Hundreds of cars lined up at the Waipio Soccer Complex for a Hawaii Foodbank emergency food distribution event aimed at helping those impacted by the federal shutdown.

This includes federal employees, active-duty military households, and those experiencing delays in receiving SNAP benefits.

Registration reached capacity quickly, showing the deep need in the community.

Lt. Gov. Sylvia Luke called the turnout both heartbreaking and inspiring.

Under a new Hawaii Food Assistance Program, current SNAP recipients will receive $250 on their EBT cards by November 14.

Despite this assistance, families are still struggling to make ends meet.

Local Entrepreneurship Gets a Lift: Mana Up Showcase

The Mana Up accelerator is holding its Showcase on Nov 6 at Bloomingdale's (Ala Moana Center) featuring Hawaiʻi-based entrepreneurs and holiday-product launches. https://www.hawaiinewsnow.com

• Over 60 prize giveaways, local brands scaling globally. https://www.hawaiinewsnow.com

• More than 100 companies have gone through Mana Up’s program across food, fashion, home and beauty. https://www.hawaiinewsnow.com

Why it matters:

• A signal that Hawaiʻi’s economy is placing more emphasis on exportable and scalable local brands, not just tourism services.

• Opportunity for sponsor/brand partnership—given your interest in brand onboarding, digital workflows, livestreaming, etc., there may be crossover potential.

• Holiday season marketing: local goods, giveaways, and experiential retail are trending.

Visit the local farmers markets for the freshest and most delicious produce at affordable prices.

"Maika'i no kau ola i ka pono." - Good is your life when lived in righteousness.

• For the filling:
  • 4 medium apples (peeled, cored, and chopped)
  • 2 tbsp sugar (adjust to taste)
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • Splash of lemon juice (optional, to prevent browning and add brightness)
• For the crumble topping:
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup rolled oats
  • 1/2 cup (1 stick) cold butter, cubed
  • Pinch of salt 

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease 4-6 individual ramekins or a medium-sized baking dish.
2. Prepare the filling: In a bowl, toss the chopped apples with the sugar, cinnamon, and lemon juice (if using). Divide the apple mixture evenly among the prepared ramekins.
3. Prepare the topping: In a separate bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, oats, and salt. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry blender or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
4. Assemble: Sprinkle the crumble topping generously over the apples in each ramekin.
5. Bake for 20-30 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the apple filling is bubbling and tender.
6. Serve warm, perhaps with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of cream for an extra treat. 

In Honolulu: the average home value ~ $753,600, down ~1.9 % over 1 year according to Zillow. Zillow

On Big Island in some districts (e.g., Puna, Kaʻū) median single-family prices fall under ~$500 K, identifying potential lower-cost local opportunities. Honolulu Civil Beat

Takeaway: For localized activations or budgeting, Big Island may offer lower-cost entry points; Honolulu remains premium but showing some softening.