Happy
Honolulu
Monday, December 29th, 2025
Good morning, Honolulu. Here's your local news at a glance for Monday, the 29th of December.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Local cyber security experts warn donors to verify charity registrations & website URLs during this holiday season to avoid scams. They note that tech training programs at local libraries are designed to help new internet users stay safe online. Hawaii News Now
ACCIDENTS NEWS
- ➤ A 55-year-old man is in critical condition after nearly drowning off West Oahu; paramedics provided advanced life support around 10 a.m. yesterday near a boat in Waianae and rushed him to the hospital. Hawaii News Now
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Fresh ahi was in high demand at the Honolulu Fish Auction at Pier 38 on Friday as buyers bid on premium fish for upcoming New Year’s gatherings — auction hours were extended to manage the surge. Honolulu Star-Advertiser
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Honolulu City Lights has been extended after several closures from bad weather so visitors can enjoy the displays. Food vendors at Frank F. Fasi Civic Grounds and lights at Thomas Square will remain on until Dec. 31 — with the displays powering down on Jan. 3. Honolulu Star-Advertiser
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ Hawaii’s unemployment rate fell to 2.5% in September, making it the second lowest in the nation; the figure reflects trends from late 2024 to early 2025, according to former DBEDT chief economist Eugene Tian (retired in May). Honolulu Star-Advertiser
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ UH Manoa launched its GAPS dark matter experiment from Antarctica on Dec. 15 to search for rare cosmic antimatter + advance space research. The project, led by UH Manoa, may shape our understanding of dark matter + offer fresh insights into space science. Honolulu Star-Advertiser
- ➤ The state teachers union is fighting to reprice salaries for thousands of public school educators by negotiating new pay raises with officials. Union leaders plan to start discussions soon to secure fair wages for teachers. Hawaii News Now
- ➤ The teachers union said thousands of educators did not have their out-of-state teaching experience counted in the 2022 pay raises — union leaders now call for salary adjustments to include these omissions. Hawaii News Now
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Officials warned that high bacteria levels in Pokai Bay could make children, kupuna (aged residents), and those with weakened immune systems sick, and they advised residents to avoid swimming until water conditions improve. Hawaii News Now
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Sjarif Goldstein covered a stirring Hawaii Bowl win that excited local sports fans in Honolulu today as the game showcased strong plays and brought the community together. Honolulu Star-Advertiser
- ➤ Hawaii players in the NFL posted mixed results in recent games, with coaches noting key plays and tactical challenges. Analysts say the performances, which included both wins and losses, will help our homegrown athletes learn and prepare for upcoming matchups. Honolulu Star-Advertiser
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
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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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