Happy
Honolulu
Friday, December 19th, 2025
Good morning, Honolulu. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 19th of December.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ The Hawaiian Humane Society is waiving all adoption fees for pets today through Dec. 31 — including animals at its Mōʻiliʻili and Kosasa Family Campuses and select Petco locations — to help them settle before New Year's Eve fireworks increase stress. KITV
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ A UH student returned from an expedition to Antarctica where he studied climate change effects on the continent. His unique research as the only U.S. participant could offer fresh insights into local environmental studies. KITV
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Crews began cutting utilities and removing hazardous materials at Aloha Stadium last week as the demolition project got underway. The Authority held its final meeting Thursday inside the stadium and plans ten months of work — local teams will manage dust control and traffic to keep the area safe. Hawaii News Now
- ➤ The Hawaii Department of Transportation declared a traffic emergency on a 65-foot section of Kamehameha Highway near Kualoa Regional Park after inspectors found erosion damage. Repairs began Tuesday and were expected to finish before Christmas, with lane closures in effect (repairs include building a protective barrier and relocating a utility pole). Honolulu Star-Advertiser
- ➤ The City and County of Honolulu warns drivers to expect heavy traffic and limited parking at the Neal S. Blaisdell Center and Thomas Square Park — multiple events this weekend include a Tool concert, Home Alone in Concert and the Hawaii Holiday Craft and Gift Fair. KITV
- ➤ Families are urged to use their $250 emergency food funds before they expire to stock up on essentials. Heavy rains are causing minor flooding on Oahu, with advisories in effect until 10:15 a.m. and flood watches for the islands until 6 p.m. & small craft warnings on nearby waters. KITV
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Ky Vuong of Key Fitness Hawaii launched FitTruk + a mobile gym that visits neighborhoods, parks, and workplaces across Oahu to bring functional workouts to locals. The service works to remove travel barriers and make exercise accessible for all fitness levels. Hawaii News Now
LIFESTYLE NEWS
- ➤ Every holiday season, Kevin Francis turns his Makakilo home into a dazzling display of Christmas lights that brings joy to the community. He and his family set up nearly 400 decorations on Waokele Street and welcome visitors each night. Hawaii News Now
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Fans gathered at Honolulu City Lights on Thursday during University of Hawaii Night as Mayor Rick Blangiardi declared Dec. 18 as Kansei Matsuzawa Day to honor the record-setting kicker known as (The Tokyo Toe), and he will play in the Sheraton Hawaii Bowl final game next Wednesday. KITV
- ➤ Mountain West announced the 2026 conference matchups on Thursday. UH is set to host Air Force, New Mexico, San Jose State and UNLV at the Clarence TC Ching Athletics Complex while playing four games on the road (its first on-field meeting with the Huskies since 2004). Hawaii News Now
- ➤ Rainbow Wahine will make its debut at the Maui Classic this weekend at Seabury Hall gymnasium (ninth edition) on the Valley Isle. Hawaii News Now
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
I am not afraid of storms, for I am learning how to sail my ship.
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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