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🌱 Patch AM: What did auditors just reveal about Honolulu’s multibillion-dollar rail project?

You won't want to miss Holiday Specials at Queensbreak: Christmas Eve & Christmas Day Dining on the Honolulu Patch calendar

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Good morning Honolulu! We're back in your inbox this morning to keep you in the loop with what's happening in and around town. Grab a cup of coffee and read on. ☀️

In today's newsletter:

  • What did auditors just reveal about Honolulu’s multibillion-dollar rail project?
  • Why Honolulu police arrested two people after a Hawaii Kai death
  • Why Honolulu’s oldest bar may pour its last drink soon

Also on today's calendar: Holiday Specials at Queensbreak: Christmas Eve & Christmas Day Dining.

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

Today's riddle: What did the balloon say to the doctor? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

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

  • Sunday: Cloudy, with a high of 82 and low of 73 degrees.
  • Monday: Breezy with clouds and sun, temps: high: 82, low: 72.
  • Tuesday: Partly sunny and breezy, with a high of 80 and low of 74 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. HART audit concludes results are positive, rail agency says (staradvertiser.com) — Honolulu’s rail agency, HART, just received a clean, “positive” annual audit, showing strong finances and rising net worth as it builds out the Skyline system. The report details billions in assets, outstanding city-backed bonds, and upcoming budget proposals that will soon go before the Honolulu City Council, shaping how taxpayers fund rail construction, stations, and related facilities.
   

2. Two arrests made after woman found dead in Hawaii Kai home (kitv.com) — Honolulu police arrested two people after a 60-year-old woman was found dead with apparent fatal injuries inside a Hawaii Kai home on Saturday. Officers discovered her body during a welfare check on Upolo Place after she failed to show up for work, and investigators have arrested her 29-year-old son and another woman on suspicion of second-degree murder.
   

3. Smith's Union Bar oldest bar on island, watering hole of USS Arizona to close after 91 years (khon2.com) — Honolulu’s historic Smith’s Union Bar, long known as the unofficial watering hole for USS Arizona sailors and World War II veterans, is facing closure after its lease was not renewed. Advocates are pushing to keep the 91-year-old bar open at least through the 85th Pearl Harbor anniversary, stressing its irreplaceable role in preserving local and military history.
   

4. Battle over legalizing marijuana continues after Trump moves to recategorize drug (kitv.com) — From Honolulu, state lawmakers are preparing for a major fight over marijuana policy as federal officials move to reclassify the drug to a less dangerous category. Advocates and enforcement leaders in Hawaii disagree sharply on whether this change should speed up or slow down legalization, with both sides gearing up ahead of the 2026 legislative session starting January 21.
   

5. Preserving native habitat, cultural legacy of Maunawili Valley (hawaiinewsnow.com) — From Honolulu, nonprofit leaders are rallying support to return Maunawili Valley on windward Oahu to community stewardship and long-term protection. Their Hoihoi Maunawili campaign aims to raise $500,000 for caring for over 1,000 acres of fertile farmland, cultural sites, and freshwater resources, inviting residents to donate, volunteer, and join talk-story events.
   

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Anyone know this cutie?
    He looks very well taken care of. He was transported to VCA to get scanned. Hoping he is chipped with updated info so that who ever this bag belongs… (Nextdoor Aliamanu Military Reserve)
  • Hello all, I am in need of a pet sitter to board my dog from the 20th-27th.
    We have had a family emergency and had to fly back to the mainland. My brother is currently watching her but is flying back as well very soon. She is… (Nextdoor Salt Lake Golf Course)
  • Hilton Hotels & Resorts posted a job opening for Housekeeper I Rooms - Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort in Honolulu. Apply here.
  • Sam's Club posted a job opening for Produce Associate in Honolulu. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Honolulu here.

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 feel lightheaded!
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!

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