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"From Flight Chaos to Pet Rescues: Hawaii Rallies for Federal Workers"

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"From Flight Chaos to Pet Rescues: Hawaii Rallies for Federal Workers"

"From Flight Chaos to Pet Rescues: Hawaii Rallies for Federal Workers"
"Join us for a virtual panel series on Filipino immigrant journey + updates on government shutdown, Hawaii's vet blood bank, and support for impacted federal employees!"

Katie Friedman

Oct 14, 2025

Interesting Facts
  • Hawaii is the only state in the United States that grows coffee commercially.


  • The Hawaiian alphabet has only 12 letters: A, E, I, O, U, H, K, L, M, N, P, and W.


  • There are no snakes native to Hawaii, making it one of the few snake-free places in the world.


Dr. Dorothy Laigo Cordova, founder of the Filipino American National Historical Society (FANHS), is hosting a virtual panel series for Filipino American History Month.

Titled "Coming to America," the sessions will explore the Filipino immigrant journey and feature voices from across the country.

The sessions will take place on October 11, 12, 18, and 19 from 1 to 3 p.m.

The series is supported by 4Culture and the Seattle Office of Arts & Culture.

This year also marks the 90th anniversary of the 1935 Filipino Repatriation Act and 60 years since the landmark 1965 Immigration and Naturalization Act, which played significant roles in shaping Filipino American history and identity.

Quote Of The Day

"The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched - they must be felt with the heart." - Helen Keller

Flight delays and cancellations are increasing nationwide as the country faces the 11th day of a government shutdown.

The Federal Aviation Administration attributes the delays to staffing issues at airports across the nation.

With Transportation Security Administration (TSA) workers calling in sick, there are fewer staff to handle the demand, causing concern for travelers like Honolulu resident Bonnie Kahakui who is preparing for a trip to Johannesburg.

Other impacted agencies, such as Hawaii's Department of Accounting and General Services' "Surplus Property Office," are feeling the effects of the shutdown.

Despite the challenges, the office continues to auction off surrendered items from TSA checkpoints to save taxpayers money.

Visit the website for more information on the auction.

Veterinary Emergency + Referral Center (VERC) in Honolulu has launched Hawaii's only veterinary blood bank, providing faster access to lifesaving transfusions for pets in crisis.

Previously, most transfusions had to be flown in from the mainland, causing delays in treatment.

With the on-site blood bank, pets across the islands can now receive the care they need promptly.

Dr. Sara Crispell, Medical Director at VERC, emphasizes the importance of this program in saving lives and connecting the community.

Healthy dogs and cats are invited to become donors, receiving health screenings to potentially save other pets' lives.

The VERC Blood Bank ensures comprehensive and expert care for pets in need.

  • Honolulu Pride Week — Kick-off Pau Hana (Oct 15), Pride Concert (Oct 16), Opening Party (Oct 17), Parade (Kalākaua Ave) + Festival (Waikīkī Shell) on Sat Oct 18. honolulupride.com+1

 

  • Hawaiʻi International Film Festival (HIFF45) — In-person screenings begin Thu Oct 16 through Oct 30. FilmFreeway+1

 

  • Waikīkī Artfest (Kapiolani Park) — Local artists’ market Sat–Sun Oct 18–19, 9am–4pm. Eventbrite+1

 

  • Ongoing this week: Aloun Farms Pumpkin Patch Educational Tours (Oct 14–17) and Waimānalo Country Farms Fall Harvest Festival (runs through Nov 9). Waikīkī Beach Stays

 

Q/A Questions

Q: What is the capital city of Hawaii?

A: Honolulu.


Q: What is the traditional Hawaiian dish made of raw fish and seasonings?

A: Poke.


Q: Which famous Hawaiian landmark is a dormant volcano and the tallest peak on the Big Island?

A: Mauna Kea.

Hawaii is mobilizing resources to support those affected by the federal government shutdown, providing financial and utility assistance through the Hawaii State Federal Credit Union and Hawaiian Electric.

Food and nutrition programs like Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) and SNAP are available, while the Hawaii Department of Education is offering free and reduced-price lunches to families in need.

Despite the shutdown, essential services like air travel, National Parks, and military bases remain operational.

Veterans services, Social Security, and Medicare benefits will continue unaffected.

The Shutdown Assistance Map helps federal employees find support during the shutdown.
The article provides a map of resources for federal employees impacted by the government shutdown, including food banks, utility assistance, and financial counseling services.

It also offers guidance on applying for unemployment benefits and finding support for mental health and wellbeing during this challenging time.

The resources are organized by state to help federal workers across the country access the assistance they need.

The article aims to provide essential information and support for federal employees facing financial hardship due to the government shutdown.

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Aloha Community Breeze is your statewide Hawaii newsletter, carrying the spirit of aloha in every issue. With a warm, community-first voice, it highlights local news, island events, hidden gems, and stories that connect neighbors across the islands.

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