The article discusses recent government salary hikes for top officials and executives, while many workers are left behind with stagnant wages. Despite promises of pay increases for all public workers, a large gap still exists between the highest-paid employees and lower-level staff.

The disparities in compensation have led to frustration and morale issues among workers, as they struggle to make ends meet.

Some government employees feel undervalued and underappreciated, reigniting debates about income inequality within the public sector.

• The rebuilding site for King Kamehameha III Elementary School has been announced.
• Application deadlines for the SFCA Community Arts Grant Program have been extended, with the "Intent to Apply" due October 30, 2025.
• The state has launched a new fire playbook as investigations into the Maui fires wrap up.
• The Department of Health issued an alert about a recall of raw frozen shrimp from Sea Port Products Corp. due to potential Cesium-137 contamination. 

• A 60-year-old man with over 300 arrests was accused of biting a Honolulu police officer.
• A fireworks explosion in Honolulu killed a 3-year-old, raising the death toll to four.
• Honolulu is using advanced DNA testing to identify long-unclaimed bodies.
• A Hilo park's footbridge collapsed, leading to its closure.
• The Red Hill jet fuel contamination issues from 2021 are still being addressed. 

• A 27-1 win against Wyoming concluded the University of Hawaii football team's regular season, but they have qualified for a bowl game.
• The state legislature considered and ultimately tabled a ban on semi-automatic rifles and large-capacity magazines. 

"‘A‘ohe loa i ka hana a ke aloha – Love is not bound by work."

Honolulu / Oʻahu

• Chicago the Musical — running Dec 2–7 at the Neal S. Blaisdell Concert Hall. A great option for a night out with a full Broadway-style show. Waikiki Resort Hotel by Sono+1

• Honolulu City Lights — officially opens soon: the “Lighting of the Tree + Electric Parade of Lights” begins Dec 6. Great for families, with festive decorations, food stalls, games, and rides. Best of Oahu+1

• General December festivities: holiday light tours (like a holiday-lights Trolley Tour), festive events, and seasonal excursions around Waikīkī and Honolulu. Waikīkī Beach Stays+2Waikiki Resort Hotel by Sono+2

Maui

• The island is getting into December mode with concerts, holiday markets, stand-up comedy shows and other seasonal island-style events. A good mix if you’re looking for laid-back island vibes + holiday cheer. Maui Information Guide+1

Hawaiʻi Island (Big Island, Hilo)

• Weekly local-culture event: Hilo Hula Tuesday — free public hula/shows at Moʻoheau Park Bandstand in downtown Hilo (typically 12:00 – 1:00 p.m. Tuesdays). Good for experiencing authentic Hawaiian music and dance. test.hawaiifun.org+1

Why did the Hawaiian musician go to jail?

Because he was caught for ukulele-ing!

Visit the Haiku Stairs, also known as the Stairway to Heaven, early in the morning to avoid crowds and get the best views of Oahu.

Sports tourism is a growing market in Hawaii with collegiate and visiting professional teams participating. Lawmakers and tourism experts are exploring opportunities to bring more sports to the islands.

Lack of Fortune 500 companies in Hawaii makes it challenging for the University of Hawaii athletics department to receive funding similar to mainland colleges. Kansei Matsuzawa, a UH football player from Japan, gained recognition and helped expand interest in UH athletics overseas.

Plans include bringing Japanese tourists for UH games and live streaming games to Asia. Hawaii also attracts international runners for events like the Honolulu Marathon, contributing to the growth of sports tourism in the state.