues with innovative dishes and distinctive local dining experiences (offering fresh flavor for the community). Honolulu Magazine
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ University of Hawaii kicker Kansei Matsuzawa was named to the AP All-America first team today, becoming only the second Warrior to receive this honor. The Japanese native, who tied an FBS record for his field goal start, said he is proud to represent the island state — adding a historic milestone to the program. Hawaii Tribune-Herald
- ➤ At the 2025 Boy’s ‘Iolani Classic that began Tuesday, Kohala makes its first return in 20 years to Molilili to face top teams as the Cowboys compete hard to unlock their full potential. Coaches and players emphasized a focus on game-by-game improvement in a tournament that tests their skills. Hawaii News Now
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
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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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