Happy
Honolulu
Wednesday, December 24th, 2025
Good morning, Honolulu. Here's your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 24th of December.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ The Honolulu Police Department ended Day 10 of its 12 Days of Service by donating supplies to the Hawaiian Humane Society, helping pets in need in the community. The campaign continues to spread holiday cheer locally. KITV
ACCIDENTS NEWS
- ➤ Honolulu Fire Department said a lithium-ion battery in a portable speaker sparked an overnight fire at a four-story apartment at 1507 S. King Street around midnight Monday, displacing nine residents; firefighters put out the fire by 12:35 a.m. and the American Red Cross helped secure emergency shelter. Honolulu Star-Advertiser
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Retailers across O‘ahu offer discounted Fukubukuro bags, a Japanese New Year tradition that gives mystery merchandise worth double the price. Some stores and malls are hosting live performances & sweepstakes from Dec. 26 to Jan. 4. Honolulu Magazine
- ➤ Hawai‘i’s craft beer scene had a mixed 2025 as closures outpaced openings — Kalihi Beer rebranded as Olohana Brewpub in Chinatown while Hammerhead Bay Brewing in Kāne‘ohe and Three Peaks Brewing in Waikīkī are set to debut; more new breweries are planned for 2026. Honolulu Magazine
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ Hawaii’s top economist from the University of Hawaii Economic Research Organization says 2026 may be challenging as the minimum wage will rise to $16 per hour on Jan. 1 and job seekers might find it tougher to land work. Small businesses could feel the strain as they adjust to the new wage rate. Hawaii News Now
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Kamehameha Schools announced Tuesday that starting with the 2026-27 school year, no tuition will be charged at preschools and K-12 campuses, with education costs supported from Ke Aliʻi Pauahi’s endowment (pending Probate Court approval). KITV
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ Kīlauea celebrated its one-year anniversary of eruptive activity Tuesday, Dec. 23 when its 39th episode began with lava fountains reaching 700 feet at the north vent and 1,150 feet at the south vent. USGS advised visitors to check safety updates because lava flows advanced onto the crater floor. KITV
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ City crews stopped a sewer spill near Iwilei below Nimitz Highway after a 14 inch pipe failed Monday at 10 a.m. They plugged the gravity line Tuesday around 7:30 p.m. and now are replacing the pipe while officials investigate the cause (ENV and state health plan water tests). Hawaii News Now
- ➤ State officials announced a $149M plan to boost high-speed internet to 7,000 locations across the state, enhancing access to education, jobs, and healthcare. The initiative will soon expand connectivity in communities & support local opportunities. KITV
- ➤ Officials from the Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs warned residents today about holiday scams that use new technology to appear professional and target all age groups. They advise consumers to research investments, verify credentials, and call DCCA Securities Enforcement at (808) 586-2740 for help. Hawaii News Now
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ The Hawaii men’s volleyball team will open its season on Friday, Jan. 2 at Bankoh Arena (Stan Sheriff Center) and is ranked No. 2 nationally in today’s AVCA preseason poll, eight points behind UCLA and set to face top-ranked Bruins at the Outrigger Invitational. Honolulu Star-Advertiser
- ➤ Hawaiʻi athletes are building opportunities with NIL deals that go beyond million-dollar contracts, as University of Hawaiʻi kicker Kansei Matsuzawa partners with Honolulu Coffee Company to enhance authentic storytelling and secure futures beyond the game. KITV
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
A classic is a book that has never finished saying what it has to say.
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.
Advertising Opportunities
Advertising with us will make sure you stay at the top of everyone's mind—in Honolulu and across Hawaii. You can learn more here. We'll work together to build a custom plan to hit your goals this year.
Alternatively, you can submit events, announcements, real estate listings, and job postings. We'll include them in our newsletter on whichever dates you like.
Community, delivered
Our hyper-local media company activates communities through daily email newsletters that curate the most positive, impactful local news + events – all for free.
Subscribe to Happy Honolulu
A free Honolulu community newsletter.
- Daily local news
- We curate the most positive, impactful local news + events.
- 6AM City
- A publication of 6AM City, the nation's leading local newsletter-first media network. Nominate your city.
© 6AM City Inc. 2025. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy. Terms of Service. Questions? Contact us here
Sitemap: https://happyhonolulu.com/sitemap