Happy
Honolulu
Friday, December 26th, 2025
Good morning, Honolulu. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 26th of December.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ On Dec. 25, 2025, shelters on Oahu hosted holiday meals as volunteers from Adventist Health Castle served breakfast to families at the Institute for Human Services shelters + The Pig and The Lady continued a four-year tradition by serving hot pot to shelter guests. KITV
ACCIDENTS NEWS
- ➤ After Monday’s destructive fire on South King Street displaced nine people and caused nearly $1 million in damage, the Honolulu Fire Department warns residents about the fire risks of lithium-ion batteries and advises proper storage and disposal. Hawaii News Now
- ➤ This morning the Honolulu Fire Department rescued an injured hiker on Koko Head as firefighters arrived by 10:18 a.m. and hoisted her via helicopter to a landing zone where EMS assumed care at 11:12 a.m. Honolulu Star-Advertiser
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Honua Ola Bioenergy is negotiating a third power purchase deal to supply firm, renewable energy from its 21.5-megawatt plant in Pepeekeo to Hawaiian Electric Co. consumers, pending state Public Utilities Commission approval; final technical studies and contractual details remain underway. Honolulu Star-Advertiser
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ On Dec. 25, locals at Ala Moana Beach Park celebrated Christmas with island traditions centered on family, friends and the ocean instead of fireplaces. The event showcased a festive spirit unique to our community. KITV
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ Ocean Safety officials issued a shark advisory at Makaha surf break today after lifeguards spotted an 8-foot shark 100 feet from shore at 9:20 a.m.; warning signs are posted and beachgoers are asked to call 911 + check with lifeguards for updates. Honolulu Star-Advertiser
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ The Hawaii Fire Department announced that firecracker permits are available today at select vendors for New Year’s celebrations. Each $25 permit lets buyers purchase up to 5,000 firecrackers, with sales ending at midnight on New Year’s Eve and fireworks allowed between 9 p.m. and 1 a.m. on New Year’s Day. Hawaii Tribune-Herald
- ➤ A federal judge dismissed most cruise industry claims over Act 96 on Tuesday, letting the state extend its transient accommodations tax to cruise ships. The green fee will take effect Jan. 1, 2026 + fund environmental stewardship and climate resilience. Hawaii Tribune-Herald
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Kids Hurt Too Hawaii launched a local 24/7 crisis line for queer youth and families during the holiday season. The service offers culturally sensitive support in English and Olelo Hawaii and is available for free until Jan. 9 at (808) 545-5683. Hawaii News Now
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ The Warriors rallied in a thrilling Hawaii Bowl on Wednesday night to beat California 35 to 31 at Sheraton — backup quarterback Luke Weaver threw a winning pass to Nick Cenacle with 10 seconds left, sparking a hard-fought victory. Hawaii Tribune-Herald
- ➤ Former UH teammates Timmy Chang, now the Warriors coach, and Nick Rolovich, interim Cal coach, face off today in the Hawaii Bowl as they lead a storybook matchup. Honolulu Star-Advertiser
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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