Happy
Honolulu
Tuesday, December 23rd, 2025
Good morning, Honolulu. Here's your local news at a glance for Tuesday, the 23rd of December.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ The iconic Banyans Surf Site in Kailua-Kona is set to be protected from development so local surfers can continue to use the beach. Officials say the move will preserve this treasured spot for community recreation. KITV
- ➤ Hawaii Food Bank is launching a new breakfast program to help students facing missed meals during the holiday break & CEO Amy Miller said the initiative will provide essential school meals when needed most. KITV
ACCIDENTS NEWS
- ➤ Trooper Tara-Marysa Guting from Oahu is remembered in Washington after the fatal crash claimed her life — her family is traveling from Hawaii to honor her service as investigators probe the incident. KITV
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ American Savings Bank CEO Ann Teranishi, named CEO of the Year, told Hawaii News Now today that the bank is partnering with nonprofits (including local construction firms and schools) to boost financial literacy and affordable housing amid rising household debt and a forecast mild recession in 2026. Hawaii News Now
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Kawaii Kingdom is bringing viral Japanese pop culture products to Oahu. The retailer sells popular items including Sanrio collectibles and trendy blind box merchandise at its stores at Ala Moana Center and Pearlridge Center Wai Makai, and at a pop-up at Market City Shopping Center (open through January). Hawaii News Now
- ➤ Santa Claus wrapped up his holiday pageant at the Royal Hawaiian Center in Waikiki as families and pets enjoyed the local tradition; veteran Santa Steven Butler, who has played the role for over 20 years, now heads back to the North Pole with a message of aloha. Hawaii News Now
- ➤ New Year’s Eve events will energize O‘ahu with family-friendly activities, themed parties, and a fireworks show over Waikīkī on Dec. 31—ranging from a noon balloon drop at Hawai‘i Children’s Discovery Center to a cruise party at Aloha Tower Marketplace. Honolulu Magazine
- ➤ HPD officers swap badges for hula skirts as they teach keiki the art of hula at a local event today. The initiative builds cultural ties between law enforcement and the community. KITV
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ Local Millennials are facing rising housing costs and mounting debt as new research shows they pay more for shelter despite earning less than previous generations. Many work multiple jobs to cope with economic pressures — a survey reports that three out of four workers are considering leaving the state. Hawaii Tribune-Herald
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Hawai'i Pacific Health and Kamehameha Schools team up to strengthen local education, health & economic stability. They plan to launch programs soon that will benefit the community across the islands. KITV
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ Researchers at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa find Pacific whales and dolphins are battling disease & injuries from human activities that may threaten their health. The study could help guide future steps to protect our marine ecosystem. KITV
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ The Office of Consumer Protection reached a $6 million settlement with PayPal to resolve allegations of deceptive practices involving its payment platforms (with PayPal denying any wrongdoing) in Hawaii. Hawaii News Now
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Kids Hurt Too Hawaii launched the state’s first 24/7 crisis referral line for queer youth and families in Honolulu this holiday season (the service lacks dedicated funding) to meet rising demand amid unique cultural needs. KITV
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Hawaii's Carissa Moore (a five-time world champion and Olympic gold medalist) triumphed at the Florence Pipeline Pro, adding another win to her record. KITV
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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