Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: What’s behind those funny new HDOT freeway signs you see in Honolulu?

Also check out Talk Story with Jess & Laurie on the Honolulu Patch calendar

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Saturday December 13th Patch AM
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Hey there, Honolulu! Let's get started with what's happening in and around town. Read on and stay in the loop. ☕️️

In today's newsletter:

  • What’s behind those funny new HDOT freeway signs you see in Honolulu?
  • Could this charter tweak finally speed up Honolulu building permits?
  • How low have Honolulu gas prices dropped for holiday drivers?

Also on today's calendar: Talk Story with Jess & Laurie and 4 more events.

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

Today's riddle: What did the boat dock say when it was arrested? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

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

  • Saturday: Thickening clouds, with a high of 83 and low of 71 degrees.
  • Sunday: Mostly cloudy with showers, temps: high: 80, low: 72.
  • Monday: Cloudy with showers around, with a high of 78 and low of 72 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. HDOT uses viral ‘6-7' meme, Pidgin and other means to spread traffic safety awareness (khon2.com) — Honolulu drivers are seeing new Hawaiʻi Department of Transportation sign messages that use viral memes and Pidgin to push traffic safety after more than 120 roadway deaths this year. Officials say the humorous, local-style phrases are aimed especially at high‑risk young men, and they’re inviting residents to submit their own ideas to keep the messages fresh and impactful.
   

2. Proposal 067: Allow civil service exemptions for Honolulu Department of Planning and Permitting employees (grassrootinstitute.org) — Honolulu residents may see a 2026 charter amendment that would let the city exempt some Department of Planning and Permitting and housing positions from civil service rules to ease chronic staffing shortages. Supporters say this flexibility could speed permit processing, improve planning services, and help Honolulu compete with private employers for specialized talent.
   

3. AAA Hawaii: Gas prices remain down; state among top destinations for travelers (mauinews.com) — Honolulu drivers are seeing some of the lowest gas prices of 2025, with regular unleaded averaging $4.39 a gallon. AAA Hawaii says statewide prices are also down from last year, just as a record number of Pacific state residents plan holiday travel to Hawaii.
   

4. Former Miss Hawaii awaits first visit with detained husband (hawaiinewsnow.com) — A former Miss Hawaii is waiting for her first in-person visit with her husband, who has been held for weeks at Honolulu’s Federal Detention Center after an ICE arrest. The couple faces uncertainty over a possible deportation to Brazil, while she, legally blind and recently diagnosed with kidney disease, depends heavily on his care.
   

5. Holiday mail rush hits peak as USPS urges customers to ship early (hawaiinewsnow.com) — Holiday lines are already snaking through Honolulu post offices like Kaimukī as USPS hits its busiest mailing week and urges residents to ship early. Local clerks share packing tips, key December mailing deadlines, and reminders about Hawaii’s agricultural restrictions so your gifts and island-grown treats arrive safely before Christmas.
   

📸 Around Honolulu

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🪧 Patch Classifieds

  • 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

  • I made a post before Thanksgiving asking for styrofoam and so many of you were kind enough to donate.
    I wanted to show you what I made with your help! I wanted to turn this house into a life size gingerbread house for my neighbor's kiddos and It… (Nextdoor Palolo)
  • Lisa has been lost since December 9th.
    We are on 17th Avenue and Kaimuki. We think she might have headed towards Kilauea Avenue. Please keep an eye out for her. She is a shy dog but… (Nextdoor Kaimuki)
  • US Government Jobs posted a job opening for Recreation Assistant NF-02 in Honolulu. Apply here.
  • The Walt Disney Company posted a job opening for Youth Activities Counselor 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 demand a jury of my piers.
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!

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