Happy
Honolulu
Wednesday, December 31st, 2025
Good morning, Honolulu. Here's your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 31st of December.
ACCIDENTS NEWS
- ➤ A 2-alarm fire damaged two homes along Waikalua Place in Kaneohe just after 2 a.m. Tuesday and was brought under control in about half an hour while investigators continued looking into the cause (no injuries were reported). Hawaii News Now
- ➤ A 55-year-old man from Georgia died after a snorkeling tour in Makaha on Dec. 30, and investigators are examining his sudden illness. KITV
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Paradise Cove Luau, honored with an official certificate for nearly 50 years of sharing Hawaiian and Polynesian culture, is closing today in Kapolei + its longtime owner Keith Horita highlighted the venue’s legacy of community joy+. KITV
- ➤ Honolulu City Lights remain on display through today after recent rain closures gave locals extra time to enjoy the festive scene — the lights continue until New Year's Eve. KITV
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ Over 8 million air travelers have set a record for the year-end holidays as Honolulu and Maui draw many visitors; the milestone shows Hawaii’s growing appeal to travelers. KITV
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Kamehameha Schools will stop charging tuition at its preschools and K-12 campuses starting with the 2026-27 school year to honor founder Princess Bernice Pauahi Bishop’s vision. Honolulu Star-Advertiser
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ Mercedes-Benz will pay nearly $150 million to settle emissions allegations, with part of the funds allocated in Hawaii for over 900 affected vehicles. The payment underscores efforts to improve environmental accountability. KITV
- ➤ Residents in Kaneohe reported headaches, red eyes, and trouble sleeping from hydrogen sulfide gas released by rotting mangroves at Nu'upia Pond — a result of the Marine Corps Base cutting down trees. Community members have urged officials to pause the clearing until the source is confirmed. KITV
- ➤ Kaneohe residents raised concerns over harmful gas from decaying mangroves near the Marine Base on Dec. 30, urging local officials to investigate and address the threat to community health and quality of life. KITV
- ➤ A 6-foot shark was spotted near Waimea Bay on Dec. 30, prompting safety warnings for North Shore swimmers — local officials advised caution in the water. KITV
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Hawaii Department of Law Enforcement is boosting safety on Oahu today for New Year's Eve by using a dozen drones and extra manpower to monitor fireworks after last year's deadly explosion in Aliamanu. Officials urge residents to report any violations to help prevent injuries. Hawaii News Now
LIFESTYLE NEWS
- ➤ Local contributors Melissa Chang and Gregg Hoshida sampled cake noodles from Lee Ho Fook, Kunia Chinese Restaurant and Golden Duck Restaurant to guide potluck choices, and they found Lee Ho Fook’s plate the best for offering crisp, flavorful noodles & a taste of cherished local tradition. Honolulu Magazine
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Art should comfort the disturbed and disturb the comfortable.
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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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