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🌱 Patch AM: Why Honolulu’s oldest bar may pour its final drink soon

You won't want to miss World Pickleball Tour Hawaii Holiday Open on the Honolulu Patch calendar

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Thursday December 18th Patch AM
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Hello again Honolulu! We’re bringing you the latest town highlights. Don’t miss out, keep going! ☀️

In today's newsletter:

  • Why Honolulu’s oldest bar may pour its final drink soon
  • Why Manoa’s newly renovated pool is closed again this winter
  • How are officials trying to stop another deadly Honolulu fireworks tragedy?

Also on today's calendar: Holiday Specials at Queensbreak: Christmas Eve & Christmas Day Dining and 3 more events.

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

Today's riddle: My brother swallowed a box of firecrackers. - Is he all right now? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

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

  • Thursday: Mostly cloudy, showers around, with a high of 80 and low of 70 degrees.
  • Friday: Times of clouds and sun, temps: high: 82, low: 67.
  • Saturday: Times of clouds and sun, with a high of 83 and low of 70 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. ‘It's got to be saved': Hawaii's oldest bar to close after being open for more than 90 years (azfamily.com) — An iconic piece of Honolulu’s Chinatown history, Smith’s Union Bar on North Hotel Street, is likely closing after more than 90 years, with its landlord declining to renew the lease. The beloved watering hole, long tied to Pearl Harbor sailors and local veterans, is drawing crowds of patrons hoping for one last visit. Staff say the bar will stay open only as long as its remaining liquor lasts.
   

2. Manoa pool closed again as city fixes renovation problems (khon2.com) — Manoa Valley District Park’s pool is closed again as Honolulu’s parks department fixes mispainted lane lines and peeling surfaces from a recent $485,000 renovation, with no added cost to taxpayers. Swim clubs and families have been forced to scatter to other pools, but the city expects work to finish by February, in time for an April Mamizuka Swim Meet if all goes well.
   

3. Key Hawaii agencies discuss plans to prevent another New Year's tragedy (khon2.com) — Honolulu residents are being urged to learn how agencies plan to prevent a repeat of the deadly Aliamanu illegal fireworks disaster that struck on New Year’s Eve 2025. A KHON2 “Safe 2026” forum brings together key officials to explain enforcement changes, highlight the dangers of illegal fireworks, and share how the community can help keep neighborhoods safer this coming New Year’s Eve.
   

4. Vehicle used in deadly Halawa shooting revealed (hawaiinewsnow.com) — Honolulu police have released photos of the vehicle tied to a deadly shooting near the Halawa Housing Complex and are asking residents for tips. Investigators say three suspects in black clothing opened fire on 19-year-old Aron Lucky before fleeing toward the stadium area in a light-colored Kia Soul. Anyone who may have seen the car or suspects along Salt Lake Boulevard or Kamehameha Highway is urged to contact 911 or CrimeStoppers.
   

5. Hawaii stores pull So Delicious pints after recall alert (kitv.com) — From Honolulu, state health officials are warning residents about a recall of So Delicious Dairy Free Salted Caramel Cluster pints that may contain small stones and other hard objects. The products were sold at Target, Whole Foods, and Walmart in Hawaii, and shoppers are urged to stop using any affected pints and contact the company for guidance or refunds.
   

📸 Around Honolulu

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🗓 Upcoming Events in Honolulu

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📣 Honolulu Shout Outs!

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🗓 Events Nearby

    Thursday December 18
  • Keiki Storytime
    Waimānalo Library , 41-1320 Kalanianaʻole Hwy , Waimanalo
    10:00 am
  • Chess Game Night
    Kailua Public Library , 239 Kuulei Rd , Kailua
    4:30 pm
  • Sip n paint
    Big City Diner - Pearl Ridge East, Hawaii , 98-211 Pali Momi St #900 , Aiea
    5:00 pm
  • Christmas Bingo
    ʻAiea Public Library , 99-374 Pohai Pl , Aiea
    5:30 pm
    • Friday December 19
  • 3D Art Explorers at Da Dream Lab
    Da Dream Lab (KidzArt and Club Science Hawai'i) , 905 Kalanianaʻole Hwy #3304 , Kailua
    10:30 am
  • Robotics Academy/Camp
    Kalani High School - Cafeteria
    4:00 pm

Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • I found a kitten on the street.
    Kept him for a couple months but have to give him up because of my older cat and dogs He’s super smart. Would someone give him a good home ? (Nextdoor Central McCully Moiliili)
  • #puppies 1st stream bed exploration.
    #Boys were afraid they would run away, but they were good and enjoyed their freedom off the leash #hiking #dog #nature (Nextdoor Kuliouou)
  • Cirque du Soleil Entertainment Group posted a job opening for Ticket Agent - Resident Shows in Honolulu. Apply here.
  • City and County of Honolulu posted a job opening for STOREKEEPER II (SR-13) [2 vacancies] 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 don’t know. I haven’t heard the last report.
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!

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