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🌱 Patch AM: Did a top Honolulu official really threaten council district funding?

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Friday December 12th Patch AM
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Greetings Honolulu! Your go-to source for what's happening in town is here. Stay in the loop and read on. ☀️

In today's newsletter:

  • Did a top Honolulu official really threaten council district funding?
  • What Honolulu planners learned—and questioned—about Kualoa Ranch’s growing operations
  • Flying Qantas from Honolulu soon? Here’s what changes for your power bank.

Also on today's calendar: Talk Story with Jess & Laurie and 6 more events.

Find out what's happening in Honolulufor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Today's riddle: I once read a book about anti-gravity. 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

Find out what's happening in Honolulufor free with the latest updates from Patch.

  • Friday: Partial sunshine, with a high of 81 and low of 71 degrees.
  • Saturday: A passing afternoon shower, temps: high: 83, low: 71.
  • Sunday: Cloudy with heavy showers, with a high of 80 and low of 72 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

• Here Are The Texts A Honolulu Official Sent Threatening Funding Over Vote (civilbeat.org) — Honolulu’s managing director Mike Formby is under scrutiny after texts surfaced showing he warned two City Council members their district funds might be withheld if they opposed the mayor’s housing director nominee. Councilmembers and a watchdog group call the move unethical and intimidating, while Formby defends it as an attempt to push stalled confirmations. The episode highlights growing tension over how Honolulu’s top officials share power and oversee housing leadership.
   

• Planners review Kualoa Ranch operations, growth (staradvertiser.com) — Honolulu’s Planning Commission just reviewed Kualoa Ranch’s annual compliance report, highlighting expanded agriculture, tourism operations, and a new conditional use permit that broadens outdoor recreation on Windward Oahu. Commissioners questioned gaps in required public-outreach reporting, while city planners confirmed Kualoa must now present annual updates in Honolulu for the first three years of its updated state permit.
   

• Honolulu airport to see first in-flight power bank ban on this airline (hawaiinewsnow.com) — If you’re flying Qantas through Honolulu starting Monday, you’ll no longer be allowed to use portable power banks in-flight, though you can still carry them on. The new rule affects nonstop Honolulu–Sydney routes and may foreshadow similar bans by U.S. airlines, so local travelers should plan charging options carefully before long over-water flights.
   

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  • EDM Night at da Playground
    Electronic House Dance Party with international Maui based DJ, music producer and electric violinist CORBIN GLOVER! Corbin brings the heat to DA... (More info)

💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Update: Pet Reunited
    Charlie, a cat who went missing in Honolulu, HI, has been safely reunited with their family after 1 hours, 16 minutes. Message from Owner: "Charlie… (Nextdoor Kai Koko)
  • Please share & repost to help reunite this lost cat!
    Wolf was LOST on December 8, 2025 in Honolulu, HI 96815 near Pau ave and Ala Wai blvd Sharing for a neighbor. For the latest information or to… (Nextdoor Makiki)
  • Pacific Sunwear of California, LLC posted a job opening for Full Time Assistant Manager - Ala Moana - 0769 in Honolulu. Apply here.
  • Hilton Worldwide posted a job opening for Catering and Events Manager - DoubleTree by Hilton Alana Waikiki Beach in Honolulu. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Honolulu here.

🗞 Nearby News

Kaneohe

Kailua

Ok Honolulu! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: I couldn’t put it down.
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!

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